Thursday, February 21, 2008

The State of the Trucking Industry

If we study the current state of the Trucking Industry and the statistical facts we see a much different picture painted than the perceptions purported by the general public. The Trucking and the Economy are very much inter-related as are all the Flows of Transportation in America and those which are beyond our borders. Interstate Commerce cannot exist without the trucking industry.

Unfortunately, things are not so easy for many operators and we are continually seeing the death of the Independent Truck Driver as major Trucking Companies enjoy their economies of scale, even with the huge crisis presently with Truck Driver Labor Shortages.

Government Intervention

No other industry relies on our Nations Highway System as much as the Trucking Industry. Congress has based a gigantic Transportation Bill and Billions are planned in improvements, some of which is geared to help Trucking and Safety. Of course the information we get from Government Reports such as those from the DOT and GAO do not always point out the true reality.

There are however many wonderful things being done from within the industry such as the American Trucking Association's Mobile Watch Program, which incidentally was a huge factor in catching the DC Shooters. So, the Trucking Industry is taking a leading role in the safety of our nation. Indeed there are now many Electronic Highway Interactive Safety Devices, which assist authorities and trucking companies maintain a cohesive flow and protect the welfare and safety of all vehicles.

Potential Truck Safety Issues

There have been many new technologies for Iced Conditions to prevent accidents due to black ice. This protects 4-wheelers and truck drivers alike. There are also new Road Coatings, which may be the answer in curbing Global Warming by eliminating Urban Heat.

There have been many studies with truck driver falling asleep at the wheel, thus more Truck Parking has been added in many states and more have been mandated by the Department of Transportation. Likewise there have been more reviews on the Hours of Service Debates and proposed legislation to limit the amount of time truck drivers are aloud to drive without resting.

Truck Load Statistics Wobbling

One significant statistic is the load factors in trucking and these economic indicators help us judge the future markets. There is quite a bit of Rail VS. Trucking and piggy back trailer strategies for moving freight across the nation. These factors must also be considered. It is the entire supply chain that must be judged to determine the flow of goods to market.

Trucking Companies and Transportation Service Firms have many Logistic Strategies to Handle Freight Traffic. The Flow of Transportation is a critical factor in the wealth and health of a nation. Because if you bought it, a truck brought it.






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