This story was written and originally published by Bulk Transporter magazine in 2018.
Now in its 70th year, J&M Tank Lines planning on more growth and expansion | Bulk Transporter
OVER the course of its 70-year history, J&M Tank Lines Inc has experienced plenty of change. The company that exists today reflects a steady process of transition and evolution.
The management team continues to make the adjustments needed to ensure that the Birmingham, Alabama-based tank truck carrier is on the right track for continued success. J&M Tank Lines expects to generate gross revenues of roughly $75 million in 2018 and management has targeted $85 million in gross revenues in 2019.
“We’re busier than ever,” says Peter Sumerford, president of J&M Tank Lines. “We’ll haul about 110,000 loads in 2018. We’ve been diversifying our range of cargoes to include plastic pellets and a wider range of foodgrade products. We’ve opened terminals in the Chicago area and Baltimore area. We now have sales representatives in Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Dallas, Texas.
“While we are focused on expanding our geographic footprint and cargo range, we haven’t forgotten the foundation accounts and commodities that built our company. Our longest active account has been with us 52 years. Of our top 25 revenue accounts, 16 joined us more than 25 years ago and four are 15-plus-year accounts. We enter every new customer relationship thinking in the long term.”
Harold Sumerford Jr, chairman of J&M Tank Lines, adds: “To help with retention and recruiting, we rolled out a new driver compensation package based on a per mile/per ton that has boosted pay by more than 25% in some cases. We’re investing more in fleet upgrades. We bought 84 new tractors in 2018, and we will buy another 118 in 2019. We also bought around 90 new trailers.
“We’re relatively optimistic about the next year or so. We’re seeing a lot of positive economic signs. For instance roofing material plants are building inventory at a rapid rate, and we view these companies as a good economic barometer. All indications are that the strong economy should continue for at least the next nine months.”
Market changes
J&M Tank Lines has seen plenty of economic shifts over the course of its 70-year history. Most importantly, the trucking company has been able to successfully adapt to the market changes.
A $125 bank loan financed the start up of J&M Trucking Company in 1948. The company founder—Jimmie McClinton—based the one-truck operation on Montgomery, Alabama. Until the mid-1960s, baled cotton was the main commodity transported by J&M Trucking. The company eventually became the largest hauler of baled cotton in the United States.
In 1952, McClinton brought three partners into the business—Buck Jackson, Wingate Jackson, and Bill Jackson—and the trucking company grew steadily. In 1953, they purchased H B Trucking Company in Americus, Georgia, and McClinton and Buck Jackson moved to Americus. By then, J&M Trucking was hauling peanuts, as well as baled cotton.
Harold A Sumerford Sr joined the operation in 1961 as bookkeeper and assistant manager of the company’s cotton warehouse.
J&M Trucking obtained its first Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) authority in 1962 to haul salt from Louisiana to the Southeast. A very prosperous endeavor for many years, this was the beginning of many operating authorities from the ICC.
Early acquisitions
Another key acquisition came in 1964 with the purchase of Har-Pen Trucking in Milledgeville, Georgia. This put J&M Trucking into the transport of clay pipe, which the carrier hauled all over the eastern part of the United States.
“At the same time, we also started hauling bulk and bagged cement from Atlanta,” Harold Sumerford Jr says. “We were in the right place at the right time for hauling construction materials. Florida was a big destination for the shipments.”
The first dry bulk trailer for cement was added to the fleet in 1966. That same year, Harold Sumerford Sr and the main offices of the company relocated to Milledgeville. The hunt for fleet acquisitions—both carriers and ICC authority–continued. During this time, McClinton and Harold Sumerford Sr bought out the other partners.
By then, J&M Trucking had grown its increasingly diversified operation to 700 company-owned tractors and was posting roughly $40 million in annual gross revenues. The operation included flatbed, van, and tank trailers.
Melvin Collins joined J&M Transportation Company in the 1970s, and served as general manager from 1976 to 1986. From there, he went on to found Southeastern Pneumatic, a tank trailer and equipment distributor.
Tank division
Liquid and dry bulk transport activity had grown enough by 1979 that the tank division of J&M Transportation was established. J&M Tank Lines was officially launched in 1980 and began operating with 60 trucks.
1982 brought a strategic shift for the company. McClinton had died in 1981, and Harold Sumerford Sr bought the stock of J&M Tank Lines from the McClinton Estate, giving him 100% ownership. The flatbed and van portion of the company was sold to Builders Transport, Savannah, Georgia.
However, it wasn’t long before the flatbeds were back. Harold Sumerford Sr purchased Ragsdale Truck Line Inc, Birmingham, Alabama, in 1985. Ragsdale was a flatbed operator that also had dry bulk authority, which allowed J&M Tank Lines to expand into Alabama with dry bulk trailers.
The company launched refrigerated trucking company Coldway Carriers Inc in 1987 in Ocala, Florida. This fleet primarily hauled juice from Florida to the Midwest. Boxed beef accounted for most of the backhauls.
In 1988, J&M purchased Fox Transport Inc, a Chattanooga, Tennessee, regional transporter of liquid asphalt and dry bulk products. That same year, the company purchased the assets of Wilson Freight Lines, a flatbed carrier in Savannah, Georgia. That company was merged with Ragsdale, which enabled J&M to double its presence in Savannah. The combined operation was called J&M Transport.
In 1995, J&M established a new division hauling liquid foodgrade commodities throughout the United States. It was based in Ocala, Florida with the refrigerated fleet.
By the start of the 21st Century, J&M Tank Lines was running approximately 550 tractors. Cargoes were as diverse as ever, and the carrier was operating vans, liquid tanks, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and pneumatic dry bulkers.
In June 2002, Harold Sumerford Sr announced he was retiring and planned to turn the business over to his sons Harold Jr (who had joined the company in 1978) and Peter (who came on board in 1989). The brothers decided to focus on the most profitable part of the business—pneumatic tanks—and divest the rest. Over the next six months, other operations—refrigerated, flatbed, and liquid tanks—were sold or liquidated.
Following the consolidation and restructuring, J&M Tank Lines was operating 220 tractors and 300 trailers. The primary commodity hauled was calcium carbonate from mines in Georgia and Alabama.
By 2004, the carrier had begun hauling some dry bulk foodgrade commodities—specifically flour from terminals in Georgia and Alabama. Forty-two tractors and trailers were dedicated to the operation.
Westward shift
J&M Tank Lines began a western expansion in 2007 with the opening of its first terminal west of the Mississippi River with the opening of a terminal in Marble Falls, Texas. Twenty-two transports based at the facility served calcium carbonate customers primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.
A year later, the corporate headquarters was moved from Americus, Georgia, to Birmingham, Alabama. “This move meant our headquarters was now more geographically centered,” Peter Sumerford says.
Over the last few years, J&M Tank Lines has reentered cement hauling and non-hazardous and hazardous liquid transport. The carrier now has 45 pneumatic trailers hauling plastic pellets, and frac sand is being hauled in Texas.
Throughout the decades, the Sumerfords have been very engaged in industry organizations at the state and national levels. Harold Sr and Harold Jr served as chairman of National Tank Truck Carriers, and Harold Jr will become American Trucking Associations chairman in 2021. Currently he is ATA vice-chairman. Peter currently serves as vice-chairman of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association and will become chairman in 2019.
