DRIVE ON! The Challenging Road to Recovery is the theme for this year's Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) Annual Convention.
If you’re within 100 miles of Cincinnati September 16-18, this is a MUST ATTEND event. You’ll hear from the FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro, receive updates on CSA, and get a “State of the Industry” from Dan England, Chairman of C.R. England, and this year’s ATA Chairman.
You don’t even have to be a member of the OTA to attend – in fact, it’s a great way for non-members to learn more about the Association before joining.
The 2-day event will be held at the Kingsgate Marriott Conference Center at the University of Cincinnati ($99/room rate). Registration for the Convention is only $295 (members) and $395 (non-members).
As an active member of the OTA, I highly recommend getting involved. Attending this year’s Convention is a great first step. The education, relationships, and political advocacy that the OTA provides make it an incredible value.
All OTA Convention materials are now available online. Follow these links to see more!
I hope to see you in The Queen City!
About the OTA
The OTA is a nonprofit, full-service trade association formed to promote and protect the interests of the trucking industry in Ohio. Membership includes over 800 company members, including both Ohio-based and non-domiciled carriers, and their suppliers.
The OTA staff provides updates on critical industry issues through regular communications, and serves as Ohio's only liaison between the industry and the Ohio Legislature and regulatory agencies.
The OTA also provides a forum where members can learn from other members' triumphs and mistakes. These forums include:
- An annual convention
- Regional meetings in your area
- Periodic seminars and workshops
- Monthly Safety & Maintenance Council meetings on topics your people need
- An annual Membership Directory listing all the information you need to contact other members
For more information about the OTA, visit www.ohiotruckingassn.org
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
May is National Military Appreciation Month, but every day is a day to good day to hire our nation's heroes.
As hundreds of thousands of young men and women, America’s sons and daughters, are returning home after fighting valiantly in Iraq and Afghanistan, they are facing a significant barrier: A weak economy with unemployment over 8%. Sadly, the jobless rate for veterans is even higher – over 13% for veterans who have served in the military since 9/11.
As most business owners know, hiring veterans and transitioning military service members makes good business sense. Veterans often make outstanding candidates in all occupational areas thanks to their professional discipline and work ethic.
If that wasn’t enough, hiring veterans might allow employers to be eligible for tax credits of $2,400 to $9,600 per employee thanks to the VOW to Hire Heroes Act that was signed into law last November. VOW stands for Veterans Opportunity to Work.
For more information about VOW to Hire Heroes Act, and resources to find veterans looking for employment opportunities, click here.
To learn more about National Military Appreciation Month and how your company can help celebrate, visit nmam.org.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Mark your calendars to attend the Sixth Annual “Operation: Hire a Hoosier Vet” Career Fair on Wednesday, April 18. Driving Ambition and other businesses from central Indiana will pay tribute to the brave service men and women that have served our country. Military veterans can visit booths and speak with employers about their local job openings.
The fair will be held inside Stout Field (Building #9), 2002 S. Holt Road, Indianapolis and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Job Fair is free and open to veterans as well as active members of all four branches of the military, Indiana National Guard and the Indiana Reserves.
Federal and state governments are trying to assist an estimated 900,000 unemployed veterans to re-enter the workforce by giving tax breaks to businesses that hire them. In fact, this past November, President Obama signed into law the Vow to Hire Heroes Act, which includes tax credits for businesses that hire veterans, along with additional resources for veterans seeking jobs, education and training.
“In a weak economy with an unemployment rate of over 8.4%, it is comforting to know that employers are reaching out to assist these courageous men and women. Unfortunately, such a great number of military veterans return home to face significant hardship by not being able to secure employment,” said Jeremy Reymer, President and CEO of Driving Ambition. “It’s startling that nearly 30 percent of military veterans returning home are unemployed. If we can help just one of those veterans, we consider that a success...its the least we can do as employers to show our support.”
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Trucking 2011: Year in Review - CSA, HOS, Distracted Driving, & more
As 2011 winds to a close, it proved to be another year full of safety and regulatory changes.
