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The year may be winding down as the nation prepares for the winter holiday season and the dawn of a new year — but for the truckload industry, November and December are a whirlwind of activity. In addition to hosting Bridging Border Barriers on November 19, the team at the Truckload Carriers Association is busy gearing up to give back through initiatives like the Capitol Christmas Tree and Wreaths Across America. We had a chance to visit with Karen Smerchek, the association’s chairman of the board, shortly after the 2025 Call on Washington and Fall Business Meetings. Read on for her recap of events and thoughts on the state of the industry.
Tell me a little about the speakers and sessions during the Fall Business Meetings segment. What information was the most impactful to you?
This year’s sessions really hit on both leadership and the challenges we face as an industry. We had insightful updates from policy experts, safety leaders, and economists who painted a realistic but hopeful picture of what’s ahead.
It was great to hear first-hand from TCA’s lobbyists on Capitol Hill, Missy Edwards and Richard Sullivan, who each provided their perspective on what’s gaining the most traction to ensure our policy dollars are spent wisely.
Please share your insights on a few of the topics covered in this year’s Call on Washington.
Our discussions in D.C. covered some of the most pressing issues for motor carriers today. Here are a few bullet points:
- The Gallon-Based User Fee (GBUF) continues to gain traction. We need to get our infrastructure funded. TCA has met with the majority of T&I committee offices.
- Hair follicle testing remains one of our top priorities. We must be able to share positive test results with the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Truck parking remains one of our top priorities. Drivers deserve safe, reliable places to rest, and it’s encouraging to see bipartisan support for infrastructure investments that address this.
- CDL requirements continue to evolve, and I was pleased with the emergency action Secretary Sean Duffy announced on September 26. We must stay unified in removing unsafe drivers from our roadways.
- Finally, frivolous lawsuits continue to drive up costs for everyone. TCA is working closely with partners and lawmakers to eliminate lawsuit abuse.
Each of these priorities reflect our shared goal: To make trucking safer and more sustainable for everyone on the road. Achieving bipartisan understanding and support is the only way to get it done.
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