A version of this article originally appeared on the scopelitisconsulting.com website. Approaching 30 years in trucking, I’ve learned a lot — mostly the hard way — but one truth has always been clear: no one moves the world forward alone. Not the driver hauling the load, the nurse caring for patients, or the policymakers shaping […]
The Last Word – The Power of Association (And Beyond) Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA As the first nine weeks of the school year come to a close, report cards are finding their way home to kitchen tables across Arkansas. For parents, it’s a moment of pride — or maybe a little anxiety. For students, it’s a snapshot of effort, focus, and follow-through. For some families,
Up Front – Keeping Score Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA Over the summer, I attended the annual Trucking Association Executives Council where the leaders of state trucking associations from across the country gather to learn how to be strong advocates for our industry. In the same month, I also became the parent of a legal adult when my son turned 18.
Up Front- Surviving and serving Read More »
From the tone of her voice, I could tell that this was not a normal call from a constituent in need. It was clear that she was scared and I could be her last hope. A wife, a mother and a caregiver for a husband no longer able to provide for his family. A distracted
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Shannon Newton President, ATA The calendar officially says summer, and the thermometer does, too. As a heat wave rolls over much of the country, one place where it’s still cool is underground in the Arkansas cave system. The Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozarks are 58°F year-round, and it’s not hyperbole to say their perpetually
Up Front- Spelunking Read More »
As you know, in trucking, we measure everything. Miles per gallon, accidents per million miles traveled and operating ratios to name a few. On Capitol Hill, discussions have come back around to improving productivity through truck size and weight increases. Now this is nothing new since these discussions have been around for decades, but longer and heavier
The Last Word- Not-so-simple productivity hacks Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA It’s that season again. Not allergy season or hunting season—graduation season. The time of mortarboard squares, inspirational speeches and fresh futures sprawled out before young achievers marching to “Pomp and Circumstance,” but lurking beneath the celebration lurks a phenomenon we’ve all experienced: senioritis. We recognize it instantly—that strange cocktail of anticipation
Up Front-A Case of Senioritis Read More »
Ed. Note: A version of this op-ed was previously published in the April 13 edition of the Washington Times. A few short years ago, headlines were dominated by supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic. Who can forget the long lines wrapped around grocery stores or the frantic search to locate toilet paper rolls? Yet,
Shannon Newton President, ATA There was once a familiar phrase we’d use with an audible sigh: “the speed of government.” It conveyed a universal truth—bureaucracy has a slow roll. Forms require signatures in triplicate, proposals need approvals from multiple offices and processes include periods for public input. It is frustrating yet predictable, a system that
Up Front-The Breakneck Speed of Government Read More »
Shannon Newton President, ATA In a few weeks, the Arkansas Legislature will begin their general session – a time when industry leaders and stakeholders fill the halls of the Capitol, each carrying proposals, concerns and hopes for new legislation. But before the serious work begins, before the committees convene and votes are cast, we had
Up Front- First Impressions Read More »