In The News

Four Organizations Expediters Should Consider Joining to Pay-It-Forward … and Get Paid

The expediter life can get lonely, especially if you haven't built a strong support system around you. A quick way to change that is to get involved with organizations that are important to your life's purpose and your business.

But with numerous worthy organizations out there, which ones should you consider investing your time and money into? EO spoke with long-time expediters who gave us four good suggestions -- the first two are charitable organizations that give you the opportunity to "pay-it-forward," and the other two are business associations that help you keep getting paid.

St. Christopher Truckers Fund
Tom Evans, a fleet owner with his wife Tina with TNT Expedited Services Inc., recommends St. Christopher Truckers Fund (also known as SCF) because "it truly does help drivers in need of medical assistance."

SCF is a charity that helps drivers whose medical problems (occurring within the previous two years) have led to financial hardship.

Financial assistance to drivers may include paying living expenses while recovering from illness and out of work, providing information on how to negotiate price reductions with medical providers and hospitals, and direct payment for medical services or prescription drugs.

The organization exists because access to healthcare is limited for trucking professionals who work irregular hours, spend long periods away from home, and have difficulty maneuvering around side streets and parking lots in their trucks to get to a healthcare facility. Also, according to SCF, more than one-third of truck drivers do not have health insurance, which means they're often unable to get treatment in the early stages of disease, leading to more severe and debilitating illness.

To learn more: http://truckersfund.org/

Trucker Buddy International
Linda Caffee, a veteran expedite owner-operator with her husband Bob, recommends that expediters consider joining Trucker Buddy. "We're able to work with students and present a positive image and promote safety around trucks," says Caffee.

Started in 1992, Trucker Buddy educates and mentors school children through pen pal relationships, by matching classes of children from kindergarten through eighth grade with background-checked professional truck drivers. Each week, drivers share news about their travels with their class. And, once a month, students write letters to their drivers. Beyond giving nearly 60,000 children each year a glimpse into the career possibilities in trucking, the program also enhances the students' skills in reading, writing, geography, math, social studies, and history, in a fun and engaging way.

To learn more: https://www.truckerbuddy.org/

Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
In terms of business organizations to join, Caffee turns to Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) for "access to their lawyers and expertise. They also have a good magazine (Land Line) and help us keep up with changes in our industry."

Established in 1973, OOIDA is the only national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers, with more than 158,000 members nationwide.

One important service that OOIDA offers for free to its members is to review owner-operator lease agreements. This way, you can have an expert review your next contract to ensure there are no potential pitfalls that could jeopardize your financial future.

To learn more: http://www.ooida.com/

National Federation of Independent Business
Whether you're an owner-operator or fleet owner, you own a business. So, it pays to be involved with an organization that advocates for your interests as a business owner. That's why Rick Guffey, an expedite fleet owner, recommends the National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB), which represents 325,000 small businesses in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The organization says it's "dedicated to leveling the playing field with Big Business, Big Government, and Big Labor in every key area – taxes, healthcare, regulations, and more."

"If you're an owner operator or fleet owner, this organization can save you thousands per year," says Guffey. "This group fights for small businesses, including those in the trucking and expediting world. They petition our elected officials to try to keep DOT (Department of Transportation] rules and laws fair. They also offer tons of benefits to owner-operators and fleet owners. I have my fleet fuel cards through them, and my card fees are waived because I'm an NFIB member. You can also get $500 dollars off if you buy a new Ram truck or Promaster van. If you own your own expedite vehicle or are a fleet owner, NFIB should be on the top of your list to get involved with."

To learn more: http://www.nfib.com/