Driver shortage changing face of trucking industry

1/23/08
Arizona Republic, AZ
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articl...rtage0122.html

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I would be driving today if the pay was better. Most the drivers say they are not in it for the money that it is a way of life. Thats fine and I would love to have a job that I like, but when you break it down to what most truckers get paid per hour I think it is sad.

I've always said there is no driver shortage. What there is is a major shortage of companies willing to "dance with the one that brung them". They've neglected their drivers, and neglected to take care of them in terms of respect, a living wage, keeping them working and then send them home. Besides in these current down times of short freight and low rates where drivers are not running to their full potential, how in the hell can companies claim there is a shortage of drivers?

Liars the lot of them.

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You are abosolutely correct, there is no shortage of AMERICAN drivers. However, there IS a shortage of even lower paid H-1B aliens.

And whatta ya wanna bet... they'll find those new sources South of the border. This is nothing more than a dance to get the American public lubed up for the screwing we are about to receive.

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This is NOT the Daytona 500... you don't win a prize for being first.

I agree with Brick. I know of several people who have CDL's and don't use them anymore or just let them go because they were tired of dealing with low ball companies that took advantage of them.

Companies are going to have to realize, that you just can't find drivers today like you used to.

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It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood;."
THEODORE ROOSEVELT (Paris Sorbonne,1910)

I just want to say a big AMEN ! to all of your post. The first time I ever came to this site the very first thing I read was the article on the so called driver shortage in the special reports section of this web site... I was on the edge of my seat while reading it and have come to this web site every since
Why dont these companies get it?? why? I mean they will spend all their money and resources doing studdies and recruiting unqualified drivers but not give the drivers they do have a cent or the respect they deserve.. to be honest I am not so sure the so called shortage is going to change anything... In my oppinon the management, dispatchers and driver managers keep getting ruder and increasingliy more disrepectful as time go's on towards their drivers.... and when you mention the things were talking about they look at you like your on drugs or something. I mean because I dont have a college degree means my oppion doesnt count? because I am a trucker I dont have the ability to think and reason ? I mean get with it already... anyways thanks for allowing my post

Yes, and I am one sitting with a Class A CDL seldom driving anymore. Occasionally do a run to help a buddy when he is in a bind. Or do a run here or there to pick up a few extra bucks on my days off.

Love the road, but now get my "Road fix" as my wife calls it from time to time towing my camper (38 ft fifth wheel toyhauler) on trips here or there.

Ditto,I quit driving because of dot-B**** and fleet mgrs that couldn't tell the truith if it hit'm in the face,i love to drive big rigs over the road,i guess it's the freedom of space and mind,just my 2cents ,seeya.

*********HELPFUL HINT**********

Print out the initial report,
shred it,
and spread it in your garden
to help make the flowers grow.

It's bovine excrement.
Pure and simple.

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Pontificating Dogmatist