TCA Closer to ATA Integration

LAS VEGAS — The Truckload Carriers Association last week unanimously approved a strategic plan that refocuses the 61-year-old association on education and training.

The March 17 vote by its board is the first step toward a possible merger with American Trucking Associations late next year.

“It is a bold plan, it is absolutely the right thing for us to do,” said TCA Chairman Mac McCormick, whose one-year term ended this week.

The vote came at the end of the group’s annual meeting at the Bellagio Resort. Many of the sessions at the four-day meeting emphasized driver issues, which incoming chairman Gary Baumhover said would be his top priority during his tenure.

“It’s time we put the driver back in the driver’s seat,” said Baumhover, senior vice president of GroJean Transportation in Dubuque, Iowa.

There was little public dissent on the plan, which removes from TCA to the public policy arena. The plan assumes that ATA will serve as TCA’s de facto lobbying arm, with TCA helping with efforts on achieving the truckload segment’s policy goals (3-15, p. 1).

Developed by TCA’s officers over a four-month period, the plan calls for:

Emphasizing education, training and helping truckload carriers solve common management and operational issues that affect the bottom line.

Creating a “Truckload Academy” to provide career advancement educational opportunities for all levels of truckload management and will add additional programs for small carriers.

Establishing programs geared toward family-run companies.

For the full story, see the March 22 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.