Why New Emissions Standards Could Cripple the Trucking Industry with Mike Kucharski

Jul 12, 2024

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Mike Kucharski and Joe Lynch discuss why new emissions standards could cripple the trucking industry. Mike is Co-Owner and Vice President of JKC Trucking, a leader in temperature-controlled transportation industry for over three decades.

Summary: Why New Emissions Standards Could Cripple the Trucking Industry

In this podcast, Mike Kucharski, VP of JKC Trucking, shares his insights on the challenges facing the trucking industry, particularly in light of new emission standards and the push towards electrification. JKC Trucking specializes in refrigerated and frozen LTL services from the Midwest to the West Coast, playing a crucial role in the American food supply chain. Mike discusses the complexities of refrigerated LTL shipping, his experiences growing up in the trucking industry, and the potential impact of new regulations on costs and efficiency. He also delves into the challenges of implementing electric trucks, including high costs, inadequate infrastructure, limited range, and the impact on the power grid. The podcast also covers issues such as supply chain waste, empty backhauls, and the need for affordable, reliable hybrid trucks to prevent catastrophic failures in the food industry. Throughout the episodes, Mike emphasizes the importance of practical solutions that consider the realities faced by independent drivers and small trucking companies in the industry's transition towards a more sustainable future.

#TruckingEmissionStandards

#RefrigeratedLTLChallenges

#ElectricTruckingObstacles

About Mike

Mike Kucharski, Co-Owner and Vice President of JKC Trucking, isn't just leading a Chicago-based trucking company – he's shaping the future of the industry. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, Mike's expertise in climate-controlled and dry freight transportation is widely recognized. He's a vocal advocate for the industry, frequently sought after by the news media to explain the potential pitfalls of proposed regulations. Mike's leadership extends beyond JKC Trucking, ensuring both the company's success and a thriving future for the American trucking landscape. He holds a degree in business management from DePaul University.

About JKC Trucking

JKC Trucking has been a leader in Chicago's temperature-controlled transportation industry for over three decades. They specialize in keeping your most delicate freight fresh, from fruits and vegetables to dairy products and pharmaceuticals. Their fleet of 350 company-owned trailers and 250 tractors equipped with advanced temperature control ensures your shipment arrives on time and in perfect condition. JKC's offerings extend beyond refrigerated transport. They handle dry freight and less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments across the country, reaching major hubs in California, Florida, and the West Coast. With a proven track record of success and a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, JKC is your trusted partner for all your transportation needs.

Key Takeaways: Why New Emissions Standards Could Cripple the Trucking Industry

Emission standards could negatively impact the trucking industry by increasing costs and reducing efficiency.
JKC Trucking specializes in refrigerated and frozen LTL services, playing a crucial role in the food supply chain.
Refrigerated LTL shipping is complex, involving maintaining proper temperatures across long distances and multiple stops.
Mike Kucharski shares his experiences growing up in the trucking industry and helping his father from a young age.
New emission standards may not be feasible for the trucking industry to meet with current technology.
Implementing electric trucks faces challenges such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient power grid capacity.
The trucking industry needs affordable hybrid trucks with multiple power systems for reliability and to prevent supply chain failures.

Timestamps

(00:00:02) New Emission Standards' Impact on Trucking

(00:00:14) Feeding America: JKC Trucking's Refrigerated LTL Services

(00:01:43) The Complexities of Refrigerated LTL Shipping

(00:04:27) Growing Up in the Trucking Industry

(00:05:50) Trucking Faces Challenges with Emission Standards

(00:07:00) The Impracticality of Electric Trucks

(00:11:14) The Challenges of Electric Trucks

(00:15:27) Problems with Electric Trucks

(00:20:56) The Challenges of Electric Trucking Adoption

(00:26:34) Reducing Waste in the Supply Chain

(00:30:40) Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in Trucking