TTA SMC/MC Upper East TN Council

Quarterly Safety Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: March 26, 2026, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Amie Carter of JD Metals. Introductions were made,

and all attendees were welcomed. Special guests, including SGT Eggers from the Tennessee

Highway Patrol, were recognized.

The meeting discussion focused on upcoming safety initiatives, transportation safety education,

FMCSA compliance, roadside inspections, and cargo securement requirements.

Marty provided updates regarding upcoming events and safety programs, including Road Team

Captains, youth commercial vehicle and driving education, community outreach efforts, and the

new virtual driving simulator. The simulator will provide training opportunities involving multiple

vehicle types, including semi-trucks, racecars, and garbage trucks. Amie emphasized the

importance of Road Team Captains educating youth about transportation career opportunities.

A discussion was held regarding the importance of safety professionals in the transportation

industry. Marty noted, “If you’re in safety, you will always have a job,” emphasizing that safety

challenges continuously evolve and require ongoing attention.

Amie shared a previous roadside inspection experience conducted at MM21 on I-81 involving 30

inspections and 68 violations. The discussion highlighted the important role of the Tennessee

Highway Patrol (THP) in protecting drivers and improving transportation safety.

The group reviewed FMCSA safety ratings and inspection processes. It was discussed that increased

THP inspections can help identify issues and improve safety ratings. Rating categories discussed

included:

- Red: 75 and above

- Yellow: 51–74

- Green: Below 50

Greeneville scale upgrades were discussed, including advanced technology such as infrared heat

detection and tire anomaly systems designed to improve inspection accuracy.

Amie reminded attendees of the upcoming May 12–14 Blitz event, with areas of focus including:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) falsification and cargo securement.

SGT Eggers presented information regarding FMCSA regulations, load securement, and inspection

expectations. He shared his background with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, including 29 years of

service, safety audit training, industry support, and assisting new carriers with DOT requirements.

The importance of proper load securement was reviewed in detail. Topics included:

- FMCSA Regulation 393.100 cargo securement requirements

- Preventing load shifts

- Proper use of tie downs, chains, cables, friction mats, and edge protection

- Proper strap placement and working load limits

- Cargo placement and restraint requirements

- Front-end structure requirements under FMCSA 393.14

- Ensuring securement components are in proper working condition under FMCSA 393.104

- Strap requirements based on cargo length under FMCSA 393.110

SGT Eggers discussed common safety concerns, including ice falling from trailers, improper pre-trip

inspections, and the importance of inspecting trailers before entering the roadway.

Additional securement discussion included working load limits, aggregate working load limits,

proper number of straps, and the importance that “straps are only as strong as their weakest link.”

The group reviewed inspection priorities, including equipment defects, working load limits, and

proper securement length.

Amie discussed JD Metals’ practice of removing center boards before placing new trucks into

service to allow proper strap placement from both sides of the trailer.

Upcoming events were announced:

- April 7 – Greeneville Scales Roadside

- April 16 – East TN Big Rigs for Little Kids

- May 1–2 – TTA Truck Driving Championships

- May 12–14 – Blitz Event

- May 22 – Safety Break I-81 Dandridge

- June 23 – CMV Crash Investigation Workshop

- June 25 – 2nd Quarterly Upper East TN Council Meeting

- July 21 – Data Q Course

Amie announced that Clint from Danny Herman Trucking will serve as Vice Chair. Amie also shared

a successful Data Q challenge where a violation was removed from JD Metals’ record. The

discussion emphasized the importance of keeping driver records and licensing information up to

date, including medical and vision requirements.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

(Felicia McAmis, Secretary)