As fuel costs rise, truckers say they’re running on empty

I have seen that too. I think that Heavy Duty Trucking magazine discussed that very subject a few months ago IIRC

 

Where and why do you think I feel threatened? I am far from it.

I only comment due to economic factors I have been looking at. Economically, they can withstand the price of fuel better than the smaller guys. They cycle trucks over 3 years to avoid major costs. They keep the pay low to control driver cost.

 

The only way they can run and still make a profit is to hire the "low-end" of the driver pool. We don't make fun of the "Swifty's" because they're the best and the brightest.

 

I find it hard to believe that truckers are running on empty, or that it is that big of an issue. I mean I realize that there is a huge problem out there but walk around a truck stop when everyone has pulled in for the night. It is a clear evening and the temperature outside is around 65 degrees with a slight breeze. Can you still hear those engines idling as if they apparently have enough spare profits to burn or really don’t care about the company they work for as if there is no fuel crisis.

 

When asking questions about why truckers run their engines to sleep in better comfort when it appears to be nice outdoors, you might also ask why the same politicians that are ok with anti-idling laws also run their central air and central heat in their homes at night and at work during the day. It is human nature to want to be comfortable.

I used to get up at 2 or 3 am and turn off my truck since it was cool outside. I'd roll down my window for a breeze and have to listen to all the other trucks idling. I finally gave up and kept my truck idling all night.

There will cease to be a fuel shortage only when it's all gone. Then maybe I can have my factory job back from the Mexicans and the Chinese that Walmart stole from me so I won't have to drive a truck. We can make everything in my hometown and although efficiencies of scale will disappear leaving the wealthy class without anyone or any techology to exploit, sustainability will keep the working class happy without destroying the world for a new cheap LCD tv.

BRI

 

I believe you are threatened.... From the tone of your posts you appear to be unwilling/unable to adapt you business to the current economic climate.

BTW I am on a 3 trade cycle and easily control my costs... Even though I am a small 2 truck ( and adding a 3rd in a week) company, I provide 10x's the service a big carrier is able to..... With small shippers it's always been SERVICE over cost.....

 

This is where you are wrong. I don't compete with the big guys and they have no interest in my area.

Therefore, why should I feel threatened. I just talk about what the economy can and might do. It was one of the most interesting classes from my school years. My business background is outside of the trucking industry and it helps in all of my ventures. Trucking is just a part of my income.

 

AMEN BROTHER!!! I have been trying to tell these guys this for a long time, and they don't seem to think it makes a difference on the SERVICE..

SERVICE is KEY in this industry!

Do I have to always have a clean truck? NO

Do I always have to wear a uniform shirt? NO

Do I always have to be clean showered/shaven? NO

I do because it makes me look good, and I bring the excellenet service which is why I can separate myself from the big corporations.

 

No, not at all.

I was just reading a book that mentioned that the government used to monitor rates to ensure that drivers and OO's were paid a fair and standard rate, and the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 eliminated this. Is anyone familiar with this?

 

Congrats on the new addition Big Diesel!