Page 36 - ATR 3 2013

aTa does It again

ATA hosts another great conference in Little Rock, Ark.

By ATR staff
Another successful Conference
and Vendor Showcase is in the books.
More than 300 registrants attended
the Annual Conference on May 8-10 at
the newly renamed Marriott Hotel in
downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.
The event kicked off with a golf
tournament at Chenal Country Club
on what can only be described as a
“Chamber of Commerce weather” day.
We couldn’t have scored a more perfect
day out on the course. The first place
team consisted of Will Maddox with
Tri-State Truck Center, Al Heringer IV
with Star Transportation, Brent Hilton
with Maverick USA, and Terry Welch
with Volvo Trucks North America.
Arkansas Trucking Association
Chairman of the Board Gary Salisbury  Driver of the year, James “fireball” Brannum from mC Express, LLC. with ATA
President lane kidd and ATA Director of operations sarah sheets.
welcomed members to the conference and
vendor showcase before ATA President
Lane Kidd delivered his President’s Report,
“Federal and State Governmental Affairs
Update.” Kidd discussed the top issues in
the 89th General Assembly: Preserve Sales
Tax Exemption, Protect Owner Operators
and Motor Carriers, and Prevent “hold
harmless” shipper provisions (anti-
indemnification). The Association’s lob-
bying efforts were successful with two out  The grand Champion of Corporate
of three of the tasks leaving Kidd vowing Fleet Safety, rick foster with Walmart
to go back to the legislature in two years Transportation, LLC. accepts his award
from ATA Director of operations sarah
to try again to pass a bill that would make sheets.
it illegal for shippers to require carriers
to sign anti-indemnification contracts.
Kidd also focused on the top issues at the
national level:  u.s. congressman rick crawford
• Implementation of EOBR mandate (R-Ark.) discusses his role on the house
and DAC, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
• Hair testing as an alternative to uri-
nalysis for truck drivers,  University of Arkansas head football
coach Bret Bielema speaks to the
• Higher minimum insurance conference audience.
requirements for motor carriers,

36 arkansas Trucking reporT | issue 3 2013