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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Jonesborough, TN
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Jonesborough, TN You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Jonesborough, TN
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Jonesborough, TN
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Jonesborough, TN that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Jonesborough, TN
Heritage Alliance's Duncan House sees completed repairs
Marina Watershttps://www.heraldandtribune.com/history/heritage-alliances-duncan-house-sees-completed-repairs/article_b08dca36-bf93-11ee-b53b-bbebdccfafe9.html
A historic home filled with Jonesborough’s history, as well as its own, just got a facelift.The Duncan House, also known as the headquarters for the Heritage Alliance, recently saw wood repairs and a fresh coat of paint thanks to a Historic Preservation Grant from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).“The Duncan House is homebase for the operations of the Heritage Alliance and the repository for the National Register records for Jonesborough’s Historic District,” said former ...
A historic home filled with Jonesborough’s history, as well as its own, just got a facelift.
The Duncan House, also known as the headquarters for the Heritage Alliance, recently saw wood repairs and a fresh coat of paint thanks to a Historic Preservation Grant from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
“The Duncan House is homebase for the operations of the Heritage Alliance and the repository for the National Register records for Jonesborough’s Historic District,” said former Executive Director Anne G’Fellers-Mason in a press release. “The house has been in Jonesborough since the 1840s, and the preservation grant from the NSDAR has been invaluable in helping us preserve this historic resource.”
From November 2023 through January 2024, a team with J. Ross Painting and Drywall repainted the Duncan House and repaired and replaced rotten wood, according to a press release from the town of Jonesborough. The home is located at 212 E. Sabine Drive, Jonesborough.
“State of Franklin NSDAR treasures the Heritage Alliance and its contributions to the community,” said State of Franklin DAR Regent Allyson Wilkinson in the release. “Over the years, loving hands have kept the structure (Duncan House) intact, and it serves as a timeline of architectural trends. We’re so grateful to be a part of securing its future.”
The Duncan House was built by John Naff in the 1840s. The outbuilding behind the house, which also got a fresh coat of paint, was Naff’s tailor shop, the release said. The home expanded over the years and is named after the Duncan family who owned it at the turn of the 20th century. They also owned all the land around it, which was known as Duncan’s Meadow. The Duncan family sold off the land to the town of Jonesborough in the 1970s and 1980s to build Town Hall and the Jonesborough Visitors Center. According to the Heritage Alliance, the Civic Trust acquired the house in the 1990s and organized a volunteer crew that fixed it up and saved it. The Duncan House served as the office for the Civic Trust until it merged with the Historic Jonesborough Foundation and the Jonesborough/Washington County History Museum in 2001 to form the Heritage Alliance.
“We cannot thank the State of Franklin Chapter of the NSDAR enough for sponsoring the Duncan House for a grant,” G’Fellers-Mason said in the release. “It’s our home, and we’re so proud of it.”
Funding for this project was made possible through the sponsorship of the State of Franklin Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The State of Franklin Chapter of the NSDAR has been based in Jonesborough since 1929.
The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of the architectural, historical and cultural heritage of the region and to providing educational experiences related to history and heritage for a wide range of audiences. For more information, go to www.heritageall.org or call 423-753-9580.
Jonesborough to host annual St. Paddy’s Day Celebration
Marisa Sardoniahttps://www.wjhl.com/news/local/jonesborough-to-host-annual-st-paddys-day-celebration/
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – Tennessee’s Oldest Town will host its eighth annual St. Paddy’s Celebration on Saturday, March 16.All are welcome to celebrate Irish culture with a parade, fun run, live music and much more. Johnson City to cut ribbon on new Winged Deer athletic complex According to a news release from the town, the fes...
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – Tennessee’s Oldest Town will host its eighth annual St. Paddy’s Celebration on Saturday, March 16.
All are welcome to celebrate Irish culture with a parade, fun run, live music and much more.
According to a news release from the town, the festivities will commence at 11 a.m. with the inaugural St. Paddy’s Parade on the corner of Boone Street. Registration for floats covered in green or with a Celtic theme are still being accepted. Those interested can apply online here.
