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Blake Wurmnest has been around trucking his whole life - growing up watching his dad, Bob Wurmnest, drive a truck for a living. So, it’s not surprising that he would follow in his footsteps.

“My father trucked as a Teamster hauling freight until deregulation became a thing back in the late 1970s. He then hauled meat and produce to Florida out of Minnesota, and I got to go with him a time or two,” Blake said. “I always thought the old freight hauling trucks were cool, but when dad started running over the road, that’s when I decided the ‘large cars’ were the coolest.”
Owning his own trucks or “large cars” was one thing Bob never did. “Dad always wanted to, but it was something that just never happened, so, I guess I’m living his dream too,” Blake said. “I wish he were still around to see what we have built.” In fact, each truck that Blake owns has a plaque that reads “Dedicated To My Father Bob Wurmnest 1929-2010.” Bob drove a truck until he was diagnosed with cancer at age 80. He passed away a year later.

Blake got his dream started in 1999 when he formed Wurmnest Trucking with his wife, Brenda. It’s a dream they are still building on today. “And I am still driving a truck on a daily basis and Brenda joins me two to three days out of the week.”

And today, it is truly a family run business. Blake and Brenda’s daughter, Amber, runs the show as office manager and dispatch manger. Their son, Eric, just recently got his CDL and joined the family business, and their son-in-law, Grant, drives whenever he is needed. And their future daughter-in-law Lily looks forward to getting in on all the fun as well. But the most eager family member would be their six-year-old grandson, “little” Blake. “He is ALL farm boy and absolutely loves his Pa’s trucks,” Blake said. “He loves to operate the compact tractor on the property, and he even jumps in to help with repairs when he can. Teach ‘em young is what we like to say!”

This family run business takes pride in what they do, and they love taking care of their customers. “We strive to go above and beyond to make sure everything goes smoothly,” Amber said. “Working with great customers, dealing with great people on a daily basis and doing this all as a family is the best part.”

Wurmnest Trucking currently has five drivers for five trucks, four van trailers, four hopper trailers and one tank. “We haul mainly agriculture products. We will soon have a total of four trucks hauling at a small Co-Op and also haul seed on a van trailer for Corteva/RXO,” Blake said. “Then we also haul fertilizer when it’s ‘fertilizer season’ with the tank.”

Based out of Heyworth, Illinois, drivers are usually home every night. Most routes take them down to Decatur, over to Gibson City, over to Peoria and the river area. Occasionally there will be an overnight trip if somebody in Kansas or Missouri needs a certain variety of corn or beans.

“We have some of the best drivers that are just like family to us,” Blake said. “They give 110% the whole time and it’s great to have them behind us.”

As for the future, Blake would like to add an office and shop on their property and there will always be something to do when hauling in the agriculture industry – especially when you have a great customer base. “And we have two great children who want to be involved and carry on the family business,” Blake said. “This is what our future looks like – the next generation!”
Ultimately, Wurmnest Trucking takes pride in what they do and what they have built together as a family. Blake said, “It’s nice to have the family share the same love and dreams that I have!”

Wurmnest Trucking joined Mid-West Truckers in 2013 and has utilized MTA for almost all we have to offer from licensing, renewals to keeping up with the new regulations. They also take part in MTRMA’s Workers’ Compensation program. The Mid-West Truckers Association’s Board of Directors thanks Wurmnest Trucking and salutes Blake Wurmnest as our May Trucker of the Month.

Congratulations!

Davidson Trucking, Inc. is a fourth-generation trucking company doing business as Davidson Construction Supply out of the Rochelle, Illinois, area. Karna Gross took over the business from her father, John Davison, in 1996 and has been at the helm ever since.

And it’s certainly a family business. Karna’s husband, Jim, is involved, along with their two sons, Mike and Dave, who joined as drivers soon after she took over. And later, the fourth generation stepped in. Granddaughter, Dani Gross, joined as sales manager in 2019, and granddaughter Kalon McKnight steps in to help whenever she is needed.

“My father started the business as Davidson Farms in 1985 and then was incorporated as Davidson Trucking, Inc. in 1994,” Karna said. “When my father became ill with cancer in 1995, he told me he wanted me to take over the business.”

