New ATA CEO Could Shape Future of Trucking Regulations

ATA Names Mark Colson CEO Amid Trucking Reform Push

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has named Mark Colson as its next president and CEO. He will take over the role on December 1, 2026. Colson now leads the Alabama Trucking Association. He has spent more than 20 years working on issues that affect the trucking industry.

Colson takes the new role as trucking companies face a tough freight market. He has also helped lead efforts to improve truck safety and enforce industry rules. His past work may offer clues about the issues ATA will focus on next.

This news comes two months after ATA’s former president and CEO, Chris Spear, resigned suddenly in August of 2026. 

ATA Names New Leader for Trucking Industry

Colson has led the Alabama Trucking Association since 2019. In that role, he has worked with state and federal leaders on trucking issues. His work has focused on rules, safety, and the needs of motor carriers.

He will become the tenth president and CEO in ATA’s history. The group was founded in 1933 and speaks for trucking companies across the country. It works with lawmakers and federal agencies on rules that affect the industry.

ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen, who is also CEO of Groendyke Transport, welcomed the choice.

“Mark will build on that foundation, bringing fresh energy and a clear vision for advancing our industry’s priorities and delivering even greater value for our members,” Hodgen said.

New ATA CEO Helped Create Trucking Reform Plan

One key part of Colson’s past work is his role in the Trucking Resurgence action plan. He led the task force that created the seven-point plan. The group released it in December 2025.

The plan aims to close gaps in trucking rules and improve how those rules are enforced. It targets unsafe carriers and drivers who may not meet federal standards. Another goal is to make competition more fair for companies that follow the rules.

Several major trucking issues are covered in the plan. These include CDL licensing, driver skills, safety records, electronic logging devices, and freight fraud. Each issue can affect drivers and the companies that employ them.

Colson’s role in the plan shows his interest in truck safety and fair competition. However, ATA has not said it will adopt the full plan under his leadership.

What ATA’s New Leadership Could Mean for Truck Drivers

ATA has a strong voice in talks about trucking rules. The group works with federal and state leaders on issues that affect drivers and carriers. Its next leader could help shape which issues get the most attention.

Colson’s past work has focused in part on CDL rules and driver skills. This may lead to more debate over how states test drivers and issue licenses. It may also bring more focus to how schools train new drivers.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are another area of interest. The Trucking Resurgence plan calls for better checks on ELD systems and records. The goal is to prevent false driving logs and help ensure that carriers follow federal rules.

These efforts could affect both company drivers and owner-operators. Stronger enforcement may help carriers that follow the rules compete with those that do not. It could also lead to closer checks of driver records and carrier safety practices.

Any new federal rules would still have to come through the proper government process. ATA can push for changes, but it cannot make or enforce those rules on its own.

New ATA CEO Has Years of Industry Experience

Before joining the Alabama Trucking Association, Colson worked for the Business Council of Alabama. He held several top roles, including interim president and chief of staff. He also served as senior vice president of governmental affairs.

His work brought him into contact with major national business groups. These included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Colson has also served on several groups tied to ATA and the trucking industry. These include ATA’s Strategic Priorities Committee and the Truck PAC Board of Directors. He also served on a research committee for the American Transportation Research Institute.

In July 2026, leaders from state trucking groups elected Colson vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council. That group brings together leaders from ATA’s state partners.

This background gives Colson years of experience with trucking issues at both the state and federal levels. It may also help him bring state trucking groups together on issues that affect drivers nationwide.

Tough Freight Market Remains a Concern for ATA

Colson will take over ATA as many trucking companies face a long period of weak freight demand. Lower freight rates and high costs have put pressure on carriers. Small fleets and owner-operators can be hit hard when there is less freight to haul.

In the announcement, Colson spoke about the industry’s struggle to recover.

“We are on the verge of a trucking resurgence, but we must keep fighting and advocating as our industry leaders continue to climb out of one of the deepest and longest freight recessions in history,” Colson said.

The freight market also affects company drivers. When freight demand is weak, some carriers may have fewer loads to move. That can affect miles, work hours, and income for some drivers.

ATA’s new leader will face the task of helping carriers deal with these pressures. Colson said the group must listen to industry concerns and support the people who work in trucking.

State Trucking Groups Could Have a Stronger Voice

Colson has placed a strong focus on the work of state trucking groups. He has spent years working with state officials on rules that affect carriers. Now, he plans to bring that experience to ATA’s national office.

State trucking groups often deal with problems that affect drivers on the road. These may include CDL rules, safety checks, and state laws. Some issues can spread beyond one state and affect carriers across the country.

Most long-haul carriers operate in more than one state. That means their drivers must follow federal rules as well as state laws. Different state practices can add costs and create problems for fleets.

Colson has said that working together is one of ATA’s strengths. Closer ties between state groups and ATA could help them deal with shared concerns. However, no new state or federal enforcement plans were announced.

What Comes Next for ATA and Truck Drivers?

Colson will begin his new role on December 1, 2026. He will lead an organization that has worked on behalf of the trucking industry for more than 90 years.

His past work offers some clues about where ATA may place its focus. CDL rules, ELD oversight, freight fraud, and truck safety may remain key topics. The weak freight market and high costs will also remain major concerns for carriers.

For truck drivers, the change will not have an immediate effect on daily rules or job duties. However, ATA’s work can help shape future debates over the rules that govern trucking.

The true impact of Colson’s leadership will become clearer as ATA sets its goals and works with lawmakers. Any changes to federal trucking rules would still depend on action by the proper government agencies.