Page 40 - Arkanas Trucking Report Volume 22 Issue 5

They Like Us; They Really Like Us

ATA works to improve the image of trucking around the state

By Bethany May

Managing Editor

In January 2016, an in-state survey
indicated that 43 percent of respondents
felt “favorable” (18 percent very favor-
able and 25 percent somewhat) toward
trucking. It also noted that people feel
more favorably toward trucking when
they know someone who works inside
the industry.
One of the tenants of the Arkansas
Trucking Association mission statement
is to promote the dynamics of trucking
so that people have a better understand- THIS YEAR, WE HAVE TRIED TO TELL STORIES OF
ing of the link between the industry
and the standard of living they enjoy. OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY, PURSUIT OF THE
ATA wants the public to not just tolerate FUTURE, AND INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE, AND WE’VE
the trucks on the road, but to get truck- ENCOURAGED OUR MEMBERS TO USE THEIR OWN
ing, to understand what it contributes
and to appreciate that contribution. VOICES TO DO THE SAME. BECAUSE IF WE ARE NOT
A follow-up survey was conducted THE AUTHOR OF TRUCKING’S STORY, THEN SOMEONE
by the same pollster in June 2017, and ELSE WILL BE.”
trucking in Arkansas has earned a Sally
Field moment from the 1985 Oscars, —SHANNON NEWTON, ATA PRESIDENT
clutching the award, “You like me; you
really like me.” The follow-up survey
results indicate that the public likes
trucking right now. Really likes truck- we are safe, we are forward-thinking, WE ARE SAFE
ing more than they did 18 months ago. and we are invested in people and Sending the message that trucking
Now, 63 percent responded that they communities. cares about safety has meant ATA needs
feel favorable toward trucking (28 per- “This year, we have tried to tell to show up and be advocates for better
cent very and 35 percent somewhat). stories of our commitment to safety, highways to the elected officials who
While there’s no way to pinpoint pursuit of the future, and investment in determine where the funds will come
what has so remarkably moved the nee- people, and we’ve encouraged our mem- from to build and maintain infrastruc-
dle on trucking’s image in Arkansas by bers to use their own voices to do the ture and how those funds can be used.
20 percentage points, it’s no accident. same,” said Shannon Newton, president ATA makes the case for funding
ATA has been working on image of the ATA. “Because if we are not the highways and regulations that protect
efforts throughout the state and has author of trucking’s story, then some- rather than hinder safety. The goal is to
aimed to send a clear message: that one else will be.” explain why strong roads and uniform

40 Issue 5 2017 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT