An altercation between two truck drivers over parking ended with one driver getting tased and another driver shot twice in the neck.
On Wednesday, November 21st, a log truck driver and a tanker driver got in an argument about parking spaces. They were at the Finnway Service Plaza off of Highway 167 in Alabama.
According to Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson, the argument began over a parking space. The fuel truck driver tased the log truck driver. In return, the log truck driver shot the other man twice in the neck with a .22 caliber handgun.
The log truck driver waited inside the convenience store until the authorities arrived and was taken into custody, but has not yet been formally charged with a crime. According to authorities, it may end up being treated as self-defense.
The fuel truck driver was brought to a local hospital. His condition is currently unknown.
Source: wsfa, al, rocketcitynow
Harvey Mullins says
What’s the World coming to drivers fighting over parking spot like 2 kids fighting over candy then use force. But I’ve been out here 44 years and seen so much Stupid out here it’s Disgraceful but who am I just another driver that’s tried to make a difference out here and feed families all across America and Canada. Truckers don’t get Credit for what they do for America nothing but abuse and a hand out every where I go. No Respect for drivers from general public to the shippers the Receivers or the Dot. The good old days are gone we have drivers out here that look like they just got out of bed driving down the road everyday. Some think they are on vacation they don’t pay attention to what they are doing driving down the road lots of them on the phone texting FaceTimeing as well. Cars are the Worst they drive 70 to 80 miles an hr down the highway have the phone 6 inches in front of their face driving. 8 out of 10 drivers in cars are on the phone texting or FaceTimeing while driving I have the prove on video it’s everyday. Trucking will not do anything but get get Worse out here cause we have no support out here. Not enough places to park at Night for drivers that are tired or out of hours.Another Thing People that drive trucks up the east coast or where ever that have laws that you cannot Idle your truck no matter if it’s -10 or 110 you can’t idle your truck to stay warm in the winter or cool in the heat of the day. I found out that my life didn’t matter I could not Idle my rig without being fined. But in the process of the conversation with the officer he had the Gaul to ask me if I HAD A DOG OR CAT I SAID WHY HE SAID BY LAW IF I HAD AN ANIMAL IN MY TRUCK I COULD IDLE.
Tell me the people in government do not have respect for drivers that bring all the goodness they enjoy every day to them. But we don’t get no respect or support from anyone. Every time you eat a meal put on nice cloths or go to bed at night and roll up in that warm blanket Thank God for all his Goodness the Thank the Truck Driver that worked all night in bad weather to make it possible to get it there. People take us for granit there stupid drivers they’re always in the way, Yes maybe so but some of us carry heavy loads some don’t we do the best we can. May God Bless all drivers out there trying to make a difference and keep America moving without Trucks America Stop. Remember That.
God Bless America
PETE says
Someone lied to u abt the idle part.If u are in ur bunk ur allowed to idle.Take it to court youll win
One Bad Apple says
It makes sense if you can idle when you are in the bunk but the hassle to go through between when the cop knocks on the door and a judge dismisses it will mind bending to say the least. I would like to see a published case law or something on the subject.
zee says
When you are in the bunk, make sure your phone cam has the time stamp running, and as you get out of the bunk, make a video with
the time stamp running, of you getting out of the bunk, to respond to the officer. Make the officer wait. You will now have record of you in the bunk, and get a transportation lawyer when you go to court.
present the video.
zee says
also, what child like ,spoiled, UN-professional people
many of our truck drivers have become. Do we still set the good
example? The Golden Rule not apply anymore.
Remember ya’ll. “The first shot starts the War”.
com.bil says
Yes please try that so you can explain to this knucklehead who probably is not a Class A driver, what it cost you to park your truck take off the time to pursue that citation all the way to the supreme Court. And add the lost wages and lawyer fees, and if you are an employee the possibility of losing your job !
Kevin Ayers says
Just remember YOU CANT FIX STUPID!! The new drivers out here are not being trained properly. Your right it’s only gonna get worse out here. God bless driver keep on truckin
mousekiller says
It is not just training. It begins before the age of a CDL. Parents do not teach kids respect any more. Then as young adults they feel entitled nad do not know how to take responsibility for their actions. Not smart enough to observe their surroundings and drive on a plank walkway because the GPS said too. That is a classic case of no common sense. Happens all the time. We use the term stupid because it fits.
Tom says
If only road svc could be called to fix stupid before stupidity went full blown.
Joanna says
I agree 100%!!!
T.k. says
Well said Sir..well said..
Jeffrey Medley says
Their used to be a Brotherhood in trucking…..not any more this younger generation of truck drivers has changed all of that.Not all New truck drivers are like that ,but a lot of them are.Im old an school driver get tired of 35 years out here.
mousekiller says
I too got tired and made the decision to park my truck after over 50 years. I could not stand to be a part the Stupid BS or associated with it.
Max says
There is a brotherhood…but it more resembles sibling rivalry
J T says
Now so many are foreigners also, they look like they drive for the Untied Nations.
zee says
41 years here…what a circus and what a pity. So many me first, entitled, narcissistic people in our country, and these two high fliers are on the list. God Bless you Jeffrey, and keep you and all us out there bringing it
to America, safe and sound!
Lisa says
Hi Harvey how are you? Trucking 30 years now, thank you sharing. I appreciate what you do and so does God! Keep up the great work, and know in your heart what you do everyday and keep being a good example to the world. Have a blessed day, be safe, and God bless. Lisa Godino
Michael Miles says
The governor’s and the police of these States where it is illegal to idle your truck should be made to stay in the trucks when it hot/cold and see how they enjoy it. I bet then they would change the laws? But we all know that isn’t going to happen.
Glenn says
Right on Harvey Mullins & well said. Everything you said is EXACTLY why I got off the road for good in Oct and took my 2-million safe miles with me into another occupation far away from the trucking industry.
