In his annual State of the Industry and Association Address, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear praised the industry\u2019s efforts to keep the country moving through the Covid-19 pandemic and continued work to address issues critical to trucking.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout this pandemic, truckers proved how we make a difference. There was no playbook. Yet our drivers are once again this industry\u2019s most valuable players. You\u2019re among an elite list of professionals that include scientists, first responders and healthcare providers,\u201d\u00a0Spear\u00a0said. \u201cWhen many in this nation sheltered in place, you maintained composure and answered the call.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spear said ATA\u2019s ability to remain aligned on key issues was critical to being at the table as key decisions are being made in Washington and around the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite playground politics, there\u2019s reason to be optimistic. In the wake of it all, America responded\u2026 thanking truckers in every state, Congressional district and community in the country, he said. \u201cOur image is what we make of it\u2026 it\u2019s who we are and how we want to be perceived. We need to ride the crest of this wave, steering each challenge toward a favorable outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
A singular favorable outcome Spear called out as imminent was passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill in the House.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is an example of what\u2019s possible when we tell our story,\u201d he said, calling the bill a \u201chistoric\u201d investment not just in our roads and bridges, but in developing the industry\u2019s future workforce.<\/p>\n
Victories like the infrastructure bill are key to establishing ATA\u2019s value to the industry, Spear said, but said the next step was growing the association and its influence.<\/p>\n
\u201cATA is not, nor ever will be, the association of \u2018No.\u2019 We\u2019re not complacent obstructionists. When confronting an issue, an opinion different from our own\u2026 we double down our effort to improve that outcome,\u201d he said. \u201cWe don\u2019t complain. And we don\u2019t quit. And our persistence and dedication to any challenge, no matter how hard, is why we win.\u201d<\/p>\n