Sunday, September 30, 2007
I am thinking about starting a Podcast!
I have been researching about podcasts over the weekend and I think that I may begin a podcast for truckers. I wonder how many of you would listen to it online?
Saturday, September 29, 2007
California to Ban Owner Operators from Ports.
I only caught a small fraction of the story on my Sirius Radio this week. The part that I heard, and probably all I needed to hear, was that some part of the government is trying to ban owner operators from shuttling containers in and out of the California ports. They claim they are trying to get Old trucks off the road and cut down on polution.
Let me ask you something.. Is banning owner operators the best way to accomplish a better and safer environment? Let me give you the short answer.
Hell No It is Not! All this policy is going to accomplish, and I have said it before, is help people realize how much our government acutally does despise this industry. Why would you try to take the bread and butter off of the plate that feeds you when, if all you want is lower polution and newer trucks, the only thing that need to be done is put in place more strict guidlines on the type of tractors these owner opps are using. Why can't the independent contractors be given a choice to either upgrage their equiptment and use later model trucks?
STOP THIS BULLSHIT! It's not fair to the small business owners. Basically what the government is doing is much like a communist application. They are not saying we will give these drivers a chance to purchase newer model equiptment...no...they are saying we want the independent contractors OUT of our ports and Commercial Trucking companies are In! In my opinion it has nothing to do with Polution or the older model trucks.. This is some politcal bs to help push our industry into more of a mechanism than an out right free to work entity.
And, do you NOT find it funny how close the California ports are to Mexico? This stupid plan is going to ruin the west coast and riddle our highways with Mexican, Old model, Non maintained, High polution trucks! The government is doing this because of their bottom dollar. They will MAKE MORE MONEY for CHEAPER FREIGHT HAULERS!
I think this is a landmark for an upcoming revolution with American Truckers. If drivers do not stand together to fight this type of polical polution, then we are doomed for sure and Mexico may as well just take our trucks too.
Let me ask you something.. Is banning owner operators the best way to accomplish a better and safer environment? Let me give you the short answer.
Hell No It is Not! All this policy is going to accomplish, and I have said it before, is help people realize how much our government acutally does despise this industry. Why would you try to take the bread and butter off of the plate that feeds you when, if all you want is lower polution and newer trucks, the only thing that need to be done is put in place more strict guidlines on the type of tractors these owner opps are using. Why can't the independent contractors be given a choice to either upgrage their equiptment and use later model trucks?
STOP THIS BULLSHIT! It's not fair to the small business owners. Basically what the government is doing is much like a communist application. They are not saying we will give these drivers a chance to purchase newer model equiptment...no...they are saying we want the independent contractors OUT of our ports and Commercial Trucking companies are In! In my opinion it has nothing to do with Polution or the older model trucks.. This is some politcal bs to help push our industry into more of a mechanism than an out right free to work entity.
And, do you NOT find it funny how close the California ports are to Mexico? This stupid plan is going to ruin the west coast and riddle our highways with Mexican, Old model, Non maintained, High polution trucks! The government is doing this because of their bottom dollar. They will MAKE MORE MONEY for CHEAPER FREIGHT HAULERS!
I think this is a landmark for an upcoming revolution with American Truckers. If drivers do not stand together to fight this type of polical polution, then we are doomed for sure and Mexico may as well just take our trucks too.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Trucking is not for the Weak
Here is one last gas before I head back onto the road.
Trucking is not for the weak. You have to have a certain mind set to be able to be a truck operator. Here are the dos and don'ts of trucking to help you decide if it is the right industry for you to begin or maintain a carrer in:
Do's:
Be Curteous: You always have to realize that most citizens driving cars, SUVs and Pick-Ups are ignorant to Trucks. For the most part they are not stupid, just uneducated and they think that trucks can operate on the highways the same way their vehicles can.
Keep your Distance: Always maintain a good distance from all other vehicles. This should be on your mind at ALL times. If you need to slow down to get away from others, then do it. Don't think you have the right of way, because no body else thinks you do.
