The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has named Mark Colson its next president and CEO, effective December 1, 2026. Colson, who currently leads the Alabama Trucking Association, will succeed Chris Spear, who abruptly departed the organization in August after a decade of leadership.

The appointment comes nearly two months after the unexpected departure on August 21, which ended Spear's decade-long leadership of the ATA. He had signed a contract extension in 2024 that would have kept him in the position through 2029.

This leadership change comes as the trucking industry continues to navigate a continued freight downturn, ever-changing emissions regulations, increasing insurance costs, and ongoing efforts to repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers.

Colson brings more than two decades of experience in industry advocacy and government affairs. He has served as president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association since 2019, working with state and federal policymakers on trucking-related issues. Before that, he held several leadership positions at the Business Council of Alabama, including interim president, senior vice president of governmental affairs, and chief of staff.

He has also served on ATA's Strategic Priorities Committee and Truck PAC Board of Directors, as well as the American Transportation Research Institute's Research Advisory Committee. In July 2026, he was elected vice chairman of the Trucking Association Executives Council.

"This is a unique moment for ATA to make a renewed commitment to the trucking industry and the professionals who call our industry home," Colson said. "It's a commitment built first on earned trust, a sense of family and purpose, and an unrelenting passion to fight for the issues that matter most to trucking."

Colson also discussed his early experience working at his family's second-generation tire shop, Blow-Out Tire Company, where he grew up changing truck tires, as an influence on his career in trucking advocacy.

"[Those values] have followed me throughout my career fighting for the hard-working men and women throughout our industry, and it is a privilege to continue that fight alongside the team and members of ATA," he continued.

ATA Chairman Greg Hodgen, CEO of Groendyke Transport, said Colson will build on the association's existing work representing the industry in Washington.

"For more than 90 years, ATA's mission has been to give trucking a strong voice in the decisions that shape its future," Hodgen said. "Mark will build on that foundation, bringing fresh energy and a clear vision for advancing our industry's priorities and delivering even greater value for our members."

Among the issues awaiting Colson are heavy-duty vehicle emissions requirements, equipment costs, tort reform, and federal transportation policy. During Spear's tenure, ATA pushed for changes to 2027 heavy-duty emissions regulations and advocated for eliminating the federal excise tax on new heavy trucks and trailers.

Colson will assume leadership of the association as the industry prepares for another year of regulatory changes and continued pressure on operating costs.