ATA's Spear hopeful Trump presidency again makes 'trucking a priority'

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Donald Trump at a podium
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said President Trump made trucking a priority throughout his first term and partnered with us to enact policies that strengthened the supply chain, grew the economy, and delivered for all Americans.

Citing former President Trump's administration that "made trucking a priority throughout his first term," American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear Wednesday morning extended a congratulations to Trump on his return to the White House. 

While the results of Tuesday's election are not yet official, Donald Trump took Wisconsin, a key battleground state, early Wednesday morning, putting him past the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the win. He is on pace to be the first Republican in 20 years to win the popular vote and is only the the second American in history to win two non-consecutive presidential elections.

Spear noted the prior Trump administration "partnered with us to enact policies that strengthened the supply chain, grew the economy, and delivered for all Americans," adding Trump's second term "offers an historic opportunity to build upon that record and show why the best approach to governing is one paved by common sense."

Spear is hopeful President Trump's return to Capitol Hill comes with the replacement of the EPA's electric-truck rule "with national emission standards that are technologically achievable and account for the operational realities of our essential industry."

With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire next year, Spear noted ATA also stands ready to work with lawmakers to achieve pro-growth tax reform, including repealing the century-old, punitive federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers that penalizes our industry for investing in newer, cleaner, and safer equipment.

"We also look forward to working with the Trump Administration and Congress on a host of policies to support our workforce, protect the right of independent truckers to choose their own career path, and end lawsuit abuse by restoring balance and fairness to the civil justice system," Spear said. "The next four years will present big decisions for our nation. As we tackle these challenges and opportunities together, the Trump Administration and 119th Congress will find a constructive partner in ATA."

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In an emailed statement Wednesday morning, the Truckload Carriers Association also extended a congratulatory message to President Trump, adding it looks forward "to working with his administration and the next Congress to advance the priorities that our truckload membership has identified important to keeping America moving."

Jason Cannon has written about trucking and transportation for more than a decade and serves as Chief Editor of Commercial Carrier Journal. A Class A CDL holder, Jason is a graduate of the Porsche Sport Driving School, an honorary Duckmaster at The Peabody in Memphis, Tennessee, and a purple belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Reach him at [email protected].Â