Time To Get Involved and Stand Up For Trucking on Jan 31 - Feb 1, 2012!

Over the years, I have written numerous articles and given several speeches imploring people to get involved in understanding what is happening on the transportation front in Washington DC. These articles and speeches highlight my conviction that as voters, and representatives of companies in the private sector, we have more power to affect substantive changes then we realize.

For example, in 1994 I was invited to join a group of individuals who were meeting with Representative Norman Minetta, who at the time was the Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, to discuss the need to deregulate intrastate trucking, and abolish the Interstate Commerce Commission. During this meeting Representative Minetta asked thoughtful questions and listened closely as we responded. Months later, when the ICCTA and the FAAAA bills were passed, there was a real sense of accomplishment as we reflected on our involvement in the democratic process. That is why it is frustrating when I hear people complain. In fact, when people suggest that they are powerless, my frequent response is: “Have you tried to do something about it?” 

Interestingly, upon hearing this question, people often look at me as if I had said something in Mandarin, Urdu, or some other foreign language. Apparently, they want to continue to believe that they are powerless, or that they can effect meaningful change on issues that are important to the transportation industry and their company. So they do nothing about the Department of Transportation’s misguided decision to changes the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, or Sen. Lautenberg’s SHIPA legislation, or the fact that this country has not a National Highway Bill since October 1, 2009. After all, they’re powerless! 

Well folks, if you need a wake-up call or word of encouragement for 2012, here it is: You are not powerless! You and your company have the ability to learn about critical transportation issues.  More importantly, you also have the opportunity to let your Congressional and Senate representatives know that transportation issues are important to your company and that they need to consider how legislation or federal rulemaking proceedings will affect your company’s ability to conduct business and manage its supply chain!

On January 31 – February 1, 2012 twelve different industry associations are getting together to ‘Stand Up For Trucking’ and attend an historic fly-in event which is going to be held in Washington DC. This is a fabulous opportunity to learn about critical transportation issues, network with your industry peers, and personally meet with your representatives and their staff. The only thing it’ll cost you is your time, and your travel expenses. Other than that it’s absolutely free! If you are interested in learning more about, or signing up to attend the Stand Up For Trucking Fly-In Event, visit www.standupfortrucking.org.

Now for those of you who can not attend this historic event, there are other things you can do to get involved. First, you can join an industry association that is involved in representing shipper, carrier and third party interests. I am proud to belong to and have served on the Boards of NASSTRAC, the NIT League, TIA, AST&L and other industry groups. One of my favorite questions is when people ask: “Has it been worth belonging to all those Associations?” Folks, it has been an outstanding investment with a fabulous ROI.

Through these groups and others such as CSCMP, ATA and others, I have had access to tremendous industry knowledge, networked with some of the smartest people in the transportation, logistics and supply chain areas, and been given the privilege of meeting with some very interesting people.

What’s the secret to getting involved? Say Yes! Several years ago, one of my mentors Bob Buford gave me some great advice when he told me: “Mike, if you want to get ahead, when people ask you to get involved, say Yes. Then suit up, show up, and shut up.” (I like to remind people that two out of three isn’t too bad.)

Bob’s advice affirmed the importance of engagement. As another mentor has reminded me: “If you choose to sit back and let others fight your battles, you have no reason to complain.” So if you are concerned about the future of transportation and what your company is going to be paying to move freight, don’t be a bystander sitting on the sidelines. Get in the game and get involved!

TranzAct Technologies, Inc.