ATA President Walter B. McCormick Jr. and his staff of Washington insiders are building a world-class lobbying organization that is winning victories on Capitol Hill, in the courts and the media. The rebuilding, like anyone who has remodeled a home or restructured a trucking company knows, is not without its challenges. The new ATA is a melding of longtime trucking experts and respected lobbyists, former journalists and former government officials who are recognized for their talent. Carriers and other companies that have left ATA have been replaced by others who see the value in a powerful national organization that speaks with one united voice. Much remains to be done.
Trucking is a driving force in the economy.
For its political clout to reach a similar level, trucking must speak with one united voice. As ATA enters the second half of its restructuring, the vision is clear, the direction is clear and the value to members is clear. There is little more to be learned as to what the new ATA is about. As ATA s board of directors said last week, it is time to call the question. We agree with the board s call to conference officers to state their intentions by the end of year.