oregon truck advisor - association...

O R E G O N T R U C K

ADVISORIssue 1 • 2014

Issue 1 | 2014

A publication of the Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc.

4005 SE Naef RdPortland, OR 97267

503-513-0005 • 888-293-0005Fax: 503-513-0008

www.ORtrucking.org

PresidentDebra Dunn, [email protected]

Dir. of Insurance & OTA Advisor Christine Logue, [email protected]

For more information about OTA events and to register online,

visit www.ORtrucking.org.

Published for OTA by LLM Publications, Inc.

8201 SE 17th AvePortland, OR 97202

503-445-2220 • 800-647-1511Fax: 503-655-0778

www.llm.com

President Linda L. PopeDesign Lisa Joy Switalla

Advertising Sales Sonja Onthank

For information about advertising in the Oregon Truck Advisor,

please contact Sonja at 503-445-2223 or [email protected].

Thank you, advertisers!Your support makes this

publication possible.

Please support them and tell them you saw them in the OTA Advisor.

ChairMike Boyd, RH Sheppard, Inc.

Vice ChairBart Sherman, Sherman Bros. Trucking

Secretary/TreasurerDavid Ulmer, Gresham Transfer, Inc.

Immediate Past ChairDale Lemmons, Interstate Woods Products, Inc.

ATA Vice PresidentSteve Bates, Redmond Heavy Hauling, Inc.

Central Oregon RegionKirk Watkins, Walmart Transportation

Eastern Oregon RegionDon McGinn, McGinn Bros. Trucking, LLC

Metro RegionTim Love, Carson Oil Co., Inc.

Southern Oregon RegionTroy Hutchens, FV Martin Trucking Co.

Willamette Valley RegionRon Bowers, Ron Bowers, Inc.Allied Industry RepresentativeMandy Graham, Great West Casualty

DIRECTORS AT LARGEKristal Fiser, UPS

Oregon Dump Truck ConferenceRoss Gay, JW Fowler

Oregon Log Truck AssociationLeon Fischer, Siletz Trucking

Oregon Motor Transport ConferenceBruce McRae

Oregon Moving & Storage Assoc.Gary Kuntz, Chipman Moving

OTA Insurance ServicesDiane Deautromont, Lile International Companies

Safety Management CouncilBill Lundin, Independent Dispatch, Inc. (IDI)

Technology & Maintenance CouncilNicolle Hollamon, Kool Pak, LLC

PAST CHAIRS—EX-OFFICIO BOARDACT, OTA in ActionMark Gibson, Siskiyou Transportation, Inc.

ATA, Independent Contractor Task ForceMike Card, Combined Transport, Inc.

ATA VP, Mobility CommitteeSteve Bates, Redmond Heavy Hauling, Inc.Government Affairs CommitteeLanny Gower, Con-Way Freight

Sub on EnvironmentCharlie Tindall, Blue Line Transportation Co., Inc.

Truck PAC CommitteeBrian Harris, Harris Transportation Co., LLCDick Swennes

COMMITTEESEvents CommitteeCraig Solehim, Pacific Power Products

Government Affairs CommitteeDavid Brailler, Gordon Trucking, Inc.

IT CommitteeBrian Mitchie, EROAD

Membership Committee OpenTruck Pac CommitteeDale Lemmons, Interstate Wood Products, Inc.

OTA Board of Directors

3 OTA president’s message Debra Dunn, OTA President

6 Truck Driver Loan Program 2014 8 Government Affairs

Why it’s important that OTA has a well-funded PAC

Highlights of the 2014 Oregon Legislature

10 Safety Management Council Truckers, shift work and sleep

12 TMC Tech Tips CSA status and inspection reports

14 ATA Medical Card Charges

17 Upcoming events & training

18 OTA honors past Board Chairs during January luncheon

20 OTA Benefit Partners

Issue 1, 2014

O R E G O N T R U C K

CONTENTS

Oregon Trucking Associations

OR_Trucking

http://otaphotoshare.shutterfly.com

ADVISOR

1

Cover Photo Lisa Joy Switalla

2 OTA ADVISOR www.ORtrucking.org

OTA

President’s message

“Goals that are not written down are just wishes.”

