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Transportation

The economy and security of the nation require transportation services and facilities to provide for its need and growth.  These transportation services and facilities are best developed and maintained under private ownership with equality of treatment by government for all modes.

It is imperative that all transportation modes, particularly the essential common carriers, operate under laws, regulations, and policies fostering a healthy business climate and providing for competitive opportunities that preserve the advantages of each mode for the public good.  Such laws, regulations, and policies should assure adequate public protection against interruptions in transportation that impede the supply of products or services and affect the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

TCA wholeheartedly supports the National Transportation Policy (49 U.S.C. Section 10101) but insists that there be full enforcement and administration of all sections of the policy, as follows:

...to ensure the development, coordination, and preservation of a transportation system that meets the transportation needs of the United States, including the United States Postal Service and national defense, it is the policy of the United States Government to provide for the impartial regulation of the modes of transportation subject to this subtitle, and in regulating those modes:

1. To recognize and preserve the inherent advantage of each mode of transportation;
2. To promote safe, adequate, economical, and efficient transportation;
3. To encourage sound economic conditions in transportation, including sound economic conditions among carriers;
4. To encourage the establishment and maintenance of reasonable rates for transportation without unreasonable discrimination or unfair or destructive competitive practices;
5. To cooperate with each state and the officials of each state on transportation matters;
6. To encourage fair wages and working conditions in the transportation industry; and
7. With respect to transportation of property by motor carrier, to promote competitive and efficient transportation services in order to
   • Meet the needs of shippers, receivers, and consumers;
   • Allow a variety of quality and price options to meet changing market demands and the diverse requirements of the shipping public;
   • Allow the most productive use of equipment and energy resources;
   • Enable efficient and well-managed carriers to earn adequate profits, attract capital, and maintain fair wages and working conditions;
   • Provide and maintain service to small communities and small shippers;
   • Improve and maintain a sound, safe, and competitive privately-owned motor carrier system;
   • Promote greater participation by minorities in the motor carrier system; and
   • Promote intermodal transportation.

Government agencies should exercise all powers granted by Congress to bring about the development, coordination, and preservation of transportation in accordance with the national transportation policy.  Data collection and financial reporting should not be required by state or federal law, but carriers are encouraged to participate in voluntary data collection efforts for benchmarking purposes.

TCA will evaluate and monitor the official actions of ICC Commissioners and their staff and insure appropriate input into the nomination and appointment selection of qualified Commissioners and their staff who demonstrate the knowledge of and commitment to carrying out their responsibilities under the law.

Amended June 21, 1995