Trucking News · Nationwide · October 24, 2026

Incoming ATA Chief Mark Colson: 'I Love Truckers More'

A big "I love trucks" sign greeted visitors at the American Trucking Associations' Management Conference and Exhibition in Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier this week. Incoming ATA President and CEO Mark Colson used it to make a point, The Trucker reports.

"Simply put, I love truckers. I love trucks. I like that sign out there, but I love truckers more," Colson told the conference's general session.

Who he is

Colson does not officially start until Dec. 1, according to The Trucker. He has led the Alabama Trucking Association as president and CEO since 2019, and he was announced as ATA's next chief two days before the conference began.

He told the audience his connection to trucking started early, watching his father run the tire shop his grandfather started in Alabama. "In the tire shop, I learned about the values of this industry: faith, family, teamwork and grit," Colson said. "Trucking is a gritty industry, and I love that."

A message for drivers

"One thing I want you to know about me is I believe the professionals in our industry matter most," Colson said. "Everything we do from the language we use to the policies we promote, we must be guided by empathy and respect for the trucking professional."

He closed by asking for prayers "for our drivers that are on the road, our professionals in the industry, those who are leading this organization," as well as for ATA staff and his family. "I believe ATA's best days are ahead of us," he said.

Listening first

At his first ATA press conference on Tuesday, Colson said he took a moment at the podium to think about the responsibility of the job. "This is a monumental time for our industry. They've been through such a hard time, and I know companies in my state that are no longer here," he said.

He told ATA members the group needs to "listen to our members," "meet you where you are" and "build trust."

Incoming ATA Chairman Derek Leathers said the search committee wanted a leader rooted in the industry. "I think he's the right person at the right time," Leathers said.

A question for readers

The incoming head of the ATA says he loves trucks, but he loves truckers more.

What is the first thing you would want him to fight for on behalf of drivers?

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