UPCOMING EVENTS
- February 19th, 2026 – Surviving a DOT Audit and Compliance Seminar
- April 1st, 2026 – 20th Annual Southern Utah Trucking Association Charitable Golf Tournament
- May 6th – 8th, 2026 – 2026 Management Conference & Trucking Expo (REGISTRATION OPEN)
- Sporting Clay Tournament
- Opening Social
- Expo Hall
- Bingo
- Presidents Cup Golf Tournament
Announcements
2026 Utah Trucking Fast Facts
Events:
(REGISTRATION OPENING SOON)
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Resources:
| Now Open: 2026 Driver Compensation Survey |
| Survey Closes March 30 |
| ATA is inviting motor carriers across the industry to participate in the 2026 Driver Compensation Survey—the most trusted source for benchmarking driver pay, incentives, and benefits. Last conducted in 2024, this survey collected data from hundreds of fleets, including for-hire carriers, LTL, private carriers, and other commercial haulers. This year, the updated survey is faster and easier to complete than ever. As a thank you for participating, you’ll receive:• The option to purchase the full study for just $100• A free executive summary ahead of the full report release• An invitation to an exclusive participant-only webinar with ATA Chief Economist, Bob Costello, to review findings and answer questions |
| By taking part, your data will help:• Improve the accuracy of the industry’s leading driver compensation benchmarks• Enable detailed comparisons by carrier type, trailer type, region, and driver classification• Expand insight into pay structures, incentives, bonuses, and benefits for both employee drivers and independent contractorsYour input matters. The more carriers who participate, the stronger and more valuable the results. Thank you for helping advance industry insight and transparency. |
Utah Trucking Association 401K
How to Create an Estate Plan That Works for Yo
Feb 10th – 1 p.m. MST
In this informative webinar, we will cover the essential steps to building a plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re just starting out, raising a family, or planning for retirement, this session is designed for individuals at any life stage.
Crafting a Fulfilling Retirement
Mar 10th – 1 p.m. MST
Join us this month where you’ll be guided step-by-step through the essential stages of retirement planning. From understanding Social Security and Medicare to developing smart income strategies, managing the emotional transition, and addressing estate planning, this session covers it all.
Truckin Hot News:
| ATA’s Statement on USDOT Withholding Funding from California |
| Washington – Today, following the U.S. Department of Transportation’s announcement to withhold funding from California over improperly issued CDLs, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear issued this statement: “Ensuring the safety of our nation’s roadways depends on consistent application and enforcement of commercial driver licensing standards nationwide. USDOT has raised ongoing concerns over the past several months that certain California-issued licenses did not fully comply with federal CDL requirements, posing potential risks to public safety. “A CDL assures the motoring public that a driver has met rigorous safety standards — standards that must be enforced uniformly in all 50 states. Because truck drivers operate across state lines, when even one state cuts corners, the consequences are felt nationwide. “We call on California authorities to work with the U.S. Department of Transportation to expedite this process to ensure only qualified drivers with properly-issued CDLs are permitted to operate.” |
States Adequate Parking and Rest Facilities Survey
The Federal Highway Administration is conducting a survey to determine the capability of the States to provide adequate parking and rest facilities for commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate transportation and has asked for assistance in distributing it to both carriers and drivers; there are separate surveys for each. Addressing the parking shortage is a long-standing priority for the trucking industry, and the results of the survey will help advocacy efforts for additional federal and state funding. Therefore, we strongly encourage members to fill out the carrier survey and distribute the driver survey internally. Survey responses are due by February 27. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please feel free to contact Walt Satterfield (walter.satterfield@dot.gov) at the FHWA Office of Freight Management and Operations.
