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Keep America Moving: ATA Chairman Urges Infrastructure Overhaul

Road construction workers and equipment under a clear sky, highlighting infrastructure improvement.

America’s roads and bridges are more than just a patchwork of asphalt and concrete—they’re the lifelines of our economy. Yet, these lifelines are showing signs of wear and tear that could stall our nation’s progress. That’s why Dennis Dellinger, Chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and President & CEO of Cargo Transporters, delivered a powerful message to Congress: it’s time for a bold infrastructure overhaul to keep America moving.

Speaking before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highway & Transit, Dellinger called for substantial investments to address the challenges plaguing the nation’s transportation network. With nearly 40 years of trucking industry experience, he underscored the urgency of reducing costly congestion, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and improving roadway safety.

“We look forward to working with this subcommittee to craft an infrastructure package that protects drivers, boosts efficiency, and powers our nation’s economy,” Dellinger said. “Roads and bridges don’t belong to one party—they belong to all Americans.”


The Numbers Don’t Lie: A System Under Strain

The stats paint a clear picture: America’s infrastructure needs help. The nation’s 4.2 million miles of public roads and nearly 620,000 bridges are crucial for moving freight and people. Yet, their condition has been deteriorating due to decades of underinvestment and, more recently, inflation.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 aimed to address this issue by authorizing $365 billion for highway programs, a historic 62% increase compared to previous funding levels. However, inflation has significantly eroded the purchasing power of these funds, resulting in a 24% drop in federal spending on bridges and highways during the first nine months of fiscal year 2024 compared to pre-IIJA levels.

“[The IIJA] gave our supply chain the largest boost in nearly a century,” Dellinger explained. “But when inflation eats into those gains, we end up doing less with more. Congress must take bold action to ensure America stays competitive in the global economy.”


Congestion: A $108 Billion Problem

Highway congestion is more than an inconvenience—it’s an economic sinkhole. According to the American Transportation Research Institute, traffic bottlenecks add $108.8 billion annually to the cost of freight transportation. That’s like having 435,000 truck drivers parked and idle for an entire year.

“Every traffic jam has a ripple effect,” Dellinger said. “It doesn’t just delay deliveries—it drives up costs across the supply chain, affecting manufacturers, businesses, and consumers.”

Dellinger emphasized that fixing bottlenecks isn’t just about reducing delays; it’s about restoring efficiency to the supply chain, boosting U.S. manufacturing, and maintaining the country’s economic leadership.


Safety First: The Shared Responsibility

The trucking industry isn’t waiting for Congress to act—it’s already investing heavily in safety. Dellinger noted that motor carriers spend $14 billion annually on safety-related systems and training. From advanced braking systems to driver education programs, these investments aim to make roads safer for everyone.

But there’s a glaring issue that needs immediate attention: truck parking.

“Truck parking isn’t just a convenience—it’s a matter of safety,” Dellinger said. “When truckers are forced to park in unauthorized or unsafe locations, it creates dangerous situations for both drivers and the public.”

He called on Congress to address this critical shortage by funding additional parking facilities. Dellinger also stressed the importance of maintaining robust drug testing protocols to ensure safety across the industry.


A Partnership for Cleaner Engines

Environmental sustainability has long been a priority for the trucking industry. Over the past 40 years, the industry’s partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has led to remarkable advancements in engine technology, resulting in engines that are 99% cleaner than their predecessors.

“We’ve achieved incredible progress by working together,” Dellinger said. “Now, let’s keep that going with common-sense solutions that are both ambitious and achievable.”

Dellinger expressed optimism that the new administration and Congress would restore this collaborative approach, focusing on practical solutions that balance environmental goals with industry realities.


Driving Opportunity: The Role of the Trucking Industry

For Dellinger, trucking isn’t just an industry—it’s a gateway to the American Dream. The sector employs 8.5 million people, offering good-paying jobs and a pathway to success for individuals and families.

“To keep this industry thriving, we need to invest in workforce development and driver training programs,” Dellinger said. “We also need to protect the independent contractor model, which helps individuals support their families and build their futures.”

Dellinger highlighted the trucking industry’s role as the backbone of the economy, moving 72% of the nation’s freight. He urged Congress to take bold steps to ensure that the industry remains strong and resilient, capable of meeting the challenges of the future.


The Road Ahead

As Congress begins the process of reauthorizing the nation’s surface transportation programs, Dellinger’s testimony serves as a wake-up call. America’s roads and bridges are more than just infrastructure—they’re the arteries of the economy. Without substantial investments, the nation risks falling behind in a competitive global landscape.

Dellinger’s message was clear: it’s time for Congress to put the pedal to the metal and prioritize infrastructure. By addressing congestion, enhancing safety, and investing in the workforce, America can ensure that its economy remains strong and that its roads keep the nation moving forward.

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