Geographic focus
Today, J&M Tank Lines operates approximately 450 tractors, 550 pneumatic dry bulkers, 50 tank trailers, a handful of flatbeds and vans dispersed among 15 terminals. Regional hauls averaging 178 miles fleet-wide predominate, and most operations are conducted in the eastern half of the United States, with a primary focus on the Southeast and Gulf Coast.
“Our longest runs are around 1,000 miles,” Peter Sumerford says. “A majority of our drivers are out and back daily. A four-day circuit would be the longest single stretch on the road for any of our drivers.”
Fleet operations are managed with Trimble’s TMW Suite and TMT software systems, which the carrier has been using since 2002. The carrier also has specified PeopleNet on-board computers since 2006 and has run e-logs since 2009.
The carrier runs 98% Kenworth company tractors, with the newest models being T680s. Sixty-percent have sleepers. Tractors based in the Southeast are specified with PACCAR MX-13 engines rated at 450 horsepower. In the western side of the operation, company tractors are spec’d with the Cummins X15 rated for 550 horsepower. All of the tractors come with the Eaton Advantage automated transmission.
“Tractors used in Texas have a better resale value with the higher horsepower Cummins engine,” Harold Sumerford Jr says.
Safety systems include the Bendix Wingman Fusion package with active cruise control with braking features, along with collision mitigation technology. AutoVue is a vision-based system that detects when a commercial vehicle begins to drift toward an unintended lane change and alerts the driver. BlindSpotter is a side-radar system designed to alert drivers to vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes. A forward-looking video camera also is part of the system.
J&M Tank Lines also takes advantage of Bendix’s web portal, SafetyDirect. Linked to onboard safety technologies, the system wirelessly and automatically—via an onboard telematics system—transmits real-time driver performance data and event-based information to the fleet’s back office for analysis by fleet safety personnel. The information transmitted includes recorded video taken from the AutoVue camera. The resulting reports can help a fleet develop more targeted driver support, reward, and training programs.
Tractors and trailers are specified with air disc brakes. Bridgestone tires are the choice for replacement. The carrier runs wide-base tires in the drive and trailer positions on equipment in the southeast and duals in the western region.
Product handling equipment includes Gardner Denver blowers with power supplied through Chelsea PTOs. Southeastern Pneumatic supplies the blowers.
Dry bulk trailers range in capacity from 1,000 to 2,400 cu ft and are built by J&L Tank and Tremcar. Tremcar also manufactures the sanitary tank trailers used to transport sweeteners and edible oils. The newest trailers have Bendix roll stability, Hendrickson Intraax axle/suspensions, and Meritor Tire Inflation by PSI.
Driver program
Keeping the fleet busy requires a solid strategy for driver recruiting and retention. To that end, J&M Tank Lines recently implemented a new driver compensation package with pay on a per-mile/per-ton basis. Safety bonuses are now on a per-mile base, and drivers receive a percentage of the bonus in their weekly pay, with the remainder paid quarterly. The carrier now pays loyalty bonus calculated on length of tenure.
“We believe the changes in the driver compensation package will have a positive impact on safety, as well as driver retention,” says Dave Edmonson, J&M Tank Lines vice-president of safety and compliance. “Drivers have responded well to the new program, and they see it as a positive.
“In every way practical, we want to foster a family environment. We believe that is a key element in driver morale and retention. We promote good communication through an open-door policy with our top executives.”
J&M Tank Lines focuses on experienced tractor-trailer drivers with no vehicle accidents in the past 36 months and a clean criminal history. Drivers selected by the carrier typically are in their mid-30s to 40s.
New hires start with a one-week orientation at the Sylacauga, Alabama terminal that includes time on the company’s dry-bulk transfer simulator. Next comes one to two weeks with a driver trainer.
“We have at least one driver trainer at each terminal,” Edmonson says. “Throughout the training, we make sure drivers understand our expectations. We’re even producing a video that gives a look at a day in the life of a J&M Tank Lines driver.
Edmonson is working with Eric Hanson, J&M Tank Lines’ vice-president of H R development, to revamp the training and safety programs. As the company grows, we need a more formal training program that includes on-line instruction. We are working with Vertical Alliance to develop customized training videos on equipment such as pumps and blowers.
“Training isn’t just for drivers. We’re also developing in-house training for dispatchers and other company employees. We’re putting our dispatchers through the driver orientation, and we are encouraging them to participate in ride-alongs with drivers.
“We’re getting families involved in the driver training and safety effort. We’re giving them access to on-line training as a way to help encourage driver buy-in to the program.”
At all levels, the carrier is promoting a growth-oriented strategy for the future. Peter Sumerford says the carrier pursuing growth through acquisitions, as well as internal growth opportunities. Harold Sumerford Jr adds that the current goal of $100 million in revenues is well within reach.
TOP 6 THINGS YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BECOMING A TRUCKER
If you’ve ever considered becoming a truck driver, there’s never been a better time to make the career move. In our growing economy, employment of heavy equipment and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow 6 percent from now until 2026. The economy depends on truck drivers to transport freight and keep supply chains moving; as the demand for goods increases, more truck drivers are needed. We have answered some FAQ to give other motorists and those interested in driving, an idea of what goes into the trucking industry and what is required of drivers.
HOW DO I BECOME A TRUCK DRIVER?
To become a commercial truck driver, you’ll need to get a commercial driver’s license through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Before you can pass the required exam, you’ll probably need to enroll in a truck driving school, which typically takes about 7 weeks. Depending on whether you want a Class A or Class B license, the cost can range from $3,000 to $7,000. Generally, the more time you have to spend training to earn your chosen license, the more you should plan to spend on tuition. You may even qualify for financial aid to help with the cost of truck driving school.
HOW MUCH DO TRUCK DRIVERS EARN?
Some drivers are paid by the hour, while others are paid by the mile. The average driver earns about $45,000 per year, but drivers who are paid by the mile may earn more than hourly drivers, drawing in between $0.27 and $0.40 per mile for approximately 2,000 miles each week.
Drivers can be paid a variety of ways, the most common is to be paid by the hour, by the mile or by a percentage of the load. The average driver earns about $45,000 per year but depending on how they are paid, some drivers may earn more than others. Another key factor that can go into a driver’s pay is whether they use a company truck or if they own and operate their own. Which routes drivers are open to driving can also play a large role in their yearly income.
HOW LONG DO THEY DRIVE?
Truckers are limited to a total of 11 hours of drive time during each 14-hour period, and they’re required to have 10 or more consecutive hours off between each 14-hour period. The 14-hour window begins when any kind of work starts, even if it’s not actually driving.
HOW DO THEY STAY AWAKE?
Most truck drivers find that the responsibilities of managing and driving a large truck are more than enough to keep them engaged behind the wheel. That, combined with mandatory limitations on drive time, mean most truckers have no trouble remaining alert while driving. Some drivers also invest in satellite radio, audiobooks or podcasts to listen to on the road to keep them engaged.
WHERE DO TRUCK DRIVERS SLEEP?
Most over-the-road (OTR) semi-trucks have a twin size bed that pulls down from the wall of the cab, so drivers can sleep wherever they can park. Of course, just like a car, a truck can’t run all night during sleep hours. So when it’s too warm or too cold to sleep comfortably without heat or air conditioning, many truckers will stay at a motel to avoid losing any sleep.
