National Trucking Survey Key Findings from a Surveys of 800 Registered Voters Conducted September 20-24, 2014 and August 30- September 1, 2015 Neil Newhouse, Partner
Take-Away Points
Take-Away Points 1. There seems to be an increased level of concern among Americans about the condition of the nation s transportation infrastructure, as 60% of those interviewed believe the country should be spending more money on infrastructure - rivaling the support for increased spending on K-12 spending. 2. Obviously, that support for increased infrastructure spending is linked to the strong sentiment that the condition of the nation s roads, highways and bridges are not in good shape and are not being maintained properly.
Take-Away Points 3. The challenge is how to pay for the repairs/modernization needed, and on that there s no consensus. If anything, there s confusion. First, Americans believe that state governments should be responsible for the funding of infrastructure improvement, rather than the federal government. Second, while a majority of Americans believe that taxes will have to be raised to pay for infrastructure improvements, none of the four proposals offered break 37% public support.
Take-Away Points 4. The image of the trucking industry remains strong, and is strongly linked to the sentiment that trucks move the country and stock the shelves with everything we buy. Concerns voters have about the industry revolve around safety issues (drivers working long hours, driving too fast, taking too many risks). 5. Nonetheless, Americans rate the industry s safety record positively, and believe that truck drivers are overwhelmingly safer and more responsible than passenger car drivers.
Take-Away Points 6. Half of Americans say they know someone who works in the trucking industry and those Trucking Ambassadors are overwhelmingly positive toward the industry. They should be encouraged to spread the word.
National Voter Attitudes Toward the Trucking Industry
Federal Government Spending Priorities
When voters were asked whether the federal government should spend more or less on each of the following priorities... K 12 Public Schools Transportation Infrastructure, like Roads and Highways Anti Terrorism and National Defense Health care Environmental protection Providing financial support for those with college student loans Food and drug inspection Government assistance to the unemployed 9
Schools came out on top, with transportation infrastructure spending close behind. Now, thinking for a moment about the priorities of the federal government. As you know, there isn t enough money to meet the needs of the country in every area, so our political leaders have to prioritize how federal tax dollars are spent. For each of the following areas, do you believe the country should spend more money, less money or about the same as it is spending right now? K-12 Roads Defense Enviro. Student Loans Health Care Food/Drug Inspection Asst. to Unemployed 64% 60% 49% 41% 41% 39% 31% 21% More More More More More More More More Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Questions asked of Sample A only. 10
Series 1 That s a significant change from a year ago. Now, thinking for a moment about the priorities of the federal government. As you know, there isn t enough money to meet the needs of the country in every area, so our political leaders have to prioritize how federal tax dollars are spent. For each of the following areas, do you believe the country should spend more money, less money or about the same as it is spending right now? K through 12 public schools Transportation infrastructure, like roads, bridges and highways 61% 64% 48% 60% More More More More September 2014 September 2015 September 2014 September 2015 11
A majority of voters across party lines support increased funding for transportation infrastructure. For each of the following areas, do you believe the country should spend more money, less money or about the same as it is spending right now? 52% Transportation infrastructure, like roads, bridges and highways By Party +43 +55 +50 64% 63% 9% 9% 13% More Less More Less More Less GOP (27%) IND (40%) DEM (32%) 12
And, when asked to prioritize federal spending for each of the following... Improving K-12 education Repairing and improving the nation's roads, bridges and highways Increasing funding for research into cancer and diseases like Alzheimer's Providing funding to make housing more affordable 13
Infrastructure spending topped funding for both disease research and affordable housing. Do you believe that each of the following areas should be a top priority for federal spending, a middle priority for federal spending, or a lesser priority for federal spending? K-12 Roads/Highways Disease Research Affordable Housing 65% 40% 35% 27% Top Priority Top Priority Top Priority Top Priority Total Total Total Total Questions asked of Sample B only. 14
