TRANSPORTATION security will be the focus of discussion during the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) 54th Annual Conference and Tank Truck Equipment Show May 19-21 in San Francisco, California. Topping the list of speakers is the administrator of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), Joseph Clapp, who will present “Government's Expanded Role in Transportation Safety & Security.”
A historical perspective is on tap from Victor Davis Hanson, a professor of classics at California State University, Fresno. He will be the featured speaker at the opening breakfast, Monday, May 20.
“Each speaker will give our attendees a unique viewpoint on the security issue,” says Cliff Harvison, NTTC president. “Victor Davis Hanson is a respected commentator and lecturer on the origins of social and cultural conflicts. While on the operational side, Joe Clapp has been charged with using his experience as a top trucking executive as a basis for the creation of an effective security program for the entire motor carrier industry.”
Clapp was appointed to the FMCSA position October 4, 2001, by President Bush. He had retired in 1995 as chairman of Roadway Services Inc, Akron, Ohio, then a $5- billion firm engaged in the transportation and logistics business through its subsidiaries Roadway Express, Roadway Package System (RPS), Viking Freight, Spartan Express, Coles Express, Roberts Express, Roadway Logistics Systems (ROLS), and Roadway Global Air.
Clapp began his career in transportation in 1959 with Ryder Tank Lines, where he was director of safety and personnel. He has served as chairman of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences, and was a 1987 recipient of its W N Carey Distinguished Service Award. He served on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Research Coordinating Committee and the FHWA National Motor Carrier Advisory Committee.
He is a former chairman of the Regular Common Carrier Conference and the American Trucking Associations Foundation. He also served in the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.
Hanson, a professor of classics at California State University, Fresno, has written editorials and reviews for some of the nation's leading newspapers and journals. He is currently a twice-weekly columnist for National Review Online and has appeared on “The Newshour” with Jim Lehrer. Hanson was educated at the University of California — Santa Cruz and the American School of Classical Studies. He also holds a doctorate in classics from Stanford University. During the 2002-2003 academic year he will be visiting professor of military history at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
In addition to Clapp and Hanson are other speakers who will examine the subjects of security and the economy. “Managing in Uncertain Times” is the subject chosen by Phil Kuehl, senior staff consultant, Westat Inc, Potomac, Maryland. Thomas Moses, Spill Center president, Hudson, Massachusetts, will discuss “New Plans for new Threats: Options for Transporters.”
A regular presenter at the meeting, Martin Labbe, Martin Labbe Associates president, Ormond Beach, Florida, will bring NTTC members up-to-date on the economy and its impact on the tank truck industry.
“Given the tank truck industry's deep involvement in the hazmat transportation, we've tried to focus this year's program on the impact on our carriers of the events of September 11th, and the expanded roles for government, the industry and carrier management,” said Harvison.
Other convention activities include a Sunday reception hosted by Polar Tank Trailer at 3 pm; the opening breakfast at 8 am Monday hosted by Betts Industries; the NTTC Chairman's Reception at 6 pm Monday hosted by ECS Underwriting Inc; and the Heil Trailer International Safety Awards Breakfast at 8 am Tuesday hosted by Heil Trailer International.
Other highlights of the program include regional membership meetings and a membership and board of directors meeting. The conference concludes with the Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry reception and dinner at 7 pm Tuesday.
The NTTC conference for 2003 is scheduled May 18-20 at the Marriott Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana.