OOU looks into new Program
 
The OOU is looking into a new program that if made into law could help the entire trucking industry.
The program would help to raise rates as well as bring about a better understanding of our industry.
Heres a sneek peek at the program outline.

Please Note,
This program was written using the pork checkoff and the beef checkoff as models.
This is simply a rough draft of the program and has a long way to go before being presented to any govermental agency.

Please send your comments on this program to Dan Little at The OOU inc.
dlittle@owneroperatorsunited.org
 
Truck Checkoff Program

Trucking  has always faced a variety of challenges, but it’s probably more important than ever to study and communicate with the organizations working to keep the focus on merchandising our service. The truck checkoff is the one industry controlled program seeking to build markets, promote truckings essential role in the nation and deal with dramatic changes in how the industry needs to be presented.

Ours is a diverse and complex industry, but it’s never been more important for us to understand how to bring various segments together for a common cause. Today that shared purpose is building demand for better rates by addressing the specific needs of our changing consumer target.
 
Economics in the trucking industry have led to lots of questions about every aspect of our industry. Concerns about what the checkoff can do to address various problems that have arisen.
 
The bottom-line reason for a checkoff is to understand and communicate with our customers. It’s an ever-changing marketplace, and the service we offer must meet changing demands.
 
The checkoff acts as a catalyst for change. The checkoff doesn’t own trucking companies. It can’t single-handedly turn around  low freight rates. Nor does it create good rates by itself. Trucking companies never intended it to be in the business of hauling or handling freight. What is wanted is a way to stimulate shippers and recievers to raise rates. This can be done through direct advertising, cooperative marketing, public relations efforts, education programs and assistance.
 
Where would truck checkoff dollars be invested?
 
Research provides the foundation for checkoff funded activity. All information and promotion projects are developed based on  marketing, trucking safety and  development research.
 
Promotion encompasses advertising, merchandising, and point-of-shipping programs that enhance the appeal of trucking to the customers.
 
Consumer Information creates a positive image for trucking by repeating and reinforcing the trucking industry’s messages through news media,  teachers, and other influential audiences.
 
Industry Information improves perceptions and understanding of the trucking industry through programs aimed at key thought leaders. Information programs create a positive view of the trucking industry by helping to manage misleading publicity concerning  safety and environmental issues.
 
Who would control the checkoff monies and how they are spent?
 
A board would be set up to oversee all monies funded thru the truck checkoff program.
 
This board would be made up of 10 trucking co’s from each state, each with small one truck operations thru large fleet operations.
 
Who would pay the checkoff money into the program?
 
The checkoff money would come from the shipper and the receiver.
 
How much would the checkoff fund be per load?
 
It would cost both the shipper & the receiver .50 cents each per load.
 
The checkoff program has been succesful in othe industry’s thru out the nation.
 
It has provided education, research, and media attention that benifited everyone.
 
Would the checkoff program cost the trucking industry anything?
 
No, again the shipper and reciever pay for the program.
 
Would the federal or local goverments be allowed access to the money?
 
No, the only funding to go to the goverment would be for inforcement of checkoff rules.