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.

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Casualty Count is Rising

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Casualty Count is Rising
July 20, 2008

They said it would never happen but it did. Gasoline prices have cleared $4 a gallon. Diesel fuel is approaching $5. Most anyone who drives a motorized vehicle has an opinion about these prices and few are favorable. Dig a little deeper, though, and one will see another level of collateral damage caused by gas prices. In the war at the gas pump, there are many casualties and the number is rising.

According to the oil industry trade publication, NPN Magazine, nearly 3,000 gas stations have closed in the last year due to a reduction in driving by motorists. The closures are also attributed to the fact that many drivers can no longer afford to support their independent, neighborhood station but are willing to travel a little further in order to save money at the pump.

Thinking of moving your home or office? The price of operating a moving truck loads has virtually doubled in one year's time. Someone has to make up the difference and the companies, primarily independent movers, are sharing the higher prices with their customers.

The moving industry is just one trucking industry in trouble. In the first quarter of 2008, 1,000 fleets of truckloads – roughly 40,000 vehicles – went out of business in the US. Some truckers have found work with other companies but many have left the industry.

Taxi drivers can tell stories, many stories. One of the most common ones is about their reduced income levels in 2008. Over the last two years, the cost of operating a taxicab has risen by 38%. As fares have not risen accordingly, lest passengers stop using taxis, drivers' income has dropped, on a national average, by nearly $4,000 annually.

When times are tough, more people need the help of charities. And, normally, Americans volunteer their time and resources to help others. Across the country, more than half of Meals On Wheels programs, which deliver meals to home-bound seniors, have reported a loss of volunteer drivers. Volunteers pay their own fuel and many can no longer afford to do so. Similarly, organizations with transportation budgets set their prices last year. The budgets have long since been exhausted.

Remember the old pictures of kindly firemen rescuing the family cat stuck in the elm tree? Reports have begun to surface of a few volunteer fire departments that have closed. Others are responding to fewer emergencies. They need to save expensive fuel for major emergencies only.

America will continue to move. It is a way of life. But, what will be the price?

Railroad Superiority?

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Railroad Superiority?
July 20, 2008

In the age of rising fuel prices, there is much scrutiny of the nation's transportation system. As the saying goes, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Although many Americans feel that they are hostage to foreign powers that control the flow of crude oil, they are yet to widely endorse alternatives. One school of thought promotes alternate fuel sources. Other opinions support re-examination of the ways America moves people and goods. In either case, as America's dependence on foreign produced items continues to grow, transporting these goods is major business.

A prime example is the transport of container goods. Short haul transport is best managed by truck. However, as distances grow, and America is by no means a small country, so do the options. When time is the primary concern, air freight is the preferred mode of transport. However, air transport is far too prohibitive, both in terms of cost and capacity, for large loads. The choice is either truck or railroad.

The US interstate highway system is quite extensive and is home to thousands of transport vehicles, as well as private. However, the number of trucks is continually growing, requiring expansion of the roadways due to sheer capacity and the necessary maintenance. Construction of additional lanes, to accommodate the increased volume, will cost taxpayers billions of dollars. As transportation bonds are but one of a plethora of proposed legislations that are presented to the voting public, choices have to be made and questions are raised. Could alternate modes of cargo transport serve the needs of the American consumer? Does an increase in road traffic have negative environmental effects? Are other resources being under utilized?

Proponents of railroad transport have the answers to these questions. They feel that America lags far behind European nations in terms of railroad usage. While it is true that the distances are far greater between points in the US, it still does not negate the fact that railroad lines are dedicated modes of travel, virtually undisturbed by other vehicles. Supporters state that rail transport is far more efficient than trucks and certainly would save taxpayers money. Industry analysts claim that increased train usage could greatly reduce the number of trucks on the nation's roadways, thus reducing fuel consumption and contributing to a healthier environment. Similarly, the costs associated with increased rail usage are far less than the costs necessary for upkeep and expansion of the roadways.

What is clear is the need for increased joint studies by legislators and industrial leaders to define where America is going and how it is going to get there.

Smugglers – Beware!

Smugglers – Beware!
July 20, 2008

There was a time, not too long ago, when smuggling into the United States via the state of Texas was a commonplace occurrence. The Tex-Mex border was a common entry point for illicit drugs and illegal aliens. The common border has been a favorite gateway for smugglers and a cause of concern for law enforcement officials.

Over the years, authorities have increased efforts to curb and curtail smuggling over the border and have become adept at catching smugglers through increased information and more effective surveillance and patrols.

One of the transport methods employed by smugglers has been commercial trucks traveling between Mexico and the US.

Smuggling of drugs and humans is a federal offense punishable by fine and possible short jail sentence. Illicit transport of illegal aliens and drug smuggling in your rig could have your truck confiscated until after the fine was paid. In all, the benefits may have outweighed the risk – until recently.

Changes in federal laws have greatly increased the penalties for illegal transport. However, the strange irony is that the trucker involved in these illegal activities still had a degree of protection under state laws. After paying the fine, or serving a short sentence, the same trucker could get behind the wheel and it was back to business as usual. Texas legislators have put the brakes to this strange turn of events.

Texas has initiated tough new measures to curb illegal transport of humans and drugs. Under the new initiative, federal records of offenses will be made available to the state. The goal is to alert state officials who have the power to revoke and cancel state issued driver and transport licenses. Texas officials have made it clear that their state has declared war on truck drivers involved with illegal activities. A first offense will cost a driver his license for one year. A repeat offense will cost a driver his license permanently.

Since September 2007, seven drivers have been caught smuggling and five licenses have been permanently revoked.

Smugglers – beware. The Texas Border Patrol is open for business.

Driver Competence Essential to Safe Driving

Driver Competence Essential to Safe Driving
March 24, 2008

The most important safety feature a car or truck can have is the presence of a safe and attentive driver behind its wheel. Most traffic accidents happen due to a lack of attention on the driver’s part. Driving under the influence, drowsy driving, phone use and other electronic distractions, and emotional strife contribute to most accidents on the road.

Although a safe car or truck is vital to safe driving, it is inherently not to blame for accidents on the road. While most new vehicles are safe, within the parameters of engineering and design intent, too many drivers behind the wheel are not; their lethargy and less than perfect commitment to the act of driving are the cause of much trouble.

Safety technology only serves a competent driver well; an incompetent driver can never put the design intent of any safety device to use.