News
Coalition for Independent Truckers Launches Program to Protect Driver Status
The Coalition for Independent Truckers launched its new ambassador program aimed at training and recruiting independent drivers to serve as industry representatives. These ambassadors will educate lawmakers and other stakeholders about the importance of independent owner-operators and the opportunities their jobs provide. The group seeks to counter state legislative efforts aimed at classifying independent truckers as motor carrier employees.
Ambassadors will not only speak at state-level events, but may also attend conferences, post on social media, pen op-eds for relevant publications, and potentially even address Congress. With this initiative, independent truckers are taking a stand for their rights and recognition in the trucking industry.
Led by former Texas Trucking Association CEO, Bill Webb, this group has identified 14 ambassadors across the country who will receive training to become representatives of the coalition. Despite facing setbacks due to the pandemic, the group has raised $100,000 through donations to help reimburse ambassadors for their time off the road. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new effort to support the trucking industry.
“They will be financially reimbursed for days that they would otherwise be working,” he said. “It’s just not realistic to ask them to not drive for an entire day and not be compensated for it.”
Webb compares the ambassador program to America’s Road Team, a program that enlists truck drivers to showcase the trucking industry at events across the country. The coalition is receiving support from both ATA and the Truckload Carriers Association, who are assisting in identifying potential ambassadors. Training efforts will also be aided by some ATA state trucking associations.
“We’ve been working with Bill Webb and his team to put together training materials they can use as part of their effort,” said Nathan Mehrens, ATA’s vice president for workforce policy. “Independent contracting is a Tier One priority for ATA, so we’re doing an ‘all-of-the above’ approach to protecting that business model. This is just one of our activities in that space.”
“The independent contractor business model is foundational — not just to the trucking industry, it’s foundational to America, in my opinion,” said Hugh Ekberg, CEO of Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based CRST, The Transportation Solution, and chairman of ATA’s independent contractor committee. “We’re focusing in certain states where we see there are the biggest problems, but also the biggest opportunity.”
“The endgame is always going to be to protect the independent contractor model as one that has proven itself time and time again for the truckload industry,” added David Heller, TCA’s senior vice president of safety and government affairs. “The majority of truckload carriers at one point or another started with a basic model and said, ‘Hey, let me buy one truck and grow from there.’”
“Legislatures really want to hear from grassroots people that are most affected by a law,” noted Greg Feary, managing partner of the Indianapolis-based transportation law firm of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary. “It’s very compelling when you can have owner-operators or independent contractors attend a legislative hearing answering questions and explaining how legislation would affect them.”
As a member of the steering committee for the coalition, Feary has been monitoring and analyzing case law, statutes, and proposed bills that could impact the independent contractor business model. In addition, he identifies states that are pushing for legislation that will benefit contractors.
Feary has identified Illinois and Minnesota as particularly troublesome states for the coalition, and the group will be closely monitoring their actions from the beginning.
“We’re trying to prepare them for whatever the audience is,” Webb said.
“We’re still dealing with the fallout from AB 5 in California, and will be for some time,” Webb said of the state’s effort that upended the model for drivers there. “That was the gasoline that lit the fire.”
Source: Transport Topics
Summary:
Truck drivers often face safety concerns on the road, leading many to consider carrying a firearm for protection. However, rules about carrying guns in trucks vary by federal and state laws, and there are even more restrictions when crossing borders into Canada or Mexico. This article breaks down these rules to help drivers understand what is and isn’t allowed.
News for You
Carrying a firearm in your truck might seem like a good way to stay safe, but there are important laws you need to know about before bringing a gun on the road. The rules can be confusing because they differ between federal and state laws, and if you’re driving into Canada or Mexico, things get even more complicated.
Federal vs. State Laws
There isn’t a specific federal law that stops you from having a gun in your truck, but federal regulations do come into play when you’re transporting goods between states. If you have a firearm, it needs to be stored correctly — usually unloaded and in a locked case separate from ammunition. Some states have their own rules about carrying guns in vehicles, so it’s important to know the laws of each state you’re traveling through. For example, states like California and New York have stricter gun laws compared to others like Texas or Arizona.
Crossing Borders into Canada or Mexico
Taking a firearm into Canada or Mexico is a whole different story. Canada has very strict gun laws, and you need special permits that are hard to get, especially if you have a criminal record. If you try to bring a gun into Canada without the right paperwork, you could be arrested and face serious penalties. In Mexico, the laws are even stricter — bringing a firearm can lead to arrest, heavy fines, and even imprisonment.
Driving Professionally
For professional truck drivers, carrying a gun could also affect your job. Many companies have their own policies that ban firearms in their vehicles, regardless of state or federal laws. If you’re caught breaking these rules, you could lose your job or face other penalties. It’s best to check with your employer’s policy before deciding to carry a firearm in your truck.
How This Affects You
For truck drivers, knowing the rules about carrying a firearm can help you avoid legal trouble and keep your job secure. If you’re considering carrying a gun for protection, it’s crucial to understand the differences in state and federal laws, as well as the specific rules for crossing into Canada or Mexico. Always check with your employer’s policy on firearms, as company rules may be stricter than the law. Staying informed will help you make the best decision for your safety and your career.