Most over-the-road (OTR) drivers have sleeper trucks that have a twin sized bed in the back of the cab, so drivers can sleep wherever they can park. Some trucks even have generators, microwaves, mini-fridges and televisions to help drivers be more comfortable. Some companies also will give drivers a daily stipend they can choose to use on food or a hotel room if they wish.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRUCKING JOBS?
Yes, there are several different options depending on how you want to drive and who you want to work for. First, you can choose between being a solo or a team OTR driver. Team drivers can log more miles because the truck never stops moving (your partner drives while you rest and vice versa), and they split the pay, which can average up to $100,000-$150,000 per year.
Next, you can choose to be a dedicated driver — who drives for a single company and typically spend more time at home — or work as a truck driver trainer once you’ve had a chance to gain some experience. Trainers can earn more than a typical driver, bringing home as much as $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
Finally, if you like the idea of working for yourself, you can become an owner-operator. As the name implies, this option means you own the truck you drive, which puts the responsibility for insurance and maintenance entirely on you.
Truck driving continues to be a growing career opportunity, and it requires a relatively small investment of time and money to get started. If the freedom of the open road is calling you, maybe it’s time to answer. Visit J & M Tank to learn more about job opportunities and apply online.
J & M Tank is a family owned trucking company that has been in business since 1948. We have terminals located in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas.
J&M TRUCKING: OUR DRIVERS LOVE US. BUT DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT…TAKE JOHNNY’S
We have an elite team of tanker drivers at J&M. Our great drivers are what set us apart from other companies – they are why we are known as one of the top transportation companies in the Southeast. People who drive for us know that we are a family company that respects our employees and drivers and that we want them to succeed and thrive within our company.
MEET OUR DRIVERS: JOHNNY CHERGOTAKOS
Johnny started out as a tanker driver and is now a recruiter for J&M Tank Lines. Like Johnny, many of our truck drivers have had the opportunity to advance their careers within our company. He answers some of our questions about what his journey has been like working for J&M Tank Lines.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE J&M TANK LINES?
Johnny started driving for J&M in 2016. Before he started, he compared many different companies and what they had to offer. He found that J&M was the perfect place for him as he was looking to begin a new career.
Johnny says, “It seemed like everything I wanted. When I was doing my research on starting a new career, It seemed like J&M had the best home-time, pay, benefits, just a better package overall. So I chose them, and I’m glad I did. It’s been a great company. I love driving for them.”
WHAT KIND OF HOME TIME DO J&M DRIVERS RECEIVE?
Johnny found that J&M had a lot of options for drivers and the kind of time they want to spend in a truck over the road. He also discovered that no matter if you are local or long-haul, J&M drivers spend more time at home than drivers for other companies.
He explains, “We run regional, we’ve got some local, we’ve got some long-haul. Our local guys are just that, they’re local; they’re home most nights. Regional guys are typically out 2-3 nights a week. Even our long-haul guys, they might be out maybe 5 days a week. So even our long-haul isn’t out weeks on end with a 5-day break.”
J&M understands how important time at home with family is. We make sure drivers like Johnny are able to get home as much as possible.
WHY DID YOU STICK AROUND?
As Johnny discovered from the very start, we are a company that shows our employees respect through our candor and by doing whatever we can to make things run smoothly.
He states, “J&M was pretty straight forward and honest from the get-go; everything they said, they lived up to. As long as I did the work and did my job, got my loads there on time, they took care of me. The pay was good, and the operations are awesome. Dispatch is some of the best guys I ever worked with.”
J&M is also a company who cares for the well-being of our drivers. We know that everyone is going to have some hard times in life, and we are there for each other when they do. That’s why drivers like Johnny stick around.
“Rarely did I miss work,” Johnny states, “but if something serious came up, there were no questions asked. They would have my back. I felt like I was part of a family instead of a number. I had no reason to look anywhere else.”
WHAT WAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE DISPATCHERS AND MAINTENANCE?
As Johnny noticed, we make sure communication channels are always open and that every employee treats each other with respect.
He says, “Working with my dispatchers was like working with a buddy. We always communicated, and communication was really important to me. They’re good guys. They’re trained well. They don’t treat you like a number. They treat you like an individual, the way they should. They treat you like a coworker.”
In addition to communication with dispatchers, drivers are notified when it is time for service on their trucks. Most of the trucks in our fleet are newer models. Even so, they still need maintenance from time to time. Drivers for other trucking companies often butt heads with the people who perform maintenance on their rigs. Johnny’s experience with J&M was much different.
Johnny says, “My maintenance guy made sure to let me know when my truck was due for service way in advance. They are a great crew that gets stuff done really quick.”
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DID YOU GET?
We have excellent driver trainers at J&M. Most of our drivers already have truck driving experience when they join us, but pneumatic tanks present their own unique challenges and require training to get used to.
Johnny remembers his training experience, “I’d never driven pneumatic tanks before, but I’d driven just about everything else. My trainer went over everything pretty textbook and gave me five days of pretty intense hands-on training. And after five days, I felt like I’d been doing it my whole life.”
Johnny also became a driver trainer himself. One of the most rewarding parts of Johnny’s job was, as he says, “getting those guys to not only being able to operate the truck but doing it safely and doing it well. Getting feedback from dispatch saying, hey, that guy you trained is doing a killer job out there.”
From day one, we are dedicated to the success and fulfillment of our drivers, as Johnny experienced as both a driver and a trainer.
DO YOU HAVE ANY SLOW TIMES WHERE YOU DON’T MAKE AS MUCH MONEY?
Driving a truck has its ups and downs, but we make sure our drivers feel secure, especially during the low points.
Johnny explains, “Your paycheck’s not a salary; it’s what you get out there and earn. So paychecks may vary, but they stay pretty much in the same range.”
The main concern for drivers and their paychecks is when there is a slow-down, as is the case with some things like cement during December and January, but J&M has a minimum guarantee to act as a safety net and help drivers when things like slow-downs happen.
Johnny says, “Even when it slows down, it’s less customer freight, but you’re still doing a lot of stock transfers. So you’re staying busy. That’s why J&M has its minimum guarantee. We’ve got a safety net there that pays out at most of our terminals, and if anything was to happen, for instance when it flooded in Houston, and all those drivers were just sitting there not getting paid, our drivers were getting paid. That’s the purpose of the safety net.”
We value our drivers and their livelihoods. Johnny’s experience is an example of what we strive for with all of our employees. We want everyone who works for us to feel respected and to be rewarded in their work. Johnny states that working for us is like “being a part of a family,” and that’s just what we are: A great big family.
LEARN MORE ABOUT J&M TANK LINES EXCEPTIONAL DRIVERS
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina, and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
THE MYTHS ABOUT TRUCKING: DEBUNKED
TRUCK DRIVING MYTHS, DISPELLED
Truck drivers are a solitary bunch, spending most of their work hours alone in the cab of an 18-wheeler. Because of this, there’s a sense of mystery around truckers and how they spend their time. Here are just a few of the myths surrounding truckers, along with the truth behind them.
Truck drivers often times are seen by other motorists as “the enemy”, when in fact they are working to make their living just like everyone else. Here are a few common misconceptions about truck drivers and the trucking industry.
MYTH: TRUCKERS ARE AWAY FROM HOME FOR WEEKS AT A TIME. THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY REQUIRES ALL DRIVERS TO BE AWAY FROM HOME FOR WEEKS AT A TIME DURING THEIR CAREERS.
