ATA prepares for transition to Trump Administration

American Trucking Associations, the country’s largest trucking lobby, is maximizing efforts to advance two of their main priorities prior to the swearing in of President-elect Donald Trump: a permanent solution for truck driver hours of service guidelines and regulation of interstate truck drivers’ meal and rest breaks.

In response to Trump’s pledge to issue a $1 trillion infrastructure plan in his first 100 days of taking office, the organization’s president, Chris Spear, told ATA members in a Nov. 14 letter he wants to “be sure that ATA is in a position to help the next Administration and Congress shape and pass a dedicated and sustainable funding package for our nation’s roads and bridges.” In Spear’s view, the Trump Administration may “allow ATA increased input to shape regulatory proposals in a transparent, inclusive and data-driven manner.”

“I have publicly congratulated President-elect Trump on his victory and pledged to work with him and the newly elected Congress,” Spear said. “One thing is clear — to make progress on legislation, we will continue to work with both Republicans and Democrats to achieve most of our goals, particularly in the Senate where there is a working majority, not a voting majority.”

“While ATA would welcome immediate passage of legislation that addresses both Hours of Service and F4A (preemption), a short delay of the Omnibus would only increase the likelihood that these two ATA priority issues are passed,” Spear said. “ATA is actively working with House and Senate leaders, appropriators and coalition partners to advance these two priorities.”

He said the presidential outcome along with the retention of GOP control of both chambers of Congress “will directly impact the trucking industry, further defining the landscape of issues that govern our future, including free and fair trade, comprehensive tax reform, and dedicated and sustainable funding for infrastructure.”

Sources: Journal of Commerce. Trucking Info.