Q: I have a two part question: 1) I am thinking about switching to an electronic records format. How long do I have to produce my records if I decide to go this way? 2) Do you know of any cost-efficient programs I could use?
A; A motor carrier must produce all of its records maintained in an electronic format within two working days after the request. Documents requiring a signature must be capable of replication (photocopy, fax, etc.) in such form that will provide an opportunity for signature verification upon demand.
NTA is now offering (to its members) an Internet-based qualification file database. Now, any company that has access to the Internet, can also have access to their
driver's records on a secure website. If a
company has multiple terminals, someone at a satellite office can input their driver records on-site and the corporate office will have all the records instantly. This benefits the company owners by enabling them
to monitor their safety department from
their office or home.
the future of
trucking
All the commotion and fallout, resulting from September 11th, has left the economy in pretty bad shape. It seems that every time you turn around some company is laying off a bunch of people and/or closing its plants. Truck insurance concerns continue to make the headlines as rates rise higher.
But I predict that the coming months and years will be profitable again for the trucking industry. The estimates for when recovery might actually begin range from this first quarter of 2002 to the middle of the year. The growth will be slow but it will be there,
as people across the country gradually get back into their usual buying habits. Just tighten up your belts for a little while longer. Take a second look at your expenses and see if you can’t cut costs a little more.
With the Bush administration now at the helm, I have never seen so many people from the transportation industry moved into key (and I mean key) positions than in any other administration. President George W. Bush’s nomination of Joseph M. Clapp as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) within the Department of Transportation earned him high marks in my book. Most recently,
Mr. Clapp has served as the Chairman of Roadway Services, Inc. I myself worked at Roadway Express during my younger years so I know this company well.
Clapp joined Roadway Express in 1967, went on to become a district sales manager in the Carolinas, and then Vice President of Roadway Express. In 1985 he became Senior Vice President of the outfit's parent company, Roadway Services, and then
became Vice Chairman of Corporate
Services. In 1986 he was named Vice Chairman and President of the company. Then, in 1987 he became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman. Now that's what I call "working your way up".
Clapp has served as chairman of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) for the National Academy of Sciences, was a member of the Federal Highway Research Coordinating Committee and chairman of the Common Carrier Conference of the American Trucking Association. He is also a three-time recipient of the Wall Street Transcript CEO Gold Award for the trucking industry. In other words, this man knows trucking and knows what it takes for a
trucking company to stay profitable.
So you say, "Well that’s all good and well but what about California? What's going on here?" Well, for one thing, there is hope on the horizon (at least in one area) for trucking companies, owner-operators and anyone else in the transportation-related field.
Most truckers don’t keep up on politics and NTA has always been a non-political organization, but as the saying goes, "Never say never.” Recently I found out, at a local Chamber of Commerce meeting, that the city of Paramount is now in a newly formed district, namely the 39th district. In fact, the communities of West and South Whittier,
La Mirada, Cerritos, Artesia, Lakewood,
Hawaiian Gardens, Lynwood, Paramount and South Gate have been reorganized to make this new district. As a new district, there is no representation yet. Needles to say, there are over 290 trucking companies that I know of in those cities.
The republican candidate for this newly formed district is Tim Escobar, who is also an executive at one of the nation’s largest investment firms. I recently met with Mr. Escobar and found him to be supportive of the business community and on the side of the transportation industry. One of his main objectives is getting America back to work through a strong economy. I feel this is a chance for everyone concerned to vote this March, in the primaries, for someone who will support and defend their industry. Here is your chance to help get someone on the side of small business into office.
~ The NTA is a nationwide association established to provide services, benefits and information to private fleets, trucking companies and owner-operators. The NTA provides it's members with more free
services and benefits than any other of its type! For more information about becoming a member call (562) 630-7637 (in CA) or (800) 805-0040 (outside CA). You can also e-mail me at wayne@ntassoc.com. Until next month, “Drive Safe - Drive Smart!“
