Perspective

New ATA Chairman Dan Van Alstine writes, "As incoming chairman of American Trucking Associations, I am honored for the opportunity to represent so many incredible individuals who form this amazing industry."

ATA's Chris Spear: Over the past year, " ATA keeps its foot on the pedal despite dysfunction gripping our nation’s capital and statehouses."

Harold Sumerford Jr. writes, "As ATA chairman, I’ve traveled around the country — 20 states in all — talking to my fellow truckers. Everywhere I go I’m struck by how invigorated people are by the 'new' ATA."

The term “essential” came into sharp focus during the pandemic, ATA President Chris Spear notes. The urgency of the moment forced Americans to recognize the many hands at work that keep our society going. There was an outpouring of gratitude for our nation’s truck drivers, rightfully so, as they persevered through adversity to keep stores stocked and hospitals supplied.

The past few years have taught us that truck drivers don’t just deliver essential goods, they are essential workers themselves. It’s time to recognize that, and adopt a driver-first mindset.

The Transportation Intermediaries Association was extremely disappointed that the Supreme Court elected not to hear California Trucking Association's challenge to the Ninth Circuit ruling.

For years, just-in-time supply chain practices were the name of the game for many companies. But in the aftermath of the pandemic and subsequent supply chain tangles, building up and keeping heavier inventories has come to the forefront as a core strategy. While there’s merit to both approaches, companies need to be prepared and take some action on unintended consequences of the new sea change.

Over the past few years, we have learned that the more we can do remotely, the more we can potentially mitigate disruptions to business. Across supply chains, a cloud-based transportation management system can help companies facilitate remote operations, allowing businesses — even small ones — to make smarter choices, reduce costs and be more competitive.

As the American workforce continues to experience major shifts and fluxes, there’s an opportunity for those of us in the trucking and logistics industries to attract new drivers and workers looking for a post-pandemic change.

Supply chain disruptions have impacted the quality of life for virtually every American. The delays and bottlenecks, which began early in the pandemic, continue sending shockwaves throughout our economy, leading to higher prices and back orders with no end in sight.