I’ve been in this business almost half a century, so I’ve seen a lot of changes – and a lot of truck regulations come out of the federal government. We are certainly not short on either right now, which made it a crucial time for our annual ATD Legislative Fly-In last week. We held 95 meetings on Capitol Hill, advocating for our businesses and customers with members of Congress, including with the office of the Speaker of the House.
At the beginning of my tenure as Chairman, I identified my key priorities for the year, a rubric for our work. We made some notable progress on these goals during our visit to the nation’s capital. Here are some highlights:
1. Push back on federal electric truck mandates and educate key decisionmakers at the EPA and on Capitol Hill.
Broad adoption of heavy-duty and medium-duty zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) are far from reality. The technology does not yet meet the needs of our customers, and commercial ZEVs are mostly unavailable. EPA’s de facto electric vehicle mandate puts the health of the trucking industry, our economy, and the supply chain at risk.
Challenging the EPA’s GHG Phase 3 rule was the central focus at the 2024 ATD Legislative Fly-In. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), a champion for our issues, joined us to discuss strategy for sharing the realities of the rule: the forced adoption of ZEVs, despite these vehicles currently being 0.3% of sales last year, and costing two to three times more than comparable diesel vehicles is extremely problematic. This regulation goes too far too fast, and we need relief.
On July 2, Rep. Feenstra led 157 Members of Congress in a bicameral letter to the EPA explaining the impact of the rule on small business and the economy and urging the agency to withdraw it. Our efforts continue and I encourage you all to remind your elected officials of the negative, unintended consequences to dealers and consumers alike of this rule.
2. Increase truck dealer outreach to build relationships and solidify member value.
Our members got a front row seat to their membership value in D.C. watching our staff and Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAEs) at work. Reps. Randy Feenstra and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) presented to our group and fielded questions from truck dealers. When we hit the Hill, we were able to meet personally with nearly 53 Members during the office visits. That means our issues are a priority!
We had 88 truck dealers, ATAEs, and guests from 25 states in attendance at this year’s Fly-In. The energy was high, but I am challenging us to increase it throughout the year. Engagement cannot be confined to two days in June.
We need everyone active and vocal. Invite your state and federal representatives to your dealerships. Show them your business and explain the needs of your customers. Get engaged with your state and metro dealer associations. Your ATAE needs your expertise and your advocacy. Let’s combine the truck dealer and auto dealer voice to make each stronger. Attend ATD Show January 23 – 25, 2025 in New Orleans. When you attend, bring your team with you. This is the way we can participate and be heard.
3. Continue to grow membership and promote the ATD NextGen program.
I will close with good news.
Our ATD NextGen steering committee met to discuss strategy going forward, attended the ATD Board of Line Representatives meeting, and hosted a successful packed ATD NextGen reception with guest speaker Rep. Petersen (D-Colo.) while we were together in Washington. This group is growing fast with high energy and great ideas, which is no surprise. After all, they have decades ahead of them in this industry. They are invested in protecting it.
ATD NextGen is open to any member truck dealership employee, regardless of age or position, who aspires to be a leader in their truck dealership. Best of all: it’s free! This group provides professional development and opportunities for truck dealership leaders of the future by fostering peer relationships, education, social networking and advocacy, thus building a stronger industry.
Here’s your call to action: Invite one person from your dealership to join the ATD NextGen program. If you are a rising leader, take the initiative yourself. Apply here.
We are facing serious challenges. Now is the time to stand up and get engaged. We need your voice and your advocacy. If we don’t advocate for our business, who will?
