OTA Dispatch Issue 1, 2019

7 www.ortrucking.org Issue 1 | 2019 Another Democrat-sponsored bill, HB 2498, would completely reshape the definition of an independent contractor under Oregon law, which would upend decades of owner-operator practices within the trucking industry. Motorcyclists brought a lane-splitting bill in February, which would allow them to drive between lanes of traffic when highway speeds drop to 10 miles per hour. Rumors in the capitol halls indicate we will soon see a diesel engine regulation bill which could impact what model year engine is allowable in Oregon. An entire pile of bills has been introduced to raise corporate, excise, income, or property taxes in one way or another. Of course, OTA will vigilantly track and oppose issues which adversely impact our members, and we will continue to keep you updated as we move forward. MOVING FREIGHT While legislative matters hog the spotlight during this time of year, it is also important to point out our successes in other areas. I want to commend the good work of Erik Zander and Omega Morgan as they spearhead efforts to establish the High Wide and Heavy Corridor Coalition. This coalition has come together in order to create a dedicated, protected freight corridor for superloads in Oregon. The route would encourage international shippers to choose Oregon as the key entry point to Western North America by facilitating transport of superloads up the Columbia River. From there, freight can be loaded onto heavy trucks at various ports, and then hauled along a route through Idaho, Montana, and then north into Canada or east to the rest of the United States. So, what’s the big deal? Ultimately, the Oregon High Wide and Heavy corridor would offer a solution which is 28 days faster and 6,209 miles closer than the next best option of Houston, Texas. As we move forward, we will engage lawmakers, local governments, tribes, state associations, and others in order to create the corridor and enshrine it in state statute. At the end of the day, when people think about moving big things, we want them to think about Oregon first.