Despite pumping life into every town and city that they haul freight to, truckers are still looked upon as a nuisance by most areas. They think of big trucks as rolling death-machines that bring pollution, noise, and crime to their towns, not realizing that what they really bring is absolutely everything the town needs to survive. Well, yet another city is taking steps to ban these “nuisances” from their streets entirely.
The mayor of Columbiana, Alabama has called for a ban on semi-trucks driving in their downtown area. He says that trucks are the main cause of traffic jams in his city and that truckers often drive over curbs. He was quoted as saying “I really feel like we are doing the city a disservice by allowing these large trucks” to drive in the area.
It seems that it’s not just one man’s misguided quest to turn truckers into a scapegoat, the city council has cast their lot in with the mayor as well. “I think it’s unanimous that everyone agrees if we can keep [truckers] out of the downtown area, we should do it,” the mayor said.
Towns across the country trying to keep trucks of their main streets cause annoying, time wasting, and sometimes dangerous detours, but even more worrying is that towns are now trying to keep truck stops from opening their doors anywhere in the town limits.
In Mesquite, Nevada, a building and 21 acres of empty land have been unoccupied for quite some time, but when a buyer for the land presented itself, city officials and residents turned out to protest the sale. The reason? The empty facility would have been turned in to a Pilot Flying J Travel Center. A hearing was held to decide whether the city of 20,000 would allow the sale. Of the 16 people who were given the chance to speak, only 3 spoke in favor of the truck stop.
Among those speaking was former mayor Susan Holecheck. She spoke against the planned sale saying that the travel center would increase traffic, air pollution, sound pollution, and road maintenance. And despite adding 75 jobs at the center alone, she said that the project would do more harm than good to the local economy.
While both towns have the right to mandate what happens inside their borders, their actions show a clear lack of understanding of how truckers affect the daily lives of every single person living in the United States.
Next Story: Trucking Company Owner Steals $5 Million From Employees
Source: cdllife
Image Source: hamptonroads
J. Carter says
Yep, let these idiots wake up one day needing to drive 60 miles to the nearest town that does allow trucks, and they’ll start changing their tunes.
Trucking companies need to get together and say “No freight to these towns. They don’t want the trucks, they don’t get what trucks bring.”
There is one town to which I refuse to haul freight, or take freight out of; Louisville, KY. Those people in that town do not want the eye sore of trucks. I actually received a parking ticket for parking on an abandoned street, the police officer telling me I needed to park outside of the city limits and then drive back into town when it was time for my pickup. I was scheduled to pick up freight in Louisville that morning.
I left Louisville, called my company and told them I wasn’t going to pick up the freight, and if they asked me to return, I would quit. When asked why, I told them I was cited for being inside city limits before the actual time of my pickup.
Get in, get out, that is what these towns are starting to want. Never mind we’re real men and women who have needs just the same as everybody else. Bring us our freight, but get that damn truck out of here as soon as you’re done! We don’t care if you want something to eat, or need to use the restroom. Just get the hell out of our town!
Well, when a loaf of bread costs $10 in gas to just go get, for these stupid people in these closed-minded towns and cities, you may rest assured, they will start changing their tunes.
Susie says
Shut them down, just quite taking them supplies and then maybe their attitude will change!! Enough said!! GEEZ people doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Sometimes y’all just think too much!!! The old saying “your making a mountain out of a mole hill!!”
Kevin Phillips says
No problem I wont bring ANYTHING to his city
Ray Tyrell says
It’s real simple if they don’t want us then just stop delivering freight to their town, period. Without us their town will shivel up and die. Why do we put up with this when we have the upper hand?
Ron says
Simple solution is to stop any freight going to these cities or towns, when their grocery store has no food on the shelves they will be begging for trucks.
John Sokol says
I’ve said many times, the general public doesn’t make the connection between the trucks on the highway, and the merchandise on the shelves. I totally agree, boycott all deliveries to those places, and give them a wake up call!
