ATA Urges Congress to Accelerate Trucking Innovation ATA urged the US Congress to accelerate transportation innovation through clearer federal rules for autonomous trucks, safety technologies, connected vehicles, and cargo theft prevention measures, arguing that modernized policies are needed to strengthen freight efficiency and supply chain resilience. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) called on the US Congress to strengthen federal support for transportation innovation, warning that outdated regulations and fragmented policy frameworks could slow the adoption of technologies designed to improve highway safety, supply chain efficiency, and freight competitiveness. Speaking before the US Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, Chris Spear, President and CEO, ATA said the trucking industry is already investing in safety and efficiency technologies, but needs a clearer federal framework to support broader deployment. The testimony was delivered during the hearing “The Need for Speed: How Technological Advances are Driving Transportation Innovation.” Spear states trucking remains central to the US economy, representing 8.4 million workers, including more than 3.6 million professional truck drivers. ATA also represents 37,000 motor carriers and suppliers across all 50 states. According to Spear’s testimony, trucks moved about 11.4 billion tons of freight in 2023, equivalent to 73% of the country’s annual freight tonnage. Over the next decade, the industry is expected to haul an additional 2.7 billion tons of freight above current volumes. “New technologies are changing the way that we all do business, across all roles and industries,” Spear said in his written testimony. He added that, despite a multi-year freight recession, motor carriers have continued investing in tools that improve safety and operating efficiency. ATA Backs BUILD America 250 Act ATA expressed support for the BUILD America 250 Act, a five-year surface transportation reauthorization package advanced by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The association said the