HISTORY -
In 1989, a group of former state truck driving champions were concerned about the bad image truckers were suffering from. They decided to organize themselves with the objective of restoring a more positive image and became the Maine Professional Drivers Association.
Founding Members of
Maine Professional Drivers Association
Denis Litalien 10/22/1989
Fern Richard 10/22/1989
Donald Blanchette 10/22/1989
Roland Gagne 10/22/1989 DECEASED
Rick Bryan 10/22/1989
Denis Cole 10/22/1989
Jeff Murdock 11/10/1989
John Waisanen 11/19/1989
Donald Timpany 11/19/1989
John Labonte 11/19/1989 DECEASED
Charles Nadeau 11/19/1989
David Gagne 11/19/1989
Clifford Eaton 11/19/1989 DECEASED
Randy Stone 11/19/1989 DECEASED
Karl Kraul 12/3/1989 DECEASED
Paul Bisson 12/3/1989
Ernest Latham 12/7/1989
Harland Pierson 12/2/1989
Harry Stiffler 12/8/1989 DECEASED
Richard Esponnette 12/9/1989 DECEASED
Ralph Trempe 12/9/1989
Ernest York 12/11/1989
Hutchins Trucking 12/11/1989
Marc Belanger 12/12/1989
Peter Philbrick 12/12/1989
Ronald Hutchins 12/13/1989
Bob Spear 12/21/1989
Robert Letellier 12/29/1989
Clifford W. Perham, Inc. 12/30/1989
Bill Ward 12/31/1989
PURPOSE -
The purpose of MPDA is not only to promote an image, but also to encourage drivers to live up to that image and promote highway safety in general. We hope to achieve our purpose through educational programs, positive publicity, truck driving championships, and legislative monitoring.
EDUCATION -
Educational programs for truck drivers include "How to share the road with cars" and seminars on particular topics. We also try to educate nonprofessional drivers on "How to share the road with trucks". Much of the educational work falls on the shoulders of our ROADTEAM
PUBLICITY -
To counter the bad publicity the popular media is all too willing to give the trucking industry, we try to provide the press with news releases on the more positive things truck drivers and owners do. Members are also encouraged to write letters to the editors of their local papers for publication.
DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS -
MPDA plays a leading role in the State Truck Driving Championships working with Maine Motor Transport Association to make this event a success. MPDA also assists many companies in organizing their own championships (sometimes called rodeos)
LEGISLATIVE -
Through our legislative officer, MPDA monitors pending legislation affecting the trucking industry and provides lobbying on important bills. Past successes include the defeat of the bill which would have restricted trucks to the right lane in bad weather. Future successes will depend on active member participation.
ROADTEAM -
The MPDA ROADTEAM consists of full time drivers who donate their time as public speakers. Typical assignments may include company safety meetings, driver education schools, or legislative hearings.
NEWSLETTER and WEBSITE -
MPDA's periodic newsletter keeps members in touch with MPDA activities and contains trucking industry news, driver related stories and a calendar of up coming events of interest to drivers. MPDA also posts this informative website to keep members "up to speed" on any upcoming events and other information important to the trucking industry. Set this site as a favorite for your reference in the future.
MEETINGS -
Meetings are held quarterly. Extra meetings maybe held as needed during the Truck Driving Championship season.
MEMBERSHIP -
All drivers are welcome to join our efforts, as are other persons in the transportation field. Applicants must fill out an application form and be voted on at an Association meeting. Dues are $25 per year for drivers - $65 per year for supporting (company) members. These dues are used for newsletters, mailings, pins, decals, patches and administrative expenses.
INFORMATION -
Additional information about MPDA and membership may be obtained by dropping us an email message at: membership@mpda.org.
Thank you for helping to make our highways safe for all drivers !!
