Long haul truckers are an integral part of the transportation industry, and there are several organizations and associations that provide support for them. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is the largest and most comprehensive national trade association in the trucking industry. It has a membership base of more than 10,000 members and is a powerful voice in the industry. ATA provides its members with benefits that help reduce the cost of doing business, such as collective bargaining and lobbying capacities.
The National Small Trucking Business Association (NASTC) was created by David Owen and Buster Anderson in 1989 to emphasize the needs of small trucking companies. It has more than 10,000 members and offers its members benefits that help small transportation companies reduce the cost of doing business. Trucker Buddy was established in 1992 to provide an educational environment for students and drivers to exchange letters and information. It has worked with more than 1 million students, and is managed through volunteers and donations.
Trucker Buddy enjoys links with other major organizations in the trucking industry, such as the American Trucking Associations. Founded in 1933, the ATA exists to give a voice to the country's truckers. There are affiliated ATA groups in all 50 states to help trucking companies grow. This group helps defend and advise truckers on a wide range of issues specific to these drivers, and the ATA connects and educates members through numerous events, conferences and advice held every year. There are several types of membership available that represent many facets of the trucking industry. The number of women truck drivers continues to increase, and truckers' associations such as Women in Trucking are playing a role in that.
The National Association of Small Trucking Businesses exists to provide tailored help and support to smaller trucking companies.
