Trucking, Technology and Taxes … nobody does it better
In an industry as regulated as trucking, competent tax help can be hard to find. You need professionals who understand exactly where you’re coming from, where you’re headed… and the most efficient way to get there.
OTS founders and principals have managed the tax departments of some of the world’s largest trucking companies, and boast a combined 125 years of transportation industry experience. We have the technical know-how to work with ANY back office system, the tax expertise to help you navigate the most complex regulatory scheme, and the trucking industry experience to speak your language, right from the start.
Al Uritis
CEO and Co-founder
Prior to co-founding OTS in 1990 with Chan Merrell, Al managed the tax department for Ryder Systems in Miami for fifteen years. In that capacity, he was directly responsible for the compliance, audit negotiation, systems design and planning functions. His expertise also includes the myriad of regulatory and legalization issues affecting motor carriers, private carriers and leasing companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. Al has worked closely with several states toward the structuring of their tax law affecting transportation and interstate commerce, and has extensive experience in litigation addressing these same areas.
Al holds a BA and BS from Kutztown State University.
Chan Merrell
President and Co-founder
Chan co-founded in 1990 with Al Uritis. Prior to that he was manager of tax audits and procedures at Ryder Systems in Miami from 1979-1989.
Chan holds a BS in Business Administration from Auburn University, and Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and a Masters in Taxation from Florida International University.
Jim Sheets
CIO and General Manager
Jim is responsible for managing all aspects of OTS’ technology infrastructure. He joined OTS in 2001 and has been involved in the planning, design, and implementation of all hardware and software development.
Jim holds a BS in Business Administration with concentration in Information Technology from Kent State University.
Chuck Farone
Director of Tax
Chuck’s department handles OTS’ E-Tax service which includes the accumulation of client data, data processing, and the audit/review of data in preparation for IFTA and Weight Distance tax return filing. Chuck also handles the initial setup and review of new client accounts and the transition of those accounts to their dedicated tax analysts. Chuck joined OTS in 2002 as an intern.
He holds a BS in Accountancy from the University of Akron.
Eric Shriver
Director of Tax and Licensing
Eric joined OTS in 1999 and has served in various capacities including inside and outside sales, director of client services and as a tax accountant for OTS’ paper based clients. He also oversees OTS’ licensing and permitting, property tax, and reefer refund claims department.
Eric holds a Bachelors of Science in Business and Organizational Communications with a Minor in Sales and Marketing from the University of Akron.
Will Burnett
Director of Driver Services
Will’s department handles OTS’ log auditing service, which checks driver’s logs for accuracy. Will joined OTS in 2002.
He has a BS in Marketing Management from the University of Akron.
Joe Gilchrist
Lead Developer
Joe started as an intern at OTS in 2004 before joining the staff full time in 2006. He is responsible for developing and maintaining all new software here at OTS.
Joe holds a BS in Computer Science from John Carroll University.
Melody Wood
National Director of Business Development
Melody joined OTS in 2007 after being in the Trucking Industry since 1990. Melody began as a Chief Accountant for Turner Trucking in Spartanburg, SC. After leaving Turner, she was a trainer for a TMS software company (MTI), then began her career in TMS sales in 2001. Melody was the VP of Sales and Marketing at MTI, then in 2005 went to work in sales at Maddocks/TMW. Melody has now come back to her roots on the accounting side of trucking and is currently National Director of Business Development for OTS.
Melody holds a BA in Mathematics from East Carolina University with a minor in Psychology.
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