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Issue 3, 2026

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IN THIS

ISSUE MESSAGES FROM LEADERSHIP...................................... 4 NATIONAL UPDATE........................8 ATRI UPDATE....................................14 IOWA UPDATE ................................16 IMTA GENERAL INTEREST........19 NEXT GENERATION.....................24 IMTA UPDATE.................................. 26 TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS..........................30 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS.............43 THE FINAL WORD....................... 44

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

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BRENDA NEVILLE, CAE

MHC KENWORTH..................................................................... IFC

President & CEO

ASCENDANCE TRUCK CENTERS............................................ 2

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MIDWEST PETERBILT GROUP.................................................6 GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY....................................7

BLAKE GROLMUS Senior VP of Government Relations blake@iowamotortruck.com

ALLIANCE INTERSTATE RISK.................................................. 12 TRUCK CENTER COMPANIES................................................. 13 TRUENORTH COMPANIES....................................................... 18

JANELLE STEVENS

CENTRAL TRAILER SERVICE..................................................22

Senior VP of Operations

VALLEY DISTRIBUTION............................................................22

janelle@iowamotortruck.com

OTTSEN OIL COMPANY........................................................... 23 GTG PETERBILT........................................................................... 28

EMILY HOUSBY Education & Events Manager emily@iowamotortruck.com

RIVER CITY LOGISTICS............................................................. 28 IMTA CORNERSTONE SPONSORS....................................... 29 QUALITY SERVICES CORP...................................................... 42

GARY HANDLEY

HOUSBY......................................................................................... 42

Special Projects Coordinator

TRUCK COUNTRY..................................................................... IBC

gary@iowamotortruck.com

MIDWEST WHEEL COMPANIES.......................................... BC

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L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

MESSAGES MESSAGESFROM FROMLEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP

CHAIRMAN'S

MESSAGE JEFF ARENS, Schuster Co. | IMTA'S Chairman of the Board As I write this column, I realize my time as Chairman of the Board is quickly coming to an end, and I am amazed at how fast it has gone. It seems like just last week I was addressing the audience at the Management Conference after being elected Chairman. I can attest that the saying “time flies when you are having fun” is true. I have thoroughly enjoyed this role and gained an even greater appreciation for the leadership role our association plays—and for the remarkable members who truly are the heart and soul of IMTA. It has been an honor and privilege to play a small role in those efforts. More importantly, the experience has left me even more motivated to remain an active and engaged member. While we have continued to move the needle in many areas, there is always more work to be done. We must stay diligent and focused to ensure Iowa’s trucking industry continues to have a seat—and a voice—at the table. Our continued efforts to eradicate bad actors from this industry are a perfect example. There is simply no room in trucking for operators unwilling to abide by the rules and regulations designed to ensure that the safest and most professional companies are moving the goods we all depend on. We were successful this year in passing legislation that strengthens our position in this effort, but our work is far from over. IMTA will continue to lead the charge in ensuring Iowa remains a place where good operators can compete and succeed. We have all seen what happens when we let up on the gas in this area. We cannot afford to do that again. We are also entering one of the most consequential election cycles Iowa has seen in many years.

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Come November, we will have a new Governor, a new U.S. Senator and several new faces representing Iowa in Washington. That is a big deal for trucking. All of us should be doing our homework and paying attention to the candidates and issues that will impact our businesses and our industry. IMTA leaders are also deeply engaged in making sure trucking’s priorities are understood and that the association is prepared to work effectively with whoever ultimately holds these important offices. That is the kind of work our association does that often goes unnoticed. IMTA is constantly looking ahead and determining how best to position Iowa’s trucking industry for success. They have the expertise to handle those details so we can stay focused on running our operations. To me, that is one of the greatest values of our membership. IMTA is also looking ahead to determine what programs, support and initiatives are needed to ensure members continue to receive a solid return on their investment. No stone goes unturned when evaluating what works, what doesn’t and where the association needs to go next. Having had a front-row seat to the commitment of our volunteer leaders and professional staff over the past year, I am more convinced than ever that membership requires more than simply writing a check. A strong association requires strong participation. I intend to do my part, and I hope every member will consider how they can do the same. If we want IMTA to continue being the strong, respected and effective voice our industry needs, all of us have a role to play. Thank you for the support you have given me during my year as Chairman. It has been an honor and an experience I will always value. My time as Chairman may be coming to an end, but my commitment to IMTA certainly is not. I’m not going anywhere. And after seeing firsthand what can happen when good people get involved, I hope you aren’t either.

PRESIDENT'S

MESSAGE BRENDA NEVILLE | IMTA'S President & CEO

The Event That Changed Everything I started at the association on January 3, 1987, as the communications manager. Within weeks, our events manager resigned and I was asked to organize the 1987 Truck Roadeo.

They truly are the unsung heroes of our industry. Most

There was just one problem. I had absolutely no idea what a Truck Roadeo was. Talk about baptism by fire.

one of the most important events IMTA puts on every year.

Armed with some loosely written instructions on a piece of paper, I dove in. I quickly connected with committee members whose passion and energy for this event were unlike anything I had experienced. As the event got closer, my anxiety grew. I had followed the instructions, but I still had no idea how this was all going to play out.

on the driver. We recognize them, showcase their

There were plenty of missteps that first year, but what I remember most was the atmosphere. It was electric. The passion of the competitors was contagious, and the pride of their families was impossible to miss.

well. Come to the TDC and meet the professionals

That weekend changed me. For the first time, I saw up close the true foundation of this industry: professional truck drivers and the families who support them. Their love, commitment, and enthusiasm for trucking gave me a new appreciation for the industry I had just joined—and, quite honestly, a new sense of purpose. Nearly 40 years later, that passion remains. In fact, both of my children were born in the spring—one in March and one in April—which meant I was technically on maternity leave as we prepared for the Truck Driving Championships. But even a newborn wasn't going to keep me away. I continued working on the event and attended both years with a baby in tow. I have had the privilege of being involved with the Truck Driving Championships every year since 1987. I remember drivers who returned year after year and became like family. They embodied everything I believe a professional truck driver should be. Through them, I learned a great deal about trucking—and about life. I saw what happens when people genuinely love what they do and take tremendous pride in doing it well. I saw the importance of family and gained an appreciation for the sacrifices drivers, and their families make every day. Most importantly, I learned never to take professional truck drivers for granted.

