Registration

We are completely sold out for attendee registrations. If you have questions or need to make changes to your current registration information, please call 334-834-3983. If you are already registered and need to make hotel accommodations, see the Hotel Reservations section below.

COVID-19 Precautions

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Delta variant virus continue to have an increased impact on our community, we feel it is important to inform you of the steps we are taking to help keep our guests and team members safe and healthy.

In terms of our meeting environment, we are taking the following measures:

• While it’s not required, we strongly encourage attendees to mask up whether vaccinated or not.
• We request those experiencing flu-like symptoms seek medical care and stay home.
• While on-site, the Hilton Sandestin staff is providing additional cleaning measures, including disinfecting surfaces that come into contact most frequently — phones, keyboards, door handles, desks, etc.

As situations change and more information becomes available, we will continually evaluate and adjust our response.

Hotel Reservations

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
4000 Sandestin Blvd S
Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Rooms at the Hilton are sold out. To handle the overflow, we have negotiated special rates at The Luau Resort next door. Use the following information to reserve a room. To book online, go to http://www.sandestin.com/24J6ID and use Group Code: 24J6ID. Or call Sandestin Group Reservations at 800-320-8115. Be sure to ask for the Alabama Trucking Association special rate.

Please note: ATA staff cannot assist with booking hotel accommodations.

Meeting Agenda

Our meeting agenda focuses on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for trucking. Together, we will find solutions that will benefit each of us, no matter what niche or business sector we serve. On top of that, attendees have an opportunity to network with the best business leaders our industry has to offer.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Open Registration
Tour Lobby

4 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – TRUK PAC Board Meeting (Board Members Only)
Sandpiper Room

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Welcome Reception
Barefoot Deck
Join us for drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres on the beautiful Barefoot Deck located directly behind the hotel, overlooking the Gulf. You can’t ask for a better setting to kick off Convention and network with your friends and colleagues. This event is sponsored by the ACT 1 sponsors.

Friday, September 24, 2021
Emerald Ballroom

7:00 a.m. – Breakfast Served
A full breakfast buffet is provided by Benny Whitehead, Inc., Hornady Transportation, Mid State Thermo King, Palomar Insurance Corp., Progress Bank and Walmart Transportation, LLC

8:00 a.m.- Meeting Opens // Door Prize Drawing

8:10 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. – Trucking Economic Outlook
As the trucking industry continues its strong rebound from the pandemic, what are the prospects for the industry that fleet owners should expect going into 2022 and beyond?

Presenter: Ken Hoexter, Managing Director | Bank of America

8:40 a.m – 9:45 a.m. – Panel Discussion: Trucking’s Future With Autonomous Vehicles
Over the last five years, automated trucks have been in development and successfully deployed by several leading organizations. The technology is coming fast, and it’s coming sooner rather than later. Trucking now needs to be at the forefront when it comes to regulating and employing this exciting emerging technology. This panel discussion, led by Robert Brown of TuSimple, will focus on trends and how trucking can best ensure the usefulness, safety and viability of AVs.

Moderator: Dustin Koehl, Senior Vice President of Sales | U.S. Xpress, Inc. Panel to include James Murphy, Vice President of Governmental Affairs | Locomation; Gary McCarthy, Sr. Manager: Fleet Safety and Law Enforcement Interaction | TuSimple; and Dr. LaDonna Thornton, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management | Auburn University.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Break // Significant Other Door Prize Drawings

10:05 a.m. – ATA Foundation Update
Created in 2018, the ATA Foundation is the 501(c)3 charitable arm of the Alabama Trucking Association. Its work signifies our Association’s ongoing objective to advance the industry’s needs for a sustained and qualified workforce and promoting and protecting our public image. Among trucking’s greatest challenges, especially over the past few years, has been recruiting and retaining qualified truck driver candidates and well-trained service technicians. Foundation President Terry Kilpatrick will provide an update on the work the Foundation has been doing in workforce development.

Presenter: Terry Kilpatrick, President | ATA Foundation

10:15 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. – Ramping Up For The Long Haul: ATA’s Workforce Initiative
ATA is preparing to shift its strategy for nextgen workforce development and recruitment into high gear. As a dedicated partner of the Alabama Trucking Association, Markstein’s Alan Alexander will share an update about his firm’s strategic plan to recruit the next generation of commercial trucking professionals and service technicians in Alabama.

Presenter: Alan Alexander, Associate Director | Markstein

10:40 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. – Panel Discussion: The Wallace State Diesel By Distance Program
According to experts, Alabama’s trucking industry will need more than 3,000 qualified services techs over the next six years to meet demand. Learn how Wallace State Community College’s innovative distance-learning program, Diesel By Distance, could be part of the solution to bringing more qualified service technicians to the trucking industry.

