A trucker was tased twice and arrested at a peaceful protest which saw truckers lined up along a highway in Florida to protest low wages, poor working conditions, problems with freight brokers, and other issues.
Made up of mostly owner-operators, the protest was organized to “stop the deterioration of our industry.” In a press release sent to Overdrive, the organizers of the protest said “We provide for an entire nation while barely providing for our own families… Our industry is vital to our country’s existence; we request only fair compensation and appreciation for feeding, clothing and providing the basic needs that our country demands. Take a moment look around and most of what you see made its way to you and your family by truck.”
The group is asking for the following:
- Regulation of freight brokers to make their fees more transparent, and to set a minimum base rate for pay.
- An increase in pay rates.
- Lower insurance and operating costs.
- An overall improvement of the quality of life for owner-operators and small fleets.
Two protesters were arrested for allegedly parking their trucks in the middle of the street and blocking traffic on Tuesday, the first day of protests.
Later in the day, at a separate protest location, police claim that the crowd became unruly and swarmed them, while the truckers claim that they were upset that the officers were trying to arrest a trucker’s wife.
One man, Luis Calderon Martinez, was holding onto the trucker’s wife to try and prevent her from being pulled away by officers. When he wouldn’t let go, police say that Martinez struck an officer in the body with his right hand. In response, they tased him, put him on the ground and tased him a second time.
“I feel like they are treating him like an animal,” said his daughter, Cynthia, according to local ABC news. “I think cops should see the hard work these truckers go through every day of their lives.”
Martinez faces charges of resisting an officer with violence and battery on a police officer.
The second day of protests was less eventful, but the message was the same. In an interview with CBS local news, one driver put it best saying: “Truck drivers bring over all the food, all the clothing, everything. Without truck drivers, we would have nothing.”
Source: overdrive, wsvn, local10, miamicbslocal, floridapolitics, overdrive
I’m sorry, but last I heard, interference with a LEO or operation is illegal.
If you’re being stopped, detained or arrested, go along with it. Don’t interfere. *Surprise*… there are actually laws against doing what those lamebrain did. Argue in court, not with the arresting officers.
At this point, the “protest” went from peaceful to unlawful. Sorry, no compassion here.
Isn’t it racist to arrest these truckers and none of the BLM terrorists that block highways?
Has nothing to do with the color of their skin. Profiling maybe, but not even remotely racist. That word being thrown around loosely like that is causing a lot of issues in our country these days, folks gotta learn what it means!
Sir… …I don’t even know where to begin.
What the person was making a point of, is: Why were police told (ordered) to stand down during the BLM protest…and not in the truckers protest? I ask the same question…but I know the answer. This weak a$$ country feels THEY would be called racist themselves if the attempted ANY measure of force against some one in a BLM …riot…protest…pick either one.
So…I ask the same question. What is the difference in the BLM movement (for lack of a more appropriate term to be used here) and the truck drivers asking for fair treatment?
Of you can answer that…fairly?
I would like to see it.
Thanks.
Truckers just don’t know how good they have it. (Snork)
It is really sad, which is why I left the industry after 17 years, (with no accidents or tickets mind you!) Truckers are taken advantage of, ripped off and one of the hardest workers America has. People don’t realize all they sacrifice. I say to anyone reading this, if you are thinking about a career in trucking, think about something else. The only exception to this is working for a Union Carrier such as UPS, UPS Freight, ABF which are organized by Teamsters. They are really about the only three that are left even though UPS and UPS freight are the same company. Also, the reason why they call Freight Brokers “Brokers” is if you use them long enough, you will go broke. they will put a load on a load screen for a dollar a mile and see if your fool enough to take the load. To fix this problem, just say no! Truckers need to stay home for a few days and that will rattle the industry for sure.
Spike, I drove trucks for 25 years. Many times we tried to get truckers to stop their trucks and refuse to drive until they received proper wages, benefits and retirement. I’ll tell you this, you “Can Not” get two (2) drivers to agree on anything.
