American Trucking Associations Announces New Leadership
Mark Colson and Derek Leathers assume key leadership roles at the organization's annual conference in Charlotte.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Trucks
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The American Trucking Associations introduced Mark Colson as its next president and CEO during the 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition in Charlotte. Additionally, Derek Leathers has been appointed as the new chairman, succeeding Greg Hodgen.
Why it matters
The leadership transition comes as the organization aims to bolster advocacy for trucking professionals and maximize member value amid difficult freight market conditions. The group continues to focus on key policy issues including emissions regulations, cargo theft, and independent contractor status.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has removed nearly 10,000 noncompliant driver training schools from its federal registry. This regulatory action follows an intensive two-year period of increased enforcement against high-risk carriers.
The players
Mark Colson
He is the incoming president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations and manages a family business in Alabama.
Derek Leathers
He is the incoming chairman of the American Trucking Associations and plans to prioritize bipartisan support for the industry.
Greg Hodgen
He is the outgoing chairman of the American Trucking Associations who transitioned his leadership role at the 2026 conference.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
This is the federal agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry and enforcing safety standards for carriers and drivers.
American Trucking Associations
This is the primary national trade organization representing the trucking industry in the United States.
The details
Mark Colson and Derek Leathers enter these roles with a mandate to emphasize fact-based, bipartisan advocacy across the industry. The organization is prioritizing several critical operational challenges, most notably truck parking availability and ongoing compliance with emissions standards.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Mark Colson was introduced as the incoming president and CEO.
Past two years: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration increased enforcement actions.
Roadmap
The mass removal of training schools follows the rigorous enforcement pattern set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Entry-Level Driver Training mandate. This move reflects a broader industry transition toward stricter oversight and professionalization within the national freight supply chain.
Professional drivers may face stricter training requirements and updated credentialing processes as the industry enforces new compliance standards. These regulatory shifts could influence the availability of qualified drivers and the overall operational costs for carriers.
The takeaway
The American Trucking Associations is entering a new phase of leadership focused on navigating complex regulatory and market environments. Industry stakeholders should anticipate a continued emphasis on rigorous safety compliance as federal agencies tighten training standards.
Further reading
For more information on national logistics trends, visit the Trucks section.
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