10th Edition, January 26th, 2026

 

Hello ATA Members,


Welcome to the next edition of From the Cab of the Alaska Trucking Association. It has been an eventful start to 2026! ATA held its first event of the year: Casino night. Big appreciation to our sponsors and all who came out for the fun-filled evening. The very same day Governor Dunleavey held his State of the State address. His last in office (Recap below). 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, with an upcoming election and renewed momentum around the Alaska LNG project—an effort that underscores the critical role trucking will play in supporting Alaska’s future development and statewide freight movement.


Stay tuned as ATA works diligently to advocate for the Trucking Industry on all fronts.


Thank you for all your support!


Jamie

 

ATA SAFETY MOMENT - POOR VISIBILITY ON ALASKA ROADS


  • Alaska’s snow, blowing ice, fog, flat light, low sun angles, and extended darkness can sharply reduce visibility with little warning.


  • Slow down and increase following distance when visibility drops, especially since the motoring public often underestimates a truck’s speed and stopping distance.


  • Always use headlights and marker lights, and keep lights, mirrors, and windows clear so others can see you.



  • Professional, predictable driving in low-visibility conditions protects you, your load, and everyone sharing Alaska’s roads.


 

ADVOCACY UPDATE

What the Governor’s Address Means for Alaska Trucking

Governor Mike Dunleavy delivered his 2026 State of the State address outlining his priorities for the final year of his administration.


Key Takeaways for Alaska Trucking


Infrastructure Investment

• Continued focus on roads, bridges, ports, and freight infrastructure.

• Increased construction and maintenance on freight corridors.

• Long-term improvements to road reliability and safety.


Resource Development = Freight Demand

• Momentum on oil, gas, and mining projects, including Alaska LNG.

• Increased heavy haul, equipment transport, and fuel deliveries.

• Higher traffic on haul roads and regional access routes.


Fiscal Uncertainty

• Ongoing discussion of a fiscal plan to stabilize state finances.

• Potential future impacts to equipment costs, fuel prices, and business expenses.

• No immediate changes announced, but proposals may emerge this session.


Workforce & Safety

• Emphasis on workforce development and job training.

• Alignment with trucking needs around driver recruitment, retention, and safety training.


ATA Advocacy Update

The Alaska Trucking Association is preparing for its annual Fly-In to Juneau on February 23–24, where members will meet with legislators, administration officials, and agency partners to discuss issues affecting trucking and freight movement statewide. ATA is continuing to gather members input and monitor legislative activity to help inform these conversations. The Fly-In will focus on sharing real-world industry perspectives related to transportation infrastructure, economic development, workforce challenges, and the cost of doing business in Alaska.



Bottom Line

Alaska’s economy relies on trucking. Infrastructure investment, resource development, and economic growth all depend on safe and reliable freight movement. ATA remains committed to representing the trucking industry’s voice and keeping members informed throughout the legislative session.

 

WEBSITE UPDATE


Aktrucks.org has been re-vamped! Check out our new and improved site. New to the site is a listing of all members with links to their websites. All events for 2026 are listed and ready for you to add to your calendars. Thank you to Snowy Owl Advertising for the build and update, as well to members who provided photos. If you would like us to feature your photos on the page, please send them to Snowy Owl in high resolution files (hello@snowyowlak.com) We love showing off your fleets!


www.aktrucks.org


 

SHARE THE ROAD: SAFETY EDUCATION & WORKFORCE AWARENESS


ATA is launching Share the Road Alaska, a statewide safety and education initiative focused on helping students and the public better understand how to safely interact with large trucks, while also introducing young Alaskans to career opportunities within the trucking and transportation industry. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning, including blind-spot awareness, real-world safety demonstrations, and age-appropriate roadway safety education.



A wrapped Share the Road trailer will serve as a mobile learning tool at schools and community events across Alaska, highlighting both roadway safety and the vital role trucking plays in Alaska’s supply chain. ATA is working with education partners to align the program with existing safety education and Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and members are encouraged to support the initiative through sponsorship, volunteer engagement, and outreach participation.


Key Dates & Deadlines

  • February 9, 2026 – ATA meeting with Anchorage School District/Weaver Bros. Inc.
  • February 15, 2026 – First deadline for sponsor logos and trailer wrap materials
  • June 5–6, 2026 – Share the Road trailer debut at the Truck Driving Championships


 

ATA DMV NEWS


Effective October 16 Danielle can now perform VIN inspections. Please contact her at 907-222-5480 or Danielle@aktrucks.org to set yours up! Hillary will be officially trained in February as well.


Do you need specific books and forms? Call us and we can order them and have them drop delivered to your location.


UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS


  • Fly in attendees check in (via teams)
  • ATA Board of Directors meeting January 29
  • TDC/Event Committee February 27 1230-1330
  • Membership Committee-March 25. 1100-1200



UPCOMING EVENTS


 

ATA ANNUAL TRUCKING INDUSTRY CONFERENCE REMINDER


The Alaska Trucking Association Annual Trucking Industry Conference will be held April 22–23, 2026, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Planning is well underway for this two-day event that brings together industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders from across the state.


We are currently seeking vendors and exhibitors interested in participating in this year’s conference. Space is limited, and vendors are encouraged to contact ATA as soon as possible to secure participation.


Current planned speakers (more to come):

Chris Spear-American Trucking Association

Katie Berry is with McKinley Research Group 

Project 61- Dr. Mark Manera and Jeremy Reymer

 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for continuous updates.

www.facebook.com/AlaskaTruckingAssociation

 
Together, we can drive the future of trucking in Alaska!
 
Alaska Trucking Association | 907-276-1149 | info@aktrucks.org | www.aktrucks.org