NASHVILLE — Unified advocacy by trucking carriers is critical to the industry’s success, whoever wins the presidential election, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said Monday.
ATA will stay engaged, lead the discussion and influence policy, legislation and regulation, Spear promised executives during his keynote address at the group’s annual Management Conference and Exhibition.
“Let’s stick together, get loud and kick ass in 2025,” Spear said.
During a roughly 25-minute address, the association’s chief executive encouraged carrier leaders to get involved in helping answer a fundamental question posed by the election and a slew of other issues: What does this all mean for trucking?
“Our contribution to the supply chain and economy make trucking the ideal partner of choice for government decision makers,” he said. “So today, I ask each of you to commit. Commit to amplifying our story.”
As in previous years, Spear used his keynote to take swings at various parties who have influence over trucking affairs: including the Biden administration, trial attorneys, big union bosses and “unelected state regulatory boards and agencies enforcing extreme and unachievable environmental and labor standards.”
In criticizing the Biden administration’s “mad dash to zero” emissions, the ATA CEO cited an industry report estimating the cost of electrifying the trucking industry at $1 trillion.
“A diversified industry like trucking requires multiple solutions to reduce emissions,” he said. “This administration needs to wake up, stop picking favorites and start focusing on the overall goal: reducing emissions.”
Spear also denounced the decision by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su to walk union picket lines this year, as well as to allow port dockworkers to go on strike.
“Allowing our East and Gulf Coast ports to shut down while thousands of Americans are reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene defies all common sense,” Spear said.
The association executive touted ATA victories and ongoing efforts on key issues of concern to members.
Another 13 states passed lawsuit abuse reform laws advocated by state trucking associations, amid “some jaw-dropping decisions” this year, Spear said.
Truck parking, independent contractor law, cross-border trade, predatory towing and cannabis reclassification are among the other areas where the association is advocating on its members’ behalf, he said.
“With momentum on our side, we’ll continue to put wins on the board, and develop new offerings and solutions,” he said.
