Issue 1, 2018

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch S ince assuming the position of Chair of the Oregon Trucking Association last fall, I have spent a fair amount of time contemplating the challenges of our members in an industry which provides an invaluable service to consumers and businesses in the state of Oregon. More than 80% of all products shipped from and delivered to points in our state are loaded onto our trucks for transport in our local area, as well as across the United States, and to or from international points of origin and/or destination. We are operating more safely than ever before, we provide good jobs to a large percentage of the state’s employment base, and we have embraced technologies which promote a cleaner environment. Last fall we stepped up to the plate to support an infrastructure bill which will increase our costs to operate in the state by 53% because we recognize both the need to provide funding for improvements to our roads and bridges and acknowledge our responsibility for helping to pay for these improvements. Our businesses are populated with hard-working individuals that provide value to our economy at a competitive price with a focus on timely and claim-free service. And yet, the preceding attributes, which are found in abundance in our companies, are incongruent with the public’s perception of our industry. Our association has been busy in Salem relaying this message to our legislators and regulators, but there is still much work to do to improve our image with the general public which suffers from the same highway congestion affecting our operations, along with an accompanying (incorrect) image of black diesel smoke emanating from our trucks as they travel the highways. This misperception is a threat to the livelihood of our businesses and we must do what we can to correct the record as individuals, business owners, and members of the Oregon Trucking Association. Cognizant of this challenge, OTA formed an image committee in early 2017. Chaired by Mike Card of Combined Transport, the group has outlined a process by which it will select one or more individuals or companies to be awarded an OTA Image Award. The purpose of the award is to publically recognize those that help create a positive reflection of the trucking industry, and nominations for the award, to be announced at our annual Leadership Conference in September, are due by July 1, 2018. This is an opportunity to bring attention to the many good things we know our members do through their participation in our local, state, and federal governmental agencies, in promoting and supporting their communities and employees, and investing to improve highway safety and our environment. It is my hope that all members will participate in the nominating process thereby providing the committee with a great slate from which to select a winner or winners, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the positive impact our members have made in their communities and for our state and industry. Thanks to all you do to support our industry.  2 2 Diane DeAutremont OTA Chair Information about the OTA Image Award and an online nomination form is available at www.ortrucking.org/industry-image or you may submit your nomination by email to info@ortrucking.org or mail to Oregon Trucking Associations at 4005 SE Naef Road, Portland, OR 97267.