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Post by triaxle on Apr 29, 2008 20:48:37 GMT -5
Virginia Port Drivers To Form Coalition
April 29th, 2008
Dozens of Virginia port drivers attended a meeting on Saturday, April 26, in Norfolk to discuss forming a coalition to ensure the enforcement of federal truth-in-leasing regulations.
Attendees agreed to incorporate and form the nonprofit Owner-Operator Coalition of Virginia in order to work through legislative and regulatory processes for more transparency in trucking contracts.
Also attending the meeting were Jim Stewart of the Teamsters Union’s port division, and Yvonne Miller, Virginia State senator and chair of the state’s transportation committee. Both were supportive of the truckers’ cause.
A local attorney has agreed to work pro bono with the new coalition as well.
In fall 2007, OOIDA helped 5,000 owner-operators leased to Bridge Terminal Transport obtain a $6.25 million settlement after the Association filed a civil lawsuit claiming BTT signed drivers to leases with no compensation terms. BTT’s Web site states that the company is the largest marine container hauler in the U.S.
An estimated 6,000 port drivers move containers daily at the ports of Norfolk, Newport News and Portsmouth, VA. The drivers often spend hours of their workdays waiting in line to pick up or deliver containers, costing them money and driving up greenhouse gas emissions.
The drivers often aren’t shown the true price of the freight, of which they’re paid a percentage, according to Joe Rajkovacz, OOIDA’s regulatory affairs specialist, who attended the meeting.
Drivers shared their thoughts, and Rajkovacz said he encouraged them to stand up for their rights.
“It was a fantastic meeting,” Rajkovacz said. “It was really a wonderful experience to see drivers coming together and thoughtfully becoming part of a solution to problems instead of just b*t@hing and moaning on the CB. I think this group is likely going to be very successful in achieving some of their goals.”
Rajkovacz said a driver in his mid-60s who attended the weekend meeting with his wife approached him to talk about the BTT settlement.
“He was so appreciative,” Rajkovacz told Land Line. “He just could not believe someone was out there fighting to protect his rights.”
– By Charlie Morasch, staff writer
charlie_morasch@landlinemag.com
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Post by tidewaterhustler on Aug 16, 2008 14:55:01 GMT -5
These guys here in Norfolk, VA have formed this new association but they have no clear direction. I attended several meetings at the start where all I heard was a repeat of past mistakes. I'm not throwing good money after bad. It sounds from what I am reading at least your group is accomplishing something. I will continue to monitor your site and tell others to check it out. Maybe there is hope if we work together on a plan.
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Post by portnorfolktrucker on Sept 17, 2008 13:06:46 GMT -5
We needs lots of help in Hampton Roads, VA. Someone posted this website up inside the port last week so decided to check it out. I'm glad to find a place for truckers who pull containers to share info. Every trucker should be posting on here that has a computer. I'll do my best to bring others aboard.
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Post by bumpertobumper on Oct 6, 2008 10:20:36 GMT -5
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I second that, we need help. There is a rumor that a meeting will be held at the ILA hall for truckers. Any truth to that? They are being tight lip about it. The work here has been very slack. Not much of a holiday season this year. I can only imagine what it will be like after the first of the year.
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Post by truckinforever on Nov 9, 2008 14:18:36 GMT -5
I haven't heard anything about a trucker meeting at the ILA hall but would be very interested in attending such a meeting. There are several ILA locals in the Hampton Roads area. Please post it on here if that information becomes available.
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Post by HardTimeTrucker on Nov 11, 2008 1:28:59 GMT -5
Hang in there, things are going to get interesting in Virginia after the first of the year  |
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Post by petedabroker on Nov 11, 2008 8:03:49 GMT -5
Yeah, but who is that guy Jim Stewart? I had heard he is no longer with the Teamsters, because he fought that California plan ,to have the owner operators balls cut off, and quit the Teamsters. He might be a good guy to get on our side. Anyone out there know what Mr. Stewart is doing these days? Let me know.
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Post by hamptongal on Nov 11, 2008 20:55:48 GMT -5
jim still has a few friends left trucking around in tidewater. he has helped cause many driver actions here that have been a big headache for the local trucking companies. i haven't seen him since talking with him at pinners point texaco this summer. i think tj has called him recently. we didn't really care much for the teamsters anyway so that's good news. i'm sure he will surface up here around the holidays.
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Post by raincap on Nov 13, 2008 0:35:28 GMT -5
Hello eveyone. I pull mostly out of PMT. What about mindbender? Is she on this port talk forum? we needthe old crew to jump start virginia. i like what i see here already. thanks kevin for the info.
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Post by petedabroker on Nov 13, 2008 8:10:59 GMT -5
Welcome raincap, Don't know about mindbender. Yes, get as many as possible to read. This forum provides an honest assessment of port problems, as it relates to OO's. Its members try to provide to all agencies their belief of things that are wrong, and try to change them legally. It will however take on other meanings as time allows. Its main focus is on the organization of OO's for now, having a venue to squalk, talk, and make comment. Tell as many others as possible, power is in numbers. Good luck and thanks for making post, all should do the same here.
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Post by shortcircut on Nov 15, 2008 11:40:09 GMT -5
I keep in regular touch with Jim Stewart. If anyone needs to pass along a message to him, then yell at me on the ports and I will pass the message along . Although I am not a owner operator at this time, I will be looking at buying a truck in the near future , so anything that happens on these ports affects me as well . Lets all stop the fighting amongst each other and try to work together.
And for the Va . drivers, I just joined this site last night after the very rude call i recieved. I can't control what others say and think . not will I try.
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