Expert Panel Offers Tips on Trucking Advocacy
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AUSTIN, Texas — By the end of this year, 267 trucking industry representatives from 30 states will have participated in 294 meetings with members of Congress or their staff as part of American Trucking Associations’ Call on Washington program, at .
“We are a consistent voice,” said panelist , manager of business development for . “It’s so important that we paint a picture of why our issues are so important.”
Because visits with members of Congress are typically only 30 minutes or less, it’s vital that trucking company representatives are well prepared about what they should say and how they should say it, said , director of legislative affairs for .
There are two ways that trucking industry representatives can engage Congress, Rosen said. They include meeting directly with their with members or bringing members directly to their businesses or terminals to see how their businesses operate and the trucks that carry products.
Panelists said four pillars for trucking representatives to use for effective Capitol Hill visits are to be clear and concise, know their audience, be respectful, and perhaps most importantly, make their ask.
“Learn the issues and how they are important to your business,” said , grassroots program manager for ATA. “Know your audience, find a commonality and state your connection.”
There are two ways that trucking industry representatives can engage with members of Congress: meeting directly with them or bringing them directly to their businesses or terminals to see how their businesses operate and the trucks that carry products. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
The panelists said there are several common pitfalls to avoid when meeting with members of Congress. They include:
- Time is precious. Don’t waste it.
- Don’t use inflammatory language.
- Understand the limitations of a policymaker’s authority.
- Don’t shy away from tough conversations.
- Don’t forget to make the ask.
When meeting with members of Congress, truckers should have a clear purpose, make their stories engaging, and be clear about what you’re asking for, said Schroeder.
presented the fundamentals of effective advocacy during the Mastering Advocacy: Driving Local and National Change Educational Session.
Thank you to our sponsor . — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG)
Some of the more pressing issues being raised by ATA include addressing the truck driver shortage, lawsuit abuse, a shortage of truck parking spaces and solutions for supply chain challenges.
ATA recommends that when engaging with lawmakers, truckers should provide a history and overview of the issues, share their number of employees and explain their reach in the community, give them the facts and let them know specifically how they can help.
Don’t forget to also engage with local and state legislators, said panel moderator , president of the . “Legislators are people who are no different than us,” she added.
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