Arkansas Trucking Association elects new chairman, board member

The Arkansas Trucking Association announced Tuesday (May 5) that it has named Alan Riels, president and CEO of Crossett-based carrier Dedicated Logistics LLC, as chairman of its Board of Directors. Riels succeeded outgoing chairman John Culp, president of North Little Rock-based carrier Maverick Transportation.

The association also elected Matt Ernst, general manager of Bruckner’s Truck & Equipment in Lowell, to serve as an allied member on the Board of Directors.

Riels and Ernst were elected at the association’s annual conference, April 27-29, in Little Rock.

Riels co-founded Dedicated Logistics in June 2002 with his mother, Ruth Riels. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a multi-state operation serving customers across the South, Southeast and Midwest. The carrier has more than 70 trucks.

Alan Riels has served on the ATA Board of Directors since 2018.

“Alan represents the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that define Arkansas trucking,” said Shannon Newton, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. “He understands the challenges our members face – from workforce shortages to regulatory pressures – and he’s committed to advancing practical solutions that strengthen our industry.”

Ernst filled the seat vacated by Rush Truck Centers General Manager Ross Hoover, who concluded his two-year term on the board. Before becoming general manager, Ernst had worked in roles ranging from finance manager to sales consultant at Bruckner’s locations across the country.

“This organization is strongest when its members step up to lead,” Newton said. “Matt’s expertise and industry engagement will add valuable perspective to our board.”

ATA’s Board of Directors comprises 21 executives who work for carriers and allied companies across the state. The board collaborates to address industry challenges and promote sustainable growth.

As part of the ATA’s annual conference in April, the association recognized multiple companies for their safety performance. Walmart Transportation LLC in Bentonville was named grand champion after logging more than 33 million miles with an accident rate of 0.15 per million miles on Arkansas highways in 2025.

“These accomplishments reflect the highest standards in trucking today,” Newton said. “While Walmart Transportation’s performance is exceptional, every award recipient demonstrates the same commitment to rigorous safety practices that make Arkansas roads safer for all.”

Following are the other 2025 safety award winners.
Loggins Logistics of Jonesboro
Oakley Trucking Inc. of North Little Rock
Dedicated Logistics LLC of Crossett (Ashley County)
Stallion Transportation Group of Beebe (White County)
FedEx Express of Little Rock
Old Dominion Freight Line of Thomasville, N.C.
New South Express of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The Arkansas Trucking Association has served as the voice of the trucking industry since 1932. Its members comprise about 350 trucking and service companies.