Infrastructure Priorities for Supply Chain Logistics Help the Economy to Grow
End users may sometimes take supply chain functions for granted. The truth is that shippers and logistics management face congestion, bad weather and other challenges to deliver goods on time and in good condition.
Supply chain professionals invest in high-tech software and high-quality equipment such as yard trucks, but they can’t do it all by themselves. Here are five infrastructure-related priorities that should be addressed by public funding.
Congestion
Highways, rail hubs and ports in the United States are at such a high level of congestion that it’s putting our country’s shippers at a serious disadvantage with global competitors. This problem needs to be corrected so it aligns with economic growth goals.
Parking
Lack of sufficient truck parking was apparent during the stormy weather that battered the East Coast earlier this year and restricted travel on major highways. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act includes helpful provisions for building new parking areas and using existing facilities such as weigh stations.
Freight Advisory Committees
Under the FAST Act, the Department of Transportation is charged with promoting the establishment of freight advisory committees in each state. These committees would include stakeholders from the public and private sectors, enabling better communication regarding freight-related projects.
National Hiring Standards
Creating national hiring standards would eliminate confusion surrounding FMCSA credentials and help small carriers be more competitive.
Infrastructure Funding Methods
While there’s a definite need to create funding mechanisms, care should be taken to institute methods that allow collection of funds without hampering the interests of the freight companies they’re meant to help.
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