| ATA Launches Survey for 2026 Driver Compensation Study |
| Washington – Today, the American Trucking Associations opened its survey for the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study, a comprehensive analysis of pay, benefits, and bonuses for a broad spectrum of trucking businesses across U.S. regions. “In this difficult and prolonged freight recession, the companies with the greatest edge are the ones that have the best data. As a one-of-a-kind benchmarking tool, the Driver Compensation Study provides the crucial, actionable intelligence motor carriers need to recruit and retain their most valuable resource: professional truck drivers,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “In order to get as accurate a picture of industry trends as possible, we rely on input from a large cross-section of motor carriers to provide detailed information about their total compensation packages and supply a clear view of how – and how much – trucking companies pay their drivers.” Last conducted in 2024, this survey produces a unique and vital source of timely data. Previous studies covered hundreds of fleets, including for-hire truckload carriers, for-hire less-than-truckload carriers, private carriers, and other commercial haulers. The 2026 Driver Compensation Study will include detailed pay estimates broken down by carrier types, trailer types, and routes. It will also explore the wide variety of driver pay structures (hourly, per-mile, annual salary, percent of revenue) as well as various incentives. All proprietary information from individual carriers is kept confidential; only aggregate data is included in the final report. Survey participants are eligible for a discounted copy of the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study for just $100— over 90% off the full price. Additional benefits for participants include a free executive summary prior to the release of the report and an exclusive invitation to a no-cost webinar with ATA’s Chief Economist to discuss the survey results and answer questions. To participate, please click on the button below and complete the survey by March 30. To review the benefits that come with participating and to see sample pages from previous reports, visit https://www.trucking.org/driver-compensation-study or email lbur@trucking.org. |
| ATA-Backed Cargo Theft Bill Advances with House Committee Approval Congress is also on the verge of passing a separate bill with provisions ATA championed to combat cargo theft |
| Washington – Today, the American Trucking Associations commended members of the House Judiciary Committee for voting to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a bipartisan bill that seeks to establish a unified, federal response to the proliferation of cargo theft perpetrated by criminals who often operate across state and international borders. This major development is the result of months of advocacy led by ATA, including multiple congressional hearings where members of the Federation served as key witnesses. Most recently, ATA President & CEO Chris Spear testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee in December to urge lawmakers to support CORCA. In further good news, as CORCA heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration, Congress is poised to use the appropriations process this week to enhance enforcement capabilities against cargo theft. “As the transportation mode entrusted with moving nearly three-quarters of the nation’s freight, trucking has become a top target for organized crime rings, including transnational organizations. These brazen criminals rob our industry of millions of dollars every day, raising costs for consumers and putting truck drivers at risk in the process,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “The trucking industry refuses to accept this status quo any longer. The passage of CORCA by the House Judiciary Committee represents a pivotal moment in our fight to protect our supply chain. We thank Reps. David Joyce (R-OH) and Susie Lee (D-NV) for leading this bipartisan bill, and we appreciate members of the committee for supporting this effort to bolster federal law enforcement’s ability to investigate and unravel complex, multijurisdictional cargo theft cases.” Cargo theft is becoming increasingly prevalent and high-tech, and it often originates overseas. The American Transportation Research Institute calculated that cargo theft is costing the trucking industry over $18 million per day. Strategic theft, a category of crime that uses cyber fraud and identity manipulation to divert freight, has surged by 1,500% since 2021 according to CargoNet. Ninety percent of motor carriers are small businesses operating 10 trucks or fewer, and they are under enormous strain to counter their technologically advanced adversaries. The transnational aspect of cargo theft also poses a national security threat. The proceeds from stolen goods finance other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, organized crime, and even potentially terrorism. Introduced by a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers last year and now cosponsored by approximately half of both the House and Senate, CORCA would help law enforcement connect the dots by enhancing legal frameworks; improving enforcement capabilities; and fostering coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. The Department of Homeland Security would be tasked with leading a cohesive national response to cargo theft. More Progress on Cargo Theft Congress is also on the cusp of passing an appropriations package—with report language championed by ATA—that would begin the process of establishing a unified, federal response to cargo theft. Once the President signs the bill into law, which is expected as soon as this week, the provisions will: Direct DOJ to provide a briefing within 120 days on plans to establish regional task forces, led by the FBI and in partnership with HSI; TSA; FMCSA; and federal, state, and local law enforcement to investigate and refer cases for prosecution.Direct the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys to submit a report within 90 days that identifies U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs) with the highest rates of crime involving cargo theft and directs those USAOs to assign at least one additional attorney to cargo theft prosecutions. |
| ATA Hails $200 Million for Parking, Other Pro-Trucking Provisions in Appropriations Package |
| Washington – Today, the American Trucking Associations applauded the inclusion of provisions to support truckers and strengthen the supply chain in the final fiscal year 2026 appropriations package that is being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. Notably, the bill includes $200 million dedicated for truck parking expansion projects. U.S. Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR), the chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was instrumental in securing this line item addressing one of the trucking industry’s top concerns. “The severe, ongoing shortage of truck parking places an immense burden on truck drivers and creates significant roadway hazards. Truckers are essential to Americans’ way of life, and the least we can do to show our support is to ensure they have a safe place to park and sleep when they take their federally mandated rest break or finish their shift,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “We thank the members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for prioritizing this significant investment in truck parking, as well as additional provisions that will strengthen our supply chain. We are especially appreciative of the decisive leadership of Congressman Womack for ensuring the truck parking provision was incorporated in the final bill.” “Congressman Womack’s commitment to issues such as truck parking demonstrates his understanding that the men and women who deliver America’s freight deserve convenient, safe, and readily available places to rest,” said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Newton. “Arkansas is primarily a rural state, where trucking represents 1 in 10 jobs, and it serves as a crossroads for interstate freight on I-30, I-40, and I-55. We are grateful to Congressman Womack for his leadership on such an important issue to our industry.” According to a USDOT study, 98% of truck drivers regularly experience problems locating safe parking. An analysis by the American Transportation Research Institute found that the average driver sacrifices 56 minutes of drive time per day. This results in $6,813 in lost wages for truck drivers each year. This new investment in truck parking would build on the progress that has been made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that ATA championed, which has allocated funding to build roughly 2,000 truck parking spaces. In addition to the $200 million for truck parking, the appropriations package addresses a number of other trucking industry priorities ATA advocated for, including: Directing USDOT to provide a report and develop a strategy to respond to cargo theft.Addressing distracted and impaired driving;Studying the growing issue of predatory towing; Reporting on the availability and feasibility of technologies that could measure intoxication, including marijuana impairment;Providing an update on the establishment of a national AV framework;Requiring a study on congestion pricing, specifically relating to its effect on finances, safety, emissions, and congestion;Strengthening oversight of the Training Provider Registry; andEnforcing English language proficiency requirements. If the House votes to approve the package this week, the measure will be sent to the Senate next week for final passage and then be signed into law. |
| ATA Truck Tonnage Index Rose 0.4% in December Tonnage Index Grew Just 0.1% in 2025 |
| Washington – Trucking activity in the United States increased slightly in December, but volumes remained at low levels after significant declines in September and October. Specifically, truck freight tonnage increased 0.4% after rising 0.2% in November, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index. |
“Despite two consecutive gains, tonnage remains at low levels as the freight metric contracted a total of 2.7% in September and October,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Soft manufacturing and construction activity are continuing to suppress freight levels, as they did for much of last year. For 2025 in total, tonnage rose just 0.1% over the 2024 average, although it was the first annual gain since 2022.”
In December, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 112.9, up from 112.4 in November. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, increased 0.9% from the same month in 2024 after decreasing the two previous months on a year-over-year basis. For the fourth quarter, the index average fell 1.8% from the third quarter, the largest sequential quarterly decline since the second quarter of 2023, and was down 0.3% from the final three months in 2024.
November’s SA gain was unchanged from what was first reported in our December 23 press release.
The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 111.9 in December, 4.3% above November’s reading of 107.3.
Trucking serves as a barometer of the U.S. economy, representing 72.7% of tonnage carried by all modes of domestic freight transportation, including manufactured and retail goods. Trucks hauled 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2024.* Motor carriers collected $906 billion, or 76.9% of total revenue earned by all transport modes.