I left the industry a few years back, started my own business and use two (2) owners operators to transport the finish product. I pay them personally with a check or cash which-ever they prefer. I never use a broker, these people are borderline criminals.
Brokers are criminals.I hate brokers more than I hate DOT.
I agree but it would take no less than 3 months to really make a difference.
If it was a country-wide shutdown, I’d give it three DAYS, tops.
We cannot place all the blame on the brokers here. The mega corps have driven rates to rock bottom saying they can do it and when they realize they messed up they pass that to their lease ops. I drive for a small carrier where I am treated as a person not a number and I get paid well enough to live.
Fact of the matter is, truckers are their own worst enemy when it comes to brokers. A company driver might not see the broker end of things. Working for a small company or being an o/o you are sometimes pulled from the load because someone offers to do it cheaper. South Florida and south Texas are prime locations for this. Myself, there is no profit south of Orlando and the load better pay very well for me going into Laredo to think about taking a cheap one back out
You’re not wrong. That’s what half of these companies thrive off of. See, they’ll run prospective drivers through “training” with shimmering promises that don’t happen. Then you’ll work for pennies with a 1 cent raise a year. I feel bad for them. I went through company training and listened to the “snake oil” lies but fell for none. Those who do, I’m sorry for you. There are “success” stories though I’m not one. Even now working under other people, I’m learning what to do and what not to do to be a successful driver. It’s just so sad that truckers don’t stick together like they used to. Wish I was driving in those days.
There have been protests going down increasingly over the past few years. The Occupy movements, Idle No More, BLM, the Trade Union Revolt that is happening in France as I write this, student protests, ranchers protesting–and now, finally, some truckers.
At the end of the day, we are all standing up to the same entity. Corporate Greed and Corporations that are becoming hand in hand with our Governing bodies.
So, if we could ALL band together against the Machine and it’s Masters perhaps then we could make an actual dent in the Corporate Shield.
First let me state that trucks are a vital link in the economy. But only a link. If it wasn’t for the PEOPLE manufacturing the product, the warehouse PEOPLE, the freight brokers (PEOPLE also), the PEOPLE running the retail stores, or the PEOPLE buying the products there would be no need for the PEOPLE driving the trucks. A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. I’m a second generation professional driver (40+yrs driving). What I’ve seen happen to the industry has been brought onto itself. Not all but most are impatient aggressive drivers who are over weight, smelly and have a bad attitude. Those that discard trash (pee bottles and $hit bags) anywhere they want instead of walking (most need the exercise) to the trash can. IF the trucking industry wants respect it MUST RESPECT OTHERS and RESPECT ITSELF.
Now for the four points of protest: Points 1 and 2 are basically the same. If the rates are cheap DON’T HAUL it. If there is a minimum rate what would it be? 3,4,5 dollars a mile? All this would do is bring in more O/O like what I’ve described above. It would increase the price of tires, repairs, insurance, fuel, lumper fees,ect.,ect.,ect. Then how would this increase be enforced? More regulation? Who would benefit from the increase? Dry van. Refer, Flat bed, Livestock Haulers, Heavy Equipment Haulers, Oversized Haulers? It’s a diverse industry. Let the market area set the rates.
Point 3: A good businessman/woman knows how to control their expenses. I’m not going to state how to do this cause I want the bad ones out. Less trucks equals better rates.
Point 4: Just like point 3 ONLY YOU CAN CONTROL THE QUALITY OF YOUR LIFE. If you don’t like the trucking life style GET OUT.
To those who are profitable, healthy and respectful of others HAVE A SAFE RIDE EVERYWHERE AND ANYWHERE YOU MAY GO.
Hmmm…all these people claiming multi year OTR experience…hmmm.
Just wondering how many of them can tell me…(and I’ll know if you research your answer) about the old HOS? What period did the Teamsters start its decline?
