A Time of Changing the Guard

May 1, 1998
I was elected Chairman of NTTC in 1972 (1972-73 term) at the Boca Raton Hotel (Boca Raton FL). This was Austin Sutherland's favorite convention site.I

I was elected Chairman of NTTC in 1972 (1972-73 term) at the Boca Raton Hotel (Boca Raton FL). This was Austin Sutherland's favorite convention site.

I perceived a "right-wing conspiracy" opposing my selection. Sam Niness Sr wanted Tom Greenleaf to have the job so he could continue the domination of the association by the big carriers. At that time, what was good for Chem Leaman was perceived to be good for the industry.

I was the first of the second-generation owners to lead NTTC. I was a small operator, probably $5 million revenue, and to the large carriers I was a cherry-picking, rate-cutting little __________!

My tenure as chairman was uneventful. Austin counseled me to focus on one achievement for the brief one-year term. He obviously did not want me to meddle with the other issues. He was retiring and did not want any boat-rocking.

I focused on the dues structure. We had a formal dues structure, but deals were cut to get some companies to join NTTC. I found that my competitor, D&L Cartage, was paying $150 per year, and I was paying $2,500. That was the tip of the iceberg.

The time had come to demand full dues or cancel memberships. We notified the short-payers, and gave them a year to get to full dues. We lost two or three bad guys and stabilized the dues revenue, which improved by $80,000 to $100,000 annually-big numbers in 1972.

Cliff (Harvison) and I worked well together. He was the new guy in the job as managing director. I recall his salary of $27,000-he declined an increase I offered him. Later, he made up for it (only kidding, Cliff). It was a good transition from Austin to Cliff.

When I retired from the job in spring 1973 at the annual meeting in Washington DC, I recall (Modern) Bulk Transporter magazine, which always featured a picture of the retiring chairman on the cover of its convention issue. This time, the magazine fronted with a picture of Austin Sutherland, the retiring managing director. I appeared on page 11 or 12. Oh well, at that time Austin's son, Don, owned the magazine.

About the Author

John V Crowe

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