Chris Spear’s decade-long leadership of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry’s largest trade federation, is over. The sudden departure cuts short the contract extension he signed in 2024, which was expected to keep him at the helm through 2029.

ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen confirmed Spear’s departure in a member-wide email on August 21: “On behalf of ATA’s officers and Board of Directors, I want to thank Chris for his more than a decade of service to our association and our industry. During his leadership, ATA strengthened its voice in Washington, secured important policy victories, and advanced the priorities of trucking nationwide.”

Hodgen said that Spear told ATA's executive committee on August 21 that he would be leaving the position, effective immediately. 

Spear’s decade of high-stakes trucking advocacy

Since taking the reins as ATA’s ninth president in 2016, Spear led the federation through significant industry turbulence—much of which came to a head in recent years as industry stakeholders dealt with the dizzying impacts of regulatory uncertainty brought on by the stark differences in priorities between the Trump and Biden White House administrations that dominated Spear’s 10 years leading ATA.

Spear’s leadership heavily focused on combating aggressive state-level emissions mandates, pushing back against federal regulations, and securing infrastructure funding. He highlighted some of his battles during his annual State of the Industry address at ATA’s Management Conference & Expo in San Diego last fall.

• Environmental regulations: Spear strongly criticized the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its zero-emission vehicle mandates. He notoriously described California regulators as “bark-licking bureaucrats” who were effectively trying to force the industry to move freight with “donkey carts.”
• Federal policy reversals: He rallied support for the Trump administration’s efforts to revoke California’s Clean Air Act waivers and dismantle the EPA’s Endangerment Finding.
• Emissions delay efforts: A primary target during his tenure was delaying EPA’s 2027 Low-NOx rule, which Spear noted was untested and could add $20,000 to $30,000 to the price of a new diesel heavy-duty truck.

Navigating the freight recession

Spear’s final years at ATA were marked by a prolonged freight recession that had dragged on for three years since the industry saw a boost in activity and recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged that the downturn shifted an early decade focus on a driver shortage to a greater focus on cultivating highly qualified professional drivers who meet stringent safety and language standards.

• Tort reform: Lawsuit abuse and nuclear verdicts remained a top issue throughout Spear’s leadership. He spearheaded a dual strategy of supporting state-level damage caps and pushing the federal Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act.
• Federal Excise Tax: To offset rising costs of commercial equipment and Trump tariffs, Spear actively pushed to repeal the 12% Federal Excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers.

What’s next for ATA?

Hodgen’s statement highlighted Spear’s success in assembling a formidable advocacy team, ensuring ATA has the “horsepower” to continue driving its legislative agenda in Washington.

“One of Chris’ most important accomplishments was assembling an exceptionally talented and experienced team to represent this industry,” Hodgen wrote. “ATA has the advocacy horsepower to keep advancing our priorities without missing a beat. From our policy experts and technical professionals to our government affairs and communications teams, we have a world-class operation working together to deliver results for our members. That depth, expertise, and shared sense of purpose will continue to drive our association forward, regardless of who is at the wheel.”

With the 2027 emissions deadlines fast approaching and economic pressures not easing as quickly as much of the industry expected, the next ATA leader will face a highly demanding environment. Hodgen said that ATA’s board has already begun the process of finding its next president and CEO.

“The trucking industry faces enormous challenges and opportunities, and ATA will continue leading the fight for policies that strengthen our supply chain, improve highway safety, grow our workforce, and keep America’s economy moving,” Hodgen said. “We are not slowing down. We are moving full speed ahead, and our unity as an association and industry will continue to drive our success.”