Speaking on behalf of the American Trucking Association, an NFI officer cautioned the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee recently that rising toll rates are a threat to consumers, the trucking industry, and the safety of travelers using our nation’s roadways.
Work Truck Magazine reported in a recent issue that Steve Grabell, NFI Chief Financial Officer, told the committee that he’s concerned about increasing toll costs and their impact on, among other things, truck drivers’ use of less-efficient secondary roads as a result. Grabell said that in an effort to avoid costly tolls, truckers are often re-routed and use roads that are not optimum for large-truck commercial use, creating safety concerns for other drivers.
Grabell urged federal oversight in determining toll rates, adding support for the Consumer Protection Act introduced by Committee Chairman Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), which would provide federal oversight to toll authorities.
TRUCK ACCIDENT FAST FACT: According to TruckInfo.net, nearly 5,000 people are killed in truck accidents in the United States every year.
