TruckingIndustry.news

Changes to Aluminum and Steel Imports May Impact Trucking Production Jobs and U.S. Defense

by Jake Tully - Published: 6/27/2017

As talk of changing procedure for import rules on aluminum and other materials circulates through the United States Department of Commerce, commercial motor vehicle organization Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association warns against its potential impact on the trucking industry.

In a statement released by MEMA earlier this week, the manufacturing organization projected that modifying current practices towards obtaining aluminum and related manufacturing materials may put American-based manufacturers at risk and could deplete an otherwise growing job base in the manufacturing sector.

In addition to potentially impacting the defense industry in the country, MEMA also projects that the lack of resources could severely effect the trucking industry and reduce opportunities within the American trucking sector as well.

In other news
January 05, 2018 - Trucker Faces 20 Years After Pleading Guilty To Smuggling Alien Found Dead In Locked Toolbox
January 02, 2018 - Police Identify 2 Oregon Truck Drivers Killed In Fiery Head-On Crash
December 27, 2017 - Iowa First Of Eight States To Debut New Truck Parking Information System


In a press release issued earlier this week, Steve Handschuch, MEMA President and CEO discussed the negative projection these potential changes may cause in regards to both the commercial vehicle industry and the potential risk of jeopardizing national security.

“Our member companies provide components and parts to vehicle manufacturers purchased by the defense industry, as well as replacement parts and systems for maintenance and repair,” said Handschuch. “Just like the vehicles purchased by individual consumers, technological and material innovations by our member companies have resulted in safer and more efficient products for the U.S. defense industry.”

According to MEMA, restricting access to steel and aluminum and the proposed changes may include changes in quotas, taxes, tariffs, and other policies that impact material imports. In relation to commercial motor vehicle production, any changes in the current supply chain are likely to cause a ripple through trucking parts, production, and continued ease of maintenance.

MEMA reports that the arena of motor vehicle supplies employ over 870,000 people in the country, and through including indirect jobs and employment-related jobs to this sector, there are over 4.26 million occupations impacted by the motor vehicle production industry.