August 9, 2006 9:00 AM, EDT

ATA Launches Program for Small Carriers

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merican Trucking Associations has launched a new membership benefit aimed at generating greater purchasing power for small motor carriers.

Under the program, motor carrier operators generating $11 million or less in annual revenue and private fleets with 100 or fewer trucks can receive discounts and rebates for services and products like fuel, tires and equipment.

Participants can receive rebates of up to 3 cents per gallon for fuel purchased at more than 500 truck stops. For a fleet of 10 trucks, that would equate to $5,400 in savings per year.

Small carriers who join ATA under the new program also will be able to receive rebates of up to $1,000 on new and used trucks, ATA said.

“ATA has long supported the small carrier community, which faces many daily situations that make the business of trucking a challenge,” said ATA President Bill Graves.

The trade group is “reaffirming its commitment to aggressively advance the interests of small motor carriers by maximizing opportunities for the small trucking companies that comprise the bulk of our national fleet,” Graves said.