NTTC Annual Conference in Boston Features Current Industry Issues

April 1, 2001
POLITICS, the economy, and safety are among the topics to be discussed at the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) annual conference Sunday through Tuesday,

POLITICS, the economy, and safety are among the topics to be discussed at the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) annual conference Sunday through Tuesday, May 6-8, in Boston, Massachusetts.

“As in past years, our objective is to provide speakers whose commentary is both entertaining and relevant to top management in the tank truck industry,” says Cliff Harvison, NTTC president.

The opening breakfast, set for 7:30 am Monday, will include a presentation by Mike Barnicle, a regular contributor to WCVB-TV's Chronicle. The program is the station's unique, locally produced nightly newsmagazine, says Harvison.

“Mike Barnicle specializes in ‘take no prisoners’ social commentary,” says Harvison. “He will produce an entertaining blend of wit and wisdom.”

Barnicle, a 1965 graduate of Boston University and a native Bostonian, has written political speeches for a variety of political figures, including the late Robert F Kennedy and the late Hubert H Humphrey. Currently, he is a columnist for the New York Daily News, host of a radio program on WTKK-FM in Boston, and a regular commentator for MSNBC.

Barnicle is known for his biting, to-the-point commentaries, both in print and on television. He has hosted several award-winning documentaries for WCVB, including an incisive look at the proliferation of guns in this country, and a critical examination of the Massachusetts judicial system. He has also reported and hosted a documentary about children at risk.

Gary Williams, president of the Chemical Sector of the Americas, Excel Corp, will discuss logistics trends in the domestic chemical industry.

“Excel is a worldwide company specializing in supply chain management serving a variety of industries, including the major chemical producers,” says Harvison. “Gary Williams monitors the transportation and logistics practices of many of the tank truck industry's major customers. NTTC members will be pleased to hear his comments concerning the trends and service expectations relevant to transportation.”

Ned Kiley, an attorney with Grove Jaskiewicz and Cobert, a Washington DC law firm, will discuss legal issues.

“Ned and his firm have a long association with the tank truck industry,” says Harvison. “We've invited him to discuss cost data that can be collected and distributed within the association, the continuing problem of onerous liability agreements, and some of the practices of so-called freight payment agencies.”

Also on the convention program is Martin Labbe, who will present his annual economic forecast for the tank truck industry. Labbe is president of Martin Labbe Associates, an Ormond Beach, Florida, consulting firm.

A panel is scheduled to discuss safety as it relates to emergency response. Tom Moses, president of the Spill Center, Acton, Massachusetts, will moderate the panel composed of emergency response specialists. They will discuss typical action for handling a tank truck accident or spill incident.

Representatives of the Truckload Carriers Conference will discuss opportunities for NTTC and the Truckload Carriers to partner in employee training and management education projects. The programs are part of the Truckload Academy that provides interactive training tools, publications, and seminars for trucking industry personnel.

Jack Rademacher of Brenner Tank Inc will present a report from the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association.

“The real purpose of any trade association is to provide opportunities for its membership and suppliers,” says Harvison. “NTTC's conference is the one time during the year when the tank truck industry's leadership can exchange viewpoints, conduct the business of their association, and, via the equipment, see the latest in goods and services available in the tank truck marketplace.”

Other highlights of the program include regional membership meetings, the Heil Trailer International Safety Awards presentation, and a membership and board of directors meeting.

The meeting concludes with the Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry reception and dinner.