As many of us are fresh from gathering at CTA’s 71st Annual Membership Conference in Carlsbad,
I’m reflecting on the feedback heard from new and long-time members alike: that providing the right
balance of education, interaction, and entertainment is priceless. It was so great to see those of
you who attended, and I’m energized and excited to be in my new role as CTA’s Board President. As I
step into this role, I can think of three initial goals that will set the Association on a positive path,
positioning us for success.

First, we need to reimagine how we do things at CTA. This doesn’t mean disposing of the things
that still work well for us, but it does call for new ideas. By being innovative, we can adapt to current
realities our predecessors in trucking might have never imagined decades ago. The ability to make
nimble, strategic moves as an industry places us in a better position to respond to regulatory,
environmental, and political challenges as well as a host of other new factors we may have not yet
identified. Along with time-tested and experienced-based ideas, we need to harness new
technology and approaches to focus on what’s most important and requires the most attention.

Now these new ideas and approaches won’t just come from Long Beach, or Fresno, or the Bay Area
for that matter, so here’s my second goal: These ideas need to come from all over. That’s why I’m
calling for a re-engagement throughout the state. We may haul diƯerent things, but truckers
throughout California face many of the same roadblocks – both literal and figurative. I want to oƯer
better connection and value to those members who aren’t participating with our 11 units at the
local level. I also want to see more of you at our statewide events. We are better together. The
lawmakers and bureaucrats in Sacramento need to see a unified front for us to have the voice we
need. If we can check-in with each other a few times a year we stand a better chance of aligning our
eƯorts to the benefit of all.

Finally, and as part of the results of the two above goals, I believe CTA can once again become the
political 800-pound gorilla it was in decades past. This calls for a redoubling of eƯorts among our
business units and our members. It’s about strategic political engagement – not just in Sacramento,
but at city halls and county commissions throughout to state. Your time and vocal support is part of
this, but your generous Cargo PAC donations allow us to eƯiciently and eƯectively send a message
exactly where it needs to go.

We have much work to do, and I’ll be sharing more as we move forward towards these three goals
and the countless other priorities. I am, again, thankful for your trust and the opportunity to lead the
California Trucking Association. We’re going to do great things.

Robert Loya
February 2025