OTRJoe Response to “Ban Independent Truck Drivers…” The Port of LA is a complex issue. What he’s not saying is the port’s plan is instituting laws regulating the age of truck used in the port. I believe no truck older than 2005 will be allowed unless it is retrofitted with special emmissions equipment that brings the truck up to 2005 emissions standards. Plus, they are initiating a port hauler fee of around $5000 per truck. It’s obvious from this plan that only the large carriers with cash reserves for newer trucks and the new fee will remain. Once that happens, these larger carriers will have higher haul rates to move the freight, thus raising the transportation costs which will filter down to raising the costs of goods in the stores. Largely what comes into the ports is fisnished goods from Asian manufacturers, so it will definitely impact the costs of stuff at Wal-Mart and Target.
That being said, there is a HUGE traffic/pollution issue at the LA port. I’m not sure if this is the right solution, but they definitely need to do something to address the issues at hand. Of course, it’s highly possible that the larger carriers that will benefit from this new plan are supporting the gov’t departments that are bringing it about. Isn’t that the American way?