FACT: This is typically true, particularly for drivers just starting out. Initial training may require up to 6 weeks onsite with the trucking company, and after training, drivers are frequently assigned a trainer or mentor. Driving with a trainer can also require up to 6 weeks away from home, though this will vary by company. Once they have some experience under the belts, truckers are better able to find a company whose location and routes work best for their desired at-home time. Truckers with 2-3 years of experience can even find opportunities to allow them to be home weekly.
While truckers are typically away from home weeks on end during the beginning of their career, many have the opportunity to drive local or regional routes allowing them to be home more frequently. Once receiving their CDL, drivers must gain some form of experience before qualifying for many companies that offer more local routes. Driver’s typically gain experience through Over The Road (OTR) routes, offered to them by transport companies that do not require as much experience as others. Following their time OTR, driver’s are able to gain the experience necessary for companies that offer routes closer to home; giving them the ability to be home most nights, if not every night.
MYTH: TRUCKERS FREQUENTLY DRIVE TO THE POINT OF EXHAUSTION.
FACT: There are strict guidelines, intended to protect both truckers and other drivers. Their routes are carefully planned to allow for consistent, frequent rest stops. Commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to limit their cumulative driving time to 11 hours in a 14-hour period, followed by no less than 10 consecutive hours of rest time. In addition, truckers are limited to no more than 70 hours over 8 consecutive days.
The Department of Transportation enforces laws put in place to protect both truckers and other motorists. Driving routes are planned in compliance with these laws and other regulations to ensure drivers are able to stop when required without repercussions. Most states require commercial drivers to limit their cumulative driving time to 11 hours in a 14-hour period, followed by no less than 10 consecutive hours of rest time. In addition, truckers are limited to no more than 70 hours over 8 consecutive days.
MYTH: ALL TRUCKERS ARE MEN. ONLY MEN CAN DRIVE A TRUCK
FACT: Only about 6% of truckers were women, as of 2006. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that women’s typically smaller stature can make it difficult to operate a big rig. But women can drive trucks just as well as men, and insurance industry data shows that women are frequently even safer drivers than men. The number of women truckers continue to grow, though slowly, and could provide a viable career over time.
About 6% of truck drivers are women as of 2018. While some believe this is because men are better drivers than women, insurance companies are claiming the opposite. Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men and tend to pay more attention during training. This attention to detail helps prevent accidents and spills, in addition to any errors during pre and post trip inspections. The number of female drivers is climbing slowly as more women discover trucking as a viable career path.
MYTH: TRUCKERS ARE IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVERS WHO ARE JUST CONCERNED WITH GETTING THERE FAST. TRUCKERS ARE IRRESPONSIBLE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS WHO ARE ONLY CONCERNED WITH GETTING TO THEIR DESTINATION QUICKLY.
FACT: Truckers are professional drivers who plan their routes well in advance, in order to avoid unnecessary hurry. They rely on their driving ability and their driving record to earn and keep jobs. Truckers also drive about 5 times more miles than typical commuters, so they get a lot of practice. In addition, they are more rigorously trained than typical drivers, and routinely tested for drug and alcohol use. In short, most truckers take their driving responsibility very seriously and simply cannot afford not to.
While there are good and bad in every profession, most drivers see their job as just that. A profession. They rely heavily on their driving ability and care deeply about their driving records. Much like their version of a resume – a driver’s record tells future employers the facts they need to know before deciding to hire them or not. Many drivers take extra precautions to protect the state of their CDL whether that is on the road or not. Driving responsibly is not an option, but a requirement for drivers, as they cannot afford not to.
MYTH: TRUCKING IS A DYING INDUSTRY.
FACT: The trucking industry is expected to add an estimated 100,000 new jobs by 2026. Truckers provide a critical service in the American economy, delivering everything from fresh produce and other food to cars and electronics. And given the rise in online shopping, it’s unlikely that trucking will slow any time soon.
The trucking industry is expected to add an estimated 100,000 new jobs by 2026. Truckers provide a critical service to the American economy, delivering everything from fresh produce and other foods to cars and electronics. With the current rise in online shopping, it is unlikely that the trucking industry will die out any time soon and will likely continue to grow.
These are just a few of the common misconceptions about truckers and the trucking industry. If this is a career path you’re considering, you owe it to yourself to learn more. Visit J & M Tank to learn more about job opportunities and apply online.
Learn How J&M Tank Lines Debunks Trucking Myths in Birmingham, AL
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today
MEET OUR DRIVERS: DANNY HEADLEY
It’s a privilege to be surrounded by an amazing team of drivers who work hard to keep J&M the leader in transportation in the Southeast. We wouldn’t be where we are without the talents and get-it-done spirit our drivers possess.
MEET OUR DRIVERS:DANNY HEADLEY
Danny Headley is one of our top drivers with years of experience in commercial driving for J&M and other local companies. We called Danny to discuss his background and why he loves driving for J&M.
DANNY’S BACKGROUND
February 12th, 2019, will be Danny’s 10th year with J&M Tank Lines, he says. Before that he worked on-and-off jobs in Calera, where he lives, for a “year or two years max.” However, something clicked with J&M.
“I love the go, go, go,” Danny says, “there’s never really a dull moment.”
Particularly, he loves the lack of micromanaging. A father of two, Danny is able to take time off to see his daughter graduate, go to prom, and also be there for the development of his 5-year-old daughter — without feeling like he’s being watched or made to feel bad for taking off.
WHY HE LOVES J&M
Unlike prior trucking companies that made Danny “feel like a number,” J&M works hard to show Danny that he’s appreciated through interoffice events, like potlucks and luncheons. He’s encouraged to bring his family to events.
“It’s a great company for a family to work for,” says Danny. “They work around you and your life.”
Of course, he says, the benefits are great, too. He receives health and dental insurance, vacation and sick leave — all benefits that aren’t always afforded to other local trucking operations.
Plus, with J&M, he’s able to work hard and get compensated accordingly. Because J&M has a standard of excellence for their drivers, he understands that he represents some of the best in the industry in the Southeast. “You can make the money you want to make if you work hard,” he says.
Since 85% of our jobs are local, Danny is able to get compensated for his hard work while seeing his family regularly. It’s a win-win in his book.
A MATTER OF RESPECT
It boils down to respect, Danny says. “You treat them with respect, and they treat you with respect back.” At the end of the day, he says he feels like he’s seen as a person.
“They’re an easy-going company. As long as you do your work and you get along with everyone and treat them with respect, you’re good to go.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT J&M TANK LINES’S EXCEPTIONAL DRIVERS IN BIRMINGHAM, AL
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
HOW WE SPECIALIZE IN FOOD GRADE, COMMODITY AND BULK TRANSPORTATION
As a leader in transportation in the Southeast, we do more than just get from Point A to B. Our specialized truckers transport all types of shipments, including commodities transport, food grade shipping and liquid bulk solutions. We take pride in being the best at what we ship no matter the material or timeline.
PROVIDING SPECIALIZED SHIPPING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
J&M provides a variety of programs designed to link our partners with the resources they need to be stand out in today’s global economy.
Of course, we have specialties in commodities, food grade materials and liquid bulk. We have a fleet of trucks and tanks that are capable of handling whatever resource you need shipped. We operate 550 pneumatic tanks, 50 food grade tanks and 25 flatbeds, so whatever you need shipped, we can do it — safely and efficiently.
