UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
IMTA’s Newest Member of Senior Management Team Allison Meiners, Director of Safety & Member Services
1
ell us about your role at the IMTA as T the Director of Safety and Member Services
We recently merged the positions of safety and membership. If you dive deep into the two, the positions really complement each other and will allow us to build upon our well-established programs. I will be overseeing both areas of the association
2
hat are you W looking forward to the most when it comes to working at the Iowa Motor Truck Association?
Building partnerships with our members. From allied, to carriers and everything in between, getting to know and work with the great folks that make up our industry is what I am most looking forward to.
ALLISON MEINERS Director of Safety and Member Services
3
ow will this job H differ from what you did at Ruan?
Adding the membership piece will be the biggest differentiator. Regulatory and safety has been my primary focus for the last seven years, and I am excited to learn and grow with the membership side of the association.
4
hat do you believe will be one of the W biggest challenges for carriers in the future when it comes to safety and compliance?
I went back and forth on this, but I’m going to go with, combating lawsuit abuse. There is a great story to be told on the lengths carriers go to ensure our industry (and the motoring public) is coming home safe every day. The challenge is getting the facts of that story to folks outside of our industry.
5
ow are you going to approach the H membership services side of your new role at IMTA?
Fostering and building relationships is something I enjoy. Understanding what our members appreciate, but also what they desire, is my priority.
6
IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER
6
hat are three guiding principles that W you rely on in both your personal and professional roles?
Value – always adding value. Understanding WHY we’re doing something and what we can do to add value, is in the forefront of my mind. Collaborate – we’re better together. Whether it’s working on a project at home with my family or working with the industry – the more hands we have on deck, the better the output. Humility – we can all learn from each other. I will never claim to know all there is to know on any topic and would never expect anyone else to know all there is to know. I am constantly learning personally and professionally.
7
ou have been involved with IMTA over Y the years as a volunteer leader, what is something about IMTA that you have always admired or appreciated?
The association truly recognizes how important every member of the industry is and makes sure everyone is heard and appreciated. It doesn’t matter if they’re behind the desk, wrench, or steering wheel, everyone has a place, voice, and value.
8
s the driver shortage continues to be A a main concern by carriers of all sizes, how do you believe IMTA can weigh in on this important issue?
I believe there are a lot of things that feed into the driver shortage, but one thing we can do is continue to give tools to our members to retain their team and overall fleet. Educate members on reasons drivers are exiting the industry and how we can proactively work to keep them. Outside of the existing drivers, we need to continue to advocate for the industry and the great jobs the industry offers.
9
I n your first few weeks at the association, what have you learned about the association that you didn’t know?
I have the upmost appreciation for the staff. I knew they put in a lot of time, but literally every minute of the day is ensuring the best for our members and industry. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the same mission.
