Governmental Relations
While the Georgia General Assembly is in session, GMTA serves as the “watchdog” for the industry. GMTA representatives are there to facilitate the passage of legislation that will benefit transportation in the state. At the same time, diligent efforts are made to defeat legislation that would have a negative impact on the trucking industry. Whether you are a private or for-hire carrier you have a vital interest in legislation affecting the industry. GMTA’s efforts have resulted in relief from burdensome ad valorem taxes, subrogation, sales tax exemptions, and the exemption of owner-operators from workers’ compensation.
GMTA maintains an on-going rapport with federal, state and local agencies, including the American Trucking Associations, Highway User’s Federation, National Safety Council, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Georgia Public Service Commission, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Revenue, Georgia Department of Public Safety, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Executive Department. To ensure that industry perspective is represented, the Association serves as a member of the Governor’s Motor Carrier Advisory Committee, the Georgia Council for Commercial Vehicle Safety, and Georgia’s Safety Management System. Public Relations
To keep members apprised of transportation related issues, and do so in a timely manner, the Association publishes its monthly newsletter the GMTA Intercom. The Intercom, keeps members up-to-date on laws, rules and regulations, trends and other information that is specifically of interest to truck operators and suppliers. On a quarterly basis, the Association publishes the “TRUX” magazine, which features information that is specifically of interest to Georgia trucking operations. The magazine is distributed to legislators, city and county officials and the media. Time sensitive issues are released as bulletins or special mailings to the members when needed.
To create a greater awareness of the economic and public service role of the trucking industry, GMTA develops and distributes press releases and articles to the electronic and print media statewide. The Association provides representatives and maintains a Speaker’s Bureau to make presentations before the media, civic groups, schools, and at conferences and meetings. In 1994, to expand public relations activities and continue to promote a “positive” image of the industry, the Association started Georgia’s Road Team. All Road Team members are professional truck drivers selected from GMTA member companies. Team members serve as spokespersons for the industry speaking at various types of meetings and functions across the state.
As a part of corporate Georgia, the trucking industry not only plays a vital role in the State’s economy but also provides support for worthwhile projects and endeavors. The GMTA Foundation plays an expanding role in the Association’s charitable activities. Founded in 1993, the Foundation supports the work of the GMTA Road Team, and also helps coordinate and respond to disaster relief needs. A relatively new entity, the Foundation will continue to play a major role in GMTA and its work for years to come. |
Safety Promotions
Industry safety professionals join GMTA’s Safety Management Council for the opportunity to promote improvement of vehicle, driver and highway safety. Each month, the Council offers various activities including cooperative commercial vehicle safety inspections, safety patrols, and informative monthly presentations to its membership. Annually, the Council recognizes the state’s top safety and highway professionals through its sponsorship of the Georgia Truck Driving Championships, Driver of-the-Year and Safety Professional of-the-Year. The Council has been the recipient of the American Trucking Associations, Summa Cum Laude Award, the highest honor given to state association councils, for the last twelve years.
GMTA also offers an array of safety and compliance services designed to help our members meet and exceed federal and state guidelines and industry standards. We offer retained monthly consulting, safety reviews, employee training and paperwork auditing designed to fit your schedule, your budget, and most of all your needs as a motor carrier. In addition, GMTA sponsors management seminars on industry basics, hazardous materials, driver retention, drug and alcohol testing, defensive driving and hours-of-service. And our supply department offers one-stop shopping with a full line of safety training guidebooks, forms, driver logbooks, vehicle inspections, and videos.
Fleet Maintenance
The Fleet Maintenance Council of GMTA has been working for the advancement of professional skills of fleet maintenance personnel for almost fifty years. This 300-member organization meets the third Tuesday of each month from January through October. These meetings provide an opportunity for members to meet and exchange ideas in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere, and to hear a guest speaker address current developments that affect fleet maintenance. Membership is equally balanced between maintenance personnel and people on the supply side of the industry, so all GMTA members are urged to get involved in the Fleet Maintenance Council.
Affinity Programs
GMTA’s purchasing strength benefits all of the members through its “Affinity” (money saving) programs. These include:
- GMTA Insurance Management – Medical (Company, Individual) , Short/Long Term Disability, Life
- STA United – employee alcohol/drug testing
- TransCom – Complete Telecom Services Provider! Provides a single point of contact for all of your needs, local, long-distance NEXTEL® and internet services at huge savings.
- UPS Next Day Air – Discounted Shipping Services
- GMTA Online Institute - Online Safety & Compliance Training
We are always striving to add services that provide savings and real benefit to members!
PDF Version click here |
