Chicago, Illinois — Werner Enterprises chief Derek Leathers was announced as the new chairman of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) on November 1, 2023, succeeding Judy McReynolds after an eight‑year tenure.
ATRI, the trucking industry’s nonprofit research organization, has long been a trusted source of data on everything from FMCSA regulations to highway funding. Leathers, who has served on ATRI’s board since October 2015, will sit beside a roster of twelve other industry leaders as the organization continues to publish objective analyses that influence policy and operational practices nationwide.
ATRI President Rebecca Brewster praised Leathers’ “strong support of ATRI’s research” and highlighted his respected reputation across the sector. Chris Spear, president of the American Trucking Associations, noted that under McReynolds’ leadership ATRI’s work earned worldwide recognition for tackling key issues such as truck parking shortages, congestion, and environmental impacts. Spear added that Leathers is “the perfect choice to continue ATRI’s leadership in advancing the industry’s safety and productivity.” Leathers brings more than thirty years of transportation experience, including two decades at Werner, where he helped launch the company’s Mexico cross‑border operations and oversee the asset operating groups that spearheaded Werner Global Logistics.
What This Means for Drivers
Leathers’ appointment signals a continued focus on research that directly affects CDL‑A drivers, owner‑operators, and OTR truck drivers. His expertise in cross‑border logistics and global supply chains is expected to inform studies on international freight flows, potentially easing border‑related delays that impact daily routes. The new chairman will also guide ATRI’s investigations into FMCSA regulation compliance, which could lead to clearer guidelines for drivers and fleet managers alike. As trucking companies hiring ramp up, insights from ATRI may help streamline hiring practices, improve safety training, and reduce costly accidents on the road.
Industry Reaction
Industry voices have welcomed Leathers’ selection, noting that his long tenure on ATRI’s board has already contributed to several high‑profile studies. Trucking companies hiring in the coming months anticipate that the institute’s forthcoming research will provide actionable data to optimize routes, reduce idle times, and enhance driver retention. The broader community of drivers, especially owner‑operators, expects that the research will translate into better parking solutions and more predictable traffic patterns, thereby improving earnings and work‑life balance.
Key Points
- Derek Leathers, CEO of Werner Enterprises, named ATRI chairman on November 1, 2023.
- Leathers has served on ATRI’s board since October 2015 and will join 12 other industry leaders.
- ATRI’s research covers FMCSA regulations, truck parking, congestion, highway funding, and environmental impacts.
- Leathers’ background includes launching Werner’s Mexico cross‑border operations and Werner Global Logistics.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR truck drivers, regional drivers, and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies hiring now. Visit ustrucker.info to get started.
Photo by Khaya Motsa on Pexels