There are significant and unusual challenging facing the trucking industry in 2022 and beyond – ranging from driver recruiting and retention, compensation and driver training standards to sharing the road with other drivers, a shortage of truck parking, delays at customer facilities, and growing legislative requirements. However, each state also has very unique nuances to their individual challenges. John Esparza, President and CEO at Texas Trucking Association, will welcome attendees and share his perspectives on the following during the Opening Session of the Accelerate! Conference & Expo:
A few facts on trucking in Texas and the impact of trucking on the very unique economy of Texas
Meeting the challenge of litigation abuse in the Lone Star State
Future challenges taking shape in the battleground of Texas and how advocates of the trucking industry are responding
MEET THE SPEAKER
John Esparza
President and CEO Texas Trucking Association
John D. Esparza is President and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA), an Austin based trade association that was established in 1932 to represent the motor transportation industry. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University in Lubbock and former member of the Board of Regents for the Texas Tech University System, is a sixth generation West Texan. Additionally, he serves as the Executive Director of the Southwest Movers Association (SMA). SMA, established in 1917, is one of the largest household good carrier’s public policy and political advocacy groups in the nation.
Esparza served as senior advisor to Texas Governor Rick Perry, focusing on policy, legislative and political issues. He has also served as special assistant to the Governor. Esparza was a personal assistant and aide-de-camp in the Texas Senate to then Lt. Governor Perry. He also served as an assistant to the communications director for State Senator Teel Bivins (R-Amarillo) before joining Perry’s administration.
During the late 90’s, Esparza worked extensively on Hispanic outreach under political strategist and advisor Karl Rove as then Governor George W. Bush’s Political Coalition Director. During this time Esparza was also a member of Governor Bush’s Advance Team. Prior to that, Esparza completed a fellowship with the American Association of Retired Persons, reporting to the state communications director. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Marketing.