aren't looking for recognition. They simply want to do their job well, get home safely and provide for their families while delivering everything the rest of us depend upon. That is why I believe the Truck Driving Championships is For two days, the focus is exactly where it should be: skills, celebrate their professionalism and remind everyone just how important these individuals are. It is also why I get especially fired up when someone characterizes all truck drivers based on one isolated encounter with a driver who didn't represent our industry I have known for nearly four decades. I promise you will leave with a very different perspective. Each year, approximately 120 drivers representing 28 to 35 companies participate in our Championships. I am incredibly grateful for every one of them, but I will never stop encouraging more companies to get involved. I know companies throughout Iowa recognize their drivers in many different ways, and I applaud those efforts. But when it comes to professional truck drivers, I don't believe we can ever say thank you enough. Maybe that is why, almost 40 years after walking nervously into my first Truck Roadeo, I still love this event as much as I did that first year. A lot has changed since 1987. The trucks have changed. The industry has changed. The event has certainly changed. But the most important thing hasn't: the people behind the wheel are still the heart of this industry. And I will never stop being grateful that a hastily written set of instructions and an event I knew absolutely nothing about taught me that lesson nearly four decades ago.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

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L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

NATIONAL NATIONALUPDATE UPDATE

FREEDOM HAULERS INITIATIVE LOOKS TO BRING

MORE VETERANS INTO TRUCKING The Trump Administration is looking to America’s military veterans as an important source of professional drivers through a new initiative designed to make the transition from military service to a career in trucking easier.

driving experience toward obtaining a civilian CDL

President Donald Trump joined Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, Veterans Affairs Secretary Douglas A. Collins and Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling at the White House in early August to launch the Freedom Haulers campaign, an interagency effort aimed at connecting veterans and transitioning service members with careers in trucking.

list of participating states was considerably smaller

The initiative builds on existing programs that recognize the training and driving experience many service members already possess while removing unnecessary barriers to obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

active-duty military members, who can now test for

Among the changes is an expansion of FMCSA’s Military Skills Test Waiver, also known as the Even Exchange Program. The eligibility window will double from one year to two years following separation from military service, giving veterans more time to use their military

without completing certain testing requirements. Iowa is no newcomer to this effort. The state was participating in the Even Exchange Program when the and continues to provide qualified military personnel a pathway for translating their military driving experience into a civilian CDL. With participation now reaching 34 states, Iowa is well positioned to build upon an effort already underway here. The initiative also provides greater flexibility for a Commercial Learner’s Permit or CDL in the state where they are stationed rather than returning to their home state. That flexibility will remain available for two years following separation. Federal officials say more than 40,000 veterans have already taken advantage of the Military Skills Test Waiver, demonstrating the potential of programs that create a more direct path from military service into trucking. Freedom Haulers brings together resources from several federal agencies and includes an outreach campaign designed to connect transitioning service members with federal resources and private-sector employment opportunities. For Iowa trucking companies, the potential is significant. Veterans have long represented a promising recruiting pool. Many leave military service with experience operating heavy equipment, working within highly structured safety environments and understanding the importance of responsibility and accountability— qualities that translate well to professional trucking. With Iowa already participating in the Even Exchange Program, Freedom Haulers provides another opportunity to connect these highly qualified individuals with an industry that needs and values what they bring to the table.

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

GETTING THE BAD ACTORS OUT OF THE INDUSTRY: PROGRESS REPORT & UPDATE A coordinated effort to strengthen enforcement, remove illegal operators and restore fairness for motor carriers that follow the rules is producing significant results across the country—and Iowa is playing an active role. The Iowa Motor Truck Association has been involved in the initiative since its launch, joining other state trucking associations, the Trucking Association Executives Council (TAEC), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), state officials and law enforcement in pushing for stronger oversight and more consistent enforcement. The effort grew out of the Trucking Resurgence Plan: The Fight for Fairness and Safety, an industry-led plan released last fall identifying areas where bad actors were exploiting weaknesses in the regulatory system. Rather than imposing additional requirements on carriers already operating safely and legally, the recommendations focused on using existing authority more effectively, improving verification and enforcing the rules already on the books. The approach is producing results. Here in Iowa, the Iowa State Patrol has placed more than 1,000 commercial drivers out of service for violations of federal English-language proficiency requirements. Nationally, the scope of the enforcement effort has been significant.

▶ Nearly 10,000 CDL schools have been removed from the federal Training Provider Registry, including 550 fraudulent schools that were shut down. FMCSA has conducted 704 investigations of high-risk carriers, resulting in 430 carriers voluntarily ceasing operations and another 60 to 70 being shut down.

▶ Federal and state efforts have also resulted

in more than 27,000 drivers being placed out of service for English-language proficiency violations and audits of CDL programs in all 50 states. Strengthened federal requirements mean more than 194,000 nondomiciled CDLs will no longer qualify.

Enforcement has extended beyond driver qualifications.

▶ Seventy-six non-compliant electronic logging device platforms have been removed from the approved registry, with another 426 blocked from entering the marketplace.

▶ The federal government has also committed $217 million in new investments focused on safety and CDL integrity. For IMTA, these numbers represent more than regulatory enforcement. They address an issue Iowa's responsible motor carriers have been raising for several years: companies investing in qualified drivers, safe equipment, training and regulatory compliance should not be forced to compete against operators willing to ignore the rules. “This progress demonstrates what can happen when the trucking industry stops simply talking about a problem and works with regulators, lawmakers and law enforcement to do something about it,” said IMTA President Brenda Neville. “Our members have never asked for special treatment. They simply expect everyone operating in this industry to follow the same rules. Consistent enforcement protects the responsible carriers that make those investments every day, but more importantly, it protects everyone traveling on our highways.” The original Trucking Resurgence plan focused on seven areas: CDL integrity, federal motor carrier safety data, cross-border workforce integrity, non-domiciled CDLs, English-language proficiency, trucking fraud and electronic logging devices. Significant progress has been made in each of those areas, but IMTA believes the work is far from finished. For Iowa's responsible carriers, the objective remains simple: one industry, one set of rules and meaningful consequences for those who choose not to follow them.

