All about the American Trucking Association

Perhaps no other worker in the United States is as concerned as the trucker is about diesel fuel prices. After all, diesel fuel keeps the trucking industry moving. As a result, a continuous increase in the price of diesel can easily break the industry in no time. Fortunately, freight businesses and truckers in America have the American Trucking Association (ATA) to look after them for this and other industry related issues.

Creating a force

Many things have changed since the ATAs inception back in 1933. Created to help educate, improve and advance the interests of the trucking industry and its members, this national association has grown into a conglomerate of organisations that continuously tracks state and federal legislation related to environmental, fuel prices, safety regulation and trade issues. Organisations Currently, the ATA shelters a complex network of state and national trade organisations like the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) and the Distribution & LTL Carriers Association (DLTLCA). To be represented, however, an independent truck company must be covered under a state trade organisation. The labour segment is not the only one represented here though. The Trucking Association Executives Council (TAEC - known as the “Federation”) represents the white-collar section of the State Trucking Associations (STA).

Taking action

Policy committees Working as independent bodies to cover every aspect of the activities related to the trucking industry, eleven policy committees at the national level concentrate on particular areas. These areas could be expansion to international markets, which include the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA, vehicle emission standards legislation, or problems affecting motor carriers working within the federal government and those affecting the transportation of hazardous materials.
Communication The ATA can quickly communicate with its more than 37,000 members, including 50 affiliated state trucking associations and three national trade associations, to rally support for or against legislative initiatives affecting the industry through a centralised communication network that includes an alert system. Role Beyond its core duties, the American Trucking Associations tries to maintain a good relation with communities across the United States. ATA regularly implements safety programs throughout the year in different geographic locations to promote interstate and state highway commuters security around commercial trucks on main roads. A final word After all, everyone’s daily activities depend in one way or another from the delivery of goods in every truck on the road.