The Fleet Lead New ATA chairman on drivers, tankers, regs, and trucking's future
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Dec 17, 2025 Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport and new chairman of the American Trucking Associations, dives into industry issues with Jason McDaniel. They discuss the contrast between driver shortages and the importance of qualified drivers, emphasizing the need for innovative safety solutions. Hodgen also highlights the challenges posed by regulations and tort reform, outlining his cautious optimism for 2026. He reflects on the trucking sector's vital role and stresses the significance of sustainable practices in the industry.
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Hire, Train, And Pay For Quality
- Vet heavily, train thoroughly, and monitor drivers closely to raise quality and reduce turnover in specialized sectors.
- Pay competitive wages and accept that tank trucking requires more physical, technical skill than general truckload work.
Tech Augments — It Doesn't Replace
- Safety technology should augment drivers, not replace them, especially for tank trailers that need hands-on unloading.
- Innovations like cameras, stability systems, and automatic transmissions improve safety and broaden the driver pool.
FET Repeal Faces Political Reality
- Repealing the federal excise tax faces political resistance because it funds the Highway Trust Fund and lawmakers resist replacing revenue.
- Hodgen expects continued reliance on fuel taxes and new fees for non-ICE vehicles to keep infrastructure solvent.