The public radio show Marketplace is interested in talking with truckers about what's happening with the economy. Who else has such an intimate knowledge of fuel prices, infrastructure, and the state of our nation?

Respond: americanpublicmedia.org/pin/truckingquery

In the media we tend to talk to experts and analysts about economic trends, but I believe we can get a better picture -- and go deeper into the issues -- by talking with the folks who have a practical, daily view of those trends through their jobs. We're interested in learning about:

FUEL COSTS -- What strategies do you employ to cope with rising fuel costs? Who pays fuel costs for the truck(s) you drive? If you're reimbursed for fuel costs, do you feel you get a fair rate? If not, what would make it fair? What's your stance on owner-operator strike plans?

THE ECONOMY -- Have you experienced or observed any changes to your routes, the loads you carry, standards, or safety in recent months?

INFRASTRUCTURE -- What, if anything, concerns you about the United States' transportation infrastructure? How does infrastructure affect your work?

AND -- Are you involved in any plans to strike?

Please teach us what only you understand: americanpublicmedia.org/pin/truckingquery

While it's good that you desire more information.

Your survey is skewed to exclude many drivers who can answer your questions with the least amount of bias. Namely, company drivers who do not pay for their own fuel. But see the ramifications, and the impending problems due to these cost.

This is not, just an Owner Operators problem.

This has a rippling effect across the entire country and the economy. It will affect every American, eventually.

The trucking industry is not a welfare program of the United States. We do not do this job out of the kindness of our heart, for the publics benefit. We provide a service for America. And we expect to be paid for our services. We expect our companies to be paid enough to cover ALL cost associated with our services, then leave at least a small margin of profit.

Again, this IS NOT a welfare program. This is the key providing industry of the entire United States. And as such, needs to show a profit to survive.

__________________
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I'm gonna kill the next SOB who tells me I look stressed out.

--Unknown

As an Owner Operater/ President of the Company, I am 100% responsible For all cost incurred by my Truck. Fuel, Fuel Taxes per state, IFTA LIC., 2290 Highway use Tax, KYU, NY permit,Employer and employee portion of SS, FUTA, SUTA, The Tag Insurance(Liability, Cargo) . I am responsibile for Tires( just paid over 3000.00 for set for tractor.)
I maintain all repairs and maintance.Drug Testing is a regular part of my life and it cost about 100. per year to registered with Federal Drug Pooling.

I AM ON STRIKE!!!!!!!!


I was barely making it , everything I pay is on a " I'll pay this this month and that next month basis"

In the last 6 weeks The truck has not gone over 59 -63 MPH Due to trying to save on fuel milage and the extra wear and tear on the truck.

The Transportation infrastructure is a real joke. Why is there no one in congress to go and speak on our behalf. Better than that why are the OIL company's able to charge us so much, Isn't that monoplizing the Trucker? There is a cap on how much we can make but there is no cap on how much they can charge for fuel.


They price gouge us everyday to the very point of destruction of our jobs. If we make a dollar theyu want us to pay a dollar and a dime to be able to work. If you would take the time to talk with me I could show how for two weeks it is costing me a full payload and part of the next to run this truck.

I am a produce hauler I am on strike and I can honestly make more working for minium wage and giving the truck back.

Thank you so much for telling us where the survey is flawed - we really want to make sure that it's addressed to the right people and we're looking for better information just like you have given us.

Thanks very much for sharing your situation with us. If anyone wants to tell the public radio show Marketplace more about their personal situation or the issue at hand, please fill out this survey by copying and pasting it into your browser:americanpublicmedia.org/pin/truckingquery

Or, send a message to publicinsight[at]americanpublicmedia.org.

Thank you so much for your insights and for helping us with our coverage!

I am currently involved in the media as well. Although Canada is not mentioned in any of this, I CAN offer the perspective of a Canadian trucker who operates on both sides of the border. I will PM you with my phone number.

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I suppose I should think of something to put here, huh?

I will gladly exchange e-mails with you. But, I would rather not do a live interview. I'm running on very little sleep at the moment, and need appropriate time to collect my thoughts and form a logical responce. Maybe in the future.

__________________
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I'm gonna kill the next SOB who tells me I look stressed out.

--Unknown