Moderator: Bharani Rajakumar, Founder & CEO | TRANSFR. Panel to include Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President of Wallace State Community College; and Jeremy Smith, Department Chair of Diesel Technology Program, Wallace State.

11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Introducing the ATA Foundation TITAN Program
Since its inception, the ATA Foundation has been graciously received by our membership. With financial support from key members and organizations and a continuous revenue stream from the elected apportionment of dues from members, the Foundation has enjoyed consistent growth and wins to push trucking ahead. But without a consistent funding plan, the Foundation’s work has been sporadic and limited. With ATA leaders now focusing efforts on creating an industry-leading, next-generation workforce development initiative, the need for a more formal plan and financial consistency has finally emerged. Learn how your support can help the Foundation create a stronger industry for future generations.

Presenters: Will Bruser, ATA Chairman | Alabama Trucking Association, and Mark Colson, President & CEO | Alabama Trucking Associations

11:45 a.m. – Meeting Close // Door Prize Drawing

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Poolside Cabanas
Hotel Spa Pool
Love’s Travel Stops has reserved several poolside cabanas so you can cool off, have a drink, and spend the afternoon hanging with your trucking buds. Hospitality is made possible by Best-One Tire & Service, CommerceOne Bank, Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies, Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama and Ward International Trucks.

5:00 p.m. – 7 p.m. – ATA Comp Fund Reception
Emerald Ballroom
Before heading out for dinner, come through the ATA Comp Fund’s Hospitality Reception. If you’re familiar with the Fund, you know that its events are always top-shelf and a lot of fun. There will be no shortage of entertainment, fellowship and door prizes. There’s even a special drawing at 6:45 p.m. for a pair of 2021 Iron Bowl tickets with all proceeds going to the ATA Foundation. Register for the drawing by Friday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. To do so, visit the ATA Convention Registration Desk for more info or visit atacompfund.org. You do not have to be present to win.

9:30 p.m. – Late Night Entertainment with the Emerald Gold Band
Emerald Ballroom
Come hear your favorite songs performed by one of the Gulf Coast’s best live acts, the Emerald Gold Band. These guys do it all — Motown, R&B, Soul, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Country — and they do it well! A full bar will be provided.

Saturday, September 25, 2021
Emerald Ballroom

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast Served
A full breakfast buffet is provided by B&G Supply Co., Inc., Michelin North America, Penske Truck Leasing, River Valley Ingredients, South State Bank and Trimble Transportation.

8:00 a.m. – Meeting Opens // ATA Golf Classic Leadership Recognition

8:15 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. – American Trucking Associations Update & State of the Industry
The American Trucking Associations is the largest and most comprehensive national trade group for the trucking industry. It is an 86-year old federation with state trucking association affiliates in all 50 states. It represents every sector of the industry, from LTL to truckload, agriculture and livestock to auto haulers, and from large motor carriers to small mom-and-pop operations. Among its duties as the preeminent federal advocate for the industry, National ATA’s staff provides data that is crucial to trucking companies, industry suppliers, logistics providers, analysts, public policy decision-makers, and many others.

Presenter: Sherrie Garner Brumbaugh, Chairman | American Trucking Associations

8:50 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – ATA Comp Fund Presentation
ATA Comp Fund leadership will showcase why it’s considered among the best and most comprehensive workers’ compensation self-insurance funds in the country. For nearly 30 years, the Fund has provided trucking businesses of all sizes and types with stable, competitive services and a comprehensive benefits program to keep operational costs down and productivity high with benefits such as preferred pricing discounts, loss control, risk management, claims management, and individualized deductibles.

Presenter: Kimble Coaker, CEO & Fund Administrator | ATA Comp Fund and various ATA Comp Fund staff and experts

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – Break // Significant Other Door Prize

9:50 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Federal & State Industry Regulations Update
Hear ATA’s Tim Frazier moderate this session with FMCSA and ALEA representatives to discuss the latest updates for regulatory guidance, roadside inspection data and documentation requirements that drivers and motor carriers are required to maintain for safety compliance.

Moderator: Tim Frazier, Vice President of Safety & Compliance | Alabama Trucking Association. Panel to include Capt. Brent McElvaine, Operations Manager | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Clinton Seymour, State Administrator | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

10:35 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. – Improving Driver Health & Fitness
Driving a commercial vehicle is a rewarding and lucrative career, but because of the sedentary nature of the work, truck drivers are prone to occupational hazards such as poor diet and lack of exercise, which can lead to weight gain, developing multiple comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension, and having a decreased life expectancy. Learn how to teach your drivers to make healthy choices out on the road with diet and exercise.

