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WHAT'S NEW WITH NASSTRAC
NASSTRAC Survey

    Tell Us What You Think! At NASSTRAC, we are committed to meeting your needs. Please take a few moments to complete the survey found in the "Members Only Section" and email it back to the Washington office at [email protected]. If you prefer, print it and fax it to us at 202-484-9189. Or, you can mail it to us at 499 S. Capitol Street SW, Suite 604, Washington, DC 20003. You may respond to the form anonymously. If you choose to respond using your name, you will be entered into a drawing for one of three prizes to be given at the Fall Meeting: a free registration for the Spring Meeting, a free room upgrade at the Registry Resort for your stay during the Spring Meeting, and a special prize being donated by Tiffany & Company.

    Contact:

    Debra Phillips or call 202.484.9188

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HOUSE COMMITTEES VOTE FOR FUEL SURCHARGE BILL

    On July 19, 2000 H.R. 4441, the bill calling for a mandatory national federal fuel surcharge for truckload carriers and their drivers, was approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, after earlier approval by the Ground Transportation Subcommittee. The legislation will now go to the full House, and must then be considered by the Senate. NASSTRAC and other shipper groups will continue to oppose this legislation.

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NASSTRAC Opposes Mandatory Fuel Surcharge

    Click Here to View the Full Statement

    Congressman Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia) has introduced a bill into Congress (HR- 4441) that would require truckload carriers to implement a mandatory fuel surcharge at any time when fuel prices are $.05 more than the Fuel Price �Norm�. The bill also requires truckload carriers to pass the revenue gained from the fuel surcharge to the individual who purchased fuel for the truckload. Debra Phillips, Executive Director of NASSTRAC, testified at a public hearing, scheduled for June 8, regarding this bill. (Click here for a copy of NASSTRAC�s testimony.)

    The bill was originally developed to benefit owner operators who have experienced significant financial difficulties during the past five months due to the rising cost of diesel fuel. In its original form, this bill covered all modes of truck transportation.

    While NASSTRAC is sympathetic with the owner operators, the association finds several problems with the proposed bill. It does not adequately protect shippers who are already paying fuel surcharges from being billed twice. It limits the ability of carriers to offer competitive pricing, with language prohibiting carriers from lowering their rates if this action could be perceived as avoiding the mandatory fuel surcharge.

    The bill would be difficult to enforce because neither the DOT nor STB is willing to administer it. Therefore, owner operators would have to take their clients or employers to court if they were not being appropriately compensated. Further, a $ .05 fluctuation in prices is a common occurrence, and the bill does not account for regional differences in diesel fuel prices.

    Today�s transportation services providers cannot be easily categorized as truckload, LTL and package carriers. The industry does not work that way. Some companies offer all three services, and a number of third party logistics providers also provide truckload transportation.

    Regardless of which mode of transportation is affected, NASSTRAC opposes government regulation of prices. The industry was de-regulated in 1980, and we believe that the free market is the appropriate place for pricing to be determined on an individual basis between shippers and providers.


    Click Here to View the Full Statement

    Contact:

    Debra Phillips via e-mail at: [email protected] or call 202.484.9188

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NASSTRAC Testifies in Opposition to Hours of Service Rules

    Click Here to view the full statement.

    Washington, DC � The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference Inc. (NASSTRAC) testified in opposition to new hours of service for truck drivers proposed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). The testimony was presented during public hearings this week at the Department of Transportation.

    NASSTRAC opposes the proposed rules for a number of reasons. The economic impact of these rules is significant and affects all aspects of our economy. Today�s businesses operate in a Just-in-Time environment with lean inventories. The advent of e-commerce is creating even greater demands for products to ship quickly. These proposed hours of service would force both shippers and carriers to change many aspects of their operations, a major undertaking that would be costly and time consuming. Further, the efficiencies that have been achieved through improved supply chain management would be jeopardized. NASSTRAC supports improved safety for our nation�s highways. However, like some safety groups, we question the ability of the proposed hours of service rules to achieve the desired result, safer highways,� said Debra Phillips, Executive Director of NASSTRAC.

    For a complete copy of NASSTRAC�s testimony before the FMCSA, visit the association�s web site, www.nasstrac.org. �Together, shippers and carriers have achieved tremendous improvements in supply chain efficiency. NASSTRAC has been working closely with its carrier members to understand their position regarding the hours of service rules and the potential impact on their operations. NASSTRAC will continue to support its partners in the motor carrier industry in regard to this issue,� said John DuBiel, Jr., Provider Relations Committee Chairperson for NASSTRAC and Vice President of Global Transportation for Revlon.

    The new rules would require drivers to have 10 consecutive hours for rest out of each 24-hour period, as well as two hours of additional time off during the remaining 14 hours. The rules would also reserve weekends (or their functional equivalent), for rest. Compliance with these requirements would be monitored through the use of electronic on-board recorders (black boxes) in certain truck cabs. If drivers are required to do any loading or unloading services, those services and time spent waiting will count against the driver�s maximum of 12 hours on-duty per day. NASSTRAC is a shipper�s association focusing on essential transportation, including less-than-truckload and package, and supply chain functions. The organization�s mission is to promote professional development of its members through education, advocacy, provider relations and professional interaction. NASSTRAC serves the interests of both domestic and global shippers. For more information, call the Washington office at 202-484-9188.