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NATIONAL NATIONALUPDATE UPDATE

FMCSA ELIMINATES THREE OUTDATED TRUCKING REQUIREMENTS Trucking is no stranger to rules and regulations. In fact, responsible motor carriers understand the importance of strong regulations when they improve highway safety, establish clear operating standards and create a level playing field.

The change does not alter hours-of-service requirements or a driver's responsibility to properly use a compliant ELD. Instead, it eliminates the requirement to maintain a paper copy of information that can be made available electronically.

But regulations should also serve a purpose.

Corrected Roadside Inspection Reports FMCSA also modified requirements involving

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently eliminated three requirements the agency determined were outdated, duplicative or no longer necessary. The changes reduce administrative work for professional drivers and motor carriers without changing the underlying safety requirements. CDL Conviction Reporting CDL holders will no longer be required to personally report certain out-of-state motor vehicle convictions to their home state's driver licensing agency. The requirement had become largely redundant as states now electronically exchange conviction information. FMCSA noted that the electronic system allows a driver's record to be updated without requiring the driver to separately report the same information. The change eliminates a duplicative step while maintaining the flow of information between states. Paper ELD Manuals Drivers will also no longer be required to carry a physical copy of an electronic logging device operator's manual in the cab.

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

corrected roadside inspection reports. Previously, motor carriers were required to return a signed certification confirming that violations identified during a roadside inspection had been corrected. Under the revised rule, carriers will only be required to return that certification when requested by the state agency that conducted the inspection. Again, the responsibility to correct violations remains. What changes is the automatic paperwork requirement associated with documenting those corrections. Regulation With a Purpose The three changes are part of a broader federal effort to identify regulations that have become outdated or duplicative as technology and government systems have evolved. What has changed are three administrative requirements that FMCSA determined were no longer adding meaningful value to that safety framework. That is the kind of regulatory review the trucking industry should welcome.

ATRI RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RISING COST OF TRUCKING LIABILITY INSURANCE Motor carriers continue to face rising liability insurance costs despite an industry-wide decline in heavy-duty truck-involved crash rates, according to new research from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). ATRI's latest research examines the changing commercial auto liability insurance market and the strategies motor carriers are using to control costs and manage risk. From 2021 to 2024, liability insurance premiums increased 18.6 percent, reaching an average of 10.2 cents per mile. That increase outpaced consumer inflation by 5.4 percentage points. During that same period, heavy-duty truck-involved crash rates declined by 2.6 percent industry-wide. According to ATRI, one of the primary factors driving higher insurance costs is the increasing expense associated with crash claims. Among motor carriers participating in the research, per-mile liability losses increased an average of 33.1 percent between 2021 and 2024.

purchased also experienced an inflation-adjusted average reduction of 2.4 percent in combined liability losses and premium costs the following year. Safety investments also made a measurable difference. For motor carriers already investing heavily in safety, the continued rise in liability insurance costs remains frustrating. But ATRI's research also provides an important takeaway: strong safety performance, good data and a deliberate approach to managing risk can give carriers more tools to control an expense that continues to move in the wrong direction.

The full report, Trucking's Rising Insurance Costs: Issues and Opportunities, is available at TruckingResearch.org.

The cost of excess liability coverage increased even more dramatically. Premium costs for coverage between $5 million and $10 million increased 34 percent during the threeyear period, while premiums for the $10 million to $15 million layer increased 45 percent. ATRI points to increasing litigation costs as an important factor behind the rising cost of claims and excess coverage. While the numbers demonstrate the continued challenges facing motor carriers, the research also identified strategies that appear to be helping some fleets manage those costs. Fleets retaining more risk within their primary coverage experienced lower combined liability losses and premium costs regardless of fleet size. Fleets that reduced the total amount of insurance coverage

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

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L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

ATRI ATRIUPDATE UPDATE

ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS TRUCKING COSTS REACHED RECORD HIGH IN 2025 The cost of operating a commercial truck climbed to a new record in 2025, according to the American Transportation Research Institute’s newly released 2026 Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking.

the largest percentage increase at 13.2 percent, followed by repair and maintenance at 8.6 percent, driver benefits at 6.6 percent and tires at 6.4 percent.

ATRI’s annual report, one of the trucking industry’s most widely used benchmarking tools, found that the average cost to operate a truck reached $2.336 per mile in 2025, an increase of 3.4 percent from the previous year and the highest per-mile cost in the history of the report. Even when fuel is removed from the equation, operating costs continued to climb. Non-fuel costs increased 4.2 percent to $1.854 per mile, underscoring the broad-based cost pressures carriers faced throughout the year. Every major operating cost category increased in 2025, with several showing particularly sharp gains. Tolls posted

Only fuel and driver wages increased at rates below inflation. Even so, driver wages remained the largest single operating cost at 81.8 cents per mile, followed by fuel at 48.2 cents per mile and truck and trailer lease or purchase payments at 40.4 cents per mile. Repair and maintenance costs increased to 21.5 cents per mile, while driver benefits rose to 21 cents per mile. The latest numbers continue a long-term trend of rising expenses. In 2016, ATRI reported an average operating cost of $1.592 per mile. By 2025, that figure had increased by nearly 47 percent.

