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

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.

A question to ask the decision-makers in Washington: If the goal is to get more cleaner, greener trucks on the road, why does the federal government keep the 12% federal excise tax on the sale of a new truck?

Truck parking is a major pain point for the industry, and needs more investment from the government. It’s time to get creative about urging that investment, and potentially look to an unconventional source to find it: states’ climate budgets.

Being part of an association is about getting involved, and one of the easiest ways to get involved with a group is to tell your story. I think about that because the story of my journey to becoming chairman of American Trucking Associations isn’t all that different from most of your stories.

While the driver shortage is not new, COVID worsened the problem.

I got to see up close just how important it is to be engaged with the association, and as I turn the wheel over, I want that to be the message I leave you with: Engagement is key in moving our agenda and industry forward.