American Trucking Associations has praised President Trump for signing an executive order that will allow individuals to purchase health insurance through association health plans.

“After laying out the case for how tax reform benefits our industry, today President Trump is taking substantive action to improve the lives of millions of Americans, including the 7.5 million employed in trucking-related jobs,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “By allowing people to pool together to purchase health insurance plans that are sponsored by larger associations and groups, the administration is helping to lower health care costs and improve access.”

Spear went on to say that nine out of ten motor carriers have fewer than six trucks and the types of plans allowed by the president's order could provide more options for those small companies to offer affordable healthcare to their employees.

ATA leaders and representatives in attendance for the White House signing ceremony were Spear, ATA Chairman Kevin Burch, president of Jet Express; ATA member Harold Summerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc; and professional truck driver Danny Smith of Big G Express.

“Being a safe, professional truck driver has not only been a tremendous career for me, it has allowed me to see the country and to provide for my family – including providing health insurance,” said Smith. “Reducing the cost of that insurance is very important so I’m happy President Trump is taking steps to do that.”