The constant rise in diesel fuel prices is pushing the small independent trucking companies out of business.   With the independents dropping out like flies¹, what else could they possibly have to endure?

Well, with the help of a new regulation proposed by Department of Transportation (DoT) officials it looks like the independent trucker is about to get reamed yet again.

Big Rigs may be getting their speedometers clipped.  The DoT bureaucrats are proposing to mandate devices on commercial trucks that limit a truckers top speed to 68 mph.  This idea has support by many of the corporate trucking giants, but is strongly opposed by many independent truckers.

Todd Spencer, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) said “Most truckers are paid by the mile, so the financial pain of slower limits would be felt mostly by the drivers while the benefits would be reaped by corporations represented by the ATA (American Trucking Associations).”

OOIDA believes the legislation to be completely misguided and outrageous when you examine the safety data.

“There is nothing desirable about turning trucks into rolling roadblocks and obstacles for other drivers,” Spencer said.  “Slower isn’t safer. Every year, NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) accident data shows that cars are far more likely to run into the backs of trucks than the other way around.   Real highway safety experts have always known that highways are safest when all vehicles travel at the same speed.” says Spencer.

The largest trucking conglomerates favor the 68 mph speed limit, since it will force even more of the smaller, independent carriers out of business.  The collusion between transportation authorities and corporate trucking lobbyists is stomping the life out of the entrepreneurial trucker.

The speed control campaign is led by Road Safe America, an Atlanta advocacy group that was started by a couple whose son was in an accident with a tractor trailer in 2002.  When moms get involved in road safety it’s only a matter of time before the proverbial hammer gets dropped.

Road Safe America has a history of pushing legislation for emotional reasons while ignoring the facts. The facts are split speed limits decrease road safety².

Forget common sense. Big business and big government are about to kill independent truckers with irrational legislation.  So grab your ankles my fellow independent truckers, it’s going to be a tough one to take.

References:
¹ Landline Magazine
² Safety Testimony