Spear: ATA Will Keep Leading No Matter Election's Outcome
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear celebrated the industry’s array of policy accomplishments during his annual State of the Industry address at ATA’s 2024 Management Conference & Exhibition.
The ATA leader affirmed in his Oct. 14 speech that the industry is strong and on track toward realizing growing economic success in the coming years.
During his wide-ranging keynote speech, Spear praised truck drivers’ essential role in ensuring the viability of the country’s freight supply chain. With the November presidential election fast approaching, Spear also called on stakeholders to maintain their focus on safety and efficiency.
“We have a full agenda, fueled largely by a presidential election, a deeply divided Congress… and unelected state regulatory boards and agencies enforcing extreme, unachievable environmental and labor standards. Big union bosses are emboldened, thanks to a sitting president, vice president and acting secretary of labor who decided this year it would be a great idea to walk a picket line. And don’t forget those trial lawyers, trolling our industry, swaying juries and serving up nuclear verdicts that feed their greed,” Spear said.
“The stage is set. The stakes are high. And in just three short weeks, we’ll know the direction our country takes,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome, ATA will remain at the table. Despite the policies, legislation and regulations, we will continue to lead the discussion and drive the outcome. Our story is the rock that breaks the wave. It speaks to all sides and serves as the start of every idea and possibility, never the afterthought.”
"The stage is set. The stakes are high," Spear said. (John Sommers II/Transport Topics)
Spear focused on the anxiety some stakeholders feel regarding government efforts to speed adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
“Anyone that’s ever rented an EV has experienced range anxiety,” he said. “Let’s ease those fears by adopting a commonsense approach toward the environment, one that reduces emissions and doesn’t bankrupt an industry – now moving 72.5% of our nation’s freight, including everything American families need just to get by.”
He also highlighted attention at the federal level to enhance parking capacity for the nation’s truck drivers. A fiscal 2025 House bill would dedicate $200 million for truck parking programs. The legislation awaits consideration.
Promoting the industry’s workforce is another top issue for the federation. ATA has touted the recent enactment of a bill — the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act — which aims to ensure veterans’ benefits are approved without delay at commercial driving schools. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), who co-sponsored the bill with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), explained how the bill improves veterans’ access to commercial driver licenses.
McLeod Software CEO Tom McLeod explores the potential for artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and build resilience. Tune in above or by going to RoadSigns.ttnews.com.
“America is duty-bound to care for our veterans when they return home. That’s why I wanted to remove roadblocks to good-paying jobs for our vets,” said the senator, a member of the Commerce Committee on freight policy. “I’m grateful my bill enabling veterans to get CDL licenses more easily was signed into law.”
Continued focus on reforming aspects of the justice system also remains central to ATA’s agenda. “ATA won’t stand for the plaintiff bar’s abuse of the civil litigation system,” Spear explained. “And our efforts are paying off. In 2024, 13 more states introduced lawsuit abuse reform bills.”
During the address, Spear also pressed for a repeal of the World War I-era 12% excise tax on new trucks.
“This administration needs to wake up, stop picking favorites and start focusing on the overall goal – reducing emissions,” he said. “Incentivize the replacement of aging trucks and engines by repealing the federal excise tax. Allow renewable fuels for diesel engines. Real solutions that further cut emissions, starting today.”
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
