Truckers Oppose Call for Increase in Big Rig Fuel Economy

Big Rig Fuel Economy

Warning of prohibitive cost increases that could force many independent truckers out of business, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has come out against President Obama's call for even tougher fuel economy and emissions standards for big rig trucks. The President recently ordered federal regulators to increase fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses beyond the standards already scheduled to take effect over the next few years. This second round of new standards would take effect after the 2018 model year.

"Improving gas mileage for these trucks is going to drive down our oil imports even further," the President told the New York Times. "That reduces carbon pollution even more, cuts down on businesses' fuel costs, which should pay off in lower prices for consumers. So it's not just a win-win; it's a win-win-win."

No Win for Truckers

In all that "winning," OOIDA doesn't see a win for independent truckers or owner operators who will be saddled with meeting yet another set of costly federal mandates. "Shock and awe may be the best way to describe what's happening to the vast majority in trucking with these proposed regulations," OOIDA executive VP Todd Spencer told TruckingInfo.com. "Each year for the past 10, more and more truckers are squeezed out of the option to buy new equipment because of ever-increasing prices due to government requirements that are long on promises but way short on performance."

Be Heard!

It is interesting to note that the President chose to issue an executive order rather than go through Congress to boost his environmental legacy. In choosing to avoid a probable protracted debate with Congress, the President is also denying truckers the opportunity to weight in on decisions that will have a critical impact on our livelihood. This is your chance to be heard. Post your comment on TruckerToTrucker.com today.