By Steve Brawner, Contributing Writer The ideal truck driver is a 20-year veteran who is physically fit, has worked only for one carrier, has never had an accident and has already been named Driver of the Year. Unfortunately, there aren’t many drivers like that available. In fact, the reality is just the opposite. According to […]
The Last Word – Change Marketing, Driver Roles to Recruit Young Drivers Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA In Sept 2011 the Highway Commission named Scott Bennett as director of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD). We have profiled Scott Bennett in this issue of ATR because the relationship between industry and the department has never been better or more vital. It is well worth highlighting. To
Up Front- Paving a New Way Read More »
By Kenneth Calhoun, Guest Writer For years, we’ve been dealing with the very real crisis of the truck driver shortage. The American Trucking Associations reports that freight volumes grow year-over-year, but the industry is still many drivers short of supporting that growth. In addition, driver turnover is up 11 percent this year. And yet, freight
The Last Word – An Honorable Profession Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA As an industry, we talk a lot about image. We worry about public opinion. It’s only natural. After all, who doesn’t want to be loved? While image is not everything, it certainly has an impact, from driver and industry recruitment to regulatory, legislative and public policy actions. I think most of us think
Up Front-They Like Us. They Really Like Us. Read More »
By Tom Ricciardone, Guest Writer A truck driver’s day begins with the end in mind. Safety first. Safety always. There can be no compromise. Where what it takes is driven by what’s at stake: Dedication, passion, commitment—to upholding the highest standards of excellence. Where hard work and working hard are the price of entry. And
The Last Word – Industry Communications Demand More Creativity Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA I’ve worked for the Arkansas Trucking Association for over a decade now. You would think I’d have a handy elevator pitch that succinctly conveys the essence of what it is we do. Yet, I don’t. Not one I’m completely satisfied with anyway. Sure, I can recite the mission statement. Rooted in
Up Front- What we do. Why we do it. Read More »
By Greg Jones, Guest Writer So, is that driver your employee? Or maybe an independent contractor? And what’s the big deal anyways? Well, it might not be a big deal in some respects. But if facing exposure for hourly wages, unemployment insurance taxes, and company benefits is critical to your company, then the “employee”/ “independent contractor” distinction is a
The Last Word – What’s in a Name? Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA My career in the trucking industry began with a successful flatbed carrier based in North Little Rock. I was 23, a recent UCA graduate and this was my first “real job.” I was, to say the least, eager; eager to prove valuable, to contribute to something greater, to be treated (finally)
Up Front- Eager to Serve Read More »
By Philip Byrd, Guest Writer Congestion and gridlock are, unfortunately, a way of life for us in the trucking industry. Traffic delays add costs, waste fuel and time and generally make the job of delivering America’s goods challenging. Gridlock and congestion have also seized up our government in Washington – delaying critical actions that could
The Last Word – Not Backing Down: The Fight for Highway Funding Read More »