Dellinger Installed as ATA’s 80th Chairman
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations wrapped up its 2024 Management Conference & Exhibition on Oct. 15 with an evening of celebration after electing Dennis Dellinger as the federation’s 80th chairman.
Dellinger, CEO of Claremont, N.C.-based Cargo Transporters, gave a heartfelt, modest speech as he thanked the leadership of ATA, his employees and his family for helping him on his 38-year journey in trucking to become chairman.
Dellinger said he loves the trucking industry.
“I wasn’t raised a trucker,” he said. “I wasn’t born into this industry. But I did choose this industry.”
Newly installed ATA Chairman Dennis Dellinger (left) is greeted by his predecessor, Andrew Boyle of Boyle Transportation. (Erin Granzow for American Trucking Associations)
He added, “I am deeply honored and extraordinarily humbled to have been selected to serve our association and industry. ATA represents every facet of trucking, and our voice is one.
“I look forward to working with all of you to represent the millions of hardworking men and women who make this essential industry thrive. What better place to share and gather ideas with talented people and some of the greatest minds.”
"His dedication to his company and this industry is inspiring, ATA President Chris Spear says of newly installed chairman Dennis Dellinger. (Erin Granzow for American Trucking Associations)
ATA President Chris Spear said, “Dennis embodies what is exceptional about trucking, working his way up from the terminal floor to the corner office and now becoming ATA chairman. His dedication to his company and this industry is inspiring. ATA is lucky to have a chairman who has seen it and done it all in this industry, and I’m eager to continue working with him.”
Dellinger succeeds Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation, as chairman.
“I congratulate Dennis as he embarks on what is sure to be a rewarding journey as ATA chairman,” Boyle said in introducing Dellinger. “This position presents a unique opportunity to serve an industry that gives so much to so many across America, and Dennis’ wealth of experience, expertise and passion for trucking will be of tremendous service to our members throughout the ATA federation.”
Dellinger presented Boyle, known for his white athletic shoes and sense of humor, with a pair of white shoes with “ATA” on the heel of one shoe and “Chairman” on the other.
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In a video, Dellinger’s employees described their boss as a person who can read people, cares deeply about them, and is kind, honest and genuine.
After being offered a buffet-style dinner, some members of the crowd made hats with a variety of patches, while others danced to the music of The Downtown Band.
Jokingly, Boyle asked the audience what was the most dangerous place in America? His answer: Between a trucker and a buffet line. “Watch yourself,” he quipped.
The board also elected Greg Hodgen, president and CEO of Groendyke Transport in Enid, Okla., as first vice chairman and Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises in Omaha, Neb., as second vice chairman. Also, Randy Clifford, chairman and CEO of Ventura Transfer Co. in Long Beach, Calif., was elected as vice chairman at large. The board re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings, as secretary and John A. Smith, president and CEO of FedEx, as treasurer.
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