Trucking must become ‘yes’ industry, says TCA Chairman

The trucking industry must become a ‘yes’ industry if it intends on improving its public image, says Gary Salisbury, Chairman of the US-based Truckload Carriers Association (TCA).

“We must start becoming an association and industry of Yes,” Salisbury told delegates at the opening session of the TCA’s annual meeting in Florida. “We can’t say No, that’s not going to work.”

Salisbury, current president and CEO of Fikes Truck Line in Arkansas, also added that if the industry wants to create a positive public image, it has to be proactive, whether it’s in the area of service, electronic onboard recorders (EOBRs) or independent contractor issues.

“We have a lot of innovative people who have set high standards and raised the bar,” he said, stating that the industry has to follow the lead of those leaders and develop a mentality that says, “don’t worry about it; we will take care of it.”

Salisbury also reminded delegates that regulators implementing many of the rules governing trucking, “know absolutely nothing” about trucking.

“I shared with you in San Diego my commitment to a full court press to improve the image of trucking before the general public,” Salisbury said. “I know it’s not realistic to do this in one year, but if we don’t get started, we won’t change minds. We need to take hold of the steering wheel instead of outside forces taking hold of it.”