Its been my experience, that about 90% of the young folks out here that make past a year or 2, give themselves an added 10 to 15 years when ask.
I like the ones that claim that started driving in 1972…or whatever year the pick out of the sky.
So I reply with: WOW! You’ve had your CDL that long huh?
Their reply is Yeap.
For those who know…you know why I left lmao…
The claim about getting 2 people to agree on anything out here…is because they can’t keep, not even 1 person to stay at a job over 6 months.
And companies don’t care. The papers are covered with false dreams I call them. You know. Join our team and earn blah blah blah…
The economy is SOOOO bad under this administration that the 1 time high paying jobs are now over seas, and those people need to work.
The companies can pay them pennies on the dollar because they know they will take it.
We’ll NEVER get organized enough to do anything about it.
I’m sorry but your “most” comment is so totally out of touch. A few yes but I’ve been out here 42 yrs and still drive OTR and that FEW is what is giving drivers a bad name. MOST truck drivers are just the normal family men and women trying to provide a living for their family. They shower wear clean clothes wash their hair etc. I seldom see the people you make out to be the norm. Yes I see the pee bottles and agree that’s disgusting. If I see someone pitch one I call them on it. We need to police ourself on that matter. I also agree drivers need to stop hauling cheap freight and settling for less. Please we don’t need our own buying into the propaganda that truck drivers are sleezy dirty people. We Are Not. American Trucker and Proud of It!!!
Hey Bar b Q,
I agree and disagree! I grew up in a family with a dad who worked in the automotive industry and cousins, who were all truckers! In the 60’s and 70’s, yes even the first 3 years of the 80’s (80,81,82) My cousins always lived better then we did! They were the “Million Dollar Truckers” everyone still talks about, in the industry today! They taught me the business! They then,( in about 83 or 84) started warning me away from it. I had planned to go into the industry, when I got back from the Air Force! What they told me is; freight companies were not wanting to pay their rates, starting to “play” games with loads, etc, etc, etc. So I stayed out, got multiple college and university degrees. I was a High School Principal for God Sakes, for 4 years, after being a teacher before that! I even spent 15 years in radio broadcasting, on air and off, during college! My point, I have 30 plus years experience in business! Plus, Teaching and Broadcasting! I’m a Veteran, as I said! I can NOT even BUY a job, Trucking or otherwise in Obama’s (aka. O’Bummer’s) Economy Today! The problem is not just the drivers, it’s the entire industry and all the government regulations! I’ve owned four companies (1 five years ago when I got back in2 this crazy business, was in Trucking!) I’m about to start a fifth! In Trucking again! I’m honest and straight up Professional in everything I do!
Your wrong saying let the market bare the price! No, we’ve seen, since the beginning of the 80’s, like I just said! What happens when you let the market “set the prices”! We have to set an industry standard of either 70% (MIn.) per load shipped. Min load value $5,000 for short hauls! Anything above 500 miles $10,000 Or $5 Bucks a mile! No more, NO LESS! Straight salary or hourly of (Min) $25 Bucks an hour would help as well. Salary needs to be at $50,000 (Min.) a year! If this pay structure looks familar, it’s similar to where the industry was going too, Prior to deregulation! But companies and the government don’t want anybody to talk about that. This is also the Pay Structure in many overseas countries! But companies and brokers here claim, we ship to much here in the US, that would put us out of business! Well that’s just BS! Because with the hundreds of millions and billions these carriers make here in the states today! It wouldn’t hurt them one bit! They are simply greedy! That’s it! End of story! From personal experience! Be safe out there my friend! 🙂
I entered the trucking industry a little over 6 years , of that six years 4 as an owner Operator. I’ve parked my truck numerous times for 2 and 3 days because I refused to haul cheap freight. I respect you ole timers truckers my hats off to you guys. I’m out the industry of and on my own choosing because their is no unity.If trucks stop moving the great USA will come down to its knees. We are the heart of this country. Ole timers I want to thank you all once again.
