Proposed bill could cut the number of truck stops
Proposed bill could cut the number of truck stops
Created: Friday, February 17th, 2012 01:01 pm
A recently proposed Amendment to the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 might jeopardize thousands of jobs at businesses that line the nation's highways, including truck stops.
The amendment would allow the sale of refreshments at highway rest stops, which would then be in competition with private businesses.
"This highway bill was intended to create jobs, but if this amendment is allowed to pass it will pull the rug out from under the nation’s interstate-based fast food franchisees, convenience stores, gas stations and truck stops," said Lisa Mullings, president and CEO of the National Association of Truck Stop Operators. "Commercializing Interstate rest areas would put exit-based businesses at a considerable disadvantage, likely forcing many out of business."
If this legislation passes, trucker health could be compromised by transforming truck stops across the nation into places for commercial activities, reducing the places where truckers can get necessary resources while on the road.
The Partnership to Save Highway Communities has also spoken out against the proposed amendment, reported Convenience Store News.
The partnership is aiming to make sure the nation's highways rights-of-way remain free of commercial development, and also ensure that the many business owners along U.S. highways will keep their jobs, said the source. The group pointed to a Virginia Tech study that showed commercialization of rest stops could result in a 35 percent decrease in truck service sales at Interstate truck stops.
Related Articles
Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
A truck driver training school in Springfield, Missouri, is opening up new opportunities for local students who are looking for a new career, reported the Springfield News-Leader.
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
With the fracking industry picking up throughout the United States, it is leading to a shortage of truck drivers in the nation, reported Columbus, Ohio, NBC affiliate WCMH.
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
The American Trucking Associations recently released this year's edition of the ATA American Trucking Trends report, which outlines some of the facts and figures that tell the story about today's trucking industry.
Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
Many companies in Texas' Eagle Ford Shale are looking for truckers with the necessary CDL training to haul equipment, oil, water, sand and hazardous materials.