It’ll get worse before it ever gets better, if it ever will in my lifetime, and, like you, I’ve seen enough bs out there with the influx of riff-raff ignorant, sloppy, trashy drivers that before I get side-swiped by some idiot driving a car or semi-truck playing on their phone not paying attention, it’s best I get off the road before I plummel somebody myself with a fist to the face because I have developed such a low tolerance for so much stupidity & ignorance out here being from the old school of professional drivers that the actual good ole days of trucking are just a distant memory, but many good ones nonetheless way back when. Driving for a living anymore in this day and age royally sucks. Just in time freight, go-go-go. ELD’s. No courtesy or professionalism. Way more traffic, way more congestion, way less patience, way more trucks, way more clueless idiots driving trucks, and cars, in general, way more distractions, just a whole lot more bs to deal with for not a whole lot more money than the glory days of trucking 25+ yrs ago. Once I looked at the big picture and wrote everything down in 2 columns, the good column & the bad column about what I liked and didn’t like about driving for a living, it wasn’t even close and it became an easy decision to climb out of the truck for good. Good luck & safe travels for those of you who hang in there, but it’s no longer for me. That’s one more parking spot opened up I won’t be using.
Rayzer says
Glenn, make that two parking spots. I did the same thing 14 months ago after a 22 year career driving OTR. I also never had a preventable accident, had never been put out of service, and only one speeding ticket back in ‘98, which I deserved. Hell, I never even had an overweight ticket…not that I didn’t deserve one, I just never got caught.
I had so many people tell me trucking was in my blood after driving for that long and that I would be back, regardless of how much I said I hated it. Fourteen months later they have all conceded as to how wrong they were. Today I am perfectly content as the warehouse manager for a company where I just happened to be at exactly the right time.
I was making a delivery to the company and the owner happened to overhear me trying to convince the warehouse manager to not give up on his job and offer him some advice on how he should handle some issues he was having, which apparently was just too overwhelming for him. After making my delivery and getting home that night I got a call from my company saying this guy wanted me to call him. I thought he had questions about the freight I had dropped earlier that day, so I called him. He said the guy I was trying to help just couldn’t take it anymore because of the high stress and said he overheard me saying I would give anything to have that job. Now I do.
It really couldn’t have come at a better time. I was just so tired of all the things you mentioned; traffic, rude drivers, weather, holidays, parking, and the list goes on, but the biggest thing for me was when they started putting driver facing cameras in the trucks. Nope. Wasn’t going to happen. I would pick up cans on the side of the road before I would be a coward and let the industry do that to me, all the while saying it was for my own safety, yeah right. As I told them, I may have been born at night, just not last night, but you just keep telling all the kool-aid drinkers that.
So anyway, glad to hear another driver getting a clean break from what has become such a miserable industry – to me. Don’t get me wrong, there are many great truck drivers out there and I still respect and help them when I can. I’ve also been able to educate a lot of people at my company as to why most truck drivers do the things they do. There are some instances when asked about a particular incident and I can only shrug my shoulders and shake my head while telling them I have no idea, it’s just one of those drivers where everything is about them and to hell with everyone else.
gail morra says
Oh come 9n now, I used to sell CBs at the T.A. in las cruces,NM back in 1980. I couldn’t sell a CB without showing customers how it worked. All the screaming on the CB about wanting to kick another drivers ass has been going on for years & years. True, the companies dont train very well but who has the patience to train? Not many! And new drivers dont get any encouragement from older drivers. The only thing older drivers do as in the above comments is complain! Who the hell wants to talk to some frumpy driver who thinks hes better than everyone else.
Anthony says
I agree with everything you wrote but it won’t mean anything if we drivers can’t get together!
Sara says
Your a true trucker there’s not much else to add to that. Except I’m now getting a cat or dog. And ditching the artic wear.
BC says
You’ve been driving for 44 years??? Why don’t you own enough trucks so you don’t have to be out anymore? Another dumb trucker.
SK says
Have you owned truck with driver? Some people just want to have freedom from all the hustle of running a business.
Steve Hughart says
Yeah I owned 2 trucks one time and I don’t want to owen another one that’s a headache I don’t never want again and I been out here 40 years I In joy driving for the company I am driving for now been with them 4 yrs now and I am NOT micro managed like all these other drivers are I do my own routing and set my own ETA with customers and FUEL where I want to
com.bil says
Obviously you are Not an owner, and definitely not a trucker !
com.bil says
That was a reply to BC
Andrew says
BC guess your biggest idiot ever never talk about someone unless you been out there & still say nothing unless you been in there shoes not cool
zee says
41 years here…what a circus and what a pity. So many me first, entitled, narcissistic people in our country, and these two high fliers are on the list. God Bless you Jeffrey, and keep you and all us out there bringing it
to America, safe and sound!
Rodney says
Amen, totally agree, God you and your family, hope all had a good Turkey day
Rodney says
Amen, totally agree, God bless you and your family, hope all had a good Turkey day
Andrew says
Your comment very well put together should send that to trump by a tweet. He mit even try to help the truckers . We know it is a federal law trucker can hot carry a gun on there trucks but we know some do it . A truck driver wold not get away with useing self défense in CA you would go straight to prison no getting out in California ? Trucker better think twice in CA
Andrew says
We know it is a federal law trucker can not carry a gun on there trucks but we know some do it . A truck driver would not get away with useing self défense in CA you would go straight to prison no getting out in California ? Trucker better think twice in CA
Octavio says
Who r u 2 say a truck driver won’t get away with a gun in CA
J T says
Many carry, there is no law against it but it just depends on the state.
John says
It’s not a federal law. There’s no prohibition on carrying a weapon in your truck. One must follow the local law in the jurisdiction in which he is present, but there is no federal ban on carrying a gun in the truck.
This issue has been discussed and beat to death. How is it that there are still people out there that believe this to be true?
Kirby Grinds says
There is no federal law against truck drivers carrying a gun. No California law against it either.
That being said… Carrying in the truck is like tip toe-ing through a minefield to comply with all the different company policies, shipper/receiver policies and local prosecutors’ political agendas.
TODD M DANTONIO says
Very well said driver glad to hear there is some good drivers out there
Lwb says
The one thing worse then these stupid drivers is someone posting a long reply.