Table 8: Average Marginal Costs per Mile, 2016-2025 Motor Carrier Costs

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Fuel Costs

$0.336

$0.368

$0.433

$0.384

$0.308

$0.417

$0.641

$0.553

$0.481

$0.482

Truck/Trailer Lease or Purchase Payments 16

$0.255

$0.264

$0.265

$0.256

$0.271

$0.279

$0.331

$0.360

$0.390

$0.404

Repair & Maintenance

$0.166

$0.167

$0.171

$0.149

$0.148

$0.175

$0.196

$0.202

$0.198

$0.215

Truck Insurance Premiums

$0.075

$0.084

$0.071

$0.087

$0.086

$0.088

$0.099

$0.102

$0.106

Permits & Licenses

$0.022

$0.023

$0.024

$0.020

$0.016

$0.015

$0.009

$0.008

Tires

$0.035

$0.038

$0.039

$0.043

$0.041

$0.045

$0.046

$0.047

$0.050

Tolls

$0.024

$0.027

$0.030

$0.035

$0.037

$0.032

$0.028

$0.034

$0.038

$0.043

Driver Wages

$0.523

$0.557

$0.596

$0.554

$0.566

$0.627

$0.724

$0.779

$0.798

$0.818

Driver Benefits

$0.155

$0.172

$0.180

$0.190

$0.171

$0.182

$0.183

$0.188

$0.197

$0.210

$1.592

$1.691

$1.821

$1.699

$1.646

$1.855

$2.251

$2.270

$2.260

$2.336

Vehicle-Based

Driver-Based

TOTAL

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION 16

Per-mile costs for trucks only and trailers only are discussed below.

Equipment spending also varied significantly by fleet size. Small fleets reduced spending on trucks and trailers as equipment prices remained high and freight volumes stayed soft. At the other end of the spectrum, truckload fleets with more than 1,000 trucks increased truck and trailer spending by 16.1 percent.

Analysis of the Operational Costs of Trucking: 2026 Update July 2026

Early 2026 data suggest that many of the cost trends experienced in 2025 are continuing, although there are signs that the freight market may finally be beginning to improve. For motor carriers, the report provides more than a snapshot of rising expenses. It offers a benchmark against which fleets can measure their own operations, identify areas where costs may be out of line and make better-informed decisions about equipment, staffing, maintenance and other major expenses. After several years of challenging freight conditions, the prospect of a market recovery is welcome news. But ATRI’s latest report makes clear that any recovery will arrive in an operating environment that considerably Atlanta, GA • Minneapolis, MN •isWashington, DC (770) 432-0628 more expensive than it was just a few years ago. ATRI@Trucking.org

TruckingResearch.org For carriers, the challenge ahead will be not only finding more freight but making sure that freight is profitable enough to cover the ever-increasing cost of moving it.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

15 15

IOWA IOWAUPDATE UPDATE

WATER QUALITY

MOVES TO CENTER STAGE IN IOWA WHY WE’RE COVERING THIS ISSUE As Iowa moves toward the November election, few issues have emerged as prominently or consistently as water quality. Candidates for Governor and other state offices, along with legislative candidates across Iowa, are being asked about it, talking about it and offering different approaches for addressing it. While water quality may not traditionally be viewed as a trucking issue, the debate surrounding it is helping shape the political landscape in which every Iowa industry will operate. As part of IMTA’s ongoing effort to keep members informed about the issues influencing policymakers and candidates, we are providing this overview to help explain the concerns, the competing perspectives and why water quality has become such a significant issue in Iowa.

Water quality has been debated in Iowa for decades, but the issue has taken on new urgency in 2026 as concerns about drinking water, nutrient runoff and public health move beyond environmental and agricultural circles and into everyday conversations across the state. For Iowa, the issue is especially complicated because agriculture is both a cornerstone of the state’s economy and an important part of the water-quality discussion. Iowa’s highly productive soils support one of the nation’s most significant agricultural economies. Corn, soybeans and livestock production are woven into the state’s identity and sustain rural communities. At the

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

same time, nitrogen and phosphorus from a variety of sources can enter rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater. Nitrate has received particular attention. Nitrogen fertilizer and manure provide important nutrients for crops, but nitrogen that growing plants do not absorb can move through the soil and reach waterways. Other sources include wastewater, septic systems and urban runoff. Public drinking-water systems must meet federal nitrate standards, but treatment can be costly when concentrations in source water are elevated. Private wells present another challenge because owners are generally responsible for testing and treating their own water.

Water quality has also become intertwined with a broader conversation about public health. Iowa has one of the highest cancer incidence

IOWA WATER QUALITY Recent Investments & Progress

rates in the nation, prompting research into the many factors that could contribute. Researchers are examining environmental exposures, including nitrate, pesticides and other contaminants, alongside established cancer risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity, radon exposure and age. Studies have identified associations between some environmental exposures and certain cancers, but researchers continue to investigate those relationships. Establishing that one specific contaminant is responsible for Iowa’s overall cancer rate is considerably more difficult. That scientific uncertainty has not diminished public concern. Instead, water quality has increasingly become a debate over what Iowa should do next. During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers expanded the state’s financial commitments to water quality through House File 2771. The legislation supports conservation practices under the Nutrient Reduction Strategy in the Greater Des Moines watershed, which encompasses 22 counties in northwest, north central and central Iowa. It also provides funding for statewide water-quality monitoring, water treatment infrastructure in smaller communities, expanded nitrate removal capacity at Central Iowa Water Works, and grants to help communities upgrade wastewater and drinking-water treatment systems.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION House File 2771 • 2026 Legislative Session

▶ $52 MILLION New funding for conservation practices supported by the Nutrient Reduction Strategy in the 22-county Greater Des Moines watershed.

▶ $500,000 ANNUALLY Support for the DNR’s statewide waterquality monitoring network.

▶ $10 MILLION A revolving loan fund offering 1% loans for water treatment infrastructure in communities with fewer than 11,000 residents.

▶ $25 MILLION A one-time investment in Central Iowa Water Works to expand infrastructure and nitrate removal capacity.

▶ $8 MILLION + ANNUAL FUNDING INCREASE A one-time investment and increased annual support for the Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program, helping communities upgrade treatment infrastructure.

AGRICULTURAL PROGRESS ▶ NEARLY 4 MILLION ACRES Cover crops planted annually by Iowa farmers—a tenfold increase in a decade.