HANDLING COMMODITIES TRANSPORTATION
At J&M, we handle commodity transportation. Commodities, or raw goods and materials, can include agricultural products, fuels and metals. At J&M, we ship lime, calcium carbonate, cement, sand, and much more.
Our specialized tanks and beds are capable of handling industrial grade products so our customers can feel confident they’re receiving top-of-the-line service for their resources. We can also handle smaller quantities of goods that can be palletised and placed on a flatbed.
HIGH-CALIBER FOOD GRADE SHIPPING
Unlike other commodities, food-grade products require specialized containers and equipment to ensure the integrity of the food throughout the entire transportation process. These specialized tanks must have never transported toxic chemicals or products and must be a special grade of container.
J&M has 50 food grade tanks, designed to move food products securely. When it comes to shipping food-grade products, we’re focused on being your perfect partner.
OUR SOLUTION FOR LIQUID (OR DRY) BULK
Whether it’s gasoline, cooking oil, or natural gas, we have solutions for your liquid bulk needs. We have over seven decades of experience and over 550 pneumatic tanks to handle whatever you need transported, with no problem. Our team of drivers can deliver these bulk goods throughout the Southeast and nationally.
WE TRANSPORT WHATEVER YOU NEED
For over 70 years, J&M has been a leader in bulk transport. There is very little we haven’t seen, and we’re more than confident we can transport whatever you throw at us. Our specializations in commodity transport, food grade shipping and liquid bulk solutions proves we have a broad range of transportation options.
Plus, we recruit only the best drivers in the industry (and reward them accordingly) to ensure our partners receive their products in the most efficient and safest way possible. Our standard of excellence extends to our transportation programs, and we work hard to provide our network of partners and drivers with the resources they need to thrive.
J&M TANK LINES PROVIDES SPECIALIZATIONS IN BULK TRANSPORTATION IN BIRMINGHAM, AL
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
SEEKING HIGH-CALIBER DRIVERS: J&M’S STANDARD OF HIRING EXCELLENCE
J&M TANK LINES, INC.:HIRING THE BEST DRIVERS FOR 70 YEARS
At J&M Tank Lines, Inc., our starting point is excellence. We recruit some of the most highly qualified truck drivers for our jobs, so our clients know that their job is handled effectively and efficiently.
Of course, because we uphold a standard of excellence for our drivers, we compensate them accordingly, with excellent opportunities for drivers seeking to flourish in the transportation industry. We encourage our drivers to focus on their professional and personal development, offering careers that are exciting, challenging and rewarding.
We are only as strong as our weakest link, so we continuously strive to provide opportunities for our J&M family to learn, experiment and grow, whether that’s in their job or as a person.
At J&M, we truly believe that the success of our business depends on our employees.
J&M’S STANDARD OF HIRING EXCELLENCE
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 108,400 truck driver jobs are expected to open over the next ten years (or about a growth of 6% from 2016-2026), on par with the national average. All that’s required to join the truck driving industry is a high school diploma and a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
If you meet the following minimum requirements, contact us to discuss if we are a fit for each other.
One of our goals is to create the safest environment for our customers, drivers and the general public. We are dedicated to creating an environment of excellence across all our channels — and we reward our drivers for their hard work.
Because we recruit the best truck drivers in the Southeast and across the nation, we’re able to build close-knit relationships with our customers, ensuring that their materials are received safely and efficiently.
We aim to make sure our employee family is the safest and most productive possible.
TRUCKING JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH J&M TANK LINES,INC.
Our drivers are reliable, self-dependent, courteous, honest and goal-oriented (just to name a few). If you’re looking for a stable career with room to grow professionally and personally, we’d love to hear from you.
At J&M, we make a point to treat our drivers like family. Unlike other competitors, we focus on regional jobs so our employees can return home to their families each night, and if your job requires you to be gone for a longer stretch of time, we make sure you have everything you need.
If you’re ready to make the switch to J&M, speak with one of our recruiters. They’ll walk you through the application and interview process and answer any questions you may have.
Give us a call at (800) 625-9138 today. We can’t wait to have you a part of our family.
DISCOVER HOW J&M TANK LINES LEADS THE PACK IN BIRMINGHAM, AL
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
THE BENEFITS OF DRIVING LOCALLY OVER OTR
J&M’S FOCUS ON LOCAL JOBS
At J&M Tank Lines, Inc., nearly 85% of our jobs are local. We strive to provide an environment where our drivers are home each night with their families — no long, OTR trips that require you to be gone for weeks at a time. The other 15% of our jobs we consider OTR “lite,” where our drivers will be gone 3-4 days a week.
Of course, if situations or job responsibilities require you to be gone for long periods, we’re committed to providing you everything you need to succeed.
CHOOSING LOCAL OVER OTR
Choosing a locally-focused trucking or tanking company allows you to see your family each night and have a social life. Additionally, most local CDL drivers receive a myriad of benefits, including health and dental insurance, as well as a 401k (and sometimes more).
Work/Life Balance
Because local drivers are home after every shift, they’re able to see their families and partake in their hobbies. Drivers can enjoy sleeping in their own beds and enjoy home-cooked meals with the people they love. A local trucking opportunity affords a freedom that many OTR drivers would appreciate.
Better Health
One of the hidden perks of driving locally is the opportunity to maintain an active lifestyle. Local jobs typically require drivers to load and unload freight, which results in consistent physical activity. Over time, these jobs will provide more health benefits to drivers than jobs that require significant amounts of time behind the wheel.
Local drivers make stops throughout their workday and reap the benefits of physical exercise, which leads to a healthier lifestyle overall.
We all know that sitting for long periods can lead to poorer health.
Better Company Relations
At J&M, our drivers aren’t numbers, they’re real people with real stories. Because our drivers clock in and out each day, they build relationships with us through in-person, daily contact. This environment encourages a close-knit relationship, where we build trust in our drivers (and vice versa) and know their personal and professional development intimately.
We get to know our drivers. Unlike other competitors, we host interoffice events, including potlucks and luncheons, for our drivers to enjoy and connect with our culture and team members.
SUMMARIZATION OF LOCAL DRIVING BENEFITS
Ultimately, choosing between driving locally or OTR depends on your unique lifestyle, there are numerous benefits for choosing local.
With driving locally, you’re not negotiating your drive with your home/personal life. You return home each night — with seldom overnight job responsibilities.
Your health also benefits from the increased physical activity. As part of driving locally, you’re able to stretch your muscles more often (and won’t suffer from extensive periods of sitting).
Lastly, as a local driver, you’ll build more close-knit, intimate relationships with your employer. As a member of the J&M team, you’ll feel a part of the family and are welcomed and appreciated as a person — never just a number.
Learn How J&M Tank Lines Prioritizes Local over OTR in Birmingham, AL
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
J&M TANK LINES, INC. TO DONATE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR 2018 WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
This holiday season, J&M Tank Lines, Inc. is giving back in a new way. Through a sponsorship with Wreaths Across America, J&M is donating transportation services to deliver a shipment of wreaths to nine cemeteries in Florida in anticipation of National Wreaths Across America Day.
On December 15, Wreaths Across America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, coordinates National Wreaths Across America Day, a day to honor fallen veterans through organized wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as 1,400 additional locations nationwide, at sea and abroad.
Wreaths Across America Beginnings
In 1992, Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, found himself with a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season. Worcester, who, as a boy, was deeply moved by the Arlington National Cemetery, saw an opportunity to honor America’s veterans. He, along with aid from Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arranged for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in an older section that was experiencing dwindling foot traffic.
