October 2026 Edition

Advocating for Alaska's Trucking Industry. Promoting Safety. Connecting Our Members.

Dear ATA Members,

October has been another busy month for the Alaska Trucking Association as we continue advocating for our industry, promoting highway safety, engaging with the next generation of transportation professionals, and preparing for the months ahead.

As we transition into winter, our focus remains on the issues that matter most to our members: safe and reliable infrastructure, sensible transportation policies, workforce development, and a strong business environment for Alaska's trucking industry.

With the November election approaching and the 2027 legislative session on the horizon, member involvement is more important than ever.

Thank you to our ATA members for your continued support, participation, and commitment to our industry.

Together, we're driving Alaska's future.

Jamie Benson

aktrucks.org

Advocacy

Your Roads. Your Business. Your Voice.

Advocacy remains one of the Alaska Trucking Association's most important responsibilities, and effective advocacy begins with our members.

Throughout the year, ATA has heard concerns about deteriorating highway conditions, maintenance challenges, and the impact these issues have on safety, equipment, operating costs, and the movement of freight.

Infrastructure and Highway Maintenance

The Dalton, Parks and Richarson among other critical transportation corridors continue to be priorities for our industry.

Reliable roads are essential to Alaska's supply chain. Delayed maintenance, deteriorating surfaces, and inadequate winter operations affect more than trucking companies — they affect the businesses, industries, and communities that depend on freight transportation.

ATA continues to communicate these concerns to transportation officials and policymakers while advocating for practical, sustainable solutions. Concerns specific to the Parks were submitted to DOT this month specific to maintenance. Please contact us with your concerns. Frontline experiences are the key to change!

Your voice helps shape ATA's priorities, and we want to hear from you!

ATA in the News: The Dalton Highway Matters

ATA President and CEO Jamie Benson recently discussed the condition of the Dalton Highway and its importance to Alaska's trucking industry in an interview concerning highway infrastructure.

The Dalton Highway is a lifeline to Alaska's North Slope, supporting energy development, communities, and the movement of essential supplies.

Challenging road conditions create safety concerns, increase maintenance and equipment costs, and affect the reliability of freight transportation.

ATA continues to emphasize the importance of adequate infrastructure funding, consistent maintenance, and long-term planning for Alaska's essential freight corridors.

Read the full interview: Current Issue - Alaska Business Magazine

Looking Ahead to the 2027 Legislative Session

ATA is preparing for the upcoming legislative session and monitoring issues that could affect Alaska's transportation industry, including:

• Highway infrastructure and transportation funding
• Winter maintenance and roadway safety
• Commercial vehicle regulations
• Workforce recruitment and development
• Emerging transportation technology and autonomous vehicle legislation
• LNG project development

ATA continues to evaluate proposed policies and gather industry feedback before establishing positions on emerging issues.

ELECTION 2026 - Your Vote. Alaska's Future.

Alaska's General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Decisions made by elected officials have a direct impact on transportation infrastructure, highway maintenance, business regulations, workforce development, and Alaska's economy.

The Alaska Trucking Association encourages all eligible Alaskans to become informed about the candidates and ballot measures and exercise their right to vote.

Understanding Ranked Choice Voting

Alaska uses ranked choice voting in its general elections for covered offices.

Here's how it works:

1. Select your first-choice candidate.
2. Rank additional candidates in order of preference, if you wish.
3. You may rank as many or as few candidates as you choose.
4. Do not rank the same candidate more than once or assign the same ranking to multiple candidates.
5. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and those ballots transfer to the next available ranked choice. This process continues until a candidate receives a majority of continuing votes.

Important: Ranking additional candidates does not take votes away from your first choice. Your next choice is only considered if your higher-ranked candidate is eliminated.

Important Election Dates

• October 19: Early voting began.
• October 24: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications to be received.
• November 2: Last day of early voting.
• November 3: General Election Day. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters should also review the statewide ballot measures, including the proposal addressing Alaska's election system.

For official voting instructions, sample ballots, and polling information, visit:

Alaska Division of Elections: https://www.elections.alaska.gov

Ranked Choice Voting Information: https://www.elections.alaska.gov/RCV.php

ATA encourages informed participation in the electoral process and does not endorse candidates through this newsletter.

ATA in Action

Connecting Our Industry with Alaska's Communities

October has provided several opportunities for ATA to showcase the importance of trucking and the people who keep Alaska moving.