It is all part of a vicious circle, but you can’t say that the people who make the product or buy the product are any better than the ones who transport it. I can almost guarantee you that the pigs on the road are pigs at home, so it’s not exclusively a ‘truck driver’ thing
They get to go home?
I thought they all lived in “company housing” 24/7?
That’s a BIG, 10-4. Bar B Q.
Most truckers are liars and don’t keep ther word. They deserve what they get!! They have no respect for themselves and others. I was a trucker for 23 yrs and 3 million miles no accidents . I can’t stand being around them , the lowest form of humanity!! That’s why I got out. You cannot turn your cb on without hearing filth!!! I don’t miss it’!! Now you want to know why they are treated so bad???
I agree with BBQ. I see way too many “unprofessional” drivers nowadays. Quit hauling $1 freight. I refuse to provide service to any who dont appreciate the service I provide. Shutting down wont help any of us really, but deadheading 150 miles to a better rate area and leaving the cheap stuff sitting idle forces rates to increase. Drive on BBQ. Drive on.
Finally some truck drivers are standing up for all the injustices plagueing American truck drivers and owner operators. My hat goes off to you men and women. Wish I could be there to stand with you.
Well I don’t even want to get started on the cops actions on this but will say everything they are protesting is completely true & fair. We’re sacrificing everything for a little bit of nothing in return and it’s BS! Truckers today are making half of what they did back in 1980 when you adjust for inflation. Half! On top of 36 years worth of cost-of-living expense increases out the wazoo. America just doesn’t understand how crippling our industry can be to a society. If every single truck in the US shut down for just a few days, not weeks, but days….our infrastructure would crumble and chaos would in sue. In days. If every truck driver in America pledged to strike for these few days, I guarantee every one of us could name our price and pick our benefits. Now I know this will unfortunately never happen and there’s always gonna be that guy that will haul someone’s freight for peanuts while taking on all liability and costs, and the business owners and brokers are banking on that. BUT, here’s just a little food for thought: Would you be willing to miss a few days pay in order to make 50k, 100k, even 150k a year more than you’re making now? What about full family, low deductible health insurance that is 100% paid for by your employer? 401k with 100% company matching contributions? Paid vacation and sick days? I would.
Some of us have families to feed,bills to pay,and other obligations that shutting down wont support. Am I supposed to lose my truck so you can get better pay? The only real solution to our issues is to take congress to task. Interstate commerce is their jurisdiction and so is the FMCSA. Stress your congressman out if you want real and lasting change.
Thats the exact problem Rufus guys like you with the ” I have a family to feed cliche excuse” or “Lose my truck” . If three 3 days 72 hrs will cause your family not to eat and you lose your truck then you should consider an alternative career. Respectfully put because I was an owner operator and I took over a week off and still pages my Truck Note and I have 3 high school teenagers and I am the sole provider. This will better benefit your family. I respect the Civil Rights Movement to the fullest. That is what I call people with a vision.
If your family starves or you lose your truck in 3-4 days than you have a serious problem.
Congressmen aren’t gonna help you get better freight rates. And also to everyone that thinks turning down one load and dead heading a couple hundred miles to accept another load that pays a few cents more a mile, you’re not going to solve a damn thing by doing that! For one, the only reason that second load pays more anyway is because there’s a changing variable. For example. The load might be heavier than the first load, therefore taking more fuel. Maybe it’s oversized and requires special equipment or permits. Maybe it’s in the middle of downtown NYC. Second, there’s going to be someone willing to haul that first load you refused at that horrible rate just to be able to pay his/her water bill or something. The business owners and freight brokers know this and that’s why you can’t negotiate a better rate because if you don’t do it who cares, they’ll call Company ABC to do it. Get my drift? I don’t have the exact process of how a nationwide organized shutdown would happen or be forced. No clue. I just know that’s the answer if you want change. Everyone standing up together and removing their grip from our balls!
