RSTOKES

[SAMEOLDBULL]

NIT was backed up the ass today. No excuse for this sh*t. Please tell me again where talking to these VIT idiots is going to do any good? Does anyone really think they will do anything other then give this new driver group OOC another snow job like the last bunch? We would be better off wasting our time counting on the Tiderwater Trucking Association to save us. We need an action plan. The only thing these people understand is when it cost them in the pocketbook.

[roughneck]

Why don't we just cut through the chase, take up a collection, stuff Dorto's pocket like the steamship companies do and get it over with. Quit wasting everyones time with nonsense. That's the kind of meeting they're really interested in having here with truckers in Hampton Roads.

[TWard]

Has anyone read over this newsletter at www.oocva.org/
I just love the title this truck driver has appointed himself (Public Relations/Project Coordinator OOCVA. Does this bring back memories or what? I read the whole site to see what if anything was new business. I see nothing but propaganda by the port and an insurance advertising campaign by OOIDA. Here we go right back down the same path again. How many remember years ago when the first group collected dues money and appointed them self president, director, national director or whatever title they could think of? Then they went and held their official meetings with the port, Tidewater maritime assoc, and a few steamship lines? Does this all sound familiar? LOL everybody. This is one Virginia trucker that won't be contributing money to a new chapter of the same old past. I like what I see on this forum but it disgust me where we are headed in my own home state. Hopefully the survivors of the recession we are in will have some different ideas next year. I owe nothing on my truck so I can park it after the holidays but there are going to be many here that won't be in the business by summer 2009!

[HardTimeTrucker]

I know everyone is upset with the current situation at the ports. It seems we are receiving more complaints by Virginia truckers here on the intermodal trucker forum who are dissatisfied with the Virginia association OOC created last year. For now the Owner Operator Coalition is your local group to work with in Hampton Roads,VA unless you decide to form another driver association. Other than doing just that (which I think would cause total driver confusion) why not attend a few of their meeting and express your concerns toward the direction you feel they are headed. I have posted below the OOC fact sheet they display on their site which I'm sure many of you have already read.

My reason for posting this here on the port trucker forum is not to bash their new assoc. but to draw your attention to one particular section of their mission statement that is incorrect. You can read the rest for yourself to decide if there is anything different from your past experience with local area trucker groups.

OOC FAQ
# 2.) Is the OOCVA a union?

No. As owner operators we cannot unionize. Federal law states that as sub-contractors we cannot collectively bargain or partake in labor actions such as striking. This is why we are labeled a “coalition” and have to work through the legal, regulatory, and media relations process to address our concerns and impose change

The OOC belief that an owner/operator trucker cannot become a union member is not completely accurate on their part. This actually is not fully the truth. I don't know who is advising them of these particular facts but they are not correct. There are many union-owner/operator truckers working legally under union contracts. They operate in several different segments of the trucking industry across America such as container, car haul, tank, flatbed, drop deck, and many others. They also belong to several different unions. I worked as a union owner/operator trucker many years ago pulling flatbed in the Northeast and also worked my truck under a union contract pulling containers for Crowley Marine Services (steamship line). I know of union-owner/operator truckers currently who haul intermodal boxes working in the states of Alaska, New Jersey, and South Florida. I'm sure there are several others.

Until recently union owner/operator truckers were working for PRT/BTT in California.

Labeling the OOC a coalition while making group decisions doesn't relieve them of any responsibility for their membership actions. Our group also works through the legal, regulatory, and many old media relations to address our concerns but it's going to take a lot more than that this time to fix the core industry problems we face. Independent contractor status is the stigma that directly empowers the hyper competitive atmosphere at the port terminals. Everyone must work under this ridicules outdated system allowing current abusive conditions of the intermodal trucker to continue forever unless checked. We have worked with experienced maritime leadership for a number of years now to build on a plan that would eliminate driver abuse without destroying the rights of individual truck ownership in America. The maritime transportation industry itself is in desperate need of stability not any more regulatory deals from port to port. It's now taken five years to get a piece of watered down chassis legislation in place. Truckers don't have a life time to wait while lawmakers change regulations that may or may not favor the trucker in a specific area. Our group is interested in a particular type labor strategy but we don't agree with any Teamster LA backed plan to eliminate the owner/operator trucker.

Hopefully the OOC will progress in 2009 with direction from your local input. They may find a wealth of knowledge from older truckers in the Southeastern Virginia area if they pay attention. You need to speak out at their meetings if you do not agree with their program. If you don't voice your concerns at the present time the new group may fail as others have disappeared in the past. For now give them a chance to develop and mature. We are now facing many months of very hard times after the holidays so everyone needs to work together if possible. Our group does have a proven trucker plan with a track record that will work in this intermodal industry. We will be sharing basic details of such a plan in a number of meetings scheduled after the first of the year in several different locations. You each are all welcome to continue posting on this site any concerns you may have in Virginia. I know many of you have talked before with us. We look forward to working with you very soon. Our group has many old friends within the industry who work in labor, management, government, and ocean transportation.

These are the facts; Truckers need binding maritime contracts like the longshoremen. Yes, there are several ways we can legally collective bargain as an owner/operator trucker. Yes, as an owner/operator we can become a union member without giving up any right to any truck ownership. As with any other union contract crafted in this way there is protection for those who prefer to drive a company owned truck or for those who prefer to drive their own truck. Many in our IODA group want to remain owner/operators so that is the goal of this assoc to make it work for all involved in intermodal transportation..

Here is the OOC entire fact page on their web forum:



FAQs
1.) What is the Owner Operators Coalition of Virginia?

OOCVA is a coalition or “association” of owner operators and other concerned parties. We are an established non-profit corporation seeking

to improve working conditions for our members. We are directed by a democratically elected executive committee that represents general membership.

2.) Is the OOCVA a union?

No. As owner operators we cannot unionize. Federal law states that as sub-contractors we cannot collectively bargain or partake in labor actions such as striking. This is why we are labeled a “coalition” and have to work through the legal, regulatory, and media relations process to address our concerns and impose change.

3.) What are the goals of OOCVA?

1. To effectively represent the interests of owner operators to port officials, motor carriers, and political representatives.
2. Increase operating efficiency within the Port of Virginia and decrease the amount of forced free labor imposed on us.
3. Address “Truth in leasing” concerns
4. Provide our membership with the tools to stay informed
5. Partake in the lawmaking process
6. Create a support network for our members

4.) What has OOCVA done so far?

We have been working on many levels to address concerns.

A.) Organized Owner Operators and hold regular meetings pertaining to member interests.

B.) Represent the members when meeting with Port of Virginia officials as well as motor carriers.

C.) Worked with the media to raise awareness of our activities.

OOCVA has been featured in:

1. The Daily Press
2. The Virginian Pilot
3. The Baltimore Sun
4. Landline Magazine
5. XM Radio

D.) Established a legal team to protect the rights of our owner operators and gather data under the Freedom of Information Act. The law office of Gary C. Byler serves as our counsel.

E.) Work through the political process to impose change within the Port of Virginia.

Note: OOCVA has met multiple times with Virginia State Senator Yvonne B. Miller who heads the state’s transportation board.

F.) Attended OOIDA’S annual board meeting and gained the support of their resources.

G.) Created our website www.oocva.org and our newsletter “Port Cast” to pass valuable information and relay action plans as well as accomplishments.


5.) How much does it cost to join?

Membership fees are $10.00 per month.

6.) How do I join or get more info?

Call [phone] or email [e-mail]

[RSTOKES]

Sorry Hardtime but I have no desire of going to anymore of their meetings. I am not the only one up here with those feelings.

[RSTOKES]

BTW:
Many thanks in maintaining this forum for Virginia drivers who wish to express our concerns here.

[petedabroker]

The key words in that group dialog is we consist of Owner Operators, and "Other concerned parties". I would like to know who are the "Other concerned Parties". Its almost done in whisper, or mumbles. We consist of OWNER OPERATORS, " andotherconcernedparties". Who is f..king more concerned with our plight than OWNER OPERATORS AND YES THEIR FIRMS, then OWNER OPERATORS AND THEIR FIRMS? Remember pier/terminal operators are the puppets of the S/S Lines. They kiss their a.s.s.e.s., wipe them clean, and sprinkle them with angle dust, every chance they get. They love being that fox in the coup, feasting on chickens. So just who are those concerned parties? Hey guys , who are in this group here? OWNER OPERATORS AND THEIR FIRMS. Who is in the OOCVA, say it in whisper, other concerned parties. Shhhhh. Say it more quiet.

[pilotlightIII]

I have three trucks. Two are leased to Eagle while one is down due to serious engine problems. This OOC bunch doesn't speak for me or represent my drivers concerns here at the port. I gladly would be willing to attend a meeting to listen if your association decides to have one in Virginia. Please post it on here if you do.
Thanks

[dieseljockey]

Well it certainly doesn't seem like a whole lot of happy campers posting from around the Norfolk, Virginia area. I checked out their website. Nice looking on line newsletter but it lacks what I would call anything new compared to what has already been done by other past Virginia organizations. I remember when the group in Savannah worked with the UCMA up there in 1998. Virginia had around four hundred-fifty members in the UCMA. The membership lost interest as months dragged on over a couple of years. They used to meet with that Keefer guy at the port except I think he was director of the Hampton Roads Maritime Assoc at that time. That's also when that crook Shirley Roebuck was the president of the Tidewater Motor Carrier Assoc. She is now with the Virginia ATA. What a witch that woman is. She screwed many an owner/operator out of their money over the years. She was an agent for Marine Freight years ago. I guess she is still with Gilco out of Jacksonville, FL. Hang in there everyone it's only going to get more interesting into 2009.

[oysterboy]

Remember the last group Marty Schlosser indorsed was the Tidewater Lease Operators asso. See where that went. This is just another flock of sheep in different clothing.
OOIDA can see plenty of insurance dollars here to collect.Maybe next time we can form a driver asso. under the Virginia Beach 700Club?

[FATBOY]

I was around for that. There was an office trailer near the Texaco. I'm waiting to see where this will go but at the same time not counting on much of anything.

[petedabroker]

I got an extra $10 that I was going to throw away into the gutter. Can you provide the address to send it to OOC? Same results, but at least the members of OOIDA would get a cup of coffee off of me. Were they not the ones who blocked support of the OO's in California that ATA has taken the led on that suit? Or am I wrong about that?

[truckerusa]

No they didn't block support. They just didn't lend support to the owner/operator but did support the Teamster plan. OOIDA still doesn't or at least didn't at that time believe the LA plan would effect any of their current membership. I guess their legal department doesn't understand how many OOIDA owner/operator members they have who haul out of the ports. This plan has the potential to f%$k all of us. All they have to do is stand outside a few port gates to see all the OOIDA decals in the cab windows. Maybe just check their membership or insurance data? They also believed that it was only local trucks which everyone in the business realizes it includes every container hauler that goes into the port. It doesn't matter if we are hauling containers two miles or five hundred miles. The Teamster plan is no owner/operator truckers period! OOIDA claimed their membership only visited the port a few times a year so they only wanted to work out a day pass system which doesn't do the intermodal trucker any good. I guess they also forgot about all their membership who hauls other products, steel, or heavy equipment off the docks? Some truckers visit as many as two three times a week. That brainstorm turned out to be a $100.00 California port day pass. What a bad joke. You would think as big an organization claiming to represent the interest of the owner/operator trucker they would have done some better research on what actually goes on with port transportation? I dropped my membership after reading their views on the California plan. I know of at least eight other drivers that have also dropped their membership and canceled their truck insurance with OOIDA. I have supported them since the seventies but no more after this. I guess we'll see if they turn around their policy or continue down this same path knowing this green coalition wants to destroy the owner/operator trucker completely.

[bpool]

talk, talk, talk, that what it always is here in tidewater

[petedabroker]

Virginia drivers. This site will take you to the promise land. There is no B.S. here. We have the right direction, we got no friends with S/S Lines, port agents, pier reps, and certainly not with the media. When we move on all of this , mid-end part of 2009 it will be with a hammer and never a olive branch. We burned all those olive branches. That hammer of ours will have a real hurting effect, and not just some symbol. That hammer will be our trade mark. It will represent our meaning. It will represent all owner operators and their position in transportation. It will direct us and our companies to a union. It will solidify our rates, it will give us health and welfare benefits, a retirement package that will not be stolen, if we get hurt it will pay our families for the period of recovery, and most of all it will be unified. You become part of this organization, you will be taken care of. You will work hard, but you will be dealt with fairly and reasonably all the time. Give it just a little more time and you shall see its benefits. We now need to concentrate on those California idiots trying to have our complete demise as their results. It will not happen. I personally guarantee that. After that is dealt with, we are again on our way to unionize you and your company. Both will see the benefits here. Both will enjoy this task, and both will result in the conditions we deserve. Never again shall we be just a group of disorganized screamers. We will be unified. We will have voice and position. Our task will be well defined, and no free rides by the S/S Lines. For now join here and let your voices be heard. You will be directed as to when and how this all will take its course.