SC&RA NEWS
49
INTERNATIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORT
■
DECEMBER 2013
and specialized transportation sector.
Anot her instr ument al piece of
publication delivered by SC&RA in
2013 was the
Power Line Safety Video
,
which continues to give members a key
resource onsite and in the training room.
In response to the growing number of
reported fatalities in the industry involving
power lines, SC&RA produced the
video and companion booklet
Operating
Cranes Around Power Lines
. The video
provides a visual demonstration of safe
operating procedures, in accordance
with the Occupational Safety and Health
Association (OSHA) standard for mobile
cranes near and around power lines – to
be used during training and the planning
process. The booklet contains an in-depth
look at how employers and operators
can conform to the OSHA standards
now in effect, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC.
The booklet also offers a comprehensive
guideline, complete with relatable graphics,
developed to educate and easily accompany
operators on the road or onsite.
Summer on the road
The new Hours of Ser vice (HOS)
regulations emerged as the hot topic of the
summer. The new provisions to the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s
(FMCSA) 2011 Hours of Service rule
(which went into effect on July 1st), while
disputed in earnest by a small army of
industry leaders, including those of us
here at SC&RA, will no doubt require a
steady amount of adjustment for drivers
and the many companies that now find
themselves in the position of having
to comply with the new more restrictive
regulations, including the substantial cost
that such compliance is going to induce.
The new training costs will be significant,
and have been estimated at as high as
$320 million. These charges, coupled with
the state-by-state permit restrictions, put an
even greater burden on specialized carriers.
Despite these significant challenges, we
must make the adjustments that will allow
us all to continue operating on a productive
level, and SC&RA will continue to advocate
reasonable adjustments.
The SC&RA Permit Manual remained
the most comprehensive reference
tool in the industry in 2013, spelling
out requirements for the following:
procedures, fees, contacts, restricted
travel, escorts, weekend travel, state
regulations for mobile cranes and pilot car
certification requirements. The manual
includes information for all 50 US states
and Canadian provinces. Updates are
provided as the changes are received –
up to 15 times a year – thus allowing
members to plan jobs and submit accurate
bids. With numerous states making
permitting changes on a regular basis,
members will consistently stay ahead of
companies relying on outdated resources.
So far in 2013 the SC&RA permit manual
has recorded and notified subscribers of
more than 220 changes in 12 categories of
permit restrictions.
SC&RA excitedly launched its social
media presence this year via Facebook,
Twitter and LinkedIn. The goal is to
give our members a closer and instant
connection to industry news, events,
staff attendance at meetings and the host
of interactive benefits available through
videos and pictures. Our event photos
will only be posted on Facebook in the
future, and we encourage participation
from members. An example would be a
monthly photo contest – allowing three
companies per month to win, based on an
established theme.
As we reflect on a year filled with high
marks and pivotal decision making, we
appreciate the opportunities that were
created in 2013 and look forward to
enhancing our member experiences
through continued education and
support. As one door closes, another
one opens. We plan to enter 2014 with
the same determination that has driven
this association for 65 years. As always,
we eagerly anticipate what the next
year brings for both the SC&RA and its
treasured members.
■
Nine scholarships and two grants were
awarded at the Annual Conference in April,
totalling US$ 30,000. Pictured are the two
grant winners. Left to right: Samson Meyer
(Arizona University/Marco Crane and Rigging
Co.) and Ryan Stammen (PSC Crane &
Rigging/Indiana Wesleyan University)
The Annual Conference in April saw numbers
climb to more than 700 in attendance, with
meeting rooms, speaking engagements
and networking opportunities buzzing with
member participation
SC&RA proudly announced its social media
presence in 2013, with the objective of providing
members a more immediate connection to
industry news, as well as each other, through
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
