Truckers' strike/slowdown

[tw]

Originally Posted by BrianR

We are tired of the inequities of pay, higher than reasonable diesel prices, little or no fuel reimbursements, dishonest dispatchers or (especially) freight brokers, who in my opinion are all crooks and low freight rates.

When top people screw those who work for them, then unions result. A union only reflects how the workers were treated maybe ten years previously.

Problem is that independent truckers have massive weakness. They are too independent.

[BrianR]

Originally Posted by tw

Problem is that independent truckers have massive weakness. They are too independent.

That's their nature, TW. the independents fulfill an important niche in trucking. However, they tend to have to use brokers to get loads since they are occupied driving, planning, maintaining, more planning and etc.

And the unions ARE in evidence. Teamsters mostly. They cover the ports, many boxload haulers (FedEx, Con-Way etc). And THEY are definitely true to form and behind much of the mischief and shenanigans. My usual feelings regarding unions (esp after the IBEW and I fell out) apply. The independents are the industry bellwether, followed by the owner/ops. Already, independents and gypsies are parking and selling their rigs. Soon, the ranks of company drivers will swell, which is good for major trucking companies but bad for competition.

In the end, YOU will pay for the trouble in the form of higher cost of living. We deliver almost everything you have and when the rates go up, your prices will go up.

Originally Posted by Brianna

I remember a few years ago when the truckers on I-75 did the slow down thing. was really impossible to get around them and a major PITA, but I understood their position.

The slow down thing is, in my opinion, bad for us as a whole as all it does is foster ill-will against truckers by the general public, who are the only ones hurt by this form of protest. I think we are better served by high-profile parking, traditional picket lines and sandwich boards, and even the drive to Washington DC to make ourselves visible to the lawmakers.

Brian

[xoxoxoBruce]

Diesel grows on trees.