A number of other organizations also offered additional help. James Prout of trucking company Blue Bird Ranch, Inc., provided transportation to Virginia. American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts volunteers and members of the local community decorated each wreath with traditional red bows. Members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. assisted with wreath-laying, including a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
From 1992 to 2005, the tradition was quietly celebrated. However, in 2005, a photo of the stones at Arlington adorned with wreaths and covered in snow went viral. Overnight, thousands of requests arrived from people nationwide looking to help with Arlington, share their stories, thank Worcester and even recreate the Arlington project at their National and State ceremonies.
In 2007, after years of significant interest and growth in this project nationwide, the Worcester family formed Wreaths Across America as a 501(c)(3)-designated nonprofit organization to continue and expand this initiative.
J&M’s Involvement and Timeline
Spearheaded by Andrew Petrofsky, Special Projects Manager for J&M Tank Lines, Inc., this will be the first year J&M has sponsored Wreaths Across America. “We’ve known about this cause for many years, and we’re excited to have the resources this year to volunteer,” says Petrofsky.
Petrofsky was initially skeptical about pitching the idea to sponsor Wreaths Across America. Petrofsky, whose grandfather is a veteran, felt a calling to join forces with Wreaths Across America and, during the holiday season, honor those who have fallen.
He received resounding approval from his organization to move forward with the sponsorship.
Timeline
On December 9, J&M will organize a wreath pickup in Richland, Mississippi. Petrofsky, along with the entire team of over 500 J&M employees, will celebrate the truck’s arrival in Birmingham, Alabama. Shortly after, the truck, decorated specifically for this occasion, will depart from Birmingham for Florida.
The truck will have a short window of five days to deliver the wreaths, provided through the generous support of private donations, to the nine cemeteries before National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for December 15th.
Mission
Aligning with Wreaths Across America’s mission of educating our country on the importance of honoring veterans who have fought for our country, J&M believes this opportunity is a great way to showcase America’s heroes — even within their company.
“Our purpose in volunteering is to honor our veterans, active duty military personnel and those who have provided for our country. We’re so thankful to have a team of veterans and active duty personnel at J&M that have given back to their country,” says Petrofsky.
Petrofsky is looking forward for this being an annual tradition for J&M, and with it, a continued opportunity to educate today’s youth about honoring America’s fallen veterans.
To learn more about Wreaths Across America and sponsor a wreath, visit their website or give them a call at (877) 385-9504 today.
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
WHAT SETS J&M APART FROM OTHER COMPETITORS
J&M: A LEADER IN DRY BULK TRANSPORTATION AND TRUCK DRIVING
For 70 years, J&M Tank Lines, Inc. has been the premier bulk trucking and commercial truck driving leader in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas.
We’re committed to leading the Southeast bulk transportation industry. As of 2018, J&M operates 550 pneumatic tanks, 50 food grade tanks and 25 flat beds — with that number growing each year. We have partnerships with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA), National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), NTTC Safety Council, Georgia Motor Trucking Association and the Alabama Trucking Association. These partnerships align with our mission to provide the highest-quality service and safety for our clients, employees and drivers.
We couldn’t be a leader in transportation without an exceptional team of staff and drivers behind us. We offer excellent opportunities for our drivers to flourish in the transportation industry through a distinct environment that is not only challenging but rewarding. Our team is pushed to learn, experiment and grow, both personally and professionally.
WHAT MAKES J&M UNIQUE
Unlike other companies, nearly 85% of our jobs are local, meaning our drivers are home more often — no long periods of time away from the house. We don’t want our drivers to choose between sacrificing a paycheck to see their families. Of course, if your trip does require you to be out for long stretches of time, we make sure you have everything you need.
We offer services in bulk commodities transport, food grade shipping and liquid bulk solutions. J&M offers a variety of programs and services to provide our partners with the resources they need to be successful in today’s global economy.
WORK WITH J&M: TRUCK DRIVER JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Because we offer unique growth opportunities for our drivers, we expect our drivers to uphold our standard of excellence. Our Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) are a cut above industry standard to ensure our customers and drivers receive safe and high-quality service in a timely manner.
In addition, we require:
To see our full list of requirements, click here.
We challenge our team of drivers to be the best they can be — and we reward every mile and milestone they achieve.
J&M’S FAMILY-ORIENTED CULTURE
At J&M, you’re part of a family. We treat everyone, from our employees to our clients and drivers, like you’re part of our close-knit family. We work hard for our team to feel welcomed, acknowledged and confident about their personal and professional future.
We get to know our drivers personally. Unlike other competitors, we host interoffice events, including potlucks and luncheons, for our drivers to enjoy and connect with our culture and team members. You’re not a number at J&M: you’re part of a community.
THE ONLY COMPANY YOU’LL WANT TO DRIVE FOR
We strive to be the only company you’ll want to drive for. J&M Tank Lines, Inc. has 70 years of experience as a leader in the truck driving and transportation industry. Not only do we offer great benefits and more opportunities to be home with family, but we offer a culture of dedicated, safe and high-quality service for our customers and drivers.
With J&M, you’re a member of a family of excellence.
Discover How J&M Tank Lines Leads The Pack in Birmingham, AL
J&M Tank Lines has been a leader in transportation for 70 years in the Southeast with terminals in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas. We provide high-caliber truck driving solutions locally and nationally and partner with SmartWay, American Trucking Association (ATA) and many more! Contact us or call us at 205-798-9988 to learn more today.
A look back on our 70th year!
This story was written and originally published by Bulk Transporter magazine in 2018.
Now in its 70th year, J&M Tank Lines planning on more growth and expansion | Bulk Transporter
OVER the course of its 70-year history, J&M Tank Lines Inc has experienced plenty of change. The company that exists today reflects a steady process of transition and evolution.
The management team continues to make the adjustments needed to ensure that the Birmingham, Alabama-based tank truck carrier is on the right track for continued success. J&M Tank Lines expects to generate gross revenues of roughly $75 million in 2018 and management has targeted $85 million in gross revenues in 2019.
“We’re busier than ever,” says Peter Sumerford, president of J&M Tank Lines. “We’ll haul about 110,000 loads in 2018. We’ve been diversifying our range of cargoes to include plastic pellets and a wider range of foodgrade products. We’ve opened terminals in the Chicago area and Baltimore area. We now have sales representatives in Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Dallas, Texas.
“While we are focused on expanding our geographic footprint and cargo range, we haven’t forgotten the foundation accounts and commodities that built our company. Our longest active account has been with us 52 years. Of our top 25 revenue accounts, 16 joined us more than 25 years ago and four are 15-plus-year accounts. We enter every new customer relationship thinking in the long term.”
Harold Sumerford Jr, chairman of J&M Tank Lines, adds: “To help with retention and recruiting, we rolled out a new driver compensation package based on a per mile/per ton that has boosted pay by more than 25% in some cases. We’re investing more in fleet upgrades. We bought 84 new tractors in 2018, and we will buy another 118 in 2019. We also bought around 90 new trailers.
“We’re relatively optimistic about the next year or so. We’re seeing a lot of positive economic signs. For instance roofing material plants are building inventory at a rapid rate, and we view these companies as a good economic barometer. All indications are that the strong economy should continue for at least the next nine months.”
