Chris Spear departing as head of American Trucking Associations

Chris Spear has stepped down from his role leading the American Trucking Associations (ATA), according to reporting by FreightWaves. The departure was announced on a Friday through a message from ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen. Although the initial notice did not clarify the circumstances of the exit, a subsequent organizational statement indicated that Spear had personally notified the executive committee of his decision to leave the trade group immediately.

Spear had recently reached a ten-year milestone with the organization and had secured a contract extension earlier this year intended to run through 2029. Before his time as the top executive at the ATA, he managed government affairs for Hyundai Motor Co. and Honeywell International. He also held various roles within the federal government and had previously served as a senior vice president for the trucking association.

The ATA has initiated a formal search to select a successor for the presidency. Chairman Hodgen reassured the membership that the association’s advocacy efforts and policy goals would remain uninterrupted during the transition. He emphasized that Spear leaves behind a robust professional team, stating the organization possesses the "advocacy horsepower to keep advancing our priorities" without delay.