Benefits of Membership in the American Trucking Associations

Established in the early 1940s, Seward Motor Freight has a long history of hauling freight across the Midwest, South, and Southeast. Based in Seward, Nebraska, Seward Motor Freight is staffed by a dynamic team of professionals, who have been long time members of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Several employees of Seward Motor Freight, Inc. spend additional time serving on committees for the ATA which in turn helps all carriers benefit by the decisions made in these committees.

With a membership of more than 37,000, ATA is the leading voice of motor carriers in the United States. The group leverages its strength and size to advocate for its members, making sure legislative and regulatory policies favor the industry. ATA also offers tools and resources to advise business leaders on industry topics and educate the public on the vital role of the industry. ATA also offers tools and resources to advise business leaders on industry topics and educate the public on the vital role of the industry.

Membership in ATA is open to all types of motor carriers, including for-hire carriers, private carriers, allied companies, and shippers. Once registered as ATA members, all companies’ staff members gain access to ATA tools and resources, including admission to ATA conferences.

Employees of companies that join ATA enjoy networking opportunities at ATA events and conferences. ATA membership gives them access to the latest trucking-related news and resources, ensuring that they make informed decisions.

Benefits of LTL Shipping

Seward Motor Freight is an award-winning shipping company with an impeccable safety record and excellent customer service. With a range that spans 48 states and thousands of miles, Seward Motor Freight is one of the premier freight carriers in the US.

Small shippers who don’t want to resort to freight consolidation have an excellent option in the form of less-than-truckload shipping. LTL shipping is a cost-efficient way to transport freight above 150 pounds, and even less with some shippers.

It lets you ship out goods when you’re ready, rather than having to wait for orders to be received or product to be produced. Most carriers also offer specialized handling options for LTL shipping and provide excellent security measures for your freight.

Shipping with a reliable carrier will also let you track your goods every step of the way, so you can calculate the time of arrival and maintain close communication with your clients. And LTL shipping allows trucks to travel full more often. If a shipper hires a whole truck but can’t fill it, there’s a lot of space on the truck that serves no purpose. This makes LTL shipping an environmentally friendly option as well.

A Brief Overview of the ATA’s LEAD Program

A leader in the commodities transportation industry, Seward Motor Freight, Inc. maintains a lengthy record of safety and was the recipient of consecutive awards for its outstanding safety program. Dedicated to staying current with transportation industry happenings, Seward Motor Freight, Inc. maintains professional memberships with the Nebraska Trucking Association and the American Trucking Association (ATA).

The most comprehensive trade association serving professionals working within the American trucking industry, the ATA advocates and advances the business of truck transportation while supporting its members. The ATA operates the LEAD ATA program to equip high-performing trucking industry professionals with advanced knowledge of the ATA and the legislative processes that affect it and leadership and management skills to support their advancement within the industry.

The LEAD program takes place over one year and includes four courses that involve presentation and project work. To be eligible for the program, applicants must currently be employed by an ATA Motor Carrier or Allied Member and hold good status with the association. The LEAD program provides real-world experience and accepts a diverse range of participants from a variety of the industry’s sectors.

How Much Weight Can Trucks Carry?

Seward Motor Freight was founded in the 1940s as less than a truck load (LTL) operations hauling freight from its hometown of Seward to Omaha, Nebraska and back. Willard and Wanda Miers operated Seward Motor Freight for 20 years before selling to Wayne and Joan Tanderup in 1969.

Today, the company operates class 8 tractors with 53’ dry box vans trailers providing service to all 48 contiguous states. The three main categories of trucks are light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty, which are further divided into classes. Classes are calculated according to the gross vehicle weight rating – the total allowed weight of the vehicle.

Light-duty trucks occupy classes 1 through 3. These are the lightest and smallest trucks on the road. Class-1 trucks can weigh up to 6,000 pounds, while class-2 models can weigh between 6,001 and 10,000 pounds. Class 3 vehicles have a 14,000-pound limit.

Class 4 is the smallest in the medium-duty category, with a limit of 16,000 pounds. Class-5 models can weigh up to 19,500 pounds when fully loaded, while class-6 models can weigh up to 26,000 pounds.

Heavy-duty trucks start with class 7, which have a 33,000-pound limit. Class 8 starts at 33,001 pounds. Class 9 can weigh up to 80,000 pounds but may need special permits.