Opening Remarks
Truckers Remain Calm in the Storm
T Mark Colson President and CEO Alabama Trucking Association
‘The men and women who lead the Alabama Trucking Association do not make excuses, they make a way forward!’
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his year has brought its share of figurative and literal storms impacting our industry. From the ongoing struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, the now prolific delta variant, Hurricane Ida, historic supply chain challenges and parts shortages, and a deep struggle to recruit and retain employees, these times are not for the faint of heart or for those who like to make excuses. Fortunately, the men and women who lead the Alabama Trucking Association do not make excuses, they make a way forward! Our leaders have responded to each challenge with poise and resiliency. Led by our ATA Foundation, we are now fully committed and engaged in transforming the future workforce for trucking. We will soon share the details of this critical initiative at the ATA Convention in September, but the most important aspect of this work is that the leaders of our industry are taking ownership of the problem and relentlessly pursuing solutions. No one else, the government or otherwise, is going to solve our workforce problems. It will take time. But failure is not an option. As the 2022 election season nears, you are going to start seeing more campaign ads. All 140 legislative seats (105 House and 35 Senate) are on the ballot, along with all Constitutional Officers (Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, etc.) and two very important Supreme Court seats. Thanks to our members, TRUK PAC will have up to $1 million to invest in the 2022 election cycle to protect and advance our industry. Not everyone likes politics, and that’s okay because your Association is well prepared to be your advocate in the political arena. On the Federal front, expect the election to replace Sen. Richard Shelby to dominate the political landscape. While ATA does not formally engage in federal elections, many of our members participate due to the impact these positions can have on our industry in Washington D.C. There is also an open congressional seat in North Alabama while incumbents in the other six congressional seats are seeking re-election. Be on the lookout for more political updates and analysis as the election season heats up. If you do not have relationships with your local and state elected leaders, please make it a priority to establish one. These public officials make decisions that directly impact your business. A visit or call from you will make a major impact on their perspectives about trucking, and we need all elected officials in Alabama to understand the needs and concerns of the trucking industry. Trucking leaders in Mobile and Baldwin Counties did just that in early September. They convened to talk about a potential storm known as the I-10 Mobile River Bridge. There has been a proposal floated that would impose a “truck-only” toll bridge, but because of the active involvement of trucking leaders contacting elected officials, the rhetoric has shifted away from “truck-only.” Finding a way to pay for a bridge project that costs more than $2 billion is a tough issue for all involved, but if members of our industry are not educated and engaged, we may still see a proposal advance that is not good for trucking. Two legislative storms remain this year as two special legislative sessions are expected: One to address over-crowded state prisons, and the other on redistricting of all legislative and congressional seats using updated census data. The Legislature has one more regular session which begins in January before heading into campaign season. Anytime the legislature is in session, your Association is on high alert to protect and promote issues important to your business. From tax and regulatory issues to important lawsuit abuse reform, we must work to keep Alabama a top-ten trucking state. Later this month, Alabama Trucking will safely gather for its first Convention since 2019. This event is very important to all of us. We are a family, and this gathering is where information is shared, issues are debated and strong bonds form to move the trucking industry forward. As we continue to navigate this stormy season, enduring the impact of the pandemic and confronting all the economic challenges, let’s remain steadfast in our commitment to making Alabama Trucking better than ever. Truckers are strong and courageous! We have proven it, and we will keep doing so no matter the storms we confront. A LABAMA T RUCKER • 3 RD Q UARTER 2021
