Official Magazine of the Motor Carriers of Montana


Roadwise is owned by the Motor Carriers


of Montana and is published bimonthly by Matthews PublishingGroup. For additional


copies, to order reprints of individual articles or to become a subscriber to Roadwise, contact Katie Bowlds at 406-442-6600.


publisher JENNIFER MATTHEWS KIDD jennifer@matthewspublishing.com


communications director & managing editor KELLY CARGILL CROW


kelly@matthewspublishing.com executive editor


BARRY “SPOOK”STANG spook@mttrucking.org


art director JON D. KENNEDY


freelanceco@comcast.net contributing writers


STEVE BRAWNER, SAM EIFLING,


J.K. JONES, JOHN SCHULZ, TODD TRAUB illustrator


BRENT BENNETT brentdraw@cox.net


photographers MARK BRYANT


TOMBURTCHAELL ad production


DEAH CHISENHALL DUSTY TOWNSEND


printer


TCPrint Solutions www.tcprint.com


And associations like theMotor Carriers ofMontana (MCM) are creating business alliances that can lower the operating expense of its member companies. Of course there is a small price to pay in the form of dues, but what members get back in terms of value is worth ten-fold the monetary cost.


What do members get from theMCM in return for dues?Members receive, among other things: Advocacy of theMontana trucking industry’s position before state and local agencies; access to a broad network of motor carriers and allied suppliers who have common concerns and goals; a source of information to members, the public, public officials, regulators and legislators; member education and training on regulations, laws and business practices and endorsement programs that reduce expense in trucking related areas.


executive vice president BARRY “SPOOK”STANG spook@mttrucking.org


administrative assistant KATIE BOWLDS


katie@mttrucking.org


safety diretor KEVIN ERNST


kevin@mttrucking.org


safety transportation consultant AL CALKIN


al@mttrucking.org


Nowhere is the collective clout derived from partnerships between companies more evident than in the political arena.


Individual members, even our largest ones, cannot represent the interests of an entire industry quite like theMCM. TheMCM, by its very nature, advocates positions that represent a compromise reached among a diverse membership. These positions are not only stronger and more comprehensive than those advocated by an individual company, but also are more likely to be readily implemented by a larger number of carriers.


Fortunately, businessmen and women are discovering that their association can serve as the catalyst for tackling these issues—solving problem, increasing knowledge, saving money, building revenue and swinging a big political stick.


An affiliate of the American Trucking Associations


Motor Carriers of Montana (MCM) has served as the voice for Montana’s trucking industry since 1939. MCM is a trade association dedicated to the furtherance of the trucking industry’s goals and interests in Montana and the United States. Our membership is a very diverse group comprised of trucking companies, passenger carriers, garbage haulers, construction & excavation companies, and companies providing products and services to the industry. MCM serves these companies as a governmental affairs representative before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of government on issues that affect the trucking industry. The organization also provides public relations services, operation services and serves as a forum for industry meetings and membership relations.


Phone 406-442-6600 Facsimile 406-443-4281 www.mttrucking.org


For more information, contact MCM at: Motor Carriers of Montana 501N. Sanders, Suite 201 Helena, MT 59601


In addition, the ability to share costs among members produces tremendous economies of scale and scope. Each year the time and money expended byMCM on lobbying resources and staff time dealing with legislative and regulatory issues alone would not be affordable to most members.


Being a member ofMCM does not ensure a long, profitable life for a business. But, by being a member, more risks are minimized and more opportunities are realized. Time and money spent withMCM are a proven good investment in a company’s future. I hope you agree!


And remember: The world is run by those who show up, so get involved today. Barry “Spook” Stang


Executive Vice President, Motor Carriers of Montana spook@mttrucking.org


ROADWISE | ISSUE 2, 2012 | www.mttrucking.org 5


The Value of Membership There is an inherent trust that builds between people who labor in the same field.


Businesses operating in the same industry, regardless of size, face the same challenges. Industries desperately need forums in which business executives can find common ground and develop relationships. These relationships can lead to alliances and successful business partnerships.


From the Executive VP


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