UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
IMTA’s Chairman of the Board Brenda Dittmer, Vice President of Weinrich Truck Line
1
W hat motivates you to come to work every day?
I would say the number of people/families that rely on us every day. Whether it’s our own employees who need the paycheck every week or our customers who rely on us to deliver their products, there are a lot of folks depending on us to do our job each and every day. The other motivation for me on a more personal side is to not let my dad down. He left us his legacy to carry on and I don’t want to disappoint him.
2
W hat are you looking forward to the most as the Chairman of the Board for IMTA?
The times I get to meet with other members. There are so many members who I admire and respect, and MANY who I have yet to meet.
3
How do you believe the trucking industry will fare under the Biden Administration?
I believe all businesses will have some difficulties under this Administration. If the tax rates increase as proposed, it will be a hardship on all companies. If we cannot find a way to encourage the people to get back to work, every industry will have a shortage of employees which is evident right now as we are facing the BRENDA DITTMER circus in the current supply IMTA’s Chairman of the Board chain situation. The additional rules and regulations placed on our industry, such as increased EPA standards or the vaccine mandates and the ensuing paperwork that will be required, will add another burden for all of us. However, if the economy comes back to life and we get the workers we need to correct the current environment, trucking should fare well.
4
I n your opinion, what are the biggest barriers to profitability for a trucking company today and how is IMTA going to help its members deal with those barriers?
The increasing insurance costs, both truck insurance and health insurance. Hopefully, the Lawsuit Abuse legislation that IMTA is continuing to push will help stabilize the truck insurance situation. As for the health insurance, I’m not sure. I would say IMTA helps by continuing to give us a voice with those that do have the means to correct. Whether we will ever get through to them is unknown, but we have to keep fighting.
5
hat is the most misunderstood element W of IMTA and its operation in Des Moines?
I think the two most misunderstood aspects are 1) It’s too expensive or not worth the money; or 2) It’s only for the big carriers. Both of those are significantly incorrect, and I would love to spend my year discrediting those myths. When comparing the cost of membership with the resources available to you, it is more than reasonable. As for the big vs small argument, obviously, I would disagree with that as well. As a small carrier, I don’t have the budget to have staff available to handle all the odd/unusual questions/problems that arise, but I do have the IMTA staff who all are well versed in these issues and are there to help. Also, there have been a number of times that being a member of IMTA has given me the opportunity to voice our concerns directly with our legislative leaders. This is an immense opportunity with immeasurable value regardless of what size of carrier you are.
6
A re there some specific priorities that you are going to focus on as the Chairman of the Board?
I would say my top priority is to help push the lawsuit abuse legislation across the goal line. Aside from that finding ways to increase our membership and to ensure that we are offering many opportunities for all the members to participate.
7
ou have served in a leadership role for Y the last several years as you prepared for this top spot; however, what else has prepared you to serve as the highestranking volunteer leader for IMTA?
Years of watching and listening to all the great leaders we have had over the past years. I’ve been fortunate over the last 20+ years to be able to attend many IMTA meetings and events and there have been some amazing leaders over the course of that time.
6
IOWA TRUCKING LIFELINER
