Event Preview
By Cindy L. O’ Hara
Specialized Transportation Symposium
Members Move the World
SC & RA Hosts Specialized Transportation Symposium in February
Every year is yet another opportunity for industry individuals and experts( and the associations they keep), to come together and discuss what worked the year before, what didn’ t, brainstorm solutions and network with one another.
In the case of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association( SC & RA), which has been getting hundreds of its members in the same room for more than 75 years, it’ s a chance to see old friends and new at its Specialized Transportation Symposium( STS), being held in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Feb. 18-20.
This event brings together peers from across the oversize / overweight( OS / OW) spectrum and offers them ways to learn from respected experts who share the latest ideas, products and solutions, as well insight into subjects that are most important to not only their business, but the
industry in general.
What to Expect
For members, the first day will be filled with a variety of meetings with state permitting officials from the U. S. Department of Transportation, organized by their geographic regions, in which members can ask questions, voice concerns and problem solve.
“ What’ s unique about it [ this session ] is that one industry association has broad participation from state regulators,” said Chris Smith, vice president of transportation for SC & RA.
“ The last few years we’ ve had between 25 to 30 state regulators from different states participating in the symposium such as the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials( AASHTO) who regulate the highway guidelines across the U. S.,” he said.
According to Smith, the relationship between SC & RA and agencies such as AASHTO, as well as others, has been especially critical over the decades, and ultimately fruitful.
“ To move loads through any one state, you have to secure a permit. That’ s when you have to deal with different rules and regulations [ and ] what you need to provide the state to get a permit,” he said.
“ It makes the difference between whether a load goes or not.”
All attendees are welcome at this kickoff event which will also include members from the Permit Policy Committee, the Pilot Car Committee and the Transportation Safety, Education & Training Committee.
Rounding out the afternoon meetings are experts on this year’ s market forecast and trends in the OS / OW shipping
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February 2025 • www. cranehotline. com