Last Updated: April 26, 2012

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Roemer Report – June 2011

Fuel Costs Continue to Rise.  We all know that the cost of diesel is continuing to take a bite out of profits and unfortunately, there is no end in sight.  ATA President William P. Graves testified in March before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources that “sustained high fuel prices will mean an increasing number of trucking companies go out of business.”  This is especially the case with larger companies with low rate structures; lower rates mean lower margins, and low margins mean less room for increased costs when it comes time to pay the fuel bill.  With fuel prices predicted to increase throughout the summer, the best truckers can do is to follow best practices for fuel efficiency such as taking the most direct routes possible and reducing idling time.

 

Write Your Congressman.  Yes, it can make a difference.  Along with rising fuel prices, proposed clean air standards and new regulatory demands is putting pressure on the industry.  Oregon Congressman Greg Walden wants to do something about it.  Meeting with owners and operators on April 20th, Representative Walden has pledged to “soften the industry’s pain” in Washington.  According to the Medford Mail Tribune, Walden is pushing to ease strict regulatory issues such as further limits on driving hours which will “push thousands of firms to the brink.”  While Representative Walden has a voice in Congress, so can you, write your Congressman and let them know your concerns.  To find out how to contact your representative, go to https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml, you can make a difference.

 

It’s Not All Bad News.  Amidst rising fuel costs and increasing regulation, there is some good news—the economy is beginning to recover.  As the economy grows, freight levels should increase.  According to Bob Costello, chief economist for the American Trucking Association, freight levels are increasing, and new trucking jobs are on the rise.  Although the economic boost is not predicted to last due to increase pressure in the housing market, freight should continue to increase over the next 18 – 24 months.

 

FMCSA Still Seeking Comments.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking additional comments regarding the the EOBR rule.  Electronic On Board Recorders have been controversial since day one with many drivers thinking they are an intrusion.  While an invasion of privacy lawsuit is pending which was filed by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association last year, the FMCSA is looking for help to insure that EOBRs are not used to violate the privacy of drivers.  Comments are open until May 23 – to submit your comment go to: http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FMCSA-2010-0167-0217.

 

That’s A lot of Calories!  A recent survey of fast foods reinforced what we already know.  Big double-burgers with bacon and mayo-while they may be tasty, are high fat disasters.  Not mentioning any names but one leading chain is selling a 1500 calorie double burger, loaded with fat and with more sodium than an I-90 salt dome.  Eat a few of these bad-boys and your blood will be thicker than motor oil in December.  Common sense tells you if it’s a double burger with cheese, bacon, and mayo—run away!  It’s hard to eat right on the road, but try to fit in an apple or banana now and then, your body will thank you.

 

Flyin’ Through Texas.  The Texas House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would raise the speed limit to 85 mph on some interstates in Texas.  According to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram, the legislation gives the Texas Department of Transportation the authority to raise the speed limits after engineering and safety studies have been completed.  If you’ve driven those flat lonely roads, you already know that folks have been going 90+ since the days of Sam Houston.  While you should always obey posted limits and be aware that fuel consumption increases exponentially with speed, keep an eye out for changes in the Lone Star state, and stay safe.

 

A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties. -Harry S. Truman