Trucking defense group names new president

NILES, Ill. — Jim Dill, a legal and transportation industry veteran and founder of law firm The Dill Firm in Lafayette, La., was elected president of the Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA).

With a membership of more than 1,200 trucking professionals, TIDA was founded in 1993 as a national organization committed to engaging in actions and activities that reduce loss costs to the industry. Members include motor carriers, transportation logistics companies, insurers of motor carriers, third-party claims administrators and defense counsel.

The Niles, Ill.-based association handles individual claims, assists members in reducing overall exposure, and offers information on expert witnesses, legal theories, and trucking-specific legal solutions. Its purpose is to counter the powerful trial-lawyer community in the U.S., which incite disproportionate judgments by advancing stereotypes in court that truckers are reckless and inherently dangerous.

In recent years, the 1,100-member group has extended its reach into Canada, giving it a true North American presence. It’s been in talks with the Ontario Trucking Association and has folded into its network a handful of Canadian lawyers, insurers, and risk management professionals.

During his two-year term, Dill will oversee day-to-day operations of the association as well as lead the board of directors and 16 committees in their efforts to educate and share knowledge and resources in defense of the trucking industry.

“Over the past two years, TIDA has seen enormous growth in both number of our members and services provided by the organization,” Dill said. “My goal during my term is to refine and polish our offerings, maintain them as ongoing services for the industry, and to continue our growth.”