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#TruckDriverSafety #FirearmLaws #Truckers #CrossingBorders #StateVsFederalLaw #GunSafety #TruckingRegulations #CanadaMexicoLaws #ProfessionalDrivers #TruckingJobs
Business
Good Greek Moving & Storage Extends Partnership as the Official Movers of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Good Greek Moving & Storage, recognized as the 2024 National Mover of the Year by the American Trucking Association, announced the extension of its multi-year partnership as the official movers of the National Football League’s (NFL) Tampa Bay Buccaneers today. This multi-year extension solidifies a decade of dedicated service to the Buccaneers, ensuring seamless transportation logistics for the team both on and off the field.
As the official movers of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Good Greek Moving & Storage is entrusted with the crucial task of transporting everything the team needs, from essential game-day equipment to the personal relocation needs of players, coaches and management. The company ensures the timely and secure transportation of all Buccaneers’ equipment to every away game during the NFL pre-season, regular seasons and playoffs. This partnership allows the Buccaneers to concentrate on their game, confident in the reliable logistics support provided by Good Greek.
“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that embodies the spirit of excellence both on and off the field,” said Spero Georgedakis, founder and CEO of Good Greek Moving & Storage and Good Greek Relocation Systems. “As a proud member of this community and a lifelong Bucs fan, it’s an honor to continue supporting the team, their loyal fans and the entire Tampa Bay community. We’re committed to delivering the same championship-level service that has made us the trusted movers of the NFL, ensuring that our hometown team is always ready to perform at its best.”
This extension marks an exciting chapter in Good Greek’s involvement with the NFL, with additional NFL Partnership announcements expected soon. Beyond managing the team’s equipment logistics, Good Greek is also committed to serving Buccaneers fans, offering customized moving services that keep them close to the action, whether they’re relocating within the Tampa Bay area or beyond. Through this partnership, fans will benefit from exclusive discounts and promotions, reinforcing Good Greek’s commitment to providing the Best Move Ever.
Fans attending home games at Raymond James Stadium can also look forward to a new, co-branded mural at sections 136/137, celebrating the enduring partnership between the Buccaneers and Good Greek Moving & Storage.
“We value Good Greek Moving & Storage’s commitment to award-winning service and are pleased to continue that relationship into the future,” said Buccaneers Chief Commercial Officer Atul Khosla. “In order for our team to perform at its best on the road, it is essential that travel logistics run smoothly. Good Greek’s expertise in working with professional sports teams throughout the state makes them an ideal partner to handle our moving and storage needs.”
The partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is just one of 18 professional and collegiate sports partnerships for Florida’s most trusted and most referred mover. Along with the Tampa Bay Rays and Tampa Bay Rowdies, Good Greek is the official mover for The University of Miami, The University of Central Florida, Orlando Magic, Orlando HEAT, Miami Marlins and more. Through these partnerships, Good Greek demonstrates its commitment to community involvement and excellence, aiming to create lifelong customers by embodying the values of Honor, Faith, Strength and Courage—the four pillars of the Good Greek Way.
ABOUT GOOD GREEK
The American Trucking Associations named Good Greek Mover of the Year in 2024 and is the World’s First and Only Total Relocation Company. Good Greek Relocation Systems offers Realty Services, Insurance and Title Services, Junk and Debris Removal, Auto Transport, and of course, Moving and Storage. For over 25 years, the Good Greek, Spero Georgedakis, has provided game changing services in South Florida. Credited with revolutionizing the perception of the industry, Spero and his team promise to provide the “Best Move Ever” – putting respect for the client and customer service first. Headquartered in South Florida with locations throughout the state, Good Greek is the Official Movers of Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Miami HEAT, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Inter Miami CF, University of Central Florida, University of Miami Hurricanes, Florida International University Golden Panthers, Florida Atlantic University Owls, and the University of FloridaGators. Good Greek also is partnered with Lakeland Flying Tigers, JetBlue Park in Fort Myers (the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox) and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter (the spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals).
Media Contact: Dave Murphey
murph@goodgreek.com
Mobile – (305) 205-0808
Do you know an outstanding trucking fleet executive who is committed to elevating safety measures? Heavy Duty Trucking is seeking nominations for the prestigious 2024 Safety & Compliance Award. This accolade honors individuals within trucking fleets who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovative leadership, and a creative approach to enhancing safety protocols.
Eligibility Criteria for Nominations
HDT invites nominations for professionals leading in safety, risk management, human resources, and similar capacities across the trucking industry. Whether you are nominating yourself or someone you admire for their contributions, we welcome submissions from colleagues, clients, vendors, and self-nominations alike.
The award recipient will be celebrated during the Fleet Safety Conference segment at the upcoming Fleet Forward Conference, taking place from November 6-8, 2024, at the Sheraton Marina in San Diego. Nominees should exemplify innovation in safety management and measurable progress in protecting drivers and other road users. The winner will gain significant visibility in the November/December issue of Heavy Duty Trucking magazine, as well as on Truckinginfo.com and other reputable platforms.
Are you or someone you know a worthy candidate? Be sure to submit your nomination here by September 20.
Source: Trucking Info
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