If you could change

[Kranky]

I've been in this industry for over 12 years. In 12 years, I've heard a call for a strike every single year. You know what good they've done? None. Zero. Zip. Even the one last year for high fuel prices did absolutely nothing.

That's because there are some out there who would likely haul for free if asked to do so.

As long as the wheels are turning, those types are happy, it doesn't seem to matter to them whether they're making or losing money.

Sooner or later, those types go bankrupt, only to be replaced by more of the same, and the cycle of "rate depression" continues, wrecking the system for the legitimate drivers & O/O's who are trying to actually make a living with a truck.

This applies not only to OTR, but local & dump truck work too.

[zipy46]

Unionize the industry ....not in an effort to tear down the companies and take all thier money,

but in order for drivers and driver representatives to have real input and influence over the freight world.

You've got millions of drivers being driven by bean counters and desk jockeys who probably

have never spent a day inside a truck ...much less weeks on end.

Completely drop logbooks and driver responsibility to freight/sleep schedules that they

and their health have become slaves to and victims of.

Essentially lets dissolve the coercive tone that this industry

tends to hold over the hard working drivers.



As far as the physical/health issues...Take a research 'doctor'... drop him off at the nearest truckstop...

let him go hop in any truck of his choice and spend 6 months out on the road with a real world driver

and then they can see what a real world 'model' of OTR trucking actually is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[GMAN]

Unionize the industry ....not in an effort to tear down the companies and take all thier money,

but in order for drivers and driver representatives to have real input and influence over the freight world.

If you want to have more influence or input on the freight world, then you need to buy your own truck. Unions have their own agenda's. It is mostly about making money for those running the union. Unions are nothing but socialism. We have enough of that with this administration. I don't need a union to speak for me. I am quite capable of doing that for myself. I cannot control what others may do, but I can decide what is best for me and my business. I think it is apparent that the majority of drivers don't want union representation. There has been a steady decline in membership over the last several decades. Unions force companies to make unrealistic promises that is designed to fail. Unreasonable demands pushed two of the worlds largest auto makers into bankruptcy. They have had little compromises from the unions and may still fail despite billions of dollars in bailout money. If you want more influence then you should start writing letters, send emails and make phone calls to those who can make a difference. Let your voice be known. Vote in elections. If you don't like the roster of candidates then find your own or run for office yourself. You are not helpless without a union, nor are you empowered by belonging to a union. Most union members actually have little input as to how their political contributions are made. Contrary to popular belief, one person with one voice can make a difference. Great movements begin with one person. Change starts with a single voice from an individual who is willing to put himself on the line and challenge those in power. The biggest problem in this county is apathy. If you want to see change then get in there and make it happen.

[zipy46]

If you want to have more influence or input on the freight world, then you need to buy your own truck.

Yes...I entertain that idea quite often