▶ MORE THAN 150 WETLANDS Constructed in the past four years—more than five times the number constructed during the previous two decades.

These investments accompany expanded conservation efforts on Iowa farms, including substantial growth in cover crop acres and wetland construction. The accompanying sidebar highlights those efforts and the legislation’s funding commitments. The debate touches almost every sensitive issue in Iowa at once: agriculture, property rights, regulation, public health, rural economics, drinking water and the appropriate role of government. It also defies traditional political boundaries. Clean water matters to urban residents, rural communities and farmers alike, while opinions about how to achieve it can vary considerably even within those groups.

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TRUCK PAC:

AN IMPORTANT PART OF IMTA’S ADVOCACY TOOLKIT A strong legislative program requires many different tools, and TRUCK PAC is an important part of IMTA’s overall advocacy efforts.

who are willing to listen, learn about our industry

Every decision made at the Iowa Capitol has the potential to impact our members—from taxes and workforce issues to regulations, infrastructure and the overall cost of doing business. That is why IMTA works year-round to build relationships with policymakers, educate elected officials about trucking and ensure our industry's voice is heard.

Those relationships matter.

TRUCK PAC complements those efforts by allowing Iowa's trucking industry to support candidates and legislators who understand the importance of trucking, appreciate the contributions our members make to Iowa's economy and recognize the value of maintaining a strong, pro-business environment in our state.

that make effective advocacy possible.

PAC participation is not about expecting agreement on every issue. It is about supporting policymakers

and thoughtfully consider the impact their decisions have on the businesses and people we represent.

Some of IMTA's most significant legislative accomplishments have required years of education, conversations and relationship-building. TRUCK PAC gives us another important way to participate in the political process and strengthen the relationships

As Iowa enters a period of significant political change, maintaining a strong presence at the Capitol will be more important than ever. TRUCK PAC helps ensure that trucking doesn't simply have a seat at the table—it has a strong and respected voice when decisions affecting our industry are made.

TRUCK PAC 250 LEADERSHIP CLUB $1,000+

$750-$999

$500-$749

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Melinda Anderson Greg & Nancy Preussner Rory Triplett

Dean Kloewer Gregg Ryan Delwin & Karen Van Wyk

Jeff Arens

Mark Olson

Dale Decker

Chris Patrick

$250-$499

$100-$249

Blake Grolmus

Bill Roth

Adam Hermsen

Jon Sarrazin

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Steve Schuster

Brian Kohlwes

John Smith

C.J. Krapfl

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Greg McCoy

Scott Szymanek

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Kenny Bauman Matt Hurd Jesse Lalumendre Mandy Lozier Terry Pump Krystin Sitzmann Adam Shouse

FOUNDERS CLUB

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LEADER

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE Thanking our volunteers There are a lot of ways to measure the strength of an association. Membership numbers. Legislative victories. Successful events. Programs. Participation. Financial strength. But there is another measure that may be even more important: the number of people willing to show up. At IMTA, we are incredibly fortunate to have people who do exactly that. They show up when we need someone to serve on a committee or task force. They come to Des Moines when we need a strong trucking presence at the Capitol. They make phone calls to legislators. They answer questions. They share their expertise. They attend meetings, participate in conference calls, judge competitions, help with events and provide guidance when an important decision needs to be made.

That involvement cannot be manufactured. It comes from people who genuinely care about this industry and understand that making trucking better requires more than simply worrying about their own operation. Every Contribution Matters It is easy to recognize the volunteer who serves as chairman of a committee or spends years on the Board of Directors. Those commitments deserve tremendous appreciation. But volunteerism doesn't always come with a title. Some of the most valuable contributions we receive come from members who may never consider themselves “volunteers.”

More Than a Membership Every trade association has members. The truly successful ones have engaged members.

They are the members who takes ten minutes to explain an operational issue so IMTA can better advocate on behalf of the industry.

There is an important difference.

The company that sends employees to participate in an event.

IMTA's professional staff works every day on behalf of Iowa's trucking industry, but the credibility and effectiveness of this association ultimately comes from

the people operating trucks, managing employees, maintaining equipment, serving customers and dealing with the realities of this industry every day.

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

The experienced professional who agrees to mentor someone just entering trucking.

The member who contacts a legislator because we asked them to. Big gesture or small gesture, it matters. Our Greatest Resource Trucking is an industry built around people who solve problems. Maybe that is why volunteerism has always been such an important part of IMTA. Our members understand that when something needs to get done, somebody has to step forward and do it. Fortunately for this association, somebody almost always does. We don't say thank you nearly enough. To every person who has served on a board or committee, attended a legislative meeting, made a phone call, shared expertise, helped at an event, supported a program, offered an idea or simply raised their hand when we needed help: Thank you. You have helped shape this association. You have strengthened our voice. And you have made Iowa's trucking industry better. The accomplishments of IMTA may ultimately carry the association's name, but behind virtually every one of them are members who gave something far more valuable than their dues. They gave their time. And there is no greater investment in the future of an association than that.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

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L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

NEXT NEXTGENERATION GENERATION

TRUCKING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

LE MARS

DELIVERS FOR IOWA ONE INDUSTRY. ONE WEEK. ONE POWERFUL STORY. This fall, Iowa’s trucking industry is taking its story, and it’s celebration, on the road. The Trucking Delivers for Iowa Tour will travel across the state for a weeklong campaign designed to show Iowans what trucking makes possible while recognizing the people and companies that keep Iowa moving. At each stop, the tour will bring trucking directly into Iowa communities through hands-on experiences, industry demonstrations, career exploration, conversations with trucking professionals and opportunities to see the industry from a new perspective. But this tour is about more than trucks. It is about the food on grocery store shelves, the equipment used across the state, the materials that keep businesses operating and the products families rely on every day. A Story Worth Sharing and Celebrating The Trucking Delivers for Iowa Tour was created to strengthen awareness of the industry while building meaningful relationships with students, educators, community leaders, workforce partners, policymakers and the public. But the tour is not only about helping others understand trucking’s importance. It is also a statewide celebration of the people and companies that consistently deliver for Iowa.

