Looking ahead in 2019, we see several key areas of opportunity for the trucking industry.
At the top of the list is the potential for a bipartisan push in Congress on infrastructure funding. While Democrats and Republicans in Washington agree on little, infrastructure is one issue where both parties can — and must — find common ground. Enacting infrastructure legislation with a sustainable, long-term funding solution would deliver a needed win for party leaders on both sides of the aisle, demonstrating the leadership voters expect from divided government.
Another key area is trade. Trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico generates roughly $6.62 billion in revenue for our industry, and trade with the rest of the world generates billions more. We were pleased to see the USCMA signed, and we hope that is ratified by Congress quickly. It is essential for the administration to continue to work with China toward an agreement that protects free and fair trade while supporting continued economic growth.
The year 2018 was one of trucking’s best years on record — with rising freight volumes, soaring equipment sales, and a booming economy that put our freight services in high demand. This surge of activity brought one of our greatest challenges to the forefront: the shortage of qualified drivers and technicians. Developing, recruiting, and retaining these skilled workers will remain a top priority for us in 2019, as we work with policymakers and industry partners on creative solutions to an issue that is affecting not just trucking but many industries across the economy.
Finally, the continued development and deployment of automated vehicle (AV) technology holds enormous potential for trucking. These systems will not displace drivers but rather assist them in their duties. AV can dramatically reduce congestion, emissions, and highway fatalities, while also attracting a new generation of professionals into the industry.