Tag: Newsletter 3rd Article

A major industry organization is telling Congress recent proposed legislation would unfairly hinder businesses that sell and service medium- and heavy-duty trucks by lumping them in with typical consumer automobiiles.

Recently, members of the American Truck Dealers (ATD) sent a letter to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) voicing the organization’s opposition to H.R. 1566/S. 1379, the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act.

In a statement issued by the ATD, the organization representing over 3,200 dealers said right to repair bills are “overly broad, ignore serious vehicle privacy, intellectual property, and further inhibit an industry already facing significant challenges.”

ATD’s letter to Congress said:

“… federal law has long recognized the difference between light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Medium- and heavy-duty trucks are purpose-built, highly customized vehicles sold almost exclusively to commercial and government entities — not to individual consumers. By contrast, light-duty vehicles are mass-produced for the public and designed primarily for passenger use. H.R. 1566/S. 1379 is overbroad as it would regulate a heavy-duty vocational truck such as a school bus, refuse hauler, or cement mixer the same as a family sedan.

“Supporters of H.R. 1566 and S. 1379 claim this legislation will enhance consumer repair access, but heavy-duty trucks are not consumer products. No evidence we are aware of has been presented indicating that independent repair shops are being denied the information or tools needed to repair medium- and heavy-duty trucks. In fact, service information is readily available from manufacturers, and the industry has long participated in the National Automotive Service Task Force, which provides a reliable mechanism for resolving disputes over repair data access.

“This legislation is overbroad, unnecessary, and adds needless red tape at a time when the truck industry is already facing economic challenges from regulations that have increased costs and decreased commercial truck sales. We urge Congress to reject H.R. 1566/S. 1379.”

Celebrating the hard work and commitment of professional technicians, the American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council announced recently that the sixth annual National Technician Appreciation Week will be held Sept.  21-27.

“National Technician Appreciation Week is a time to pause and thank the men and women who keep our trucks up and running,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Their professionalism and commitment to upholding exacting standards enhance the efficiency of our supply chain and help to keep everyone on the road safe.  Without technicians’ skill, knowledge, and attention to detail, our industry would not be able to deliver the goods that American families and businesses depend on.”

Professional technicians perform one of the most demanding and critical roles in trucking, said ATA in a statement. NTAW not only acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of these dedicated professionals, but also helps attract prospective talent to one of the most in-demand careers in the industry.

“We are very excited to announce the dates for the sixth annual National Technician Appreciation Week to recognize the professional technicians who are indispensable to trucking operations from coast to coast,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Without technicians ensuring vehicles are ready for service and in safe condition, drivers could not make the deliveries we rely on. This is the perfect time for our industry and the general public to show our appreciation and say ‘thank you’ to these important individuals for the valuable work they do.”