Lack of trucks impacts potato shipping
Washington Ag Today October 1, 2010 A shortage of trucks is making it difficult for potato shippers in Washington to get fresh product to market. Matt Harris Director of Trade for the Washington State Potato Commission, says one reason for the lack of trucks is the economy. Harris: “We are seeing a lack of cargo moving from the east coast to west coast. We are seeing California emission rules move up the west coast to where companies now are having a hard time either meeting those standards by finding credit to replace equipment to be able to move into California or just giving up saying, we are done with this. So there are equipment shortages. We are seeing driver shortages.” A consequence is higher freight charges. Harris: “One of our shippers quoted me prices that increased over a year ago by 44%. It is really hard as a business to absorb these costs. So what do you do?” Likely meaning says Harris, a lower return to the grower for potatoes. Harris says they need more small trucking firms getting back into business but he doesn’t see that coming down the roadway. That’s Washington Ag Today. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today. Good health tomorrow. I’m Bob Hoff on Northwest Aginfo Net. ? ?
