OTA Dispatch Issue 3 2019

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch I t’s hard to imagine how it all began. It’s believed that the first semi-truck was invented and sold in Ohio in the late 1890s, but it wasn’t until major roads transitioned from dirt to paved in the 1930s that trucks took over as the primary freight movers. By 1939, as new regulations—such as hours of service—came into being, Oregon’s budding trucking industry recognized the need for a dedicated organization to engage with those making decisions about the future of this growing industry. It’s a service that OTA continues to provide today and, oddly enough, some of the same issues (HOS) remain on the agenda! Like others in Oregon’s trucking industry, my involvement came through a company created by an earlier generation, namely my father who started Lile in 1959. I’ve witnessed many of the growing pains that our company and our industry have experienced over the years. But there has been one constant in what can be a pretty tumultuous operating environment: Oregon Trucking Associations. In one form or another, OTA has been present to help us fight our battles and celebrate our successes. As the trucking industry expanded, so did OTA. To meet the needs of our membership and remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape, OTA continues to evolve. What was likely just a handful of carriers in 1939 has become an organization of almost 440 carrier members and over 130 allied members. OTA’s committees and councils cover all aspects of our industry—safety, technology & maintenance, image, highway policy, government affairs, and much more. As the years went by, OTA became a more formalized organization which brought opportunities to ensure that carriers had the knowledge and resources required to navigate the rules and regulations that guide the industry. Early training and outreach probably covered just the basics carriers needed to meet the government’s mandates. While OTA still provides FMCSA and other required training, the offerings continue to develop and now address other topics that influence how we operate. Sleep apnea, employee satisfaction and marijuana policy are just some of the topics that OTA has added to its repertoire in the past few years. OTA also has dedicated certification programs for both fleet safety personnel and fleet technicians. A group of designated ongoing carrier education classes helps companies stay informed and up to date. Again, OTA has responded to the needs of our members. OTA originated because individuals with a shared experience came together to have a shared voice. Common goals coupled with unique perspectives allowed the group to learn from each other, as well. Today, OTA gathers experts in their fields to share their insights at events throughout the year, events that also give attendees the chance to exchange ideas and information. We each travel our own paths— literally and figuratively—as part of Oregon’s trucking industry, but it’s nice to know that we have others to help us along the way. Of course, the success of these activities—and OTA as a whole—depends heavily on member involvement. OTA has a small but dynamic staff that carries a lot of the load and makes things happen, but everything they do is in support of the companies and individuals that make up our membership. If OTA is the vehicle for continued growth and success, then we as members are the drivers. No amount of autonomous technology will ever change that fact. So, what will the future of OTA look like? Only you can answer that by getting involved and guiding the way. Happy 80th Anniversary OTA!  2 2 Diane DeAutremont OTA Chair OTA at 80 Years OTA originated because individuals with a shared experience came together to have a shared voice.