The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) announced its support of S. 2033, The Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019. The bill would require new trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds to be equipped with speed limiters set at a maximum speed of 65 mph. Existing trucks already equipped with the technology would be required to set the devices at 65 mph as well.
Since 2012, TCA has advocated for the speed of all electronically governed class 7 and 8 trucks manufactured after 1992 to be limited at a maximum speed not to exceed 65 mph. They have long been industry leaders, continually seeking to improve upon an already tremendous safety record.
As an association, which represents roughly 78 percent of freight market share by revenue, it is fair to say that any rule regarding speed limiters will have the greatest effect on our segment of the trucking industry. TCA’s members spoke with a unified voice when developing our policy in support of speed limiters, and today they are using this focus to lend support to a bill that they feel could make significant safety strides for all motorists on the nation’s roadways.
TCA, and its truckload carrier members, recognize that traveling too fast for conditions is one of the most prominent reasons for accidents on our roads today. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have identified speeding as a leading cause of crashes and a key target for improvement by both industry and government stakeholders. The trucking industry has a safety obligation to responsibly operate vehicles at speeds in which they can effectively control and limit the opportunity for accidents.
TCA’s carrier members represent the best that the industry has to offer and have demonstrated time and again that they are ahead of the curve when it comes to trucking technology and its usefulness within their fleets. Speed limiting devices are just one example of this. The majority of TCA’s members have already adopted speed limiters, in addition to many other safety technologies that they believe will save countless lives, and they are using their electronic logging devices to identify drivers in need of remediation.
In today’s trucking environment, TCA members are demonstrating an operational approach to safety, not only because it makes excellent business sense, but also because of the moral imperative it represents. The effects that speed limiting technology will have on the industry as a whole will eventually create a level playing field among all carriers so that we can continue to have meaningful discussions around topics such as safety, productivity and the future of trucking technology.
TCA sincerely hopes that the association, along with those that share a similar policy, will be viewed as safety champions and pioneers of technology to truly achieve what matters most in our industry – safely delivering freight. We thank Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) for their leadership on S. 2033 and look forward to working with them and their colleagues on Capitol Hill to pass this important piece of legislation.
