Letters to the Editor: In the Aftermath

(Michael James - TT) "...In emergencies ... anything needed can be brought by trucks..."

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The following are excerpts of some of the letters Transport Topics received following last week's terrorist attacks.

It makes me very proud to be born a U.S. citizen when I see the outpouring of human kindness and unity that has come from this tragedy, and not from just us but from the whole world.

If with this cowardly act, we as a nation and planet develop a better and more trusting relationship, then there has been some good that has come from this. And in this very fact we have defeated the plan that this very act was to cause -- hate, fear, and distrust among ourselves.

Robert Krull

I>President and Technician

lassic 8 Motor Lube Inc.

ancouver, Wash.

_______

Trucks must keep rolling because we are the most reliable form of transportation for America’s goods. In emergencies, we deliver medical and emergency supplies, food, equipment, and unfortunately blood and body bags. Anything needed can be brought by trucks.

The terrorists thought they could stop America, and granted, some businesses did close for the day or the week. However, America’s trucking industry will keep America rolling. We can keep the mail coming, haul the equipment and supplies needed to rebuild, and we can make sure that our nation's defense products are where they need to be to keep us safe.

Ina Daly

I>2001 America’s Road Team Captain

on-Way Western Express

hoenix

________

font size=3>The employees of the LTL carriers and local delivery companies that service the Manhattan and Washington area have always had my greatest respect.

Being originally from Chicago, I understand the difficulty that the drivers face on a daily basis with congestion and inside deliveries to these downtown areas. This will be a difficult time for the companies who service these areas and the drivers that have to mentally and physically perform under tough conditions on a daily basis.

Kevin Potempa

I>Vice President LTL Operations

xel Transportation

cottsdale, Ariz.

________

font size=3>I think the best way to combat these cowardly acts is to go on with business as usual. As you pray for those less fortunate, and as you bring your family together to explain to your children that they are safe, remember your calm demeanor speaks volumes. Children find security in routine, so continue with school functions, church activities, shopping, etc. In other words, maintain your normal routine, whatever that may be.

...

n addition to the senseless loss of life, the thing that disturbs me the most is how our oil companies are taking advantage of this tragedy. Raising gasoline and diesel prices within hours of this attack is nothing but greed and those doing so must be stopped. I promise to do my part to take an active role in stopping this thievery. God bless you and your families during this difficult time.

Vern Garner

I>Chairman & CEO

arner Transportation Group

indlay, Ohio

________

As a democracy, the key should be restraint, so that more innocent folks don’t get hurt. Let’s fight the tendency to stereotype and scapegoat, and let justice prevail in due course, with, perhaps, a few more teeth in it along the way.

Jonathan R. Hefferlin

I>Transportation Specialist

anagement Recruiters

ana Point, Calif.

________

font size=3>As is normal with many of our nations great truckers, the industry rallied with relief efforts to help ease the pain of the catastrophic events of Sept. 11. Once again, so many in our industry answered the call of our great nation.

As a leading third-party provider, we have daily moves from the Chicago market to areas across the country. Yet this week, carriers acted as though they had found gold. Loads that normally cost us from $325.00 to $375.00, now had carriers demanding $1,000 or more for the same.

So many of us coordinated loads or offered equipment for free or minimal cost recovery to aid the suffering in New York and Washington, only to have the same so grossly taken advantage of is shameful to say the least. As the saying goes, “This too shall pass.” And when it does, those carriers that decided to take such reprehensible advantage of another’s tragedy will, in the end, get theirs.

Jeffrey E. Beckham

i>President

ingsgate Transportation Services Inc.

est Chester, Ohio

___________

font size=3>We do need viable airline service so our elected officials can fly around in first class. Absolutely. Somehow I also think we need a viable trucking industry. That old adage is very true: “If you got it, a truck brought it.”

Larry Posey

I>Nixa, Mo.

_________

font size=3>Soon after the attacks in New York and Washington, the federal government shut down the country’s air transportation system. That gone, FedEx Express lost the airlift capability it depends upon. And given the crushing, unplanned medical emergency in New York and Washington, Baxter Healthcare and Allegiance Healthcare were faced with the daunting logistical problem of getting quantities of much needed medical supplies to those parts of the country — and in a hurry. So they asked for our help, and alongside other interstate motor carriers, we did our dead-level best to give it.

Although in some way every Ozark employee pitched in, our operations department and our drivers — including administrative staff volunteers with CDLs — carried most of the load. They showed diligence, resiliency, discipline and resourcefulness, working willingly and well.

Steve Higginbotham

I>President

zark Motor Lines Inc.

emphis, Tenn.

7871