Utley is the vice president of government services for Bennett Family of Companies and vice chairman of ATA’s Government Freight Conference. Before trucking, he dedicated nearly 30 years to the U.S. Army, where he learned the kind of discipline and teamwork that later carried over into his work at Bennett.

“Jim served in the Army for nearly three decades, and following his extraordinary service to our nation, he brought his skill, dedication, and fortitude to trucking,” said Ed Gilroy, ATA chief advocacy and public affairs officer. “Jim leads by example, encouraging his colleagues and inspiring the next generation of truckers. His contributions to our advocacy efforts have been indispensable to achieving results that benefit our entire industry.”

At Bennett, Utley’s work centers on improving how carriers interact with the Department of Defense, especially around base access for drivers. He’s also focused on policies that treat drivers with respect and make the movement of sensitive freight safer for everyone on the road.

The ATA noted that Utley played a key role in helping move forward the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act, which aims to fix the outdated credentialing system that has frustrated truckers for years.

Beyond policy, Utley has been a strong voice for the independent contractor model, and he supports programs that bring new people into the industry through ATA’s Women In Motion and LEAD ATA initiatives.

The Cathy Evans Highway to Victory Award is named after longtime ATA lobbyist Cathy Evans and is presented annually to a member who’s made a lasting mark on the Federation’s advocacy work at both state and federal levels.

Previous honorees include well-known industry leaders such as Stormie Janzen of Total Transportation of Mississippi, John Chipman Jr. of Chipman Relocation & Logistics, Mike Card of Combined Transport Inc., Robert Low of Prime Inc., Randy Guillot of Triple G Express, Robert Haag of Perfect Transportation, Greer Woodruff of JB Hunt, Derek Leathers of Werner Enterprises, and Brian Parke of Maine Motor Transport Association.

For Utley, the award reflects not just personal achievement but a reminder of what keeps the industry strong: people who care enough to push for better roads, smarter policies, and more respect for professional drivers.

Image Source: ATA

Other Source: The Trucker

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On Wednesday, July 31, the committee approved the provision via voice vote.

Currently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) often necessitates separate applications for credentials such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and Hazardous Materials Endorsements (HME). Even though a Security Threat Assessment (STA) is performed for each program, the process remains fragmented.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has expressed support for the act. Doug Morris, OOIDA’s Director of Safety and Security Operations, stated, “This commonsense legislation streamlines the procedures for small-business truckers seeking background checks for several endorsements in one streamlined process, as well as one, lower fee, for TWIC, Hazmat and Pre-Check.”

Similarly, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) are in favor of the act. ATA President Chris Spear commented, “Subjecting essential supply chain workers to the same exact background check multiple times in order to receive different credentials from the same agency does nothing to enhance security.”

Bipartisan Support

The standalone bill, S3959, was initially introduced in March by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Angus King Jr. (I-Maine), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.). A corresponding House version, HR5840, was introduced by Representative Garret Graves (R-La.) in September 2023.

Supporters of the legislation emphasize its goal to simplify the application process, pointing out that applicants often have to submit multiple applications for various security programs, despite using the same background-check information and incurring the same fees.

Senator Wicker highlighted the bill’s intent in a news release, stating, “This legislation will cut through the red tape and streamline the process so workers can get back to moving goods across America, not wasting time and money.”

Source: Land Line

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