Market changes
J&M Tank Lines has seen plenty of economic shifts over the course of its 70-year history. Most importantly, the trucking company has been able to successfully adapt to the market changes.
A $125 bank loan financed the start up of J&M Trucking Company in 1948. The company founder—Jimmie McClinton—based the one-truck operation on Montgomery, Alabama. Until the mid-1960s, baled cotton was the main commodity transported by J&M Trucking. The company eventually became the largest hauler of baled cotton in the United States.
In 1952, McClinton brought three partners into the business—Buck Jackson, Wingate Jackson, and Bill Jackson—and the trucking company grew steadily. In 1953, they purchased H B Trucking Company in Americus, Georgia, and McClinton and Buck Jackson moved to Americus. By then, J&M Trucking was hauling peanuts, as well as baled cotton.
Harold A Sumerford Sr joined the operation in 1961 as bookkeeper and assistant manager of the company’s cotton warehouse.
J&M Trucking obtained its first Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) authority in 1962 to haul salt from Louisiana to the Southeast. A very prosperous endeavor for many years, this was the beginning of many operating authorities from the ICC.
Early acquisitions
Another key acquisition came in 1964 with the purchase of Har-Pen Trucking in Milledgeville, Georgia. This put J&M Trucking into the transport of clay pipe, which the carrier hauled all over the eastern part of the United States.
“At the same time, we also started hauling bulk and bagged cement from Atlanta,” Harold Sumerford Jr says. “We were in the right place at the right time for hauling construction materials. Florida was a big destination for the shipments.”
The first dry bulk trailer for cement was added to the fleet in 1966. That same year, Harold Sumerford Sr and the main offices of the company relocated to Milledgeville. The hunt for fleet acquisitions—both carriers and ICC authority–continued. During this time, McClinton and Harold Sumerford Sr bought out the other partners.
By then, J&M Trucking had grown its increasingly diversified operation to 700 company-owned tractors and was posting roughly $40 million in annual gross revenues. The operation included flatbed, van, and tank trailers.
Melvin Collins joined J&M Transportation Company in the 1970s, and served as general manager from 1976 to 1986. From there, he went on to found Southeastern Pneumatic, a tank trailer and equipment distributor.
Tank division
Liquid and dry bulk transport activity had grown enough by 1979 that the tank division of J&M Transportation was established. J&M Tank Lines was officially launched in 1980 and began operating with 60 trucks.
1982 brought a strategic shift for the company. McClinton had died in 1981, and Harold Sumerford Sr bought the stock of J&M Tank Lines from the McClinton Estate, giving him 100% ownership. The flatbed and van portion of the company was sold to Builders Transport, Savannah, Georgia.
However, it wasn’t long before the flatbeds were back. Harold Sumerford Sr purchased Ragsdale Truck Line Inc, Birmingham, Alabama, in 1985. Ragsdale was a flatbed operator that also had dry bulk authority, which allowed J&M Tank Lines to expand into Alabama with dry bulk trailers.
The company launched refrigerated trucking company Coldway Carriers Inc in 1987 in Ocala, Florida. This fleet primarily hauled juice from Florida to the Midwest. Boxed beef accounted for most of the backhauls.
In 1988, J&M purchased Fox Transport Inc, a Chattanooga, Tennessee, regional transporter of liquid asphalt and dry bulk products. That same year, the company purchased the assets of Wilson Freight Lines, a flatbed carrier in Savannah, Georgia. That company was merged with Ragsdale, which enabled J&M to double its presence in Savannah. The combined operation was called J&M Transport.
In 1995, J&M established a new division hauling liquid foodgrade commodities throughout the United States. It was based in Ocala, Florida with the refrigerated fleet.
By the start of the 21st Century, J&M Tank Lines was running approximately 550 tractors. Cargoes were as diverse as ever, and the carrier was operating vans, liquid tanks, refrigerated trailers, flatbeds, and pneumatic dry bulkers.
In June 2002, Harold Sumerford Sr announced he was retiring and planned to turn the business over to his sons Harold Jr (who had joined the company in 1978) and Peter (who came on board in 1989). The brothers decided to focus on the most profitable part of the business—pneumatic tanks—and divest the rest. Over the next six months, other operations—refrigerated, flatbed, and liquid tanks—were sold or liquidated.
Following the consolidation and restructuring, J&M Tank Lines was operating 220 tractors and 300 trailers. The primary commodity hauled was calcium carbonate from mines in Georgia and Alabama.
By 2004, the carrier had begun hauling some dry bulk foodgrade commodities—specifically flour from terminals in Georgia and Alabama. Forty-two tractors and trailers were dedicated to the operation.
Westward shift
J&M Tank Lines began a western expansion in 2007 with the opening of its first terminal west of the Mississippi River with the opening of a terminal in Marble Falls, Texas. Twenty-two transports based at the facility served calcium carbonate customers primarily in Texas and Oklahoma.
A year later, the corporate headquarters was moved from Americus, Georgia, to Birmingham, Alabama. “This move meant our headquarters was now more geographically centered,” Peter Sumerford says.
Over the last few years, J&M Tank Lines has reentered cement hauling and non-hazardous and hazardous liquid transport. The carrier now has 45 pneumatic trailers hauling plastic pellets, and frac sand is being hauled in Texas.
Throughout the decades, the Sumerfords have been very engaged in industry organizations at the state and national levels. Harold Sr and Harold Jr served as chairman of National Tank Truck Carriers, and Harold Jr will become American Trucking Associations chairman in 2021. Currently he is ATA vice-chairman. Peter currently serves as vice-chairman of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association and will become chairman in 2019.
Geographic focus
Today, J&M Tank Lines operates approximately 450 tractors, 550 pneumatic dry bulkers, 50 tank trailers, a handful of flatbeds and vans dispersed among 15 terminals. Regional hauls averaging 178 miles fleet-wide predominate, and most operations are conducted in the eastern half of the United States, with a primary focus on the Southeast and Gulf Coast.
“Our longest runs are around 1,000 miles,” Peter Sumerford says. “A majority of our drivers are out and back daily. A four-day circuit would be the longest single stretch on the road for any of our drivers.”
Fleet operations are managed with Trimble’s TMW Suite and TMT software systems, which the carrier has been using since 2002. The carrier also has specified PeopleNet on-board computers since 2006 and has run e-logs since 2009.
The carrier runs 98% Kenworth company tractors, with the newest models being T680s. Sixty-percent have sleepers. Tractors based in the Southeast are specified with PACCAR MX-13 engines rated at 450 horsepower. In the western side of the operation, company tractors are spec’d with the Cummins X15 rated for 550 horsepower. All of the tractors come with the Eaton Advantage automated transmission.
“Tractors used in Texas have a better resale value with the higher horsepower Cummins engine,” Harold Sumerford Jr says.
Safety systems include the Bendix Wingman Fusion package with active cruise control with braking features, along with collision mitigation technology. AutoVue is a vision-based system that detects when a commercial vehicle begins to drift toward an unintended lane change and alerts the driver. BlindSpotter is a side-radar system designed to alert drivers to vehicles or objects in adjacent lanes. A forward-looking video camera also is part of the system.
J&M Tank Lines also takes advantage of Bendix’s web portal, SafetyDirect. Linked to onboard safety technologies, the system wirelessly and automatically—via an onboard telematics system—transmits real-time driver performance data and event-based information to the fleet’s back office for analysis by fleet safety personnel. The information transmitted includes recorded video taken from the AutoVue camera. The resulting reports can help a fleet develop more targeted driver support, reward, and training programs.
