Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/842358
26 PalletCentral • May-June 2017 palletcentral.com he trucking industry moves 70% of our nation's goods – delivering every day to communities across our nation. The industry is also a major employer, providing jobs to more than 7 million people, including 3.5 million drivers who are committed to the safe and efficient movement of freight within our borders and to destinations worldwide. As the leading voice for the trucking industry, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) knows how important it is to share the story of our economic impact with policymakers and legislators, as they consider the many issues facing the trucking industry. Trucking is the rare industry that touches businesses and individuals in a very tangible way – delivering goods and products to cities across America. A strong infrastructure is critical to allowing trucks to continue to serve that important role; but unfortunately, our roads and bridges have not seen the kind of investment necessary to prevent deterioration and congestion. Two reports from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) put the condition of our highways in sharp focus. Last month, ATRI reported the shocking figure that congestion on our highways costs the trucking industry more than $63 billion a year. That's billions of dollars lost due to excess fuel burn, wasted time of drivers, and delayed deliveries. The report points out that 88% of the congestion costs borne by the trucking industry occurs in just 17% of the National Highway System, tying into another ATRI study – one released in January highlighting the 100 worst freight bottlenecks in the U.S. From "Spaghetti Junction" in Atlanta to the George Washington Bridge in the New York-New Jersey metro area – "bottlenecks" are T By Chris Spear TRUCKING ADVANCES AGENDA Moving Strategic Partnerships Pallets may move the world, but they cannot move on their own. This is just one reason why the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) is proud to partner with the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and further mutually beneficial goals and objectives which we could not do on our own. The ATA is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. They work to educate policymakers and the general public about the essential role trucking plays in the economy, promote responsible policies to improve highway safety and advance the industry's environmental goals. This is a valuable partnership, and NWPCA enjoys this strong working relationship that has proven beneficial to both organizations. iStockphoto.com/Rasica on Safety, Efficiency & Infrastructure