The American Trucking Associations has formed a new advisory board to advise the association on ways to grow and strengthen relationships between the trucking industry and law enforcement organizations across the country.

The new Law Enforcement Advisory Board is comprised of ATA members who have previous experience in federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as current and retired law enforcement officials who have contributed positively to the partnership between both groups.

“No two groups have a stronger and more consistent presence on our nation's highways than law enforcement officers and American truckers,” said ATA President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Spear in a press release. “Therein lies a strategic opportunity for greater collaboration, increased communication and new bonds.”

The 22-member board will convene bimonthly to provide recommendations on priority issues. During its inaugural meeting earlier this month, the board identified primary issues it will focus on in the coming weeks and months, including combatting human trafficking; increasing truck parking capacity and ensuring driver safety at rest stops; commercial motor vehicle safety and security; and enhancing access to training for drivers and company safety personnel.

The advisory board members, who have current or previous affiliation with 27 law enforcement entities, are:

• Derek Barrs, HNTB Corp.

• Joe Allen Boyd, professional driver, Walmart

• Rick Cates, Marsh USA

• Tim Cardwell, National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Assistance Center

• Butch Day, Yellow Corp.

• Jeff DeVere, DeVere Public Affairs and Consulting

• Floyd Dixon, FedEx Freight

• Fred Fakkema, Zonar Systems

• Jeff Ferber, ABF Freight System

• Kent Grisham, Nebraska Trucking Association

• Chris Harris, ABF Freight System

• Parker Harrison, Old Dominion Freight Line

• Jim Kochenderfer, Werner Enterprises

• Mike Martin, Old Dominion Freight Line

• John McKown, professional driver, UPS Freight

• Ray Miller, McAnally Wilkins Insurance

• Dana Moore, Texas Trucking Association

• Myron Rau, South Dakota Trucking Association

• John Spiros, Roehl Transport

• Jeffrey Tippit, City of La Porte Police Department

• Christopher Vinson, Midlothian Police Department

• Donnie Ware, ABF Freight System