Assessing the Condition of the Nation s Roads, Bridges and Highways
Americans rate the condition of the nation's roads, bridges and highways poorly. Thinking about the nation s roads, highways and bridges... Would you say they are in excellent, good, only fair or poor condition? -43-48 71% 73% 28% 22% Poor 25% 27% Poor Excellent/Good September 2014 Fair/Poor Excellent/Good September 2015 Fair/Poor 16
77% This sentiment cuts across all regions of the country. Thinking about the nation s roads, highways and bridges... Would you say they are in excellent, good, only fair or poor condition? 70% By Region -56-42 -51-40 75% 69% 21% 28% 24% 29% Excellent/ Good Fair/ Poor Excellent/ Good Fair/ Poor Excellent/ Good Fair/ Poor Excellent/ Good Fair/ Poor Northeast (21%) Midwest (22%) South (34%) West (23%) 17
And, by two-to-one, voters believe the nation s roads, bridges and highways are not being properly maintained. And, do you believe that the nation s roads, highways and bridges are being maintained properly or not? -31 63% 32% Yes, Maintained Properly Total No, Not Maintained Properly 18
Paying to Update the Nation s Infrastructure
Congress s spinelessness on transportation By Editorial Board October 13 A sustainable source of funding to maintain and upgrade infrastructure is a basic requirement for any modern nation. Congress had one for decades. But the 18.4 cents-per-gallon gas tax hasn t been increased since the early 1990s, and inflation has eroded its purchasing power. Modestly hiking the tax and indexing it to inflation this time would prevent Congress from having to constantly look under the cushions in search of money for the transportation budget. It would also make drivers pay for the roads they use. 20
When voters are asked whose responsibility it is to modernize and repair the nation's roads, bridges and highways... Now, it is estimated that in order to repair, update and modernize the nation s roads, highways and bridges, it would cost $4 trillion over the next 25 years. Whose responsibility do you believe it is to provide the funding to modernize and repair the nation s roads, bridges and highways? Is it mainly the responsibility of the federal government or mainly the responsibility of the state governments? 21
The answer is surprising: funding should come from the states. Now, it is estimated that in order to repair, update and modernize the nation s roads, highways and bridges, it would cost $4 trillion over the next 25 years. Whose responsibility do you believe it is to provide the funding to modernize and repair the nation s roads, bridges and highways? Is it mainly the responsibility of the federal government or mainly the responsibility of the state governments? 33% -20 53% Federal Government Total State Governments 22
Surprise #2: A majority of Americans believe taxes will have to be raised to fix the nation's roads, bridges and highways. And, do you believe that the federal government can pay for the four trillion dollar cost to fix the nation s roads, bridges and highways WITHOUT raising taxes or fees, or do you believe it WILL BE NECESSARY to raise taxes or fees to pay for this? -11 42% 53% Without Raising Taxes Total Necessary to Raise Taxes 23
And, a plurality of voters across party lines agree taxes will have to be raised. And, do you believe that the federal government can pay for the four trillion dollar cost to fix the nation s roads, bridges and highways WITHOUT raising taxes or fees, or do you believe it WILL BE NECESSARY to raise taxes or fees to pay for this? By Party -1-7 -24 47% 48% 50% 43% 37% 61% Without Raising Taxes GOP (27%) Necessary to Raise Taxes Without Raising Taxes IND (40%) Necessary to Raise Taxes Without Raising Taxes DEM (32%) Necessary to Raise Taxes 24
But, here comes the rub: When voters are asked about four possible financing proposals...
1. Raising federal taxes on gas and diesel five cents a year, every other year for the next eight years. 2. Raising federal income taxes by one percent, earmarking the additional funds for the Highway Trust Fund. 3. Placing a toll on all interstate highways in the country. 4. Double the state fee to register vehicles.
Support doesn't break the 40% level. Now, I d like to read you several ways that are being considered to pay for this construction and repair, and please tell me whether you would favor or oppose each one. Raising federal taxes on gas and diesel five cents a year, every other year for the next eight years. Raising federal income taxes by one percent, earmarking the additional funds for the Highway Trust Fund. Placing a toll on all interstate highways in the country. Double the state fee to register vehicles. 2014 Data 29% 70% 36% 62% 23% 76% 24% 74% -25-24 -47-49 73% 74% 62% 61% 37% 37% 26% 25% Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Total Total Total Total 27
And, when voters are "forced" to choose one of the four funding proposals...