Tractors and trailers are specified with air disc brakes. Bridgestone tires are the choice for replacement. The carrier runs wide-base tires in the drive and trailer positions on equipment in the southeast and duals in the western region.
Product handling equipment includes Gardner Denver blowers with power supplied through Chelsea PTOs. Southeastern Pneumatic supplies the blowers.
Dry bulk trailers range in capacity from 1,000 to 2,400 cu ft and are built by J&L Tank and Tremcar. Tremcar also manufactures the sanitary tank trailers used to transport sweeteners and edible oils. The newest trailers have Bendix roll stability, Hendrickson Intraax axle/suspensions, and Meritor Tire Inflation by PSI.
Driver program
Keeping the fleet busy requires a solid strategy for driver recruiting and retention. To that end, J&M Tank Lines recently implemented a new driver compensation package with pay on a per-mile/per-ton basis. Safety bonuses are now on a per-mile base, and drivers receive a percentage of the bonus in their weekly pay, with the remainder paid quarterly. The carrier now pays loyalty bonus calculated on length of tenure.
“We believe the changes in the driver compensation package will have a positive impact on safety, as well as driver retention,” says Dave Edmonson, J&M Tank Lines vice-president of safety and compliance. “Drivers have responded well to the new program, and they see it as a positive.
“In every way practical, we want to foster a family environment. We believe that is a key element in driver morale and retention. We promote good communication through an open-door policy with our top executives.”
J&M Tank Lines focuses on experienced tractor-trailer drivers with no vehicle accidents in the past 36 months and a clean criminal history. Drivers selected by the carrier typically are in their mid-30s to 40s.
New hires start with a one-week orientation at the Sylacauga, Alabama terminal that includes time on the company’s dry-bulk transfer simulator. Next comes one to two weeks with a driver trainer.
“We have at least one driver trainer at each terminal,” Edmonson says. “Throughout the training, we make sure drivers understand our expectations. We’re even producing a video that gives a look at a day in the life of a J&M Tank Lines driver.
Edmonson is working with Eric Hanson, J&M Tank Lines’ vice-president of H R development, to revamp the training and safety programs. As the company grows, we need a more formal training program that includes on-line instruction. We are working with Vertical Alliance to develop customized training videos on equipment such as pumps and blowers.
“Training isn’t just for drivers. We’re also developing in-house training for dispatchers and other company employees. We’re putting our dispatchers through the driver orientation, and we are encouraging them to participate in ride-alongs with drivers.
“We’re getting families involved in the driver training and safety effort. We’re giving them access to on-line training as a way to help encourage driver buy-in to the program.”
At all levels, the carrier is promoting a growth-oriented strategy for the future. Peter Sumerford says the carrier pursuing growth through acquisitions, as well as internal growth opportunities. Harold Sumerford Jr adds that the current goal of $100 million in revenues is well within reach.
ZERO DISTRACTIONS
And here’s a good statistic for starters – texting’s almost 2½ times more dangerous than drunk driving, according to statistics gleaned from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
ACCIDENT ANATOMY
Dave Edmondson, J&M Tank Lines and incoming Tank Truck Safety & Security Council chairman, presented a plaque to Candi Coate, K-Limited Carrier Ltd, in appreciation for her service as Tank Truck Safety & Security Council chairwoman for the past year.
ATA ELECTS HAROLD SUMERFORD, JR. AS VICE CHAIRMAN
OUTGOING CHAIRMAN KEVIN BURCH RECEIVES RED JACKET
ORLANDO, Fla. — American Trucking Associations’ annual conference culminated on Oct. 24with the federation’s new chairman, Dave Manning, telling fellow members he will continueto push for greater investments in the country’s freight corridors to improve connectivity.
Promoting the industry’s contributions to safety and the economy also will top his priorities,Manning, president of Tennessee-based TCW Inc., said at the Management Conference &Exhibition. His peers and ATA members welcomed him with a standing ovation at the conference’s closing banquet.
FIRST IN ATA FLEET SAFETY FOR 2016
J&M Tank lines recently placed First in the Tank Division of the Alabama Trucking Association’s Fleet Safety Awards for 2016. This award is based off of accident frequency for all miles traveled in the State of Alabama for the calendar year of 2016. We thank our drivers and the J&M Team that supports them to help keep Safety Number One at J&M Tank Lines. Receiving the award is Harold Sumerford, Jr., CEO.
WHEN SAFETY COMES FROM THE TOP
These days there’s a lot of emphasis on hightech
safety systems such as collision mitigation, but Randy Watson is afirm believer that safety at any trucking company starts at the top.
“I’ve been doing this since 1987, and I’m a firm believer that regardless of how fancy the technology and how much money you spend, no safety program is any better or worse than the ownership allows it to be. Everyone talks the talk, but few walk the walk.”
HAROLD SUMERFOD, JR. TAKES REINS AS NTTC CHAIRMAN
The National Tank Truck Carriers Inc is an association composed of over 240 trucking companies in North America.
Sumerford expressed great respect for his predecessors, in accepting his position as chairman of the trucking association’s executive committee. Mr. Sumerford serves as CEO of J&M Tank Lines, Inc.,a family owned trucking company, that focuses on high quality liquid and dry bulk transportation through North America and the Southeast.
J&M TANK LINES CHOOSES BENDIX SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
J&M Tank Lines Inc, named Grand Champion of the 2016 Georgia Fleet Safety Awards by the Georgia Motor Trucking Association, equips its fleet of Kenworth tractors with a growing number of Bendix systems. Most recently, Birmingham AL-based J&M Tank Lines took delivery of 20 Kenworth daycab tractors equipped with Bendix’s flagship collision mitigation system, Wingman Fusion.
J&M TANK LINES, INC. WINS THE GMTA SAFETY AWARD
PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT ARE: KYLE GAILEY – VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, RANDY WATSON – VICE PRESIDENT OF SAFETY, AND BILLYLOLLAR – VICE PRESIDENT OF MAINTENANCE.
J&M Tank Lines, Inc. won first place in the Tank Division category for 5-10 million miles traveled in Georgia for 2015.
J&M also won Grand Champion in the unlimited category for all miles traveled nationally. The awards were presented at the Annual Awards Banquet at Lake Lanier Island in Buford, GA on May 7th. The awards were sponsored by the GMTA and Great West Casualty Company.
“These awards are a tribute to not only our drivers but also to our entire staff. Safety is not a department at J&M, it is a culture,” said Randy Watson, J&M’s Vice President of Safety.
J&M is a dry bulk tank operation of 380 power units in the Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Northeast. J&M’s emphasis on safety starts at the top with Harold Sumerford, Jr. and Peter Sumerford. “We invest a lot of time, effort, and money making sure we do things the right way,” Watson said. “And we continue to always look for ways to be safer.”
SUMERFORD FINDS PLENTY OF CHALLENGES AS NTTC CHAIRMAN
For Harold Sumerford, his year as 2015/2016 chairman of National Tank Truck Carriers was anything but routine or boring.
The association and its leadership had to contend with a tidal wave of regulatory changes from the federal government, economic challenges, and more organizational changes designed to strengthen NTTC. Economic issues facing the tank truck sector included the steep drop in oil prices that idled drilling rigs across the United States. Tank truck fleets serving the oilfield suffered with the rest of the service sector.