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then again I have been corrected many Association’s direction, Rice said. Rice says that some of that direc-
a time.” “We had a board meeting the other tion is encouraging more member
He breaks out in a belly laugh at day. We had more board members at participation and to become more sup-
that thought. that meeting than we have had in the portive of the membership.
“The one thing from being on the last two years,” he said. “I think we “If I join something, tell me what
Board I’ve learned … is to be patient, to were just burned out. At one point, we I’m getting,” he said. “It’s hard for some
not be as assertive, because I get myself were meeting three times a month or members to understand if it’s all politi-
in trouble sometimes that way. two times a month. A lot of people just cal things. They don’t feel they’re get-
“They don’t give you a handbook got tired. We were supposed to be meet- ting their dollars’ worth. I’d like to see
that says, ‘This is how you sit on a ing about positive things.” our Association going toward more edu-
board. OK? Or this is the way you act.’ J.B. Hunt Transport’s Craig Harper, cational things, promoting our industry
When I went to that first board meet- the current board chairman, helped in the positive manner we want to see
ing, I was petrified. I’m just a little bitty right the ship, Rice said. it go.
tadpole in a huge sea of carriers there. “Craig has kept it comfortable,” “The educational aspect, I think
Now, all the board members there I Rice said. “Craig comes off as a com- that’s huge. I think that’s where we
feel are good friends of mine. I feel I forting guy. We knew the stability was need to go, especially in this day when
can call any of them. That is one thing there. He was the perfect chairman I tell you every penny counts and every
about the Board, we do communicate for that. Craig came in and guided us mile we have to watch. Most of our
with each other. It does make a huge through the perfect storm. Between membership is based on small carri-
difference.” Gary [Salisbury of Fikes Truck Line] and ers. We don’t have the same resources
The ATA went through an upheaval Craig, they just did a wonderful job, the as J.B. Hunt does, or FedEx Freight and
of sorts over the past two years. Lane Kidd both of them. Walmart. We have to rely on what we
left as president, and has been replaced “Now that we’ve gotten over those read and hear.”
by Shannon Newton. The ATA board rough waters, we can focus on taking Small seminars could be a way to
tried to grasp the issues as best as it could the Association in the direction that we generate more participation among
despite the turmoil and concern with the want to take it.” members, Rice said.

Trucking

The facts tell the story

 83,000 jobs in Arkansas — 1 in every 11
working people.

 $3.5 billion in wages annually —
wages that support Arkansas families.

 $448 million to Arkansas in fuel taxes
alone — funding to maintain our highways
and bridges, our critical infrastructure.

The Arkansas trucking industry’s impact is felt
everywhere. A strong trucking industry is a
stronger, more competitive Arkansas.

arkansastrucking.com

Source: American Transportation Research Institute

32 aRkansas TRuCking RepoRT | issue 2 2015