TAEC Voices Support for New ATA

Despite a small but vocal contingent of opponents, there was widespread support for the reorganization efforts of American Trucking Associations at the annual meeting of state trucking association executives.

Gathering in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., the Trucking Association Executives Council seemed generally satisfied with the relationship between the national organization and its state affiliates.

“There are four or five doubting Thomases, but that leaves a solid 85% majority that’s too polite to tell them they’re just trying to be rabble rousers,” said Paul Sudmeier, president of the Idaho Motor Transport Association.

ATA’s executive committee voted last year to restructure the organization. Affiliated groups, including state associations, have until 2001 to sign on to the plan.

“Obviously the degree of success of the ATA reorganization was on everyone’s mind, and there was some disagreement in approaches being taken,” said Lane C. Kidd, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association. “But there are degrees of support with any issue ATA is working on, and all of us support a strong federation.”

“Things are moving ahead, and I thought there was a very positive mood from my perspective,” said Brian Cavey, executive vice president of the Montana Motor Carriers Association. “We talked about the articles of affiliation that define the relationship between us and the ATA and efforts to get carriers to join at full dues, and those discussions were productive.”

For the full story, see the August 16 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.