—Anonymous

Several weeks ago I ran across this quote—it’s unfortunate that I can’t say it was a profound comment from a corporate leader, professor or successful trucker. Nevertheless, it undoubtedly resonates with many of you, as it did with me. This does not apply, however, to the OTA board. Board members are not just sitting around wishing for OTA’s

success, instead taking action and setting attainable goals (not wishes) annually. We believe that setting and publishing our goals each year is a critical step in our success. By setting goals we keep our priorities straight and have a tool to measure our accomplishments, a tool which also becomes key in determining where to focus OTA resources when new ideas are brought to us or external pressures arise.

As we ease into 2014, the goals we set for the new year primarily build on the successes and progress we made in 2013. Our highest priority continues to be growing our membership base in order to increase our influence with legislatures, government agencies, etc. This year we have added new strategies to achieve our first goal: execute integrated recruitment strategies to net 100 new members. We launched a new way for members to connect with carriers or allied suppliers who aren’t currently part of OTA. This new program is called the OTA Connection. If you’d like to connect a new member—or reconnect a previous member—to the many benefits and resources that OTA members enjoy, sponsor a new member for a year under a special introductory offer. OTA members are our greatest asset and the OTA Connection program brings those assets into play in a very viable way.

Another new outreach method is well under way and some members may have already been contacted as part of the Truck PAC fundraising campaign. This campaign is one of several strategies to achieve our second goal which is to develop a Truck PAC revenue stream to provide $50K annually. Your support of the Oregon Truck PAC fund is more important than ever. OTA continues to battle on behalf of our members to educate, inform and influence the decision makers whose actions impact how we do business in Oregon. OTA and other like-minded organizations face a tough fight, especially considering the increased cost of waging a successful election campaign or promoting a bill through the legislature. Thank you in advance for your contribution; with it we can be even more effective!

The 2014 events schedule looks a little different than in the past. It’s in response to OTA carrier and allied members who requested that we streamline the ways they support OTA through sponsorships and participation. Budgets are tight and your time is valuable. The new event schedule takes into account that not everyone has the opportunity to attend multiple events. Consolidating and simplifying OTA events means that you don’t have to miss out and it ensures that OTA continues to create opportunities for members to network and gain information to succeed in their companies, we can achieve this goal in many ways.

Another OTA goal can help carriers clarify and improve their operations as we execute a safety and compliance services plan, and that increases the number of carriers served. Recent studies have shown that carriers are still finding several FMCSA programs and regulations confusing—especially CSA.

By Debra Dunn, OTA President

continues on page 4 ›

3Issue 1 | 2014


Truck Driver Loan Program 2014The driver shortage is one of the greatest threats to the trucking industry and has the potential to impact all other industries served by trucking. We still need to accelerate the flow of new drivers. The Truck Driver Loan Program is providing up to $3,000 for new drivers to attend truck driving school. With a starting fund of $386,000 for loans to pay for truck driver training, we anticipate over 100 new drivers entering the industry. As loans are re-paid, ongoing loans will be available beyond the original principal. Worksystems, Inc. is the fiscal agent; Trucking Solutions Consortium is the project manager; and community colleges and workforce development department is the granting agency for these legislated funds.

Statewide collaboration truck driving schoolsAll of the active truck driving schools in Oregon have joined together to work through potential problems and collaboratively agree with a loan process that will work for all. This includes all of the private trade schools: IITR, Western Pacific, and Elite truck schools as well as the truck schools offered through our community college system at

Quality instructionAs part of this process, all of the schools are now recognized as Professional Truck Driver Certified schools with Certified Trainers and Master Trainers, as well as updated curriculum and assessments. All of the schools retain their unique qualities while assuring consistent learning objectives and assessment of skills and knowledge.

Trucking Solutions Consortium offered three additional week-long sessions of “Train the Trainer” with Jennifer Webster which certified trainers in training delivery skills and use of the Professional Truck Driver Certificate

TSC Truck Driving School Steering CommitteeTruck Driving Schools (left to right): Dave Riggins, President IITR; Greg Reisnaur, President Elite Truck School; Suzanne Reisnaur, Manager Elite Truck School; Ginger Coburn, Manager Western Pacific Truck School; Bill Jiron and Kenneth Jones, Rogue Community College Truck School. Not pictured: Jesse Morrow, Umpqua Community College Truck School; Vicki Handy, TSC.