David says
Shut the entire trucking industry down for a week, and sit back and watch change happen! Organizations like OOIDA could make a significant impact on making this happen, but they fear their own bottomline being affected, and forget about the ATA, this is a group that is in the pockets of DC.
With that being said, expect no change, and make the best of the abuse that is given just about everywhere that you go, as it appears, Truckers have masochistic tendencies, because we seem to just go with the flow, instead of making it!
Dave says
I agree,stop delivering to these towns. why are we the ones that suffer because of ignorance. we need more truckstops and if these towns don’t want one,then they don’t need the freight. period!!
Slow Poke says
Nothings going to change, there will be no boycott of these towns and no trucker shut down….
These are that same people who want to enjoy a nice steak for dinner but are against the killing of animals. It’s the dumbing down of the American people.
steve says
Wonder if Harry Reid wanted to do this if it would’ve went through. Well, there’s 2 places i refuse to stop or deliver freight to.
gary says
Just remember who brings your food an gas to your town,its always someone complaining about trucks try drivung one an find parking or sitting at a shipper or reciever for hours an hours waiting to load or unload then you run out of time on your log book an now trying to find a truck stop. that’s safe o park for the night
sudon't says
As for the cities that don’t want trucks through their downtown, hey, I’m all for it. Build a damned bypass.
Ralph says
Stop at the town line, call the receiver , say “since you don’t want me in your town, come get your stuff, bring LOTS of pick up trucks, you’re gonna need them!”.
Bluevike93 says
I bet there’s a WalMart in that town. I wonder how the town would cope if WalMart Transportation decided to shut the store down because they make it too difficult to deliver?
Tim says
Well Mr. mayors Think about this next time your grocery store or gas station is empty Lu won’t let trucks in. If I saw a sign that said no trucks in your city ….oh well deal with it and explain this to your constituents. And then see if you get re-elected. What a bunch of jackasses!!!
Shane says
It would be a big help if a list would be published of all the towns against trucking was banned so in turn drivers could refuse to deliver to “their” town. But you’ll never get 2a drivers to agree on anything. Still it would be nice to have a list of those towns and cities.
William P McKechnie says
Exactly what I was going to say. It’s bad enough out there trying to find a place to park.
Martin says
Why isnt anyone running a positive PR / education campaign on behalf of trucks?
Rick Smith says
Have a national database of “do not call on” cities and towns.
Make sure the cities and towns know what they are in for,
then make all of their merchants collect their wares from the
nearest “trucking friendly” town.
The added cost would be passed on to the sensitive consumers,
and everybody would be happy. Maybe.
RC says
I agree with that 100%, thats exactly what we need, a data base/website that will post info about problem towns. city and states. A data base that would be updated regularly with details, also sending out texts/emails to those whom want it. We can start with a simple blog right here on this very site. Drivers can simply put the name of the area and/or company, with the descriptions of the problems that they had encountered. This would line up the communications between the drivers and company’s. Some of these warehouses have no respect for the driver either, they also need to be high lighted in this, and boycotted.
Fred says
How loud will the complaints be when the city residents and mayors that deny truck traffic have to travel to a city that permits trucks delivering to stock shelves of groceries and underwear ?
A wine is no good without cheese.
Don Dierdorff says
These out-of-touch idiots will be the first to complain when they can’t go to the store to buy their loved ones Christmas presents. Of course, nothing can be done about their infinite ignorance regarding big trucks.
Don Dierdorff says
If I had not experienced truck driving personally, I would not believe the horrible, beat-down lifestyle a driver is forced to endure just to try to make a paycheck.
Lee Strabel says
I think every tractor trailer should have a sign on it that reads If you bought it, I brought it.
matt says
Great idea!!!
Original Straight Jacket says
Real easy just boycott them,like we did to Indiana in the 80’s. When our money isn’t spent to help their tax base they might change their minds. But once a mind is closed it will be hard to reopen. I do my part to help in boycotting certain cities and business. The ones I refuse to deal with are the ones that prohibits trucks when I’m in my personal vehicle. OOIDA can’t support a boycott due to the R.I.C.O. act , ATA doesn’t care big money drives them.
