The double trailer and legislative regulation

For some time now, the issue of the prohibition of cargo transport known as double trailers has been part of the legislative discussion. It is an issue that always comes up. Against it are those who have legitimate concerns about the issue of road accidents, but also carriers of other modes, interested in taking part in the business. In this, as in other public policy issues, it is reasonable to establish a program to achieve the desired objectives, in which legislation is part of it. Not the other way around.

The main consequence of a ban of this nature is economic (the figure could exceed 20 million pesos), but also in prices, since logistics represent around 8% of the costs of a product. The Public Finance Center of the Chamber of Deputies estimates that the cost of the measure just for the conservation and maintenance of the roads exceeds 500 million pesos. In a country with intense foreign trade, the effects can be very serious in terms of competitiveness. The costs are also environmental, more vehicles will consume more diesel, now subsidized. Problems would be generated in the fuel supply, Pemex has 671 double-trailer tank trucks with the capacity to move 144,000 barrels per day.

In reality, if they prohibit what will be on the roads are a greater number of cargo vehicles, many of them not in the best mechanical conditions, so the risks of accidents would rather increase. In reality, the double trailer, essential for loading entire sectors of the economy, is only responsible for 5% of road accidents (which are obviously cumbersome), because there are fewer vehicles and, in general, their administration is more professional.

To reduce road accidents, several actions are required, such as improving the conditions of roads, highways and highways, but the fundamental thing is to work with the human factor. What is essential is to have trained drivers, through the use of technology such as simulators, who drive only the recommended hours, and who have adequate rest spaces and means of communication and support throughout the journey. We have to develop better human capital in logistics, a fundamental area for an economy as open and industrial as Mexico’s, which can be an important source of good quality jobs. Investments are also required to renew the vehicle fleet, with better safety and pollution reduction devices. The SCT would have to strengthen the regulation, the verification of the regulations, especially in aspects such as dimensions, as well as establish verifiable agreements with the companies to improve transport conditions.

Twitter: @vidallerenas