Mark Colson to Lead American Trucking Associations
The trade group has appointed Mark Colson to serve as its 10th president and CEO effective December 1, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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The American Trucking Associations board has selected Mark Colson to head the organization, with his tenure set to begin on December 1, 2026. Colson succeeds Chris Spear, who departed from the president and CEO role on August 21, 2026.
Why it matters
As the incoming leader of this long-standing trade group, Colson will be tasked with advancing the core policy priorities of motor carriers nationwide. His transition brings a new voice to the Washington, D.C.-based organization that represents the industry at the federal level.
Colson joins as the 10th president in the history of the American Trucking Associations since its founding in 1933. He previously led the Alabama Trucking Association, an industry that accounts for 1 in 13 jobs across Alabama.
The players
Mark Colson
He is the incoming president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations who previously led the Alabama Trucking Association and holds a master of business administration from Troy University.
Chris Spear
He is the former president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations who left the leadership role on August 21, 2026.
American Trucking Associations
This Washington, D.C.-based trade organization, founded in 1933, represents the interests of the trucking industry and motor carriers.
The details
Mark Colson will move from his leadership position at the Alabama Trucking Association, where he has served since 2019, to take on the national role. In July 2026, Colson was elected as vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council, furthering his experience within the industry.
Timeline
1933: The American Trucking Associations was founded.
2019: Mark Colson began his leadership of the Alabama Trucking Association.
July 2026: Colson was elected vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council.
Aug. 21, 2026: Chris Spear vacated the position of president and CEO.
Dec. 1, 2026: Mark Colson assumes the role of president and CEO.
Market Landscape
This transition occurs as the American Trucking Associations prepares for its 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, N.C., from October 17 to October 20. The change in leadership signals a new chapter for the association as it navigates the competitive motor carrier environment.
The change in executive leadership determines the advocacy priorities that influence federal trucking regulations and carrier operations. Customers and stakeholders should monitor how these shifts in the association's policy agenda affect transport costs and supply chain efficiency.
The takeaway
Mark Colson will bring experience from his tenure in Alabama to his new national role at the American Trucking Associations. His leadership marks a transition as the industry continues to manage complex federal motor carrier priorities.
What happens next
The American Trucking Associations will hold its 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte, N.C., from October 17 to October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and executive moves, visit the United States People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Transport Topics.
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