20 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch XPO Logistics’ OTA Carrier Member WHILE THE BULK of OTA membership is made up of member companies, it is the individuals at those companies who often have the biggest impact. This issue of the Dispatch focuses on all the ways that members—either companies or individuals—can get involved. That’s why we chose to highlight one individual who has been actively involved in OTA for many years and in many ways. Lanny Gower is currently the senior tax manager at XPO. At first glance, that may not sound very truck-like; however, those involved in the industry understand that (unfortunately) taxes are a big part of how a carrier operates. In this role, Lanny manages property, sales, operating tax, and vehicle taxes/fees. Lanny previously worked for Consolidated Freightway/ Con-Way before XPO purchased the company. Lanny works for all companies within XPO and has 10 employees working for him. With over 33 years in the trucking industry, Lanny has seen and done a lot. He became involved in the trucking industry because he wanted to do something he could be proud of. He started off working for the Oregon Department of Transportation, coordinating International Registration Plan (IRP) efforts. Even before his time at ODOT, he understood the key role that trucking plays in the overall economy. “My goal was to be part of an industry that had a tangible impact and actually built something,” commented Lanny, “Trucking is the common denominator that helps all industries build and deliver their products.” From ODOT, he joined Consolidated Freightway where he initially worked on a trailer plate project. Lanny was asked to leave his comfort zone during a 1986 strike at a then Con-Way service center in Pennsylvania. Administrative staff in LANNY GOWER Lanny Gower, Senior Tax Manager–XPO— The Rundown ` Thirty-three years in the trucking industry ` OTA Involvement: Past OTA Chair, member of the TruckPAC & Government Affairs Committees; currently serves as Secretary on OTA’s Board of Directors About XPO ` 8,000 trucks/25,000 employees ` LTL & general freight ` Four service centers in Oregon— Bend, Medford, Eugene & Portland By Christa Wendland, OTA Communications Consultant & Christine Logue, OTA VP of Operations
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