Derek Leathers (デレク・レザーズ) of major U.S. logistics company Werner Enterprises was elected the new chair of the American Trucking Associations, with a term running for 1 year from October 2026 to October 2027, according to reports. Key priorities during his term include standardizing enforcement of highway safety regulations and improving truck parking facilities.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced on 29 October that it had elected Derek Leathers (デレク・レザーズ) of Werner Enterprises as its chair. His term will run for 1 year from October 2026 to October 2027.
Leathers has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry and has long been involved in business operations and growth strategy as an executive at the company. During his term as chair, his priorities will include standardizing regulatory enforcement to improve highway safety, curbing abuse of the litigation system, expanding truck parking and road infrastructure, and supporting drivers.
As an industry association, ATA is involved in freight policy. Leathers is expected to work with incoming chair Mark Colson (マーク・コルソン) and trucking associations in each state.
Werner operates trucking and logistics businesses in the United States, Mexico and Canada, including dedicated transportation, one-way truckload transportation, truck brokerage, freight management, intermodal transportation and final-mile services. Its 2025 revenue was reportedly just under $3 billion.