KISSIMMEE, Fla. — In Jim Mullen’s new role as president of the Truckload Carriers Association, he’s drawing on more than two decades of experience in the trucking industry.
But Mullen’s career path didn’t initially include trucking. In fact, he was running his own law practice, in Omaha, Nebraska, when he was approached by Clarence “CL” Werner to join his trucking company about 20 years ago.
At the time, Werner was dealing with some insurance claims and sought legal advice, which is when he asked Mullen to give up his practice to become a full-time employee for the carrier.
Mullen said he initially declined but, “then he told me how much he’d pay me and I say, ‘OK, boss, when do I start?’” he said in a March 3 address during the annual Truckload Carriers Association conference.
Mullen joined Werner’s trucking company as VP and general counsel in 2006. He remained with the carrier until December 2016 when he launched a motor carrier consultancy.
Mullen credits his introduction into the trucking industry to his friendship with Clarence Werner and eventual employment with what today is Werner Enterprises.
“I have a tremendous passion for this industry,” Mullen said, noting his deep appreciation for truck drivers moving “72% of the nation’s freight.”
The trucking industry’s importance to the nation became clear to Mullen during the pandemic when he was acting administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a role he served from November 2019 to October 2020.
While the general public sheltered in place, truckers were transporting medical supplies and groceries. That “really drove home with me just how critical these folks are to our industry,” he said.
Mullen said he met with many drivers during that time and made sure rest stops were open and that truck stops had what they needed to operate to keep freight moving during the crisis.
“I knew it before, but that really provided the insight to what these folks are doing for us, and we can’t ever lose sight of that,” he said.
Now among his priorities is ensuring TCA advocates for providing safe driving and business environments for truckers and the carriers that employ them.
“If you’re not safe, you’re not profitable,” Mullen said.
As president, Mullen seeks to grow membership and ensure those in the organization now and others considering joining get a strong return on their investment.
“An association is only as strong as its membership, so we have to focus on making sure we have a strong membership,” Mullen said.
