ATA endorses Sonderling for Labor Secretary, calls for quick Senate confirmation

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has thrown its full support behind Keith Sonderling’s nomination as U.S. Secretary of Labor, urging the Senate to confirm him swiftly. ATA President Chris Spear highlighted Sonderling’s experience, policy expertise, and leadership as critical assets for guiding the Department of Labor amid evolving workforce challenges. Sonderling, currently acting labor secretary, was nominated by President Donald Trump on June 29, 2026, following his designation to the role in April 2026. Trump elevated Sonderling from deputy secretary, a position he held after being confirmed by the Senate in March 2025. Sonderling previously served as acting and deputy administrator of the Wage and Hour Division during the president’s first term. ATA emphasized Sonderling’s understanding of the practical realities facing workers and employers, particularly his efforts to restore the independent contractor rule established during the first Trump administration. The rule, rooted in decades of case law, is seen as vital for protecting the livelihoods of over 350,000 truckers who operate as independent contractors, offering them flexibility and economic opportunity. Spear noted that these truckers are small-business owners who play a crucial role in maintaining America’s supply chain. Sonderling has also directed the Department of Labor to enforce English-language proficiency requirements for hiring foreign nationals to drive commercial vehicles. The DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification issued sub-regulatory guidance on May 14, 2026, clarifying employer obligations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure workers can speak and read English. Sonderling stated that enforcing these requirements is essential for road safety, aligning with federal law.