and regulatory folks,” he said. The more policy makers learn about the


trucking industry — including through in- person contacts like ride-alongs and visits to plants that manufacture trucks or truck parts — the better able they’ll be to under- stand how changes they’re considering will affect the trucking industry, Barna said. Reaching the general public is another


main goal of the TMAF movement. “People have the wrong impression based


on a few bad apples in the industry,” Mason said. “They’ve either been scared on the road or scared into thinking about acci- dents, the ‘big bad truck.’ People don’t real- ize the importance of trucking economical- ly. Everything they wear, eat and buy has some kind of economic connection to trucking and the road. Trucking’s safety record has improved dramatically over the last 20 to 30 years compared to the auto- mobile population. And the industry has become environmentally friendly with improved emissions standards, cleaner engines, and use of natural gas. We’re safe, we’re essential and we’re sustainable.” BTW


CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Continued from page 4


the wheel.


Though driver shortages pose problems, other issues continue to hinder the industry. Hours of service rules are cumbersome, CSA continues to show its flaws, and roads are deteriorating. It is here that MMTA proves an invaluable resource.


MMTA is our advocate fighting for us so we do not face unfair taxes or regulations. The Association takes members to Annapolis and Washington to meet elected officials and explain our causes. Businesses cannot stand up to government alone.


Years ago, company decals on trucks informed motorists “Did you know this truck pays over $7,000 in taxes?” In today’s market, this obviously is more yet many consumers are unaware of how much we pay. On average, a single Maryland five axle tractor trailer spends over $14,000 in state and federal highway user fees and taxes each year. That’s why we must continue to grow members, but we also need members to understand how important it is to get involved at MMTA. It’s our responsibility. Membership is more than just writing a check each year. This year I hope to develop a group of young executives to prepare them to serve as the next generation of MMTA leaders.


I am passionate about this industry, having been in trucking for 41 years. I welcome your thoughts and suggestions as we work together to educate the public, encourage more membership, and further develop young leaders for our industry.


Howard Levine MMTA Charman


Ramar Moving Systems


BALTIMORE POTOMAC TRUCK CENTERS, INC.


Baltimore Truck Center, Inc. 610 Nursery Road Linthicum, MD 21090


Baltimore Truck Center, Inc. 803 Central Avenue Linthicum, MD 21090


www.BPtruckgroup.com www.mmtanet.com


Baltimore Truck Center, Inc. 12821-A Salem Avenue Hagerstown, MD 21740


Potomac Truck Center, Inc. 3371 Kenilworth Avenue Bladensburg, MD 20710


Potomac Truck Center, Inc. 7750 Progress Court Gainesville, VA 20155


Now offering full-service leasing and rental!


BEHIND THE WHEEL ~ Q3 Fall 2014 7


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