News From ASET - February 14, 2003

Chairman Don Young Fundraiser

The Don Young fundraiser was a huge success. ASET would like to thank the American Trucking Associations for their support and help with its organization and for hosting the event in their Washington, D.C. townhouse this past Sunday, February 9, 2003.

During the course of his speech, Chairman Young (R-AK) remarked at how challenging these times are for those in the transportation industry, particularly the motor carrier segment. Citing rising congestion, driver shortages, and higher fuel and insurance costs, the Chairman asked the members attending the dinner to find new solutions to these problems - and do so without breaking the bank. ASET was formed for exactly this situation. With the adoption of six-axle single-trailer trucks that can haul up to 97,000 pounds on the Interstates, the Transportation Research Board, the Department of Transportation and several other independent groups all agree that vehicle miles traveled will decrease, leading to a corresponding reduction in accidents. They also agree that road costs will decrease, emission pollutants will decline, fuel consumption will diminish and the net result will be a SAVINGS of dollars.

This savings will not only be for the shippers and motor carriers that haul heavy products, but also the general taxpayer. With fewer accidents there would be a decline in insurance costs; with fewer VMT there will be less road and construction costs, and with more efficiency in hauling certain products, the consumer will ultimately see prices at their local stores level off. The minimal amount of additional bridge costs will be more than offset by the above-mentioned savings.

ASET will continue to push Congress to understand the critical nature of truck transportation and the problems it faces and how that relates to shippers and consumers nationwide. We cannot hold our heads in the sand and wish these issues to go away - productivity and change are inevitable.

If you would like to know how to get your voice heard on Capitol Hill, whether with Chairman Young or other Members of Congress, please contact ASET immediately at 703-549-9467.

Pittsburgh Logistics To Hold Flatbed Forum

Pittsburgh Logistics Systems will hold their first flatbed industry forum on March 11-12 in Pittsburgh, PA at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This forum will allow dozens of flatbed motor carrier companies to come together to discuss various issues and challenges facing them in the present and near future.

One of the panel discussions will be on federal weight issue and the ASET proposal. Specifically, Jake Jacoby, ASET Director and Steve Williams, ASET Co-Chairman, will both serve on a panel to give their thoughts on the ASET legislation, our strategy for the highway reauthorization bill in Congress, and how this proposal can help the flatbed industry.

If you would like to learn more about this forum, please click on the following link: http://www.eflatbed.com/factsheet.pdf

In addition, if you would like to participate in this event, please click on the following link: http://www.eflatbed.com/fifForm.html

ASET Plans Next Fly-In Event

ASET is in the midst of planning the next fly-in event in Washington, D.C. for all members and supportive participants. We are awaiting the House Transportation & Infrastructure’s committee hearings schedule to determine when would be our best time to meet. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the highway reauthorization bill, ASET will most likely plan an event in late May/early June or even more likely, late September/early October.

It is our understanding that the reauthorization process is being pushed back due to the potential imminent war with Iraq, Homeland Security issues, and a wide gap in what Chairman Young and President Bush want for transportation funding. Please continue to check ASET’s web site or call 703-549-9467 to find out more about the planned DC meeting and what you can do to ensure its success.