OTA Dispatch Issue 4, 2021

5 www.ortrucking.org Issue 4 | 2021 ADVOCATING, EDUCATING, AND PROMOTING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS aspects of our industry in limbo. At the time of this writing, the federal vaccine mandate is still on hold pending a decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Numerous legal challenges are also in play, including one from ATA and a growing group of state trucking associations. Should the federal mandate be applied to trucking, an estimated 37% of drivers would leave their current positions—that’s over 1 million drivers. Consider adding that on top of the 80,000 drivers we’re already in need of to meet current demand. In 2022, I encourage you to take a page from the OTA playbook. Step up. Be heard. Get involved. We have the attention of the media. There are plenty of issues that we can speak to and educate others on. To drive the narrative, however, we first have to get behind the wheel. To have an impact, we need an entire “fleet” of voices. OTA is happy to be out in front leading the charge but imagine the effect of an entire platoon instead of a single vehicle. As a member, you are part of OTA’s fleet, and we need your participation. Visualize an armada of Oregon trucks on the roadways with a Tesla or two, and a Prius and a Leaf thrown in for good measure (a reality for many of you driving in and around Portland). This is the front we need to present on the advocacy stage! Of course, 2022 also brings a new (short) legislative session and mid-term elections that could involve a lot of upset—at least outside of Oregon. The state’s Democratic super-majority consolidated their power with the redistricting decisions it made in 2021. Still, as progressives continue to battle with old-school Democrats, there may be some cracks in their armor that we can take advantage of. We’ll also be voting on a new governor next year. Candidates with both parties and one noticeable Independent are already lining up for a chance. Part of OTA’s advocacy mission is to court and support candidates we believe will be fair minded and business friendly. To make this happen, we need your support of the Oregon TruckPAC. If you’re working on your 2022 budget, please consider what you can contribute to TruckPAC. No matter the amount, it all makes a difference. Quiet compliance and ambivalence are no longer options for the trucking industry. If we don’t tell our story, I’m scared to think who will. The path of least resistance is always to sit back and let it all happen. Be reactive instead of proactive, but our industry and the livelihoods of our employees and their families are at a tipping point. To say nothing of the businesses and communities that rely on our industry to move the goods they rely on. It’s time for trucking to lead the way. In all honesty, it won’t be easy—but it will be worth it. I don’t want to leave you with a gray cloud hanging over your head, even if it is wintertime in Oregon! Trucking has seen plenty of change, both good and bad. We’ve survived multiple administrations and movements, fluctuating fuel prices, and a whole slew of regulations. More changes are ahead, but our strength and resilience has prepared us for the battle!