Trucking interests oppose private roads

May 25, 2007
The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. (OOIDA) are united in their opposition to the privatization of highway corridors

The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. (OOIDA) are united in their opposition to the privatization of highway corridors, stating that immediate windfall gains would not offset long term consequences.

“Chief among the concerns is the impact of toll road privatization on toll rates,” said Gov. Bill Graves, president & CEO of ATA in a prepared statement. “Demand elasticity, the art and science of determining how high rates can increase before a significant number of users will abandon the toll road, is the private operator’s chief method for deciding appropriate toll rates. Private toll road operators need not be concerned about the social impacts of toll rates on low-income workers, or on the costs to businesses that depend on the highway for transporting employees, customers, goods or services.”

Todd Spencer, executive vp of OOIDA said that private companies are able to raise toll rates annually along privately owned corridors, which could prompt motorists to take alternate routes not designed for high volumes.

“Our interstates and highways were built to provide citizens the ability to move about freely and to distribute freight efficiently,” said Spencer. “Not to become cash cows for solving funding problems.”

Sponsored Recommendations

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Unlocking Fleet Safety & Efficiency: The Managed Service Advantage

Want to boost your fleet's safety and efficiency? Tune in now to discover the power of Managed Services in optimizing your safety program, streamlining operations, and making ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!