High profile topics set for NTTC meeting

April 1, 2005
WETLINES, economic forecasts, legal issues, driver background checks, and federal regulations are sure to gain the attention of National Tank Truck Carriers

WETLINES, economic forecasts, legal issues, driver background checks, and federal regulations are sure to gain the attention of National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) members at the association's annual meeting May 9-11 at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.

“As in past years, our roster of speakers will center on today's high profile topics within the tank truck sector,” says Cliff Harvison, NTTC president. “I expect considerable discussion on the wetlines issue.

“We're also especially pleased to have Annette Sandberg, the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), join us in Chicago.”

An attorney by training, Sandberg was named FMCSA administrator in 2003. She heads the Department of Transportation's 1,000-employee agency tasked with improving truck and bus safety. Before being named FMCSA administrator, she served as deputy administrator. Prior to that, Sandberg was deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Another featured speaker, Victor Davis Hanson, will kick off the meeting at the May 10 breakfast session. A returning speaker to NTTC, Hanson gives a perspective on current issues based on his background as a military historian, columnist for National Review, and television commentator.

The meeting highlight comes in the presentation of the Heil Trailer International Safety Awards at a breakfast meeting May 11. Awards will go to carriers who are honored for their outstanding safety programs.

Speakers during the general sessions will include Martin Labbe of Labbe and Associates, economic report and forecast; Richard Spencer, Integrated Biometric Technologies Inc, driver background checks; Charles Morton, Transportation Security Administration, federal driver background check rules; and Rick Richard, CED Accident Analysis Inc, wetlines issues.

Also on the program are Barrie Montague, Canadian Trucking Association (former NTTC Chairman), update on Canadian rules and US/Canadian border regulations; Eric Zalud and Mariann Butch, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronogg, shipper responsibility with nitrogen use; and Richard Moscowitz, American Trucking Associations, discussion of hazardous materials endorsements.

Tom Moses of the Spill Center will discuss the recently released FMCSA Field Operational Test and Charles Morton of the Transportation Security Administration also will discuss driver background checks.

The Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry Reception and Dinner Dance concludes the meeting, beginning at 6 pm May 11. A special program is scheduled during this time to honor Harvison and his wife, Sandy. He is retiring from NTTC at the end of this year when he will have been with the association 40 years. Harvison will be succeeded by John Conley, current vice-president.

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