This special Year in Review segment highlights some of the articles from some of the most controversial and widely followed topics throughout the year.
We'll begin with Hours-of-Service (HOS) since this has been the most contested topic this year.
Hours of Service
• Happy Holidays! New Truck Driver HOS Rule expected by Christmas (12/05/2011)
• Final Truck Driver HOS Could Come Soon (11/10/2011)
• New Truck Driver HOS Deadline Looms – What’s Next? (10/20/2011)
• Truck Drivers’ Final HOS Rule Expected by October 28 (09/22/2011)
• FMCSA Delays Release of new Driver Hours-of-Service Rule (06/19/2011)
• FMCSA Publishes New Hours of Service Proposed Rule (01/16/2011)
Distracted Driving
• Final Rule Prohibits Hand-Held Cell Phone Use by CDL Truck Drivers (12/06/2011)
• Industry Awaits Final Rule to Ban Cell-Phone Use by CDL Drivers (11/09/2011)
• NTSB Recommends Complete Cell Phone Ban for Truck Drivers (09/22/2011)
• FMCSA Proposes Rule to Ban Hand-Held Cell Phone Use for Truck Drivers (01/17/2011)
Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)
• CSA Report Reflects Positive Feedback from Trucking Industry (12/04/2011)
• CSA Study Reveals Strengths & Weaknesses (09/24/2011)
• Report Reveals Most Truck Drivers Lack CSA Understanding (08/22/2011)
Sleep Apnea
• FMCSA Receives Sleep Apnea Recommendation for Truck Drivers (12/08/2011)
• FMCSA Adds Sleep Apnea Page to Website (07/13/2011)
• FMCSA Considers New Information on Sleep Apnea & Diabetes (07/12/2011)
Driver Medical Certification
• Update to Truck Driver Medical Certificate Changes (12/05/2011)
Driver Shortage
• Many Trucking Companies Facing Driver Shortages (02/07/2011)
Drug & Alcohol Testing
• Pending Bill to Address Drug/Alcohol Testing of CDL Drivers (05/12/2011)
EOBRs / Electronic Logs
• FMCSA Proposes EOBR Mandate for All Interstate Truck Drivers (02/03/2011)
Various Safety
• Economy, Hours-of-Service, Driver Shortage Top Trucking Concerns (10/19/2011)
• CDL Drivers: Reduce Accidents with Safe Backing Procedures (07/16/2011)
• Roadcheck 2011 Shows CDL Driver Safety Continues to Improve (07/15/2011)
• Will the FMCSA Begin Ranking CDL Drivers? (07/14/2011)
• Top 10 Work Zone Safety Tips for CDL Drivers (04/17/2011)
• FMCSA Regulatory Update (03/05/2011)
• Video Interview: FMCSA Administrator Discusses Safety Strategy (03/05/2011)
• Winter Weather Truck Driving (01/04/2011)
Driving Ambition will continue to blog with updates on important safety and regulatory topics. You can also visit us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for additional information.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the not-for-profit research institute for the trucking industry, recently unveiled the results of its annual Top Industry Issues Survey - the top ten Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry 2011.
The annual survey, commissioned by the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and conducted since 2005, asks trucking industry stakeholders to rank items such as CSA, Hours-of-Service (HOS), the driver shortage, onboard recorder technology, the economy, transportation funding, congestion, truck size and weight, and fuel issues.
Over 4,000 trucking executives across the nation responded to this year’s survey, and for the third year in a row, the state of the economy tops the list. The proposed changes to truck drivers’ HOS rules caused that issue to climb to the number two spot. The concern of a growing driver shortage took the third position on the list, in spite of a weak jobs market.
The complete top 10 list includes the economy, HOS, the driver shortage, CSA, fuel prices, congestion, infrastructure funding, tort reform, onboard truck technology and truck size and weight.
The survey’s results also provide insight by including proposed strategies for addressing each issue, thus allowing the ATA to better focus its advocacy role on behalf of the trucking industry.
ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system. A copy of the survey results is available from ATRI at www.atri-online.org.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
There's still time to register for the Ohio Trucking Association’s (OTA) Annual Convention, which will be held September 12-14 at the Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, OH.
You don’t have to be a member of the OTA to attend this annual event. In fact, non-members are encouraged to attend since there is so much valuable information that’s imparted during each annual convention.
This year, more than ever, it’s critical to be on the forefront of what’s going on in the trucking industry. One of the most affordable ways to do that this year is to attend the OTA’s Annual Convention. Click here for registration information. The deadline for registration is Friday, September 10th.
As a Co-chair of this year’s convention, I’m excited to announce some of the important guest speakers and the topics that they’ll be discussing:
Monday, September 13:
- We’ll first hear from the FMCSA’s Director of Enforcement and Compliance, Jack Van Steenberg. He’ll discuss all the “goings on” at the FMCSA including a pending change to the current Hours of Service rule, the launch of CSA 2010, and driver medical qualification changes.
- We’ll hear from Barbara Windsor, President and CEO of Hahn Transportation, Inc. As the American Trucking Assn.’s First Vice Chair, Barbara will deliver this year’s Washington Report.
- Chris Felger and Mark Flinchum, Manager and Partner respectively of Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP, will present “Creating a Profit Focused Culture in Your Company”. Their presentation will demonstrate how small changes to a key performance indicator can have a huge impact on your cash flow, profitability, and financial statements.
- As if that’s not enough for Monday, we’ll wrap up the educational portion of the day with former FMCSA Administrator John Hill as he discusses CSA 2010 and what to expect from the FMCSA. Mr. Hill is an exceptional speaker who is certainly an expert on the subject of CSA 2010.
Tuesday, September 14:
- We’ll begin with one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most recognizable economists. Mr. Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, will offer a fresh look at the economy ahead.
- Since 2010 is going to be an interesting year at the voting booths across Ohio, both gubernatorial candidates (Ohio Governor Ted Strickland – D and John Kasich – R) will have an opportunity to address those in attendance. This is a great opportunity to hear first-hand how both candidates present themselves and how they view the trucking industry.
- We’ll also be able to sit down and talk with key leaders of the Ohio General Assembly during the popular “Legislative Roundtables”. Bring your tough questions and take advantage of this opportunity to hear what really happens in Ohio’s legislative branch of government – the Ohio House and Senate.
- A perfect Convention wouldn’t be complete without great meals and entertainment, great networking opportunities, and some great golf!
For more information on this year’s Annual Convention, please click here.
You can also contact the Ohio Trucking Association at: Toll free (888) 382-1574 or via email at info@ohiotruckingassn.org.
It’s not too late - I hope to see you there!
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry’s not-for-profit research organization, has launched the 2010 Top Industry Issues Survey. Continuing a process begun in 2005, the annual survey asks trucking industry stakeholders to rank the top issues of concern for the industry along with appropriate strategies for addressing each issue.
Commissioned by the American Trucking Association (ATA), the ATRI survey asks respondents to rank items such as CSA 2010, Hours-of-Service, the driver shortage, onboard truck technology, the economy, transportation infrastructure funding, environmental issues, truck size and weight, fuel issues, and government regulation. Strategies for addressing each issue are also proposed, and survey participants are asked for their preferences.
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to complete the survey online. Alternately a paper copy is available on ATRI’s website at www.atri-online.org.
The top two issues identified by the industry in 2009 were the economy and government regulation. The results of the 2010 survey will be released at ATA’s Annual Management Conference and Exhibition to be held this October in Phoenix, AZ.
ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Although the overall economy is still struggling, the opportunities for some specialized careers, like commercial driving, are expanding rapidly. If you are an experienced, qualified CDL driver with a clean background, there is an increasing demand for you in the workplace. There are many job opportunities now that didn’t exist just six months ago.
