Trucking News, Updates, & Back Issues

Recently, the American Trucking Associations joined President Trump at an event on the White House lawn to recognize the critical role our nation’s truck drivers are playing in America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the event, President Trump and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao lauded truckers as “heroes” for their efforts during the crisis.

 

“In the war against the virus, America’s truckers are really the foot soldiers that are carrying us to victory,” President Trump said. “Truckers are playing a critical role in vanquishing the virus, and they will be just as important as we work to get our economic engine roaring.”

 

Several drivers were invited to the podium to share personal stories of delivering critical goods during the pandemic, from hand sanitizer to medical supplies.

 

“As a professional driver, I am proud to stand here representing my fellow drivers out there doing the important work of delivering for America,” said Stephen Richardson, a professional driver with Big G Express from Decatur, Alabama. “I am proud to be a truck driver and I am especially proud of the work all of the drivers are doing now in response to this crisis.”

 

In addition to Richardson, Charlton Paul, UPS Freight, Chester, New York, and Tina Peterson, FedEx Ground/Ravenwood Transport, Blaine, Minnesota, all spoke of their experiences, and received a gold key from President Trump, which he called an expression of thanks for their “essential” work.  A truck from ATA-member FedEx Ground and the ATA’s image truck – Interstate One – served as a backdrop for the President’s remarks.

 

“President Trump is absolutely correct in calling America’s truck drivers ‘the lifeblood of our economy.’ As he said, they truly are ‘brave, bold and incredible’ heroes,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “We thank the President and Secretary Chao for recognizing these drivers, who are touching the lives of Americans in a very tangible way, and for appreciating the hard work and sacrifice these men and women are making to deliver shipments of food, medicine and other crucial supplies to the frontlines of the fight against this virus.”

 

President Trump Delivers Remarks Celebrating America’s Truckers - Watch Video

 

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Administration Calls on Industry Leaders to Chart Path Forward

 

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear is among the selection of transportation leaders named by President Trump to the administration’s Great American Economic Revival initiative, which is convening bipartisan groups of industry leaders from across all sectors of the U.S. economy. These groups will work with the White House to chart the path forward for the economy as it rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“I am honored to serve our President and the nation in this capacity, representing the trucking industry and joining four ATA member company CEO’s, to bridge this crisis to a safe, speedy and full recovery,” said Spear. “Just as they have during the mitigation and response efforts, truckers will be at the forefront as we revive our economy’s engine and get our country moving again. No industry will be more vital, and we embrace the opportunity to play a leading role in this national effort.”

 

The following trucking CEOs were also named to the administration’s transportation group:

 

Fred Smith, FedEx

David Abney, UPS

John Roberts III, J.B. Hunt

Darren Hawkins, YRC Worldwide

 

Trucking is the central link in the United States’ supply chain, moving more than 70 percent of the nation’s freight tonnage. More than 80% of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking for delivery of their goods and commodities. In 2018, the trucking industry hauled 11.49 billion tons of the nation’s goods.

 

Throughout the mitigation and response phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, truckers continue to serve on the frontlines, delivering food, PPE, medicine and other essential supplies to meet the needs of medical professionals, first responders and the American people.

Visit the ATA COVID-19 Update Hub for the latest updates, information and resources.