HELP Inc. Welcomes National Freight Advisory Committee Applauds Inclusion of Senior HELP Advisors

Phoenix (JUNE 11, 2013) – HELP Inc. applauds the establishment of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Freight Advisory Committee (NFAC). The committee’s diverse membership of 47 includes Major Mark Savage, HELP board member from Colorado and Dr. C. M. Walton, HELP’s senior policy advisor from the University of Texas.

“We’re pleased with the establishment of a committee that includes some outside subject matter experts to provide DOT with advice on the implementation of MAP-21 freight requirements”, said Karen Rasmussen, President and CEO of HELP Inc., the public-private partnership that provides PrePass, PrePass Plus, 360SmartView and other safety and efficiency services.

HELP’s public-private partnership is recognized as a model for future freight transportation investment because of limited state and federal monies, the complexity of deploying multi-state freight projects and the importance of balancing public and private interests in using technology to improve the safety and efficiency of freight transportation.

“DOT’s projections call for trucking to continue to grow as the major mode for hauling goods,” Rasmussen said. “From 67 percent of all freight hauled today to nearly 70 percent by 2020, truck safety and efficiency will continue to benefit from safe, secure, reliable technology.”

“The appointments of Major Savage and Dr. Walton will ensure truck transportation and safety issues remain at the forefront of NFAC deliberations, along with the important role public-private technology partnerships can play in America’s transportation future,” she said.

HELP INC. (HELP) is transportation’s premier, not-for-profit partnership whose mission is to improve highway safety and efficiency. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, HELP ensures its initiatives benefit both public and private sectors through safety policies developed by a board comprised of an equal number of public officials and commercial vehicle operators. HELP provides each state with control over its service offerings to accommodate each jurisdiction’s unique needs, staffing and enforcement priorities. HELP’s investment of more than $400 million has sped the deployment of ITS and has improved safety, air quality and highway preservation.