Page 34 - ATR 6 2013 digital

“This is an industry that has mas- as successes—electronic logging man-
sive costs in people assets and physical date and creation of a drug and alcohol
“i like beiNg here assets, at percentages much higher than clearinghouse—Lofgren is encouraged
aNd [am] proud other industries,” Lofgren said. “The and confident in the Trucking Alliance’s
of The geNTlemeN airline industry looks like that and they future.
“I like being here and proud of the
have really struggled to generate returns
arouNd me for for shareholders. gentlemen around me for helping lead
helpiNg lead The “You know, a number of people the industry to a higher road,” said
iNdusTry To a higher in this industry have found ways to do Lofgren. “I think that’s what leaders do.
And this group represents leaders who
that. But it’s just recognizing that, at
road.” this point, there really is no price that have that vision. There are many others
—chris lofgreN, can overcome the regulations and other out there in the industry who are start-
presideNT & ceo, things we face,” said Lofgren. “It takes ing to agree with us. Nothing happens
schNeider NaTioNal a lot of pennies per mile to overcome a fast enough but that’s all the more rea-
physical asset that is sitting still.” son why we intend to make sure we get
With its first two initiatives marked it done.”

TECH, ries are assuaged through training, With the technology evolving so
Continued from page 21 orientation and word of mouth. “Once rapidly and more fleets using it, the
you get testimonials, once the drivers question becomes, will it eventually
start talking about it, the product will be mandated? The National Highway
aren’t offended by active systems, but sell itself,” Newell said. “The fleet will Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
they are leery because the computer accept it. These systems are so much has issued a notice of proposed rule-
works faster than they can. Those wor- more advanced than the early systems.” making that, if the rule is finalized,
would require motor carrier manu-
facturers to include stability control
technologies, and the National Traffic
Safety Board has recommended NHTSA
mandate collision mitigation technol-
ogy on heavy trucks and passenger
cars. New commercial vehicle models
above certain weight limits in Europe
must have collision mitigation systems
and lane departure warnings, with a
phase-in for existing models beginning
2O14 Arkansas Trucking Association in 2015.
CalArk’s Hare said she can foresee
Annual Business Conference crash avoidance technologies becom-
& ing standard someday, though she said
Vendor Showcase the extra costs will be a hardship for
some carriers. Maverick’s Newell didn’t
Hilton Branson Convention Center • Branson, Missouri know if the systems would be mandat-

May 21-23, 2014 ed. However, he believes carriers should
do all they can to create safer roads.
“My family runs up and down
Riding Out the Tide this highway just like you do and your
family does, and to me, I think it’s the
right thing to do,” he said.
Visit the Calendar of Events for More Information
www.arkansastrucking.com

34 arkaNsas TruckiNg reporT | issue 6 2013