Justin. As a company driver, I have made over 50k. If I stay out longer, I know that I can, easily, double that.
Health care costs have gone up a lot. I don’t believe that any company out here can afford to pay 100%. If so, we’d still see it offered.
As far as paid vacation & sick days go. Some companies do offer both.
As far as driving a couple hundred miles for better pay. Even big trucking companies does it. It does not mean that, you’ll have to drive in a city or out in the middle of nowhere. It doesn’t mean that it will require a permit. Twice, last month; did I haul a very good paying load that was, LTL, in my 53′ trailer.
We as drivers, need to take responsibility & charge of our own lives. If that is going on strike. All that needs to be done is; every driver work their butt off, for 2-3 months, without a break. Then every driver just going home or refuse to work @ the same time.
Umm I’m not really getting what you’re saying. I’m a company driver too and last year I grossed 71k (I pull tanker, mostly hazmat) and I have paid vacation (2 weeks) but no sick days. I don’t have any 401k options or a pension. I do have some crappy insurance that costs $50 a week just for me. Family is $170 a week. Ok, now for starters if you think 50k is good money in the year 2016, it’s not. I think 71k is only decent, not good, and that’s mostly because of the rising costs of everything else, especially healthcare and medication. Another thing is I had to drive almost 140k miles to make my money and bust my ass, all while being away from my family. You shouldn’t have to do that just to make decent money. I’m in my truck right now on a Sunday instead of on a boat somewhere fishing. You’re right, most companies can’t afford excellent benefits and that’s because they have to try to make a profit from a shitty rate too. So, if the freight rates went way up accross the industry they would make more too and in return be able to pay better and offer excellent benefit packages to recruit/retain better drivers. As far as the driving to get another load, what I meant was is that if you have 2 loads to choose from, and you turn down the first to haul the second because it pays more well yes of course companies do this all the time and yes you yourself can make a little more money on that particular load BUT that is NOT going to help raise the freight rates in general because someone somewhere is going to haul that first load you turned down therefore eliminating any need for a rate increase. Hopefully this makes my previous comment a little more understandable.
I am an O/O… I parked my truck and trailer , June 29, 2015… It’s sitting up on jack stands beside my shop.. I hauled mostly oversized loads. when the Oil price started to drop in Jan 2015.. I watched the freight rates drop like a rock.. I had to chance to discuss this issue with the transportation dept. of Weatherford Industries.. about the 35 percent ( plus ) drop in freight rates , from Texas to North Dakota.. I was told that the price of fuel was dropping so they dropped their rates.. I told him to walk about 2 blocks and look at the sign at Cen-X.. The price of fuel was still above $3.00 a gallon.. not to mention everything in the Business of Trucking had increased at least 30 percent..
I flat refuse to haul freight for what I was getting back in the late 80’s..
My very last load.. When I unloaded in Seattle, Wa.. The only thing that I could find was Jig Lifts.. Paying to the truck.. $ 1.28 a mile.. I dead headed all the way back to Devils Lake, ND.. and It’s still parked..
So I am doing my part of this so called Protest… Why aren’t everyone else doing the same ??
THANK YOU !!
I hear ya! Hats off to you brother! I would love to join you at the picket line but unfortunately I am not financially sound enough to take the rest of my life off and wait for the people that don’t believe this is the answer to join us! One organized event, One starting date, Proof of everyone else’s commitment and dedication & I’ll park, guaranteed!
“Truck drivers bring over all the food, all the clothing, everything. Without truck drivers, we would have nothing.”
Catchy, great-grasp-of-the-obvious statements like this only come off as thinly veiled threats to strike and hence do more harm than good. We’d also be in a hell of a mess these days without garbage collectors, but I have no idea why this fact specifically should have anything to do with what they get paid.
The REAL reason truckers deserve better compensation is ALL workers deserve a fair wage. That this is simply not happening these days in our great money-grab of a country is what truckers would be well-advised to focus their attention on more—leave all that “we’re too important” whining to the bankers.