John B says
I feel your pain driver, every time you turn around more and more disrespect, and I’m just referring to the industry. The laws put us into bad situations, like getting shot over a parking spot. You gotta take that 10 hour break but they are so busy trying to regulate us , they didn’t consider the parking situation. I just got fed up with the whole situation, I’m now driving end dump, paid by the hour, not rushing, you fuel at the gas station, you park your car in the same spot as your truck parked, I’m home every day and best of all no ELD . If I was to get shutdown, I’m only an Uber ride from home. I feel for you guys but I put in my time. We as drivers have to start treating each other with more respect, after all we are in the same boat. Thanks to all who deliver all our needs, even though I’m phasing out of the industry, I still have the utmost respect and appreciation for what you are doing.
Terry Barron says
Thanks Driver, I starting driving in 1988 and I went into the business to make a better living for my family and I did by working in LTL and driving for Con-Way Western Express, or CWX I also wanted to make a difference and be one of good ones. I did this for over 25 years accident free. I did not get out there and have to pass up everything on the road, if a driver in front of me was going slower up a grade then me and there was heavy traffic and I could pass them but it would take some work because I was driving a Con-Way truck, I just would not do it! No reason to jump out and piss off everyone behind me! If I got into a big group of traffic with no buffer zone, I would pull off the road for 5 or 7 minutes and let them go and if it was raining or snowing I definitely would. There was a handful of times that when I did get out of the group of Fools riding bumpers that one of them would crash and screw us all because their truck and trailer was blocking the road!! Anyway, there was also many many times that I would be assisting in crashes to major roads hazards or calling in the DUI or a simple welfare check because I would see something out of place or just not right with a vehicle on side of the road and 3 or 4 times they were in a life or death issue. Phone calls are easy and cheap, if I could pull over I did but a lot times I had triple trailers and it was hard to stop and park them. These drivers today need to understand that they have full control of that truck and a responsibility to the public because we as commercial drivers/professional drivers are the Highway Heroes, the Highway National Guard, the Driving Pro! We drive ten times more miles and hundreds of different roads/highways and different conditions then the average person would ever do!
Adam says
Hit the nail on the head fellow! People in general and especially politicians making these silly trucking laws don’t have a care in the world what drivers contend with out here! They implement hr of service laws to pad pockets, idiling laws to pad pockets, set up scales everywhere to pad their pockets, routinely inspect road worthiness of our trucks to pad their pockets. However, these so called smart people cannot even come up with a simple 6th grader idea of funding for more parking for trucks along the freeway. But we truckers know why, that’s so your only option is to park on a ramp and pay a fine that only pads their pockets even more! These greedy brain dead people need to do without food and fuel for a while to see how important our jobs are! Then and ONLY then will they give a flying flip! One more thing, would be nice to eat something out here other than burgers and fried chicken all the time.? How bout somebody show some trucker appreciation by opening up some reasonably priced restaurants up and down the roads, before we all die off of heart attacks!
Shane Wilson says
Agree with you completely, all these new drivers think they’re on holiday or these older guys/women starting a second career also thinking it’s a holiday. I do think while shippers and recievers have always been a pain they’re attitude has gotten worse due to the childish drivers they’re forced to deal with. Also this apparent driver shortage would be decreased if companies would treat their drivers properly they would keep the trucks filled and suddenly the drivers required would decrease by 75%, that and almost half of new drivers leave the industry within 2 years of starting. Just look at the trucks sitting without drivers at any company you care to.
Ron Wood says
And police officers are just as abusive to truck drivers as the public. They will screw the truck driver over in a heartbeat ! Then they’ll get back to the post, and get “high fives ” all around from other officers. I’ve seen it happen to me in Ohio. Honesty, and integrity are not part off the police training…They are “brainwashed” into believing ” EVERYONE is a criminal, but them.
Ron Wood says
of
Marissa Rucker says
Everything you said is so true, and I personally feel the same way. But God Bless You anyway for your contribution. Driver to Driver.
UnixNerd says
“I have a pet lizard in my truck but he ran and hid when you beat on the door and I can’t find him right now”.
Pam Hilligoss says
This is definitely a sad situation, no reason for violence over parking spots, Thank Goodness it didn’t lead to death. The days of the 90s needs to return when people were Respectful over the CB,in person and old school if you broke down back then it wasn’t nothing to see 5 or 6 drivers stop to help, so sad nowadays that you are scared to stop or talk on the CB😢😢
ric says
90s,needs to go back to 60s when I climbed in a truck.
Richard says
They’re sure are plenty of people in America that have hate and anger in their heart when things don’t go their way. Those two drivers give all truck drivers a bad name. They should have their drivers license revoked indefinitely.
gail morra says
And I’ll bet 4 turkeys they weren’t newbies!!!
Charlie says
You’re probably right. I’d bet on at least 15 years and frustrated.
John Ciely says
The appreciation we receive is our paycheck / settlement. Don’t look for more than that. My satisfaction comes from the knowledge that I’ve fed, clothed and educated my family. That and the knowledge that I’ve done my best most days. As far as fighting over a parking space, yea that’s pretty stupid. I’ve seen two kinds of drivers. Foolish ones that will fight over a spot and wise ones that just swallow their pride and move on. I’ve been both. Be wise, be blessed drivers.
Glenn Helmly says
Exactly…. be the professional!
R.J. says
AMEN ! ! !
Move On…..
Kevin says
Thanks for your honesty. I have also done both. I will be trying harder NOT to get angry. Everyone be careful out there.
Walter pinder says
Yes I agree with this driver when will this end we have to look out for one and the other God Bless
Darrel Russelburg says
The blame is on the fmcsa they ate the ones causing all the problems.
Eld mandated is a farce it’s pure socialistic in it itself.
Regulate the 4 wheelers that 5he majority of the problem.
You can go to any YouTube channel and see cars cutting trucks off dead stopping in front of trucks.
TexasJester says
But ELDs are safe!!
I’d wager a dime to a donut this altercation (like the other recent “events”) have been caused by drivers being out of hours on the infernal electronic device, with zero flexibility to go somewhere else.
