DEREGULATION OF INTRASTATE TRUCKING: POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR MICHIGAN. A HEARTLAND POLICY STUDY

Michigan has not followed the national trend toward deregulation and, as a result, is becoming increasingly isolated in the Midwest. This Heartland Policy Study addresses the many questions likely to arise as Michigan officials consider deregulation proposals. Part I of this report presents a brief overview of trucking regulation in Michigan, providing insight into the rationale for regulation, the nature of current regulatory policies, and the type of economic deregulation that is the focus of this paper. Appendices 1 and 2 present more detailed descriptions of the history of trucking regulation in Michigan and the current regulatory environment. Parts II through VIII of this report examine the possible effects of intrastate trucking deregulation in seven areas: competition and concentration; freight costs; the quality and range of trucking services; public highway safety and vehicle maintenance; fuel consumption and air pollution; employment and minorities; and service to rural areas and small shippers. A summary and concluding remarks constitute Part IX.