Sad that the first comment is about race, completely shifting focus from the issue at hand. I refused to move my truck for anything less than $2 per mile. July or so 2010. I parked my truck and slapped a for sale sign in the window. It’s unbelievable what the brokers get away with. What’s even more unbelievable is the trucks that haul that cheap freight, and will deadhead 3, 4 500 or so miles to pick it up, only to get more cheap freight on the backhaul. If the government is going to regulate the industry regulate everything, not just half arsed!
Notice they never say the guy arrested actually punched or hurt the cop. You see this all the time. Resisting arrest is such a bullshit chatge. How come I never heard about this protest? How come its against the law fir truck drivers to organize a strike but union drivers strike all the time?
How many years has it been since Truckers first started talking about strikes and nationwide shutdowns, 10, 15, 20 maybe? I stood in a line waiting to get to the counter to get a door not long ago. Must have been 7 or 8 of us and more joined (counter wasn’t open yet). Drivers started their usual trucker BS stories and then whining about pay. I looked at many of them at thought to myself I wouldn’t even give you a job. Trash talkers, obese slobs, people with little work ethic and they wanted more money.
Trucking has certainly changed. When someone ask me what the biggest difference is from trucking years ago an today I always tell them it’s Truck drivers. There was some crazy crap years ago but there was courtesy. Courtesy for the public and courtesy for other drivers. It’s rare to see it today. With the decline of ethics and integrity and the who cares if it’s on time because it’s all about “me” attitude we are in a down hill race to the bottom.
Why would anyone pay more when they can get it done for cheap. As long as someone is willing to haul cheap freight there isn’t going to be a change.
Separate protest from action “reported”. IF he was preventing the Police from arresting the women, AND he shoved the Officer.. The Taser would have been proper response, and arrest.
I agree BLM and other groups should NOTbbe handled with kid gloves.
NOBODY should be allowed to block public roads in protest.
Most drivers can’t stop and wait for better rates because most don’t own their truck, they lease with $#*%ty terms. They’ve gotten themselves into a situation where they can be easily manipulated by brokers and are forced to “swim or die” like sharks due to financial ignorance.
I’ve been doing driving a truck since 1975 and have made a good life for myself and family. I have invested money I’ve earned and have over 3 million dollars in the bank. Life is what you make out of it. Stop whining!
I am retired now, I congradulate all trucker’s that stood up that day and any day for truckers right, thank you truckers it’s been a long time in coming, you new comers you should thanking these drivers because if it was not for them you would not have a job, because the carriers don’t care one bit about you or your family.
Nothing will ever change for truck drivers, until they actually stand up, and stand together, get more before they haul anything else! Until then stop crying!!!
If the idiot put his hands on an officer, then I say tase away. You deserved it.
Ok here goes my couple pennies. . I have been at this game since 99 and I’ll be 40 this year and I have learned everything I know from real old school drivers and I’ll never know everything but I think I have a little room to talk due to the fact I hold a clean mvr and no accidents and I’m not saying it will never happen because I’m only human. This new breed of drivers out here scare the hell out of me , most think they know everything and will argue even when they know they are wrong. Then you have these big companies that put two trainees in a truck to team or let them be trainers after a whole 8 months . I’m sorry but I’m old school I still have a c.b. , I still turn my lights off when I come into a truck stop, I will not hit my thank you lights if you blind me . The reason our once loved career of choice has a bad name and has gone down hill is simple and some may not agree but it is mainly because of the big name carriers like Swift ,Schneider, JB Hunt and I can go on. They under bid everyone else because they can , the drivers that they have are inexperienced and they pay them pennies and why well it’s because there drivers don’t really know any better and think they are getting paid good or they are just starting out and trying to get enough seat time so they can move on to better paying jobs. Those big companies are killing the industry and have been for years and guess what, it’s not going to get any better anytime soon. Even if we did organize a national “Rally ” it wouldn’t do a damn bit of good because these big name companies will just take the freight and keep rolling.
