Shippers and Carriers Band Together to Support Trucking in Historic Washington Fly-In

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With pending legislation and advocacy issues threatening to dramatically raise transportation and supply chain costs, more than 10 industry associations have agreed to participate in a pro-trucking Washington fly-in on Feb. 1. This industry-wide event, called "Stand Up For Trucking," will bring together scores of transportation executives and key stakeholders in trucking. This orchestrated effort is historic because both shippers and carriers are working collectively to let their voices be heard so that their Congressional and Senate representatives understand that trucking is a vital national asset that contributes to the well-being of this country.

According to Mike Regan, chairman of NASSTRAC's Advocacy Committee, this shipper association and the American Trucking Associations met in September in Washington and laid the groundwork for this coalition of industry groups to bring a strong pro-truck, pro-safety message to Washington. "It says a lot about how important these issues are - not only to the trucking industry at large, but also to their customers who have responsibility for managing complex supply chains," said Regan. "Never before have the advocacy interests of both motor carriers and shippers dependent upon over-the-road trucking been more closely aligned."

ATA and NASSTRAC quickly found support from a multitude of other associations, including the Transportation Intermediaries Association, National Private Truck Council, Coalition for Transportation Productivity, Truckload Carriers Conference, National Industrial Transportation League, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Cleaner Safer Trucking, Forest Resources Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, and the American Movers and Storage Association.

According to Brian Everett, executive director of NASSTRAC, the fact that so many industry associations have found common ground on several critical transportation issues attests to the significance and importance of this initiative. According to Everett, the agenda will include the need to enact a multi-year highway bill that reforms the program and focuses funding on critical freight corridors, as well as the urgent need to pay for highway infrastructure in the most efficient way.

In addition, NASSTRAC, ATA, and participating associations agree there's a significant need to encourage Congress to stay focused on safety while stopping burdensome laws and regulations that impede productivity and increase the delivered cost of goods, including the proposed changes to the truck driver hours of service currently being considered.

"Shippers rely heavily on the safe, reliable, cost-effective service that over-the-road truck transportation offers them," said Everett. "In fact, more than 70 percent of freight shipments, by value and by tons, move by truck. Unfortunately, many issues currently being considered by lawmakers will have a negative impact on trucking productivity and efficiency if passed, possibly increasing transportation and supply chain costs by more than 10 percent next year alone. Along with significant cost increases, companies across America will suffer from significant decreases in efficient distribution and transportation. The recession, high fuel prices, roadway congestion, and a shortage of qualified drivers all have led to reduced capacity and increased transit times for trucking. That's why we believe that now, more than ever, there's a significant need to stand up for trucking."

There is no registration fee for this industry-wide Washington fly-in but registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.StandUpForTrucking.org.

NASSTRAC provides education, advocacy, provider relations, and networking for professionals involved in all modes of transportation, ranging from full truckload and LTL to containerization and global logistics. For more information, visit www.NASSTRAC.org.

Contact: Brian Everett, ABC, Executive Director, NASSTRAC
952-442-8850, x201
[email protected]

SOURCE NASSTRAC