Umpqua and Rogue Community Colleges. Several other community colleges have partnered with IITR to provide truck driver training in their local areas.

The truck driver loan program has accomplished an amazing level of cooperation and collaboration between schools. We meet quarterly to discuss issues of quality, loan usage, and share updated information. The TSC Truck Driving School Steering Committee assures loan access for job seekers throughout our state.

7Issue 1 | 2014

Designing the truck driver training loan programThis statewide loan program has a seemly simple mission: help pay the tuition for truck driving school so that trucking companies hire more trained truck drivers. However, this involves many diverse stakeholders: several very autonomous truck driving schools, local Worksource centers across the state, community colleges, Worksystems, Inc. and a loan servicing center. Trucking Solutions Consortium is the project manager of this system and Worksystems, Inc. serves as the fiscal agent.

Target Program to date Oct 2012–Jan 2014

Number of schools eligible and participating

9 9

% of schools meeting quality standards for curriculum and trainer qualifications

100% 100%

Percent of CDL graduates placed into jobs following graduation

85% 93%

Percent of CDL graduates with loan programs placed into jobs following graduation

90% 100%

Total number of loans 61

Total amount of loans $160,000

Key performance indicators status report

Access to truck driver training and loansThis map illustrates the sites of all of the truck driving schools participating in this program. Job seekers can choice the school that best fits their needs and have equitable access to this loan opportunity. All of the schools have placement services with numerous trucking companies.

Curriculum. Train the Trainer was held in at no cost to participants for the class. Elite and Western Pacific Truck Schools join IITR, Umpqua Community College and Rogue Community College to have their trainers certified.

Managing a standard quality level for the truck driver training required a comprehensive review of curriculum and trainer standards at the schools, certification in the Professional Truck Driver Certificate and shared assessment criteria.

The first year of this project was building the program foundation:

1. Confirming a fiscal agent and loan servicing center.

2. Developing relationships with and between key stakeholders.

3. Designing the infrastructure.

4. Gaining agreement on criteria.

5. Assessing current training programs.

6. Delivering trainer development / certification.

7. Forging agreements to the process as a whole.

Now we continue to provide this loan opportunity to help bring truck drivers into our industry. For more information, contact Vicki Handy at 503-655-2449. ■


Hello again from TMC!In our last Advisor, we talked about the importance of a driver’s daily vehicle inspection and how it can help (or hurt) your maintenance program. We explored some ways that you can measure your driver’s knowledge, skills, and compliance with company policy. One of the measurements we discussed is a monthly review of your CSA “Maintenance” profile (referred to as the

“Maintenance BASIC”). Using this information to identify your strong and weak points will allow you to address those topics with your drivers and your shop.

Using your CSA status and inspection reports to identify what enforcement inspectors are seeing is a start. The next step is to find these violations (and correct them) before the inspectors do. This means that drivers and mechanics need to understand what inspectors look for and the different levels of vehicle inspection. While safety compliance inspections may sometimes appear random, in reality they are conducted following specific protocol laid out by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. CVSA guidelines are designed to produce the same inspection in all 50 states plus Canada and Mexico and “clean” (no defect) Level I and Level V inspections

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

CSA status and inspection reports

Tech Tips

By Bob Phipps, Bettendorf Trucking, TMC President

that produce the CVSA window decal are honored in all jurisdictions (at least in theory!). The most common vehicle inspections are Level I (a full driver and vehicle inspection that includes the vehicle underside, brake adjustment, etc.) and Level II (also known as a “walk around,” similar to Level I but without the under vehicle check). Level III inspections are “driver only” and don’t count for or against the vehicle. On the other hand, Level V inspections are “vehicle only” and obviously do count. In the middle are Level IV “special” inspections that focus on one or more specific items such as brake adjustment, etc. Understanding a compliance inspection is an important first step toward improving your CSA Maintenance scores and all three TMC chapters (Portland, Eugene, and Southern Oregon) work closely with our ODOT partners to present this information for you at TMC meetings in those locations. Attending one of these workshops will allow you to work one-on-one with inspectors in a partnership to better understand what inspectors are looking for, how it affects you, and how you can improve your results.