    Click Here to view the full statement.

    Contact:

    Debra Phillips or call 202-484-9188

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NASSTRAC Names Susan O'Rourke Member of the Year

    May 9, 2000

    NASSTRAC Names Susan O'Rourke Member of the Year

    WASHINGTON, DC - NASSTRAC named Susan O'Rourke, Director of Fleet and Travel for Sun Chemical as Member of the Year at the Spring Meeting 2000 in Naples, FL. This award is presented on an annual basis for outstanding contributions to the association, its members and the industry. Transportation & Distribution magazine sponsors this award.

    "During the past year, NASSTRAC was in a transition period. Susan's dedication and commitment were instrumental in helping the organization establish goals, focus its efforts, and move forward with a plan for long-term success," said John Buck, Jr., President of NASSTRAC. Buck is Manager of Transportation Provider Relations for Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc.

    Ms. O'Rourke has been a member of NASSTRAC for 11 years and has served on the Executive Committee for seven. She has served as Second Vice President and Treasurer. In addition, she has chaired the Motor Carrier Committee and coordinated the Carrier of the Year competition for six years. She founded and chaired the Investment Committee and took a leadership role in the Succession Committee.

    "I regard logistics as a profession and not a job. NASSTRAC membership has been an enormous benefit to me personally. It is truly gratifying to be honored by your peers in this way. It is easy to do good work when you believe in it and have the support of your colleagues, company, and family. I have gotten far more professionally and personally than I could ever hope to contribute," said Ms. O'Rourke.

    NASSTRAC is a shipper's association focusing on essential transportation, including less-than-truckload and package, and supply chain functions. The organization's mission is to promote professional development of its members through education, provider relationships, advocacy and professional interaction. NASSTRAC serves the interests of both domestic and global shippers. For more information, call the Washington office at 202-484-9188 or visit the web site, www.nasstrac.org.

    Contact:

    Debra Phillips or call 202-484-9188

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Spring Meeting Offers Forum for Industry Leaders

    NASSTRAC's Spring Meeting 2000 and Transportation Marketplace in Naples, FL drew a record number of participants, including shippers and transportation services providers. Industry leaders shared their perspectives about changes in the industry and their companies' plans for "Driving Success Through Change."

    To access copies of presentations presented during the meeting, Click Here

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NASSTRAC Names Carriers of the Year

    May 4, 2000

    For Immediate Release

    NASSTRAC Names Carriers of the Year

    WASHINGTON, DC - The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference (NASSTRAC) recently recognized four companies as Carrier of the Year. In the national LTL category, Roadway Express, Inc. was recognized. American Freightways was the winner in the multi-regional category, and Viking Freight was selected in the regional category. UPS was a first -time winner in the parcel/express category. Awards were presented at the NASSTRAC Spring Meeting. The Carrier of the Year competition is sponsored by Logistics Management and Distribution Report magazine.

    "We value our carrier partners and are pleased to recognize these four outstanding companies," said John DuBiel, Jr., Chairman of the Provider Relations Committee of NASSTRAC. He is Vice President of Global Transportation for Revlon.

    The NASSTRAC membership evaluate carrier performance in a variety of areas including rating and billing, e-commerce, service performance, loss and damage prevention, and technology. Winners are chosen based on total points scored in all areas.

    "This award is designed to recognize those companies that provide outstanding service to our members and contribute to the overall improvement of the industry," said Debra Phillips, Executive Director, NASSTRAC.

    NASSTRAC is a shippers' association focusing on essential transportation, including less-than-truckload and package, and supply chain functions. The organization's mission is to promote professional development of its members through education, provider relationships, advocacy and professional interaction. NASSTRAC serves the interests of both domestic and global shippers. For more information, call the Washington office at 202-484-9188 or the visit the web site, www.nasstrac.org.

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NASSTRAC Appeals Increase in Class Rates for Poisonous Materials

    May 4, 2000
    For Immediate Release

    WASHINGTON, DC-The National Classification Committee (NCC) voted to disapprove dramatic increases in class ratings for poisonous materials at its May 2, 2000 meeting in Alexandria, VA, following appeals by The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference (NASSTRAC) and shipper representatives.

    At its February Panel Meeting, the NCC had voted to increase class ratings on hundreds of poisonous materials covered by DOT hazardous materials regulations. Under the panel decision, ratings from Class 55-100 would have increased up to Class 200, 250, or 300. NASSTRAC opposed the increases at that time and appealed the Panel decision to the full NCC. Following comments by NASSTRAC and shippers who were present during the appeal review yesterday, the NCC voted to disapprove the changes for poisonous materials and instructed staff members to work with shippers and associations, such as NASSTRAC, to gather data about the characteristics of the commodities in question.

