During Rajchel’s tenure, the FTA received several awards from important organizations, including:


National ATA Truck Image Award (2010) Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Association of the Year (2008)


Mary Lou was recognized by the Tallahassee Democrat as one of the “25 Women You Should Know” (2012)


understand transportation when it is ‘behind the scenes.’ Mary Lou is wonderful about telling the story to the right people at the right time.” In the past few years, the FTA has


become known for its expansive vision for public/private partnerships. From the enforcement/community education grant known as “Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks” (TACT) through the Florida Highway Patrol to the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems Network (CVISN) panel, Rajchel has increased FTA’s visibility and necessity in these areas. Some may not realize how the overall


work with agencies interfaces with proposed legislation and rules. Working relationships matter. For example, in 2008, Rajchel worked


with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop a beneficial and industry-acceptable anti-idling rule. Last year, she worked with FDOT on its proposal for increased containerized freight truck weights, in order to keep Florida ports competitive. Passing anti-indemnification language,


increasing truck weights, weight exemptions for APUs, streamlining seaport security, minimizing increases to tag and title fees, and supporting the integrity of the state transportation trust fund are hallmarks of Rajchel’s involvement and understanding. They were all major accomplishments for the FTA. A frequent partner is the Florida


Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its Florida Highway Patrol unit. From CDL issues to enforcement and regulatory topics, FTA worked very closely with the agency during Rajchel’s tenure. “For seven years, Mary Lou has been a


strong voice for the trucking industry in Florida,” said Julie Jones, Executive Director of the agency. “She has worked closely with our Department on programs aimed at reducing


Florida Truck News Q1 WINTER 2014


the number of commercial vehicle crashes on Florida roads by targeting aggressive driving by drivers of both trucks and cars. We applaud her commitment to the Florida Trucking Association, and appreciate the opportunities where we have been able to partner with the trucking industry to improve safety on Florida’s highways.” Under Rajchel’s guidance, FTA staff and


members now regularly participate in several high-profile committees as well as more nuts- and-bolts groups to accomplish regulatory and policy goals. This includes the Food Safety Network, the FDOT’s Freight Mobility and Trade Plan, the TSA North Florida Multi-Modal Meeting, just to name a few. Wherever FTA goes, Florida’s trucking industry is represented by a singular, cooperative voice. This is Rajchel’s trademark. “She has meant a lot to the FTA and


deserves the credit for where we are today as an association,” said Doc Hyder, FTA Chairman. Tony Carvajal, Executive Vice President of


the Florida Chamber Foundation, always appreciated Rajchel’s tenacity and reliability in transportation circles. “Mary Lou is a strong and reliable partner


and a go-to person when we need insight or advice on a wide range of transportation issues,” he said. “She has a knack for carefully assessing the short- and long-term implications on trucking and goods movement. “We worked side-by-side on a number of


FDOT projects, as well as our own Trade & Logistics study, and I can best describe her as focused, visionary, proactive, collaborative and professional,” Carvajal continued. “You knew she was there to protect Florida trucking, and yet you never doubted that her input was also going to be right for the other modes and the people of Florida.” What this means for FTA is that industry


point of view always had a seat at the table. From federal to state agencies, from law


Rajchel with ATA President Governor Bill Graves


FMCSA Director Anne Ferro with Rajchel


enforcement to lawmakers, they all know that FTA has a strong voice for trucking and that we always have on the tips of our tongue, “without trucks, Florida stops.” What’s more, the FTA is now poised for


greater growth in terms of programs, visibility, member benefits, and more. Never before has the association been in such an enviable position. This is Rajchel’s legacy. “I was very fortunate to be the chairman


when Mary Lou joined the FTA,” remembers Charlie Brown, FTA’s Chairman in 2007. “It was an exciting feeling, not only because she was the first woman president and CEO of the FTA. She has such a great attitude, as a person. And she has tremendous passion for the trucking industry. Through some very difficult times, her leadership has maintained FTA as the voice of the industry.” As Gov. Graves said, “It is a pleasure and


honor to work with Mary Lou and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.” So, too, does the Florida Trucking Association as it bids her farewell. FTN


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