Robert Low Elected TCA Chairman

The Truckload Carriers Association has a new chairman: Robert Low, president and founder of Prime Inc., Springfield, Mo. Low, who will serve for the 2012-2013 term, was sworn in during TCA's Annual Convention in Orlando, Fla., this week.

Low established Prime in Urbana, Mo., in 1970. A decade later, he moved the corporate headquarters to Springfield. What began as a one-truck operation has evolved into a company that provides logistics and international refrigerated, tanker, flatbed, floral and intermodal transportation, with a fleet of 5,700 driving associates, more than 4,000 trucks and more than 7,300 trailers.

During his tenure with TCA, Low has served as Refrigerated Division chairman, at-large officer, secretary, second vice chair and first vice chair. He has participated in numerous committees and management panels, including the Carrier/Shipper Relations Committee, the Driver Recruitment and Retention Panel and the Financial Oversight and Long-Range Planning Committee.

For the American Trucking Associations, Low serves as a vice president at-large and a board and executive committee member. He has been recognized as the 2002 "Refrigerated Carrier CEO of the Year" by Transport Topics. In 2000, he received the "Missourian" award, an honor given to Missouri citizens who have made achievements in the fields of business, government, or the arts. He also sits on the board of directors of Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn.

The following individuals were elected to assist Low and will serve as officers until the next TCA annual convention, scheduled for March 3-6, 2013, in Las Vegas.

First Vice Chair: Tom B. Kretsinger Jr., president & COO, American Central, Transport Inc., Liberty, Mo.

Second Vice Chair: Shepard Dunn, president & CEO, Bestway Express Inc., Vincennes, Ind.

Treasurer: Keith Tuttle, president, Motor Carrier Service Inc., Northwood, Ohio

Secretary: Russell Stubbs, president, FFE Transportation Services Inc., Dallas

Secretary:Assn. Vice President to ATA: Barry E. Pottle, president & CEO, Pottle's Transportation Inc., Bangor, Maine

Immediate Past Chair: Gary Salisbury, president & CEO, Fikes Truck Line Inc., Hope, Ark.

At-Large Officer: Daniel I. Doran, president, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging, Cincinnati

At-Large Officer: Daniel L. Oren, vice president, Dart Transit Company, Eagan, Minn.

At-Large Officer: Rob Penner, vice president, Bison Transport, Winnipeg, Manitoba

At-Large Officer:Thomas Witt, president, Roehl Flatbed & Specialized, Roehl Transport, Marshfield, Wis.