By Al Muskewitz

The profile of the American trucker has been raised perhaps to its highest level in a generation as the nation battles to maintain its way of life during the COVID-19 crisis and industry leaders earlier this week recognized trucking’s efforts to keep the country moving through the crisis.

American Trucking Associations president and CEO Chris Spear highlighted the industry’s response to the crisis outlined its challenges going forward Monday in his annual State of the Industry address at the federation’s virtual 2020 Management Conference.

“2020 has been a year of endless challenges,” Spear said, “but like our great industry, the American Trucking Associations hasn’t shut down, backed down or sat things out. We’ve rolled up our sleeves and we’re getting the job done. Throughout this pandemic trucking has done what it does best: care.

“While others in (Washington) D.C. panicked, the ATA led, giving direction and certainty to our members when it mattered most. Our combined efforts have helped put America on a path to full recovery.”

In the early days of the pandemic when essential products were at a premium, it was truck drivers who kept the shelves stocked. Even as the response continues, truck drivers have gotten a collective high-five as they roll down the road and pull into the local grocery store. 

The ATA led the effort to give carriers essential status and keep facilities open for drivers to complete their missions during the pandemic. But their reach went beyond that. They’ve also brought much-needed relief to areas ravaged by the multiple storms that have hit the southern states this hurricane season.

“America is paying attention to trucking,” Spear said. “We’ll always answer the call when our country needs us most. Trucking isn’t just the backbone of our economy... it’s the heartbeat of this nation.” 

Moving forward, the organization will continue to address other major industry issues such as tort and legal reform, the shortage of drivers and technicians and long-term funding for the country’s infrastructure.

Expanding the industry’s workforce remains a top priority, which includes support for programs related to bringing aboard drivers under 21 for interstate commerce and minority outreach. 

“2020 opened our eyes to the importance of diversity and the trucking industry is no exception,” Spear said.

To that end, ATA established a diversity working group to support the Workforce Development Policy Committee. The group will “shine a brighter light” on efforts to expand urban hiring, including people of color and women, and initiatives that increase minority representation in the executive ranks, including partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Al Muskewitz is Editor of Wright Media. He can be reached at musky@wrightmediacorp.com