Services Available to MTA Members

Legislative Representation - Our own lobbyists stand up for truckers' rights before the Illinois General Assembly. Members are kept informed through legislative "hotlines" and Keep on Truckin' News. Below are some of our accomplishments:

A. Introduced and had successfully passed legislation to increase weight variance from 1,000 to 2,000 lbs. on both axle and gross. Have stopped several attempts to entirely eliminate variance. Increased variance on portable scales. Introduced and passed legislation to broaden allowances for truck lengths on all routes.

B. MTA was totally responsible for expansion of the state designated highway system by over 8,000 miles, and increases of weight, width and length requirements.

C. Responsible for legislation allowing greater access on local, county and township roads.

D. Helped to reduce Federal Highway Use taxes from proposed $1,600 per vehicle per year, thus saving you $1,050 per vehicle per year.

E. Annually defeat bills that would require every truck to be tarped, loaded or unloaded.

F. Won lawsuit against State of Illinois Department of Revenue to protect your exemption from state sales/use taxes; millions of dollars refunded to truckers - this action is still saving you thousands of dollars each year. Continue to stop legislation to remove tax exemption.

G. Successfully secured passage of legislation to preserve Rolling Stock tax exemption.

H. Have successfully defeated or decreased numerous license fee and motor fuel tax increases, saving you thousands each year.

I. Secured passage of landmark legislation defining owner-operator as an independent contractor - saving millions in potential fines and legal fees.

Industry Representation - Our Executive Vice-President is an industry advisor to the National Governor's Conference on Uniformity of State laws, industry advisor to American Motor Vehicle Administrators Association, member of State of Illinois Interagency Committee on Uniform Regulations, member of Illinois Department of Transportation Work Zone Safety Committee, member of Illinois Commerce Commission Motor Carrier Advisory Committee, chairman of Secretary of State Truck Advisory Committee, member of Illinois Highway Users Association, member Board of Directors of Professional Truck Drivers Institute of America, on Board of Employment Law Council of Ill.

Keep on Truckin' News - Our monthly magazine is of interest to all truck operators, but available free only to MTA members. Features include articles and information on the industry, government agencies, new laws and regulations. Free "For Sale" ads to members.

Workers' Compensation - Through the Mid-West Truckers Risk Management Association, we offer a self-funded program at savings of up to 40%, if you meet the underwriting criteria. OUR MEMBERS HAVE SAVED OVER $15 MILLION IN REDUCED PREMIUMS THE LAST SEVEN YEARS! These are dollars kept in their pockets! Plus, we gave back to the members another $6 million in return of contributions!

Licensing - MTA works closely with the Secretary of State's Office in furnishing licensing, titles, C.D. service for installment plates, assistance in completing I.R.P. applications (at a small fee) and all other items regulated by the Secretary of State, including assistance with driver's license problems. We'll even pick up your plates free! I.R.P. TEMPORARIES FAXED DIRECTLY FROM OUR OFFICE TO YOU.

Permit Department - Through your Association, members can secure temporary fuel permits and reciprocity for some states, applications for permanent fuel permits, reciprocity and exempt operating authority to many states, as well as oversize and overweight permits for Illinois and other states, information on process agents. Only a small fee is charged for these services.

Commerce Commission - All activities of the Illinois Commerce Commission are watched closely for information of importance to our members. MTA worked to assure that members are protected from unnecessary rules and regulations as a result of deregulation.

Insurance Department - Through our authorized insurance agency, Clemens & Associates, you can secure PL/PD, cargo, as well as bonds, group life and other insurance needs that meet state and federal requirements. Simply call (309) 662-2100.

Medical Insurance - A complete program with as comprehensive coverage as you want - or a "bare bones" plan. You choose! Savings from 12% to 29%.

Drug Card - For those with no medical insurance program. An ability to get substantial discounts on all prescription drugs at most any drug store.

Other Insurance - Cancer, Intensive Care and Disability coverage is available to all qualified members and their employees. All at substantially reduced rates.

Truck Bail Bond Cards - One of only two such cards recognized by the State of Illinois. Good for any violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code (outside Cook Co.) requiring bond of up to $300.00, including overweight. Only available to members and their drivers. Costs only $17.50 per card per year.

Video Library - Over 90 videos available, for a small shipping fee, to help educate you and your drivers on safety, CDL, drug and alcohol abuse, truck repair & maintenance, and many other subjects.

Drug & Alcohol Testing - Association sponsored program that meets all federal and legal requirements, including sample company drug and alcohol policy. All members are eligible at a very reasonable cost per person. We'll come to your place of business to secure urine and breath samples, which is a great savings in time and dollars to you.

Drug and/or Alcohol Free Workplace - Through the Midwest Service Corporation, we can provide testing for non-CDL employees.

Mass Purchasing Program - All Mid-West Truckers Association members are eligible to take part in our mass purchasing programs at no additional cost! You can even secure parts on the road at savings. To be eligible, just fill out a simple credit application. You can save enough dollars to pay your Association dues plus thousands more each year.

Safety Programs - Training available so you can conduct safety meetings for your drivers. Plus we offer a complete library of safety training videos at a small shipping fee. Also, specific HAZMAT training programs and Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Training developed by MTA to keep you in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Emergency Service - Your Association will send up to a $250 cash advance for violation of the Motor Vehicle Code or emergency needs, if you have an approved credit rating. This money can be wired almost immediately to you or the court. Call (217) 525-0310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Higher limits may be secured by placing money on deposit.

Meetings - Meetings and seminars are held to inform members of industry problems and solutions. A great opportunity to bring questions and hear answers to your problems.

Annual Truck Show & Convention - A gala affair for you and your family, devoted to education, information, exhibits, entertainment and recognition. Plenty of time to exchange ideas and information with fellow truckers (Over 7,000 truckers attend each year). The Biggest Little Convention & Truck Show in the Country.

Profit & Cost Seminars - Held for the benefit of our members and their families. For over 20 years these seminars have been held in locations such as Hawaii, Acapulco, Nassau, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, the Dominican Republic and St. Thomas, plus aboard many cruise ships. Check with your tax professional for deductibility.

Full Time Office - Highly qualified staff to answer any questions you may have about the industry. Supplies are available from us, including DOT packets, handbooks, various forms, log books, inspection books, motor carrier safety reg's, HAZMAT handbooks, etc.

Advisory Boards - Made up of truckers, like yourself, from all segments of the industry and all parts of the state, to assist and advise our office on the operations and programs of the Association. If you would like to be a member of an advisory board, give us a call.

Free Booklets - Every member receives, free of charge, a booklet on "Cost of Operation," "Preventive Maintenance," safety policies, as well a maps and other informative booklets.

Notary Service - No charge to members.

Legal Counsel - We recommend law firms that work closely with our Association on special trucking-related issues.