Page 46 - ATR 5 2020 digital

Trucking has pursued tort reform THE SAFETY LOGISTICS
measures in Arkansas to prevent verdicts Much of Dr. Romero’s guidance
from reaching nuclear heights that deter was written into the plans for this
insurance companies from serving car- year’s conference because ATA was
riers in the state. On Tuesday, Wright required to submit a safety plan to the
Lindsey Jennings’ Justin Allen discussed Arkansas Department of Health for
the challenges ATA and other groups approval, a requirement for every gath-
have faced in previous efforts to get tort ering over 100 people.
reform on the ballot and the future of The most common advice for
the fight to improve the legal climate. interrupting the spread of COVID-
In a special report, panelists Good 19 is to wear masks, maintain social
Roads Foundation CEO Joe Quinn, distance (6-ft or more), frequent hand
Arkansas Department of Transportation washing, and avoiding large gatherings.
Deputy Director Randy Ort, and Vote Arkansas was only the second trucking
for Roads Campaign Manager Robert association in the nation to hold an
Moery presented a case for another in-person annual conference under
ballot issue that will help citizens, busi- these restrictions.  Mark Morris (Morris Transportation
nesses, cities, counties, and truckers in But plotting the safety logistics of Services) makes his first address to
every corner of the state—Issue 1. the event was the only way to make membership as the new chairman of ATA’s
John Manzella, world-recognized it happen at all. Some changes were Board of Directors
speaker, author of several books, and a easy. The gathering was much smaller
nationally syndicated columnist on glob- than usual (about half the normal
al business, trade policy, labor, and the attendance). The space was also larger.
latest economic trends, brought attend- Because ATA’s conference was the very
ees information about how COVID-19 first larger post-COVID event hosted
has interrupted economic trends and in the John Q. Hammons Convention
growth around the world. In his Monday Center, the venue was flexible working
afternoon presentation, Manzella ana- with ATA staff to make sure there was
lyzed consumer spending, trade relation- plenty of space to maintain distance
ships, and U.S. unemployment. and to make attendees feel comfortable.
And Stephens Inc. Managing Event planners know weeks and
Director of Transportation Research months and sometimes, years (yes, con-
Jack Atkins presented on the economic tracts can be signed YEARS in advance)
recovery in his presentation, “Truckload go into pulling off an event that looks
Stocks: Preparing for the Summit Push effortless. But for meeting during a  Derek Canard (Aramark Food &
as the Cycle Inflects.” (See full story on pandemic, many of the previous plans Support Services Group) gives his final
Safety Management Council report as
page 28). had to be scrapped or amended. Some chairman
Maybe the most anticipated forum of the forums that sounded exciting in
was that of Arkansas Secretary of January, ATA knew would no longer be a
Health Dr. Josè Romero. The virus has top concern for trucking execs learning
changed the lives of all Americans. It the difference between quarantine vs.
has changed even the best-laid plans— isolation or antigen vs. antibody. New
this conference included. So in Tuesday speakers were scheduled and new dates
afternoon’s forum, ATA hosted the most were put on the calendar. One change
authoritative source on public health in no one would have predicted this spring
Arkansas. Dr. Romero thanked truck- is that ATA’s conference got a new dress
ing for supporting a supply chain that code.
is saving lives right now, and he shared Every decision, even the small
what we have learned about transmis- ones, that staff made behind-the-scenes
sion of the virus and how to protect was to facilitate the safest possible
ourselves, communities, and truck driv- environment and circumstances for our  John Culp (Maverick Transportation)
ers. (Read more on page 18.) sponsors, vendors, attendees, speakers, gives the financial report during ATA’s
and the community that hosted us. general session and official business
 meeting

46 Issue 5 2020 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT