ATA thanks NTTC for pledge to help fight Rhode Island toll scheme

Today, American Trucking Associations leaders thanked the National Tank Truck Carriers for their contribution of $50,000 to the industry’s ongoing challenge to Rhode Island’s extortionary truck-only tolls scheme.

“Winning this suit is critical for trucking” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear, “If this exorbitant, predatory tolling plan is allowed to stand, it will be replicated across the country. This is an all-hands on deck situation, so we are grateful for NTTC’s support in this crucial fight.”

ATA, through the ATA Litigation Center, and a number of carriers based in New England, sued Rhode Island over its RhodeWorks tolling program that specifically targets the trucking industry. The industry’s challenge is currently being weighed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

“We appreciate NTTC stepping up to help in this effort. Their support is critical to our success in this suit,” said ATA Chairman Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines. “And as an NTTC member and a past chairman, I want to thank them personally for their leadership in making this a priority for their members and our industry.”

“Hearing what the consequences of losing this suit would be for our industry, deciding to help was a no-brainer,” said NTTC President and CEO Ryan Streblow. “We are proud to stand with ATA on behalf of our industry to stop Rhode Island, or any state, from targeting trucking with these kinds of predatory schemes.”

NTTC leadership made its $50,000 commitment to the Rhode Island litigation effort at the association’s annual board meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.