Safe trucking plays a crucial role in the American economy by delivering everyday goods and freight, however, bigger trucks would have serious negative consequences for many trucking companies and truck drivers across the country.
Safe Trucking Propels Our Nation’s Economy
The trucking industry is vital to the U.S. economy. Trucking plays a critical role in our everyday lives, delivering goods ranging from the food we consume to the clothing we wear. Trucking transports over 10 billion tons of freight every year. Without trucking, our way of life would be vastly different.
Trucking delivers the freight that keeps our country moving and, importantly, it employs over 7 million people. That’s why CABT is proud to support the trucking industry—and only opposes efforts by a handful of companies that push for bigger trucks on our highways.
Professional Truck Drivers Are the Backbone of the Industry
Professional truck drivers are as vital to the American economy as the goods they transport and deliver. They are highly skilled and trained in their position behind the wheel, and take great care operating their vehicles.
They spend countless hours preparing for their careers on the highway, follow rigorous safety regulations, and are frequently assessed through a series of certifications. Their profession is rewarding, and challenging—which is why there is no need to make their jobs more difficult with bigger vehicles to operate.
Many Trucking Companies Oppose Bigger Trucks
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), representing over 700 trucking companies, strongly opposes heavier and longer trucks. TCA and its member trucking companies are concerned that bigger trucks would negatively impact driver and highway safety, as well as require carriers to invest in new equipment to remain competitive. These market pressures would force many small trucking operations out of business.
Click here to read more about TCA’s position on heavier single-trailer trucks.
Click here to read more about TCA’s position on longer double-trailer trucks.
ATA Report: Trucking Industry Invests $9.5B in Safety Annually
A recent report conducted by the trucking industry found that it invests approximately $9.5 billion every year in safety initiatives. These efforts range from on-board technology improvements to driver training, according to the report:
- On-board technology: Collision avoidance and mitigation systems, blind spot warning systems, stability control, video event recorders, electronic logging devices and other safety technologies.
- Driver training: Safety training, staff wages and consultants, safety retraining and coaching and hazardous materials training.
- Safety compensation: Awards and bonuses based on improved safety performance.
- Regulatory compliance: Motor vehicle and driver record checks, substance abuse testing, voluntary safety audits, safety staff wages and benefits as well as safety consultants.
There is no need to risk undermining the investment made by the industry by making trucks any longer or heavier.