Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) February 13, 2014
Over the past year, the trucking industry has been the subject of increasing scrutiny from the government, the media, and the general public which have focused on the industry’s safety record and operating practices. In mainstream media the majority of industry stories have focused on fines levied and lawsuits issued with new regulations implemented in the name of public safety. The transportation industry has been in danger of being painted as a villainous entity that is a menacing danger on wheels when the reality, Andy Ahern argues, is that the trucking industry is one of the most widely misunderstood industries in the country, with very few proponents in its corner.
In comments on his widely read industry newsletter, The Ahern Advisory, as well as his popular video podcast, Andy Ahern, founder and CEO of Ahern & Associates, one of the top transportation logistics companies in the country, has sought to change this. With over two decades of experience working with transport and logistics companies of all sizes, Ahern is intimately knowledgeable about both sides of the debate. Although the impassioned campaigning from the public is an understandable response to the real concerns over safety on America’s roads, Ahern focuses on facts and collision studies in order to reach pragmatic conclusions and to dispel some of the unfortunate myths that have been attached to the previously esteemed transportation industry.
One of the most ubiquitous and unfortunate misconceptions the public holds about the trucking industry is that truck drivers are responsible for the vast majority of car/truck fatalities on the road. Many in the public hold a false belief that truck drivers enter the road under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or are performing risky maneuvers while on the road. Ahern notes however, that this is simply not the case.
Recent surveys have shown that in 70% to 75% of all fatal car and truck related crashes, the drivers of the private passenger cars were found to be at fault for the accident. Out of those fatal crashes, 31% of those private vehicle drivers were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Conversely, a mere 2% of collisions involved a truck driver operating a vehicle while under the influence, and trucks have an overall crash rate which is less than half of the national average. Furthermore, truck drivers and the industry as a whole are held to incredibly stringent standards that most private vehicle drivers would fail to meet. For example, Hours of Service regulations mandate strict rules regarding fuel, driving, sleeping, loading, and unloading while commercial trucking fleets are routinely governed to maintain a safe speed limit typically within 62 to 68 miles per hour. Unlike private vehicle drivers, only truck drivers with strong driving records are allowed on the road, and all drivers are highly incentivized to act prudently and safely while driving.
These statistics hold true for the 8.9 million Americans employed in trucking-related jobs, as well as the 3.5 million Americans employed as truck drivers. The projected growth of the trucking industry is just one of many signals that indicate the importance of the industry to the well-being of the entire country. Currently, trucks move 9.4 billion tons of freight, generate $642.1 billion in gross revenue, and move 70% to 80% of all products in the United States. Overall freight revenue is predicted to grow by 63.6%, and tonnage to rise 70.8% by 2014. These transported products include virtually all products essential for daily life: food, clothes, medical devices, and life-saving drugs are all moved every day by the very truck drivers vilified by the public and the government.
In his video podcast, Ahern encourages the trucking industry to be proud of their work and unique position as the backbone of Middle-America. Contrary to the public’s impression of truck drivers, Ahern notes that the responsibilities of a truck driver actually require a fairly skilled and nuanced set of skills. Truck drivers are constantly completing mileage calculations, balancing fuel and freight weight, manage schedules and routes, while working with potentially unyielding shippers and receivers. Being self-motivated, mature, and excellent at time management are all prerequisites for success in this position that receives very little applause or accolade.
To learn more, watch the Ahern Video Podcast. Ahern & Associates is a Phoenix-based logistics company that specializes in transportation and trucking logistics consulting. To learn more about Ahern & Associates’ transportation consulting services, visit their website at: http://www.ahern-ltd.com.
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About Ahern & Associates, Ltd.
Ahern and Associates is North America’s leading trucking and transportation management consulting firm. The skilled consultants at Ahern and Associates specialize in mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies as well as the restructuring and evaluation of existing carriers that seek to increase operating efficiency and improve profitability. Since 1987, Ahern and Associates has aided hundreds of buyers in the acquisition of trucking and logistics companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as assisting many transportation and logistics companies in reducing their overall operating costs and increasing their profitability.
For more information, please call 602-242-1030 or visit http://www.ahern-ltd.com.
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