After considerable consideration, it is my conclusion that there is but one solution to the crisis that is fair, would work for the long term and is in the best interest of our economy. That solution is a limited form of federal intervention in trucking. It pains my right-wing conservative heart to even make that suggestion. But there are certain immutable facts that make me think a fuel surcharge, mandated by the Surface Transportation Board, is right for trucking and right for the economy. Within a few pennies, truckers of all sizes are buying fuel at the same cost.
Fuel constitutes a major component of the expenses of all truckers.
Small carriers make up a substantial portion of the distribution system and are a source of competition that makes trucking a bargain. Smaller carriers, particularly ones using brokers, cannot get surcharges. Bigger carriers spend enormous time and energy attempting to get surcharges, with mixed results. Without some long-term solution to the problems that are created by the volatility of the supply of crude oil, truckers lack the ability to survive for long. We need long-term solutions.