Thirty8 says
I endorse your comment sir👍
Allan says
I doubt the log driver cared about hrs. It was probably the closest spot to the entrance of the store for a freaking donut!!
com.bil says
And here is another highway Samson shooting off his mouth about something he knows nothing about . Mr Allen how many loads of logs have you bunked ??
Josh says
Going over hours is going over hours. ELDs have nothing to do with that.
The ELD won’t shut your truck down, if you’re over, so the only difference is whether or not you’re trying to hide going over on your hours.
Is it really any wonder why they made it a law with drivers that openly say they’re fine breaking the law, and want it to be easier to cover up?
I have just as much flexibility with my ELD and less work. If I go over, I go over. It gets logged and I make a notation explaining what happened. Almost like being honest and playing it straight is easier.
Anthony Rome says
Good point! Going over on your ELD is a lot better than openly shooting, tasing, or causing violence!!!
clete says
you just pointed out that cheating on a log and i assume you mean a paper log is the reason the idiot’s in d.c. implemented the eld. then not 1 sentence later admit to cheating on a eld!!!! what a hypocrit!!!!!
Darren says
Went over 15 min on eld
Notated. Still got a violation. VA
Driving since ‘95’. First violation in 23 years. Nothing you can say will make me change my Ming on ELD’s
UnixNerd says
Paper is to the nearest 15 minute mark. ELD is to the second. So there’s a little bit more wiggle room without doing anything illegal.
Craig Bernhardt says
Just do what I do, switch to Canadian rules and make it a 16 hour day
Pete says
You can’t do that in USA. My eld automatically goes back to USA laws when I cross back over
Mike R says
Can’t just blame the new drivers out here mr Ayers sure there a problem with their lack of training and experience. But I’ve seen every type of driver out here texting and driving rather they are a rookie or seasoned driver I myself have texted while driving and I’ve been out here for 35 years. The real problem is just lack of respect for one another and it’s just not in trucking either no one has respect for anyone anymore. But these two drivers took it to another level when you’re willing to injure or kill over a parking spot it’s time to seek medical help because there is something seriously wrong with you.
JL says
I believe that.
R.J. says
When down to my last hour I start looking. When down to my last 30 minutes, I REALLY start looking.
By the grace of God, I’ve always found something, except on I-70 in Western Colorado.
Lots of parking areas…. all for RV’s.
Sara says
California is trying to get rid of everything campers. Squatters leaving filthy messes some as high as a house
com.bil says
California loves the money, but has a problem taking care of the maintenance and waste management, all ways has.
Jaar says
Maybe it’s time to give up on this buisness. If drivers are fighting over parking spots that means there isn’t a shortage of them. A never ending rotation company to company to company. All A LIE
Sandra Lockhart says
The whole game is rigged to force the small trucker to go under, leaving them no alternative but to work for a mega carrier for a small percentage of what the shipment actually costs. They keep the gravy while the small independent gets only the drippings.
When all you can find is loads paying sometimes less than a dollar a mile, you know someone is cheating someone. The rate that Brokers are willing to pay the carrier is an outright insult.
They want to pay an average of app. $1.25 a mile and it costs app $1. to run your truck and pay business expenses. Where is the compensation for the driver . These guys put their very lives on the line, much the same as law enforcement or first responders. They are on the front lines, making sure that the goods it takes to run out country arrive on time and in good condition to their destination. What would we do if truckers no longer were willing to work for less than they are worth?
Where is the thanks for the job truckers do everyday. When we don’t value the people who service our country, who’s going to keep doing this thankless job? And they wonder why good truck drivers are hard to find.
Brant says
The pay probably gets driven downward by foreigners driving. Just the other day I had to get rid of some perfectly good frozen stuff mis-shipped by shipper. Asked the driver for truck next to mine if he wanted some of it,the guy sounded like he was from Armenia or something. I’ve ran into quite a few drivers with German accents, Italian accents and of course Spanish accents. And of course their are all the pictures of their home country, or the flag of the old country on the side of the truck.
Christain Ford Innes says
YES and the ELD compounds it all
Ryan says
I think you have that backwards. If there were no shortage of spaces, there would be no reason to fight.
Richard Lyman Jr says
I agree truck drivers are over worked,under payed and appreciated. Dot drives in nice cars and suvs and don’t realize car haul drivers deliver them where they are baught at. People don’t realize that truckers make a difference and we aren’t perfect but we do our job to make sure America is fed,clothed,and other means. America please start showing more respect to truckers and take a course on what truckers go through. Your attitude and outlook on us might change and the dot might make it a little better in us to do our job and take care of America’s needs.
Daniel Lee Smalls says
revoke their license for life after the courts are finish with them
R.J. says
I hear they’re hiring at TACO BELL…
Sandra Lockhart says
You would probably end up with more in your pocket and wouldn’t have to risk you life and safety doing the job.
Tommy Molnar says
Being retired now after 35 years, I still keep up on the driving world. Seems like the bulk of the parking problems are back east (I’m in NV). So, everyone quit driving back east and just take jobs serving the seven western states. Kidding, of course, but hey, it’s an idea . . .
Baru says
This is the result of lock of parking spaces, the government ruled the e-logs but forgot to provide rest areas.
com.bil says
As always they put the cart in front of the horse, and then want to blame the other side because it does not work
Deaconblues62 says
Why is everyone acting so surprised 😲?
You guys see what these companies are hiring, do any of them look like real truck drivers to you?
I think not.
Sandra Lockhart says
The only ones willing to enter the trucking industry these days, are the ones stupid enough to believe what the schools are selling them. Once they get out there and really face what it is to be a trucker, they quickly become disillusioned and it affect the quality of their dedication to the job. Who wants to be lied to and who is willing to work for wages far below the value of what they are asked to perform. You can’t blame the new truckers they come in to the profession with the belief that they will be able to build a decent career, not have to endanger their lives and have to always be on the look out for a government that hands down rules designed to keep them from succeeding on their own.
Christain Ford Innes says
that’s part of it. Still, the ELD is the base. No excuse for weaponry, but stress is inevitable.
