SAN DIEGO -- The American Trucking Associations elected Duane Long as the federation’s 70th chairman. Long is the chairman of Longistics, a full-service provider of global logistics solutions based in Raleigh, N.C.

“I am honored that my fellow ATA members have shown tremendous faith in me to trust me with such a remarkable opportunity,” said Long. “Our industry and our association are both poised for great things in the coming years and I’m humbled to have been chosen to lead ATA through this time.”

Long was apparently referring to the recent restructuring of the federation of associations, and he also praised the team of people the association has backing ATA President and CEO Bill Graves.

Long replaces Phil Byrd, the president of Bulldog Highway Express in Charleston, S.C. In a meeting with the trucking press after the announcement, he praised Byrd, calling him "the epitomy of a Southern gentleman" and "The gold standard for a chairman of ATA."

Long started his trucking company in 1984 with his wife Pat and has served on multiple committees during the past 15 years. He co-founded the North Carolina Trucking Association in 1994 and was a chairman of the board of directors.

When asked if he felt there was a theme or takeaway from this year's conference, Long said, "Our industry is a very safe industry, and we want people to understand that. We want to get the word out and want people to understand what a great industry we are and that this is a place where people can have a great career. We need to let young people know they can come in and find a place in our industry. I was recruited myself as a young man and I hope each one of us will do that ourselves."

“I have great faith in Duane and tremendous confidence that he will be an outstanding chairman,” Graves said. “His energy and enthusiasm will serve the ATA and our industry very well this year.”