Lizzyd says
I swear we all need to shut down for 24 hours and let all the big mouths realize how bad they need us and how we are humans and are not their servants! I also would like them to know I can not carry a weapon and run legal but its ok for me to get assulted while im minding my own business delivering and having to park in an unsafe place. How about how bug truck drivers have to be or the lookout for the crazy 4 wheelers texting, eating, drinking, putting on their makeup, and cutting us off? Sorry, I’m just so tired of this.
RC says
We have to have a solid boycott, one that would last at least 3days, no truck should run, period. Once people see and feel the domino effect, everyone will recognize the importance of the the Big Rig, and the trucking industry all together. Most people really don’t equate trucks to their everyday needs, goods that they buy/use all day, EVERYDAY. A freeze at that magnitude would back up most of the freight industry for close to a year with most companies. It would also force the shippers/brokers into an urgency level in order to get their freight out (being backed up) which means more work for us, including more money to move freight. Unification and communication is the key, the formula is rather simple, getting drivers to obligate themselves to this needy cause is the hard work (although it shouldnt be). But again, communication is the key..
jim cox says
this so called mayor in alabama says trucks are the problem for conjestion, well i guess people in cars talking on their phones, surfing the net, texting and emailing each other, while driving, would never cause traffic problems. he is probably one of these idiot that do that. yet they will also be the first to complain when they have low or no supplies. the companies in those towns that depend on trucks to get their products in and out of town, need to ban together with the trucking companies and fight them in court. the truck co. cannot go it alone…..
Filippo says
Funny how all of the answers above are filled with good intentions and griping but none of the solutions have any teeth. I am personally forming a group to begin assessing and addressing the behavior of towns toward truckers and give the truckers and companies some teeth to do something about it. Most times articles like this are printed for the replies it will get. Not for the action we can cause. So, let’s get on the ball and make something happen. Otherwise we better just sell out our voices to the bitchgripes.
jim cox says
I just sent the mayor of columbia, al the followin email:
to MayorHandley
how you became mayor is beyond me. you clearly have not thought through this ban involving trucks. you are quick to blame truckers. but what about people in cars texting, serfing the net and emailing on their phones? i bet you’ll say, well thats does not happen here. you are probably one of those people who get distracted by your phone while driving. you also obviously do not care about the buisnesses that rely on trucks for their services. i am also sure you would be one of the first people screaming when you have low or no supplies or goods in your stores in town. insread of blaming truckers why don’t you find a solution that is good for all involved, not just your popularity in town. try and be a pioneer in creating a harmonious enviroment for trucks intead of treating us like dirt. good solutions take work. maybe you ought to take a trucking course and you would have a insight that would help solve this problem. safe trucking requires safe solutions. from a concerned trucker, Jim Cox 145 E Ohio ave Dover, Oh 44622
Paul says
If we don’t unite and shut down for a week or 2 then this hits will keep coming. Doesn’t have to be all trucks just all o/o. Theirs enough of us to make a difference. Show America how much trucks are needed since they can’t see it them selves and look at us as like we are criminals or whatever they think.
We’re allowing this to happen. Organize a shut down and well see a big change.
Paul says
Not even organize a shut down since that is and would be illegal lol we can all plan our vacation the same week or 2. Ain’t nothing wrong with that I think. Just gonna be one big vacation for us.
Debbie says
I will admit that I use to be one of those people that didn’t totally understand how important truck and deliver was. My husband starting driving last year, and I have road a couple of times, I have a totally new respect for truck drivers and what they do and how they have to deal with stupidnest on the roads. So I say NO TRUCKS NO SUPPLIES…Then let see who they want back in thier cities.
DJ says
So after Google Mapping this little podunk town I have to ask What Traffic???? This place is so small it’s hardly a blip on a map these people are morons. I wonder how McDonalds is going to get it’s food without a truck to bring it into town…I didn’t see any trucks on the satelite image anywhere in the town when that pic was taken either…One car at an intersection is a traffic jam in there town..lol
under paid / overworked says
mesquite nv. has nothing more then retired people and golf courses. It’s not worth the tire chains in my truck , wonder if alabama plans on paying off its federal debts before declining on any new buisnesses looking to help them out ?
