With a new Congress underway, ATA Chairman Dennis Dellinger went to Capitol Hill to make the case for substantially increasing investments in our transportation network.
Dellinger delivered his remarks before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highway & Transit to discuss a wide range of trucking priorities. His testimony came at an opportune time: The committee just initiated the process of reauthorizing the nation’s federal highway bill.
In addition to focusing on the need for infrastructure to make the supply chain more resilient and efficient, such as alleviating over $100 billion in annual congestion costs, Members of Congress questioned Dellinger about how they could further support trucking. Some of those policies include eliminating unrealistic environmental mandates, improving roadway safety, repealing the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers, promoting workforce development, and reigning in lawsuit abuse.
You can watch or read Dellinger’s full opening remarks. Here are five key takeaways from his exchange with lawmakers:
Trucking needs commonsense environmental regulations
The trucking industry has dramatically reduced its environmental impact through technological innovation and commonsense regulations with achievable targets and realistic timelines. As a result, 60 trucks today emit what just one truck emitted in 1988.
In their mad dash to zero, California and EPA have abandoned this successful partnership in favor of a short-sighted focus on EVs. A study commissioned by ATA found that the cost of fully electrifying medium- and heavy-duty trucks would require an investment of nearly $1 trillion. The limited range, weight restrictions, charging downtime, and other operational limitations of electric trucks would also impose significant costs and disruptions.
Dellinger agreed with Congressman Brian Babin (R-TX) that the patchwork of rules propagated by California are untenable and negatively impact the trucking industry’s ability to deliver the nation’s freight. Furthermore, Dellinger explained to Congressman Addison McDowell (R-NC) that a better path forward is to use proven technology that can deliver operational savings and emissions reductions at a fraction of the cost.
Congress should be part of the safety solution
Making the connection between infrastructure investments and increased safety, Dellinger noted that motor carriers are doing their part by spending $14 billion annually on safety systems and training. He called on Congress to be a part of the solution.
In response to a question from Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Dellinger described how legalization of marijuana at the state level and proposals to reclassify it at the federal level are creating dangerous misconceptions among the public. He emphasized the need to develop a test capable of detecting drivers operating under the influence. Dellinger also spoke with Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) about the importance of robust drug testing protocols and how fully implementing hair testing can be a net positive for safety.
In another safety-related issue, Congressman Babin highlighted the increasing prevalence of cargo theft, which jumped 27% between 2023 and 2024. The average loss value per theft rose to $202,364, up from $187,895 in 2023. Dellinger expressed support for a central clearinghouse to better track and shut down organized theft groups that target the trucking industry.
Repealing a century-old tax will unleash the economy
An often overlooked but low-hanging fruit to reduce emissions, increase safety, and create jobs is to repeal the century-old, punitive federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers. Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) plugged the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act he co-authored that would eliminate this burden. Dellinger explained how passage of the legislation would enable trucking companies to hire more drivers and get new equipment on the road faster.
Workforce development builds rewarding careers
Reflecting on his nearly four decades of experience in trucking, Dellinger observed how the industry provides good-paying jobs for 8.5 million men and women. To help more individuals enter the trucking workforce, he told Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) that the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (SDAP) Program is an important pipeline for recruiting younger drivers.
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Additionally, to help more individuals support their families and attain the American Dream, Dellinger strongly agreed with Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) that the previous administration’s independent contractor rule must be reversed.
Trucking demands end to lawsuit abuse
The trucking industry is determined to ensure that ensure justice—not trial attorney profits—is what drives accident litigation outcomes. Due to trial lawyers exploiting the legal system, lawsuits targeting trucking have increased at an exponential pace in both the volume of cases and the size of verdict awards. Between 2010 and 2018, the average size of large verdicts increased by nearly 1,000%, from $2.3 million to $22.3 million. Dellinger and Congressman Mike Collins (R-GA) discussed how this cost is being borne by consumers.