Academies of Anchorage Career Expo — October 2

ATA participated in the Academies of Anchorage Career Expo, connecting with students and highlighting the many career opportunities available throughout the transportation and logistics industry.

From professional drivers and diesel technicians to dispatchers, safety professionals, and industry leadership, trucking offers a wide range of career pathways.

Nome Rock Star Camp — September 28–October 1

ATA participated in the Nome Rock Star Camp, helping students explore the importance of transportation, supply chains, and the many career opportunities available in Alaska's industries.

WTAEC Fall Meeting — October 6–7

ATA was proud to welcome fellow trucking association executives to Alaska for their fall meeting.

Our guests experienced firsthand the importance of Alaska's transportation infrastructure, including presentations from the Port of Alaska and a tour of TOTE Maritime.



Special thanks to John Hall's Alaska for providing a memorable motorcoach experience to Seward and helping showcase our incredible state.

Share the Road Alaska

Educating the Next Generation of Drivers



ATA's Share the Road Alaska program continues to reach students and communities across the state with important information about highway safety and the trucking industry.

Our presentations focus on:

• Understanding commercial vehicle blind spots
• Safe following distances and stopping requirements
• Wide turns and maneuvering space
• Sharing highways and roundabouts with large trucks
• The importance of professional drivers to Alaska's economy
• Career opportunities in transportation

Upcoming Share the Road Events

Chugiak High School - Date: Friday, October 23

Dimond High School - Date: Monday, October 26

South High School - Date: Monday, November 30

Eagle River High School - Date: Friday, December 11

Get Involved!

We are always looking for ATA members interested in participating in school presentations, providing equipment, sharing career experiences, or sponsoring Share the Road activities.

Your involvement helps students understand the importance of commercial transportation and introduces them to potential careers in our industry.

Interested in participating or sponsoring a presentation?

Contact ATA!

Learn more: https://www.aktrucks.org/sharetheroad

Women in Motion Alaska

Building Connections. Creating Opportunities.



Women in Motion Alaska continues to grow, bringing together women from across the transportation industry to connect, mentor, learn, and support one another.

Through networking opportunities, educational programs, and mentorship, WIM Alaska is working to encourage professional development and greater participation throughout the industry.

Upcoming WIM Alaska Activities:

• Networking event-Green Connection November 20.

Whether you're an experienced industry professional or just beginning your transportation career, we invite you to get involved.

Learn more: https://www.aktrucks.org/WIM

Member Benefit Spotlight

Need DMV Services? Start With ATA.

Did you know ATA provides DMV services AND notary services?

Using ATA for your DMV needs is not just convenient. It directly benefits your Association and, in turn, your membership.

The revenue generated through DMV services helps ATA fund the work we do for members and helps reduce our reliance on membership dues.

USE ATA DMV SERVICES > SUPPORT YOUR ASSOCIATION > STRENGTHEN MEMBER PROGRAMS & ADVOCACY > KEEP MEMBERSHIP AFFORDABLE

So, the next time your company or employees have a DMV need, think ATA first. And while you are here, remember that ATA also offers notary services.

It is another way that doing business with your Association helps us continue doing business for you.

Upcoming ATA Events

Mark Your Calendars!

October 29 — ATA Board Meeting | Fairbanks

ATA leadership will meet to discuss association business, member priorities, and upcoming initiatives. There will be an Interior Delegation meeting, Business meeting and networking opportunity. Join us if you are in Fairbanks!

November — Post-Election Advocacy

ATA will continue evaluating election outcomes and preparing for engagement with Alaska's policymakers ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

2027 Legislative Session

ATA will be monitoring legislation affecting trucking, infrastructure, safety, and business operations.

2027 ATA Annual Conference-May 5-6, 2027

Planning is underway for another opportunity to bring Alaska's transportation industry together for education, networking, and industry recognition.

Additional event information and registration opportunities will be shared as details become available.

Membership Matters

Stronger Together

The Alaska Trucking Association represents a diverse industry of motor carriers, suppliers, service providers, and businesses that support Alaska's transportation network.

Our strength comes from the knowledge, involvement, and commitment of our members.

Whether you're participating in an ATA event, supporting a safety program, sharing a concern about road conditions, or helping develop the next generation of transportation professionals, your involvement matters.

We encourage you to take advantage of your membership, connect with fellow industry professionals, and help us continue moving Alaska forward.

Have an issue, idea, or opportunity you'd like ATA to address? We want to hear from you.

Stay connected for the latest updates and industry news:

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