Truckers Diverted on Extended Routes as I-95 Section Collapses, Inflating Consumer Goods Expenses
The recent collapse of Highway I-95 is expected to have a major impact on the trucking industry.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made a commitment on June 13 to expedite the repair of the primary north-south highway on the East Coast, acknowledging that the destruction of a segment of I-95 will inevitably lead to increased costs of consumer goods due to extended travel distances for truckers.
Buttigieg addressed the media near the location where an uncontrolled tractor-trailer carrying gasoline overturned on an off-ramp of Interstate 95, subsequently igniting a fire. He expressed concerns about disruptions in trucking routes, which will undoubtedly exert upward pressure on shipping expenses along the entire East Coast.
After inspecting the site, Buttigieg assured reporters, amidst the clamor of heavy machinery and demolition, that all necessary resources would be provided to assist Pennsylvania in swiftly and safely repairing the bridge.
Bridge Collapse Currently Under Repair, No Time or Date Set Yet.
As the summer travel season commences, the collapse of the bridge has caused severe traffic congestion in Philadelphia, affecting hundreds of thousands of morning commutes, disrupting numerous businesses, and necessitating alternative routes for trucking companies. Replacing and repairing the damaged section will likely require several weeks, at the very least.
Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Transportation, Michael Carroll, stated that demolition work is ongoing 24/7, and his department intends to unveil a replacement plan for the approximately 100-foot (30-meter) section of I-95 on Wednesday.
Buttigieg admitted that he had not received any estimates regarding the potential cost increases for consumers but assured that the trucking industry is actively seeking alternative routes. He also mentioned that the U.S. Department of Transportation is collaborating with route-planning software companies such as Google and Waze to optimize their services.
For the time being, I-95 will remain closed in both directions.
The elevated southbound section of I-95 will require demolition, alongside the northbound side, according to officials.
“At the end of the day, there is no substitute for a fully functional I-95,” emphasized Buttigieg.
I-95 Bridge Collapse Significantly Impacting Trucking Routes
Out of the 160,000 vehicles that use this segment daily, approximately 8% are trucks, signifying a significant portion of America’s GDP that relies on this roadway, he added.
Subodha Kumar, a professor at Temple University’s Fox School of Business specializing in statistics, operations, and data science, acknowledged that without analyzing all the alternative trucking routes, it is impossible to precisely determine the extent of shipping delays and increased costs. However, Kumar emphasized that the additional expenses will not be negligible and will have repercussions lasting for weeks or even longer. The impact will extend to commerce with Canada and create ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain.
“Even a minor disruption can have exponential consequences and amplify the magnitude of changes,” Kumar warned.
Perishable foods will be particularly affected in the immediate term, he noted.
State police authorities reported that the trucking company involved in the accident had contacted them and is cooperating. However, they have refrained from disclosing the company’s identity or confirming whether it possessed the proper licenses for transporting gasoline.
Rebuilding the affected stretch is anticipated to extend into July or August.
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