Presenter: Mark Manera, Founder | The Trucking Fitness Co.

11:00 a.m. – Meeting Close // Door Prize Drawing
This drawing is made possible by R. E. Garrison Trucking, Inc.

11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – ATA Convention Golf Tournament
Baytowne Golf Club
Join us for our annual ATA Convention Golf Tournament, sponsored by Wright Transportation. The Baytowne Golf Club’s course is revered as one of the finest creations by renowned designer Tom Jackson. Twice hailed by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Places to Play” with 4.5 stars. Teams will be assigned before play. Lunch provided by PNC Equipment Finance, and prizes provided by Mack Trucks.

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Poolside Cabanas
Hotel Spa Pool
Love’s Travel Stops is providing another afternoon to cool off, have a drink, and spend the afternoon watching college football or hanging with your trucking buds. Hospitality is provided by Robbie D. Wood, Inc.; Servis1st Bank; Thomas Truck Lines; and Truckworx-PacLease   

Saturday Evening, September 25, 2021
Emerald Ballroom

6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – ATA Chairman’s Reception Honoring Tom McLeod
Emerald Ballroom Foyer
This reception is co-sponsored by Billy Barnes Enterprises, Inc.; Davison Fuels & Oil; EFS (Wex Inc.); Evergreen Transport, LLC; Kenworth; McGriff Insurance Services; MHC Carrier Transicold; Navistar – International Truck; and Volvo Trucks.

7:00 p.m. – Doors Open // Opening Remarks

7:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. – Dinner Served
Dinner wine provided by Action Truck Center, Inc.

7:45 p.m. – 8:05 p.m. – Recognizing the ATA 2019 Driver of the Year Rosko Craig and the 2020 Driver of the Year Nathan Heflin
Since we weren’t able to meet last year to properly celebrate the 2019 Alabama Driver of the Year Rosko Craig of Montgomery Transport, we made sure to bring him and his wonderful wife, Hope, along this year to give him the recognition he deserves! That also means that we will double the recognition for the 2020 Driver of the Year Nathan Heflin of LB3, Inc., and his lovely wife, Leah. Both of these men represent the best of the trucking industry, and we’re glad to celebrate them.   

8:10 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. – H. Chester Webb Award Presentation
A highlight of our Convention is the presentation of the H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service, which recognizes the leadership and community involvement by an individual of the state’s trucking industry. Criteria are based on the nominee’s record of service in three categories: service to the industry, to the Alabama Trucking Association, and their local community. Fifty-three individuals have been honored with a Webb Award since its creation in 1958. Recent winners include Tom McLeod (2016); Bill Ward (2017), Greg Brown (2018), and Kimble Coaker (2019) — no award was given in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Presenter: Kimble Coaker, 2019 Webb Award Winner 

8:15 p.m. – 8:35 p.m. – Recognizing The Leadership of Past Chairman Tom McLeod
Over the last two years, Tom McLeod’s leadership has been immeasurable to the Alabama Trucking Association. Since he took the reins of ATA back in 2019, he has guided our organization through a transition in Association leadership and led us through the challenges caused by the ongoing pandemic. Through it all, Tom has been an avid supporter of ATA starting from the day he joined in the early 1990s to its current stature as a leading state-level business advocacy group. Thanks to his dedication and guidance our organization remains on solid footing to fully address the needs of an ever-changing industry.

8:45 p.m. – ATA Foundation Titans Drawing
If you’ve signed up to become an ATA Foundation TITAN then you’re eligible to have your name added to the mix for drawings for a NASCAR Driving Experience at Talladega International Speedway and a Porsche Track Experience at Barbers Motorsports Park.

9:00 p.m. – Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers
The Black Jacket Symphony offers an amazing concert experience by recreating classic albums in a live performance setting with first-class lighting and video production. Hear this amazing collection of top touring musicians from across the Southeast as they perform The Rolling Stones’ classic album, Sticky Fingers in its entirety. Originally released on April 23, 1971, Sticky Fingers is considered to be among the legendary band’s best albums, and it was recorded in our home state at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Muscle Shoals, Ala. Following the album performance and a brief intermission, the Black Jacket Symphony returns to the stage to perform a collection of the Stones’ greatest hits. Whatever you do, don’t miss this show! This special presentation is made possible by the ACT I sponsors.

Sponsors

Thanks to the following firms for sponsoring our event: