Jerry Thrift, Ryder, Named New TMC General Chairman

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jerry Thrift, manager for new product development for Ryder System, was installed as the Technology & Maintenance Council's 2010-2011 general chairman and treasurer during the TMC's 2010 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

Thrift has served in several other TMC leadership positions, most recently on TMC's board of directors as vice chairman and chairman of meetings, and chairman of study groups. Thrift has moderated and been a presenter for numerous TMC technical sessions. He received the Silver Spark Plug, the Council's highest honor, in 2005. He has also served the trucking industry as a member and chairman of American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technical Advisory Group.

Thrift said he intends to focus on the strength of TMC's Recommended Practices (RPs) through an effort to increase awareness of the industry best practices, and through selecting RPs that can be grouped into collections, such a for vehicle spec'ing.

Other officers include: Vice Chairman and Chairman of Meetings, Roy Gambrell, Truck It; Chairman of Study Groups, Dan Umphress, FedEx Freight; Membership and Publicity Chairman, Jerry Warmkessel, Mack Trucks; Chairman of Associates, Al Anderson, Jost International; Immediate Past Chairman, Steph Sabo, Norrenberns Truck Service; and Executive Director, Carl Kirk, Technology & Maintenance Council/American Trucking Associations.

Directors-at-Large on TMC's 2010-2011 Board include: Jerry Anderson, Daimler Trucks North America; Bob Flesher, FedEx Ground; Lee Long, Southeastern Freight Lines; Oren Summer, FleetNet America; Ron Szapacs, Air Products & Chemicals; Kevin Tomlinson, South Shore Transportation; and Dave Williams, Verizon Fleet Operations.

TMC, an ATA technical council, held its Transportation Technology Exhibition in conjunction with the annual meeting at the Tampa Convention Center. The show featured more than 250 exhibitors and is North America's first major transportation equipment show of 2010. The show included a broad assortment of the latest technology in commercial vehicles and components.

Gregory (Doc) Hyder, president and CEO of Rowland Transportation, Dade City, Fla., was the winner of the grand prize drawing at TMC's Transportation Technology Exhibition. He received an expense-paid trip for two to the 2011 Daytona 500.

Members participated in 110 TMC Task Forces meeting early in the week to work on Recommended Practices for equipment maintenance and engineering. TMC Recommended Practices have been adopted as voluntary industry standards by commercial vehicle makers, component manufacturers, aftermarket parts and diagnostic equipment providers, and end users.

TMC will hold its 2010 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competition Sept. 20-23 at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, N.C. TMCSuperTech2010 will be the sixth national competition for finalists of state and corporate technician competitions.

TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) organizes the competition. Information on PTDC, the technician skills competition or opportunities for corporate sponsorship, is available by contacting Joe Hite at 703-838-1927 or online at http://tmc.truckline.com.

TMC Bestows Silver Spark Plug Award

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations awarded its highest honor — the Silver Spark Plug Award — to four trucking industry professionals during the Council's 2010 Annual Meeting, Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

The 2010 TMC Silver Spark Plug Recipients are: Doug White, vice president of maintenance for Dunbar Armored; Vincent Lindley, national fleet service account manager for Volvo Trucks North America; Roger Maye, national service manager for Consolidated Metco; and Carl Tapp, vice president of maintenance for PAM Transport.

These recipients were awarded the Silver Spark Plug for their outstanding contributions to the improvement of equipment, maintenance, industry-related technology and management practices.

White, Hunt Valley, Md., has been a TMC member since 1997. He provided the leadership when TMC started its S.15 Specialty Vehicles Study Group and continues to lead the study group as chairman. He has led numerous Task Forces and has served as moderator or panelist for numerous technical presentations and is a past recipient of TMC's Maintenance Supervision Excellence Award.

Lindley, Frisco, Texas, is a TMC Recognized Associate who has been a member since 1994. He has been active in several study groups where he has helped facilitate the development of numerous Recommended Practices. He has been a presenter for TMC technical sessions, and currently serves as secretary for TMC's Associate members.

Maye, Monroe, N.C., is a TMC Recognized Associate and has been a member since 2003. He has worked within the S.6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study, and played a leading role in developing RP 648, "Troubleshooting Ride Complaints." He has been active in TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC) since its inception, and has served as a station chairman or co-chairman for PTDC's national technician competition, and has helped produce training sessions for the PTDC Technician Training Fair. He has supported TMC International meeting in Canada and regularly appears on the Council's SiriusXM Satellite Radio Show, "Tech Talk with TMC."

Tapp, Tontitown, Ark., has been a TMC member since 1996. He has been active in the S.1 Electrical and Instruments Study Group, and has distinguished himself as a memorable technical session presenter, sharing his wealth of industry knowledge from a fleet perspective. He is a regular participant in several task forces and currently chairs the Road Service Diagnostic Evaluation Process Task Force. He also serves on ATA's Technical Advisory Group. 

BACKGROUND — Silver Spark Plug Award

The Silver Spark Plug is awarded annually to individuals who have:

• Given outstanding service to TMC;
• Donated a minimum of five years of active service to TMC, including three years active service with a Study Group and/or Task Force;
• Contributed new ideas, practices, or innovations in the maintenance of commercial motor vehicles, which have contributed materially to the improvement of equipment;
• Demonstrated strong support of TMC by organizing, chairing, and/or participating in several sessions, or serving on meeting committees or as sergeants-at-arms or other TMC supporting activities;
• Attended various Study Group meetings or Task Force meetings scheduled outside of TMC's three yearly meetings; and
• Earned the respect and admiration of their peers in the trucking industry.

Since the award's 1968 inception under the Regular Common Carrier Conference Maintenance Committee, 179 individuals have been recognized with the Silver Spark Plug Award. Both fleet representatives and members of the supplier community are eligible.

TMC Names Del Sauer Recognized Associate

ARLINGTON, Va. — Del Sauer, Midwest fleet territory manager for Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, was named Recognized Associate of the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations during the Industry Awards Luncheon at TMC's 2010 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

Sauer, Cleveland, Ohio, is currently secretary for TMC's S.2 Tire & Wheel Study Group, a meeting mechanic for the S.4 Can and Controls Study Group. He has contributed as a Meeting Mechanic, a Sergeant at Arms, and mentor to first-time attendees.

The award is presented for outstanding contributions to the improvement of equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management.

TMC Recognized Associate recipients must have given a minimum of five years of active service in support of TMC leadership and/or activities; supported TMC by organizing, chairing, and participating in several sessions, or have served as sergeants of arms or other supporting meeting functions; contributed service to the Council in areas separate from their individual technical expertise or business interests; and earned the respect of their peers in the trucking industry.

TMC Recognizes Ken Kelley With Study Group Secretary Award

ARLINGTON, Va.  — Ken Kelley, vice president of sales, marketing and business development for Webb Wheel Products, was presented TMC's Study Group Secretary Award during TMC's 2010 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

Kelley, Cullman, Ala., joined TMC in 1992 and served as the secretary for the S.2 Tire & Wheel Study Group from 2004 to 2009. His oversight of task force and study group minutes has been effective in the study group's development of Recommended Practices.

In addition to his work as secretary, he has served S.2 and S.6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study Groups as a moderator and participant in many technical sessions, and has been an active member of numerous task forces.

As Secretary of the Tire & Wheel (S.2) Study Group Ken attended all the technical session previews to ensure he understood the material being presented so that he could report it accurately.

"His accuracy and thoroughness in reporting all aspects of S.2 meetings were exemplary and of the highest quality, and his devotion to writing the minutes immediately after the meeting ensured he met TMC deadline requirements for publication in its official record, The Trailblazer," said Mitch Windorff, S.2 study group chairman.

Rich Carroll, chairman of Study Group secretaries, said the dedication to TMC by these recipients is evident through the consistent level of devotion, accuracy and timeliness in recording of Study Group activities in addition to ready assistance in other Study Group matters as needed.

Schneider's Brian Shaw Named TMC Front-Line Supervisor of the Year

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) of American Trucking Associations presented its Excellence in Maintenance Supervision Award to Brian Shaw, operating center service manager for Schneider National, during TMC's 2010 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

The award recognizes front-line supervisors who have displayed excellence and professionalism in maintenance supervision, both technically and administratively. Shaw supervises 40 technicians, at Schneider National's Indianapolis-based maintenance facility.

Shaw possess a number of characteristics that make him an excellent supervisor, including outstanding leadership, technical aptitude, self-discipline, and effective communication skills, says his direct supervisor, James Enright.

"What sets him apart is his ability to foster a productive work environment and instill in his reports the importance of why their work matters to Schneider, the industry, their customers and the motoring public," said Enright. "Brian's reports show great pride in their work and it is in large part because of the example that he sets for them."

At the Indianapolis shop, order is maintained through mutual effort and cooperation. The facility has an open parts room but in 2009 they had the highest parts accuracy on record — 96.25 percent. It wasn't always that way. "Brian changed the shop culture to achieve this level of excellence," said Enright. "What's more, Brian demonstrates not only excellence in maintenance supervision, but also excellence in communications skills with co-workers and customers alike, and Schneider has reaped many benefits from his talents."

Candidates for this award were all employed in direct supervision of maintenance technicians and exhibited superior performance in equipment maintenance supervision. Higher levels of management are not eligible for the award.

Any company interested in submitting a nominee for next year's TMC "Excellence in Maintenance Supervision Award" should submit to TMC staff a brief essay (500 words) on why the nominee should be selected. Copies of supporting documentation such as certifications, commendation letters, awards, etc. may be submitted with the nominating essay. A special panel of TMC leaders selects award winners each year.

Nominations should be submitted to: TMC Selection Panel, Excellence in Maintenance Supervision Awards, c/o: Technology & Maintenance Council, American Trucking Associations, 950 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203.

TMC Recognizes Ron Szapacs With Peggy Fisher Study Group Leadership Award

ARLINGTON, Va. – Ron Szapacs, maintenance specialists for Air Products and Chemicals, received TMC's Peggy Fisher Study Group Leadership during TMC's 2010 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

The award, established in 1986 and named after its first recipient, recognizes an individual for outstanding leadership as Study Group Chairman as well as outstanding leadership and contributions to TMC and the transportation industry. Since 1986, only 11 individuals have received the honor.

Szapacs, Allentown, Pa., has been a TMC member since 1994 and during that time has been most active in the S.3 Engines Study Group where he served as task force chairman, vice chairman and study group chairman. His service to the Council led him to be awarded TMC's highest honor, the Silver Spark Plug in 2006, and he continues to serve TMC on its board of directors. He is also the 2009 recipient of the Commercial Carrier Journal's Technology and Maintenance Career Leadership Award.

In addition to his rich experience and knowledge of engines, Szapacs has enjoyed a parallel career as NASCAR racing team member. He is a strong advocate for technicians and has assisted in the SkillsUSA diesel technician competition for more than 20 years.

ArvinMeritor Platinum Shield Brake Shoes Win TWNA's Technical Achievement Award

ARLINGTON, VA. — Truck Writers of North America (TWNA) has recognized the rust preventative coating on ArvinMeritor's PlatinumShield Brake Shoes as the top technical achievement for 2009. The award presentation took place during TMC's 2010 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held Feb. 9-12 in Tampa, Fla.

The Technical Achievement Award and trophy were presented to Mac Whittemore, ArvinMeritor's Midwest regional manager, and Paul Greenlaw, ArvinMeritor's national fleet manager-aftermarket, by Paul Abelson (Road King and Land Line magazines) and Tom Berg (Heavy Duty Trucking and Construction Equipment magazines), both members of TWNA's award committee along with John Baxter (Randall-Reilly Publishing), Peter Carter (Today's Trucking), Paul Hartley (AddMedia), James Menzies (Truck News and Truck West), and Jim Park (Heavy Duty Trucking).

The PlatinumShield coating was developed by ArvinMeritor to resist micro-abrasion caused by the movement of the brake lining against the shoe table during normal use. Rust-jacking occurs when rust forms on bare shoe metal under the lining, causing the lining to lift and crack.

"The Technical Achievement Award committee was impressed that ArvinMeritor's PlatinumShield coating offers a practical solution to rust-jacking, a problem that has frustrated countless maintenance managers and owner-operators in the U.S. and Canada," said James Menzies, chair of the committee. "As trucking companies search for ways to lower their operating costs, ArvinMeritor has come to market with an effective solution to a costly, long-running problem."

The review process for 2009 began with several candidates nominated by the press members of TWNA. From that group of candidates, four finalists were selected for an in-depth review. The "Top Four" finalists were ArvinMeritor's PlatinumShield Brake Shoes, Eaton's UltraShift PLUS Transmission, Rand McNally's IntelliRoute TND 500 GPS, and TruckLite's LED Headlamps.

Using a point system based on each committee member's ranking of the candidates, ArvinMeritor's PlatinumShield Brake Shoes scored a substantial lead to receive the honor of the 2009 TWNA Technical Achievement Award.

Created in 1988, TWNA is a professional organization whose membership is composed of writers, editors, public relations specialists, marketing personnel and others involved in the business of creating or producing information related to the world of trucking.

The very first Technical Achievement Award was presented in 1991 to Grote Industries for its red LED marker light. Since receiving the inaugural award, Grote has sponsored the yearly trophy. To be eligible, a product or service has to clearly exhibit technical innovation, have a wide applicability in the trucking industry, offer significant benefits and be widely available. While complete vehicles are not eligible, components and systems are.

For more information, contact Tom [email protected] or 704-779-9515.

High resolution photographs are available at the Technology & Maintenance Council website, http://tmc.truckline.com.

TMC Meeting Dates

TMC's 2010 Fall Meeting

& National Technician Skills Competition

Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh, North Carolina

September 20-23

TMC's 2011 Annual Meeting

& Transportation Technology Exhibition

Tampa Convention Center

Tampa, Florida

February 8-11

High-resolution photographs are available at http://tmc.truckline.com for the following:

Jerry Thrift, incoming TMC General Chairman

Silver Spark Plug Award recipients (4)

Recognized Associated Award recipient

Maintenance Supervision Excellence Award recipient 

Peggy Fisher Study Group Leadership Award recipient

Study Group Secretary Award recipient

Truck Writers of North America Technical Achievement Award

TMC, a technical council of American Trucking Associations, is North America's premier technical society for truck equipment technology and maintenance professionals. TMC features a diverse membership of equipment managers, service-dealers, owner-operators, industry suppliers and manufacturers, educators, academia and others that support the trucking industry. TMC member fleets represent the broad range of industry vocations, including truckload, less-than-truckload, municipal, private, on/off-highway, construction and other operations. Find out more about TMC online at http://tmc.truckline.com.

American Trucking Associations, the national trade association for the trucking industry, is a federation of affiliated state trucking associations, conferences and organizations that includes more than 37,000 motor carrier members representing every type and class of motor carrier in the country.  ATA serves the interests of more than nine million people and 420,000 companies involved in trucking before Congress, the courts and regulatory agencies. http://www.truckline.com.

SOURCE Technology & Maintenance Council, American Trucking Associations