    In its appeal, NASSTRAC questioned the justification for such a significant increase, and asked for clearer definitions of how the NCC measures stowability, liability and handling, factors said to support increased class ratings.

    "We are pleased that the NCC allowed us to present our position and is willing to work with us and the shipper representatives who were present during the appeal," said Debra Phillips, Executive Director, NASSTRAC.

    The NCC is expected to review the class ratings of poisonous materials again at its November 2000 meeting.

    NASSTRAC is a shippers' association focusing on essential transportation, including less-than-truckload and package, and supply chain functions. The organization's mission is to promote professional development of its members through education, provider relationships, advocacy and professional interaction. For more information, call the Washington office at 202-484-9188 or visit the web site, www.nasstrac.org.

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NASSTRAC Supports ATA Position on Fuel Reserves

    March 23, 2000

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Debra Phillips

    NASSTRAC Supports ATA Position on Fuel Reserves

    WASHINGTON, DC - The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference, Inc. (NASSTRAC) supports the American Trucking Associations (ATA) in regard to the current fuel crisis. At a hearing before the Ground Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee yesterday, Walter McCormick, President and CEO of ATA, asked the Committee to support release of fuel from the Federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

    "NASSTRAC is concerned about the high cost of fuel and its impact on our members, the transportation industry and the American economy. We support the position taken by Walter McCormick and the American Trucking Associations in seeking releases from the Federal Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The rising cost of fuel appears to be a supply and demand issue, which can be addressed by tapping these reserves to put more fuel into the marketplace. It also sends a message that the United States will not become totally dependent on OPEC for its fuel needs," said Debra Phillips, Executive Director of NASSTRAC.

    John DuBiel, Vice President of Global Transportation for Revlon, and NASSTRAC's Provider Relations Committee Chair, noted, "Our position in this matter is consistent with our effort to build positive working relationships with our carrier partners."

    "NASSTRAC also supports diplomatic efforts aimed at increasing world oil production. This should reduce and stabilize diesel fuel prices. The financial health of the trucking industry is important to NASSTRAC's shipper members and to the economy as a whole," said Phillips.

    NASSTRAC is a shipper association focusing on essential transportation, including less-than-truckload and package, and supply chain functions. The organization's mission is to promote professional development of its members through education, provider relationships, advocacy and professional interaction. NASSTRAC serves the interests of both domestic and global shippers. For more information, call the Washington office at 202-484-9188 or visit the web site, www.nasstrac.org.

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NASSTRAC Welcomes STB Decision on NCC Reform

    For Immediate Release Contact: Debra Phillips, 202-484-9188

    NASSTRAC Welcomes STB Decision on NCC Reform

    WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Small Shipments Traffic Conference, Inc. (NASSTRAC) welcomes the decision by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to review reform of both the rate bureaus and the National Classification Committee. NASSTRAC plans to take an active role in the proceedings and will file comments. The deadline for opening comments is April 11.

    "We are pleased to see the STB take a closer look at these bodies and processes. NASSTRAC is especially concerned with the NCC process. There has traditionally been little or no access by shippers to data about classification changes or standards. Further, because the NCC is funded by the trucking industry and the decisions about classification changes and increases are made by representatives of the trucking industry, the NCC has an incentive to raise rates," said Debra Phillips, Executive Director.

    NASSTRAC, as well as NITL and several other shippers and organizations recently filed a statement with the NCC in opposition to proposed classification changes for approximately 800 poisonous materials, some as innocuous as deodorant. The increases and the resulting class rate increases are significant, in some cases tripling the current ratings.

    At the February 7 panel meeting, NASSTRAC presented its position with the support of shippers attending the meeting. The reclassification was approved, with minor modifications.

    "This is only one example of the NCC's response to shipper input. A hazardous materials expert from Fisher Scientific was present during our presentation, yet not one question was asked by the panel. Many shippers feel that, while we are eligible to speak before the NCC, our comments fall on deaf ears, " said Phillips. She compared the current NCC proceedings to allowing members of the Tennessee Titans to serve as referees in the Super Bowl and wondering why the St. Louis Rams did not consider it a fair ball game.

    In regard to rate bureaus, NASSTRAC has in the past protested general rate increases that did not include across the board discounts for shippers not covered by contracts or general rate increases not in keeping with the STB requirements for reasonableness.

    "Clearly, some rate bureaus do a better job than others of instituting general rate increases that are justifiable," said Phillips.

    "We commend the STB for allowing shippers to voice their concerns and for taking a look at these issues," she concluded.

    NASSTRAC is a shipper association focusing on essential transportation, including LTL and package transportation, and supply chain functions. The organization's mission is to promote its members professional goals through advocacy, education, provider relations, and professional interaction. NASSTRAC protects the interests of both global and domestic shippers. For more information, contact the Washington office at 202-484-9188 or visit the web site, www.nasstrac.org.

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    Contact:

    Debra Phillips or call 202-484-9188

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