There are, of course, additional factors that affect vehicle inspections. Your company “Inspection Selection System” (“ISS”) score will point out to inspectors areas of past violations (such as lights or brake adjustment) and

13Issue 1 | 2014

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

inspectors may choose to use this information to look at how well you are making those specific problems “go away.” Running interstate brings into play what other states emphasize in enforcement and this needs to be reviewed. For example, if you enter Texas you had better be sure that every marker lamp is working to full capacity (or you will hear about it). Just driving through California can add 5 to 10 points to your CSA Maintenance score. Inspections that often accompany a “probable cause” traffic stop may include an emphasis on local “hot topics” (anti-spray devices, mud flaps, etc.). Finally, with the elimination of the CSA “Cargo BASIC,” several former “non-maintenance” violations including proper load securement and tarps are now considered “maintenance” violations and are charged as such. With today’s “real time” information processing, keeping current involves vigilance. Setting improvement targets and then measuring progress toward them has become a regular part of the fleet manager’s job.

Communicating this information to your drivers and mechanics is important as this is an area where the

theory of “If you know how it works then you can fix it” definitely applies. Just as compliance inspectors follow the CVSA Inspection Guidelines, drivers need to understand and follow specific daily vehicle pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures and then report their findings to those who will make sure that all defects are reviewed and corrected. Mechanics need to follow regular preventive maintenance and Periodic Inspection criteria to make sure that vehicles they examine are without defects. They also need to address all concerns that drivers identify in their inspections. An important part of this process is having good communication between drivers, mechanics, dispatch, safety, and company management.

As any compliance inspector will tell you, fleets that have made the effort to educate their drivers and mechanics on what is needed to successfully pass a Level I inspection are likely running at a safer and more productive standard. However, it is not “learn it once and you’re done.” With constant changes in people, equipment, and regulations it is more a case of “continuous education.” Helping you get that education is part of what TMC is all about. ■


950 N. Glebe Road * Arlington, VA * 22203-4181703-838-1919 * Fax 703-838-1965

[email protected] * http://smc.trucking.org

American Trucking AssociationsSafety Management Council

Medical Card Changes

Dear Driver:

Did you self-certify and submit your medical examiner’s certificate to your State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA)? If not, you'll want to do it immediately. As of Jan. 30, 2014, all CDL holders driving in a non-excepted status must have self-certified their driving status (interstate or intrastate) and submitted their medical certificate (including all medical variances) to their SDLA. As of that deadline, every non-excepted driver must be in a “certified” medical status as part of their driving record.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration had hoped that all SDLAs across the country would have completed their system upgrades and be able to update driver motor vehicle records with driver medical status by the Jan. 30, 2014 deadline. This would have eliminated the requirement that drivers carry their medical cards with them because law enforcement would have been able to see the information when they pulled up your MVR. Unfortunately, because many SDLAs are still not equipped to add your medical status to your CDL/MVR record, drivers will be required to not only submit their medical certificate to their respective SDLA by the Jan. 30, 2014 deadline, but also carry their medical card with them until Jan. 30, 2015. In addition, motor carriers will have to keep a copy of their drivers' medical certificate in the drivers’ Driver Qualification (DQ) file until Jan. 30, 2015. [FYI: FMCSA just sent out a notice on this January 30, 2015 deadline on January 10.]

Below are answers to some most frequently asked questions.

What should I do when my medical certificate or variance is about to expire?You must have a new medical examination and obtain a new medical certificate. You must then submit the new medical certificate to your applicable SDLA and apply to FMCSA for a renewal of any medical variances you may have.

What happens if my medical examiner’s certificate or variance expires before I provide my SDLA with a new one?

Your SDLA will notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a CMV in non-excepted interstate commerce. The SDLA will then downgrade all your CDL privileges.

How can I get my commercial driver’s license (CDL) privileges reinstated if they are revoked?If the medical examiner’s certificate is expired, you must obtain a new one and provide it to your SDLA. If you require a variance and it has expired, you must renew it with FMCSA. Your state may require retesting and additional fees to get your CDL privileges back.

Thank you for your commitment to safety,Steve L. Niswander, National Chairman

DRIVER, RETAIN THIS PORTION FOR YOUR OWN REFERENCE.