Many of the festivities will continue throughout the day.
The Appalachian Highland Celts will lead Highland Games in Jimmy Neil Smith Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Participants are welcome to try games such as stone throw, sheaf toss and archery.
Rocky Creek Highland Farms and Happy Hens and Highlands will bring Highland cows for a meet and greet from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. All are welcome to get a hands-on experience, learn about the breed and take a photo with a Highland cow.
The St. Patty’s Cause For The Paws Brew Fun Run will begin at 4 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center. It is open to all, but those interested are encouraged to sign up in advance by clicking here.
Festival guests can enjoy a beer garden and Irish foods as part of Shamrockin’ on the Plaza, provided by Depot Street Brewing and Main Street Café and Catering. Food will be served from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and alcoholic drinks will be available after 4 p.m.
Sigean, a traditional Irish band of East Tennessee, will close out the festivities as they take the stage at Shamrockin’ on the Plaza in front of the Storytelling Center from 5 – 7 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information on the full calendar of events for the celebration, visit here.
Local Clydesdale horses to be featured in Jonesborough Christmas parade
Emily Hibbittshttps://www.wjhl.com/news/local/local-clydesdale-horses-to-be-featured-in-jonesborough-christmas-parade/
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Jonesborough’s annual Christmas parade will feature local Clydesdale horses from Bristol, Virginia’s Bart Long and Associates on Dec. 9.The horses will pull Santa in a yellow hitch wagon built in 1908 by the Studebaker Brothers Company in South Bend, Indiana, and restored by Lawrence Wagon Works in 2010, the Town of Jonesborough said in a release. ...
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Jonesborough’s annual Christmas parade will feature local Clydesdale horses from Bristol, Virginia’s Bart Long and Associates on Dec. 9.
The horses will pull Santa in a yellow hitch wagon built in 1908 by the Studebaker Brothers Company in South Bend, Indiana, and restored by Lawrence Wagon Works in 2010, the Town of Jonesborough said in a release.
Along with the local Clydesdales and Santa, the parade will feature floats, music and more.
The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Boone and Main Streets.
For more information, click here.
NOTE: Watch the attached videos for ideas from Food City.
[KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Many people across East Tennessee are holding solar eclipse parties. Give your guests the sun, moon and the stars with these eclipse themed snacks.
1. Moon Pie
This list wouldn’t be complete without the marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate goodness that is a Moon Pie.
The Moon Pie began in 1917 when a Kentucky coal miner asked a traveling salesman for a snack “as big as the moon.” Earl Mitchell reported back and the bakery obliged with a tasty treat aptly named MoonPie. It was filling, fit in the lunch pail and the coal miners loved it. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today, MoonPies are made by the Chattanooga Bakery in Chattanooga.
2. Krispy Kreme eclipse donut
During the eclipse, Krispy Kreme is going dark with the chocolate version of their iconic original glazed doughnut to celebrate the solar eclipse. The doughnut will launch on Monday, August 21. However, customers can purchase the limited-time offering prior to its official debut during evening Hot Light hours on August 19 and 20.
3. Iced Eclipse Tonic
Need something to wash your donut down with? Try K-Brew‘s Iced Eclipse Tonic in Knoxville.
The drink features a blackberry reduction, signature espresso, fever tree tonic over ice. The drink is topped off with a refreshing mint leaf. It’s available at one of K-Brews two locations at 1138 N. Broadway or 800 Market Street.
This lemon, lime and orange trifecta will leave you glowing, even through total darkness. Made by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, the citrus-flavored soda is also available in Diet Sun Drop.
5. Space Junk (Food)
On average, it takes about 375 years for a total solar eclipse to happen again at the same location, so why not live a little?
Fill “Space Junk” bags with your favorite eclipse-themed candy. Our picks include Starbursts, Milky Way, Eclipse or Orbit Gum and mini Moon Pies.
6. Fruit or veggie eclipse kebabs
Looking for a healthier options? Your guests will love you to the moon and back with these celestial creations.
