Rev, I got to give you a big :thumbsup:. You conducted yourself professionally even after his response was not very professional, IMO.

I was mislead by a trucking school back in 1993, so I think your position in this matter is spot on. I also share the same opinion. The article was misleading even if not intentional. Perhaps a better term for it would be sloppy journalism, and judging by the first response you received I can see why it was sloppy.

 

The reporter has been silent so far today.

 

I just checked my email. Nothing from either him or the editor.
What was the other forum he was on?

 

It was being discussed on Trucknet, but he wasn't there either (although he said he registered, they hadn't approved his registration)

 

I emailed him and here is his response.

I got several e-mails from people after my story was posted on that message board. Some brand new truckers tell me they're making more than $60,000 in their first year. One guy told me last year, his first year driving 18-wheelers, he pulled in $95,000 because he drives all the time for Swift. So, in a way, you're right... my $40,000 - $60,000 is incorrect. I apologize for that.

If you can, please provide me with e-mail or phone number information from truckers you know. I'd love to get a good idea to find out what the job is paying for how much experience. Of course, I hope you understand that when you say I should "interview drivers" that most people don't like discussing their salary with a stranger. That's why I could use your help. Please get me some driver contact info, and I'll do what you suggested.

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Alex Cabrero
Reporter
KSL News
801-575-7685

 

Not entirely! I just got a response from him to my email. I will, of course, reply.... but, I WOULD like to ask all of us here to cut him some slack in the discussion.

He is not used to our "honest" opinionated ways, and he has connections to trucking. I don't think he's a bad guy in any respect.

I think he produced what Obama would call a "teachable moment."

And the old saying is: We teach best what we most need to learn.

I ALSO believe it might not be so bad to have a journalist as an ally in our war against those who see truckers in a negative light.

I have asked for, and would welcome, his participation in this discussion. But, he's obviously a very busy YOUNG man.

 

c'mon man. :rofl::rofl::rofl:
I'd say all the time, there's no way he'd be able to sleep. Somebody talkin chit, and he believes it.

 

If a driver pulling general freight in this economy is making $95,000 then he is likely a lease operator or owner operator and is quoting his gross before any expenses have been taken out. From the rates I have been seeing I don't think anyone who is pulling general freight as a company driver will be making $95,000. In fact, even in a good economy I don't see Swift paying a company driver that much money. If so, I think that I will sell the trucks and go to work for Swift. :thumbsup:

 

X2! I give credit where it is due. This response was temperate AND informative. And I thank God he didn't have to quote the Migrant Worker's reg!

 

$0.338/mile x 70 miles/hour x 11 hours/day x 365 days/year = $95,000.00/year

Do 1st year swifties make $0.338 per mile?