DRIVER — RETURN THIS PORTION TO YOUR COMPANY SAFETY DEPARTMENT

I have read and understand the contents of the letter of February 1, 2014, entitled, “Medical Card Changes.”

Name: _______________________________________ Signature ________________________________________

February 1, 2014

15Issue 1 | 2014

OTA in Action What do I need to know when I attend a meeting?

What is OTA in Action?OTA fights every day to educate and influence the outcome of new regulatory policies and other efforts that impact how you operate a trucking company. We truly appreciate your trust in us as we represent you on local, state and national levels; however, the forums where the policies are being developed are increasing!

Each week, the calendar is full of meetings and discussions that matter to the trucking industry. And, while we have the resources to represent you, we cannot stretch to be involved in every meeting or discussion.

This is why we encourage you to become a part of OTA in Action. There is no better trucking representative on the various government, community or agency policy committees than you; someone that works on every day in the trucking industry. This is your chance to be an ambassador for our industry and to ensure that our voice is heard in every part of the state!

Look for the OTA in Action section in OTA’s Weekly Express to find the details about how to get involved. You may also contact Debra Dunn, at [email protected] or the OTA office at 503-513-0005.

Advocate – Influence – Promote

You will be OTA’s eyes and ears as a range of topics are discussed and decisions are made.

Do some research If you need more information about agenda items, contact OTA.

At the meeting• If there are any handouts, pick up a copy.• If you offer information or feedback

during the meeting, let us know what you shared.

• If a group or individual said something that interested you, write it down and pass it along to OTA.

• If there’s an item that OTA’s Government Affairs team should follow up on, contact OTA President Debra Dunn at [email protected] or 503-513-0005.

Other opportunitiesIf you know of a meeting or issue that needs attention, let us know. We can make arrangements to participate in whatever manner is most effective.


OTA Benefit PartnersAnnual Over-size & Weight PermitsOTA Permit Services, www.ortrucking.org/permits.html

Fast, friendly and professional service for your permit needs. Our goal is to not just issue your permits, but be your partner for the entire permit process. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the steps and help you select the permits you need, saving both time & money!

Drug and Alcohol Testing Program ManagementCleanFleet, www.cleanfleet.org/screening-programs/ota

CleanFleet provides customized Drug & Alcohol Program Management and Employment Screening services that fit any trucking company’s needs. OTA members are eligible to receive special introductory discounts and promotions.

Employee BenefitsOTA Insurance Services, Christine Logue [email protected]

OTA Insurance Services represents all major insurance carriers in the Northwest and beyond! We work with all size companies, from the one truck owner-operator to large fleets.

Freight Matching ProgramTruckersEdge, www.truckersedge.net/ota/home.aspx

TruckersEdge is the original truck load board for owner-operators and small carriers, providing access to the trusted DAT® Network, North America’s largest marketplace for freight loads and trucks. OTA members receive 30 days free and 10% discount after that—for life! Services start at $31.45.

IF YOUR AD WAS HERE, YOU’D BE GETTING BUSINESS RIGHT NOW.

A d v e r t i s i n g | D e s i g n | M a r k e t i n g | P r i n t i n g | P r o d u c t i o n | W e b

503-445-2220 | 800-647-1511www.AssociationPublications.com

Fuel Purchase ProgramNFUELN—National Fuel Negotiators, www.nfueln.com

Who doesn’t want to save on their fuel costs? OTA and National Fuel Negotiators (NFUELN) have partnered to maximize savings and increase purchase power at thousands of locations.

Products & ServicesWillamette Traffic Bureau, www.wtbtraffic.com

WTB is an authorized JJ Keller reseller. OTA members can enjoy special discounts on transportation products and services.

Shipping DiscountUPS, www.savewithups.com/ortrucking

OTA members have exclusive access to the UPS Savings Program which provides great discounts on UPS domestic air, ground and international services.

Tax AssistanceExpress Truck Tax, www.or2290.com/form2290/index

Express Truck Tax offers OTA members an inexpensive and simple way to file the 2290. The program is simple to use with support text throughout the site, guiding you through the process with easy step-by-step instructions.

Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc.4005 SE Naef RdPortland, OR 97267

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