Membership in the national trade association has been falling for three years running, a clear signal that the industry is unhappy with the value and services ATA provides. Major supporters have dropped away and competing trade groups have been created. Members and nonmembers alike complain that the dues structure is unfair, representation is inadequate and the federation structure is inefficient. Plymouth Rock Transportation Corp. Plymouth Rock is a member of the Massachusetts Motor Transportation Assn.
Smaller guys feel second class to the big guys.
That's an ongoing issue. We seem to be in competition with ourselves. At the same time, truckers have positive things to say about their national association. One former ATA chairman observes that while the association may have difficulties, it is important to keep problems in perspective. The results of this poll, and of other research being conducted by the association, will shape ATA's strategic plan.