Press Focuses on the Downside of Trucking

Press Focuses on the Downside of Trucking
March 24, 2008

The trucking industry is often surrounded by negative perceptions. Recently circulating news headlines about bald tires, faulty brakes, and out-of-service trucks draw a tainted image of the trucking industry. Only accentuating the negative, these headlines fail to capture the positives of the industry.

Between 1999 and 2005, the injury and fatal crash rate of large trucks in British Columbia has decreased by more than 16%. In addition, mechanical problems nowadays account for less than 5% of injury and fatal truck crashes.

The trucking industry is filled with efficient people, who do not make headlines. They quietly and safely push the economy forward by delivering bread and milk and hauling hospital supplies, consumer goods, and building products.

As in every other industry, the trucking industry is plagued with some people who run after easily earned money. Some negligent owners and drivers employ substandard trucks, which can endanger others as well as themselves. Such people should be duly denounced and punished. Moreover, they damage the reputations of efficient and conscientious men and women in the trucking industry who, having a strong sense of personal responsibility, choose to invest in maintenance and state-of-the-art equipment to grow their business.

Negligent and irresponsible companies opt to cut prices to increase business, a decision which leaves them with nothing to spend on maintenance. Consequently, the state of trucks is deeply compromised along with the quality of service. Shippers need to understand that not only does pricing cover a driver's time and fuel costs, but it is also indicative of the quality of service. As such, shippers should demand quality service and be willing to pay for it. When shippers care to compare the quality of service with its corresponding cost, both trucking companies and the public will benefit.