Enhancing Efficiency and Safety: Insights from Brian Schumacher of the Illinois Trucking Association

In the competitive world of trucking, staying ahead requires more than just hard work—it demands strategic partnerships and access to the right resources. This week, as part of our Drive Efficiency event series, we highlight The Illinois Trucking Association’s Brian Schumacher, Associate Director of the Illinois Trucking Association (ITA). Brian’s presentation at the Drive Efficiency event, titled "Your Trusted Partner in Trucking," offered valuable insights into the critical role ITA plays in supporting the trucking industry in Illinois and beyond.

DriverReach, a proud Allied Member of the ITA, is committed to partnering and supporting the trucking industry through innovative solutions in driver hiring and compliance. Discover how ITA membership can enhance your efficiency, safety, and overall success.

The Illinois Trucking Association is a non-profit organization representing over 500 members, including trucking companies, vendors, schools, and government partners. With offices in Joliet and Springfield, the ITA staff boasts decades of experience in trucking, compliance, safety, and advocacy work. ITA is the Illinois affiliate of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and serves members from all over the state and country, of all different sizes.

Why Join the ITA?

1. Legislative Representation: ITA provides robust state and federal legislative representation, ensuring that your voice is heard in shaping policies that impact the trucking industry. They actively work to keep detrimental bills from passing and to make existing laws more favorable.
2. Events and Networking: ITA organizes a variety of events, including seminars, trainings, meetings, and social gatherings, such as Boxing Night and Golf Outings. These events offer excellent networking opportunities, allowing members to connect with regulators, lawmakers, and industry leaders.

3. Consultation and Best Practices: ITA offers expert consultation on regulations, safety, and best practices. Members can access ITA staff for guidance on compliance issues, ensuring that your operations are efficient and up to date with the latest standards.

Information, News, Training, and Certification:

ITA keeps its members informed with weekly email newsletters, updates on industry news, and training courses such as DOT Compliance, Certified Director of Safety, and Trucking 101. Special webinars and seminars address significant changes, ensuring members are always up-to-date.

4. Safety Focus: Safety is at the core of ITA’s mission. Brian Schumacher shared findings from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), which showcases a positive benefit for carriers involved in their state associations.
   
   

   According to the research, motor carriers who are members of state associations experience:

   • 35% Fewer Crashes: Active members benefit from reduced crash rates, enhancing overall safety.
   • Improved Compliance: Membership leads to a significant reduction in violations, improving safety scores and operational efficiency.

   The more you engage with ITA’s resources and events, the greater the benefits you will reap, from reduced downtime and better equipment utilization to improved relationships with customers and shippers.

   This significant reduction in crashes underscores the safety benefits of being part of a state association like ITA.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Program:

Members can enroll in ITA’s Testing Consortium, which provides nationwide compliant testing policies, pre-employment, random, post-accident, and return-to-duty tests. ITA offers expert consultation and assistance, making this a valuable service for members.

Joining the Illinois Trucking Association offers a wealth of benefits, from legislative advocacy and expert consultation to networking opportunities and comprehensive safety programs. As a member, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the trucking industry. Coupled with the innovative solutions provided by DriverReach, ITA membership can significantly enhance your efficiency and safety in driver hiring and compliance.

Cost and Membership Benefits:

Membership costs are based on company size, starting as low as $365 per year. Brian pointed out that the cost is negligible compared to the savings from improved safety and operational efficiency. Membership offers significant benefits, including tax deductions for dues!

How to Join:

Visit the ITA Membership Page to learn more and sign up. For any questions, contact Brian Schumacher at brian@iltrucking.org or 217-821-3621.

Efficiency in Driver Hiring and Compliance:

As an allied member of the ITA, DriverReach understands the critical role that efficiency and compliance play in successful trucking operations. Recruiting and compliance go hand-in-hand. Our platform complements ITA’s offerings by streamlining the driver hiring process and ensuring regulatory compliance. By partnering with ITA, DriverReach helps companies enhance their recruitment and retention efforts, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient operations.

Joining the Illinois Trucking Association offers numerous advantages that can transform your operations, from enhanced safety and compliance to invaluable networking and legislative representation. With DriverReach's innovative platform, you can further streamline your driver hiring process and ensure compliance, boosting your overall efficiency.

Schedule a demo of DriverReach today to see firsthand how our solutions can support your trucking operations!

Stay tuned for more insights from our Drive Efficiency event series, and don’t forget to follow DriverReach for the latest updates in the trucking industry.

About DriverReach

DriverReach is a cutting-edge recruiting and compliance management system designed for the transportation industry. By streamlining the recruiting process and simplifying compliance management, DriverReach helps companies quickly find qualified drivers while ensuring regulatory compliance, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety.