Trucking, Rail Industries Welcome Trump Administration
Republican Donald Trump’s victory is an opportunity to craft a long-term fix for freight infrastructure projects, the leadership of the trucking and rail associations said Nov. 9.
Infrastructure funding was an issue for the Trump campaign. The victor of the presidential election said, if elected, he would advance a 10-year, $1 trillion infrastructure funding plan that would rely primarily on private funding.
A Republican majority in the U.S. House and Senate could be seen as more willing to help the Trump White House realize his infrastructure objectives. Trump highlighted old infrastructure landmarks, such as LaGuardia Airport, as exemplars of projects desperately in need of upgrades.
Freight industry leaders and proponents of infrastructure repairs have called on policymakers to address the country’s run-down transportation network.
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“During the campaign, he highlighted the need to create jobs, and recognized that improving our nation's infrastructure is critical to strengthening the economy. As the industry that moves nearly 70% of our nation's freight and is a key economic driver, we look forward to working with President-elect Trump on a host of issues, including long-term, sustainable infrastructure funding, tax reform and fair and free trade,” said American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear.
“We have already begun meeting with the Trump transition team, and look forward to working closely with the new administration on issues that will allow the trucking industry to continue to grow and move America forward,” Spear added.
Edward Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, congratulated Trump.
“As a business leader, Mr. Trump understands many of the economic challenges facing this country. As such, we hope he will move quickly on issues such as comprehensive tax reform that reduces the corporate rate, a review and reform of the broken regulatory system and an embracement of fair and open trade,” Hamberger said.
“These policies, as well as the steady presence of America's privately owned freight rail network, are critical to enacting much of Mr. Trump's agenda, including public infrastructure investment," he added.
