03-1-2023 | Issue 5

March 2 - ETN YPC Bowling

March 3 - YPC Winning Women's Lunche

March 16 - ROADSIDE - Manchester Scales

March 20-24 - NATMI CSS & CDS Fleet Safety Certification

March 29 - ROADSIDE Giles County Scales

March 28 - 30 - Call on Washington

March 29 - Giles County Roadside

March 30 - MTN Sporting Clay Shoot

March 30 - Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS)

More Events

Archie Wood, Director - Transport Operations

SWTO LLC

5446 University Parkway

Winston-Salem, NC 27105

Phone: (336) 231-5713

Email: archie.wood@7-11.com

https://www.speedway.com/careers/featured-jobs/Transport



Andrew Tucker, Secretary

Advance Transportation, Inc.

201 N. Weisgarber Road

Knoxville, TN 37919

Phone: (423) 413-5128

Email: tucker@cornerstonetrucking.com

Happy March Madness to all of you! March is a busy and transitional month for all of us. You can be facing unexpected snow one day here in Tennessee and then find yourself facing temperatures in the 70’s the very next day. March Madness? Don’t forget spring training in baseball and football, hockey and basketball heading into the playoffs and golf just around the corner just to name a couple of other things competing for attention in a busy calendar. But what I’m sure you’re asking does any of this have to do with the TTA?

As individuals, we’re constantly faced with many competing demands on our time and attention driven by things we can control and things we can’t control. Companies and organizations are no different as you’re all aware and the TTA is just the same. Roadside inspections and Association networking events like Sporting Clay shoots, legislative and member assistance, calls and meetings perhaps? Road Team training, events and Safety Breaks paired with Big Rigs tournaments? Calls on Nashville and Washington with the Technician Skills challenge and oh by the way the Truck Driving Championships as well?

Your association does so much with relatively so little but is constantly delivering outsize results for us not only here in Tennessee but nationally as well. There is however, one thing that the Association needs more of and that is you. As we head into Spring with busy schedules for everyone, I will simply encourage you to consider finding that little window of time in your schedule for the Association whether it be mentioning us to someone who isn’t a member all the way to attending an event you’ve never been to. Our Association is only as strong as our members and I look forward to seeing many of you at events in the coming months!

With the recent derailment in Ohio, I wanted to take a minute to focus on HazMat Trucking. Hazardous Materials shipping is one of the most dangerous jobs in trucking today and requires special handling to minimize the risks. The materials are among the most complicated, regulation-heavy, and expensive to ship. Because they could pose a danger to people, property, or the environment, there are many rules and regulations required to transport them. HazMat Truckers are typically experienced drivers who have proper training in handling and delivering toxic items.

Following the safety guidelines of each class can safeguard life and property. When shipping hazmat materials, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a standard element guide how products should be handled and includes information like the properties of each chemical, its hazards, first aid, and clean-up procedures. There is a correct method of transportation and goods must be packaged in such a way that poses no threat during their journey, so they arrive in good condition. The importance of training for the skills to handle any emergency cannot be understated! And DON’T FORGET the personal protective equipment (PPE) that helps you remain healthy, despite an exposure, and prevents harm if accidents occur.

Here are some of the most frequent HazMat Violations from roadside inspections:

• Package not secured
• No copy of USDOT HazMat Registration Number
• No or improper shipping papers (carrier)
• No Placards/Markings when required
• Placard is damaged, deteriorated, or obscured
• Failing to register with PHMSA prior to transporting

Being a HazMat truck driver is not a walk in the park, and it takes a lot of attention to detail. Having a successful driving career is all about dedication to the job.

For more information related to Hazardous Materials Regulations and How to Comply, click on the link: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hazardous-materials/how-comply-federal-hazardous-materials-regulations



Specific requirements are found in 49 CFR Parts 100-185. 

Marty Pollock, Director of Safety

Tennessee Trucking Association

Dale Allen, Adams and Reese, LLP

The legislature is in the middle of its busy 2023 session. The firm’s weekly general legislative update is included below. Of specific importance to the industry are updates on the following:

1. SB210/HB180. This is legislation sponsored by TTA that will add up to an additional 2,000 lb. variance on tractor trailers that are operated by electric motors and have electric batteries. This is currently allowed on all federal highways but needs to be extended to state highways. This is the exact variance allowed for tractor trailers that are being operated by natural gas.

2. SB1337/HB87. This is legislation sponsored by TTA working in conjunction with other groups to tighten up additional notice provisions for the towing of vehicles on private property to get in line with the requirements for public property tows. Revising the state towing statute is an ongoing process. The statutes were first enacted as far back as 1938 and in the near future, we suspect some type of overall modernization of these towing statutes will be seriously considered. 



Please note that on April 5, 2023, TTA will host its popular annual legislative reception at Adams and Reese LLP, 1600 West End Avenue, Suite 1400, Nashville, Tennessee 37203. This is always a great event and provides an excellent opportunity to spend time with our state legislators and staff.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO TENNESSEE TRUCKING FOUNDATION IN MEMORY OF...

Connie Conery

Contributions were made by: Dale Allen, J. B. Baker

 Acknowledgement Sent to: Linda Huneryager