8th Edition, December 12, 2025

Hello ATA Members,

Welcome to the 8th edition of From the Desk of Jamie Benson. This bi-weekly newsletter is designed to keep you informed and connected with the latest developments in Alaska’s trucking industry. This is our last newsletter of 2025, and I hope that everyone has had a prosperous and safe year. It has truly been one of opportunities for the ATA, but we are going into 2026 stronger, more united and focused on creating value for our members. We are here for you. We appreciate all the support we have had in 2025 as we navigated the rocky terrain of change. Here’s to 2026 and here’s to you, our amazing trucking community! Happy Holidays from your friends at the Alaska Trucking Association.



Jamie

ATA Member Benefits For 1099 Employees

Exciting New Member Benefits for 2026! The Alaska Trucking Association is proud to announce expanded healthcare and voluntary benefit options through GIG Workers Universe, Ep6ix, and Acrisure. Members can now access affordable health insurance plans with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO networks, offering bronze, silver, and gold options with guaranteed issue and no group approval required. Additional benefits include dental, vision, short-term disability, critical illness coverage, and virtual care solutions such as primary care, mental health, and dermatology—all available 24/7. Plus, enjoy exclusive shopping discounts through the GIG Marketplace. These programs are designed to blend affordability with comprehensive coverage, ensuring ATA members and their families have the protection and flexibility they need.

Share the Road: A Safety Initiative for All Alaskans

The Alaska Trucking Association is proud to launch the Share the Road Program, a statewide safety initiative designed to reduce crashes involving large trucks by educating the public—children and adults alike—on how to safely interact with commercial vehicles. Inspired by the national model but tailored to Alaska’s unique roads and communities, this program brings hands-on safety demonstrations, school presentations, and community outreach events to life.



At the heart of the program are interactive experiences: participants climb into real semi-trucks to understand blind spots, engage in simulations with pedestrian and bicycle props, and receive tailored messaging for all age groups. Wrapped trailers featuring safety branding and sponsor logos will travel across Alaska, reinforcing awareness wherever they go. The initiative also highlights trucking as a high-skill, high-demand career, connecting youth with training and job opportunities.

We’re calling on member companies to support this effort through sponsorships, volunteerism, and outreach. Whether it’s funding trailer wraps, donating swag, or helping at events, your involvement will make a lasting impact. Together, we can build a culture of safety, responsibility, and respect on Alaska’s roads—while inspiring the next generation of trucking professionals.

Thank you to the following members who have sponsored STR: Weaver Bros. Inc, Odyssey Logistics, United Freight and Transport, FedEx, Pape-Kenworth Alaska. Please contact us if you would like to join the Share the Road Alaska program! The Share the Road trailer will debut at TDC on June 5-6! Examples below of logo size.

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits:

Platinum Sponsor – $5,000

• Large logo on a wrapped trailer

• Recognition in all media, materials, and events

• Website feature & sponsor banners

• Option to co-host a safety event

• Dedicated social media spotlight

Gold Sponsor – $2,500

• Medium logo on trailer

• Recognition in media, social posts, and press

• Thank-you plaque & ATA event mention

Silver Sponsor – $1,000

• Small logo on trailer

• Listing on website & select materials

• Social media thank-you

• Event recognition

Bronze Sponsor – $500

• Website listing

• Digital thank-you certificate

• Recognition on sponsor wall

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!

Upcoming FMCSA Informational Meeting

Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM, the Alaska Trucking Association will host an FMCSA Informational Meeting at our headquarters, 3443 Minnesota Drive. This session is specifically designed for motorcoach and passenger transportation businesses operating in Alaska.

FMCSA representatives will cover key compliance topics including Driver Qualification Requirements (Part 391), Hours of Service (HOS) with Alaska-specific considerations, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and exemptions, Drug & Alcohol Testing Programs, Clearinghouse compliance, and Minimum Insurance Requirements for for-hire passenger carriers. The session will also clarify the differences between intrastate and interstate operations in Alaska.

This is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity on federal regulations, and connect with fellow operators and FMCSA officials. RSVP today by emailing Jamie@AKtrucks.org to reserve your spot and ensure your business stays informed and compliant.

Upcoming Events

• Membership Committee meeting 12/18/2025 at ATA or teams
• Board of Directors meeting 12/18 12-1pm ATA offices or teams.
• Safety Management Committee meeting January 13, 2026 12-1
• TDC/Events Committee meeting January 14, 2026 12-1
• Member Appreciation event-Casino Night 2026-Registration is via email to Jamie or Danielle. Please bring a non-member who may be interested in joining ATA. See attached flyer.
• ATA Fly-in to Juneau. February 23-24, 2026.
• FMCSA event listed above February 18, 2026.
• Alaska on the Hill, April 15-16, Washington D.C.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook for continuous updates.

www.facebook.com/AlaskaTruckingAssociation