Driver Shortage (supposedly)

Where I'm employed we just don't get any applications. No wage increases to attract anyone. As long as company making money they just keep hobbling along...meanwhile my honey got 20% wage increase at start of Covid, followed by another 10% plus bonus last week,,,no she not in truckin'

 

Very True. The Inflation rate has risen good amount over the last decade.
Current US Inflation Rates: 2009-2020 | US Inflation Calculator
Current US Inflation Rates: 2009-2020

When adjusting the inflation rate for today a Trucker should be earning $110k/year. So there isn't a Trucker Shortage. What's happening is that most companies are just pulling the carpet from underneath us Drivers thinking we won't notice it or can't count.

How Trucking Went From One of the Best Jobs in America to One of the Worst

 

That link don't account for the whole picture.

Inflation is a whole lot higher just the last 4 years. Housing and rent are both up 50%. Vehicles 20%. Food this year alone is about 20%

 

Well what are we going to do about it?

 

Not do a thing....as long as there are drivers out there willing to run themselves ragged without proper compensation (eg: OVERTIME $$$) nothing will change.

 

Not much I could do alone or just us. Knowing that there is 3.5 Million Truckers in the Usa and 312,000 in Canada if they are stopped for a few days for serious legislation agreements in both countries, states & provinces with a minimum annually payment of $100k things might change. But it will never happen because the 30% who are complacent with their pay (usually known as the 'company man' in with Management following protocols of the company to a tee) convincing the other 50% of drivers who are borderline on protesting the lack of pay. Leaves 20% who will strike but that's the minority (1/5th) who might get replaced by a lesser experienced driver who listens never complaining about their subjectable wage.

It wouldn't even put a dent into the drivers salary change for the better.

 

Canada did a strike in the 90s.

It didn't go well with their gooberment. Or their freight for those that had reefer loads.

I'm pretty sure none of us want to go to jail.

 

Already did something. Wether it does any good will remain to be seen.

 

I thought perhaps a shut down was in order.

 

The "shortage" is because it's difficult to find decent employees that want to work under the conditions put upon today's Driver. Most self respecting Americans refuse to live the way large fleets treat their drivers. It simply isn't worth the money many of these places are paying. So, they get people from overseas to drive on work visas. They send the money home and go back once the visa expires. I've seen ads on Craigslist promoting this strategy in Tijuana Mexico.