The biggest challenges in 2011 will be the implementation of CSA 2010, finding enough capacity, and addressing infrastructure financing.
In recent years, brokers and shippers have developed carrier qualification systems and carrier monitoring systems. These actions have become necessary in light of vicarious liability and negligent hiring lawsuits resulting from truck accidents. The tort lawyers have argued that anyone that hires a truck has a responsibility for the proper selection of the truck.
CSA 2010 introduces an entirely new way for the federal government to assess and provide carrier safety data for users. The introduction of a new system requires the development and implementation of new qualification procedures and revised monitoring software.
CSA 2010 will exacerbate, hopefully only for the short run, an already existing capacity shortage. We have seen drivers exit the system and carriers fail with each change in policy. We entered the recession with a severe driver shortage; it hasn’t gotten better. We entered the recession with carriers selling equipment overseas and intermodal operators not ordering new equipment. We are already seeing spot shortages in all markets and modes, and it is likely to get worse through 2012.
A perennial concern is the lack of true national investment in infrastructure maintenance and expansion. In our current political environment, if we want to invest in infrastructure, then we as an industry must get behind a funding mechanism and support those members of Congress that support the industry, even if it means raising taxes.