innovate arkansas

In a jointly signed letter, available here, Reps. Mike Ross, John Boozman, Vic Snyder and Marion Berry, at the behest of the Arkansas Trucking Association, petitioned Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner to initiate an examination the ripple effects caused by surging diesel prices.

The letter cites the price of diesel fuel soaring $1.31 a gallon higher than the previous year to its current cost of $3.98 a gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration.

The Arkansas Trucking Association board of directors voted on March 20 to seek congressional hearings on the subject.

"All of our congressmen responded quickly and are committed to addressing this national problem that record high diesel fuel prices pose to interstate commerce," said Lane Kidd, president of the association.

The congressional missive addresses how both consumers and employees have been affected by the climbing cost. "Approximately four million people are employed by trucking companies, which about 95 percent are small family owned businesses. Unfortunately, many of these businesses have fallen victim to the exorbitant cost of diesel fuel and have already closed down, or dramatically scaled back their operation as a result." The letter continues to outline how the rising fuel prices jack up the price of transportation, which is, in the end, pulled from consumers' pockets.

"As the U.S. Congress continues working to address rising energy prices and record demand, we believe it is critically important for us to investigate events such as these that have a direct impact on American families, businesses and our economy."

A group of 335 trucking companies are members of the Arkansas Trucking Association. Larger member companies headquartered in Arkansas include: J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. of Lowell, ABF Freight Systems Inc. of Fort Smith, USA Truck Inc. of Van Buren, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s transportation division of Bentonville, Maverick Transportation Inc. of North Little Rock, P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc. of Tontitown, and Tyson Foods Inc.'s transportation division at Springdale.