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Investing in roads quickest way to create more jobs, ATA past chair tells Obama

WASHINGTON — Investing in highways is the quickest, most efficient way to create jobs and restore the economy, American Trucking Associations Past Chairman Charles "Shorty" Whittington told President Obama Thursday at the National Jobs Summit.

“We must make a long-term commitment to highway investment in order to give construction companies certainty that when they hire new employees or buy new equipment, the investment will pay off,” said Whittington, president of Grammer Industries in Grammer, Ind. “This can't be achieved through a one-time shot in the arm. We need a multi-year investment.”

Trucking is a $660 billion industry, transporting nearly 70 percent of all freight tonnage moved in the US. Moreover, the industry employs directly or indirectly nearly nine million people in the U.S., or one in 15 civilian workers.

The recession hit the trucking industry particularly hard, as truck shipments contracted an astounding 25.5 percent from March 2008 to April 2009. Since the low point in April 2009, the number of loads has risen only modestly and recovery remains fragile.

“Infrastructure spending makes U.S. businesses more competitive. Every dollar invested in the nation’s highway system yields $5.40 in economic benefits as a result of reduced delays, improved safety and lower vehicle operating costs,” said Whittington. “In fact, if highway bottlenecks were eliminated the trucking industry could save $19 billion every year. That's more money we can invest in putting people to work and buying new equipment.”

Whittington joined other CEOs, small business owners, labor leaders and non-profit executives at today’s White House jobs forum, allowing the President to hear ideas on how to grow the economy and put Americans back to work. Whittington contributed to a breakout session titled, "Creating Jobs Through the Rebuilding of America's Infrastructure."

The Trucker staff can be reached to comment on this article at [email protected] .

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