SC&RA news December 2008
05 March 2009
Reserve exhibit space now for 2009 Specialized Transportation Symposium
SC&RA is accepting reservations for booths at the Exhibit Center during the 2009 Specialized Transportation Symposium, 11-13 March, at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. The Exhibit Center hours will be 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday 11 March and 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Thursday, 12 March. The Exhibit Center offers an opportunity for companies to promote their products and service to top executives that make purchasing decisions in the specialized transport industry.
Past exhibitors have already reserved eight of the 20 available booths. The 8 foot by 10 foot (2.4 x 3 m) booths are US$900 for SC&RA members and $1,150 for non-members. Booth fees include one complimentary registration. For additional information visit www.scranet.org/events or call +1 703-698-0291.
Participation in regional meetings of state highway officials
SC&RA staff and several Transportation Group members in the US attended regional meetings of state highway and transportation officials to address industry issues.
The Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, 9 and 10 October, was a forum for industry and state officials to discuss pilot car training, weekend travel, local permitting issues and uniform procedures to increase effectiveness of cargo transport.
SC&RA presented a case for uniform tandem weight of 46,000 pounds (21 tonnes) on permit loads to eliminate the barrier in the region and effectively increase efficiency in the transport of overweight cargo. Overall, uniformity was again the focus of the meeting. Weekend travel changes in Michigan and Illinois are a direct result of MVC meetings. Other states in the region are reviewing their weekend travel regulations with uniformity as a goal.
The Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) met in Williamsburg, Virginia. The agenda for the meeting again focused on uniformity of procedures to efficiently move cargo. Representatives from the industry and state governments expressed a mutual concern about the lack of uniformity in local municipality permitting and the inconsistent procedures imposed on carriers. The Multi-state permit continues to puzzle both states and industry.
"The industry must provide a determined and consistent voice as to the usefulness of a regional permit and furnish input to SC&RA Truck Permit Policy Committee members in order to discuss this issue with state officials," said Doug Ball, SC&RA vice president, transportation.
The issue of permit amendments was discussed and SC&RA staff will provide states with a proposed industry recommendation for uniform procedure to be considered at the SASHTO spring meeting, held in conjunction with the Specialized Transportation Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 11-13 March 2009.
Association introduces award for crane and rigging project safety
SC&RA is accepting applications for the new Crane & Rigging Group Project Safety Award. This award salutes the bond that grows from the mutual efforts of SC&RA company members and their clients to ensure that safety comes first. Projects with zero recordable injuries or illnesses are eligible.
SC&RA notifies both the member and the client with a letter if a project is designated an award winner. The awards are presented to the client by the SC&RA member. Unlike other SC&RA awards, presented at the Annual Conference, the Association will issue Crane & Rigging Project Safety Awards monthly. SC&RA members may apply for multiple awards throughout the year, but only one award will be issued per project.
For application forms and the official rules and regulations, go to www.scranet/awards
Competitions recognize member companies at their best
SC&RA offers 15 types of awards to recognize outstanding achievements by member companies and individuals. SC&RA's Awards Program highlights members' commitment to safety, ingenuity, perseverance and altruism. Some of the awards, for example, the Longevity Awards in recognition of loyal membership, do not require entry forms because the Association automatically tracks eligibility.
To download the forms, click the Awards tab at the top of SC&RA web site at www.scranet.org In addition, the web site includes details about the awards, a photo of each award offered and a list of current winners. Entry forms also are available by calling SC&RA at +1 703 698 0291.
Proposed 2009 to 2012 Strategic Plan
On 22 October SC&RA announced that its Strategic Planning Committee had approved the Association's proposed 2009 to 2012 strategic plan. The committee developed the plan during a two-day session, 30 September to 1 October, in Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA. The plan has been submitted to the SC&RA Board of Directors for review and approval.
Key outcomes include:
- Keep safety the key issue (be global champion and voice of the industry)
- Continue to increase efforts in the government arena
- Maintain international direction and focus
- Promote environmental issues and advocacy - go green
- Maintain and build quality staff
- Continue to build alliances in US and abroad.
Look for further details in future issues of this magazine concerning SC&RA's new strategic plan after it has been approved by the Board.