There's no clear winner. And, if you had to choose ONE of these four proposals to pay to modernize the nation s roads bridges and highways, which ONE would you choose? Total 2014 Data Raising the federal gas tax 26% 23% Raising federal income taxes by 1% 25% 25% Placing a toll on all interstate highways 22% 23% Doubling the registration fees 15% 17% 29
However, telling voters that the proposed gas tax increase would cost the average driver just $2 a week helps sway some support. Now, thinking about the proposal to raise federal taxes on gas and diesel... If you knew that the average driver would pay just $2 a week more in fuel if the tax was raised by 20 cents per gallon, would be more supportive or less supportive of this proposal? -27-1 61% 34% 46% 47% More Supportive Less Supportive More Supportive Less Supportive September 2014 September 2015 30
There is continued strong opposition to giving states the authority to toll existing interstate highways. Now, some people have proposed changing federal law to allow states to toll the existing lanes of Interstate Highways to pay for transportation improvements. Do you support or oppose giving states the authority to toll existing Interstate Highways which have already been paid for? -23 60% -41 69% 37% 28% Support September 2014 Oppose Support September 2015 Oppose 31
Image of the Trucking Industry
Americans overwhelmingly believe that trucks move more freight than railroads or airplanes. Now, thinking about transportation of goods and products across the country... Which one of the following modes of transportation do you believe moves more freight in the U.S.? 60% 63% 33% 29% Trucking Railroads September 2014 6% 5% Airplanes Trucking Railroads September 2015 Airplanes 33
The image of the trucking industry remains very positive. Now, I would like to read you some names of different industries. For each one, please tell me, first whether you've heard of the industry; then, if so, please tell me whether you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of that industry. The Trucking Industry +56 +51 65% 60% 23% Very 24% Very Favorable September 2014 9% 9% Unfavorable Favorable September 2015 Unfavorable 34
Better than either the railroad or airline industries. Now, I would like to read you some names of different industries. For each one, please tell me, first whether you've heard of the industry; then, if so, please tell me whether you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of that industry. The Trucking Industry The Railroad Industry The Airline Industry +51 +43 +17 60% 55% 48% 24% Very Fav 9% Unfav 19% Very Fav 12% Unfav 13% Very Fav Total Total Total 31% 11% Very Unfav 35
Interestingly, the railroad industry edges out trucking among Democrats and voters in the Northeast. Railroad Industry Image vs. Trucking Industry Image Democrats Northeast 44% 50% 51% 55% 13% 13% 13% 16% Fav Unfav Fav Unfav Fav Unfav Fav Unfav Trucking Industry Raildroad Industry Trucking Industry Raildroad Industry 36
The trucking industry's biggest fans? Now, I would like to read you some names of different industries. For each one, please tell me, first whether you've heard of the industry; then, if so, please tell me whether you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of that industry. The Trucking Industry 80% 70% 69% 68% 66% 66% Fav Fav Fav Fav Fav Fav Men 55+ (17%) Rural (16%) GOP (27%) 55+ (42%) Midwest (22%) IND (40%) 37
Voters were asked the first two or three things that come to mind regarding the trucking industry...
Positive impressions revolved around: Dependable and efficient for the transportation of goods. Provides thousands of jobs. Hard-working drivers. 39
Verbatim Comments It gets us 90% of everything I buy at the store in the least expensive manner. This country would crash and burn without the trucking industry. If it were not for them, truck stops would not exist. They are safe drivers. They get stuff to and from where it needs to be. They are pretty hard workers. Our country depends on it. We need to move the food around the country and we are doing it through the trucking industry. We depend on them and they keep things moving. They move the goods from here to there no matter what industry you're talking about. If it's construction, they move construction. If it's groceries, they move groceries. They go where the railroads can't go.
Verbatim Comments There is a three-day supply of food in your grocery store and they keep that full. So, you eat because of them. I like most that they are out there trying to make a living and least that they tear up the highways and they should have kept the railroads for that purpose. Every time I see a trucker down the road, I know they're hard working Americans and not getting welfare or food stamps. It's efficient. They move goods in a very quick manner at a minimum of expense. The fact that you can move anywhere in the United States. The US without trucking, you cannot do anything. Even to an airline you can't do anything. Basically you need truck drivers and the trucking industry or you will not have an America. Moving of oil, food supplies, and all other kinds of things like furniture and other things that need to move down the highways. They are able to move supplies as they need to be.
Those who are not quite as positive focus on: Damage to Infrastructure Safety concerns (overworked drivers) Traffic congestion Negative environmental impact 42
Verbatim Comments It contributes too much to pollution. I think there's not enough regulation of the drivers. I do not like them on the freeway with me. They scare me. I do not know if they are tired. They literally scare me. Don't like the traffic. But I do like the majority of truckers out there. Just the traffic - I live in Jersey, so I think that speaks for itself. They're responsible for the terrible repair on roads because all of the traffic you know, wear and tear. Too many trucks tearing up the highways and no money to repair them. The trucking companies are not carrying their full load for that sort of thing. Least, I feel like they try to get around regulations and sometimes they're not safe. They don't follow the rules and put people in danger because they don't keep their equipment up to standard.
Verbatim Comments Too many trucks on the roads. Safety, going too fast. One thing I don't care for, they drive too fast even along short distances. They drive like they're crazy and they need a slower speed limit. Least about it, truck drivers. Hogging up all the lanes, creating traffic jams, doing 90 miles per hour on the highway, running you off the road. They use the roads and don't pay enough taxes for the roads they use and they push their drivers too far. The two or three things that come to mind when thinking of trucking industry is poor driving habits by truck drivers, too little time to move goods, and poor safety on tires. I think there are more efficient ways to transport things. I think railroads would be more efficient than trucks running down the roads.
