Alabama Trucking Association

With the election concluded and significant changes expected in the nation's political landscape, ATA leaders journeyed to Washington D.C. to engage with state congressional members and advocate for the trucking industry's agenda for the upcoming year. Their itinerary included a tour of the Senate and House Galleries, followed by a working lunch and listening session with staffers from several U.S. House representatives, including Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Barry Moore, Rep. Dale Strong, Rep. Mike Rogers, Rep. Jerry Carl, and Rep. Terri Sewell, along with insights from the American Trucking Associations' lobbying team. Additionally, they conducted one-on-one meetings with Sen. Katie Britt and had dinner with Sen. Tommy Tuberville. The 48-hour whirlwind trip concluded with industry policy updates and discussions led by Chris Spear and his team at the National ATA headquarters, alongside political commentary and evaluation from Rob Engstrom, President of the American Free Enterprise Chamber.

This Veterans' Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all veterans for your dedication to our nation. Your commitment and sacrifice are inspiring! In the trucking industry, about 1 in 10 truck drivers is a veteran. Our industry greatly values the skills and work ethic that veterans bring, and we are passionate about helping more of you transition into high-paying careers in our industry. Your discipline and adaptability make you a perfect fit, and we're excited to support you every step of your journey from service to a rewarding career. For more information on how you can start your new journey, please visit MyTruckingFuture.com Thank you for your incredible service!

Congratulations to Earl Williams, a dedicated professional driver with Boyd Bros. Transportation, who has recently achieved an incredible milestone of 4 million safe miles! This remarkable accomplishment not only underscores his commitment to safety but also reflects his passion for his work and the customers he serves. According to Boyd officials, Williams is only the second person in the company's history to reach this extraordinary feat. This milestone represents not just impressive numbers, but countless hours of hard work, determination, and a genuine love for his profession. On Friday, the company celebrated this achievement with a barbecue and ceremony attended by industry leaders and state transportation officials who came to honor him. ATA senior advisor for safety Tim Frazier presented him with a commendation from Governor Kay Ivey proclaiming November 8, 2024, as Earl Williams Day. What a day it was! Thank you, Earl, for your hard work and commitment to safety. Reaching 4 million safe miles is truly an outstanding achievement!

Voting polls will open tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. In Alabama, the only local general election contest is the newly drawn Congressional District 2 race in Southeast Alabama, between Democrat Shomari Figures and Republican Caroleene Hardee Dobson, who spoke at our convention in May. This election could impact which party controls the U.S. House after the election. You can find a sample ballot and polling information on the Secretary of State's website linked below. Additionally, a comprehensive election primer guide from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is also available through the link provided below. https://lnkd.in/gXAxPtk https://lnkd.in/eFtke6Mr

Leaders from South Alabama's manufacturing and transportation sectors gathered yesterday in Mobile for the Makers & Movers Summit at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza. This event, co-hosted by Alabama Trucking, Manufacture Alabama, and the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, featured a panel discussion led by Jo Bonner, President of the University of South Alabama. The panel included industry experts such as Daniel Wright, an ATA board member from Wright Transportation; Cai Unger from steel manufacturer AM/NS - Calvert; and Rick Clark, President of the Alabama Port Authority. The discussion centered on the synergy between manufacturing and transportation, exploring how these sectors complement and enhance one another regarding safety, operations, and potential collaboration to strengthen the state’s supply chain. “(Panelists) talked about some of the challenges of their respective industries, but also about some of the real opportunities that not only benefit those of us who live in Mobile and along the Gulf Coast but also all 67 Alabama counties,” said Bonner. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said his city's economic momentum is led by its recent Port growth and improvement. He noted that there’s no better group to build and spread the word of that success than truckers, manufacturers and the Chamber.

This week, the trucking industry gathered in Nashville to celebrate the spirit that unites us all! At the American Trucking Associations' #ATAMCE24, one of the highlights for Alabama Trucking was recognizing three Alabama carriers as Transport Topics's "Trucking Frontline Heroes." Last summer, when wildfires ravaged over 1 million acres of grazing land in Texas, threatening local ranchers' livelihoods, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate reached out for help. Thanks to the quick response from Alabama Trucking CEO Mark Colson and the generosity of Boyd Bros. Transportation, DMT Trucking, LLC, and P&S Transportation, 27 shipments of hay were delivered to Texas ranchers—enough to feed about 5,400 cattle! This incredible effort exemplifies the spirit of community and support in times of crisis. As Texas Farm Bureau’s Gary Joiner said, “The generosity of Alabama truckers was greatly appreciated.” Let's celebrate the kindness and collaboration that can truly make a difference for those in need! Read more below. https://lnkd.in/dpAC-9WV

The Alabama Trucking Association is advocating for the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act (H.R. 5840, S. 3959) to simplify security requirements for supply chain workers. ATA President Mark Colson stressed its significance for Alabama's trucking industry and noted the potential inclusion of the bill in the National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation aims to streamline security threat assessments and reduce redundant background checks for credentials like TWIC and HME, garnering broad support across supply chain sectors. It has already passed key committees in Congress. Read more: https://loom.ly/dbGVOvw

The Alabama Trucking Association, Manufacture Alabama, and the Mobile Chamber of Commerce are excited to unite for an event—Makers & Movers in Mobile! Join us on Thursday, October 24th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza for a luncheon that explores the synergy between Alabama’s movers and makers, exploring how these two groups complement and benefit from one another. The luncheon will feature an engaging panel discussion featuring the best and brightest from Alabama’s manufacturing and trucking industries, along with valuable insights from the Alabama Port Authority. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by those driving progress and innovation across the state. View agenda and register at the link below. https://loom.ly/6vDlaSM

Alert!! ATA's Fall Roadside Inspections have been postponed due to the evacuation efforts associated with Hurricane Milton. Be on the lookout for an updated date and additional information as they are made available. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this storm. Please be safe and follow all emergency recommendations. https://loom.ly/tabPcG8

Alabama Trucking Association CEO Mark Colson recently appeared on Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal to promote Truck Driver Appreciation Week. He discussed the Association’s updated career platform, My Trucking Future, now available at?www.mytruckingfuture.com. This initiative is a significant step forward in our mission to promote the industry and create career pathways for the next generation of trucking professionals. With My Trucking Future, we are expanding our reach, offering a valuable resource for aspiring diesel technicians, professional drivers, and industry advocates. This platform will highlight opportunities in our industry while reinforcing the safety and professionalism that define our community.