Will says
David,
You are inncorrect about OOIDA, Their bottem line is affected by membership rolls, and where they to do what you suggest, OOIDA would indeed make a significant impact. So much so that is would affect their bottem line…To The Possitive, their membership would swell.
However, were OOIDA to do so, their offices would be swarmed by federal officers shutting them down and arresting everyone there. It is illegal, against the law, for them to do so. That is why they have not.
You are somewhat correct about the ATA, it is a consortium of Shippers, Receivers and the large Carriers. Basically the large donors to those in DC. They care little to nothing for the drivers and owner-operators.
No David, while you are correct that shutting down for a week would bring great change, it has to be a grass roots beginning.
So I suggest you start talking to the DRIVERS, instead of whining about OOIDA or the ATA
ONLY the Drivers can change OUR FATE
Will
RC says
Will, I concur..
Just like Jimmy Hoffa, most of these organizations, unions especially (most of them), play games tap dancing in the middle. They are for “their own” bottom line, “not” for the people they are suppose to represent (although meetings are held & dues are payed). The only one that can take charge, is the man that really is in charge, that is the man with the key. If that key don’t turn, the wheels don’t turn, if the wheels don’t turn, the freight don’t move, which means, neither does that dollar. THIS IS ALL EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS. ITS THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE THAT SPEAKS TO ALL IN BUSINESS. Hitting people in the pockets is action, not words. Begging never gets anyone anywhere, we’ve done the asking, attempts to negotiate already, anyway, through these organizations over the years, and its gotten worst not better. So you tell me if you believe that works. lol.. (Its a joke, its really the long form run around). We need action , that’s what wakes people up, empty warehouses, store shelves, consumers complaining. Gotta make their mouth drop, and their eyes big, snatch them out of their comfort zone…
BLACKMARKESS says
its really sad to see how stupid a town or a mayor trying to get this passed ,i am a truck driver and i hope that i have a load going to that towm because i wont make my delivery to them i hope they dont have nothing to use in any type of needs thet have if truck driver would get some balls and do the wright thing and shut the trucks down to show jyust how much they neeed us not us need them i dont think train go to every store or even back up to the docks and then sit for hours waiting on stupid lazy ass recivers well its time for us to stand up and say no to them..
BLACKMARKESS says
well ooida would not help me and i was a member but after what they said to me i droped my member ship forever .
alltlzrd says
i agree with their sentiments. let’s outlaw everything larger than a half ton pickup and force everyone to pick up their own supplies.
Paul says
Organized vacations where never illegal. We all can’t plan a vacation and take a few days off?
George Dorman says
I have been trucking for 33 yrs and trust me there will be no shut down or lack of deliveries to these towns. Drivers have to make a living and if you turn down a load to any particular town you will be fired and someone else will do it. There are over 300 millions people in the country, so lets not get our panties in a bind over a few short sighted idiots.
Tired says
I wish we (truckers & trucking companies) would shut down for just 3 days. That’s it. No more, no less. All trucks. This country would shrivel up. It would open the eyes of ALL Americans, not just the ones that are close-minded. But as George said, it will NEVER happen. If you’re going to chose this industry as your profession, you may as well come to the conclusion that this is the way it’s going to be for the rest of your career, and most probably will continue to get worse. But if you truly are a trucker, you’re already doomed because it’s in the blood. Trucking is a disease that once caught, you will never get rid of!
Jim says
Don’t boycott that Alabama town. Get 100 – 200 truckers to visit that fine city all at one time. Make sure to use your Jake at every stop sign or light. Some of you drive at 5 mph, some at 20 mph. ALL OF YOU have signs on the side of your trailers saying: Stop trucks from coming to your town? Who will deliver your groceries, merchandise and gasoline? Make sure you make as much deisel smoke and noise as possible. Then stop in your tracks for 5 minutes, then leave at once, or sooner if it looks like someone will get arrested or something. Call a press conference on the outskirts of the town and tell the press that no trucker will ever come back, with food, etc. unless you get a public apology from their mayor. Just don’t break any laws.
