Deregulation specifics

Before deregulation most O/O's either hauled exempt commodities, leased to an established regulated carrier (usually under an O/O division), trip leased, or some even did the hot midnight express (at great peril).

Unlike now, obtaining operating authority involved a long, expensive, and complex process, with no guarantees, that involved retaining the services of an attorney, well versed in transportation.

One had to show there was "a need" for a new carrier to haul specific products, within a specified area that was currently not being served or was underserved. This of course required the help of shipper(s)/manufacturer(s) who attested to the need of your services to fulfill their business activities. Much supporting paperwork was involved the process. Basically, you had to "prove" your services were necessary. If approved, big if, your commodities hauled and your geographical areas (states) were clearly defined. As you can imagine, established carriers would protest. Some parts of the country were sewn up tight, basically almost impossible to be granted authority.

1980 that changed and subsequently trucking has morphed into what we have today. Personally, I believe the pendulum has swung too far the other way, but I digress...

 

What? We only regulate everything except wages and payments now in this deregulated industry.

 

Working in both pre and post deregulation



All that was done was a simple change from one set of problems for another set of problems.

People made better money then.

 

In the transportation industry, including airlines and railroad there is and never was wage laws.

 

Never said there was.

 

I ran leased to a small carrier during regulation era and made pretty good money, not a lot of headaches!
After deregulation we started our own Trucking company and brokerage, after many years of feast and famine ALOT of blood sweat and tears , long hours and little pay we have seen a few good years, Thank God
Now days leasing on to mega’s who run their own trucks really doesn’t work, they run on volume. One truck owner or even small fleet always one step ahead of doomsday! Very hard to put any real money away for repairs, retirement or medical emergencies! If you can find a good niche with your own customers and a decent rate life is a lot better and easier!
You buy your own truck today your just buying a job and most of the time not a very good one, most would be better off if they just made someone else a good driver! Either can be very a tough why to make a living!

 

All deregulation did was lower the transportation costs......


Life was better then......

 

I'm to young to have driven, but grew up in the 80's. Pops drove from 1968-2016 as a owner OP leased to a carrier. Never seen a guy with more detailed books. Now he moonlighted as needed but mostly hauled steel and till 1989 union teamster with equipment lease. Two check system with benefits and taxes deducted from drivers wage, plus truck lease check. 1973-1980 he factually could show a higher profit% than 1990's thru 2016. I'm a fourth generation owner OP. I highly doubt there will be a fifth generation at this point.

 

Thats been repealed for a new replacement that I cannot hope to understand.

There was a hell of alot of good industry populating toronto and other places before my eyes in the 90's from fields to car factories in 10 years.