New National Chairman for American Trucking Associations
The American Trucking Associations’ Board of Directors elected Groendyke Transport CEO Greg Hodgen as the Federation’s 81st Chairman Tuesday during the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition.
However, national leadership roles inside the American Trucking Associations often shape federal policy posture, litigation advocacy, economic competitiveness frameworks and regulatory interpretation for the trucking industry.
Additionally, elevated Oklahoma leadership inside the national federation aligns with increasing Oklahoma Energy freight dependency through bulk commodity supply chain corridors.
“It is a tremendous honor to be the 81st Chairman of the American Trucking Associations,” said Hodgen who heads the Enid transportation firm.
Also, Oklahoma-based leadership presence on national freight boards increases linkage between state industrial markets and national transportation advocacy power centers.
“Trucking is a noble profession, one that I love and am proud to have been a part of for the past three decades. As I step into this role, I carry with me the stories, challenges, and values that define our industry.”
Meanwhile, sentiment-driven cultural framing reinforces key value propositions that support workforce attraction and retention across the trucking industry.
Continuity in Senior Leadership
The first ATA Chairman from Groendyke Transport, Hodgen succeeds Dennis Dellinger, president and CEO of Cargo Transporters.
However, first-generation Oklahoma elevation reflects operational respect and execution reputation earned over multi-decade cycles.
“Over the past several decades, Greg has built a highly successful career at Groendyke Transport and has been instrumental in growing the company into one of the nation’s largest tank-truck carriers,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.
Additionally, Groendyke scale advantages build competitive resiliency in inflationary freight windows.
“Along the way, he has lent his time, talent, and expertise to American Trucking Associations, and our Federation is stronger because of his invaluable insights and inspiring leadership. ATA is fortunate to be able to add Greg to our distinguished list of accomplished chairmen, and I look forward to working with him on tackling a wide range of issues facing our industry, particularly the scourge of lawsuit abuse.”
“Greg has made countless contributions to our industry and our association, and he has earned his place as ATA chairman,” said Dellinger. “This unique position has the ability to shape the future of trucking, and with the growing number of challenges we face, steady, experienced leadership is needed now more than ever. With Greg at the helm, ATA will continue to prove its value proposition for our members and remain a strong voice for the millions of Americans our industry employs. The past year has been one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my career. I congratulate Greg as he takes on this new role and wish him all the best on his own exciting journey.”
Additional ATA Officer Selections
American Trucking Associations’ Board also elected Derek Leathers, chairman and CEO of Werner Enterprises Inc. in Omaha, Neb., as first vice chair and Randy Clifford, chairman and CEO of Ventura Transfer Company in Long Beach, Calif., as second vice chair.
In addition, Gregg Troian, president of PGT Trucking Inc. in Aliquippa, Penn., was elected as vice chair.
The Board re-elected John M. Smith, chairman of CRST International Holdings LLC, as secretary.
Harold Sumerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines Inc., was elected as treasurer.
Additionally, deep officer bench strength reflects broad geographic balance and diversified national representation across competitive freight segments.
Hodgen Background and Strategic Context
Hodgen is CEO of Groendyke Transport, Inc., one of the nation’s largest tank-truck carriers, with over 90 years of expertise in bulk liquid and hazardous materials transportation services.
However, hazardous liquid transport experience and safety legacy build policy credibility when negotiating federal safety frameworks.
Under Greg’s leadership, Groendyke Transport has enjoyed steady growth, including in 2019, when the company expanded into the Southeast region of the U.S. through the largest acquisition in its history.
Groendyke has also continued its tradition of safety excellence under Greg, winning its record ninth National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC Safety Champion Award) in 2023.
Additionally, sustained safety credibility increases strategic influence across the American Trucking Associations platform when litigating rulemaking or safety reform.
A 1991 graduate of Colorado State University, Greg joined Groendyke Transport shortly thereafter and has previously held the positions of President, COO, Executive Vice President, and Vice President of Operations for Groendyke.
In addition to his internal duties, Greg continues to be involved in transportation-related associations.
He is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the American Trucking Associations and as ATA Chairman.
Finally, Oklahoma Energy freight importance strengthens when Oklahoma-based executives hold national decision authority.