Eric Jorgensen, chairman of the American Truck Dealers, outlined his plan to help guide the industry through 2015 and the future at the ATD Convention and Expo in San Francisco, Calif., Friday.

Jorgensen encouraged dealers to become engaged in all levels of their industry’s operations in order to move their own businesses forward.

“We’re part of an industry that not only puts people behind a big wheel but also propels the nation forward, “ said Jorgensen. “And our industry keeps the nation moving.”

He encouraged dealers to engage Congress and let representatives know how regulations were affecting dealerships. ATD advocated for legislations to help dealerships build their businesses as well as lobbying for issues related to the highway funding bill.

“With all the rulemaking coming out of Washington D.C., our message is simple: the rules affecting our business should be technologically feasible and economically practical,” said Jorgensen. “Eventually every policy decision, regulation or vote, all leads back to Main Street where our businesses are.”

Jorgensen also encouraged dealers to inform others about the trucking industry which employs more than 8.7 million people nationwide and moves 70% of all freight tonnage annually in the U.S.

“We’re all in this business together,” said Jorgensen. “We all have a responsibility to move trucking forward.”

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