FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2017
Washington, D.C.— Today, a diverse group of American shippers, deliverers, and retailers launched the Americans for Modern Transportation (AMT) coalition. The group will actively work to improve transportation infrastructure and policy to reflect, and meet, the growing needs of modern businesses and consumers.
“To continue moving America forward, infrastructure investment cannot simply be improved roads and bridges. We need to lay the groundwork for a modern transportation system,” said the Americans for Modern Transportation. “Central to this goal is combining infrastructure enhancements with efficient trucking and policies as well as incentives for better safety and fuel technology. We are excited to work with transportation leaders and innovators in the new administration and 115th Congress to make strides towards a modern transportation system,” they added.
The growth of e-commerce in the modern economy necessitates quick and reliable shipping for the 122.5 million households and 7.5 million domestic businesses that now rely on the transportation system to obtain goods every day. Safety, sustainability, and technology improvements such as Twin 33 trailers, smart road technologies, and increased investment in the Highway Trust Fund will support a productive and efficient interstate commerce system that works for all drivers.
“Safety, efficiency, and sustainability must be top priorities. Every year, more people and more goods use and wear our transportation infrastructure. We need more investment, but we need smart infrastructure reforms that meet these priorities. We look forward to championing safety and efficiency on the nation’s roadways as President-elect Trump’s infrastructure plan comes to fruition,” added the Coalition.
The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates approximately $200 billion in annual investments are needed to significantly improve deficient road and bridge infrastructure. As the private sector continues to make investments in new technologies, including upgraded fleets, Americans need the same forward-looking effort from our partners in federal and state governments.
The coalition’s founding members include Amazon, American Highway Users Alliance, Carbon War Room, FedEx, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, International Foodservice Distributors Association, International Warehouse Logistics Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association Of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Retail Federation, National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, North American Council For Freight Efficiency, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Securing America’s Future Energy, The National Industrial Transportation League, ULINE, UPS, U.S. Chamber Of Commerce, and YRCW.
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About Americans for Modern Transportation
Americans for Modern Transportation represents the nation’s largest shippers, deliverers, and retailers who are committed to improving the safety and efficiency of America’s transportation system and modernizing the delivery of products across the country. Visit americansformoderntransportation.org and follow @amtcoalition on Twitter for more information.