Former Tim Hutchinson Aide Named Top Lobbyist for American Trucking Associations

Chris Spear

Chris Spear, a former legislative director for U.S. Sen. Tim Hutchinson, R-Ark., is the new vice president and chief of legislative affairs for the American Trucking Associations.

Spear, 43, worked for Hutchinson from 2000-2001. He also has experience as an executive with Honeywell and as an assistant secretary of labor during the George W. Bush presidency.

The trucking industry is an important part of the Arkansas economy, and Spear said his familiarity with the industry on the state level will help him serve the industry’s interest as a national lobbyist.

“You have to have both views,” said Spear, a Nebraska native. “I understand the dynamics of Arkansas.”

Spear said the most urgent industry issues are the passage of a long-term highway bill to pay for infrastructure improvements and obtaining relief from recently imposed hours-of-service regulations that officials in the industry said are making driver shortages worse.