When Karna first took over, they had seven trucks, 10 flatbed trailers and two grain trailers hauling lumber, grain and steel. At one point, they had 22 trucks owned and leased hauling steel for Ambassador Steel in Rochelle and Gerdau Ameristeel in Bevidere. “When Trump tower in Chicago was being built, we hauled three to four loads of rebar every day to the jobsite,” Karna said. “We also hauled to the construction site for Navy Pier and Water Tower Place in Chicago, along with hauling regularly for Boise Cascade in Rochelle and Right Point in Dekalb.”

Today, Davidson mainly hauls for their construction supply business, which is mostly rebar and steel for road construction sites. “A couple of our bigger projects right now are hauling to a bridge construction site in Monticello as well as a major bridge project over in Peoria,” Dani said. “Most of our work is in Illinois. We routinely go over to the border of Missouri along the Mississippi River with the St. Louis area being the furthest we normally go. But we do occasional make runs to Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa.”

Dave does most of the driving these days but will bring in extra help when needed.  “We're delivering our own goods that we sell,” Dave said. “So, demand is all based on what we've sold.”

The challenges Davidson Trucking faces will certainly sound familiar – dealing with all the regulations, taxes and fees. But at the end of the day, it’s the customers and relationships they have formed over the years that keep them going. Although Dave, with a smile, said it could just be his mother’s stubbornness. “She likes a challenge, and this business can certainly be challenging. But she’s always finding a way to get the job done one way or another.”

And most importantly, they are surrounded by family to get through those challenges. “It’s hard keeping family and business separated sometimes, but I wouldn’t want to be in business with anyone else. You just don't trust people like you do family,” Dani said.

As for the future of Davidson Trucking, they are going to keep on doing what they are doing for now but will certainly keep their eye on potential opportunities. “And I’m always wondering how many generations this can go,” Dani said. “I have three boys and someday they could be part of all of this.”

Davidson Trucking, inc. rejoined Mid-West Truckers in 2022 but originally joined in 1982 and spent 30 years with MTA. “We are just happy to be back with Mid-West Truckers,” Karna said.  Over the years they have utilized MTA for almost all we have to offer from licensing, renewals to keeping up with the new regulations. The Mid-West Truckers Association’s Board of Directors thanks Davidson Trucking, Inc. as our June Trucker of the Month.

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements are scheduled to go into effect on February 7, 2022. While FMCSA maintains that the program will be fully operational, this program is poised to be a larger disaster than the Clearinghouse Program rolled out two years ago. After February 7th, all state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be required to check the Driver Training Registry to verify that any driver wanting a Class A or B CDL or seeking a Hazardous Material, School Bus or Passenger endorsement has completed training with a registered training provider.

ELDT Regulations Went Into Effect February 7, 2022.

Do You Understand the Regulation and Your Responsibility as an Employer?

All other endorsements (tanker, air brakes, etc.) and temporary restricted Class B (fertilizer employee anhydrous tank driver) licenses are not effected by the ELDT mandate.

A huge misunderstanding is that drivers can still take the CDL A or B, school bus, or passenger knowledge test at the DMV BEFORE enrolling with a registered training provider! Yes, an individual can still receive his or her Commercial Learners Permit (CLP), which is valid for one year BEFORE they register or complete theory and behind- the-wheel training from a registered training provider.

All state DMV’s are only required to check the registry prior to the driver performing the skills or road testing for a Class A & B CDL, School Bus and Passenger endorsements. Taking the knowledge test does not require a registry check or any formal training. The actual test given at the DMV will not change or cover any of the additional topics listed in the FMCSA training requirements. This is an important factor to understanding ELDT. The test given at DMV will not change after Feb. 7, 2022.

FMCSA fumbled horribly by not educating the industry that this crucial step can be a part of the process. For a company who wants to train their own drivers, it is beneficial knowing the individual has the capacity to achieve a valid CLP before investing time and resources in training.

Hazardous material endorsement applicants are treated differently as they must complete the theory training from a Registered Training Provider (RTP) prior to the knowledge test at the DMV. The hazardous materials endorsement does not have a driving or skills testing requirement.

What are your options to comply with ELDT?

