However, trucking operates on 4 million miles of public highways, and here’s where the economics become problematic.
In effect, taxpayers are subsidizing the trucking industry which imposes enormous costs on society, while the more efficient rail industry receives virtually no public infrastructure support.
These disparities exist because of infrastructure ownership models: Trucking companies don’t invest in roadway infrastructure—the government handles construction, maintenance, expansion decisions, and financing. These government subsidies allow the industry to avoid the capital investment and strategic planning required of other modes while enjoying universal access to virtually every business in America.