The Trucking Industry and Safety
Attitudes toward the trucking industry s safety record remain positive. And, would you say the trucking industry s safety record is excellent, good, only fair or poor? +21 +22 57% 57% 36% 35% Excellent/Good Fair/Poor Excellent/Good Fair/Poor September 2014 September 2015 46
Nearly 70% of voters believe the industry's safety record has improved or stayed the same over the last twenty years. And, do you believe that the industry s safety record has gotten better, gotten worse, or stayed about the same over the last twenty years? 71% 69% 39% 32% 34% 21% 19% 35% Better Worse Stayed The Same Better Worse Stayed The Same September 2014 September 2015 47
And, when Americans are asked to compare truck drivers to passenger car drivers... Now, from your personal experience, who do you believe is more likely to make unsafe traffic maneuvers like tailgating, aggressive driving or improperly changing lanes? Would you say it is truck drivers or passenger vehicle drivers? 48
Nearly identical results to a year ago: Passenger car drivers are more likely to make unsafe traffic maneuvers... Now, from your personal experience, who do you believe is more likely to make unsafe traffic maneuvers like tailgating, aggressive driving or improperly changing lanes? Would you say it is truck drivers or passenger vehicle drivers? -84-83 91% 91% 7% 8% Truck Drivers September 2014 Passenger Vehicle Truck Drivers September 2015 Passenger Vehicle 49
Are more likely to break the speed limit... Who do you believe violates highway speed limits more often? Would you say it is truck drivers or passenger vehicle drivers? -82-82 90% 89% 8% 7% Truck Drivers September 2014 Passenger Vehicle Truck Drivers September 2015 Passenger Vehicle 50
And, are more likely to cause a crash between a truck and a car. And, when a car and a truck are involved in a collision, who do you think is more likely to have caused the crash? Would you say it is the truck driver or the passenger vehicle drivers? -59-54 74% 70% 15% 16% Truck Drivers September 2014 Passenger Vehicle Truck Drivers September 2015 Passenger Vehicle 51
Americans simply say that truck drivers are safer highway drivers. And, who do you generally believe are safer drivers on the highways? Would you say it is truck drivers or passenger vehicle drivers? +64 +68 80% 81% Truck Drivers 16% Passenger Vehicle Truck Drivers 2014 2015 13% Passenger Vehicle 52
Other Truck Industry Issues
There is strong opposition to reducing highway speed limits for cars and trucks to improve safety and reduce vehicle emissions. Do you favor or oppose reducing highway speed limits for both cars and trucks to improve safety and reduce vehicle emissions? -40 69% 29% Favor Total Oppose 54
There is also strong opposition to requiring car manufacturers to produce cars with technology to limit their speeds. Now, as you may know, sixteen states have interstate speed limits in excess of 70 miles per hour. Do you favor or oppose requiring car manufacturers to produce cars with technology to limit their speeds? 35% Total By Gender -28-48 -10 73% 63% 44% 25% 54% Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Total Men (48%) Women (52%) 55
But, Americans DO favor requiring truck manufacturers to produce trucks with technology to limit their speeds. And, do you favor or oppose requiring truck manufacturers to produce trucks with technology to limit their speeds? Total By Gender +15-2 +30 56% 41% 47% 49% 64% 34% Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Favor Oppose Total Men (48%) Women (52%) 56
Truck Industry Ambassadors
Nearly half of Americans say they know someone who works in the trucking industry. Do you happen to know someone who works in the trucking industry? -2-3 49% 51% 48% 51% Yes September 2014 No Yes No September 2015 58
And, their impressions of the industry are overwhelmingly positive. And generally speaking, is that person s impression of the trucking industry very positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative or very negative?* +75 +73 85% 83% 10% 10% Positive September 2014 Negative Positive Negative *Asked if knew someone in trucking industry. September 2015 59
As we ve seen previously, those Americans who know someone in the trucking industry have a much more favorable impression of the industry. Trucking Industry Image 72% 59% By Know Someone in Trucking September 2014 September 2015 +64 +49 +62 +40 71% 49% Yes, Know Someone (49%) 8% 10% 9% 9% Fav Unfav Fav Unfav Fav Unfav Fav Unfav No, Don't Know Someone (51%) Yes, Know Someone (48%) No, Don't Know Someone (51%) 60
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