Patrick Quinn — chairman of the American Trucking Associations and president and co-chairman of Chattanooga, Tenn.-based truckload carrier U.S. Xpress — has been appointed to the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission.
The commission — established by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users — will conduct a comprehensive study of the current condition and future needs of the nation’s surface transportation system and funding alternatives to meet those needs. Twelve members ultimately will comprise the commission, including Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, who will serve as commission chairman.
“Fixing our highways, easing congestion and enabling the trucking industry to move freight more efficiently is essential,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “The trucking industry is ready to engage in the discussion of what needs to be done to move the American economy forward.”
Graves expressed gratitude to Sen. Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., for appointing a trucking industry executive to the commission, noting the importance of including highway users on the commission. “The trucking industry appreciates the opportunity to have a seat at the table as we begin debate on a future national freight policy,” Graves says. “This is especially critical, as trucking is expected to increase its share of freight movement while congestion points continue to grow across the United States. The trucking industry is committed to the safe, secure and efficient movement of freight, and we’re willing to play our part to ensure that the surface transportation system continues to serve the needs of the nation.”