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

Each stop will offer a different experience, shaped by the community and the trucking companies that call that area home. Together, those stops will allow people to experience trucking rather than simply hear about it. Just as importantly, it will give the industry a chance to pause, take pride in what it accomplishes every day and celebrate the powerful role trucking plays across Iowa. LEADing the Way The tour began as a vision of the LEAD IMTA Council, but the Council’s role extends far beyond developing the original concept. LEAD Council members have been instrumental in turning that vision into a statewide initiative. They have helped identify host communities, build local partnerships, develop experiences and create a framework that allows every tour stop to feel unique while remaining connected to the tour’s larger purpose. Throughout the week, Council members will serve as organizers, ambassadors and storytellers. They will help bring companies, community partners and industry professionals together while creating opportunities to recognize the people whose work deserves to be seen and celebrated.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

DUBUQUE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

FORT DODGE

4 1

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

CEDAR RAPIDS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

DES MOINES

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

IMTA HEADQUARTERS

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THE TRUCKING DELIVERS IOWA TOUR COMES TO YOUR AREA Each stop will offer an up-close look at trucking and a chance for IMTA members, community leaders and the public to come together and celebrate an industry that truly delivers for every Iowan. At each stop, you’ll find:

▶ Truck Displays – Get an upclose look at the equipment that keeps Iowa moving.

▶ Truck Rides – Climb aboard and experience trucking from a whole new perspective.

▶ IMTA Show Trailer – Our traveling The Tour Begins This Fall Beginning Monday, October 12, the Trucking Delivers for Iowa Tour will make its way across the state, with each day highlighting a different community, experience and piece of Iowa’s trucking story.

headquarters will be at the center of the action throughout the week and the simulator will be a top attraction.

▶ Careers in Trucking – Learn about the wide variety of careers and opportunities available throughout the industry.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Housby | Des Moines 2

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 4:00 – 6:00 PM Schuster Co. | Le Mars WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Decker Truck Line | Fort Dodge THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids Tucker Freight Lines | Dubuque FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Iowa Motor Truck Association | Des Moines

The journey will culminate with a major celebration at the IMTA office, where the entire membership will be invited to help welcome the tour home and celebrate the industry that made it possible.

▶ Complimentary Lunch – Join us for lunch each day as we bring together members, community leaders and guests.

▶ A Celebration of Trucking – Most importantly, every stop is an opportunity to recognize the people and companies that deliver for Iowa every single day.

▶ Come see us. Bring your employees. Bring your family. Bring a friend. Let’s show Iowa what trucking delivers.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

IMTA IMTAUPDATE UPDATE

2026 IMTA FINANCE SYMPOSIUM

HITS THE MARK Financial leadership has always mattered in trucking, but today it influences nearly every part of an operation—from equipment and workforce decisions to technology investments, insurance and growth. That reality made IMTA’s 2026 Finance Symposium important. The event brought together financial professionals, company leaders and partners to examine the forces shaping the business of trucking. Conversations explored operating costs, insurance conditions, artificial intelligence, capital strategy,

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SYMPOSIUM PLANNING COMMITTEE Scott Szymanek, Eldon C. Stutsman; C.J. Krapfl, McCoy Group; Heidi Leavengood, Ruan

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

cybersecurity and workforce planning, but the value came from connecting those issues. By combining data, expert insight and candid peer discussion, the symposium helped attendees look beyond individual numbers and see the larger financial picture. “It is always valuable to bring together folks that are doing the same thing and together we can learn from each other. This was another great day of learning and networking,” said attendee Kenny Bauman with JMT Trucking.

ICSM HOSTS POPULAR RIDE-ALONG PROGRAM Members of the Iowa Council of Safety Management (ICSM) stepped away from their everyday roles and into the field for a firsthand look at commercial vehicle enforcement and highway safety in action. Through visits to Iowa DOT scale sites, participants observed commercial vehicle inspections, enforcement procedures and the daily responsibilities involved in keeping Iowa’s roadways safe. The experience gave members a closer look at what officers evaluate during an inspection and how safety regulations are applied in real-world situations. Several participants also joined Iowa State Patrol officers for ride-alongs, gaining a front-seat perspective on the decisions officers make and the conditions they encounter while patrolling Iowa’s highways. Most importantly, the experience reinforced that carriers and enforcement share the same goal: protecting drivers, companies and everyone traveling Iowa’s roads.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

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TRUCK TRUCKDRIVING DRIVINGCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS

IOWA'S BEST TAKE THE WHEEL AT THE

2026 TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS For two unforgettable days in June, Prairie Meadows became the center of Iowa's trucking industry as more than 120 of the state's safest and most skilled professional drivers gathered to compete in the 2026 Iowa Truck Driving Championships. But anyone who has attended knows this event is about far more than competition.

IT'S ABOUT PROFESSIONALISM. PRECISION. PRIDE. 30

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

Hosted by the Iowa Motor Truck Association, the Truck Driving Championships celebrate the individuals who keep Iowa moving every day while showcasing the extraordinary level of skill required behind the wheel of today's commercial vehicles. Drivers faced a demanding series of challenges—including a written examination, pre-trip inspection, personal interview, and precision driving course—testing every aspect of their knowledge and abilities. Throughout the event, family members, friends, company representatives, volunteers, sponsors, and industry partners lined the course to cheer on competitors, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts competition and celebration. From first-time participants to seasoned veterans, every driver represented the very best of Iowa's trucking industry.

"The Iowa Truck Driving Championships represent everything that's great about our profession," said 2026 Truck Driving Championships Chairman Cody McClain with Tucker Freight Lines. "These drivers dedicate themselves to safety every single day, and this event gives us an opportunity to recognize that commitment while celebrating the professionalism that defines our industry. Watching competitors encourage one another and represent their companies with such pride reminds us why this event continues to be one of IMTA's most meaningful traditions." For IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co., the event is a powerful reminder of what the association represents. "The Truck Driving Championships showcase the very heart of our industry," said Jeff. "Every competitor demonstrates an unwavering commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence. These men and women are ambassadors for trucking, and we're incredibly proud to recognize their accomplishments while celebrating the companies that invest in developing outstanding professional drivers." As the final scores were announced and champions crowned, one thing was clear: every competitor left having demonstrated the professionalism, dedication, and commitment to safety that define Iowa's trucking industry.

