THE National Retail Federation (NRF) has told federal transport officials that proposals to limit hours truck drivers on the road means putting more trucks on already congested highways to carry the same freight in the same time period.

    The NRF also opposes night time rest periods sought be regulators because retailers use overnight deliveries to avoid daytime road congestion, particularly in urban areas, explained," NRF vice president David French.

    "More trucks at night separates truck and automobile interactions, contributing to safety. The proposed change reduces the ability to deliver at night, placing more trucks on the road during commuting hours," he said.

    "As a result of the current 11-hour daily driving limit, US retailers have been able to achieve significant efficiencies within their supply chains and distribution networks," said Mr French. "Any change to this will upset the balance and efficiencies that have been achieved and require changes to those new systems and processes.

    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) plan would increase transport costs by anywhere from three to 20 per cent depending on a specific retailer's supply chain network and operations, "and would adversely impact the U.S. economy," said Mr French.

(Source:http://www.schednet.com)