Trucking industry warns senators that a railway work stoppage will devastate supply chains
Washington – In a message sent this afternoon to every member of the U.S. Senate and staff, the American Trucking Associations is calling for the adoption of H.J. Res. 100 to avert a rail strike — scoring the measure as a key vote that every senator will be evaluated on.
ATA has urged Congress to act swiftly to resolve the ongoing labor dispute, warning of disastrous consequences for freight movements should a strike occur.
A copy of ATA's message follows:
Dear Senators and Staff,
As the Senate prepares to consider several proposals related to resolution of the deadlocked railway labor negotiations, the American Trucking Associations strongly encourages a YEA vote on adoption of H.J. Res. 100.
THE AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS WILL SCORE THIS MEASURE AS A KEY VOTE.
The trucking industry has neither the equipment nor manpower to replace the freight-moving capacity of railroads in the event of a strike. Any railway work stoppage would be devastating to our nation's supply chains.
ATA calls on Congress to intervene to avoid crippling delays in the movement of goods as well as to head off uncertainty and inflationary pressure at a time the economy is straining under the weight of both. Manufacturing is one of the strongest parts of our economy now, but relies on railroads to provide heavy industrial inputs to factories. Railroads are also critical to the manufacture and distribution of heavy infrastructure components needed to modernize drinking and wastewater systems, a focal point of investment under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and to our agricultural supply chains.
The looming strike has resulted in railroads announcing the curtailing of shipments of hazardous materials, including fuel and diesel which are already in short supply in many parts of the country. Disruptions in fuel distribution supply chains will have dramatic impacts on ordinary Americans.
On behalf of our members – more than 34,000 motor carriers and suppliers across the country who deliver to every community nationwide – ATA URGES YOU TO VOTE YEA ON THE ADOPTION OF H.J. RES. 100.
Thank you for your willingness to intervene and ensure resolution of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Bill Sullivan
EVP, American Trucking Associations