Just cut our your favorite fruit or vegetables, like watermelon, cantaloupe or even cucumbers with a star shaped cookie cutter. Skewer the fruits and veggies for a snack that is out of this world.
7. Rocket Dogs
Take a hot dog and wrap it with Pillsbury Bread Stick Dough and bake it according to the instructions on the package. Push a skewer through the hot dogs and top with a triangle cheese.
8. Solar Eclipse Trail Mix
Mix up some eclipse inspired trail mix.
Just combine:
Mix together and store in an airtight container
9. Goldfish Space Adventures
Pepperidge Farms Goldfish Space Dreams Snack Crackers are out of this world! The crackers are in shapes from outer space.
10. Pizza moons
For a fun, lunar-themed appetizer, try pizza moons. Unroll crescents onto work surface. Top each piece of dough with shredded cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Sprinkle on a bit more cheese, and roll into crescent shape. Place pizza “moons” on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese.
See also:
60-home development planned near Jonesborough school
Jeff Keelinghttps://www.wjhl.com/news/local/whos-building-that/60-home-development-planned-near-jonesborough-school/
Editor’s Note: The Tri-Cities is growing and News Channel 11 wants to keep you informed of new construction underway commercially and residentially. Our weekly series “Who’s Building That?” uses public documents, research, community connections and hard work to bring you information about who’s building or renovating what, where, and for what use. You’ll also get facts and figures about project costs and potential property tax revenue as well as trend data. Don’t drive by and wonder anymore!...
Editor’s Note: The Tri-Cities is growing and News Channel 11 wants to keep you informed of new construction underway commercially and residentially. Our weekly series “Who’s Building That?” uses public documents, research, community connections and hard work to bring you information about who’s building or renovating what, where, and for what use. You’ll also get facts and figures about project costs and potential property tax revenue as well as trend data. Don’t drive by and wonder anymore!
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Chalk up another round of development attracted by the new K-8 Jonesborough school.
A month after News Channel 11 reported on the 137 townhomes that will comprise “Saylor’s Place” within sight of the school, another developer is breaking ground nearby.
Instead of national builder D.R. Horton, this time it’s local builder Ethan Buckingham partnering with Richard Tucker on a 60-home development, “Skyline Landing,” behind a stretch of homes along Skyline Drive.
Site work has just begun at the irregularly shaped property that Buckingham said he and partners are “not going to mass grade. We’re going to cut the roads and let it be what it is.”
Buckingham said the lots will be larger than if the sloping property, which crosses Boones Creek and angles along a parallel path to Rocky Hollow Road, was graded flat. The development will also be served by Jonesborough water and sewer.
He said grading and infrastructure work should be complete around January 2024, which is when the new school is scheduled to open. Houses will be 3 and 4-bedroom, 1,700 square feet and larger. Buckingham said some will be two story on slab and others will have basements.
Home construction could begin in the first quarter of 2024. The site plan shows one road in from Skyline, with a cul-de-sac at the end and one road off to its right, with two other roads stemming off of each other for a total of four cul-de-sacs.
Neighbors out watching the early work on the pastureland voiced disappointment at losing their current view. Buckingham said they’d still have their view of the mountains.
Property records show RET Partnership purchased the land for $744,600 on June 2 from area surveyor Joe McCoy and Randy Jarrett. They had bought the land in 2011 for $250,000.
The county’s appraised value on the land market value currently is $8,100. An adjacent 61-acre property, also designated agricultural, shows a land market value of $358,100.
WHAT: 60 new single-family houses on 49 acres.
WHERE: Off of Skyline Drive, Jonesborough (near new Jonesborough School).
WHO: RET Partnership.
WHEN: First houses to be constructed starting in early 2024.
YOUR TAX BENEFIT: Based on an average assessment of $500,000 for 60 homes, the project would generate about $250,000 annually in combined Washington County and Jonesborough town property taxes.
