The Best Route to Navigate New York

The Best Route to Navigate New York
July 28, 2008

One of the most important economic resources of New York State is the transport truck. Few New Yorkers are aware of the fact that trucks transport nearly 90 percent of manufactured freight in the state. Approximately 91 percent of communities throughout the state rely exclusively on delivery of goods by truck. Thus, the economic solvency of this industry should be of vital concern to state residents. Moreover, the state government should be concerned with the well-being of the trucking industry. However, all is not in a state of domestic bliss in New York.

On May 12, NY Governor David Paterson announced his intention of instituting a new policy on statewide large-truck movement. The new regulations would, in essence, force trucks to travel only on the state highway system.

In an attempt to reduce fuel consumption and transport costs, many trucks opt to travel across the state via local roads. The routes are shorter, the roads are toll-free, and cheaper fuel can be found off the main roadways.

According to facts and figures released by the New York State Department of Transportation, the excess travel by trucks on secondary or local roads is posing a hazard to the environment, and is disrupting local welfare through increased noise and increased traffic. Furthermore, the smaller local roads were not designed and engineered for large scale, heavy traffic. The roads are narrower, shoulders are narrow or non-existent, and many roads are home to local pedestrians. Also, many local roads have a much lower standard of maintenance than the main roads. As such, the state intends to re-direct large-truck traffic to the regulated interstate highways.

The impact of this proposed regulation is quite apparent. Supporters of re-routing state the inherent environmental and safety benefits of re-directing truck traffic. Opponents, primarily the trucking industry, warn that traveling solely on interstate highways will drastically increase operating costs. (Other opponents of the proposed change include local businesses – fuel stations, restaurants, service garages, motels - that have benefited economically from the increased commercial traffic in recent years). The interstate routes are longer, thus increasing overall fuel consumption. Fuel at roadside truck-stops is generally more expensive, and the highway tolls and taxes for freight trucks are quite high. Ultimately, the additional expenses will be passed on to the consumers in the form of higher prices.

Lobbying efforts by the New York State Motor Truck Association (NYSMTA), a non-profit trade association representing more than 800 trucking companies, are continuing in an attempt to dissuade the state from enacting these new regulations.

---