Pull Over: If you get sleepy, Angry, frustrated, or just plain don't care... Then pull over and park so no one else is affected by your potential mistakes. Don't make other motorists pay for your attitude problem or your neglect for safe operation.
Enjoy your Job: Overall, have a good time. Listen to your Sirius Radio or talk to other Truckers on the CB. Sing to yourself, do whatever it takes to have fun. Hell, sometimes I'll make up silly songs just to keep myself laughing. I know it seems strange, but everyone should have their own litle niche to keep them going.
Take Pride in what you do!: This is possibly the most important part of your mind set. Have pride in Trucking. You, after all, are the backbone of this country. Whether or not people realize it, you deliver their lives. We make normal living possible for everyone in the USA. I know we are under a lot of pressure and it seems no one cares for what we do for them, but what if 1 in 1000 people actually do care? To me, that is enough to feel a since of accomplishment in Trucking.
Here are some don'ts:
You are NOT the king of the Road Anymore!: This use to be true back in the days where there were hardly any motorists on the road except for trucks. Now, however, Cars, SUVs and other vehicles out number us 10 to 1. Stop thinking every else should be watching out for you, because they are NOT. You have to be the professional on the road and back down when necessary.
Don't React before you Think: Always think about what you are doing or what you are going to do. Alot of people react and talk before they think about it first. It only takes a split second to devise a thought in your brain, so take that second to stay out of harms way.
Don't get into an Argument with another Trucker over the CB: I know this seems corny, but it is a growing problem on the air ways. Everyday I hear truckers fighting and cursing each other over the radio. Who invented this childsplay? Truckers are supposed to be friendly to each other and stick by each other. If someone is trying to provoke and altercation with you, just turn that knob to the left and shut it off. If you can't find enough self control to turn your CB off, then maybe you should seek out other career opportunities.
I hope my two cents can help some of you get through the everyday tasks invloved with trucking. Be safe ladies and gentlemen, and have a great week on the road!
Trucking is not for the weak. You have to have a certain mind set to be able to be a truck operator. Here are the dos and don'ts of trucking to help you decide if it is the right industry for you to begin or maintain a carrer in:
Do's:
Be Curteous: You always have to realize that most citizens driving cars, SUVs and Pick-Ups are ignorant to Trucks. For the most part they are not stupid, just uneducated and they think that trucks can operate on the highways the same way their vehicles can.
Keep your Distance: Always maintain a good distance from all other vehicles. This should be on your mind at ALL times. If you need to slow down to get away from others, then do it. Don't think you have the right of way, because no body else thinks you do.
Pull Over: If you get sleepy, Angry, frustrated, or just plain don't care... Then pull over and park so no one else is affected by your potential mistakes. Don't make other motorists pay for your attitude problem or your neglect for safe operation.
Enjoy your Job: Overall, have a good time. Listen to your Sirius Radio or talk to other Truckers on the CB. Sing to yourself, do whatever it takes to have fun. Hell, sometimes I'll make up silly songs just to keep myself laughing. I know it seems strange, but everyone should have their own litle niche to keep them going.
Take Pride in what you do!: This is possibly the most important part of your mind set. Have pride in Trucking. You, after all, are the backbone of this country. Whether or not people realize it, you deliver their lives. We make normal living possible for everyone in the USA. I know we are under a lot of pressure and it seems no one cares for what we do for them, but what if 1 in 1000 people actually do care? To me, that is enough to feel a since of accomplishment in Trucking.
Here are some don'ts:
You are NOT the king of the Road Anymore!: This use to be true back in the days where there were hardly any motorists on the road except for trucks. Now, however, Cars, SUVs and other vehicles out number us 10 to 1. Stop thinking every else should be watching out for you, because they are NOT. You have to be the professional on the road and back down when necessary.
Don't React before you Think: Always think about what you are doing or what you are going to do. Alot of people react and talk before they think about it first. It only takes a split second to devise a thought in your brain, so take that second to stay out of harms way.