Both indices are dominated by contract freight, as opposed to traditional spot market freight. The tonnage index is calculated on surveys from its membership and has been doing so since the 1970s. This is a preliminary figure and subject to change in the final report issued around the 5th day of each month. The report includes month-to-month and year-over-year results, relevant economic comparisons, and key financial indicators.
The Energy Information Administration reported that the national average retail price for on-highway diesel now stands at $3.53
| On Capitol Hill, ATA Advocates for Truck Safety, Strengthened CDL Standards |
| *Photos available upon request* Click here to read Spear’s testimony Washington – Today, American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee to urge Congress to close critical gaps in our driver qualification system, strengthen enforcement of existing standards, and prevent unsafe operators from entering or remaining in the trucking industry. The hearing was held to examine hidden vulnerabilities across our transportation system. In his remarks to lawmakers, Spear emphasized the importance of ensuring only qualified truck drivers are on the road. “Safely operating a tractor-trailer requires specialized skills and an adherence to high standards of professionalism,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “A CDL should represent a promise that the person behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle is qualified, competent, and accountable. Regrettably, years of lax and uneven enforcement have undermined that promise.” In October 2025, ATA sent a letter to Congressional leadership that highlighted the urgent need to bolster the processes and checks that ensure a commercial driver is fit to operate on our nation’s roadways. ATA recommended a series of targeted reforms to reinforce CDL testing and issuance standards and strengthen the broader safety framework around CDL qualification and vetting. “Serious vulnerabilities—particularly related to driver training and CDL issuance—have been exposed through several high-profile, tragic, and preventable crashes,” Spear continued. “CDL mills—which masquerade as legitimate schools—have fast-tracked unprepared individuals into trucking by putting profits over training. Meanwhile, state licensing agencies handed out improper credentials and federal regulators looked the other way, enabling unqualified individuals to climb into the driver’s seat.” ATA has long warned about the consequences of insufficient compliance, and has partnered with USDOT to close dangerous loopholes and increase oversight. Through stepped up enforcement and enhanced regulations, Secretary Sean Duffy has removed and blocked unsafe operators from the road. Spear called on Congress to codify these actions into law. Spear also raised the issue of noncompliant electronic logging devices, which shady carriers use to mask unsafe behavior. Some devices use high-tech tools like AI to fabricate hours-of-service records, while others have serious cybersecurity weaknesses that can be exploited by bad actors. ATA backed FMCSA’s revocation of dozens of noncompliant devices last year and has pushed for additional measures to improve device screening, apply greater scrutiny to foreign-owned ELDs, and enhance penalties against violators. Highlighting a growing concern pertaining to cross-border trade, Spear directed lawmakers’ attention to cabotage. This practice of using B-1 visa holders to illegally haul domestic freight exploits Mexican drivers and is unfair to law-abiding motor carriers and American drivers. ATA is pushing for more enforcement against these violations. Finally, Spear told lawmakers that they should take a closer look at a transportation security lapse within the Department of Defense. ATA’s Government Freight Conference identified that the Department is improperly awarding shipments to unauthorized carriers to move sensitive cargo like M1 Abrams tanks. Last year, ATA worked with Congress to enact several provisions in the NDAA to shed light on this problem, but further action is likely needed to ensure military freight is shipped solely by authorized carriers. |
| ATA Names 20 Elite Professional Drivers as Newest America’s Road Team Captains |
| Washington – Today, the American Trucking Associations announced its new team of Captains to the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team. These 20 individuals will serve as ambassadors for the trucking industry, traveling around the country to promote safe driving and highlight the various career opportunities within trucking. |
“This group of professional drivers have earned their place at the top through years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to safety on the road,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “They represent a vital segment of the American workforce, one whose impact is felt by nearly every person in the country. As these Captains take to the road with a new mission and an important message, we are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident the nation will gain valuable insights from their leadership and the example they set for our industry.”
