On the "Trucker's Report" dated August 11, 2007 (sorry, I can't post links yet), WiseOne posted a few states that make truck driving inconvenient, or even dangerous, due to their enforcement tactics. This was posted at the bottom of a commentary about "Trucker Parking Shortages Faced By Truckers."

I know there are trucker associations, like the ATA, supposedly there to represent the trucking association, though I suspect they're representing the carriers more than they represent the drivers. Regardless, do these associations actually represent drivers at all, and if so, how effective are they? Do they have the political and economic power to make changes?

Did any trucker association take any action at all in regard to the "thumbs down" states mentioned by WiseOne? If so, what did they do, and were they successful? Have they successfully fought for other positive outcomes benefiting the drivers?

If representation is not what it should be, what course of action should be taken?

I'm not necessarily an activist (and don't want to be, really), but BIG government and BIG corporations should not be allowed to trample human rights so freely.

I look forward to your comments! ~ Steve

i tell you what id like to see changed to make our lives a lil easier...

get rid of that damned split speedlimit crap!

115mph for anyone else but 55 for us. we do 56 and we're a 'hazard' some idiot on a crotch rocket flys by at mach 3 and noone cares.

to hell with the double nickle (other then in city limits for safty reasons, that i understand)

I haven't read the post you refer to.
The reference to the ATA got my attention however.
The ATA is not a drivers friend in the least.
They represent the conglomeration of about 9 of the biggest trucking company managements.
They do not represent the driver at all.

The ATA consistantly presses the government to enact rules & legislation that damages or severely restricts the small business truckers in this country.

One of their latest follies is about forcing ALL companies no matter how big or small to govern their trucks to 64 mph.

This would apply to ALL new vehicles coming out of the dealer as well.

This is the same speed their constituency claim as the "safest speed".
Of course, that same constituency has the crappiest safety records in saf stat despite their 64 mph governors.

Another recent push was for the inclusion of Electronic On-Board Recorders as purely a safety measure.

Anyone with some sight can see their real intent is to cripple the smaller companies by forcing them to shut down sooner during the day.

The ATA's only intention is to benefit it's membership by crippling in any way their competition by using the FMSCA & goobermint et al to do their dirty work.

Does it show that I have a deep disdain for the ATA?
It should...because I do.
Everyone should.

I'd like to think that independent trucking firms, some who are making praiseworthy effort to treat their drivers right, would be able to turn the tide. But the truth is, as long as the deep-pocket companies maintain always low prices to their customers (as many do to appease customers like Wal-Mart) and promise impossible delivery times, the well-intentioned independent firms will continue to struggle to find and hold on to their customers. It's not right, and in the long run, no one but the corporate profiteers (and their government cohorts) will benefit.

Customers may pay less money, but they'll end up paying more in the long run. In addition to increased highway injuries and deaths because of an abused system (and how do we figure the cost of that?), each of us pay more through:

1. Limited product variety and quality
2. Loss of creativity
3. Loss of pride in employment
4. Reduced value of salaries and benefits
5. Loss of jobs
6. Loss of unique, local culture and community
7. Reduction of property values
8. Violations of human and civil rights

Is there an organization that fights for drivers' rights (O/O and company drivers)? Is it effective? What can the drivers do -- realistically -- to help?

~Steve