Perspective: Trucking Comes Through in Times of Need

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Last month, Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, including my home state of North Carolina, unleashing a torrent of rain and wind that left a trail of destruction. Two weeks later, another historic hurricane strafed Florida, exacting its own heavy toll.

The financial cost of these catastrophes is still being tallied. What cannot be measured is the precious lives lost, the impact on families and the treasured possessions that were ripped away.

Yet in the storm’s aftermath, one bright spot emerged: the genuine outpouring of empathy. Countless communities banded together to collect donations. Through the coordination of local carriers, their generosity filled up trucks, and hardworking truck drivers delivered relief.

These catastrophes crystallized trucking’s importance.

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Dellinger 

In the worst moments, truckers are among the first to arrive, bringing lifesaving medication, water and food. Once immediate needs are met, trucks haul materials to restore homes and businesses, reconstruct roads and bridges, and rebuild lives.

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The essentiality of trucking extends beyond natural disasters. Every day, the 8.5 million Americans employed in the industry accomplish the extraordinary feat of transporting our nation’s goods. Truck drivers deliver approximately 11 billion tons of freight annually, which is about 70% of all the freight moved in the U.S.

As Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters recede, truckers are ensuring supplies reach those in need.

For the full story, visit: https://t.co/c7l3n6vICM pic.twitter.com/fefIhEhsKh — Transport Topics (@TransportTopics) October 8, 2024

Without trucking, the country would come to a screeching halt. This truth is the foundation of ATA’s “Nothing Without Trucking” campaign. ATA is the voice of the millions of unsung heroes who often work behind the scenes to deliver everything from daily essentials to urgent supplies.

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Those who know me are well acquainted with my profound appreciation for our industry. My trucking career began nearly four decades ago. Along the way, I have benefited from the guidance of mentors at Cargo Transporters and forged many enduring friendships at my company and through ATA. I am humbled and honored to serve as ATA’s 80th chairman.

I learned early that involvement is a prerequisite to membership. Criticism and complaining are poor substitutes. There is no reason for failing to have a seat at the table in policy meetings, help shape laws or regulations, or set ATA’s direction at board meetings. If we do not speak up, who will?

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Involvement takes many forms. It means supporting the American Transportation Research Institute so that we are always armed with data. It means contributing to TruckPAC to elect common-sense candidates who are willing to engage constructively with our concerns. It means donating to the Trucking Cares Foundation so that we can help the communities we serve. It means not just being present at meetings and conferences but also sharing our own thoughts and strategizing with our peers on how ATA can best protect and promote our interests. And it means showing up for Call on Washington sessions to speak directly with lawmakers.

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In September, I traveled to Washington to join 13 members of the North Carolina Trucking Association holding 16 meetings on Capitol Hill. The results were tangible and immediate. Just one week after our Call on Washington, two bills ATA championed — the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act and the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act — took steps forward in the legislative process.

These developments were not achieved in isolation but rather stemmed from a collective, concerted effort orchestrated by ATA. Since the beginning of this Congress, ATA has brought 588 trucking leaders from 38 states to D.C. and facilitated 686 meetings. Because of ATA, truckers have a constant presence in the Capitol. There is no clearer example of the impact of involvement.

Understandably, we always look for the value proposition of an association we join. For ATA, it is the sum of what we each bring to the table. The strength of our association lies in our united membership, leadership and reputation based on our results. We represent every facet of the industry; that is power. Our voice is one; that is influence. We know our mission. Together, let’s keep our industry strong and continue delivering for the American people.

Dennis Dellinger is the president and CEO of Claremont, N.C.-based Cargo Transporters.