Truckers Unity?

[Tim Russell]

So why is it that truckers cannot seem to unite together? Every driver seems to wonder that. I was recently in Denver, CO at the TA and listened intently to the CB debate going on that night. it all made me wonder "why can't we?". Lets think of some reasons here. Politics? Racial Prejudice? Drivers that just do not care? From what I have heard it seems mostly to be politically fueled. Democrats, Republicans, Left Wing, Right Wing.

 

Currently we drivers are facing some major changes in the industry. These changes are more than likely the cause of agencies and departments seeking more revenue and/or control. I am a faithful listener to our one and only Roaddog Truckers Radio Station on the satellite radio. Seems that many truckers are involved with wanting to protect the future of trucking but I fear that only half of drivers are really aware of things and also just think that the problems will be handled by the different trucker organizations and nothing they say and do can effect any decisions made.

 

As truckers what is it that we can all relate too? Well we spend weeks and months from home. We are away from friends, family, children, and all loved ones while away on the road. We all experience loneliness and homesickness at times, We journey the country night and day through bad weather and good. Mostly we all want miles and to make a good living! A truck driver is a Professional Driver! WE ARE PROFESSIONALS. Why is it that some companies are paying us the same as we would if we worked at a warehouse at minimum wage? We want good benefits for us and our families. We want our children to have a good education. We work for a living to provide for our families so why can we not provide the money to our kids to pay for college? If things do not change soon we all will be driving for 0.15cpm or less.

 

Now what is going on behind the closed doors of FMCSA or the White House? I don't have a clue. I do know that all this political stuff is funded by corporations. Vote? these days what does that mean? Our future is effected by the decisions these politicians make. Everything has a connection. Fuel? Why is the price of Diesel rising. Why is the US Dollar decreasing in value? Did you know when the US Dollars value decreases fuel Rises in cost? And when our dollar starts to increase fuel prices lower? Everything is connected. We as truckers need to stick together. Is this going to happen? Most likely not except for a few. It does not matter if the driver has been driving for 30 years or 1 year. He is a driver. Some drivers say that they are doing well so they do not care about what the industry is doing. I feel sorry for them. Especially when our HOS changes and screws up what they thought was working for them. There was once a time when truckers made 6 figures a year. Very few do now. Your lucky to pull in $40,000 a year now in most cases.

 

Some drivers say lets go on strike. Some say that is dumb because for every trucker fired for going on strike there are 5 more students ready to take your place. That may be true. When I say strike. It does not mean weeks. Imagine 90% of all drivers shutting down for 24-34 hours at the same time. That would have a dramatic effect on the economy. Not enough to damage but to scare. Am I in support of this idea? Well if it comes to that, then yes. I was a Independent Contractor for about a year. I was paying out the ass for medical insurance. I tried to apply for Medicare and was denied. But the illegal family in front of me got all Medical, Food Stamps, Cash Aid, and all that approved and free to them! And here I am a trucker that works my ass off and pays into all these tax funds for medical and social security and I am denied. Some drivers say a revolution needs to happen in this country. But not just truckers say this. The government is an enterprise. And they are merging and expanding everyday. Citizens are now victims of the US Government and so are we truckers. My point is that we are all drivers. We all have opinions and differences. But we really need to all focus on our future as drivers. Contact the OOIDA for some good info. Or see their website. You have a voice, make it heard. The FMCSA has a phone line for certain topics waiting for your comments on a decision they are going to have to make. We as drivers do not have to be best friends. but we are co-workers on the highway and our "boss" is threatening  cost cuts, and stricter policies. Catch the drift?

 

We all talk shit to each other and use racial remarks on the CB Radio in that truck stop parking lot and highway. But it is funny when after we are parked and walking into that truck stop for some food, drink, or whatever. We hold the door open for each other. So why cant we all be "truckers" again and take care of each other, hep each other, and support or industry together?

 

This is my first blog. If you liked it let me know! Thanks.

[noah white]

oh ok dats cool

[Tim Russell]

im not saying go on strike..lol i was just saying.. well i would have to read it again to intelligently quote..lol i was just tyoing away with my thoughts.. but not saying lets strike..

[noah white]

i mean strike

[noah white]

wow a lot of words my uncle owns the website sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo all i saw what u wrote was something about goin on stroke what doesnt make a whole lot of since

 

 

 

 

[Kelly Shobe]

  I like your blog. Well written and all the points were valid. There's a quote from either Thomas Jefferson or Ben Franklin," We must all hang together, or we will all hang"

  The strike issue has been out there for years. Here's why we can't do it. It is against the law! There are several laws covering it, but the most prevelent and powerful are the Sherman Act Anti-Trust Laws. Anyone, organization, company, or entity the interferes withe the Flow of goods or services involcved in or with Interstate Commerce can be heavily fined or jailed or both. That is why the OOIDA, ATA NPTC, any of the satellite radio hosts will never ever talk strike or slow down, work stoppage etc... When it comes down to it, it's not important enough to them to go to jail for.

  Drivers agree to disagree! Why? Because what works for you, doesn't work for me. My idea of trucking is different than yours or his or whoevers. Different companies have different points of view on these issues. But what it comes down to is covering that contractually obligated freight at all costs.

  I have written emails, letters, spoke to, threatened anyone who would listen that had anything to do with trucking issues in Washington. Topics ranging from Hours of service to Standard and uniform oversize/Overweight rules for operation. You know what? IT FALLS ON DEAF EARS! You know why? MONEY It's a political rat race. What state can get what earmarked money for roads and bridges. And don't forget the anti-trucking lobby. CRASH, PATT and you could even include the USDOT and FMCSA on that list. The railroad plays a huge part on interstate trucking, but you can't get anybody to admit to it.

  We have lots of people, and organizations with both hands deeply in our pockets. They claim it in the name of Public Safety. The catch all phrase.