Contractors and Compliance
The morning was capped off with two lunches . Contributors to the Advocacy Fund got an update on some of the legislative issues affecting our industry from Rich Meade , Chairman of Prime Policy Group . Other conference participants got a taste of New Orleans at a lunch in the Exhibit Hall where they were able to visit over 35 exhibitors of products and services that support the last-mile sector .
Following lunch , a panel of attorneys specializing in transportation shared information in a session called “ Contractors & Compliance : Organizing Your Business to Minimize Risk .” The panel included Damon Ott , Littler ; Stephen Pletcher , Scopelitis , Garvin , Hanson , and Feary and David W . Smith , Smith Eilers , PLLC .
Among the questions they tackled were :
• What are your regulatory requirements ?
• What are your record-keeping responsibilities ?
• What is an interstate move ?
• What regulations are you subject to ?
Summarizing the session , Fletcher said this : “ Your risks depend on the operating model you follow . Do you see yourself as a motor carrier , a property broker or a freight forwarder ? The key is not how you define yourself . It ’ s how the courts define you based on what you do . That ’ s what will matter in any legal situations .”
Setting the Tables with New Business Opportunities
Those who came to the Final Mile Forum looking to grow their businesses were not disappointed . The last two sessions of the conference on Day # 2 were all about building new connections . First up were the Courier Round Tables where participants had the chance to share ideas , work on common problems and find ways to work together to deliver for their customers .
Next , couriers were able to meet directly with shippers looking for new providers . Tables were organized by verticals . Carriers had the chance to find out what shippers were looking for in couriers , what pain points they needed to solve and in which geographic areas they needed additional last-mile providers .
Mardi Gras Comes to the Final Mile Forum
An enthusiastic Second Line Band kicked off the Friday Night Grand Reception in a celebration of Mardi Gras sponsored by Beans . ai . Sitting still while this band circled the room was basically impossible , and many had no choice but to go where the music took them . Guests donning colorful masks and were happily weighed down by rows of Mardi Gras beads . Traditional New Orleans cuisine tantalized the palates , and a live King Cake tempted the revelers . It was an evening befitting the celebration of Mardi Gras .
50 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I spring 2023