THE INDUSTRY’S REAL REASON FOR PUSHING SPEED LIMITERS
The movement for speed limiters was started in Canada by the Ontario Trucking Association, but its real intentions were not for safety or the environment. This was evident by the association’s first press release, which promised that limiters “will level the playing field.” What does this have to do with safety or the environment?
OTA’s real objective is driver retention and increased profits for large carriers. Since the first push for speed limiters, the American Trucking Associations jumped on the bandwagon, but it quickly learned through OTA’s mistake to base its proposal strictly on safety and the environment. In reality, ATA’s true objective is the same as OTA’s.
None of the supporters of these bills have mentioned limiting the speed of smaller vehicles. Yet these smaller vehicles pollute, and are they not involved in traffic accidents on our highways?
ATA, OTA and the Canadian Trucking Alliance are using a backdoor approach to retain drivers, when they simply should be paying them more.
JAMES ALDERTON
Blenheim, Ontario, Canada
HEALTH IS MOST IMPORTANT SUCCESS FACTOR
Your December cover story, “Fatal Flaws,” was true, but Pitfall No. 3 – chronic health problems and no medical coverage – should be No. 1.
On Aug. 24, 2006, I was delivering a load in San Antonio. While opening my doors, I suffered a massive heart attack. Taking care of your health is more important than a load of freight. I am only 39 years old and was otherwise physically fit when the heart attack happened.
JOE WALSH
Hudson, N.Y.