Bart Long Auction Clydesdales set to bring nostalgia to Jonesborough Christmas Parade
MARINA WATERS mwaters@sixriversmedia.comhttps://www.heraldandtribune.com/living/bart-long-auction-clydesdales-set-to-bring-nostalgia-to-jonesborough-christmas-parade/article_18362926-8f10-11ee-9ca1-8ba4ab7b2ff3.html
No, they aren’t Dasher, Dancer, Comet or Blizten. They don’t fly, and they are a good bit bigger than Santa’s reindeer. Instead, in this year’s Jonesborough Christmas parade, the big man in the red suit will arrive in a wagon led by Bart Long’s Auction Clydesdale horses.The Auction Clydesdales will help Tennessee’s oldest town usher in holiday cheer and memories of yesteryear as part of the Christmas parade starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in downtown Jonesborough.“Many of the other...
No, they aren’t Dasher, Dancer, Comet or Blizten. They don’t fly, and they are a good bit bigger than Santa’s reindeer. Instead, in this year’s Jonesborough Christmas parade, the big man in the red suit will arrive in a wagon led by Bart Long’s Auction Clydesdale horses.
The Auction Clydesdales will help Tennessee’s oldest town usher in holiday cheer and memories of yesteryear as part of the Christmas parade starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in downtown Jonesborough.
“Many of the other (parades in the region) we have done before,” Long said, “but this will be our first time in Jonesborough.”
Long owns Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction LLC., one of the largest real estate auction firms on the East Coast based in Bristol, Virginia. Instead of using newfangled promotional means, the Bristol native instead opted to invest in over a dozen massive Clydesdale horses to spread the word about his business, while also putting smiles on faces.
“We use the Clydesdales as our ambassadors,” Long said. “They do lots of different things. They go to the Christmas parades, they go to Fun Fest in Kingsport, they do the Memorial Day Parade in Marion (Virginia). They’re all over the place so we can share them with the community, which is ultimately why we have them.”
The six-horse team that will march down Main Street with their large, feathered feet are each bay colored, stand at 19 hands tall and weigh around 2,200 pounds. According to Long, they enjoy a daily diet of 50-70 pounds of feed and hay each day.
“I picked the Clydesdales because they’re majestic,” Long said. “They have power and strength. If they’re going to reflect your business, they need to reflect the values of your business. They’re strong. They’re dependable.”
They even come with their own general manager, Mark Boese. For 25 years, Boese worked at Anheuser-Busch, which brought one of the most iconic horse-led sleigh teams, the Budweiser Horses, to America’s TV screens for Super Bowl commercials and more.
“A lot of people don’t realize — they see Anheuser-Busch, and they think those are the only people who did it, but they just did it longer. There were tons of commercial hitches for exhibitions. Armour Meat (had gray Percherons), Wilson & Co. (had gray Clydesdales), Coors (had Belgians) — there were tons of commercial hitches out there for advertising. But in the ’50s and ’60s, they started to fade away. Anheuser-Busch just held on longer, and people just equated that to just them.”
The team of horses will pull Santa Claus on Long’s 1908 yellow hitch wagon built by the Studebaker Bros. Co. in Indiana in 1908 and restored by Lawrence Wagon Works in 2010. According to Long’s auction website, the wagon is one of only a few of its kind left in America today.
In addition to the Jonesborough parade, the Auction Clydestales will also make an appearance in Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee (7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7).
Though a horse-drawn wagon is now a promotional means of the past, Long aims to bring his team of large, local equestrian icons to various events and parades for more than just advertising. Long said he aims to bring his team of horses — with help from his sons, Gant and Gatlin — to local communities to celebrate the season and spread happiness to young and old.
“I love to see the kids with them,” Long said. “That’s honestly the whole thing for me, the kids. And it makes big kids little kids again. It’s amazing. I’ll meet a child, and they’re having a great time, and then you’ll have this 75- or 80-year-old man who is looking at the wagon and the truck. They’ll say, ‘I remember when we plowed with horses.’ It takes those guys back to childhood too. It’s a pretty neat thing.”
For more information on Bart Long & Associates Realty and Auction LLC, or the Auction Clydesdales, go to www.bartlongauctions.com or www.facebook.com/BartLongAuctions.
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