Page 43 - ATR 2 2012 web 2

image, and to the point. from Salisbury as he will be elected
Continued from page 22 “I think it’s time for the industry chairman of the organization in May.
to step up, to stand up, to put up or “Gary understands that you can
said if trucking executives have to be shut up,” he said. “Whether it’s TCA trace the roots of trucking’s regula-
shamed into supporting the image cam- or American Trucking Associations—all tions, from hours-of-service to the
paign, so be it. of the associations that are involved in EPA, right down to the public’s opinion
“They are so far removed from transportation—we’ve got to put down of our industry,” said Lane Kidd, ATA
reality, they think the image of that the pettiness. Let’s pick up the tools, president. “We can either shape public
driver doesn’t affect them,” Salisbury roll up our sleeves and let’s get to work.” opinion and public policy by spending
said. “They’ve actually forgotten where Arkansas Trucking Association dollars or do nothing and take what we
they came from. You can take a poll (ATA) members will soon hear more get.”
here of every company owner, CEO or
president, I guarantee you the major-
ity of them started out as drivers. Even
the new generation, their daddy started
them out either driving a yard truck or
changing tires, or changing oil. I think Put Bell & Company
they’ve kind of forgotten it.”
Of course, drivers need to take in your tackle box.
some responsibility as well.
“Clean up and shave or trim the
beard or go to a barbershop in the truck
stop. Let’s just take a bath and change When your business is on
clothes,” Salisbury said. “A lot of times the line you don’t want
a guy just needs to hear ‘You’re a pro- to come home empty
fessional. You’re representing not only handed. You want the
this company, you are representing the best accounting and
shipper you are loading for. You are an
extension from that manufacturer to the consulting out there.
end user. You need to look the part.’”
Salisbury’s last official words to the
TCA membership likewise were direct

“it seems like wheN it

comes to takiNg care
of our owN, iN our
owN house aNd iN
our owN backyard,
we Just kiNd of
look stupid.”

—gary salisbury,
presideNt & ceo,
fikes truck liNe

(501) 753-9700 • www.bellandcompany.net

ArkAnSAS trucking report | issue 2 2012 43