H.R. No. 418
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Truck drivers played a vital role in maintaining
  supply chains during Winter Storm Uri, which battered the Southwest
  for days in February 2021; and
         WHEREAS, In advance of the historic storm, Texans emptied
  store shelves of essential items, from food to medicine; more than
  80 percent of Texas communities depend exclusively on trucks for
  the movement of goods, and although the industry was already in a
  capacity crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, companies increased
  load-to-truck ratios in order to meet urgent demand; and
         WHEREAS, Grocers typically maintain lean inventories in
  expectation of just-in-time deliveries, so supplies became
  increasingly scarce as weather conditions deteriorated; although
  companies in the Texas supply chain are experienced in preparations
  for tropical storms and hurricanes in the summer and fall, the
  sudden onset of an ice storm in February left them with little time
  to implement preventive strategies; and
         WHEREAS, Winter Storm Uri proved remarkable in its geographic
  reach as well as its duration, disrupting traffic from the
  Northwest to the Southeast; movement at the U.S.-Mexico border
  nearly halted as the storm system interrupted power supply in
  northern Mexico, and truckers attempting to bring goods into Texas
  from other directions dealt with a wide range of hazards, from poor
  road conditions to fuel scarcity as gas lines at truck stops froze;
  and
         WHEREAS, Despite severe challenges, truckers persevered in
  order to meet the rising need for food, medicine, and other
  assistance; such industry groups as American Trucking
  Associations, the Texas Trucking Association, and the Southwest
  Movers Association coordinated with state and local officials to
  aid relief efforts, from transporting generators to providing
  potable water for residents, hospitals, and other essential
  organizations; and
         WHEREAS, Going above and beyond to maintain supply chains
  jeopardized by Winter Storm Uri, truck drivers helped Texans
  surmount extreme hardships, and in so doing, they earned our
  profound gratitude and appreciation; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
  Legislature hereby commend truckers for their outstanding
  contributions during Winter Storm Uri and extend to all those
  involved in the trucking industry sincere best wishes for the
  future.
 
  Martinez
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 418 was adopted by the House on March
  25, 2021, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House