K-Limited’s Kaplan named OTA chairman during centennial year

The Ohio Trucking Association (OTA) is celebrating 100 years of “promoting and protecting the interests of the trucking industry in Ohio.” OTA membership celebrated the centennial at their annual conference which was held at the Downtown Toledo Renaissance Hotel September 17-18.

Dean Kaplan, chief executive officer, K-Limited Carrier LTD, will serve as OTA’s 48th chairman. Dean and his wife Kim, K-Limited’s president, share a passion for the trucking industry. “My position as this year’s OTA chairman gives me an opportunity to give back to the industry that I love, one that’s part of my DNA,” said Kaplan.

Headquartered in Columbus OH, the OTA’s mission is to enhance the public image and drive economic growth for their membership by promoting safety, innovation and professionalism. OTA was founded in Toledo in 1918. OTA currently has more than 1,000 members.

K-Limited is a liquid bulk carrier established in 1997. Dean is also a past board chairman of NTTC (National Tank Truck Carriers) and is very active in TrukPac, the American Trucking Association’s political action committee. He plans to build on the organizational strengths created by OTA’s immediate past chairman, Doug Sibila, in regard to advocacy for the industry.

OTA provides a grassroots initiative, in conjunction with the Ohio Association of Movers, called Team 88. Members of OTA, representing all of Ohio’s 88 counties, organize to work with Ohio legislators on behalf of the industry. OTA also provides educational opportunities, mentorships and driver recognition programs. Kaplan has pledged to continue these programs.

“I am dedicated to the recognition of our industry’s most important asset--our drivers,” Kaplan said. “It is extremely important to celebrate OTA’s Driver of the Year program. Our drivers are the lifeblood of our industry. It is our duty to make their work as safe and reliable as possible, and continually recognize their accomplishments.”