Scottsdale, AZ — Today, U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer delivered a keynote speech to hundreds of trucking industry professionals at the American Trucking Associations’ Mid-Year Management Session. She is the third U.S. Secretary of Labor to address ATA.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlighted the importance of job training programs that give truckers the resources needed to succeed and stay safe on the job. Following her remarks, she participated in a fireside chat with ATA President & CEO Chris Spear to discuss additional policies to grow and strengthen trucking’s essential workforce. ATA recently praised Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s decision to stop enforcing the disruptive, Biden-era independent contractor rule. This action lays the groundwork for restoring the first Trump Administration’s definition for independent contractors, which brought clarity and order to the law in this area. More than 350,000 truckers choose to operate independently.
“We thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for taking time to address and visit with our members at ATA’s Mid-Year Management Session in Scottsdale this week,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “We enjoyed hearing about the department’s plans to expand valuable apprenticeship and job training programs, and we look forward to continuing our work together on pro-trucking policies that grow and strengthen our industry’s essential workforce. The Trump Administration has a reliable and productive partner in ATA.”
“To every driver, equipment manufacturer, supplier, and motor carrier listening, I know I speak for our whole country when I say thank you,” Secretary Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m here today to deliver a clear message: President Trump and I are proud to have your back. This administration understands that a strong workforce and a booming economy doesn’t build itself; it takes investment, training, and a belief in the next generation.”
The Mid-Year Management Session is ATA’s annual spring meeting, where members and industry leaders can network, receive advocacy updates, and influence the direction of the industry. This year’s event—held May 3-6 at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale—featured numerous policy discussions as well as insightful presentations from ATA’s Chief Economist Bob Costello and the American Transportation Research Institute.