The dirty little secret(s) of trucking.

In a perfect socialist society. Those who are old enough to remember "the truth" before socialism, are eliminated or exiled. Trucking is no different.

Too prevent the industry from destroying it's TRUE history and future direction. I offer you a peek at what was, and what I see coming.

In earlier years, people who were less educated (high school drop outs etc) came to trucking as a means to provide for themselves and their families. These were proud men (typically) who did not want to use the welfare system. They were under payed, and over worked.

What has changed?

In 1985, my typical "pretax" pay was $600-$700 a week. All the miles I wanted and more.

Fast forward to 2000. My typical pretax pay was $900-$1000 a week.

Again, to 2005. Typical pretax pay was $1200-$1500 a week.

During this period. I heard rumblings within the industry of certain companies cutting driver miles. By as much as 50%.

A typical week in 2011, nets me almost $1000

In 1985, miles per week ranged from 3000 - 4000 per week. More if you could stand it.
In 2000, miles remained steady for those willing to push their pencils.
In 2005, drivers were fighting to get 3000 miles a week.
Today, new drivers are happy if they get 2000 miles a week. I fight for every mile I get, past the 2400 mark.

MY per mile pay in 1985 was .17 a mile. It has more than doubled since then.

Meanwhile the cost of fuel, food, and other items has tripled or quadrupled.

Companies are actually bragging about a drivers ability to make $700 a week pretax.

Just this past week. I listened to 2 drivers (lease ops) talk about making $800 a week (bring home)...if they busted their ###.

If this continues at the current pace. We will be seeing drivers who bring home $300 and $400 a week. Thinking they have a good job, and never knowing the difference.

Then, they too can get an EBT card. Just like the driver I met this week.

Truck drivers on WELFARE....is where this industry is headed.

While you may be looking into trucking as a means to carry you through this economic slump. Ask yourself, is it really where you want to be in 5 years.

 

No...I don't. I was merely pointing out a fact.

As the old guys and gals move out of the industry. The industry will try to hide it's past. Making it a point to show everyone how much better they are now, than they were in the past.

However, you're free to make this a "political" statement if you want.