Don't get into an Argument with another Trucker over the CB: I know this seems corny, but it is a growing problem on the air ways. Everyday I hear truckers fighting and cursing each other over the radio. Who invented this childsplay? Truckers are supposed to be friendly to each other and stick by each other. If someone is trying to provoke and altercation with you, just turn that knob to the left and shut it off. If you can't find enough self control to turn your CB off, then maybe you should seek out other career opportunities.
I hope my two cents can help some of you get through the everyday tasks invloved with trucking. Be safe ladies and gentlemen, and have a great week on the road!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Danger on the Highways
Written by Jack Krohn
How many times have you been driving on a highway and the large truck in front of you slowly crosses the yellow line and then, with a jerk, the driver corrects himself and pulls the truck over to the right. That happened to me just two days ago on my way to New Mexico on I25 in Colorado. It can happen anywhere, anytime.
The annual report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that "fatal highway incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal workplace event, accounting for one in every four fatalities nationally in 2005" the latest year they have the figures. Fatal highway incidents rose by 2 percent in 2005, accounting for 1,428 worker deaths.
ONE IN FOUR!
Since 2002 thru 2005 there has been a nearly 25% increase in fatal and non fatal crashes
to 144,742 and the trend continues upward.
All manner of goods from produce to pool tables from tires to textiles are moved around the country by means of the trucking industry. Truckers moreover are the salt of the earth.
Truck drivers, men and women , across the country are a vital cog in the wheel of the economy. Interstate and intrastate commerce largely depends on the trucking industry to get goods from point A to point B. But they are jeopardizing their own lives and the lives of all on the roads with them.
Their profession and resultant way of life leads to some very unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles-sitting most of the day while driving, and long hours resulting in poor sleeping patterns. They tend to be overweight just like most of their brethren in the rest of the country maybe even more so.
All of these factors lead to pre diabetes, Syndrome X and sleep apnea and eventually to diabetes.
The threat they pose of "sleep driving" or just falling asleep at the wheel is every bit as serious as an intoxicated driver and maybe more so. A study showed that people with sleep apnea were seven times more likely to have multiple car accidents.
There are a variety of devices that can keep drivers awake if they are suspect. The 'nap zapper' is the most popular and effective. You attach it to your ear. When it detects a nodding motion of your head as though you are dozing off an alarm goes off waking you and the occupants of the vehicle.
How many times have you been driving on a highway and the large truck in front of you slowly crosses the yellow line and then, with a jerk, the driver corrects himself and pulls the truck over to the right. That happened to me just two days ago on my way to New Mexico on I25 in Colorado. It can happen anywhere, anytime.
The annual report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that "fatal highway incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal workplace event, accounting for one in every four fatalities nationally in 2005" the latest year they have the figures. Fatal highway incidents rose by 2 percent in 2005, accounting for 1,428 worker deaths.
ONE IN FOUR!
Since 2002 thru 2005 there has been a nearly 25% increase in fatal and non fatal crashes
to 144,742 and the trend continues upward.
All manner of goods from produce to pool tables from tires to textiles are moved around the country by means of the trucking industry. Truckers moreover are the salt of the earth.
Truck drivers, men and women , across the country are a vital cog in the wheel of the economy. Interstate and intrastate commerce largely depends on the trucking industry to get goods from point A to point B. But they are jeopardizing their own lives and the lives of all on the roads with them.
Their profession and resultant way of life leads to some very unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles-sitting most of the day while driving, and long hours resulting in poor sleeping patterns. They tend to be overweight just like most of their brethren in the rest of the country maybe even more so.
All of these factors lead to pre diabetes, Syndrome X and sleep apnea and eventually to diabetes.
The threat they pose of "sleep driving" or just falling asleep at the wheel is every bit as serious as an intoxicated driver and maybe more so. A study showed that people with sleep apnea were seven times more likely to have multiple car accidents.