RC says
Not a bad 1st step strategy on the levels of action on the road. A parade with banners jamming the road ways does make an impact.
Paul says
Truckers ought to ban : All cities north of Richmond, Va. On I-95 over to I-81 up thru Obama country, into Maryland, Delaware, along with that state that looks like N.Y. Is popping out, New Jersey, and lets not forget Conn. and Mass. And Rhode Island… They are by far the most rude states of all.. Myself, I do not, and will never ever go there again..
They should just build a huge warehouse near Richmond, Va. For them, and tell them, if ya want your “Stuff” …. Come down and get it yourself…
Thank You….
willa gilkey says
these people dont read.
willa gilkey says
Will, I think you are right. The only way to pull this off will be if the DRIVERS DO IT! It was shared with me that 85% of the people are afraid of change. I have seen this to be basically true, and with the truckers its seems that way too. Looking for solutions outside of ourselves is worthless. 100% dissatisfaction will bring change. When that happens, then we will see some real solution go into motion.
Howard Lee says
Ask people from Alabama how many trucking companies are registered in the state. Furthermore, ask them how many people do they know who is directly or indirectly affected by the trucking business. If they don’t know, they should be informed as trucking is the lifeblood of the state, especially small towns, But, many years ago I heard a woman from Alabama say “I don’t care if truckers go on strike, I’ll get my meat from Winn-Dixie.
Rob VP says
In New Zealand the trucking lobby took a positive approach to educating the public, by putting huge pictures of newborn babies on the back of big rigs. The tagline read: “The only thing not brought by a truck.”
Still, I reckon not dropping or collecting freight at anti-truck towns is the only sensible thing to do.
Cliff says
Don’t delive to them for 3 days and let them discover how EVERYTHING THE USE, in a day, comes by truck.
James says
Could not have said it better myself well done my friend I bet wallmart could get that ordeince changed or wallmart colud just leave town then what would all the people do without wallmart o no not that. Jusy tryin to be funny and o by the way have a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Bobby says
This article is lacking! Columbiana, Alabama has a state route that bypasses downtown, you have to leave SR25 and take “old” SR25 to go into town! I would avoid the downtown area with my truck, but there are the “new” breed of drivers that won’t/don’t know ( or just didn’t plan thier route) and those drivers cause the majority of the problems for the good drivers, I’m suprized all walmarts don’t ban other trucks from thier property considering what I see these drivers doing. I also see the time coming when walmart does ban us for thier actions. How many times you see a lemon drop in a parking lot where ther’s a bathroom inside the building! And running over/ hitting things. You wouldn’t allow anybody do that at your home! My should anybody else!
charlie says
As a resident of San Diego County and a driver I fully understand this article. No city or the county will allow a full service truck stop anywhere in the county. If a business allows truck parking, sales fuel. and has a restaurant, then they can not offer or allow any mechanical service. If truck service is offered, parking, fuel, and food can not be made available. Most of San Diego Counties cities will only allow trucks on any street if the truck is carrying freight with proper papers showing the business address and load or unload time. Even with proper documents, trucks are not allowed to park on streets even in front of the business or home. Household goods movers generally are required to pick up and deliver using small U-Haul trucks and then transfer loads to trailers. Lets face it, San Diego is a terminal pickup and delivery area, there is hardly any rail traffic and very very limited direct spurs. Yet trucks are treated like poison vermin.
RC says
Drivers have to get smart and stop running there. PERIOD.. Even if it means taking a run that isnt as convenient.
joe says
I would LOVE to see all the trucking companies stop delivering into this city.This means the walmart store would close,the post office would shut down, the grocery store would close,the hardware store would close,the trash trucks would stop rolling,basically shut down the city.The mayor sounds like an idiot that needs booting out.WHere your problem lies is drugs,whores and currupt city workers.
joe says
california is ran by idiots.Thats basically the problem there.