A few years ago, one of the biggest concerns in the trucking industry was a “driver shortage.” After the economic collapse, this was less of an issue amongst most trucking companies. Now, however, this concern is beginning to rear its ugly head again.
I’d like to ask you, the CDL driver, for your input as to reasons why we are again facing a resurgence of a “driver shortage.”
Please offer your “two cents” by clicking on the comments line below.
The best way to get to the bottom of this “driver shortage” is to get feedback straight from the source. We appreciate your input - all we ask is that you keep all comments professional.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
written by Chandler Moody, Account Executive - Indianapolis, IN
Where do we fit in?
In my initial blog, I want to accomplish a few things. This will help establish where I want to go from here. I have been attending seminars, reading websites, and listening to all of the experts talk about what is in store for the Transportation and Logistics Industry going forward. I figured I would collect some thoughts here.
I sit everyday listening to the experts I try and contemplate:
"Where does Driving Ambition fit in?"
"What will our role be next year?"
The issue is that experts are talking to the trucking carriers. We are not a trucking carrier. Trucking, whether they have one truck or one thousand trucks, are all be affected by the economy, CSA 2010, environmental issues, infrastructure issues, and a plethora of new and old governmental regulations. But I repeat: we are not a trucking carrier - so why should I care?
The reason why I care is that we provide the integral part that makes the trucks move. A trucking carrier only needs trucks to be considered a carrier but without the driver those trucks don't move. I would like to go into a couple of items today.
I know what you are saying: "Drivers are easy to come by." My question to you is, do you know what makes a good driver and are you willing to put the safety of your friends and family on the road at the mercy of a potentially bad driver?
Issue 1) Currently there is a driver surplus. This has not always been the case but studies show that the trucking industry is about 20%-30% over capacity. This means that there are 20% more drivers/trucks payrolls than there are loads to go around to reach a stable flow of goods and a stable rate.
Where is the upside for a staffing company like Driving Ambition?
Right now there is an opportunity to shake out the worst of the worst drivers and replace them with better, more qualified drivers - Topgrading!! This is where Driving Ambition can help.
As the carriers have leaned down, we have beefed up. We specialize in hiring and qualifying drivers so that the carriers have quick, easy access to top talent. We take this seriously and hang our hats on the quality of our drivers. We have to. This gives us the opportunity to be more selective in our hiring process than any other time in our history.
Issue 2) CSA 2010 is coming!!! Believe it or not there are companies out there that do not know what CSA 2010 is. Shocking, I know. If you are not preparing now then I am afraid of what the outcomes will be. Remember that overcapacity that I mentioned before. CSA 2010 has the potential to shake out a good bit of the poorer performing drivers and carriers. I don't want to go into an entire breakdown of what is going to occur. That is multiple blogs in itself.
Once again where do we fit in?
A big stress of the new CSA 2010 will be the drivers. Once again what are we specialists in? Drivers. It has become our mission to wrap our arms around the new "rules" and help spread the word when we can. Right now companies have the option of removing drivers and replacing them with safer drivers. Next year that option goes away and becomes mandatory.
"The economy sucks...fuel is too high...we are just trying to get by." We have heard them all before. No, we can't change the economy, and no, we can't lower the price of fuel for you. What we can do is help keep your trucks running safely and efficiently. We can help the carriers embrace the current and future situations, change for the better and come out on the other side stronger and more profitable than ever before. Just ask.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.
Jeremy Reymer, President & CEO of Driving Ambition, Inc., receives a Statement of Support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
The ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that's 5200+ strong, made up of volunteers in both government and civilian workplaces to continue the mission to "gain and maintain employer support for all of our reservists and guardsmen." It is a staff group within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs (OASD/RA), which is in itself a part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
The ESGR Statement of Support Program seeks to inform and educate employers about their rights and responsibilities towards their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, and to also recognize and reward those employers who go "over and above" the requirements of the law.
A Statement of Support signing employer denotes the following:
- We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
- We will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
To participate in the Statement of Support Program, please complete the Statement of Support form.
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.