ARLINGTON, VA – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is standing behind President Trump’s latest healthcare initiative.

Last week the group issued a statement saying it was in support of the executive order Trump signed allowing individuals to purchase health insurance through association health plans.

“President Trump is taking substantive action to improve the lives of millions of Americans, including the 7.5 million employed in trucking-related jobs,” said ATA president and CEO Chris Spear. “By allowing people to pool together to purchase health insurance plans that are sponsored by larger associations and groups, the administration is helping to lower health care costs and improve access.”

Spear was representing the trucking industry at the Oct. 12 White House signing ceremony of the order, along with ATA Chairman Kevin Burch, CEO of J&M Tank Lines Harold Summerford Jr., and Big G Express driver Danny Smith.

Smith says a career in trucking has given him the opportunity of a lifetime – to see the country and provide for his family, including health insurance.

“Reducing the cost of that insurance is very important, so I’m happy President Trump is taking steps to do that,” he said.

Spear says that because most trucking companies are small businesses, with nine in ten carriers having fewer than six trucks, providing insurance for employees can be difficult.

“The types of plans the President announced today will allow those companies to pool resources and offer affordable health care options that meet the needs of their employees,” he said.