The Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) recently completed its annual "Call on Washington" on March 17–18, 2026. This event invites our members to travel to the nation’s capital to serve as the unified voice for Tennessee’s trucking industry.
Meetings and advocacy activities took place at the ATA Headquarters, the ATA Hill Office, and congressional office buildings, giving our delegation opportunities to engage directly with federal policymakers. We are very proud of the dedication shown by our members who took time away from their businesses to ensure that the concerns of Tennessee carriers and vendors were heard at the highest levels of government.
Since 1930, we have represented the interests of the trucking community, and our presence in Washington, D.C., remains an impactful way that we protect the future of transportation. By meeting directly with elected officials, we put a human face on the policies and regulations that affect trucking every day. TTA works to make sure our state’s industry priorities are clearly understood by those shaping national transportation policy. View photos from this year's event here.Â
Why do we travel to Washington every year? The answer is simple: if we aren't at the table, we are on the menu. Trucking advocacy is about more than just fighting bad regulations; it’s about proactively shaping a business environment where trucking companies can thrive.
Engaging with Tennessee’s Congressional Delegation
During our time on Capitol Hill, our delegation held productive and direct meetings with key members of Tennessee’s congressional leadership. We focused on truck parking, lawsuit abuse reform, workforce development, equipment modernization, and cargo security.
Our members met with the following lawmakers and offices to discuss the critical issues facing our industry: Senator Marsha Blackburn, Senator Bill Hagerty, Representative John Rose (6th District), Representative Chuck Fleischmann (3rd District), Representative Scott DesJarlais (4th District), Representative Tim Burchett (2nd District), Representative David Kustoff (8th District), Representative Diana Harshbarger (1st District), Representative Steve Cohen (9th District), Matt Van Epps and Andy Ogles.
Key Legislative Priorities for 2026
Our 2026 Call on Washington focused on a specific set of legislative goals that directly affect the operational realities of our members. We presented clear, data-driven arguments around the following priorities:
1. Truck Parking Shortage
Safe truck parking remains one of the industry’s most urgent needs. Our delegation highlighted the fact that there is only 1 truck parking space for every 11 drivers nationwide. That shortage creates safety risks and adds pressure to an already demanding operating environment. We urged support for the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to help expand safe, available parking capacity.
2. Lawsuit Abuse Reform
We also raised the growing threat of lawsuit abuse, including "nuclear verdicts," which continue to drive up insurance costs for motor carriers. These escalating legal and insurance pressures affect fleets of every size and can limit investment in people, equipment, and safety. We advocated for the FAIR Trucking Act as an important step toward a more balanced and transparent legal environment.
3. Workforce Pipeline
Developing the next generation of professional drivers is critical, and encouraged support for the DRIVE Safe Act, which would create a pathway for qualified 18- to 20-year-old drivers to enter interstate trucking through a structured apprenticeship model. This approach supports safety while helping address long-term workforce needs.
4. Repealing the Federal Excise Tax on New Trucks
Our delegation also emphasized the need to repeal the Federal Excise Tax (FET) on new trucks. Removing this tax would help fleets invest in newer and safer equipment. Better environmental performance and improved driver safety technology could lead to a more modern fleet operating across Tennessee and the nation.
5. Cargo Theft and Fraud
Cargo theft and fraud continue to strain supply chains and business operations across the country. We highlighted the scale of the issue, noting an estimated $18 million per day in losses. Federal action in this area is important to protecting freight, supporting shippers and carriers, and preserving confidence in the supply chain.
The Importance of Transportation Industry Advocacy
The Tennessee Trucking Association serves as a link between local businesses and national policy. This collective effort is what allows us to secure measurable operational advantages for our members. Our advocacy work is not limited to Washington, D.C. We maintain a constant presence in Nashville and throughout the state to ensure that Tennessee remains a leader in transportation and logistics. To see more about our ongoing efforts, check out the legislative page on our website.
The success of the Call on Washington is a testament to the community we have built within the TTA. We were joined by a strong group of members representing carriers, shippers, suppliers, and industry partners.
Attendees included Connie Vaughan, McKee Foods; Mike McFarlin, M & W Transportation; Donna England, TTA; Jason Higginbotham, Ozark Motor Lines; Tim Blair, FedEx Freight; Donna Lemm, IMC Logistics; Denna Mintz, Phillips Infrastructure; Michael Shipman, Vertical Alliance; Rob Rhea, FedEx Corporation; and Duke Fancher, Dobbs Peterbilt.