Truckers on the merits of speed limiters: No thanks

Truckers are sounding off against the idea of speed limiters on trucks, and fresh produce is being invoked as one point in their arguments against the devices.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in May posted its "intent to proceed" with a speed limiter rulemaking for commercial trucks.

According to the notice, the rulemaking will propose that motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more will be equipped with an electronic engine control unit capable of governing the maximum speed be required to limit the speed of those trucks, at a speed to be determined by the rulemaking and to maintain that setting for the service life of the vehicle.

The notice had a comment period that closed on July 18; to date, more than 15,000 comments have been posted.

Here are a few excerpts from comments against the speed limiter proposed rule that mentioned fresh produce in their arguments against the idea:

• The government needs to stay out of the way and let the truck drivers do their jobs instead of regulating our speeds and slowing down the process of delivering much-needed supplies and foods to hurting families. Especially when these items like fruits and vegetables that have a limited shelf life before making it to the shelves of grocery stores before their expiration since they are a very perishable food. 
• I haul produce. All the time. Right now, I can get back to unload in three days or less. That’s by doing the speed limit. I know I like fresh produce. And I bet you folks do, too. So, it’s only on my truck three days. Berries, lettuce, green veggies and fruit [have] a short shelf life. I need to get it off ASAP.  If it would take longer, I bet there would be signs of rot and they would need to use more chemicals to stop that. And we all know that isn’t healthy.
• I am concerned about the effect on drivers and their increased levels of stress that speed limiters will cause. Produce has a limited shelf life and every moment it sits on a truck diminishes its value. Slowing down the trucks that transports fruit and vegetables increases the risk of rejection. In conclusion, I cannot think of a single scenario where mandated speed limiters will result in improved highway safety. 

Indeed, unless regulators want more road rage, the government would be well advised to abandon the idea of a mandatory speed limiter on commercial trucks.