🚛 Harbor Trucking Association Names New CEO — Robert Loya Takes the Wheel

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

🔥 Introduction – Leadership Shift at the Port

There’s a big change coming for one of the most influential trucking advocacy groups on the West Coast. The **Harbor Trucking Association (HTA)** has officially named **Robert Loya** as its new Chief Executive Officer, stepping into the role on August 22. He succeeds **Matt Schrap**, who is wrapping up a four-year run as CEO during one of the most challenging and transformational periods in port trucking history.

If you’re in the drayage, intermodal, or port logistics business, this isn’t just a press release. This is a signal that the HTA’s tone, priorities, and strategy could shift in ways that directly affect your wallet, your operations, and how you navigate California’s tightening rules.

🧩 Who is Robert Loya?

For those outside the immediate port circles, Loya might not yet be a household name — but he’s far from new to the trucking game.
🚛 Industry Roots: Loya’s career has included leadership positions in port trucking companies and logistics operations, giving him first-hand knowledge of the unique pain points in drayage work. He’s not just a boardroom leader — he knows the ground-level grind of moving containers in and out of busy ports.

📢 Skilled Advocate: Known for being able to hold a tough conversation without burning bridges. He’s built a reputation for finding middle ground between port authorities, trucking companies, and regulators.

🤝 The Connector: With strong ties to both industry leaders and policymakers, Loya is positioned to navigate the tricky waters where environmental regulations, supply chain efficiency, and trucking business realities meet.

📅 Matt Schrap’s Four-Year Run

Schrap leaves behind a legacy that was forged in fire — or maybe more accurately, forged in gridlock.
⚓ Pandemic Port Chaos: Under his leadership, HTA became a loud and clear voice for truckers during the COVID-era port congestion crisis. He pushed for realistic solutions to reduce backlogs, demurrage, and detention costs.

🌱 Navigating Environmental Mandates: Schrap faced the full force of California’s push toward zero-emission trucks. He advocated for policies that would protect drivers’ livelihoods while still supporting cleaner air goals.

🛡 Champion for Members: Whether it was unfair fees, impractical timelines, or bureaucratic red tape, Schrap was known for showing up and speaking out — even when the audience wasn’t friendly.

Four years in that seat is no small feat. He’s leaving with both wins and battle scars.

🚛 Why This Matters to Port Truckers

Leadership changes at organizations like the HTA aren’t just administrative — they can shift the entire playing field.
🔄 Policy Direction: Will the HTA take a harder stance on certain regulations? Or focus more on collaboration? Loya’s approach will determine how aggressive or cooperative the group is moving forward.

📢 Representation Strength: Port drivers and small carriers often feel drowned out by bigger corporate voices. If Loya can amplify those smaller voices, it could change the balance of influence at the table.

⚖ Environmental Balance: California’s zero-emission deadlines are looming. The HTA’s position could mean the difference between realistic transition timelines or costly compliance chaos for carriers.

🗣 Multiple Perspectives on the Leadership Change

🚛 Driver View: Many drivers are hoping for a CEO who will take a tougher stance on port wait times, appointment systems, and drayage pay structures that don’t reflect the real cost of operating.

🏢 Carrier View: Fleets want a leader who understands that zero-emission transitions require major investment and infrastructure — and who will fight for government support and sensible timelines.

🌎 Environmental Advocates: They’ll be watching to see if Loya keeps pace with California’s clean air goals or tries to slow the roll. The balance between environmental health and economic health will be closely scrutinized.

🛠 Challenges Waiting in the Yard

Loya steps into the role at a moment when the port trucking industry is juggling multiple pressures:
Port Congestion: Though not at the peak COVID-era madness, delays and inefficiencies still cut into driver productivity.

Fee Structures: Demurrage and detention costs continue to be a sore spot, with calls for more transparency and fairness.

Regulatory Push: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) deadlines for zero-emission fleets are fast approaching, with infrastructure nowhere near ready.

Market Volatility: Freight demand is up and down, putting pressure on rates and profitability.

📌 Bottom Line

Robert Loya isn’t just inheriting a title — he’s stepping into a hot seat that demands both political savvy and operational know-how. For drivers and carriers, his leadership will play a direct role in how the West Coast drayage industry evolves over the next decade.
Change at the top of the HTA means fresh opportunities, but also uncertainty. The smart move for anyone in this sector is to watch closely, stay involved, and make sure your voice is heard as the new chapter unfolds.

🧠 Real Talk for Drivers

Policies and port politics can change your paycheck just as fast as freight rates. Don’t wait until new rules hit your lane to start adjusting.
Stay informed on HTA updates and policy changes.

Build relationships with dispatchers, brokers, and port staff — they’re your first intel source.

And above all, think about your exit plan. Whether that’s specialized freight, logistics management, or building an off-duty income stream, you want options before you need them.

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