Viewpoint: Trucking is the Nation’s Engine
==========================================
Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections, ATA will play a crucial role in the nation’s capital.
This week, I had the honor of addressing the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition for the tenth time as its President and CEO. Over the past decade, we have witnessed significant changes within our association and across the entire industry. During this period, we have navigated through pandemics and political upheavals, economic booms and recessions, regulatory and legal shifts—each successfully advancing our common-sense agenda that widely supports trucking.
This year’s conference comes at a critical juncture as our nation stands at a political crossroads. In just three weeks, we will know the direction in which the country is heading. Regardless of the outcome or the ensuing policies, legislation, and regulations, ATA will play a pivotal role. We will lead discussions and drive results because our narrative is the foundation upon which progress is built. Our message resonates across all spectrums, serving as the starting point for every idea and possibility.
As we tell our story at the highest levels of government, it also resonates with everyday Americans. One issue that captures their attention is kitchen economics. We understand the choices people make at local stores—the prices they pay and why costs are rising. We comprehend the daily pressures faced by American families because we are those families. Our 8.5 million employees do not just transport goods; we support the lives of hardworking Americans who rely on trucking to keep the nation running smoothly.
This is the message we convey to Congress every day. This year, in Washington D.C., federal expectations for its most extensive Capitol Hill call meetings are anticipated. Since Congress convened in January, we have held 354 meetings, with more states expected after MCE to tackle these marble halls.
These efforts are making an impact. The FY2025 appropriations bill includes ATA’s strategic priorities, such as provisions authorizing $200 million for truck parking projects; combating cargo theft and predatory tow operations; enhancing the safety driver apprenticeship program; encouraging action on hair testing; preventing the USDOT from implementing California’s meal and rest break preemption; stopping the DOL from enforcing its independent contractor, joint employer, and intermittent rules; and blocking EPA from advancing its Phase 3 GHG rule. These provisions are ready for a post-election Congress to return to Washington.
Beyond appropriations, we continue to push pro-trucking bills into law. The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, championed by ATA, was approved last month by the House committee, bringing it closer to passage. Additionally, Congress passed and the President signed legislation improving veteran access to CDL programs. In a legislative environment paralyzed with fewer supported bills, ATA’s priorities continue to move forward—demonstrating our strength and advocacy effectiveness.
But our work is far from over; our agenda remains full. Union leaders are emboldened by unprecedented decisions made by the current President, Vice President, and Acting Labor Secretary, standing at the picket line. Some unelected state regulatory boards and agencies are implementing extreme, unattainable environmental and labor standards that threaten our industry and supply chain. There are also trial lawyers hovering around the industry, influencing juries to pursue large verdicts to satisfy their greed.
Despite these threats, we know there is a future and achievable path for our members with ATA. Our priorities are not just common sense and data-driven; they are attainable. Our contributions to the supply chain make trucking an ideal partner for policymakers.
So I urge you to expand our story and advocate alongside ATA. Together, we can shape the future of trucking, ensuring it remains the engine driving the U.S. economy. This is at the heart of ATA’s member-driven approach. With your support, our industry will continue to be the nation’s engine.
—
Source: Transport Topics