1. Send the driver to a RTP for the full 160 hour course requirement in Illinois.
2. Register your company to be a private RTP.
3. Have the driver receive theory instruction online and find a BTW to give driving instruction.
4. Send your driver to a public RTP in any other state to meet the requirements.

What makes the ELDT requirement so complicated lies in the fact the FMCSA has two sets of rules that training providers must meet, and that is dependent on who and how they are training students. Within the rule the FMCSA states that all training providers must register on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).

FMCSA also allow states to be more restrictive than the federal guidelines for being a training provider, but not less. In Illinois, there are extremely complicated and restrictive rules for anyone providing CDL training for compensation (state funded schools or private instruction companies), but the Illinois laws are silent on private driver training that is not completed with compensation to the training provider.

If your company registers as a private trainer in Illinois, you must follow only the federal rules for training providers, and not the state. Registering to be a training provider requires you to go to https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and follow the instructions to register.

You cannot train anyone for compensation, meaning they pay you to train a driver, or a driver pays you to train them, but you can train your own drivers if you have registered and have met the federal guidelines. More on that later.

Also, any registered training provider anywhere in the United States can train a CDL driver for ELDT. The training is not dependent on the instruction occurring in the same state that the driver will take the test. So, a person can receive CDL training online or in another state and still take the driving test in Illinois so long as the training provider they used is registered on the TPR.

So, to interpret the new rules for Illinois-based companies, you (your company) can register with FMCSA to become a private ELDT training provider in Illinois. You will only follow the federal guidelines for training and do not have to follow the state guidelines for CDL schools. The registration is free, and has no cost associated at this point. Also, registering does not include any type of automatic audit process but does require biannual filing requirements. The FMCSA will not be showing up to audit your curriculum or behind-the-wheel trainers randomly based on the fact you registered as a training provider. There is also no requirement that you are required to train any number of drivers within a given time. You could register and never train anyone without any impact.

But, what if you don’t want to provide all the licenses or endorsements that require training? You don’t have to, as you can pick and choose what you register to provide. If you only want to train drivers for hazmat endorsement, then that is all you register for. Don’t need a passenger or school bus endorsement? No problem, don’t register to provide that training. Only want to train for a class B license? Just register to provide that CDL license training for theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW).

Where it starts to get confusing is that you could register to only do the theory instruction, but not the behind-the- wheel (BTW) training. The problem with registering that way is you will have to find another registered training provider to give the BTW training. Unfortunately, there are currently no schools in Illinois that will provide that instruction without providing the curriculum first.

I will encourage you to provide the curriculum and BTW training so long as your BTW and theory trainer (can be the same person) meets the qualifications to train drivers outlined in the federal requirements. All BTW driver trainers must have 2 years experience driving with the credentials they are training and have a valid CDL license with appropriate endorsements for the instruction. Registering to be a training provider requires you to go to https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and follow the instructions to register. FMCSA has a tremendous amount of resources for training providers. It is not easy to navigate and I encourage you to click on every available link before you register as a provider.

A large misunderstanding of the ELDT training is the theory instruction has virtually nothing to do with successful operation of the CMV. The theory training is designed to educate the driver on all their responsibilities and applicable rules for operating a commercial motor vehicle. This includes understanding the drug and alcohol testing, Clearinghouse registration, hours of service rules and any specific rules regarding a drivers responsibilities.

What about the curriculum? This is where you will have to dedicate some time and resources to become a training provider. There are some free curricula on the internet, but I cannot verify they are comprehensive for use for Class A & B, Passenger or School Bus endorsement. To find the curriculum topics required to be covered go to: https:// tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/content/Resources/ELDT-Curriculum- Summary_508.pdf .

Hazardous material training only requires theory instruction. Mid-West Truckers Association’s hazardous materials training module and tests will meet all the requirements of the curriculum so long as it is administered by a trainer that has two years of a hazmat endorsement. You can purchase the video and materials by contacting our office at (217) 525-0310.

Interestingly, there is no time requirement or extensive testing requirement. You only need to verify the required topics were covered and the student has retained the knowledge by scoring at least 80% on your ‘tests’ which can be paper or electronic. There is no mandated format on how detailed or the volume of questions required in each topic area. You can cover theory topics as you deem necessary for the trainee.

There are certain topics that may not be applicable to your operation but you will have to cover them. Topics include hours of service, whistleblower, post accident procedures and the Clearinghouse driver requirements. You will be required to cover only what the trainee needs to understand under the topics as a driver, not what your company has to do. The key to all this is document, document, document each of the theory required topics.

How much time you spend on any part of ELDT training will be dependent on the needs of your company and the ability of the trainee to retain the information. For example, if you operate only in short haul or ag exempt hours-of- service, then it will be important to your company that the trainees understand how they will use those exemptions. Overall, you are going to have to give the driver a basic knowledge of all the topic areas listed, but you will spend more time making sure they understand the exemptions they will be working under, regardless of ELDT. There are a few companies that have created curriculum that you can purchase, but none we can recommend that will meet the needs of every individual company. You may already do this now with new drivers and have much of the required curriculum via your driver onboarding process.

The BTW training has no set time or hour requirement, only that your trainer signs off that they trained and the student can complete the skills outlined. The facilities requirement only state that the area be large and free of obstructions for the trainee to complete the tasks. The BTW training requires that the trainer document the trainees abilities and they can complete the task topics listed.

Once the trainee has completed the required training, you have two business days to upload and update the student’s training progress and for them to complete the skills and driving testing at the DMV.

What about Covered Farm Vehicle (CFV) drivers? If someone is only going to drive a farm-plated vehicle, then they do not have to get a Class A or B CDL. Illinois has a Class A license that is farm designated known as J51. J51 Class A licenses and regular Class B licenses do not have to follow ELDT regulations as they are not a federally administered license. They have no endorsements because endorsements are part of CDL, not state issued licenses. A J51 Class A or Regular B license holder cannot drive any commercial motor vehicle that does not have a farm designated plate. CFV drivers can travel anywhere within the state of Illinois and up to 150 air miles from their base of operation traveling out of state.

If a farmer or any entity becomes a RTP for a Class A or B CDL, they must train the driver on all the topic areas, even if they themselves are exempt. The reason why is that once the driver receives a full CDL, they can drive for anyone, not just a farmer. The same goes for a municipality, school or other entity that is exempt from certain FMCSA regulations. They still must train a driver on all the required topic areas as a registered training provider.

Rest assured, the FMCSA and state DMV’s will make ELDT requirements a bigger mess as it goes into effect. Just remember to reach out to MTA for information, not the DMV. We have more issues with DMV employees and locations giving out incorrect CDL driver information to drivers than any other topic.

More on this topic

View Webinar -  ELDT: What You Need to Know

For over three decades, MiniMoves has been the trusted name for small moves, consistently meeting the needs of its customers and moving partners. The story began with CEO and founder Jack Arslanian, who started in broadcasting. Jack noticed people struggling to move small items, like a futon for college students. He saw a gap in the moving industry—no good options for small shipments. In 1991, Jack opened a couple of pack-and-ship stores in Chicago, aiming to provide full-service solutions for small moves. From there, MiniMoves started by targeting college students and small art shipments.

“When that light bulb went off in Jack’s head, he saw this huge opportunity,” President and COO John Alianello said. “He saw a market for this and started asking questions, meeting with the van lines. And he ended up finding that little niche with MiniMoves.” Jack initially focused on three locations—Chicago, New Jersey, and California. Since then, MiniMoves has expanded to handle small corporate relocation moves, which is now a significant part of their business.

John Alianello joined MiniMoves in 2012 after nearly 30 years in the van line industry. He and Jack knew each other from their time at Bekins Van Lines. Since joining, John has helped MiniMoves grow from 15 locations and 8 employees to 135 locations and 50 employees. This growth now includes international moves as well.

To achieve such growth, MiniMoves relies on a strong team. John looks for seasoned professionals from the moving industry who understand the family-oriented culture at MiniMoves. “We are very family-oriented. There’s no one here that says, ‘Well, that’s not my job.’ Everyone works well together and works very hard to make this company the best it can be.”

