MOTOR CARRIER ADVISORY BOARD REORGANIZED

 Last week at the monthly Governor Motor Carrier Advisory Board meeting new board members were introduced and a “thanks” given to those who had fulfilled their term.  Steve Goodrich, formerly with UPS and now with UDOT, David G. Free (Superior Service Transport), Peggy Larsen (WCF), and Ron Montgomery (Intermountain Rigging & Heavy Haul) were thanked for their years of voluntary service on the board.   Duane Braegger (Tramcor), Rand Austin (Beehive Insurance), Jeff England (Pride Transport), and Wayne Jones (RW Jones) were welcomed to the board. This advisory board position is an appointment from the Governor.  Also
Don Ipson (DATS Trucking) was asked again by the Governor to serve as Chairman.  This Motor Carrier Advisory Board is vital for the trucking industry as a forum for all companies to hear industry issues, law changes, administrative rules, and various other topics.  UTA, UDOT, UHP, and FMCSA all participate in the monthly meetings.  Carriers should take advantage of this board and present any concerns or questions concerning laws and regulations that need to looked at. http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/f?p=100:pg:0:::1:T,V:3087,

CHAMPIONSHIP COACH TO SPEAK AT CONFERENCE

Don’t miss this UTA Management Conference & Trucking Expo, May 11th thru the 13th, because you will hear from Larry Gelwix, the Highland Rugby Coach, who has won more championships than any other coach according to Fox News Sports.

Gelwix's varsity record (1976-2010) is 404 wins and 10 loses, including 19 USA Rugby national championships.

Gelwix is also the true life story featured in the popular movie, “Forever Strong”.  Larry will speak on “5  Championship Strategies for Sustainable success ”.  With a national driver shortage looming in the nation and the new CSA ratings for drivers it is more important than ever to find, hire and train the best drivers possible.  Find out how the winning coach finds, trains, and manages young men to championships.  This is all part of this year’s convention theme, “The Year of the Driver”.  Register now at UTA website www.utahtrucking.com or call our office at 801-641-4847.

GOVERNOR VETOES IMPORTANT HIGHWAY BILL

After passing both the House and the Senate in this year’s legislative session that ended in March, SB 229, Transportation Funding Revisions, sponsored by Senator Stuart Adams (R- Layton), and former Transportation Commission Chairman, the Governor Herbert shockingly vetoed the bill. This well thought out bill, supported by business groups, chambers, highway planning organizations, and legislative leadership was a “win-win” for everyone in the state.  The reason is it is the bill is not a tax increase and could provide a steady stream of money for highways and highway maintenance for years to come. The legislature will not increase the gas tax and according to UDOT nearly all the highway funding programs run-out of money in the years 2012 – 2013.  Already UDOT has indicated that they cannot give valuable, regular maintenance to many Utah roads because of a lack of funds.

SB 229 would give a small percentage of only future sales increases.  The sales tax given on only on increases in sales tax is from the sales tax from the sale of cars (user fee).  If future sales tax increase all programs will benefit – thus “win –win”.  Presently business groups including UTA are working for the first time for a veto,
override.  Without SB 229 Utah will fall back again in highway funding and dig itself a hole that will take year to fill. Highway projects take years to plan, get approval, get funding, and construction. As the state delays highway projects and maintenance it will get more and more costly to fund projects.

ATA Chairman Barbara Windsor to be Featured Speaker

  

ATA’s first women chairman, Barbara Windsor, will be a featured speaker at UTA’s Annual Management Conference & Trucking Expo, May 11th -13th

Barbara is a product of a trucking family who started Hahn Transportation in 1933. She is the granddaughter of the James Russell Hahn now 78, who started the company.   Hahn is a specialized regional trucking firm that hauls petroleum, aluminum, cement, and more through the Mid-Atlantic corridor. Barbara took her parents advice to pursue her own dreams and worked for an airline for 20 years before joining the company in 1991.  She is now President and CEO. Barbara is active in many civic organizations and past Chairman of the Maryland Motor Truck Association. She is also ran for Lt. Governor of Maryland.  Plan to register for the conference and be prepared to hear a update on major issues facing the trucking industry today.   

Register on our website at www.utahtrucking.com or call (801)973-9370 for registration materials.