Truck shortage affects potato harvest

A truck shortage in Washington, Idaho and California is causing potato packers to scramble for available vehicles to bring their product to market.

It's because of stricter emissions standards in California, a federal reduction in hours allowed trucks on the road and the credit crunch, said Matt Harris, the Washington State Potato Commission's trade director.

Credit is more difficult to obtain, so replacing obsolete equipment is challenging.

The demand is making it more expensive to obtain trucks. Harris learned from a shipper it cost 44 percent more to get a truck this year.