For quite some time, America’s truck dealers have been working hard toward a cleaner and more sustainable commercial transportation future. But we all know that this reality depends on sensible policies and our industry working towards a common goal when possible. In the spirit of progress, I’m proud of the decision ATD has made to officially join the Partners for a Zero Emission Vehicle Future, which includes OEMs, and the allied industry.

We can’t change the future on our own. So we joined this coalition with industry, environmental and outside business organizations that are committed to reducing transportation emissions and who support the market transition to heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). We have proudly partnered with industry groups like the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, the Truck Renting and Leasing Association, the Association for the Work Truck Industry, and several others. ATD has signed a letter that highlights our industry’s past efforts to work collaboratively with regulatory agencies to reduce emissions over the past decade.

Moreover, we have flagged that the Environmental Protection Agency’s pending Clean Trucks Rule could significantly disrupt the U.S. trucking marketplace and delay the country’s transition to ZEVs if the agency moves too far and too fast with its mandates. This is one of the current issues that has brought the industry together on the same side.

In fact, on October 25, ATD came together with others to meet with EPA Administrator Michael Regan in Nashville. ATD was represented by Kenworth Line Rep. and former ATD Chairwoman Jodie Teuton, who currently serves on NADA’s Regulatory Committee. Also in attendance were the American Trucking Associations, Cummins Inc., Daimler Trucks North America, Navistar, PACCAR and Volvo Group North America. Jodie took the opportunity to raise concerns about the EPA’s recent proposal, and how it could result in a pre-buy scenario that would create market instability and adversely impact local dealer jobs.

We all want a cleaner and more sustainable future. But mandates must be practical. And new programs must ensure confidence among fleets so our customers will continue to buy and lease the newest, safest and most fuel-efficient trucks on the market.

Our work together shows how OEMs, engine manufacturers, allied associations and dealers everywhere can work well together on the same issue. Stay tuned as ATD continues to engage on this front!