Transportation 2023: P. DALE BENNETT

Though he originally planned to pursue a law career, Bennett instead took a job for the predecessor organization of the Virginia Trucking Association. It was a job close to home for Bennett, whose father was a trucker for two decades. Nearly 40 years later, he continues to advocate for Virginia’s trucking industry. 

In 2019, Bennett was recognized by the American Trucking Associations for his 30 years of service to the ATA federation as president and CEO of the Virginia Trucking Association.

VTA advocates for the state’s trucking industry, which has been hard hit in recent years by driver shortages, supply-chain woes and high diesel prices. Last year, the VTA partnered with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Virginia Ready nonprofit to reskill workers through the state’s community colleges.

A University of Richmond graduate, Bennett worked for the Virginia State Crime Commission from 1982 to 1984 as a research analyst and legislative coordinator before joining VTA. As a teen, he drove a tractor on his uncle’s tobacco fields.

HOBBY/PASSION: Playing golf and attending live sporting events and music concerts

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Not to take myself too seriously