The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) Board of Directors named G. Tommy Hodges as chairman during the banquet at the group’s annual conference here.

According to ATA, Hodges has driven trucks and owned trucking companies for most of his working life, and is currently chairman of Tennessee-based Titan Transfer, Inc.  Hodges began Titan Transfer in late 2000 as a companion to his company Goggin Warehousing, a privately owned warehousing and distribution services company.

During his speech to the Board and conference attendees last night, Hodges recognized the service of his predecessor, Charles “Shorty” Whittington of Grammer Industries, and implored ATA members to become more engaged in the industry.  He spoke about new regulations and the need for trucking executives to be proactive, saying, “We must inform and educate people in the government about our industry and the effect any potential regulation might have on our businesses.”

Hodges also emphasized highway reauthorization. “At ATA, we have built our platform, developed our talking points and are making our case for a substantial improvement of the nation’s highway system,” said Hodges.  “We need everyone to be engaged so that we have the best possible outcome.”