ATA elects new Chairman

The CEO of an Oklahoma-based transport company has been elected as the 81st Chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

The ATA’s Board of Directors elected Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport Inc. from Enid Oklahoma, to lead the national body.

“It is a tremendous honor to be the 81st Chairman of the American Trucking Associations,” said Hodgen.

“Trucking is a noble profession, one that I love and am proud to have been a part of for the past three decades.

“As I step into this role, I carry with me the stories, challenges, and values that define our industry.”

Groendyke Transport, Inc., one of the nation’s largest tank-truck carriers, has more than 90 years’ expertise in bulk liquid and hazardous materials transportation services.

Hodgen joined Groendyke shortly after graduating from Colorado State University in 1991 and has held the positions of President, COO, Executive Vice President, and Vice President of Operations at the company.

Hodgen succeeds Dennis Dellinger, President & CEO of Cargo Transporters, as ATA Chairman.

ATA President & CEO Chris Spear said of the new Chairman: “Over the past several decades, Greg has built a highly successful career at Groendyke and has been instrumental in growing the company into one of the nation’s largest tank-truck carriers.

“Along the way, he has lent his time, talent, and expertise to ATA, and our Federation is stronger because of his invaluable insights and inspiring leadership.

“ATA is fortunate to be able to add Greg to our distinguished list of accomplished chairmen, and I look forward to working with him on tackling a wide range of issues facing our industry, particularly the scourge of lawsuit abuse.”

Outgoing Chairman, Dennis Dellinger, said: “Greg has made countless contributions to our industry and our association, and he has earned his place as ATA chairman.

“This unique position has the ability to shape the future of trucking, and with the growing number of challenges we face, steady, experienced leadership is needed now more than ever.

“With Greg at the helm, ATA will continue to prove its value proposition for our members and remain a strong voice for the millions of Americans our industry employs.

“The past year has been one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my career. I congratulate Greg as he takes on this new role and wish him all the best on his own exciting journey.”

ATA’s Board also elected Derek Leathers, Chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska, as first vice chair and Randy Clifford, Chairman and CEO of Ventura Transfer Company in Long Beach, California, as second vice chair.

In addition, Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking Inc. in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was elected as vice chair.

The Board re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC, as secretary and Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc., was elected as treasurer.

In 2019, under Hodgen’s leadership, Groendyke Transport expanded into the Southeast region of the US, as a result of the largest acquisition in its history.

Groendyke has also continued its tradition of safety excellence under Hodgen, winning its record ninth National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) North American Safety Champion Award in 2023.

Hodgen continues to be involved in transportation-related associations and is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the ATA and was appointed as the vice chairman and incoming chairman by the Board Management Committee.

He has served on the board of NTTC since 2000, including terms as NTTC Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee.

He has also served on the NTTC Executive Committee, is the Chairman for the NTTC Image Committee, and recently was on the NTTC Budget and Finance Committee.