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TRUCKING INDUSTRY * USA - Top 10 Challenges in
The American Transportation Research Institute unveiled its list of the top 10 critical issues facing U.S. truckers
Arlington,VA,USA -Thomas Net, by David R. Butcher -November 4, 2008: -- In its October report, Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry - 2008, the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) points to fuel costs and the economy as the two biggest challenges the United States trucking industry faces... Of course, the headaches don't end there...
The ATRI, part of the American Trucking Associations Federation, determined the following as the top 10 challenges the trucking industry currently faces, along with these direct observations:
· Fuel Costs — "Though motor carriers in 2008 aggressively sought to recoup fuel cost increases with fuel surcharges, the industry simply could not keep pace with the unprecedented rise in diesel fuel costs..."
· Economy — "As high fuel prices, a deepening credit crisis and rising inflationary pressures take a greater toll on the U.S. economy, the industry is pressed by increasing regulations, slumping demand, excess capacity and increases in both fixed and marginal key cost centers."
· Driver Shortage/Retention — "Although the persistent sluggishness of the economy relieves some pressure, respondents clearly remain concerned. Driver training, compensation and other issues create new difficulties in attracting new driver entrants and reducing driver turnover."
· Government Regulation — "Though primary safety regulation is the mandate of FMCSA, carriers face other significant regulations imposed by federal, state and local authorities..."
· Hours-of-Services — "[T]he long-term status of HOS requirements remains uncertain as legal challenges and appeals are likely to continue..."
· Congestion — "Though congestion had seen a steady increase in the rankings since 2005, this latest drop may be explained by recent declines in vehicle trips and vehicle miles traveled resulting from fuel price increases"
· Tolls/Highway Funding — "In 2008, tolls/highway funding issues gained prominence from several events, including the U.S. DOT announcement that the Highway Trust Fund was running out of money and the rejection of a congestion pricing program in New York City."
· Environmental Issues — "The proliferation of anti-idling regulations and other emission-reduction initiatives sought by more state and local governments has created concern that the compliance costs may exceed benefits."
· Tort Reform — "Tort reform seeks to minimize industry harm caused by inadequate and excessive civil judgments against trucking firms. The trucking industry, reflective of many other industries, seeks to clarify the distinction between civil tort liability and punitive damage awards."
· Onboard Truck Technology — "[T]he industry understands and supports many of the potential benefits of these technologies, even though many questions remain. The most prolific technology topic is electronic onboard recorders, most often cited as a potentially effective tool for monitoring HOS compliance."
The ATRI also solicited strategies for addressing each issue and offers those proposed strategies in its report.
* Wabash National Announces Launch of Purchasing Consortium
Lafayette,IN,USA -CNN Money -November 04, 2008: -- Wabash National Corporation today announced that it has launched a purchasing consortium with other businesses associated with the transportation industry. Wabash National is the principal member of the Transportation Equipment Purchasing Consortium (TEPC)... Each member of the consortium is a manufacturer or other business associated with the transportation industry that will benefit from collaborative, strategic sourcing. At the launch of the consortium, TEPC current associate members include: Kentucky Trailer; Utilimaster Corporation; Federal Signal Corporation; and VT Specialized Vehicles Corporation...
* Ohio Carriers Protest Hikes in Overweight-Truck Fees
Toledo,OH,USA -The Toledo Blade newspaper/Transport Topics -5 Nov 2008: -- Trucking firms and agriculture interests, along with the City of Toledo, Ohio, are protesting a big hike in state fees for overweight vehicles, reported Wednesday... Jeffery Wingate, president of the Toledo Trucking Association, said he was surprised to learn the state raised the price of oversized truck permits last month to $800 a year, from $55 a year, the paper reported...
Labels: trucking industry news USA
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