National Tank Truck Carriers recently contributed $50,000 to the trucking industry’s ongoing fight against Rhode Island’s “extortionary” truck-only tolls scheme.
The move was met with effusive praise from American Trucking Associations leaders.
“Winning this suit is critical for trucking,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “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,” said Harold Sumerford Jr., ATA chairman and 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.”
NTTC leaders made the donation during its annual board meeting in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
“Hearing what the consequences of losing this suit would be for our industry, deciding to help was a no-brainer,” said Ryan Streblow, NTTC president and CEO. “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.”
