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Director Ness receives recognition
from Carriers & Rigging group

The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) showed appreciation for the leadership role ITD Director Brian Ness has provided for the transportation industry by awarding him with a special embossed plaque (pictured below). It was awarded, but not presented — which demands an explanation.

Unfortunately, getting the plaque from the association’s headquarters in Virginia to Ness proved to be no easy task.

Although the award was inscribed and dated Oct. 22, 2019, the hand-off of the plaque was not accomplished at that time. The group then decided to bring it to a meeting of the Idaho Transportation Board. That didn’t work, either. The group then decided to use Skype to make a formal presentation in mid-December.

“Just minutes before we were to go to Skype, technical difficulties ensued, preventing us from doing so,” explained SC&RA Vice President Steven Todd. “We did mail the award to Brian.”

“And I hold out hope our paths will cross at future conference where we can properly recognize him. This is an award our trade association very sparingly awards to a government official. Brian has made enormous efforts over the years for our industry."

Had the ceremony actually happened in person for the award, here’s a copy of the remarks that had been planned:

“Unfortunately, most state secretaries and commissioners of transportation spend very little time involved in the issues affecting specialized transportation. Idaho’s top transportation official proved to be quite the exception. Serving as the WASHTO Board of Directors’ liaison, Brian Ness was an absolutely tireless advocate for the harmonization of the permitting process — not only throughout the West, but for the entire nation.”

“Director Ness, on behalf of our entire industry, we thank you for your outstanding leadership.”

The Specialized Carriers and Riggers Association serves more than 1,400 member companies in 46 nations. These members are involved in specialized transportation of massive loads, machinery moving and erecting, industrial maintenance, millwrighting, and crane and rigging operations. If you have seen a megaload on Idaho Roads, the company moving it was likely a member of SC&RA.

Dan Wells, the former Vice Chair and Chair of WASHTO’s Committee on Highway Transport, who is retired from the Colorado DOT and is now a consultant, has worked extensively with Ness on issues of transport.

"Director Brian Ness has proven to be unique among those regularly holding positions such as his,” said Wells. “Director Ness is driven to be involved in processes which enhance productivity and advancement in freight transportation, and has regularly been one of the most accessible directors among the state DOTs. As an executive sponsor of WASHTO committees, he has been an active participant and regular attendee of all committee meetings, and provided executive guidance in the decision-making process so that the best possible outcomes are fulfilled.

“I hold Director Ness in the highest regard and have the utmost respect for the accomplishments related to freight movement and regulatory harmonization resulting from his leadership.”