Expect No Standards Shortage During Ken Johnson's Year
After traveling to this year’s conference, he walked away with the challenge of shaping the organization for the year 2000 and beyond.
As the new general chairman of the council, Johnson brings with him a strong belief in personal involvement and the value of organization.
“You’ve got to be involved to get your money’s worth,” he said.
Johnson considers the shortage of maintenance technicians — diesel mechanics — as one of the biggest challenges facing TMC. He thinks TMC can be an information exchange center for groups seeking to alleviate the shortage.
That’s not the only item on his plate.
“TMC took over Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standards about two years ago,” Johnson said. “I would like to see this program grow to include other industries.”
The council’s agenda will include resolving problems over standard-setting and other issues, he said.
His involvement with the group started a decade ago at the invitation of a friend, Bill Joyce, a former TMC general chairman who now is now the executive director of the New York State Motor Truck Association.
Johnson noted that Joyce “made sure I got appointed to a study group and got involved right away.” Since then, Johnson has stayed involved, working with the council for almost a quarter of its existence.
Over the years, he has held numerous posts. He moderated mini-technical sessions and was chairman of study groups in 1997 and 1998. He has served on the board of directors for four years and was named chairman of meetings in 1998.
Now, Johnson will ascend to the post held for the past year by David Foster of Southeastern Freight Lines.
Johnson applauds the changes in the organization, especially in putting “greater focus on standard-setting” as well as on developing recommendations in dealing with common maintenance problems.
“The restructuring of ATA will also bring changes,” he said, but not all of those are evident yet.
Johnson’s history with TMC is nothing compared to his experience in trucking. He grew up in the business, following his father, grandfather and grandmother in what has become a true family affair.
His great-grandfather, Fred Langdon, started the whole thing with Langdon Trucking in Lyndonville, N.Y.
Johnson’s father, Kent, was the original “KJ” in KJ Transportation, where he has the title of president. The elder Johnson is also the New York state vice president of ATA.
For the full story, see the March 22 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.
