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GRAIN VALLEY, Mo., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Owner-Operator Independent
Drivers Association (OOIDA) is asking U.S. policymakers to step up and take
action in response to new research predicting a dramatic drop in new truck and
engine purchases which will ultimately lead to a break down in the trucking
industry.
NERA Economic Consulting released a study detailing implications for the
2010 emission requirements for diesel engines indicating truckers and fleet
managers will ultimately decide to not buy updated equipment because of
financial reasons and user uncertainties. This will mean huge job losses for
truck manufacturers and their suppliers, and a lack of choices for trucking
equipment consumers of all sizes.
"With record-high diesel fuel prices earlier this year, trucking companies
have already faced nearly insurmountable challenges trying to stay in
business," said Todd Spencer, Executive Vice President of OOIDA. "It's the
worst possible time for the trucking industry to take on a high stakes gamble
with no known level of reliability of the technologies or return on
investment."
The Association would like the Administration and Congress to push for a
restructured timeline, phasing in the new emission standards to allow ample
breathing room and build confidence within the trucking industry. This would
provide time to prove the worthiness of new engines, give the economy an
opportunity to recover and explore new fuel alternatives.
"With more time, the solutions will become much clearer and
environmentally much cleaner," added Spencer. "Otherwise, there will be a
delay in the intended environmental benefit because there is a disincentive to
purchasing the new technology."
The NERA report is an update to a previous study in January of 2005 in
anticipation of similar emission requirements in 2007. In 2010, truck engines
will be required to comply with more stringent emission standards for nitrogen
oxide (NOx). Various technologies are being developed and tested by engine
and truck manufacturers to meet these standards.
This is a link to the full report
(http://www.ooida.com/Documents/NERA_2010_NOx_Standard_Report.pdf) or an
executive summary of the report.
(http://www.ooida.com/Documents/NERA_2010_NOx_Standard_Executive_Summary.pdf)
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the national trade
association representing the interests of small-business trucking
professionals and professional truck drivers. OOIDA was established in 1973
and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, Mo. area. The Association
currently has more than 160,000 members from all 50 states and Canada.
SOURCE Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
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