Source: U.S. Department of Transportation

The North American food industry relies heavily on trucking, with approximately 70.5% of food transportation in the United States occurring by truck. That’s why Food Shippers of America (FSA) was closely monitoring the confirmation of Sean Duffy as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which the U.S. Senate approved in January.

The 77-22 confirmation vote In January places the former Wisconsin congressman at the helm of a department overseeing agencies that fund transportation infrastructure projects and regulate safety in the trucking, rail, aviation and automotive industries.

Duffy was elected to the House in 2010 and served for eight years. He also hosted a show on Fox Business. He has been “a respected voice advocating for fiscal responsibility, economic growth and rural development while in Congress,” according to President Donald Trump. Duffy was appointed Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in November 2014.

“Transportation is an issue that affects every American, and it is the key to a thriving economy, social and economic mobility, and job creation,” says Chris Spear, President & CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). “Throughout his congressional service, Secretary Duffy was a steadfast supporter of hardworking truckers and the work that they do to deliver the nation’s freight. We look forward to building on our partnership with Secretary Duffy in the years ahead to modernize our infrastructure and increase the resiliency of our supply chain.” See official statement from ATA.

Duffy will be tasked with fulfilling President Donald Trump’s policy goals that have blasted government overreach and electric vehicle regulations. Returning to the White House, the President Trump ordered an end to EV mandates as well as Biden-era funding for electric charging stations.

The ATA wasn’t alone amongst supply chain-related associations in supporting for the department secretary pick.

“On behalf of foodservice distributors, who play an integral role in our nation’s food supply chain, IFDA extends our hearty congratulations to Sean Duffy on his confirmation to be Secretary of Transportation,” says Mark Allen, President and CEO of the International Foodservice Distributors Association in a formal statement. “A safe, efficient, and reliable transportation network is essential to our industry, enabling 33 million cases of food and related products to reach professional kitchens every day. We look forward to working with Secretary Duffy to strengthen America’s transportation infrastructure and workforce to support the safe and seamless movement of ingredients that make meals away from home possible.”

“Secretary Duffy understands the critical role our roadways, rails and airspace play in not only moving people and goods across our country but also in fueling our economy and protecting our national security,” says American Beverage Association (ABA) President and CEO Kevin Keane in a statement. “For America’s non-alcoholic beverage industry, strong transportation systems are essential to delivering the products Americans enjoy every day. We look forward to partnering with Secretary Duffy and his team to modernize trucking regulations, attract and retain a robust trucking workforce and enhance emergency supply chain flexibility through updated federal guidelines.”

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) applauded the confirmation, noting the importance of the position in advancing small business transportation priorities such as increasing truck parking, fighting freight fraud and rolling back burdensome, unnecessary regulations, said President Todd Spencer. See official statement from OOIDA.

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