Transport Secretary’s Visit Receives Positive Reactions

In late March, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy visited the Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, Kentucky, where he garnered a largely positive reception from truckers and industry insiders.

“Truck drivers are the backbone of our great country,” Duffy shared on social media. He expressed his admiration for the attendees, declaring his commitment to support truckers. “I’ll fight just as hard as truckers do to improve their circumstances.”

A press release noted that Duffy’s participation was a “huge highlight” of the event, which attracted over 53,000 attendees. It emphasized that he held discussions with industry leaders and professional drivers about the vital role of trucking in the nation’s economy and infrastructure.

“His visit highlighted the federal government’s acknowledgment of trucking as a crucial component of U.S. commerce and mobility,” the release stated.

During the event, Duffy assured attendees of his dedication to defending American truck drivers. “You exemplify what makes America great. Your efforts are why this country thrives,” he said.

Industry experts like Daniel Chaffin observed that after years of feeling unheard, they finally sensed that key figures were paying attention. In a conversation with Duffy and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commissioner Derek Bars, Chaffin queried, “So, are you paying attention to us?” Duffy affirmed, “100%.” He recognized the feedback from the industry, acknowledging that it felt like they had been shouting into the storm. “You’re not shouting into the storm anymore; we’re listening, and you can see the changes we’re making,” he assured.

Chaffin noted that the trucking industry had long felt ignored, but with this recent engagement, there was a new sense of hope. “They genuinely cared about the people that keep this country moving,” he remarked. He continued, “For the first time in a while, we feel like the right people are actually listening and taking action to support the trucking sector.”

Charles Gracey, who hosts programs on SiriusXM and FreightWaves, commended Duffy and Bars for their presence at the event. “When an administration genuinely cares for its constituents, it shows. Their attendance at MATS is a clear indication of that,” he remarked. Gracey also noted that their willingness to actively engage, rather than just appear for show, made a significant difference.

At the show, Duffy engaged with discussions surrounding Dalila’s Law, a bill introduced in February, intended to restrict commercial driver’s licenses from being issued to illegal immigrants. This conversation was spurred by a young girl named Dalila Coleman who suffered severe injuries due to an incident involving an illegal truck driver.

American Truckers United expressed their pride in Duffy’s stance during the show, calling for support for the legislation. As the conversation progressed, Justin Martin, another expert in the trucking industry, encouraged increased government involvement at such events. “DOT/FMCSA leaders should come to MATS every year to hear directly from drivers,” he said.

Overall, attendees left the event feeling optimistic about a renewed focus on their issues and a commitment from officials to advocate for the trucking industry’s future.