SAVE THE DATE:

2027 TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS

JUNE 10 & 11 AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

TRUCK TRUCKDRIVING DRIVINGCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 TDC COMMITTEE

THANK YOU! CHAIRMAN

Cody McClain | Tucker Freight Lines

CO-CHAIRMAN

Terry Pump | CRST

MEMBERS

CEO DRIVING CHALLENGE PHOTO WINNERS Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; Abby Ryan, Crawford Trucking, 2nd Place: Jaycob Clark, Quest Liner, Inc.; 1st Place: Chris Hummer, Don Hummer Trucking; 3rd Place: Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.; IMTA President Brenda Neville

Adam Tallmon | Alliance Interstate Risk

Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; Adam Tallmon, Alliance Interstate Risk; Lavell Martin, Hy-Vee; Chris Dun, Tucker Freight Lines; Rachel Reyerson, Ruan; Terry Pump, CRST; Chris Hummer, Don Hummer Trucking; John Holt, Ruan; Keith Lamfers, Casey’s

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

THANK YOU TO OUR

SPONSORS PLATINUM

GOLD

SILVER

BRONZE

▶ Central Trailer Service, Ltd. ▶ Cottingham & Butler ▶ DataDis ▶ DISA Global Solutions ▶ Fareway Stores, Inc. ▶ Gridline ▶ iSleep ▶ Lockton Companies ▶ PrePass ▶ Red Wing Shoes ▶ Schuster Co. ▶ Scopelitis Law Firm ▶ US Cargo Control ▶ Warren Transport, Inc.

▶ Argee Transport ▶ Bauer Built Tire & Service ▶ Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

▶ Chartwell Law ▶ Clifton Larson Allen, LLP ▶ Craftsmen Utility Trailer ▶ Decker Truck Line, Inc. ▶ DMTC ▶ Federated Insurance ▶ Geotab ▶ Hanifen Towing ▶ Housby ▶ Hy-Vee, Inc. / PDI ▶ Iowa 80 Truckstop ▶ JMT Trucking Company ▶ Joe Morten & Son, Inc. ▶ Katz, Sapper & Miller

▶ Kunkel & Associates ▶ Kwik Trip/Kwik Star ▶ Lube-Tech ▶ MHCS P.C. ▶ Mid-States Utility & Keizer Refrigeration ▶ Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. ▶ Ottsen Oil Company ▶ Quality Services Corporation ▶ Quality Trailer Sales ▶ Samsara, Inc. ▶ Sanco Thermo King ▶ Sedgwick ▶ Tenstreet ▶ Thermo King Christensen ▶ Truckers Insurance Associates ▶ Valley Distribution Corp. ▶ Whitfield & Eddy Law ▶ Wilson Trailer Company L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

TRUCK TRUCKDRIVING DRIVINGCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 AWARD

WINNERS

1st PLACE TEAM AWARD

▶ Solar Transport

2nd PLACE TEAM AWARD

▶ Tucker Freight Lines

3rd PLACE TEAM AWARD

▶ Fareway Stores, Inc

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

3 AXLE VAN DIVISION

▶ Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines;

3rd Place: Garrett Broers, FedEx Freight; 2nd Place: Harrison Haglund, Fareway Stores; Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; 1st Place: David Wollbrink, XPO; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

5 AXLE VAN DIVISION

▶ Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; Event

Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; 3rd Place: Austin Collins, FedEx; 2nd Place: Wayne Brumwell, Walmart Transportation; 1st Place: Josh Stortz, Walmart Transportation; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

SLEEPER BERTH DIVISION

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Event Chairman

Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; 3rd Place: Willie Lambrix, Green Products Company; 2nd Place: Rodney Truax, FedEx Freight; 1st Place: Erik McFarland, Fareway Stores; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

4 AXLE VAN DIVISION

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Event Chairman

Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; 3rd Place: Mike McGuire, Walmart Transportation; 2nd Place: Chris Kelly, Walmart Transportation; 1st Place: John Manley, FedEx Freight; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

FLATBED DIVISION

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Event Chairman

Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; 3rd Place: Aaron Imhoff, Ruan; 2nd Place: James Collins, PDI; 1st Place: Brandon Rasdon, Tucker Freight Lines; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

STRAIGHT TRUCK DIVISION

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Event Chairman

Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; 3rd Place: Adam Stroup, FedEx; 2nd Place: Richard Kerr, Walmart Transportation; 1st Place: Jeff Carpenter, CRST; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

TRUCK TRUCKDRIVING DRIVINGCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 AWARD WINNERS (CONT.)

TANK TRUCK DIVISION

▶ Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines;

3rd Place: Jordan Davis, Foodliner; 2nd Place: Walt Freeman, Solar Transport; 1st Place: John Sunvison, Solar Transport; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

TWIN TRAILERS DIVISION

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Event Chairman

Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; 3rd Place: Frank Pollard, Old Dominion Freight Line; 2nd Place: Austin Kress, FedEx Freight; 1st Place: Steve Iburg, XPO; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

GRAND CHAMPION ▶

Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines; Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Grand Champion Steve Iburg, XPO; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

TRUCK TRUCKDRIVING DRIVINGCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 AWARD WINNERS (CONT.)

HIGHEST FIRST YEAR PARTICIPANT SCORE

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Jeff Carpenter, CRST; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.; Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines

BRUCE ARNOLD PRE-TRIP AWARD

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST;

Austin Kalfus, Tucker Freight Lines; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.; Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines

INDIVIDUAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

▶ Event Co-Chairman Terry Pump, CRST; Marc-David Mueller,

Casey’s; IMTA Chairman of the Board Jeff Arens, Schuster Co.; Event Chairman Cody McClain, Tucker Freight Lines

TEAM SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

▶ Don Hummer Trucking

SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND WATCH THE EVENT VIDEO 38

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

TRUCK TRUCKDRIVING DRIVINGCHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 TDC

COMPETITORS AGRILAND FS INC.

