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At a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing in January, President issued a blunt assessment to Congress: Years of lax and uneven CDL enforcement have allowed unqualified and, in some cases, unlawfully present individuals to enter America’s trucking industry, undermining safety and eroding public trust. That warning captures the broader challenge facing trucking today — a system strained by noncompliance, loopholes and rogue actors who cut corners while responsible carriers pay the price.

What Spear described isn’t just a safety crisis — it’s an economic one. When unqualified drivers and noncompliant operators enter the market, they create shadow capacity that distorts supply-demand conditions. That excess supply intensified the freight recession our industry has been enduring for years, depressing rates and squeezing the carriers that play by the rules.

For small and midsize carriers, these difficulties are especially acute. Many are navigating tight or nonexistent margins and unpredictable volume in a market that often feels stacked against them. If you’re feeling squeezed, you’re not alone. These conditions are forcing historic, long-standing players out of business, either through bankruptcy or by deciding they can no longer remain in the industry.

How did we get here? The pandemic unleashed unprecedented shocks on the demand side, as consumer spending shifted from services to goods and supply chains strained to keep pace. Rates soared, followed by an influx of new entrants chasing quick profits. Many lacked the experience and commitment to standards that define our profession. Some skirted regulations or operated outside the bounds of fair competition. The result: A dilution of quality and a tougher environment for those who do things the right way.

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But these problems didn’t start with COVID-19. Years of disruption have reshaped trucking as third parties have introduced new dynamics into the business relationship between carriers and their customers. Some add real value — asset-based brokerages, for example, understand trucking fundamentals. But too many brokers prioritize one goal: moving freight at the lowest possible price while taking zero responsibility for negative consequences.

Truckers are innovators. But when disrupters drag down standards, they trigger a race to the bottom — one that neither our industry nor the broader economy can sustain.

The path forward begins with restoring professionalism and integrity. Safety, reliability and trust in America’s supply chain depend on it. This responsibility touches everyone: policymakers, shippers, carriers, brokers and consumers. By cooperating — sharing responsibility, listening and focusing on practical steps — we can build a stronger, safer and more respected industry. That work is underway. Under the leadership of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, enforcement is catching up.

Equally critical is investing in our workforce. Trucking is a noble career that offers good pay and the pride of keeping America moving. With an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the profession, now is the time to define the next generation of truckers: Skilled, safety-conscious professionals who view this work as a respected path. By investing in training, vetting and fair compensation, we can attract and retain the talent needed to uphold the highest standards.

ATA will continue pressing Congress and regulators to close loopholes and strengthen oversight on electronic logging devices, driver qualification, training and licensing — especially cabotage violations, commercial driver license integrity and English-language proficiency. From tougher penalties for cabotage and audits of CDL issuance to standardized ELP testing, these measures aren’t just regulatory wins — they’re steps to restore integrity to our profession and level the playing field.

Speaking with a unified voice on these issues matters, and ATA membership signals a commitment to these standards. Data from the shows that association members have better safety records, stronger training and are more accountable. For carriers, membership reflects professionalism. For shippers and brokers, choosing ATA fleets means prioritizing safety and reliability. In an era of eroding standards, association membership is a clear differentiator — and a practical step toward restoring trust.

Safety and quality are nonnegotiable. It’s time for all stakeholders to recommit to the values that keep America moving forward. Integrity is not optional — it is the foundation of our future.

is CEO of Enid, Okla.-based .