Trucking group opposes pro-freight bill

Trucking group opposes pro-freight bill    The American Trucking Associations has come out in opposition to the FREIGHT Act of 2010, which was rolled out in the Senate last month to push the development of a national freight policy and an intermodal infrastructure investment program based on achieving efficiency, environmental and safety goals.
   'The ATA and the trucking industry recognize the need for all modes of freight transportation to work together for America. However, under this bill, highways — which carry more than 68 percent of the nation’s freight — would not be eligible for funding beyond very limited connectors to freight terminals. What we need is a comprehensive approach to improving freight transportation for all modes that will move our economy forward. This bill does not meet that need,' the ATA said in a statement.
   'While we appreciate the recognition that the sponsors of this legislation have given to the importance of freight transportation, the highway reauthorization bill is almost a full year past due, and federal aid funding for highways is on the verge of collapse. This legislation does not remedy this growing crisis. We need to enact a responsible, comprehensive reauthorization bill. ATA is committed to working with Congress to improve our freight system within a process that does not favor one mode over another,' the nation's largest trucking organization said.

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   Four House Democrats last Thursday introduced companion legislation to the FREIGHT Act. The language of the bill, H.R. 5976, dropped by Reps. Albio Sires of New Jersey, Laura Richardson of California, Adam Smith of Washington and Steve Cohen of Tennessee is identical to the Senate version.
   The Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors, which includes many state transportation departments and industry stakeholders, and the American Association of Port Authorities, support the legislation.
   The Environmental Defense Fund also backs the bills for their attempt to reduce the public health effects of diesel emissions from trucks, locomotives and vessels. ' Eric Kulisch