FHT·IA
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About FHTIA

Turning individual problems into industry solutions

The For-Hire Transportation Industry Associationis an independent, member-driven organization dedicated to improving New York’s for-hire transportation industry through collaboration, innovation and evidence-based advocacy.

Our members include transportation companies, insurance professionals, fleet owners, technology providers, attorneys, accountants, consultants and other businesses that support the industry.

We believe the people who work in this industry every day are in the best position to identify its challenges — and develop practical solutions.

Why we exist

Every day, transportation businesses encounter problems that cost time, money and opportunity. Some are operational. Some are regulatory. Some involve insurance, technology or government agencies.

Most companies try to solve these problems on their own. But when the same issue affects hundreds of businesses, it stops being an individual problem and becomes an industry issue.

FHTIA was created to bring those businesses together. Instead of working alone, members work collectively to identify problems, document their impact, and advocate for meaningful improvements.

Mission and vision

Our mission

To strengthen New York’s for-hire transportation industry by connecting professionals, identifying systemic challenges, and promoting practical, data-driven solutions that improve safety, efficiency, fairness and long-term sustainability.

Our vision

A transportation industry where businesses, regulators, insurers and technology providers work together to solve problems through transparency, collaboration and innovation.

How we create change

FHTIA follows a simple but powerful process. Every initiative begins with a real issue raised by a member.

  1. 01

    Members raise issues

    Members identify problems affecting their businesses — in underwriting, at the DMV or the TLC, in claims handling, technology, compliance, licensing, safety and fleet operations.

  2. 02

    The industry validates them

    Other members review each issue and indicate whether they experience the same problem. This is what distinguishes an isolated incident from an industry-wide challenge.

  3. 03

    We gather evidence

    Our committees collect member feedback, operational data, financial impact, legal research and regulatory information. Facts drive our advocacy.

  4. 04

    We develop solutions

    Rather than simply identifying problems, FHTIA develops practical recommendations through collaboration with members and subject-matter experts.

  5. 05

    We advocate

    When an issue has sufficient support and evidence, FHTIA puts its recommendations to the agencies, carriers, legislators and vendors in a position to act on them.

  6. Evidence we collect
    • Member feedback
    • Operational data
    • Financial impact
    • Legal research
    • Regulatory information
    • Proposed solutions

    Facts drive our advocacy

We present recommendations to

  • Government agencies
  • Insurance carriers
  • Legislators
  • Industry partners
  • Technology providers
  • Other stakeholders

Board of Directors

The board is drawn from the trade itself — people who have spent their careers in for-hire transportation, insurance and the professions that serve them. They set the association’s direction and carry its recommendations to the industry.

  • Founding Board Director

    Olga Matyukhina

    Administrator · FHT Industry Association

    Olga Matyukhina is an insurance executive and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in commercial auto insurance and New York's for-hire transportation industry. She is the Founder of iDrive NYC and Managing Director of Discovery Brokerage LLC. Holding an MBA from Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business, Olga combines expertise in insurance, technology, and business strategy to advance innovation and operational excellence. As a Founding Board Director of the For-Hire Transportation Insurance Association (FHTIA), she is committed to strengthening collaboration among brokers, carriers, regulators, and transportation professionals while promoting education, advocacy, and industry best practices.

  • Founding Board Director

    Denisse Acevedo

    Assistant Manager · Hereford Insurance Company

    Denisse Acevedo is an accomplished commercial insurance underwriting executive with more than 20 years of experience specializing in New York's for-hire transportation, workers' compensation, and liability insurance markets. She serves as Assistant Manager at Hereford Insurance Company and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Throughout her career, Denisse has developed extensive expertise in transportation insurance, underwriting strategy, risk evaluation, regulatory compliance, and carrier operations. As a Founding Board Director of the For-Hire Transportation Industry Association (FHTIA), Denisse is committed to fostering collaboration among carriers, brokers, transportation companies, and regulators while advancing professionalism, education, and best practices throughout the for-hire transportation industry.

  • Board Director

    Layton Drummond

    Regional Operations Leader - Northeast Region · Bridge Specialty Group

    Layton Drummond brings nearly twenty years of experience in commercial insurance, wholesale brokerage, underwriting, and executive operations. As Regional Operations Leader for the Northeast Region at Bridge Specialty Group, he leads strategic operational initiatives across one of the country's premier specialty insurance organizations. His extensive background in underwriting, regulatory compliance, agency operations, and leadership makes him a valuable contributor to FHTIA's mission of strengthening the for-hire transportation insurance marketplace through collaboration, education, and industry advocacy.

Our core principles

Independent
We represent the interests of the industry — not any single company, carrier, or organization.
Collaborative
We believe better outcomes are achieved when businesses work together.
Practical
We focus on solutions that can realistically be implemented.
Evidence-Based
Our recommendations are supported by real-world experience and documented industry impact.
Professional
We encourage ethical business practices and respectful engagement with all stakeholders.

What we work on

  • Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Fleet Operations
  • Claims
  • Underwriting
  • Driver Safety
  • Compliance
  • Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Vehicle Registration
  • DMV
  • TLC
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Consumer Protection
  • Professional Standards
  • Industry Education

Who can join

Membership is open to organizations and professionals supporting the for-hire transportation industry.

  • Fleet Owners
  • Taxi Companies
  • Black Car Bases
  • Livery Companies
  • Luxury Transportation Providers
  • Insurance Brokers
  • Insurance Carriers
  • Attorneys
  • Accountants
  • Technology Companies
  • Fleet Management Providers
  • Claims Professionals
  • Consultants
  • Vendors
  • Safety Professionals
  • Financial Institutions
  • Industry Partners

If your work supports the for-hire transportation industry, you belong here.

Why join FHTIA

  • Raise issues affecting your business.
  • Support issues raised by others.
  • Vote on the Association's priorities.
  • Join committees and working groups.
  • Network with industry professionals.
  • Stay informed about regulatory developments.
  • Help shape industry recommendations.
  • Be part of a unified voice advocating for meaningful change.

Join the conversation. Shape the future.

Whether you operate one vehicle or one thousand, whether you are an entrepreneur, broker, attorney, insurer or technology provider, your experience matters. Together we can build a stronger, more efficient and more sustainable transportation industry.

From individual problems to industry solutions.

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