California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

Because I remain technically challenged, it only took me three times to change my phone greeting to “Hello, this is Betty from CCTA.”  Yes, I am a creature of habit, and our new name change was not an easy transition for me. However, I believe that our expansion to include all types of construction transportation and vehicles now have a home. Hindsight is 20-20 because it is now clear that many types of construction trucks and equipment that was “left behind” and not represented in the past can now be a vital part of all the things we do.

Our February Board Meeting in Sacramento was full of information, and it was good to see new faces. This was the first time I got to meet Rudy Navarrete, our new Southern Membership Director and Jody Cameron who will head our Water Truck Conference. I was very impressed with the experience, knowledge and teamwork that both have shown in the short period of time they have been working with our organization.

As a child, I always told folks that when I grew up I wanted to be Annie Oakley (only those over 50 will know who I’m talking about).  When I was able to have my own horse as an adult, it didn’t take me long to realize that a leisurely trail ride was as close to Annie Oakley as I would ever get, and that was just fine. Jody is the real thing, to this day competing in barrel-racing and living and breathing horses, which instantly endeared her to me.  Rudy sealed our friendship while riding as a passenger in my car listening to my oldies station and knowing the artists and words to my favorite Doo-Wop music, endearment number two. We have a winning team here.

Immediately after the Saturday Board Meeting lunch, Susan Jones (First Northern Vice-President) came to the podium, which I thought was odd since I did not see her on the agenda. She began to speak in glowing terms of a person within our organization and I didn’t have a clue where she was going with this until she called my name and asked me to come forward and suddenly “Betty Stories” abounded.  Stories ranged from my years of driving a truck, including my “Helpful hints” to fellow female drivers which I previously divulged only to a select few, usually after consuming several adult beverages to my driving hints about drafting. 

Perhaps one benefit to this aging process is that I can look back and laugh at things that would have at an earlier time in my life embarrassed me beyond words.  There were also many kind things said, and as we left the meeting and people began to turn on their fancy I-phones, the story of Whitney Houston’s death became the hot and sad topic.  The next day as Whitney news dominated the airwaves and the tributes began pouring in, I realized that I had not only been “Roasted” but also was able to hear eulogies, which are usually only given at the time of our passing, when our dearly departed can’t hear them.  How honored and humbled I remain by our members, staff and the truly priceless friendships I have gained by being a part of this organization.  And I made a vow to make sure that I express my respect, love and admiration to those who have been part of my life, while they are able to hear it.

Get CARB “reported” if you want an extension

We are now entering the final month of our CARB reporting delay.  I just received the figures on reporting as of March 2:  19,000 companies, 98,380 trucks. 4,000 low mileage construction trucks (5,000 to go before reaching 9,000) so members better report before the window closes. Remember, CCTA has the Construction Truck (CT) stickers $10/set for members, $20/set for non-members.

At our recent meeting I asked for a show of hands from those members who had reported. I would say that 80% raised their hands, I was very impressed. These latest reporting figures surely must be distressing news to CARB. If this was a battle that anyone could win, I would be all for it, but this is unwinnable for the truckers, brokers, contractors, or as the rule states, “Any California Resident.” 

I have a bet with a member of our staff that there will be no further delays for reporting.  I hope in this case I am wrong, but I think CARB Enforcement is itching to hit the road and begin issuing citations. Our members hopefully should not be the ones facing enormous fines.

Here is my closing advice.  With the information from your engine label in front of you, sit down and report your truck or fleet by going to www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. 

Now that you have that off your mind, pick up the phone and let someone who has touched your life in an important way know how much they mean to you.  Don’t wait to say it at their eulogy.