Opinion: A Responsibility That Is Not Taken Lightly

This Opinion piece appears in the Oct. 10 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.

By Kevin Burch

Chairman

American Trucking Associations

Receiving the title of chairman of American Trucking Associations is, for many of us in the industry, considered a pinnacle of one’s career. It’s certainly the pinnacle for me. Leading up to MCE, I reflected on the 43 years I’ve spent in the trucking industry and the 44 years my father spent in trucking. I have worked in less-than-truckload, truckload, union and nonunion companies. As president of Jet Express Inc., I have company drivers and owner-operators. To be able to represent an industry that’s provided so much for my family and build on the work we’ve put into shaping the industry is an honor and a great responsibility. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

My year as ATA chairman starts at a pivotal time for our industry as we tackle many familiar challenges — hours of service, state pre-emption and infrastructure funding — but also look to address future issues such as autonomous vehicles and environmental regulations. The shortage of drivers and technicians is a massive issue, and the need to allow younger drivers into our industry is more important than ever.

Meanwhile, we’re in the midst of a controversial election season and transitioning to a new era at ATA, with newly appointed President and CEO Chris Spear leading the charge.

This is an exciting time as it becomes clear to me that debate and discussion are so important and that all the decision interests are heard.

Yes, we may disagree at first, and it may be difficult to find common ground, but when the time comes to state our positions on Capitol Hill, in state capitols or in courtrooms, we must do so in a united voice.

Saying that we need to have unity is more than just words; it’s a powerful stance that trucking desperately needs.

Under Chris Spear’s guidance, and my full backing as a member of the committee tasked with choosing Gov. Bill Graves’ successor, ATA is going on the offensive this year. I am confident we’re going to secure a series of important victories for the industry during my chairmanship.

What are the two biggest issues we’re facing as an industry? As the president of a just-in-time company that operates across state lines, I can testify to the fact that hours of service and the state pre-emption issue (F4A) are much-needed wins. Not only are these productivity issues, they’re issues that have immense safety implications. If we are going to continue to build on trucking’s safety trends — including a 32% reduction in large truck-involved fatal crashes since 1980 — we must secure these legislative wins. We know our industry’s story, we just need to tell it.

Through ATA and the Trucking Moves America Forward image movement, we’ve begun to tell the story of trucking. Each year, we improve our public perception, but we owe it to the 3.5 million drivers who serve as the face of our industry and the rest of the 7.3 million people employed in it that we depend on to create a more positive image. ATA’s efforts to improve trucking’s image are characterized by America’s Road Team, the Share the Road highway safety program, National Truck Driving Championships, SuperTech and LEAD ATA, the federation’s future leader program, an idea initiated by past Chairman Mike Card.

The image of our industry is important to me because it has such great benefits for all of us. One of my primary focuses during my chairmanship will be expanding the reach of ATA’s image and outreach programs and Trucking Moves America Forward. I encourage each of you to tell your story, participate in the ATA “Call on Washington” program, talk to your local Chamber of Commerce or Rotary Club and invite decision-makers to your facility or safety event.

During the course of the coming year, I look forward to advancing ATA’s agenda, listening and talking to people about our industry, and serving ATA’s members. My predecessor, Pat Thomas, had a productive year as chairman, traveling extensively and influencing key decisions for our association. I want to thank Pat for his dedication to our industry. In addition, I would like to thank Bill Graves for getting us back on track 13½ years ago during difficult times.

I am excited about our new president and CEO Chris Spear and the leadership team he has built — and you should be, too. Together, we will push the envelope and make ATA a stronger, more unified organization.

Lastly, before I set out on this journey as ATA chairman, I want to thank ATA’s members for entrusting me with this great responsibility. ATA functions because its members are engaged, thoughtful and proud of their industry. I share that pride and hope to represent you as I travel across the country.

Together, we can build on the great progress that so many passionate individuals have spent tireless hours working toward. It’s time to tell our story!

American Trucking Associations, the largest national trade federation in the trucking industry, has headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and affiliated associations in every state. ATA owns Transport Topics.