What trucking can learn from the airlines

I know I would be happy to have a bar in every truckstop and a few stewardesses in my ####pit.


And accessorials... $15/strap, $20/chain, $100-200/tarp depending on size of tarp, $50 to stop and check securement......

 

Believe it or not, the airline industry has NEVER had a profitable year in it's history.

 

Everything you have mentioned,we had before deregulation. Off points,truck ordered not used,detention time paid at time of load settlement,load over 8' high or wide rate and a half,over 40' in length rate and a half ,plus permits. Anything oversize was plus permits. Big business got what they wanted and we got the sh=aft. I was leased to a company out of NY,NY Branch Motor Express. Their plan was if you do not pay our charges,we will sue you. The Steel Mills hated us,but the end of the month they would be on the phone begging for trucks. How about Exclusive Use of the Truck,Class 100 with a 24K mini. How sweet it was. Thanks to Tricky Dick,Jimmy Carter and Ronnie Ragan we lost it all.

 

We also lost $1500 airfare NYC to LAX. We also lost $1100 microwaves ... if you could find one. We also lost the fact of having only 3 channels to watch on TV, we also lost 30 cent a minute long distance. I could also go on about all that deregulation has brought us that we take advantage of every day, but who has the time .... deregulation is not a bad thing but some people have a very narrow point-of-view and tend to ignore other facts.

 

A airline (probably Southwest) increased your mutual fund.
Airlines themselves have profitable years but the industry as a whole never has had one. I know its hard to believe, but true.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business...l-and-dime-their-way-to-profitability/246979/

 

So I guess that you always go and buy the most expensive thing? You never negotiate when you buy a house or a car? You Never shop around for the best deal on a TV or other purchase??

 

I do try to buy the best value for my money. My quality of life as an Owner/Op. was much better before deregulation. And that not only refers to me but also thousands of O/O's who were leased to Freight Co's who kept the rates up and provided us with good benefits. That doesn't even touch the people who drove Co. equipment. We were employees not independent contractors. The old two check system that you probably know nothing about. I could afford new cars,pickup trucks and a good education for my daughter. When the labor force is employed with good jobs the national economy does well do to the trickle down effect.