Overview
As one of the nation’s largest employers, the trucking industry faces myriad issues associated with recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining its workforce—not the least of which is a shortage of qualified drivers that reached 78,800 in 2022. Even as the demand for freight continues to grow in our e-commerce economy, ATA is tackling the legislative and regulatory barriers that stand in the way of connecting more American workers with truck driving jobs that pay an average salary of $69,687, in addition to thousands of dollars in signing bonuses and excellent benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, and 401(k).
IC Status
Small business entrepreneurs – long a staple of the trucking industry – have come under increasing attack by regulators who try to negate their election of independent contractor status through misclassification laws. ATA seeks to preserve the opportunities for independent owner-operators to pursue the American dream in the trucking industry.
NLRB/Collective Bargaining
The National Labor Relations Board, whether through rulemaking or adjudication, can dramatically influence the level playing field between employers and union representatives that the National Labor Relations Act envisioned. ATA opposes efforts to tilt this balance in favor union interests.
Fair Labor Standards Act
This federal act, with its trucking-specific provisions, covers payment of overtime and minimum wage. ATA seeks to maintain the flexibility of payment schemes that the FLSA envisions on a national uniform basis and opposes attempts by states to impose differing wage and hour or meal and rest break requirements.
Hiring/Discrimination/ADA Accommodation
As trucking companies seek to hire safe, qualified drivers in a tight labor market, they must be wary of running afoul of various discrimination laws based on race, gender, disability, etc. enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and other federal and state agencies.
Occupational Safety and Health
ATA promotes workplace safety but does not believe that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should promulgate and enforce rules that are not science-based and overly burdensome, such as prior proposals on ergonomics.