Well, Christmas has passed and it is only a few days until the new year. With the new year will come a number of changes, including higher taxes. We may see the hos going back to the way they were prior to the last changes. The EOBR issue is still around and in litigation, so things are still not settled. Larger carriers seem to be willing to move forward with them. It should be an interesting year. I hope we will have a very good year in the trucking industry. The month of December saw more freight with higher rates than usual, for this time of year. At least that is what I saw in my area. Rates were not great, for the most part, but were higher than I would have expected for this time. I no longer make New Year Resolutions, but expect to operate much as I have this year. I have been off since about November 27.
I had some personal business to take care of during part of the month. The beginning of the month rates were softer in my area than expected, so it was just as well to stay home. My truck broke down and by the time I could get parts in and get it repaired, I had lost about a week. This time of year can be challenging due to so many holidays being so close together.
Politicians are still pushing global warming. I suppose they choose to ignore the record low temperatures and record snow storms. The EPA has closed one of the oldest lead bullet manufacturing companies in the nation. They want to outlaw them and force people to buy "green" bullets. According to an article that I read, it will mean more competition for copper and higher costs for wiring and bullets. The extremists can't get rid of guns, so they want to force the cost of ammunition so high that people can no longer afford to buy it. They think that guns are useless without ammo. I guess more people will be loading their own in the coming year.
Obamacare will surprise a lot of people in the coming year. It brings a number of taxes and much higher insurance costs. Some have reported hikes of 400%. Enrollment has been disappointing, to say the least. At least to the Democrats and Obama. Millions are expected to lose their insurance and companies cancel policies which are not compliant with the new law. Higher costs of insurance could directly affect trucking. Not only will drivers and owner operators be subject to higher rates, but some may stop furnishing company insurance which would force drivers into state or federal exchanges. Shippers and most every business in the country will be directly affected. Everyone will have their operating costs raised. That could result in a slower economy and fewer shipments.
I plan on staying in touch with my elected representatives and encourage other owners and drivers to do the same. As the saying goes, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." Driver typically complain a lot, but only a small number of us actually take action. Many don't even take the time to vote. I would like to challenge each of you to become more engaged in the political process in the coming year. It is our future. It is worth the effort.
These are a few of my thoughts. I would love to hear your thoughts. I wish all of you good health and prosperity in the coming year.
