Trucking group says infrastructure 'top priority'
Graves added that the ATA is positioning itself for expanded infrastructure spending and sector growth by expanding initiatives to cut trucker's carbon initiatives, improve safety and underline the basic importance of the industry.
By SAMANTHA BOMKAMP
The Associated Press
10/7/2008
NEW ORLEANS — New legislation to boost spending on U.S. roads, highways and bridges is the most important initiative for the trucking industry in the coming year, the chief executive of the sector's main trade association said Monday.
Speaking at the annual American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition, ATA president and CEO Bill Graves urged members to lend their support to the highway reauthorization bill in an effort to spur funding to improve the nation's infrastructure.
"Although the timetable for debate is a moving target — as is often the case on Capitol Hill — it is nevertheless on the horizon and we have to be ready for it," Graves said.
Graves added that the ATA is positioning itself for expanded infrastructure spending and sector growth by expanding initiatives to cut trucker's carbon initiatives, improve safety and underline the basic importance of the industry.
Truckers carry about 70 percent of all manufactured and retail goods in the U.S.
But in his remarks Graves also touched on the U.S. economy and its effect on the trucking industry.
He noted that record fuel prices are still impacting the nation's truck drivers, despite the recent decline in oil prices.
He also noted that the current economic crisis is causing hardships across the industry, making it tougher to borrow money and driving up interest rates.
Graves said it is still uncertain whether demand in the segment has bottomed or there is more room to fall, as a timetable for overall economic recovery is remains unclear.