Pub. 1 2020 Issue 1

Kentucky Trucker 7 KyTrucking.net equipment. Our key-note speaker for the Chairman’s Dinner was Mr. Barry Pottle, ATA Chairman for 2019 and the President/CEO of Pottle’s Transportation LLC. Our 2019 Annual Conference and Expo was a huge success and we hope you will join us on August 6 th – 8 th in French Lick, IN for our 2020 conference. See photos from 2019 on page 28. In October, I attended my first American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Management Conference and Expo (MCE), where I was surprised by the enormity of the event and I was inspired by all the wonderful speakers and learning opportunities. What were my top takeaways from this meeting? I already knew the trucking industry is the greatest family industry in the world, but this was reaffirmed countless times during the week. I saw many peer- to-peer interactions where lessons learned were being shared with each other with the thought of making each other better. The focus was learning from each other rather than worrying about gaining a competitive edge. The conversations I heard were about how to control insurance rates, using independent contractors, how did ELDs impact your company, and driver hiring and retention strategies. Rebecca Brewster with the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) provided the highly anticipated top ten issues for motor carriers and drivers. These can be found by visiting www.truckingresearch.org. Chris Spear, ATA’s President/CEO gave an energized speech addressing the issues of tort reform/fighting against large court verdicts, a national infrastructure package, United States Mexican Canadian Agreement (USMCA), and reform for federal hours of service rules. To finish the meeting, I attended the annual reception and banquet where Randy Guillot, President and CEO of Triple G Express, based in Louisiana, was named Chairman for 2020, and we finished the night off with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. On December 10 th , Kentucky held its 61 st Inauguration and KTA held its 1st Inauguration day/holiday cele- bration. We had a fabulous time (pictures on page 36) and watched the parade pass the office as bystanders cheered on the marching bands. The parade was led by Kentucky’s teachers followed by the color guard and then Governor Andy Beshear, First Lady Brittany Beshear and their children. Immediately after was Lieutenant Governor Jackelyn Coleman, her husband Chris O’Bryan and their children. They were sworn into office as the 63 rd Governor and 58 th Lieutenant Governor. The ceremonies ended as cannon booms thundered throughout downtown Frankfort and two C130’s flew over the Capitol. It was an exciting moment. The most important part of our celebration was our collection of toys, hats, coats, scarfs, gloves, and mittens to donate to the Gathering Place Mission and the Simon House. We are all very blessed. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2020. Rick Taylor, President/CEO Kentucky Trucking Association