Rawdog says
What’s a “real truck driver” look like ?
Mr b says
What does a truck driver look like to you? I’ve been out here 18 years and I’ve met every race and creed. I’ve met men and women from 21 to in their 80s. I’ve met men and women from all over the world who come to this great country to make a better life for themselves. The most bigoted people I find are the ones out here that are looking to find a problem with every person that does not look like them. There are a lot of great men and women out here if you are willing to not look for reason to look down on them. Maybe it’s time you hang up your keys and flip burgers because negativity or leads to hate and fights everything you claim is the new generation
Jim says
There are more trucks being added to the work force than there are parking spot being created. Add the fact you have an eld that won’t let you go to the next truck stop. The laws need some flexibility to allow for things like this.
Deaconblues62 says
@Tommy M.
The parking isn’t great going West Either, Once you pass Little America there’s nothing good until the big PETRO in Spokane Washington, I last ran West in 2013,
I still hate it.
ric says
I just retired in feb.my run was k.c.to Portland, or.every week.never a problem finding parking.
Charles says
I got a citation the other day, for “inadequate signaling to change lanes”…i.e. “wreckless driving”. Primarily because the trooper says, “You changed lanes in front of the pickup I wad behind and the driver braked”. Nevermind I had so much space between us, my flasher blinked 3 times before I even crossed the hwy dotted line, as I waited for the car to clear to come over….never mind VA. is a state requiring a signal to change lanes…never mind the driver of the pickup sped up as I was crossing into the lane…never mind the trooper pointing his finger at me and talking to me agressively about my lane change. What really started this? The lane change of the trucker who came over in front of me like MOST ALL TRUCKERS didnt leave proper or safe distance. Well over half the truckers out here, have been following the same b.s. driving processes since I learned to drive 23 years ago. From moving over from the right lane, because they have now taken the “legal responsibility” of the merging car away from that driver to the trucker they have now put the responsponsobility to adjust, to lazy ass truckers in the middle of three lanes in which passing truckers relegated to speeds less than posted, the DRIVERS ARE BAD AND GETTING WORSE PERIOD. Why? Because people in cars are the worst drivers and then become only slightly better BAD truck drivers. Tired of this nonsense of “veteran drivers versus rookies”. “Good old days”? LMAO.
TJ Hill says
What we need are driverless trucks. That would end this nonsense.
Brian says
The ELD forces drivers to wait until the last minute to start a shift, then drive like you’re in a race to the finish line. I know some of you see checkered flags on your so-called hard wired GPS systems. Finding legal parking is absolutely the hardest part of the job…
Andrew H says
I had enough after only 7 years, went local and home daily now. My health improved, I’ve lost weight, my blood pressure is getting back to where it’ll be, I’m overall happier. Why? Because I don’t have to stress by forcing my day to revolve around a dude behind a computer screen and load planners who assign loads based on perfect world scenarios. Like assigning a live load pickup with no shipper parking, 2 hours before my 14 is up. Or being stuck near a big city after 6pm and trying to park. I absolutely agree, the driving isn’t the stressful part anymore, it’s the parking!
Lester Hon says
Been driving since 1968 just quit in October after another driver pulled up beside me as I was trying to back in a dock with not enough room to back in a dock. I got out of my truck and politely asked him to back up a few feet so I could be safe. He started mocking me telling me I had enough room didn’t need anymore. Another driver came over and made sure I didn’t hit the truck I was going to come close to. The driver that refused to back up went to his door backed in and came back to my truck started harrassing me. It was dark outside and he couldn’t see I had my .40 in my lap. At that point I invited him to pull me out and kick my butt if he had laid a finger on me I would have taken his life. It shook me right to the ground. Maybe I am getting to old. I was having having a bad day he was possibly having his last day I did not want that but if he had pushed it I would more than likely have died in prison. It’s not worth it. I had planned to work till I couldn’t. People talk about the good old days. I can’t remember any good. Old days I’ve always been treated like crap by every one in this business. Yes Im done. Checking it to the inconsiderate new generation. We drivers used to treat each other better.
Supreme says
Sad, stupid, yet we’ve all been there when you’re setting up and the disrespectful idiot just dives in nose first and takes your park. Extremely disrespectful after a hard days work and tired!
Like the Professional said earlier, move on and take the high road. But, if you can’t, then have coffee with the driver in the restroom where there’s no cameras 📸….Please. Move on. But if it’s just not possible that night, that’s a solution for it Driver. Yep.
I’ll leave that right there, come on.
R.J. says
Let the air out of his tires, IF you gotta do something besides move on…you dont taze or shoot him.
ric says
I just retired in feb.my run was k.c.to Portland, or.every week.never a problem finding parking.
Youngblood says
Get rid of the 14 hour rule, and a lot of this stuff would go away
Fozzy says
Deeerp..
Shar says
I completely agree. I think they only did that because the cops couldn’t figure out log books when you split log. But split logging was always better for me. Instead of rolling through Chicago at 3pm, I could stop and have a nap and shower and roll through 4 hours later. I slept when I was tired too. It just made sense.
Jan says
My son is a trucker for over 20 years. I keep up on the news about trucking and how the government and the environmentalist are causing so many problems for truckers. A lot of owner operators lost there businesses over the stupid emissions rules that don’t work anyway. Since installation of the new emissions into trucks the break downs are almost 80% of the down time and the costs put a lot of truckers without paychecks. Trucking organizations need to demand enough parking for trucks and reverse the emission requirements that are putting truckers out of business. When a trucker comes off the road after 14 hours + they are tired and just want to park and sleep but most truck stops are full. And some states are now giving expensive tickets to truckers who have ran out of time and need to park. Crazy…. Maybe it’s time for a nationwide strike, no one will be happy not getting their freight and maybe it will be bring notice to how these problems has affected all the truck drivers.
Wynston says
If all truckers can unite and do the big strike that’ll will get the government and the entire country to wake up and really fix all the problems trucker are facing.
