Tennessee trucking executive Patrick Quinn was named chairman of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the nation’s largest trucking industry trade and advocacy group.

The action came as ATA completed its annual Management Conference and Exhibition, held this year in Boston. Quinn will lead the association for the next year. Through a combination of direct members, 50 affiliated state trucking associations and other trucking groups, ATA represents the interests of more than 37,000 trucking companies.
Quinn, of Chattanooga, Tenn., is one of the two co-chairmen and founders of truckload carrier U.S. Xpress, the sixth-largest truckload carrier in the United States. The firm operates 5,434 over-the-road and drayage tractors out of its Chattanooga headquarters and 63 terminals and global distribution centers.
Quinn has a long record of advocacy for the trucking industry, including service as the chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association and as an attorney who worked on Interstate Commerce Commission filings related to trucking. Within ATA, he serves on ATA’s Executive, Management, Highway Policy and Communications and Image Policy committees. Quinn also serves on the ATA Litigation Center’s Board of Directors.
During his tenure, one of Quinn’s main priorities will include improving the image of trucking, which he said would enhance the industry’s ability to recruit drivers and other employees.
Quinn also will advocate on trucking’s behalf to regulators and politicians.
At his selection, Quinn told ATA members that, with their industry facing serious issue like rising fuel and insurance costs, tort reform and a nationwide shortage of drivers in the long-haul sector, it is more important than ever for America’s motor carriers to speak with one voice and share the trucking industry’s story.