January 31, 2021
What’s Ahead for U.S. DOT?
After four turbulent years of a Trump Administration, the trucking industry looks forward to a bipartisan approach and enthusiastic willingness to help move the country forward. ATA President had this to say in response to an incoming administration.
We congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris on their hard-earned victory, and we look forward to working with their administration to strengthen the economy and rebuild our national infrastructure. — American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear
Infrastructure Priority is Good for Trucking
ATA leadership went on to indicate that they are committed to working with the administration on the overwhelming need to bring solutions to the country’s infrastructure, a sentiment that aligns with the Biden administration.
Moving a massive infrastructure bill through Congress is being viewed in many circles as one of the first tasks to be undertaken by the Biden administration — David Heller, vice president of regulatory affairs for the Truckload Carriers Association
A Democratic-led Senate will mean a massive infrastructure program along with safety reform and job creation which all bodes well for the trucking industry. The man to lead the effort will be the newly confirmed, Secretary for the Department of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg. His plan calls for updating and repairing at least half of all roads and bridges in poor conditions by 2030, with $50 billion in state grants to repair bridges. ATA President, Chris Spears is optimistic about the former Mayor’s experience and ability to get the job done. "Transportation is an issue that touches all Americans — urban, rural, coastal, and in the heartland of our nation. Having served as a mayor, Pete Buttigieg has had an up-close and personal look at how our infrastructure problems are impacting Americans, and how important it is to solve them."
While the Trump administration failed to advance an infrastructure plan through congress, the Biden team is optimistic with a democratic majority in both House and Senate, focusing on developing "modern, sustainable infrastructure" to create jobs, improve equity and deliver a clean energy future achieving net-zero emission, economy-wide by 2050. Along with modernizing highways and roads, Buttigieg’s $1 trillion plan calls for an investment in light rail networks, updating ports, investing in 5G technologies, and expanding rural broadband. Buttigieg will also address carbon emissions by encouraging innovation in electric vehicles while addressing the truck driver shortage as well.
Certainly, these are all top line plans with many more details to come but it is hopeful for transportation and for trucking. What it all means for the industry remains to be seen but the following words captured the resilience and conviction of the trucking and transportation quite plainly.
As the Biden administration rolls up its sleeves and begins the heavy lift of rebuilding America’s ailing infrastructure, it will find a constructive partner in ATA,” “We stand ready, willing, and able to get the job done. —American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear
Resources:
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10130986/trucking-after-trump-politics-as-usual
