MC&E: Truckload Carriers Eye Security Costs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Higher security costs and rising insurance premiums dominated discussions Oct. 27 at the Truckload Carriers Association’s board of directors meeting here, held in conjunction with the American Trucking Association's annual Management Conference and Exhibition.

Companies said they are looking to pay more for photo identification cards to gain access to freight terminals after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Pat Quinn, chairman of the TCA board, said it “is impossible to look back without focusing on that day.”

He said hazardous material carriers might relinquish this part of the business to avoid paying higher premiums.

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Trucking industry insurance broker Steve Johnson of Columbus, Ind., told Transport Topics that some hazmat carriers could go out of business from being unable to obtain or afford the insurance, but that there will always be a core group of companies that can do the job.

"There will always be a need for hazmat drivers because of what is shipped in this country," Johnson said.

There are an estimated 800,000 truck shipments daily that are classified by the government as hazardous materials.

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