Bill says
The family is the basic unit of any society. If a society values trucking more than families and real communities (neighborhoods), the society will soon collapse. Trucking is not the key to prosperity.
Mike Asbell says
The only way to stop these idiots is to stop ALL deliveries to any business in that town. When enough “John Q Citizen’s” complain and wonder why theres no paper to wipe theyre ass with or no milk for little Johnnies cereal and no liquor for the town council croneys, will they maybe stop and consider why. I defie for anybody to name me one thing that we use in our daily lives that wasnt somehow influenced by a truck…
RC says
Exactly!!!
Filippo says
Columbiana felt very unwelcoming to me as I would go there. There are many towns especially in Cali-forn-ya and in the northeast and Florida which have a less than toothy attitude toward truckers. Sacramento is pretty bad. I parked in front of a warehouse after unloading there, went in back to do my paperwork and heard paper rustling. I thought nothing of it until I stepped out to inspect my rig before I moved. I found a “blow-away ticket on the passenger side door handle. Good thing I found it… or I would have had hell to pay with Hotel California Owners Association And Tax Department Of Sneaky Parking Police. The ticket was for parking in front of a fire hydrant. I looked, but there was no hydrant. There were, however, some red pipes coming out of the ground next to the building that resembled sewer or gas pipes. Not even close to the road. I snapped a photo, printed it off, and sent the photo instead of payment, with a note, “your officer made an error.” I received a letter from the city of suckamento saying “your photo proves you were in front of the hydrant. Pay up or lose driving privileges in the state of CA.” I paid, under protest, and drove there for a few years but NONE since 2007. If towns do not want truckers they have ways of pissing you off or forcing you out that you do not want to be there again. A town in New Jersey sent a loudmouth cop to bitch me out and move me from plaace in a residential area but I put that voice right back at him that told him I would leave when I left. I actually was very surprised that he turned tail and ran, but they just don’t like truckers. We are a low class not to be tolerated or condoned. So it is up to us to stand up for ourselves and make a difference, to become acceptable in society. We have a lot of work to do. Merry Christmas, y’all
James says
Why do we all put up with this? Organize a US SHUT DOWN! …….
dan m says
well said, for years I have wondered why walmart lets trucks in there lot. Its a shame how little respect many truck drivers have for other people’s property
RW says
I have to agree its about time we finaly do onto them as they have done to us. Only problem is we cant get enough truckers who have the gonads to pull it off. We have talked about this for yrs and nothing ever happened. The government and states are destroying trucking and we are just letting them do it. Sad but very true
Northstar says
Well again what has changed over the years. A lot. Remember calling places years ago . asking do you have overnight parking? or parking close by? If it was a higher value load 99% of the time places made some type of accommodation. Today. and here’s the problem as I see it. You don’t have as much owner of the business receiver, shipper with a direct connection to the service the trucker is providing as we had years ago. Today some investment group builds a big wear house. Finds company B to rent it and then multi corporate producer uses it for their goods. 99% of the time not a thought in the world to wear waiting to load or unload truckers are going to park. O…But you the trucker should be there 30 minutes before your appointment time. Time that out with weather, traffic and no truck stops in the area. That along with some of these “New wear house” areas having no street parking. Come on absolutely zero common sense today. Lets build a “industrial park” with giant warehouses that a couple hundred trucks are going to come through a day have closed gates after hours no street parking. And as I have already stated that lack of common sense today in business is in a large part the disconnect of ownership, and people who fully understand what is needed to accumulate their business.
