Past GTPC Chairman and Industry Veteran to Retire After 40 Years of Service

ARLINGTON, Va., June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Trucking Associations (ATA) today congratulates Tom Swartz, past committee chairman of ATA's Government Traffic Policy Committee (GTPC), for his 40 years of service to the trucking industry.  Swartz retired from UPS Freight on June 1.

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"Swartz is deeply respected by his peers as one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the government freight sector of the trucking industry," said Bill Wanamaker, ATA Director of Government Traffic and Security Operations.  "He was particularly known for articulating what government shippers needed to know about our industry in a cogent, civil way.  His role in moving the trucking industry message ahead will be missed."

"With Tom Swartz's retirement, UPS Freight and the American trucking industry lose a true gentleman," said Jack Holmes, President of UPS Freight.  "Tom knows more about the movement of government freight than almost anyone, and he could always be counted on to share his expertise for the betterment of the industry as a whole.  For 36 years, Tom has been a valued partner for Overnite and UPS Freight. On behalf of our company, I wish him well in his retirement.  He will be missed."

Swartz spent 40 years in the trucking industry, retiring as Director of Government Services for UPS.  Previously, Swartz served in several sales positions for Overnite Transportation before it was acquired by UPS.

Swartz served as GTPC Chairman from 2004 to 2007 and was an active member with the committee for 9 years, helping to foster industry knowledge to a new generation of government traffic professionals. His specific knowledge of the government transportation market also led to leadership roles at the National Defense Transportation Association and the National Motor Freight Traffic Association.  Swartz started in the trucking industry while attending the University of Maryland, seeking a business degree with a concentration in logistics. During that time, he also worked on a carrier's loading dock.

"Swartz's integrity, knowledge, and personality enabled our company to enjoy a great business relationship with the U.S. Government for many years," said Leo Suggs, Chairman and CEO of Greatwide Logistic Services, and former President of Overnite. "I accompanied Tom to many business meetings with government and military leaders.  I was always impressed with his ability to establish and maintain business relationships at all levels from the rank of General to those working on the shipping dock.  I wish him the very best as he enters a new chapter in his life."

"Tom Swartz was the GPTC Chairman when I first joined the committee in 2006," said Allen Brown, Government Freight Development Manager at Fikes Truckline.  "Whenever the opportunity allowed, I would always make it a point to listen when Tom was providing answers to questions about the [Department of Defense] and industry partnerships.  Tom has tremendous knowledge and experience in our field and it was always an honor to learn from him," Brown said. "Rest assured, Tom is irreplaceable and will be missed dearly from GTPC.  I wish him the very best in retirement."

"I, for one, will miss Tom's friendship and institutional knowledge," said John Allen of Ace Doran Hauling and Rigging Co. in Ridley Park, PA.  "He is one of the last from our industry's pre-deregulation times and can not be replaced," Allen said.

"I have always admired and been amazed by Tom's encyclopedic recall of different government rule publications, the history of changes made over the years and their impact on the industry," said Steve Garth, a retired Roadway sales veteran of 32 years.  "I have great respect for Tom as somewhat of an historian of government transportation.  I will miss his perspective and reasoned voice for the industry."

The American Trucking Associations (www.truckline.com) is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States. Follow ATA on Twitter @TruckingMatters (www.twitter.com/truckingmatters), or become a fan on Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/y4qwp6h).

SOURCE American Trucking Associations