In a rousing address to the National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC) annual conference, Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), delivered a stark assessment of the challenges facing the nation's trucking industry while charting a path forward through political gridlock, infrastructure deficiencies, and trade uncertainties.
Political Paralysis: A Sword of Damocles
Spear pulled no punches in addressing Washington's deepening political divide, which he described as "a Sword of Damocles hanging over our industry." His voice resonated through the convention hall as he lamented the erosion of bipartisan cooperation that once facilitated critical transportation legislation.
"The level of tension is unprecedented," Spear declared. "Where is the spirit of compromise that once allowed both parties to work toward common goals? That spirit has vanished, and our industry suffers the consequences."
The ATA leader urged industry professionals to abandon wishful thinking about Washington's dysfunction and instead mobilize politically. "We must make our voices heard," he insisted. "Congress must be held accountable to deliver real solutions that address the needs of their constituents."
Spear positioned the ATA not as a mere networking organization but as a policy powerhouse, stating bluntly: "Our mission isn't to host banquets or raise funds—it's to shape policy and create an environment where our industry can thrive."
Infrastructure: America's Circulatory System
Comparing the nation's infrastructure to the human circulatory system, Spear emphasized that "only with free-flowing arteries can our economic body remain healthy." While praising the Trump administration's focus on infrastructure, he cautioned against over-reliance on state governments and public-private partnerships.
"Toll roads sound appealing in theory," Spear noted, "but their limited profitability and high administrative costs make them poor candidates for private investment. The federal government must lead with funding and oversight."
The ATA proposes increasing the gasoline tax by $0.20 per gallon—implemented in $0.05 increments over four years—which would generate $340 billion for the Highway Trust Fund without adding to national debt. Spear dismissed vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) fees as technologically premature, calling his gasoline tax plan "a ready-now solution to an urgent problem."
The stakes are enormous: trucking moves 71% of U.S. freight , and congestion alone costs the industry $63.4 billion annually . Spear cited the recent tax reform bill—which delivered $3.8 billion in trucking investments for wages, benefits, and equipment—as proof that policy changes yield tangible results.
Trade Agreements: Navigating Dangerous Waters
Spear sounded alarms about potential changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), noting that trucking handles 76% of NAFTA's surface freight —with 82% crossing Mexican borders and 71% crossing Canadian borders monthly.
"Withdrawing from NAFTA would be catastrophic," he warned. While acknowledging the agreement needs modernization, Spear opposed using withdrawal threats as negotiation leverage: "Stability matters. Countless business models depend on predictable trade flows between our three nations."
A Call to Arms
Spear's address transcended typical industry commentary, offering both a sobering reality check and a battle plan. Emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence promise efficiency gains, while e-commerce growth creates new opportunities. But realizing this potential, Spear stressed, requires unified action.
"Our future isn't predetermined—it's forged by our choices today," he concluded. "The trucking industry doesn't just move America's goods—we move America's economy. It's time we move Washington too."
The standing ovation that followed suggested his message hit home. Whether it resonates equally in the halls of power remains Washington's next test.