Editorial: MC&E Eyes the Future

Trucking’s leaders did not come up with any new policy directives at this year’s Management Conference & Exhibition, but considering the inability of the House, Senate and White House to agree on just about anything, there was probably no need.

American Trucking Associations knows what it wants on the most important issues, such as a multiyear federal surface transportation plan that is fully funded by the users of highways — trucking companies and car drivers. While diesel and gasoline taxes look to us like a painfully obvious method, ATA officers and staffers said they’re eager to make a deal and will listen to any serious proposal.

The association’s advocacy staff also warned that a frustrated Obama administration will maximize regulatory output through 2016 as a means of accomplishing something.

We were at least pleased with Administrator Gina McCarthy’s discussion of the Environmental Protection Agency’s plans for a second greenhouse-gas rule. McCarthy said she’s looking at carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, and not the criteria pollutants that dominated from 2002 to 2010.

McCarthy phrased her balancing goal as “aggressive but reasonable,” a plausible way to start, at least until an actual proposal hits the Federal Register.

Pollster Neil Newhouse gave new Chairman Duane Long and President Bill Graves something to consider and work to do.

Americans know that highways and bridges need repair but have no interest at all in paying higher taxes to get the work done. The Living With Congestion panel showed that it’s actually very difficult to do that.

Graves and Philip Byrd Sr., immediate past chairman, said policymakers will have to be prodded into looking out for the nation’s long-term best interests, even if such actions are not immediately popular.

Our fellow citizens also displayed a sound understanding of trucking’s essential role in the economy. When they go shopping, they know how food, clothing, medicines and other goods got there.

Furthermore, they know professional truck drivers are safer on the roads than automobile drivers are. That said, Americans do worry that sometimes truckers are rushed and harried.

People should learn more about the efforts of drivers, technicians and safety directors, and about some of the extraordinary safety systems on modern tractors. The Newhouse research showed that familiarity does not breed contempt when it comes to trucking.

Participants in the survey who knew drivers and other industry professionals were more inclined to view the industry favorably.

If that favorability continues to grow, maybe even 20-somethings will seek out jobs as truck drivers. Wouldn’t that be something?