The Benefits of Membership in the South Dakota Trucking Association

For nearly 70 years, the South Dakota Trucking Association (SDTA) has been a powerful force for South Dakota truckers.  The leadership provided year after year from the ranks of the board of directors, association members and staff has enabled this industry to survive many challenges.

            Not only have these individuals achieved prominence as exceptional leaders within South Dakota, but they have also been recognized for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the trucking industry.

            Some of the association’s finest hours have come in difficult times when the leadership brought together the diverse segments of the state’s trucking industry to focus on an issue and to develop a strategy to successfully accomplish a single position of South Dakota truckers.  There is no substitute for focused leadership backed by the confidence of strength in numbers.

 

Winning Battles

            Through the years, the Association has successfully challenged and won many battles that have significantly benefited the trucking industry.  Some of the most recent victories are:

• During the 2002 Legislative Session, Association Members and Lobbyists managed to stop an attempt to raise fuel taxes by 2¢ per gallon.  This victory saved full time truckers approximately $400.00 per truck on an annual basis.


• During the 2003 Legislative Session, Association Members and Lobbyists managed successful passage of a bill that allows some relief for truck drivers that receive a ticket for an overweight violation.

            Last year, the association gained more than 100 new members.  This is a fitting tribute to the efforts of many members who still believe in the benefits of membership in the SDTA.

 

The Road Ahead

            SDTA is continually preparing for new challenges.  This industry must have a unified voice to effectively meet the challenges and opportunities that will be presented in the future.  Some of the most significant issues are:

• Repeal of the unfair tax imposed on intrastate trucking.


• Continued action as a liaison with state government.

¦         Commercial Vehicle Information Systems & Networks (CVISN) and South Dakota Automated Permitting & System (SDAPS) – as this new technology takes shape, we must maintain a vigilant watch to ensure that the needs of trucking are met.

 

Safety Management Council

            This group of safety managers meets regularly to ensure the safety needs of this industry are being met.  The Council is instrumental in an annual truck driving championship competition and a driver of the month program.  This group also represents us well with their adoption of a section of South Dakota highway to keep it clean and free of debris.  The safety managers also conduct an annual “Take a Break for Safety” event designed to educate motorists how to safely share roads with trucks.

 Fun

• An annual social gathering that includes some of the best walleye fishing in South Dakota.


• An annual social gathering centered around 18 holes of golf at the Brandon Golf Course.

 Services

·        Monthly newsletter/publication

·        Seminars

·        Regulatory forms and information

·        Full time staff to serve membership

·        Group health insurance

·        Work comp. insurance

·        Safety awards program

·        Business cards

·        Letterhead stationary and envelopes

·        Assist member companies in managing change and enhance profitability

·        Compliance assistance

 Get Involved

            There are many other significant benefits associated with membership in the SDTA.  Regardless of the size of the existing or prospective member or associate member, the association will provide substantive value that cannot be found through membership in any other organization.

            For example, the SDTA’s annual convention provides an ideal blend of educational activities with peers to enhance the professional knowledge base of attendees, entertaining activities that will build personal relationships and activities that allow for participation in recreation.

            However, the SDTA needs your help.  Be an important part of an exciting and worthwhile endeavor.  Lend your expertise and support to a progressive and highly focused professional group that is specifically organized to expertly attend to the needs of South Dakota truckers.