Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/131367
Capitol Hill Report ATA Names Jeffrey Mason New Senior Vice President American Trucking Associations recently named Jeffrey Mason to the newly created position of senior vice president of image and communications. CHANGING LANES "I've known Jeff for some time and am thrilled that he's joining our leadership team. His passion and knowledge of this industry will be a great compliment to ATA. Jeff is well known throughout the trucking industry and is respected by trucking industry executives – both on the operational side and within the allied community," ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. "I'm confident that by adding Jeff's professionalism and enthusiasm to our already distinguished team, we'll be able to further demonstrate why ATA is the nation's leading advocate for trucking." Mason comes to ATA after 26 years with Randall-Reilly where he helped build and lead the company's trucking media division, including the company's various publications, events and conferences and data services. At ATA, Mason will be responsible for shaping ATA's communications and image strategies, ensuring that the organization conveys a consistent message and speaks with one voice, as well as managing special projects and future events. 6 capitol hill report 0613 cl.indd 1 Trucking Exec Calls on Congress to Do More to Address Freight Transportation In late April, Derek Leathers, chief operating officer of Werner Enterprises Inc., told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that Congress needs to address the needs of the trucking industry by dedicating real funding to addressing freight transportation needs and improving the efficiency and productivity of the industry. "Trucks move 68% of our nation's freight tonnage . . . [and] move $8.3 trillion worth of freight each year, nearly 60% of the U.S. economy," Leathers said. "The trucking industry is expected to move an even greater share of freight in the future." To address that demand, Leathers said lawmakers should dedicate specific funds to projects that will benefit freight transportation like reducing or eliminating bottlenecks in the Interstate Highway System and intermodal freight connections. Revenue to fund these projects, he said, should come not from tolls, vehicle miles traveled fees or widespread private investment, but rather from augmenting the current fuel tax system. "The challenges facing fuel tax revenue over the next 20 years can june 2013 // WWW.CHANGINGLANESDIGITAL.COM 5/7/13 10:36 AM