On September 2–3, eight representatives from PMTA traveled to Washington, D.C. for PMTA’s annual Call on Washington, where they met with lawmakers to discuss issues critical to Pennsylvania’s trucking industry. This annual event is one of the most important ways PMTA connects its members directly with Congress, ensuring that the voices of trucking companies and professional drivers are heard in the halls of government.

The trip began on Tuesday afternoon with a policy briefing hosted by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), which provided members with the latest updates on federal issues before a full day of meetings on Capitol Hill.

On Wednesday, the group kicked off the day at Senator Dave McCormick’s Keystone Coffee, where they had the opportunity to meet the senator and his staff, ask questions, and capture photos. From there, the delegation “divided and conquered,” splitting into two groups to cover more ground. Over the course of the day, members met with six members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation — Reps. GT Thompson (R-15), Rob Bresnahan (R-08), Guy Reschenthaler (R-14), John Joyce (R-13), Ryan Mackenzie (R-07), and Mike Kelly (R-16) — along with staff from several other offices.

These meetings with the 199^th Congress marked a meaningful continuation of PMTA’s advocacy efforts. At last year’s Call on Washington, members spoke extensively about the threat of onerous emissions mandates, particularly those advanced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This year, members had the opportunity to thank lawmakers who voted to remove EPA’s CARB waivers — a tangible result of the stories and advocacy PMTA brought to Washington just one year ago.

Key Issues Raised by PMTA Members

Truck Parking & Driver Amenities: PMTA members spoke about the nationwide shortage of truck parking, noting that there is only one safe parking space for every eleven drivers. Drivers are often forced onto highway shoulders or dark, unsafe areas, sometimes without access to food, restrooms, or lighting. Members emphasized that no other profession is expected to work without basic facilities. They urged support for the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act (H.R. 1659) to expand parking capacity, and the Trucker Bathroom Access Act (H.R. 2514) to guarantee restroom access at shippers and receivers.

Crime, Justice & Lawsuit Abuse: Members described how staged accidents have deliberately targeted their drivers, raising insurance premiums and endangering safety. They pressed for the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act (H.R. 2662) to establish penalties for these crimes. Broader reforms to curb lawsuit abuse were also highlighted, including transparency in third-party litigation funding and stopping forum shopping in plaintiff-friendly courts. With cargo theft on the rise, they also urged support for the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (H.R. 2853, S. 1404) to strengthen enforcement against theft networks.

Workforce Development: The industry’s long-term driver shortage was another major concern. Members explained that while 18–20-year-olds can drive trucks within the state, they cannot cross state lines or drive in interstate commerce, even if the interstate trip is shorter. This limits opportunities for young people to enter the industry. Attendees pushed for the DRIVE Safe Act, which would create a rigorous apprenticeship program with extra training and safety technology requirements, giving young drivers a safe path to interstate experience and building the next generation of professional drivers.

As one of PMTA’s cornerstone advocacy efforts, the Call on Washington continues to build strong relationships between Pennsylvania’s trucking industry and its elected officials, ensuring that the industry’s voice is heard where it matters most. At advocacy events, member stories have the greatest impact on influencing policy — more than statistics, white papers, or talking points. The Call on Washington is a clear example of that: when PMTA members share their firsthand experiences, lawmakers listen.