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John Simms

Recent Posts by John Simms:

Common Questions About the FMCSA's Emergency Declaration for Trucking Companies

Are loads that include supplies related to direct assistance under the emergency declaration mixed with other, un-related materials covered under the declaration?

Generally, yes, however, mixed loads with only a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration are not covered.

Is a driver required to take a 30-minute break?

No, none of the hours of service regulations apply while the driver is engaged with providing direct assistance under the emergency relief exemption.

Topics: Transportation

Choosing a Technology Partner in Transportation

To be an early adopter, or to go with the established player? When it comes to choosing a technology partner, this question looms large for many transportation companies. Should we invest in big box technology that has dominated the marketplace for years or should we take a chance on an up-and-comer whose platform is mobile and poised for future enhancements?  

Topics: Transportation Leadership / Strategy

How Well Do You Know CSA & How It Relates to Regulations? Take the Quiz

JOHN SIMMS
HNI Vice President

Considering the regulatory environment in which transportation firms do business is miles from black and white, it's no surprise that both truck drivers and enforcement personnel alike often are confused by the ins and outs of CSA and its relationship to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR).

Topics: Transportation

Recruiting Drivers: Play to Your Company’s Strengths

JOHN SIMMS
HNI Vice President Risk-Business Solutions 

Creating an effective driver recruiting strategy begins with taking a good look at yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself the question: why would drivers want to come here and work? What makes your company any different from your competitor down the street?

Topics: Transportation

ATA Conference Recap: 4 Insights on the State of Trucking

JOHN SIMMS
HNI V.P. Risk – Business Solutions

As I reflect on another successful American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition — which took place last week in sunny, humid Orlando, Florida (too bad for those freezing in other parts of the U.S.) — there were many takeaways from this conference. Here are my top four:

Topics: Transportation

The Alphabet Crimes

JOHN SIMMS
HNI Vice President

As I was flying home last week from the TCA Conference in Las Vegas, I could not help think about Eddie Murphy and the movie Beverly Hills Cop II.  Maybe it was that I had way too much time on my hands waiting for my connection in Phoenix (nobody flies direct anymore, but that is another story).  Or maybe it was because I had sat through seminar after seminar hearing about how our Washington bureaucrats have stepped up enforcement activities in the trucking industry. 

Topics: Transportation

Takeaways from the ACS/TCA Recruitment & Retention Conference

JOHN SIMMS
HNI Vice President

I had the pleasure of attending the 10th Annual Recruitment & Retention Conference hosted by the ACS and TCA last week in Nashville, TN.  Held at the Renaissance Hotel (a major improvement over the previous year) the conference had over 300 recruiting and retention professionals in attendance.  This conference gave carriers the opportunity to learn new strategies relating to driver recruiting and retention as well as allow these professionals to network with their industry peers. 

Topics: Transportation