People in the trucking industry are hoping that the upcoming major transportation re-authorization bill will pass soon. Many groups are even optimistic that it will pass despite the fact that not a whole lot of bills have been getting through congress lately. But when it comes to transportation bills there’s hope, like when the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act passed in a divided government three presidents ago.

One of the reasons why the trucking industry is looking forward to this bill passing so much is because of all the challenges currently facing the industry. Mainly, there’s a rather serious truck driver shortage at the moment. The shortage is brought on by a lot of things, not least of all the fact that it isn’t an easy occupation. Also it is more difficult to find qualified drivers because of new, more stringent hiring requirements. The troubles are all over too. Whether you’re moving something from Michigan to Florida or Portland to New Jersey there are new paradigms that people in the trucking industry have to be aware of in order to succeed.

And of course, there’s the issue we touched on before about the new restrictions to the amount drivers are allowed to work in a week, in particular the 34-hour restart provision. Many in the industry are claiming that these regulations are having a negative impact on the efficiency and productivity of its members. Under the new rules California to New York auto transport becomes a much more challenging task due to the distance that has to be traveled.

It still remains to be seen what (if anything) is to be done about these issues but it is likely to be a topic of debate for quite some time. You can read up more on these issues here.