ARLINGTON, VA - The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has appointed industry expert Rob Abbott as vice president of safety policy.

Abbott returns to ATA after serving as director of safety policy for ATA in the 1990s. At the time, he was the lead staff specialist on safety rating, enforcement, and drug and alcohol testing issues.

"We are very pleased to have Rob join our staff," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "His experience and industry knowledge will greatly benefit our members and help further the trucking industry's commitment to safety."

Abbott's duties will include representing ATA before the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and other federal, state and private-sector organizations on safety-related programs and regulatory issues.

Prior to re-joining ATA, Abbott was vice president of safety and compliance for TransForce Inc., a nationwide transportation staffing firm. He also served as managing director of TransForce's DOT compliance services division in the TransForce Services Group. In that capacity he advised Fortune 100 transportation companies on how to improve their compliance programs and safety management controls. During his tenure, he was an active member of ATA and served on ATA's Safety Policy Committee and the ATA Safety Management Council's Regulations Committee.

Abbott succeeds Dave Osiecki, who was recently promoted to ATA senior vice president of policy and regulatory affairs

The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry.