Fleet Management News & Business Info | Commercial Carrier Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/782964
12 commercial carrier journal | february 2017 JOURNAL NEWS Chao, Trump's pick to head DOT, names top priorities if confirmed I n a Jan. 11 confirmation hearing, U.S. Transportation Secretary nominee Elaine Chao said the Department of Transportation under her leadership would seek to balance safety regulations, economic efficiency and transportation innovation with concerns over displaced jobs and public trust. The latter concerns referenced the inroads autonomous vehicles are mak- ing in the automotive and trucking sectors, as well as the rapid growth of drones and their delivery potential. Chao said if she is confirmed to lead DOT, she would seek to address public discomfort with automated vehicles and concerns of workers such as truck drivers who could be out of a job because of such technol- ogy, even if such a scenario is years off. "We are facing new technologies, emerging technologies that will bring about great dislocations," she said. "How we as a society deal with that [without] stifling or dampening innovation — that's the balance [we want]. It's not an issue that can be decided by one person or one department. It requires national attention and discussion." Chao also told the Senate panel that while public safety will be the top priority for her DOT, she will seek a balance between restrictive regulations and the need for transportation effi- ciency and growth. "The role of the government is to foster an environment for jobs to grow," she said. "I'm very much in support of government creating the environment through which job creation and eco- nomic growth can occur." Chao's husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, offered tes- timony on her behalf and introduced her to the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing, which was the first step in her con- firmation. The committee will report to the full Senate either a favorable or unfavorable nod before a vote by the full chamber. "Transportation is the underpinning of the greatest economy in the world," Chao said in her opening remarks. "But these gains are at risk because of aging infrastructure, fatalities on highways and failure to keep up with emerging tech- nologies. I am honored for the chance to lead the department at such a pivotal historical time." Chao's most prominent role in her public career has been Secretary of Labor, a position she held during the entirety of George W. Bush's presidency, 2001-09. But Chao also has deep DOT ties, having served a stint as its deputy secretary and maritime administrator under President George H.W. Bush. "If you imagine an ideal candidate [to lead DOT], it's hard to come up with someone more qualified," said Sen. John Thune, committee chairman. On infrastructure funding, Chao mostly walked President-elect Trump's line: The federal government needs to spur private investment in U.S. infra- structure via tax breaks and other incen- tives such as toll revenue. "The government doesn't have the resources to do it all," she said. "All of us need to put our best thinking forward as to how to fund aging infrastructure." – James Jaillet Elaine Chao, nominee to head the U.S. DOT, appeared before the Senate's Commerce, Sci- ence and Transportation Committee Jan 11. R tmwsystems.com TMT FLEET MAINTENANCE DELIVERED. BIG TIME. SUPERIOR CARRIERS WANTED TO INCREASE ITS WARRANTY RECOVERY DOLLARS. RESULTS • $60,000 recovered in fi rst month — over $500,000 in fi rst year • Improved maintenance decision making • Elimination of time-intensive data entry "With TMT Fleet Maintenance software, we can look at parts purchasing trends, evaluate failure points, arrange better agreements with suppliers, determine if we need to buy extended warranties and develop better specifi cations for our fl eet." Ken Shafer Director of Maintenance Superior Carriers