Paula says
Just what parking spot were they arguing about? That place doesn’t really have parking. I wonder if the fuel tanker was trying to deliver and the log truck was parked in the way.
art says
ELDs to blame.
kc says
This just shows how much anger and frustration technology has played in peoples lives today. I’m 61 and it seems to be getting really dangerous to be a driver today. People driving 80-100mph on cruz control and texting on the highway. People have no patience, just really sad.
KRWoden says
@Youngblood, while yes the removal of the 14 hour rule may remove some of the disputes it would not cure the sickness that is still the underlying cause of the problem. In fact it could and I would guarantee would make it worse. From ELD’s to our HoS, I understand the arguments from both sides. Removing the 14 hour rule would just have more shitty and new drivers on the road for longer times. These big companies train their dispatchers to push you to continue working regardless of the situation, until you use the big “S” word. The word that they all preach though have turned into a dirty word if you use it. “Safety”. Short of saying you don’t feel safe doing something a lot of the companies will push you to run your hours out. Now on the other side running your hours out isn’t a bad thing, nor should all of us who can run over 14 hours be punished. But those who can run get restricted by those who cannot. I mean there are warning labels on everything because let’s face it, they know that the general populace might know what to do with it, but some poor sod ate a tube of Preparation H and wondered why it didn’t help them.
And just in case someone reading this thinks when I say run, I mean simply drive. No, I understand Hos and while I could choose a better would for it, that word just happens to evade me for the moment. While I might be newer to the field, and yes I probably look like I rolled out of bed while behind the wheel, I like to emulate the courtesy from the past with the comforts of today. While I know that me being safe out there will not necessarily promote others being safe, I plan to do my part while out there and hopefully lead by example.
Safe travels it there drivers!
Archie silva says
Look at R.J ‘s commets… both comments tell me why I am no longer a trucker of 25 yrs. 4 million miles. No maturity out there in this mans world. Children driving trucks trying to act and sound like a man and a real trucker. Hence shooting someone over a parking spot.. bet he wouldn’t fight for his country???
Wynston says
Well said.
Kenny says
I came into this industry all hyped and excited about my new career, it didn’t take me long to realize this industry is treated like trash for it being the most important in this country….now guess what, I was smart enough to bounce and start my own logistics company . I will never advise anyone to join this industry and I swear I will do everything in my power to expose this industry…I have a huge trucking audience and tons of newbies subscribing to my channel wanting to join…what do I do? I use my expert skills in convincing every single one of them to not dare go out there…
com.bil says
Please keep up your GOOD work, the industry needs more like , please be sure to remind them that any company that would certify a driver to be competent with less than 20 hours accrual driving seat time, should be held financially responsible , for that driver if hired as a single driver, for the first 6 months
Redo says
Respect for all the professional drivers out there with all the experience. I am only 10 years of experience as a professional driver not just a driver who choose to drive truck I do for a living to take of my family and pay bills still have a long way to go as a driver. May god bless all the professional drivers out there stay safe and always be professional.
Mario Alberto Garza says
People making this type of publishing is like gossiping how do you expect to bring drivers in as you can see we have a shortage over parking space or to see who has bigger balls come on no you make me think if I should go in a different direction from driving I am not a young buck but I will go out kicking
Christain Ford Innes says
It’s the ELD
The gps tracking that doesn’t allow for the irregularity of driving conditions, like paper did, the truckstops capitalizing on this and increasing their paid parking, all contribute to higher stress. And we still don’t get paid for all our work. Aren’t you glad there is a trucking shortage?………………………..NOT
Lord ALIVEnnnKICKING says
a tanker driver and a log truck driver…come on ,is anyone surprised lol
Jerry Borden says
What people fail to realize it doesnt matter what’s hauled it trucker vs trucker. We always forget it’s only us out there.
Vanya Kouveli says
That’s lack of faith that God will find you another parking spot if you show kindness, also lack of respect to a human’s life. I’m a trucker myself and I get the bad taste of being treated without respect by most male truckers, shippers, also officers. My only weapon is prayer. “Work as if God is watching you” states the Bible. I wish you all be safe and heavenly protected with wisdom. Vanya Kouveli, B&B logistics contractor/owner op.
MrYowler says
God (three-letter entity) does not make parking spaces.
He just judges you for the choices that you make, when all of the options available to you are terrible. This is also what law enforcement and the courts do, after DoT (that other three-letter entity) mandates rules that are impossible to comply with, and still make a living.
God and the DoT share a lot in common. Both make decrees and judgements, and neither offers any actual assistance with compliance. Also, neither has any interest in criticisms or pleas for mercy. They just steam-roll right over ya… :-/
Let’s all pray to the DoT for Hours-of-Service mercy…
Patrick Norton says
Truth is 68% of drivers in USA are taking 2 or more prescription drugs with clear warnings about driver impairments and so many of these FDA approved drugs are prescribed “off label” which means not for intended use. After FDA approval for one sickness, the pharma markets the drug for thousands of things unrelated to what the drug was approved for by FDA. After a few years of driving within all these 4 wheeler crackheads the commercial truck driver gets high blood pressure; hyperactivity and violence tendencies of a sociopath. Most “old school” drivers are quiet, calm, focused, and polite until you tase them.
Trucker Mike says
68% are driving impaired? Where did you come up with that statistic…wait, let me guess, you were literally sitting on it.
Certain hours of the day, like 1:30 am, that’s probably close to the truth.
Ed says
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time. Ephesians 5:15-16
MrYowler says
Yes. Kiss the devil’s behind, because long after your lifetime of being spat on is over, God promises that he will smite them.
There is a reason why the members of the church are called a “flock”.
God did not write one single word of the bible. It might just as well have been written by a dispatcher.
Jim Southward says
I been out here a long time , i have seen the days of running all night and unloading the next day and reloading and running all night. I’m fine with the hours I just wish we had more flex ability with them. 10 or 11 hours of driving and the Canadians are allowed 13 hrs of driving time because in the west the stops are few and between. Driving harder isn’t smarter it makes you older sooner. Time with your family is far more important then money .
MrYowler says
That is only true when you have enough money to feed your family. And the ussue isn’t the running, it’s the stopping, when you have to be away from the family.