There are lots of stupid truck owners and small companies that wouldn’t stop rolling their trucks even at that low rate, i strongly believe that if truckers all over the country stay home or hang at truck stops for 5 days these brokers will fix up rates that will be helpful for all of us trucker. Ball is in your hand.
Hello. OTR is a hard job. Technocracy keeps making it harder. Our compensation does not reflect that, so your ride has a lot to do with personal comfort and sustainability. Most drivers can not afford to buy a better driver chair. Most drivers do not keep a flow of fresh air inside their vehicle. Most drivers do not cushion their feet. Your personal quality of life helps during this economic disaster called global corporatism. Wages may improve in the future {HIC}, meanwhile improve your daily wear and tear. Stay healthy and drive careful.
All it would require is for every truck driver in the United States to pick a 3 day period and just park, all at the same time. Just stop moving anything other than medications and health care equipment. Park legally of course, no need to make trouble. After 3 days of no fuel and no groceries everyone in this country would realize just how important commercial drivers are. Take a 5 day period and do the same thing and we could cripple this country. Think about it.
Could we please stop the nonsense!?!?! The ONLY thing that will get attention and results is a boycott/shutdown. It’s really not that difficult to do either. Work our asses off the the next couple of months with the intent of owner operators taking the same week off. It may be a slow process at first but it should eventually catch on and hopefully grow with each successive protest. Another surefire way to get attention and action is a state by state boycott. Do not pick up/deliver or purchase anything while driving through a boycotted state. Let the owners of the affected business’ call their state and federal reps…….THEN you’ll start getting traction!!!
We should start a petition a sign it, if it reaches 100.000 signs it has to be revised by congress so let’s do it!!
Personally, I’d send these officers to the next BLM protest. Now that they’re “experienced” in crowd management, I’m sure they’ll have LOTS to contribute.
Also, where were the vaunted Teamsters in all of this? Every Union driver comes in here and showers their praises on the brotherhood, but I didn’t see any involvement here.
Why these drivers not protest in front of the brokers, shippers, and companies paying low rates and wages? Shut these businesses down for a day, not the roads. Drivers don’t want the government in their business but welcome it to get higher pay or rates because they are willing to work for or haul for cheap. Say NO to cheap pay and rates every day.
Years ago when the trucking industry was mostly Teamster you didn’t have shitty pay, asshole brokers to deal with and better working conditions. If drivers would stick together and organize as Teamsters , but of course you won’t . Undercutting your price untill your starving . You deserve Teamster representation . Fair good pay for an honest days work . You deserve that much .
These rates are definitely not sustainable. Brokers first off cannot be blamed, customers are demanding lower rates brokers are competing for those rates, and Truckers are taking the low rates. Have some discipline ….JUST SAY NO. But we could have a 100 drivers get a rate and there’ll be one that will take the rate. Guys like JB from Twisted truckers post, who believes he can make money at $.50 cpm…… yes I know. Good news is he will be out of business as will a lot of other drivers who are taking rates this low. How can the Brokers say no? There’s a driver to haul the load and they make their 14+%. Shame on the drivers giving up their capacity for such low rates. I am a small fleet owner, and I have to park my trucks. I have offered my drivers to run them so they can keep generating revenue but they need to be patient in finding loads under 300 miles with a decent rate, but the company will try to break even. They do not want to see the company not make a profit to continue after this is over. Be disciplined don’t haul low paying freight. A lot of posts are correct. We stop hauling for 3 days and they will have to start paying on the loads that need to move. We still have the large carriers who also believe it is ok to pay $.88 cpm on 2000 mile runs, when they won’t even use their own assets.
Truckers this is a commodity, we need to start treating it like one. And yes at times like this unionizing seems like a solution. But I would rather rely on pure capitalism.