BugNout says
I’ve said many times, urban areas need to be serviced by day-peddlers. After 20 years on the road it’s all the same stuff. I figured out during my first year of driving that if the shipping industry were to build transfer warehouses 90 miles out of major urban areas then the long-haulers could pick up and drop off their freight for the local guys could come and get it in daycabs. This would allow much faster turnaround time for the road drivers and provide many more local, family-friendly, jobs for other drivers. All the while preventing the need for urban truck parking, noise and air pollution, and the need for wider streets to allow 70+ft trucks. I understand many of the issues are financial, nobody wants to pay property taxes for big truck parking, but in all honesty, we are providing a public service. We see run down buildings and grown over parking lots in all areas of the country. Most of those parking lots have Jersey barriers or boulders in the entrances to prevent trucks from parking in them. Heaven forbid a lawsuit! Time to get real, if no business are going to use these areas then the municipalities need to eat a little tax revenue and open those lots for overnight parking. As for the crime issue surrounding big trucks, I can’t remember the last time I saw a lot lizard(not that it’s anybody’s business anyway but that’s another argument), drugs have pretty much left the industry, and some well placed porta-potties and trash cans would go a long way in cutting down on the littering drivers. Yeah! I too miss the way things used to be, but the way things ARE is what we have to deal with. This is no longer a “Any swingin @#$% industry. You’ve got to be smart and creative to do this job well. I’ve heard more than my share of whining from the “new breed” and the old. GET OVER IT! No! The average John Q Dimwit doesn’t know or care about your plight, they are only interested in living there lives and buying all their crap from the big boxes and not having anything get in their way. It’s a sad state of affairs to say the least, but do your best to be as independent as you can be, think ahead and know your route to get parked safely, and if your boss doesn’t pay you enough to do your job safely and profitably then find another gig. When WE DEMAND BETTER then, and only then, will our quality of life improve. Winston Churchill said it best, “Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing… After ALL other options have been exhausted!” think about it. Happy Trucking!! I’m BugNout
Bill in Colorado says
When I was driving, I tried to leave each area a little better than I left it. One morning a Wal-Mart manager caught me picking up his lot. He asked me why and I told him that I just wanted people to know that we all weren’t lazy people that threw our trash out the window. I kept some throw-away gloves (Cheap at harbor freight) and a stick with a nail end on it. I also have taken other hands to notice when I saw then throw their poop and pee out the window in a grocery sack, the manager took down my name and told me I had a place to park at this Wal-Mart any time I wanted it. It only takes a few dirty slobs to ruin it for the rest of us who are basically good people. I have walked across many truck stop parking lots that smell like an outhouse because of drivers that will not walk to the bathroom. Take care of your own waste! It’s not that hard.
As for cities that want to treat drivers like we are scum, let them haul their food, gas, and everything they consume in their SUV’s! I wish we could all get together and stop the flow of products into those areas. It would only take 4 or 5 days at the most, and they’d be in a world of hurt.
JBQ says
Let them have their wish.
All trucks should never deliver a load their again. If you don’t have forced dispatch don’t take a load to that city.
See how they like that.
road devil says
If a city wants to ban trucks I say let them then they can expect ALL deliveries to be refused by the law abiding companies and watch as the outlaws go into their town, I usually avoid downtown anyway
LostNavigator says
I have been out of the industry for 0ver 8 years now due to my National Guard comitment and 2 tours to Iraq. I decided to attend College since returning in 2010. It troubles me that nothing has changed in the industry and sounds like it may be worse.
Drivers need to be responsible for their own actions as they represent us all. And on that note when will drivers realize that some form of orginized response to outrageous company practices is required?
I am considering returning to the industry, however after reading these comments I may have to come at the industry from a different direction and use my Sociology Degree to study the issue of why truck drivers refuse to cooperate in efforts to help themselves.
Change will only happen when a majority of drivers speak out in a unified voice. May 2013 be the beginning of Professional Drivers Year of Enlightenment.
dennis witthuhn says
Yeah? well any city or county with that kind of attitude towards truckers should be boycotted. no truck should deliver anything there make those people drive to another county for anything they want to buy!!!
Ron Lappreau says
Screw Mesquite. There’s a Loves closer to Vegas. Spend your money there or if you prefer to break with convention, try Moapa. The Paiutes loves their truckers. They have endless parking, good hamburgers, fireworks and booze. What’s not to like?
Bandit says
I agree with the haulin their crap in their SUV’s, except now days it would have to be a PRIS. Heaven forbid if the SUV’s would pollute the environment.