Discussions With Companies From The Pennsylvania Motor Trucking Association

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Industry Solutions
Discussions with representatives from the Pennsylvania Motor Trucking Association revolved around issues facing the trucking industry today as well as corrective and future actions needed to bring about beneficial change. The trucking industry is a major source of revenue and employment in the Commonwealth and across the nation. In 2015, the industry provided the state with 295,000 high-paying jobs, employing about 1 out of every 17 people. The average industry salary from that same year was $48,452. The trucking representatives claimed that beginners make around $40,000 annually and, over time, can make up to $100,000. The representatives came prepared with claims they believe would beneficially impact the industry. They …show more content…

Under CFR Part 391.11: General Qualifications of Drivers, only drivers 21 years or older can legally drive a commercial truck across state lines. The Constitution has given the Congress the power to regulate this interstate commerce. ATA and PMTA desire to see individuals age 18-20 lawfully able to operate, for example, a 10,000 pound commercial truck across state lines. The representatives want to do away with this legal issue to attract younger Pennsylvanians to the industry. Today, there is about a 50,000 driver shortage in the commercial trucking industry. If current trends continue, that number will balloon to 175,000 by 2024. As the average age of industry drivers, and the state population as a whole, rises, the demand for new truck operators will only increase. Allowing capable and younger drivers to operate smaller, commercial vehicles will help meet that …show more content…

They said current taxes on small business hurt their companies, their customers and their industry. They desire to see a lowering of corporate and personal taxes to incentive business to grow and reinvest, while retaining IRS Code, 1031 – Like Kind Exchanges. They claimed it would increase the amount of amount of capital that goes back into the economy, and the industry, as businesses and individuals buy and upgrade new and existing equipment. As to toll roads, PMTA does not desire to see current tolls increased, but they are willing to pay tolls on newly constructed