National Tank Truck Carriers Inc (NTTC) continues to provide its members support, information, and an excellent forum for exchange of views as well as policy development on issues that affect our industry. It was as true during my year as chairman (May 1996 to May 1997) as it is today.
As with any other enterprise, NTTC must specialize both the form and substance of the services offered to its membership, be it in industry support, public relations, or basic "how to" information. The fundamental role of the organization continues to be one of informed policy development on issues that affect our carriers and our customers.
NTTC continues to interface with the Chemical Manufacturers Association via the Interindustry Bulk Chemical Highway Safety Task Force. Here, the specialization is manifested in two ways. First, the task force deals with important safety issues, such as carrier assessment, risk/benefit analysis, and the impact of Department of Transportation regulations on chemical transportation. Additionally, and given the fact that many NTTC members (including Trimac) are Responsible Care partners, we have input in refining the goals and publicizing the achievements of that program.
NTTC's Executive Strategies Forum, under the leadership of Professor Fred Stephenson of the University of Georgia, provides an exciting environment in which tank truck top management deals with current issues and evolving trends. The forum offers an open window on concepts that could affect our performance, service levels, and profitability.
The other three main NTTC councils that meet annually are the Maintenance Council, Tank Truck Cleaning Council, and the Safety Council. All three councils bring together suppliers and customers to discuss the latest new technology and changes in regulations, as well as to share best practices used in their respective disciplines.
NTTC continues to be "value added" for the tank truck industry. The future will demand even more specialization and present additional challenges as our industry continues to consolidate. I have every confidence that, with overall industry support, our association will be even more essential and will continue in its successful path.