I hear a lot of finger-pointing at the quality of drivers, and at Hours-of-Service rules (often misappropriately phased as complaints about ELD restrictions), but at it’s core, the problem is mathematical. One parking space divided by two trucks, times no hours and no other options to the power of legal penalties, company policy, CSA scores, and DAC reports equals a rock plus a hard place. Something has to give. You put enough pressure on a pile of rocks and you get nuclear fusion.
There just isn’t enough parking. No adjustment of the ELD or (more correctly) Hours-of-Service rules is going to fix that. It nqy temporarily alleviate the problem, but as long as carriers continue to put more trucks on the roads, and no one proportionally adds parking spaces, the problem is going to persist and get worse. As long as responsibility for the problem sits with drivers, who have no capacity whatsoever to create more parking spaces (the thing that needs to be done to solve the problem), everything else that drivers do is going to be wrong, and punishable.
WE CAN’T FIX IT!!!
So everything that we try to do about it is going to he wrong, no matter what, and all we can hope is that whatever we do will not end in penalties.
The driver with the taser pribably hoped that after he disabled the driver with the gun, he would get the parking space, and the other driver would be sufficiently intimidated into leaving and not wrecking up his truck, because doing so would probably cost him his job. It has probably happened before, and it probably worked before. He just didn’t expect the tased driver to have a gun. He hoped he could do a wrong thing and get away with it, because none of us can actually do the right thing, which is to CREATE MORE PARKING SPACES!!! Others park illegally on highway ramps, or parking lots, and inconsiderately dispose of human waste – because no one considerately provides drivers with adequate parking abd bathroom facilities. They, too, are doing the wring thing, because they cannot actually do the right thing that needs to be done – and they too are hoping to get away with it.
The guy with the taser, didn’t get away with it. It’s worth noting that at least his intent clearly wasn’t fatal. The guy with the gun might get away with it, but it seems unlikely; his carrier or his freight customers/broker are likely to object to the incident. But then, his intent was fatal… since he was carrying a gun and not a taser. Clearly, he was expecting to need to use it, and must have been prepared to accept the penalties that were likely to follow.
None of this should ever have been necessary. If there had been another parking spot, they would not have needed to fight over the one. Where are the penalties for the people who created the need, but not the supply, for parking spaces?
Blame the drivers for their actions, sure. But blame the carriers and regulators for creating the conditions that inevitably led to those actions taking place, *somewhere*. It was a mathematical inevitability. And unless sufficient penalties are imposed upon the carriers and regulators, in addition to the drivers, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN!!!
it is a mathematical certainty.
com.bil says
Dream on !!!
ric says
comon guys,you weren’t there so who knows what really happened. not all truck drivers are tough.maybe he was scared.if he was then I don’t blame him.
Jimmy B says
I can honestly tell you this industry in our country (Canada) has gone to crap. I started in 97 and in in most cases the rate of pay has decreased since then. It all comes from a certain group of people who have taken over the Canadian Trucking Industry. We have allowed them into our country and they treat us like we have no right to be out there and we are always in thier way. They alway send out inexperienced drivers who are afraid of the road so they go extremely slow but wont let you pass if you are not one of them. I run western Canada which is the nasty mountains and each way (13hrs) I see at least 5 of thier trucks laid over or in the trees but yet DOT goes after us because they dont want to deal with them because of the language barrier. They will always scoop you over a parking spot or even a door at the shipper or receiver. I can say a whole lot more but here they are what gives trucking a bad name and if you see them in action it should. I dont know why Truckers dont form an organized united association in the US and Canada and do a 1 week shut down with a list of demands. As I see it its always our fault but for the most part we have no control.
MrYowler says
It doesn’t happen because too many truckers are too broke to afford to risk their jobs or even skip one paycheck.
Moreover, if we did it, the industry would bring in drivers from outside the continent, and/or from Mexico. Regulators might even start letting drivers with permits (not licenses) drive over-the-road unaccompanied. They could also fast-track driverless trucks.
Yes, there would be accidents, incidents, and increased costs. But the media campaign would be financed by the carriers and regulators, and would blame the drivers – and the public already treats us like animals, so we are unlikely to get much sympathy.
The reason we don’t band together and strike is because it would not work. Nothing would change except our families having to get by with even less than they do, now.
com.bil says
WOW sounds exactly like what has been going on for the last DECADE
MrYowler says
Some of this is already in play, yes – but it can get worse. And it eventually will, no matter what we do or don’t do…
Ronnie Shaw says
ELD has truckers racing down the road and fighting over parking spaces. They can’t come together because they always fighting over politics and racism.
Sara says
Now let’s see how carrying guns and other methods of self defense goes over again. These truckers are putting heavier restrictions on the rest of us drivers. Throwing tantrums over parking spots and fuel spots. Can’t we all just get along? No of coarse not, but aiming at each other with weapons isn’t helping the rest of us.
MrYowler says
Put rocks under enough pressure, and you get nuclear fusion.
Put dovs in a cage and don’t feed them, and they will tear one another apart and eat each other.
The core of the problem is caused by people that we don’t have access to, to take it out on, when we have to deal with it. We have no influence with them, at all. The pressure has to go somewhere. Since we can’t reach the root of the problem, we take our frustrations out on the branches. We have nothing else, and we can’t ignore the problem, because that too comes with penalties. We are the branches. All harm comes back to the drivers, no matter what you do, so the question becomes whether the harm comes to YOU, or that other driver.
We need to bring the penalties to the people at the core of creating the problem – carrier owners and executives, and DoT regulators. I don’t know how we do that, but it’s the only way out of the dog-fighting pit that we’re in.
David Hendrickson says
I am glad I left OTR for local Cattle hauling.
Ontop of making a minimum of a grand a week take home I was home.
I might have been snoozing in the truck because of an early run but I could go home.
Ran the piss out of me, 90+ hours a week but I made the cash.
I had to quit after a cow decided he didnt want to die and rammed the gate and caused my bicep tendon to seperate in a couple spots.
The company made me finish the day out.
