It’s been tough sledding for trucking industry advocacy groups the last few years, but the president of the American Trucking Associations notched his share of wins.
“Since taking this job, I’ve made it clear that your association’s primary objective is winning… winning on behalf of the members and this great industry, no matter who the electorate sends to Washington,” American Trucking Associations (ATA) president and CEO Chris Spear reportedly said. “We don’t get paid to point fingers. Partisanship is not a crutch. You’re doing your job under the toughest circumstances.”
Under Spear’s leadership, the ATA won a pair of landmark court battles, thwarting the government’s unconstitutional targeting of truckers. Rhode Island launched a truck-only tolling system after vilifying the industry, blaming its shoddy roads on the men and women who deliver the state’s goods and materials. The Biden Administration mandated that fleet drivers and other truckers would be required to take the Covid shot. Both government bodies were soundly defeated.
“These two court victories are impactful and historic. No matter the size of your business – large, medium or small – had either of these two policies become reality, our industry and the countless businesses and consumers we serve… would have suffered,” Spear reportedly said. “We assembled the best team. We developed the best legal strategies. We exercised every option with patience and precision. And we won. That’s what you expect of your association, and candidly that’s what you deserve. This is why we fight.”
While the Biden Administration declined further litigation, Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee plans to appeal the loss. Spear also noted the organization played a part in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
He personally testified before Congress more than two dozen times. Along with other freight transportation stakeholders, Spear initially persuaded lawmakers to increase safe overnight truck parking. Congress would later nix the funds while negotiating the final legislation. The ATA persisted in its lobbying efforts and some movement is occurring on the issue.
One of the rising problems for freight carriers and independent truckers has been the so-called “nuclear verdicts” in truck accident lawsuits. Juries appear to be ignoring facts and punishing trucking companies with disproportional awards in the hundreds of millions. The ATA has pushed for reasonable parameters to compensate for truck collision losses.
“With six states having already enacted lawsuit abuse legislation, the ATA federation is using its reach in every state to put the plaintiffs’ bar on defense,” Spear reportedly said. “We now have 11 more state associations preparing legislation that will further shape a landscape where jury decisions are driven by facts, not Powerball payoffs. The plaintiffs’ bar’s preoccupation with nuclear verdicts and putting companies and hardworking men and women out of a job is now strengthening the foundation and resolve of our federation.”
Perhaps the biggest ATA win comes from supporting women who want to start careers in the trucking trades. The percentage of female drivers, technicians, safety specialists, and executives continue to rise. The qualitative gains made throughout the freight hauling sector are now more welcoming to women.
Source: prnewswire.com
Leave a Comment