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AirCargo 2004 Wrap Up
With more than 600 attendees and over 70 exhibitors, AirCargo 2004 had more attendees, more exhibitors, and more chances to network than ever before. The conference was kicked off by the three presidents, AfA's Cathy Langham, ACCA's Jim Hennessey, and AEMCA's Jim Weiland, welcoming everyone to Tampa, Florida, and expressing their pleasure at being given the opportunity to work together for another year. Mike McKinley, the keynote speaker, noted that it was more productive to have fun while you worked, and for those lucky enough to attend the conference, this philosophy proved to be true. For those who didn’t want to play golf, an ice-cream social was added to this year’s program,, where people were given another opportunity to network and have fun. The Monday night Luau proved to be the best attended social event ever at AirCargo, with well over 525 people participating. The much-anticipated best costume competition didn’t disappoint with the winners including our very own Rocky Wilson as the Skipper from Gilligan’s Island and Jim Weiland as “Wanna.” (See pictures below.) Membership Meeting The proposed by-law changes were unanimously approved at the membership meeting. Jim Weiland, AEMCA president, asked that any member who is interested in serving on the board next year to contact a board member or the executive director. Interested members will be invited to join any board meetings and conference calls over the next year to gauge what is expected of a board member. If you're interested, please contact executive director Fiona Morgan. The membership meeting hosted two speakers on issues affecting truckers: Dan Barney of Scopelitis, Garvin, Light & Hanson, PC, and John Albrecht of Transport Security, Inc. Dan Barney discussed the issues surrounding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and its relationship with the expedited motor carrier industry. Today's uncertain atmosphere in the trucking industry led Mr. Barney to recommend that all motor carriers have a well drafted contracted that addresses areas of risk, plus the specific financial consequences associated with those risks for both parties, including indemnification and insurance requirements. Contracts are important, but potential liability can also be minimized by training order takers, dispatchers, drivers, dock workers, and other employees and contractors. John Albrecht told the membership that in our industry, a strong security and loss prevention department is a necessity, not a luxury. Theft of cargo and equipment is estimated at $10 to $15 billion annually. An effective security and loss prevention program should include employee screening, a loss reporting system, a reward program, physical security, and law enforcement participation. Strong physical deterrents are essential, including king pin locks, seals, padlocks, rear door locks, and steering locks. Fleets with strong lock and seal programs have drastically reduced theft rates. Albrecht reminded us that thefts can never be totally eliminated, but strong preventative measures are vital in combating loss and maintaining profit levels. Board Meeting In addition to the membership meeting, AEMCA held a board of directors meeting during the conference. The board was re-elected and defined AEMCA's goals for 2004. Executive director Fiona Morgan gave a "State of the Association" briefing at the meeting that included AEMCA's accomplishments in the past year. Click here to read an overview. New Members AEMCA is proud to welcome our eleven newest members! They are: MCO Freight Connection, Inc. Swift Air Delivery Service, Inc. |