Established in 1986, America’s Road Team is comprised of elite professional truck drivers recognized for exceptional safety and professionalism. Supported by their companies, Captains volunteer their time to represent the trucking industry by participating in industry events, visiting schools, and engaging with policymakers nationwide.
This distinguished group of drivers represents 13 states, including 4 veterans, 1 independent contractor, and professionals from both small and large carriers, and collectively brings 51 million miles of safe driving experience.
America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks and is entering its 25th year of partnership this October. The new Captains will tour the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck—a Volvo VNL 860—towing an American flag-emblazoned trailer that features a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator and mobile classroom.
“Volvo Trucks is honored to continue our long-standing sponsorship of America’s Road Team and to take part in this week’s selection of the 2026–2027 Captains,” said Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve. “This year at MCE marks 25 years of Volvo’s proud support of America’s Road Team, a milestone that reflects our deep respect for professional drivers and our commitment to safety, professionalism, and leadership across the trucking industry. America’s Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe their hard work and dedication pays.”
ATA held its final round of selections from January 18-20 at ATA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The drivers were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and trade press.
After receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers, the 2026-2027 Captains will immediately begin their work improving public perception of the trucking industry. Trucking industry professionals can support America’s Road Team’s mission by following the team’s two-year journey on Facebook and interacting with the Captains at major industry events, conferences, and community visits.
“America’s Road Team Captains exemplify the highest standards of safety in our industry, helping to elevate trucking’s image by sharing their experiences and leading by example,” said ATA Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath.“These respected leaders craft compelling safety messages and demonstrate how the trucking industry offers meaningful, rewarding careers. Through their participation in community events, conferences, and industry engagements, they fulfill the mission of America’s Road Team. We congratulate this new class for their dedication to excellence and for keeping our nation moving safely.”
The 2026-2027 America’s Road Team Captains are:
- Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Mississippi
- Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida
- Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Florida
- Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas
- Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas
- Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Missouri
- Izet Kanarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri
- Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, California
- Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, West Virginia
- Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana
- Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island
- Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
- Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
- Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida
- Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
- Omar Stebbin, XPO, Florida
- David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
- Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
- Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
- Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, California
To learn more about the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team, visit the official America’s Road Team webpage.
Industry Experts Predict AI, Rates, and Consumer Behavior in Trucking for 2026
Industry experts predict limited freight growth in 2026 due to sluggish manufacturing and stable capacity, while emphasizing the increasing role of AI in automating operations and the potential influence of consumer spending and tax policies on freight rates.
Fleets Explained: What Are Nuclear Verdicts?
Nuclear verdicts over $10M are rising fast in trucking, driving higher insurance premiums and financial risk for fleets of all sizes. Nuclear verdict payouts have been rising since 2010. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the average size ballooned from $2,305,736 to $22,288,000—a 967% increase—between 2010 and 2018.
ATA Launches Survey for 2026 Driver Compensation Study
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is launching a survey for the 2026 ATA Driver Compensation Study. The study is a comprehensive analysis of pay, benefits and bonuses for a broad spectrum of trucking businesses across U.S. regions. To participate in the survey, click here. The survey deadline is March 30.
Trucking Jobs Remain Steady Despite Government Crackdown
Despite a government shakedown of foreign truck drivers, trucking jobs ended the year down just slightly. Will 2026 see continued capacity tightening? For the year, there were 3,500 fewer truck drivers on the road. More than 53,000 truck drivers were booted from the industry in 2023. That was largely due to Yellow taking down more than 30,000 jobs in its collapse that year. In 2024, nearly 18,000 truck driver positions were eliminated.
Tariffs and Regulatory Enforcement Emerge as 2026’s Freight Wildcards
Tariff policy remains a wildcard for demand, and the industry faces a difficult environment as flat rates persist. As Q1 2026 kicks off, analysts recommend cautious observation and gradual adjustment.
Trucking’s Random Drug Testing Rate Unchanged For 2026
The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a notice announcing the 2026 DOT random drug testing rates, and truck drivers will see no changes from the last five years. The 2026 random drug testing rate for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration-regulated workers remains at 50%, the random alcohol testing rate at 10%.
