California Construction Trucking Association (CCTA)

This spring and summer has been action packed for many dump truck operators in California. On the heels of a slow and very difficult winter, operators started back to work only to suffer the slow or no pay policy of some brokers and contractors, and as the work has improved fortunately the checks and payments started to come in. As it did, we all breathed a little easier having money in our checking accounts.

Fuel prices are dropping by a few cents each week over the last month or so and most trucks are getting out 5 to 6 days a week, all this is good news of course!

CDTOA and I took a very difficult position between material producers (plants/quarries and brokers) and the small trucking businesses and owner-operators that work for them. Complaints of slow pay or no pay had severe effects in the industry. Many contractors and brokers contacted me directly complaining that the world economy was to blame for the problem, not them individually.

My response was always “the owner-operator is ill equipped to support the world economy as we live from check-to-check and typically have little or no reserve to support our families and ourselves let alone well-financed multi-million or billion dollar corporations.”
I truly believe that many of your individual and independent actions to change your work habits for these contractors and brokers who didn’t or don’t pay did have a significant influence on the industry. Brokers complained to me personally of not having the trucks to meet their contractor’s needs. They got the message – I hope the owner-operators out there did too.

You all need to understand that your voice is being heard! Without the material delivered to the jobsite, money does not change hands. This is America, a country like no other; you have the power to shape your future – I suggest that you not forget this!
Rob, Betty, Fred, Lee and me have written article after article giving you or explaining the tools available to you and skill-sets required to better manage your business. Unfortunately, due to the very nature of the trucking business, we typically do not take action until the “barn is on fire and the livestock is running out in the pasture”.

I am no different than most of you, I wait until it is a real problem before I get in feet first. Being broke by our own device and mistakes are different from having another company or person push you into bankruptcy. Your collective efforts have changed this mentality. I can only hope and pray you demand your fair payment for services rendered as you move forward!

Heroes put it all on the line

We know a few heroes in this fight and they have chosen not to be mentioned by name, most of them are the hard working folks you drive with every day. All they want is to do is work their trucks every opportunity when trucks are needed on the job. The owner-operator who does the right thing because it is the right thing to do is the businessman this industry needs today. Most of them without fanfare climb into their truck and drives all day without a complaint – this impresses me. Character and backbone count. I will climb in any foxhole with any member like this any time, just call me.

House Keeping Matters

It’s time to elect new leaders for CDTOA to keep our fight alive, your direct participation and influence is also greatly needed and appreciated.

I attended three chapter meetings since the summer board meeting in Oakland. We have the talent and ability out there – remember “If you fail to stand-up for something you will fall for anything”. Take control and run for President, Vice President, Director, Treasurer, or Secretary you can make a difference.

Some of you confessed you do not write or speak well enough to make the grade, I say (horsesh-t) you know the business and we need you and your years of experience. Get involved, you won’t be disappointed.
Call me anytime,

Greg Wallace 909-578-8595