At least we didnt shoot each other over parking and shit…
Dan Farrell says
Never saw that before ELD’s now people are killing each other over parking nice job Washington keep up the good work
Oneoldtrucker says
I have sat on a commercial license since I was 18.. I am now 68 and still carry a CDL but I no longer drive for a living.. I am retired now and glad to be off the road.. So much BS on the CB and no courtesy on the highway.. The young breed of truck driver and the DOT with all their laws and regs has ruined the industry..
George says
Thee exact reason why I’ve been parking (ten hour brk) on Ramp shoulders since 030595
LargecarAl says
Not sure how? Probably half the time I park on shoulders I get woke up by police yelling at me to leave not listening to anything I say and yes I’ve given plenty of different responses. Eld puts stress on a already overwhelmed industry been out since 99 and I’ve never driven as tired as I have since December 18 2017 when my eld became official. I give respect first but have gotten fast at taking it away. I really miss my freedom and if a driver facing camera becomes mandatory for me then driving is no longer for me these are my experiences like life I’m sure many of yours varied
Be safe brothers
Deaconblues62 says
Real truck drivers don’t wear short pants, girls wear short pants.
Real truck drivers run all night and half the day and sleep 😴 when the Truckstop’s are empty during the day, Real Truck Drivers don’t park in dumpy rat hole pilots and drive 30mph through the parking lot with the jake brake on.
Real truck drivers don’t park on the fuel island washing their trucks with the squeegees making the water so dirty you can’t clean your mirrors and windows.
Real truck drivers plan their trips not some idiot on a computer in the office.
Real truck drivers don’t live on Cash Advances!
Real truck drivers have access to at least $10000.00 Dollars Cash 💰 at all times, anytime!
What I’m observing as to what these HR Departments of these mega carriers are putting out here in Semi Trucks, nothing surprises me anymore, absolutely nothing.
Just move the freight, who cares who’s doing it.
Sara says
You are so right real trucker. The odd and even the box between the seats that comfy steering wheel pillow that trucker walk after hours of sitting on wire .yes sir coffee or water to wash your face. No truck stop everywhere. Brakes on fire .you young people don’t know what you missed.
scott says
What do you expect in Alabama? This is all rednecks know how to do. Why do you think they don’t have all their teeth.
Byron says
Think back to when you were younger and people just the age of 16 was older than one hundred
Atilla says
Ex-trucker here… sort of. I still drive local (and by “local” I mean I don’t leave my city) but not long haul. I’ve gotten too old for that crap. I keep hearing people complain about “drivers these days” but I don’t think people have changed. I think it’s the job itself that has changed. The industry sucks, and drivers are stressed and always wound up turning them all into a-holes when they stop for the night and deal with each other. Trucking might have been a decent profession years ago, but now it’s pretty much a job of desperation. Companies know this and treat drivers accordingly. I can guarantee that both of the drivers in this story were mad at something else (dealing with trucking or their companies). That lousy parking spot was just an excuse to unload on somebody.
Jeff says
Last I checked it was against the law for any driver in a cmv to carry any type of firearm or even a knife over a 6 inch blade. So the idiot who shot the driver in the neck should be pretty well screwed. But he was a dam retard for shooting someone over a parking spot to begin with and that’s both of them being the other idiot had a taser gun. Dumb and dumber.
Sara says
I’m getting a water pistol and a Darth Vader gun now
Brant says
I’ve been driving for over 20 years and what I’ve seen is most people kinda drive the same. You’re just as likely to see rude old drivers as well as courteous young ones. All these people complaining about how it is now and saying how good drivers used to be probably do all the same rude things that they themselves are complaining about.
And you obviously haven’t taken into consideration that the population of the country has doubled or maybe increased by even more than that since you old timers started driving and yet the number of highways has not doubled.
The more heavily used a highway is the more selfish and aggressive the drivers on it tend to be. Just look at the way people in New York City or on the East Coast in general tend to drive as compared to out west.(not California, which is also pretty densely populated.)
Jesse says
I’d like to point out that, it’s crazy, DOT laws need to change to better drivers. As for the training for new drivers, I’ve been driving for one month. Thankfully I had a veteran driver of 26 years as a dad who gave me useful advice, but the problem is that companies now allow drivers with anywhere between 3 months to a year now, to train rookies. And the biggest problem with that is majority of those with that little experience it’s that they are training for the money. I’m not bashing the companies, it’s the training program that needs changed. I don’t plan to be a trainer until I at least put ten years under my belt. As for the two fighting over a space, it’s a sign we need more rest areas and truck stops, and the ones we have need to be bigger. To be honest, I’ve looked up to those drivers who’ve come before me and still respect them. Heck I’ve met some whole given me great advice and have taken it and used it. Disseil is in my veins. My late uncle died driving truck, another uncle retired, my father and step father drove truck, my grandfather drove truck. Hell, I dreamt of driving since I was five years. I’m 31 now, got my cdl after 6 years of trying. You truck driving veterans made huge shoes that I know I can’t fill but know I’m going to try.
Detroit says
I was at a love,s 30W In Little Rock Thursday DOT was stopping Trucks and checking people,s Log,s.He was in the Drivers seat.Trucks were parked in the gas station out front because no we’re to park.So I wasn’t gonna get into that bs and went to the pilot E 81 Arkadelphia and it was a mess All spots were gone.So I parked by the back Exit and this new driver from USA Truck was beaten on my door telling me has a camera in his truck and he was scared to get close to me. I told him I can’t move and this happened 3 Times Jb Hunt and Swift.So I racked out at 10:50 .And was woke up 3xs.So for all these law dicks was I safer driving with 1 hr sleep? I had to be in Houston HEB warehouse.For 3Pm.The government and these truck stops are already panicking coming into winter.These young kids can’t drive in the summer. I started driving in 91. I am Done Trucking when I get back to Detroit.There will be another open spot. About 6 months ago.For all you drivers who park on the shoulder Stop.Snow removers will flip your truck.Stay safe and put Apu on your truck so you don’t have to idle..The Trucking game is screwed.Be Safe Out there.
Detroit says
About 6 months ago I was gonna hang it up