Americans’ way of life depends on trucking, the mode of transportation responsible for delivering three-quarters of the nation’s freight. We are the engine that powers America’s economy. But recently, the freight market has been stuck in neutral, and everyone is feeling the pain, from independent truckers and family businesses to large fleets.
Against this backdrop, discussions over a major rail consolidation are sparking speculation that it could pose another challenge to trucking. It’s worth noting, however, that trucking and rail compete directly on less than 10% of US freight. Rail excels at moving bulk commodities like coal. But when precision, speed and reliability matter, rail falls short. Trains don’t deliver to hospitals, grocery stores, schools, or homes. Trucks do.
Of greater concern to trucking is the threat posed by trial attorneys, cargo criminals and radical environmentalists. They are in large part responsible for pushing motor carriers’ non-fuel operating costs to a record high at a time of lackluster freight demand.
Fortunately, hope is on the horizon.
The American Trucking Associations has passed comprehensive tort reform legislation in fifteen states, and we are pursuing additional solutions at the federal level to halt the exploitation of our judicial system. Additionally, Congress is making progress on a bipartisan bill to crack down on cargo theft that is robbing our supply chain to the tune of $35 billion annually. And earlier this year, we were relieved that the Trump Administration rolled back costly, impractical EV truck mandates.
This positive momentum builds on the landmark tax reform package enacted under the Big, Beautiful Bill, which will help trucking companies and families keep more hard-earned dollars in their pockets in the years ahead.
Trucks move freight safely, efficiently and sustainably. In this difficult economy, the 8.4 million Americans employed in trucking are counting on policymakers to continue to create the conditions our industry needs to thrive.