There are a variety of devices that can keep drivers awake if they are suspect. The 'nap zapper' is the most popular and effective. You attach it to your ear. When it detects a nodding motion of your head as though you are dozing off an alarm goes off waking you and the occupants of the vehicle.
Truck Stops - Trick or Treat
Written By - Suzanne At Coops
Any trucker will tell you that a truck stop that treats truckers like kings and queens is a good place to stop. In recent years, many of the old time trucking hang outs have closed their doors, leaving mainly the big boys of truck stops- Travel Centers of America (TA), Petro Truck Stops, Loves Travel Centers, Pilot Truck stops and the like. The old timers recall truck stops from the 76 chain, Ted’s of Ashfork and Quartzite, Arizona, and others- including more recently the Bosselman Truck Stops and the Rip Griffins. The new timers won’t even know what you’re talking about.
Gone are the days of high service diners with personal service. Here are the days of the standardized trucker themed menu with more concern for corporate methods than merit. And, though truckers appreciate standardization in some areas, they don’t like the way standardization seems to squeeze out that personal touch at the truck stops.
Some truck stops and truck service locations that stand out as “unique” these days are:
Danny’s a Big Rig Resort
I 10, exit 136, 67th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 602-484-7046 Truck wash. Chrome shop. CB shop. Alignments. Repair shop. Tire shop. Polishing. Laundry. Deli/grille.
Jubitz Truck Stop
I 5, exit 307, East Marine Drive,Portland, Oregon 800-523-1193 Truck wash (Blue Beacon), The Portlander Inn hotel. Large laundry- full service and do-it-yourself. The Cascade Grill restaurant. The Ponderosa Lounge, a county and western bar. Tire shop. Cinema. Nearby repair facilities and truck dealerships.
75 Chrome Shop
I 75, exit 329, route 44, Wildwood, Florida. 866-255-6206 Chrome shop. Laundry.
Dysart’s Truck Stop
I 90, exit 180, Colbert Road, Bangor, Maine Truck stop restaurant featuring a “truckers only” table.
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 10, Raymond Road exit, Thousand Palms, California 760-343-3448 Truck Wash. Showers. Laundry
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 15, Lenwood Road exit, Barstow, California 760-253-2277 Truck Wash. Showers. Laundry.
Little Sisters Truck Wash
I 10, exit, Eloy, Arizona 520-466-3014 Truck wash. Showers. Laundry.
Oil Closes at over $80 per Barrel for the First Time!
By Transport Topics
I found this article online today and I thought that I should share this with everyone. Here goes it...
That's funny! Blame it on a power outage due to storm activity!
I found this article online today and I thought that I should share this with everyone. Here goes it...
Crude oil futures rose to a third record in three days Thursday, closing the trading day at more than $80 a barrel for the first time ever, Bloomberg reported.
Light sweet crude futures closed the trading day on the New York Mercantile Exchange at $80.09 a barrel, and hit $80.20 in intraday trading, also a record, Bloomberg reported.
The price surge was pegged to Hurricane Humberto, which came ashore on the Texas side of the Texas-Louisiana border, knocking out power to some refineries in that area, Bloomberg said.
The Category 1 storm was not nearly as big as higher-level Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that pointed the Gulf Coast two years ago.
Early to mid-September is generally the peak time of hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 through Nov. 30.
That's funny! Blame it on a power outage due to storm activity!
Friday, September 14, 2007
I was involved in an Accident on Wednesday!
Here I was, just leaving the TA Travel plaza in Manning, SC headed to Georgetown, SC to pick up my next load when, while making a left turn on a green light, I was struck on my drivers side by a 16 year old kid going home from his work. I started my turn when the light changed and I heard a sliding sound. I looked over my left shoulder to see this car sliding on the wet pavement. I had noticed the same car traveling toward the intersection with his right turn signal on.
What happened was he began to break to late for his turn and locked his wheels up causing him to slide into my battery box. It had just finished raining in manning for the first time in weeks. This made for a very slippery surface from all the exhaust and fuel mist that gets on the roadways. It had not rained enough to wash all of that stuff off the road. It was almost like driving on ice.
Anyway, the kid and I are fine. There was no harm to us. My truck, however, is in the shop now getting the battery box, Cross member and Mud guard replaced. His car, which was a Dodge Neon, was T-Boned and Totalled. Both of his air bags deployed and luckly he was wearing his seatbelt or this accident could have been a lot worse.
When he hit me, my first reaction was to set my breaks and jump out of the truck to check on him, I knew he had hit me at a moderate rate of speed and I was concerned about him even more so then myself. When I realized he was ok, I called 911 and he called his Mom to come out there to him. They were very greatful that I had not been a jerk about the situation and I told them "If everyone was perfect, then the world would be a dull place to live". I also told them the story about me hitting another car when I was 17 years old so hopefully he doesn't feel so bad.
I told him that if anything at all comes out of this, I hope it helps him to be a better driver in the future. All vehicles can be replaced but human life is a one time deal. Aftr it was all said and done, I had to limp my truck back to the TA and camp out for a wrecker. Now I am in a Ryder Rental Truck, which sucks compared to my 2006 T600 K-Whopper! These damn vinyl seeks are making my ass and legs Hurt!!!
I'm just happy that no one is hurt, and another lesson has been learned.
What happened was he began to break to late for his turn and locked his wheels up causing him to slide into my battery box. It had just finished raining in manning for the first time in weeks. This made for a very slippery surface from all the exhaust and fuel mist that gets on the roadways. It had not rained enough to wash all of that stuff off the road. It was almost like driving on ice.
Anyway, the kid and I are fine. There was no harm to us. My truck, however, is in the shop now getting the battery box, Cross member and Mud guard replaced. His car, which was a Dodge Neon, was T-Boned and Totalled. Both of his air bags deployed and luckly he was wearing his seatbelt or this accident could have been a lot worse.
When he hit me, my first reaction was to set my breaks and jump out of the truck to check on him, I knew he had hit me at a moderate rate of speed and I was concerned about him even more so then myself. When I realized he was ok, I called 911 and he called his Mom to come out there to him. They were very greatful that I had not been a jerk about the situation and I told them "If everyone was perfect, then the world would be a dull place to live". I also told them the story about me hitting another car when I was 17 years old so hopefully he doesn't feel so bad.
I told him that if anything at all comes out of this, I hope it helps him to be a better driver in the future. All vehicles can be replaced but human life is a one time deal. Aftr it was all said and done, I had to limp my truck back to the TA and camp out for a wrecker. Now I am in a Ryder Rental Truck, which sucks compared to my 2006 T600 K-Whopper! These damn vinyl seeks are making my ass and legs Hurt!!!
I'm just happy that no one is hurt, and another lesson has been learned.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Public Motorists Are Still Ignorant to Trucks.
In a perfect world, this would be the order of importance on our interstates:
#1 = Trucks (All commercial vehicles) because they are the largest on the road and need the most room to maneuver and take the most amount of distance to stop and start.
#2 = Motorcycles because they are the smallest and most helpless vehicle on the road and the hardest to see.
#3 = RVs because they are, a lot of times, driven by seniors and/or have 2 or more kids riding in them. They are generally the slowest vehicles on the road.
#4 = Cars, Pickups, SUV because they are the most maneuverable and have the least amount of blind spots. They can stop suddenly and accelerate suddenly making them very versatile. People whom are driving these types of vehicles should be on high awareness for the other 3 types listed above.
Now, some of you may not agree with this in the order I have them submitted. But have you really thought about it? Let's do it together and see what makes the most since.
Post your replies and let's debate.
#1 = Trucks (All commercial vehicles) because they are the largest on the road and need the most room to maneuver and take the most amount of distance to stop and start.
#2 = Motorcycles because they are the smallest and most helpless vehicle on the road and the hardest to see.
#3 = RVs because they are, a lot of times, driven by seniors and/or have 2 or more kids riding in them. They are generally the slowest vehicles on the road.
#4 = Cars, Pickups, SUV because they are the most maneuverable and have the least amount of blind spots. They can stop suddenly and accelerate suddenly making them very versatile. People whom are driving these types of vehicles should be on high awareness for the other 3 types listed above.
Now, some of you may not agree with this in the order I have them submitted. But have you really thought about it? Let's do it together and see what makes the most since.
Post your replies and let's debate.
Trucking Hours of Service
I have been talking to Drivers all week about the new hours of service that is being implemented on Setember 14, 2007. The majority of the drivers that had this discussion with me are making the mistake of thinking we are going back to our old hours before the 34 hour restart rule began. This is not true folks. Let me explain.
The new rule is as follows: 10 hours of driving per 14 hours on duty. The driver must take a consecutive 10 hour break after 14 hours on duty. There is going to be NO 34 hour restart. And you MUST take a consecutive 10 hour break before beginning another 14 hours of on duty status. Drivers are restricted to working only 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on which rule applies to you and your company. After you have depleted your 60 or 70 hour rule, you must recap to see when you gain hours.
Ok, now alot of you are saying "That's the old Rule". Well, it is....kind of. What some drivers don't remember is that in the old rule we could split our driving time. This is not the case anymore. Now, you MUST stop working after 14 consecutive hours, period. It doesn't matter if you were off duty or on duty. Once you start your 14 hours, you MUST take a 10 hour break 14 hours from the beginning of your day. I remember in the old rule, for example, I could start my day at 6am. I would drive for 5 hours to my destination. Then I would have to wait 5 hours to get loaded. That's 10 hours putting me at 4pm on my log book. So far I had worked a total of 5 hours because I could log off duty while I was getting loaded. Now, the difference is in the old rule I could continue driving for 5 more hours after the 5 hour load time. In the new rule, I could only drive 4 more hours because my 14 hour rule would have been over at 8pm then I have to take 10 hours off.
Also, the old rule only had an 8 hour break before you start another 15 hour work day. And you could split EVERYTHING if you needed to. I hope this helps a few of you realise that this new rule is NOT like our old ways. We have to take 2 more hours on a break and we MUST finish our day in a 14 hour consecutive time frame. If we drive for 6 hours and have to wait for 6 hours to get loaded, then we only have 2 more hours of driving, thus losing 2 hours of driving because of the 14 hour rule. The old rule would have allowed us to drive the remaining 4 hours before taking 8 hours off.
I know I am not the best at explaining this, but I hope I have helped a little bit with some of you to understand how this new rule differs from our old 10 hours on, 8 hours off rule.
The new rule is as follows: 10 hours of driving per 14 hours on duty. The driver must take a consecutive 10 hour break after 14 hours on duty. There is going to be NO 34 hour restart. And you MUST take a consecutive 10 hour break before beginning another 14 hours of on duty status. Drivers are restricted to working only 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on which rule applies to you and your company. After you have depleted your 60 or 70 hour rule, you must recap to see when you gain hours.
Ok, now alot of you are saying "That's the old Rule". Well, it is....kind of. What some drivers don't remember is that in the old rule we could split our driving time. This is not the case anymore. Now, you MUST stop working after 14 consecutive hours, period. It doesn't matter if you were off duty or on duty. Once you start your 14 hours, you MUST take a 10 hour break 14 hours from the beginning of your day. I remember in the old rule, for example, I could start my day at 6am. I would drive for 5 hours to my destination. Then I would have to wait 5 hours to get loaded. That's 10 hours putting me at 4pm on my log book. So far I had worked a total of 5 hours because I could log off duty while I was getting loaded. Now, the difference is in the old rule I could continue driving for 5 more hours after the 5 hour load time. In the new rule, I could only drive 4 more hours because my 14 hour rule would have been over at 8pm then I have to take 10 hours off.
Also, the old rule only had an 8 hour break before you start another 15 hour work day. And you could split EVERYTHING if you needed to. I hope this helps a few of you realise that this new rule is NOT like our old ways. We have to take 2 more hours on a break and we MUST finish our day in a 14 hour consecutive time frame. If we drive for 6 hours and have to wait for 6 hours to get loaded, then we only have 2 more hours of driving, thus losing 2 hours of driving because of the 14 hour rule. The old rule would have allowed us to drive the remaining 4 hours before taking 8 hours off.
I know I am not the best at explaining this, but I hope I have helped a little bit with some of you to understand how this new rule differs from our old 10 hours on, 8 hours off rule.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Mexican Truck Drivers are Coming.
While on the road this week, I was listening to channel 147, the road dog, on my Sirius Radio when I heard that legislation passed for the Mexican trucker pilot program to begin. This was not a shock to me because I have been hearing about this since June. We knew it was coming and now it's here.
I can't say that I am happy about it, nor am I alone in feeling this way. We all know that Mexicans will work for lower wages. I believe that when Mexicans get established as US carriers then the American truck driver will start to lose money, and lots of it. When the customers we currently haul freight for realize the money they can save by using Mexican trucks, then US truckers will lose a lot of miles and loads.
For years the US government has appeared not to care about the truckers in this industry. It's all about that bottom dollar and how much they can earn from us. Now that this pilot program has begun, it just proves the theory that our government does not care about us. If they gave a rat's ass about US truckers, then they would have asked our opinion on this matter. They say it will be great for the economy. I beg to differ. It's going to cause MORE illegal immigration and there will soon start to be violence between US Truckers and Mexican Truckers.
I have said this before and I will say it again, I think that Mexico has a greater plan in mind. I think they are wanting to control our life line. And what is our life line? Trucking. Without trucks we would not be able to live like we do now. If Mexico, indeed, can control our trucking industry, then they control our country in essence. And it's not just Mexican Trucking companies. Did you know that almost all of our major carriers OWN trucking companies in Mexico? That's right. I hate to say it, but you owner operators are in trouble whether you believe me or not.
In Summary, this plan is a disaster waiting to happen. The answer to our problems are NOT opening our borders to other countries to haul our freight. I propose that we STOP letting these customers get away with these ALREADY low rates and the truckers should stand together to get better pay for themselves. That's why we are low on drivers now, because the pay structure has not changed in 40 years. Better pay equals more drivers. More drivers equals no open border policy neccesary. Let us utlize what we have to make this industry better and STOP bringing in foreigners to screw up our lives.
I can't say that I am happy about it, nor am I alone in feeling this way. We all know that Mexicans will work for lower wages. I believe that when Mexicans get established as US carriers then the American truck driver will start to lose money, and lots of it. When the customers we currently haul freight for realize the money they can save by using Mexican trucks, then US truckers will lose a lot of miles and loads.
For years the US government has appeared not to care about the truckers in this industry. It's all about that bottom dollar and how much they can earn from us. Now that this pilot program has begun, it just proves the theory that our government does not care about us. If they gave a rat's ass about US truckers, then they would have asked our opinion on this matter. They say it will be great for the economy. I beg to differ. It's going to cause MORE illegal immigration and there will soon start to be violence between US Truckers and Mexican Truckers.
I have said this before and I will say it again, I think that Mexico has a greater plan in mind. I think they are wanting to control our life line. And what is our life line? Trucking. Without trucks we would not be able to live like we do now. If Mexico, indeed, can control our trucking industry, then they control our country in essence. And it's not just Mexican Trucking companies. Did you know that almost all of our major carriers OWN trucking companies in Mexico? That's right. I hate to say it, but you owner operators are in trouble whether you believe me or not.
In Summary, this plan is a disaster waiting to happen. The answer to our problems are NOT opening our borders to other countries to haul our freight. I propose that we STOP letting these customers get away with these ALREADY low rates and the truckers should stand together to get better pay for themselves. That's why we are low on drivers now, because the pay structure has not changed in 40 years. Better pay equals more drivers. More drivers equals no open border policy neccesary. Let us utlize what we have to make this industry better and STOP bringing in foreigners to screw up our lives.
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