American Trucking Associations Chairman Derek Leathers Pushes for Uniform Safety, Lawsuit Reform and Industry Unity

Newly appointed American Trucking Associations Chairman Derek Leathers is calling for a level playing field for responsible carriers, emphasizing uniform safety enforcement, fact-based legal outcomes, and stronger industry unity. In an October 26, 2026 perspective piece, Leathers highlighted that trucking demands a fair marketplace that rewards professionalism, highways with equal safety standards for all drivers, and a legal system anchored in facts. Leathers, who also serves as the chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises, outlined key priorities for the ATA under leadership that includes upcoming president and CEO Mark Colson. The agenda includes protecting the integrity of the commercial driver license system, removing unsafe operators from highways, and pushing for durable enforcement standards that close regulatory loopholes. Additionally, Leathers stressed the need to combat lawsuit abuse driven by outside financial interests targeting extraordinary payouts, noting that these legal battles threaten jobs, family businesses, and local communities. The ATA also aims to advance bipartisan cargo theft legislation by building relationships and viable legislative paths rather than relying on political party majorities or changes in the White House. Emphasizing cooperation between state trucking associations and national advocates, Leathers called for greater coordination and stewardship to turn industry priorities into practical solutions.