John emphasized, “Our team is key to our success. It’s their willingness to evolve as a company—focusing on sustainability, exceeding industry standards, and implementing innovative solutions. Our fantastic leadership team drives this success. We have emphasized a strong focus on sustainability by using reusable cloth pads instead of single-use paper pads, saving 240,000 pounds of paper pad waste. Additionally, MiniMoves utilizes tri-wall cardboard containers and LTL freight transportation to enhance their eco-friendly practices.”

Looking ahead, MiniMoves will continue to seek growth opportunities while being smart and strategic about it. Jack remains actively involved, guiding the company’s direction.

Their new division, MM Worldwide, offers robust solutions for global relocations, ensuring seamless transitions with a single point of contact for international moves.

They also support independent movers through the MiniMoves RVP Booking Partner Program. This program allows movers to expand their services by partnering with MiniMoves and accessing their resources, expertise, and customer base.

Their ‘small move’ service has evolved into MicroMOVES, a specialized solution for small shipments. MicroMOVES includes designer deliveries, packing and storage, and debris removal, providing flexible and efficient solutions for their customer’s unique needs. As more baby boomers retire and downsize, MiniMoves helps them ship items like dining room sets to family members. They use containers and a network of moving companies, a method Jack implemented in 2007 and still uses today.

For more information on their services or to start your free quote, visit minimoves.com or contact their dedicated team.

Over the years they have utilized MTA for education and training and to be a part of MTRMA’s Workers’ Compensation Program. The Mid-West Truckers Association’s Board of Directors thanks MiniMoves, Inc. as our July Trucker of the Month.

Congratulations!

Bill Fowler has been driving a truck his whole life – simply doing what he watched his dad do growing up. “I guess you can say it’s just in my blood,” Bill said. “That’s all I have done since I was 18. I’ve either drove a truck or operated heavy equipment.”

Before he was driving a truck full time, Bill was running bulldozers, digging basements and hauling equipment from one place to another. And then a buddy of his was in Indiana, leasing a truck and hauling coal. The friend said it was going well and that he should try the lease program. 

“I dove in feet first, got me a lease truck and got started,” Bill said. “But it wasn’t much later that I got my own truck and trailer and went from there.” 

Bill stayed leased on with other companies for a while until he decided to go out on his own with Huckleberry Trucking in 2017. He hauls a lot of coal but really, it’s anything that will fit inside a dump bucket like aggregate rocks and clay. “I also ran a lot of van freight for a lot of years, flat bedded for a bunch as well. There’s not too much I haven’t done.”

Staying within a 150 air-mile radius, Bill can be at home every night and stay off the electronic logs.  “I’ve had pretty good luck over the years finding work where I can be home at the end of the day,” Bill said. Home for Bill is in Flora, Illinois, where he has been for more than 30 years now. Although he was born in California and has also lived in Texas and Arizona as well. 

And the one thing he enjoys most about driving a truck is the freedom. His wife, Carrie, is a registered nurse who works long shifts but then is off for a few days. So, Bill likes the ability to make his own schedule and if they want to take a trip – he can usually make that happen. “We like to take our bikes and go. We’ve been out to California, the UP, the east coast and down south. We have been all over,” Bill said. “So, it’s nice to have that flexibility and driving a truck can give you that freedom.”

Bill also likes the fact that it is all on him to get the job done. “I’ve worked in construction before and your job always depends on 10 to 20 other people to do their part,” Bill said. “When you are in trucking, it’s pretty much on you. You know the job, and you know it’s getting done because you are the one getting it done.”

As for the future, other than adding a new flatbed trailer to the mix, Bill plans to keep doing what he has been doing. “Early on I had ideas that I wanted to own 10-15 trucks but to tell you the truth that seems like a lot of extra problems. Just finding quality drivers would be tough enough,” Bill said. “So, I’m happy with where I am at.” 

He has help. Carrie is a big part of Huckleberry Trucking. “I couldn’t do this without her. She handles all my filings and electronic stuff on the computer. I’m lucky to get the darn thing turned on,” Bill said. “She takes care of a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff.” 

Huckleberry Trucking has been with Mid-West Truckers Association since 2021 and has utilized MTA for licensing and renewals, the drug and alcohol consortium and for keeping up with all the industry changes. The Mid-West Truckers Association’s Board of Directors thanks Huckleberry Trucking as our August Trucker of the Month.  

Congratulations!