ATLANTIC BOTTLING COMPANY

CASEY’S

CRAWFORD TRUCKING

CRST

DAUFELDT TRANSPORT INC.

DECKER TRUCK LINE, INC.

DON HUMMER TRUCKING

FAREWAY STORES

FEDEX

FOODLINER / QUEST LINER, INC.

FEDEX FREIGHT

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

HY-VEE, INC.

GREEN PRODUCTS COMPANY

HIBBS EXCAVATING, INC.

JOHNSRUD TRANSPORT

OLD DOMINION FREIGHT LINE

PERISHABLE DISTRIBUTORS OF IOWA

RUAN

SCHUSTER CO.

SOLAR TRANSPORT

TUCKER FREIGHT LINES

WALMART TRANSPORTATION

WEST SIDE TRANSPORT, INC.

XPO

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

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SCHEDULEOF OFEVENTS EVENTS SCHEDULE

2026–2027

EVENTS TRUCKING DELIVERS FOR IOWA TOUR October 12-16, 2026 Various Locations IMTA LEADERSHIP CLASS February 10-11, 2027 Iowa Motor Truck Association Des Moines, Iowa IMTA LEADERSHIP CLASS March 10-11, 2027 Iowa Motor Truck Association Des Moines, Iowa TRUCKING DAY AT THE CAPITOL March 30, 2027 Iowa State Capitol Des Moines, Iowa IMTA LEADERSHIP CLASS April 7-8, 2027 Iowa Motor Truck Association Des Moines, Iowa SAFETY PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE April 13-14, 2027 Iowa Motor Truck Association Des Moines, Iowa

SPRING GOLF CLASSIC May 27, 2027 Legacy Golf Club Norwalk, Iowa IOWA TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS June 10-11, 2027 Prairie Meadows Altoona, Iowa IMTA MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE September 1-2, 2027 Hilton Downtown Des Moines Des Moines, Iowa MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS CONFERENCE September 16, 2027 Iowa Motor Truck Association Des Moines, Iowa

FOR MORE INFO Scan the QR Code or

LEARN MORE AT: www.iowamotortruck.com

L IFEL INER I S SUE 3 , 2026

THE THEFINAL FINALWORD WORD

CULTURE TRAVELS AT 70 MILES PER HOUR SUZANNA DE BACA | CEO of Story Board Advisors Many years ago, I worked for a company whose

phone, the supervisor who handles a problem, the maintenance

mission and values were impossible to miss. They were

manager who explains a delay, or the recruiter who made

framed on the walls, printed in conference rooms,

promises during the hiring process. Every interaction either

woven into presentations, and recited at nearly every

reinforces or undermines the culture leaders hope to create.

meeting. Words like “Integrity. Respect. Teamwork.” If you judged the organization by its branding, you would have thought it was one of the healthiest cultures in America. Then the meeting would start.

important. A driver whose load is delayed will remember how dispatch treated them long after they forget the delay. A maintenance technician who feels respected is more likely to

In those meetings, I watched senior leaders publicly

speak up when something seems unsafe. A dispatcher who

embarrass colleagues, take credit for other people's work,

has been trusted and supported is far more likely to extend

reward loyalty over performance, and openly discuss

that same respect to drivers during a stressful day. Culture

how to extract additional fees from clients. My role

moves through an organization much the way freight moves

required extensive travel, so I was not in the office every

through a supply chain. Every handoff matters, and every

day. Nonetheless, every conference call with colleagues

interaction either strengthens or weakens the experience.

was filled with stories about leadership behavior that contradicted everything the company claimed to value. It was not too long before I answered a recruiter’s call.

Research consistently finds that employees who trust their leaders are more engaged, more committed, and more likely to remain with an organization. In trucking, where safety, customer

That experience taught me a lesson I have carried into

service, and retention are tightly connected, those outcomes are

every leadership role since. Culture is never defined by

not simply human resources metrics. They are business results.

what an organization says about itself. It is defined by what leaders tolerate, reward, and model every single day.

Leaders often ask how to improve culture. The better question is whether their daily behavior already reflects the culture they

That lesson is especially relevant in trucking because

hope to create. Employees pay far less attention to what leaders

culture generally cannot be managed by proximity. Unlike

announce than to what they consistently do. Whether safety is

organizations where employees gather under one roof,

truly more important than speed. Whether mistakes become

trucking companies operate across hundreds or even

opportunities to coach or excuses to assign blame. Whether

thousands of miles. Drivers spend more time talking with dispatch than with executives. A mechanic in one terminal may never meet the CEO. A recruit often forms an opinion about the company long before walking into headquarters, if they ever do. Culture is carried through conversations, decisions, and everyday interactions that happen far from the corporate office. One of a leader’s responsibilities is to help people understand not

respect disappears when schedules become tight or tempers become short. Culture has a remarkable way of exposing the gap between what leaders say and what leaders believe. That is why culture travels at seventy miles per hour. Culture is not sitting in a strategic plan on a shelf or framed in the lobby. It is built through ordinary moments that often seem insignificant at the time -- riding in every truck, answering every radio call, greeting every new employee, and shaping every decision made between the loading dock and the boardroom. Long after people forget the mission

just what to do, but where

statement, they will remember how they were treated.

they fit and why their work

In the end, that is the culture people

matters. In trucking, that responsibility takes on even greater significance because many employees rarely see senior leadership. Their understanding of the company comes from the dispatcher who answers the

That reality makes leadership both more difficult and more

IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION

choose to stay for, or leave behind. About the Author: Suzanna de Baca is CEO of Story Board

Advisors, where she helps business leaders, boards, and familyowned companies navigate growth, change and culture. A former CEO across multiple industries and Assistant Professor of Practice at Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, she writes and speaks nationally on leadership, strategy, governance, and communications to strengthen teams and performance. She can be reached at sdebaca@storyboardadvisors.com.

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