Political ads, debates, and predictions—are you sick of them yet? If you’re in the trucking game, you’re probably less interested in campaign promises and more concerned with how the 2024 election affects trucking, because it will likely impact your future miles. Here’s a look into what the potential outcomes could mean for the industry and how you can stay ahead of the curve.
Economy: The Elephant (or Donkey) in the Room
Let’s face it: the economy is a top-of-mind issue for what affects trucking in 2024. Rising costs, freight rate struggles, and a freight recession still dragging on—is that the light at the end of the tunnel(?) yeah, maybe but it’s been quite a ride to get here.
Transport Topics has some interesting insight on the state of trucking that includes some politics, some opinion and some reflection from both sides. Whoever wins, the industry needs to get back on the stability highway. History shows that election years can make the market a little twitchy. Freight rates often stall as businesses hold off on big investments, but they could rebound post-election once the dust settles.
Infrastructure: A Little TLC for Our Roads?
We want both sides of the aisle to be talking about roads and bridges. The candidates might have different styles, but both are talking about infrastructure. That’s good news for trucking. Picture this: fewer potholes, better-maintained highways, and maybe some shiny new bridges. One side might lean more towards sustainable, eco-friendly projects, while the other could push for quick, business-friendly fixes. Either way, this could mean smoother rides for those 18-wheelers and a more comfortable ride for you truckers.
But we all hear the electric conversation getting louder and we should get ready for possible tweaks in the regulatory red tape—especially if the focus shifts to greener, cleaner transportation.
Labor and Immigration: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?
Trucking needs drivers—plain and simple and it’s not just the responsibility of the fleets. Labor policies are a big deal, and this election could mean some changes. If one candidate gets their way, we could see a push for more worker protections and pathways for immigrant workers, which might ease driver shortages but also bump up labor costs. On the flip side, tighter immigration policies and fewer regulations could cut those costs but make it harder to fill seats behind the wheel.
Either way, the industry will have to get creative in balancing labor costs while keeping those trucks on the road and rolling.
Fuel and Environmental Rules: Full Speed Ahead or Slow and Steady?
Fuel and emissions regulations? Yep, they’re back in the spotlight, again. One camp might want to hit the gas on deregulation, aiming to keep fuel prices lower and businesses happy. That could mean a bit of relief at the pump, but it might slow down the shift to electric fleets. The other side could lean into stricter fuel standards and more incentives for adopting electric vehicles and greener tech.
If you’re already thinking about going green, a push for more sustainability might be right up your alley. Otherwise, you might see costs climb before you see any benefits.
What’s Next? Stay Ready, Stay Agile
Here’s the bottom line: no matter who ends up in the Oval Office, the trucking industry is going to see changes. Keep an eye on the policies to stay informed as a driver. Expect change and be ready to adapt to whatever comes down the road. Whether it’s new rules for the road, labor shifts, or a fresh take on infrastructure, being in the know with your fellow drivers as well as listening to your fleet is key.
We all know traffic is expected but knowing where the congestion is can save hours and help create a more profitable environment. Fleets deserve some love from big brother and drivers deserve a break on the road and always a bit more support from the community.
EpicVue strives to bring solutions to all aspects of the industry. We’ve all been at this a long time and we know this industry isn’t going anywhere. #NothingWithoutTrucking …um YA…that’s what we all said!
