Opinion: A Much-Appreciated Privilege

This opinion piece appears in the Sept. 29 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.

By Philip Byrd Sr.

Chairman

American Trucking Associations

Since we last met in Orlando, Florida, I have had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege of representing this industry as American Trucking Associations’ chairman. Now that my term is coming to an end, I want to reflect for a bit on what I’ve seen and where I believe ATA is headed as a stronger, more vibrant organization.

The past two years have been a whirlwind for me. As first vice chairman and now as chairman, I’ve visited 45 states, meeting with countless hardworking leaders, being inspired each time by their dedication and passion for this great industry.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to represent them before Congress, testifying last year on the importance of the expansion of the Panama Canal — a project I was fortunate enough to see up close as part of an ATA delegation that got to see just how impressive the canal is during a trip to Panama this year.

Twice I’ve been privileged enough to hear President Obama speak — first at the State of the Union and then at his announcement of the next round of heavy-truck fuel-efficiency standards, an announcement that gave me the opportunity to speak with him about some of the industry’s concerns.

These experiences will stay with me long after my term as chairman, and I am immensely grateful to my fellow members for choosing me to be their chairman so I could have them.

I’m also grateful to our professional staff, who have taken great strides to strengthen ATA and position our association for future growth through a period of great change.

We experienced the passing, retirement and resignation of some of our staff, but we’ve been able to promote from within and recruit strong new staff from the outside in order to improve ATA.

As ATA members, we all can appreciate having Bill Graves as the association’s president and CEO. He is truly a great leader and a great man. Serving as your chairman has given me the keen appreciation of just how valuable a resource he is for our industry. Beyond that, the executive leadership team — Dave Osiecki, Karla Hulett and Jeff Mason — are to be commended for their hard work.

As part of the ongoing changes, our legislative affairs office is now under the leadership of Chris Spear, a remarkably talented and skilled Washington political strategist that I’m confident will elevate ATA’s advocacy work to a level we’ve not enjoyed before.

I could go on and on talking about this ATA that I love so much, but I’m sure I will leave someone out that should be mentioned for their valuable contribution. However, I can assure you of this: From sales and marketing, to legal and regulatory, from intermodal to governmental traffic, from administration to ATRI, and from communications to publications, your ATA is stronger than ever before. The focus, the strategy and the dedication that is at play is something of which this chairman is very proud.

Additionally, the working relationship that ATA enjoys with our federation partners has never been stronger. We’ve had our share of distractions, disappointments and setbacks this year as it relates to hours of service, stabilizing the Highway Trust Fund and perfecting parts of CSA, but rest assured we’re not discouraged. If anything, we’re more emboldened to bring about meaningful change for our members than ever before.

I’d like to thank the past chairmen of ATA for the sacrifice and commitment they made to our industry. I have the utmost respect for all of you and gratitude for the many of you who were instrumental in putting me in the ATA leadership.

Reflecting back on this past year is almost mind-boggling. I’ve met so many people and experienced so many things that I’ll always cherish. Everywhere I’ve been I’ve talked about the importance of our industry and the key role that our professional drivers play in every American life, and how we have to increase the respect our drivers get. These are incredible men and women who don’t just make a pickup, they don’t just make a delivery, they don’t just make a trip — they make a difference, a positive difference in every life, family and community of this great land.

One way we all can help educate the public and raise the respect of our drivers is to participate in the Trucking Moves America Forward program. As I step off the stage, I ask that you all get more involved, not just with ATA, but with this image movement. It is going to do great things for our industry.

In closing, I just want to say God bless you all, and thank you for affording me this tremendous experience.

Philip Byrd Sr. is president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express, a truckload carrier with intermodal connections that is based in Charleston, South Carolina.