ATA, AAR, and AAPA express support for Duffy’s nomination as DOT Secretary

Leadership at key freight transportation organizations issued positive feedback, regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Sean Duffy as the next Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary.

As reported this week by LM, Trump nominated former the former Republican congressman as the nation’s 20^th Transportation Secretary. Like Trump, Duffy is a former reality-TV star on the Fox network. He was elected to the House in 2010 and served for eight years. He also hosted a show on Fox Business.

Trump said Duffy “was a respected voice and communicator” in the Republican Conference advocating for “Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Growth and Rural Development” while in Congress. While in Congress, Duffy served on the House Committee on Financial Services. He was appointed Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations in November 2014.

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said that during his time in the House, Duffy was focused on issues facing the trucking industry and supported pro-trucking policies to strengthen the supply chain and the industry’s ability to keep the nation’s goods moving safely and efficiently. 

“Roads and bridges are our shop floor,” said Spear. “We know Congressman Duffy understands that and the opportunity now before us to improve our transportation network by reducing congestion, investing in truck parking, enhancing highway safety and supporting the development of innovative technologies. He is an exceptional choice to lead the Department of Transportation, and we congratulate him on his nomination and look forward to working with him in this role.”

Association of American Railroads (AAR) President and CEO Ian Jefferies said that ARR congratulates Duff on being nominated.

“The Association of American Railroads congratulates former Congressman Sean Duffy on his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation,” said Jefferies. “We look forward to working with Secretary-Designee Duffy upon his confirmation, focusing on shared priorities essential to our nation’s success: ensuring safe, efficient transportation that reduces costs, bolsters domestic manufacturing, and enhances competitiveness. Freight railroads are committed to partnering with the incoming Trump administration and USDOT to improve safety and strengthen supply chains nationwide.”

Speaking on behalf of U.S. ports, American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President and CEO Cary S. Davis also issued a positive statement, regarding Duffy’s nomination.

“AAPA congratulates Sean Duffy on his nomination by President-Elect Trump to serve as the next USDOT Secretary,” said Davis. “Based on his experience in Congress and solid record of collaboration with his local ports, we are optimistic that Duffy understands how integral ports are to a strong and healthy national supply chain.”