A sampling of manufacturers and distributors that have their own trucking fleets reveals that they may either be unaware or unconcerned about the possible effects of changes in driver hours of service on their businesses.
The Department of Transportation’s proposed reforms to the regulations spill into all segments of trucking, including private fleets. But Barry Sher, vice president of public affairs at Giant Foods in Landover, Md., a regional grocery chain, said the proposed changes “won’t impact us at all.” And Craig Muckle, manager of public affairs in Lanham, Md., for Safeway food markets, said he did not foresee any changes in the distribution system from what it is now.
Does this mean that some private fleets may be unaware of the potential effect of a fundamental change in the way truck drivers operate? The head of the National Private Truck Council said the ramifications will be felt by everybody from the local driver-salesmen who stock shelves at the local supermarket to fleet managers who are responsible for transportation management.
“This is a huge issue for private fleets, whether they know it or not,” said NPTC President John A. McQuaid. “We have been working hard to spread the word about the importance of this proceeding and the significance it has to private fleets — both as truckers and also as logistics or supply chain players.
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