FMCSA--Speed limiters are coming

The first few years I operated trucks we were running around with a stack of blank leases and a portable typewriter in our bunks because they wouldn’t give me an operating authority. Apparently me and my 3 trucks were going to put Motorways and Kingsway out of business if they gave me one or some ####. De-reg sorted that out. Now, over 40 yrs later, I’m faced with having to run on rental agreements to get around the e-logs? I’m looking at this as a forced retirement. They can take their e-logs and speed-limiters and go #### themselves with them. I’ve only got one driver under 50, two of the others have been with me since the ‘80’s, another started here in ‘95. I owe it to those guys to keep them in a truck for as long as they want to get in and go. But I think the way this is going to play out is as the guys retire I’ll let the trucks go and figure out what to do with the FNG after. My truck is the only one I have that isn’t exempt, so in the meantime I think I’ll just watch the ####show from right here in the yard.

 

I hate to say this but how long can we expect to skate with a mechanical engine? I have heard that Cummins is exporting everything older than N-14. Which means no new parts in U.S. No one get there panties bunched it wasn’t a credible source but I wouldn’t think CAT will be far behind. They have actually restarted production of the 3406C but it’s not available in any capacity in the U.S.


To think they are gonna let us continue is being completely stupid. They want the sheep controlled, to many willing to let it happen for a few to stand their ground against it

 

Those engines don’t have emissions controls in some parts of the world-that’s why they’re being exported. The EPA has been clamping down on truck/engine manufacturers for some time!

 

We can protest all we want until we get blue in the face.
In the end we'll be replaced with compliant people.
Covid19 vaccines? Does it rings any bells in your ears?
Non-compliant=Out of workforce.
Pretty simple concept.

 

There’s so many 3406’s in service in different applications that they have to support I wouldn’t worry too much about parts for them. The only thing I can think of that could #### us up real bad is truck engine timing advance parts. That’s the only thing makes me a little nervous. That said, I’ve seen a lot of creativity in that particular area over the years that there wasn’t a lot of Cat parts involved in, so there’s that.

 

It’s not making one run I worry about. I have a pile of parts to last me more than a lifetime. I still buy every piece of one that has good stuff I can. I have also put Bosch pumps on them as well as Cyclone. I don’t use everyone’s standard recipe for a hot rod either. All that is really a mute point if the government under which we reside decides to not allow trucks that are x age to be registered or if they can’t comply with this or that mandate then they cannot be registered. Everyone thinks that can’t or won’t happen however it’s already happened in 1 place more are thinking about it. So many things have passed that most of us never thought would. So to think these old trucks are a forever answer is asinine. Again I didn’t run out and buy one to skirt ####, it’s what I have always ran. I’m just an ol poor boy tryin to scratch a livin out of it. The difference in me and most with old trucks right now is they have run out and bought one to skirt some new mandate. That’s fine that’s their right, however as Americans they all share 1 common problem. They cannot keep from flapping their gums about it trying to show their intelligence. Yet they are not smart enough to fix ancient technology. My point is these ol trucks ain’t gonna get a pass forever they are simply a band -aid. When it will happen who knows. I’m sure they thought they would phase themselves out in time. When that doesn’t happen to suite em then they will encroach yet again.

 

I’ve been up this trail before. I never saw my trucks being kicked out of Commiefornia, they did. I thought they’d never force log-books on us up here. they did. Then years later I thought they’d never do anything as stupid as speed-limit the trucks in a country full of 2lane highway, they did. I never thought we’d have e-logs forced on us here, they did. I thought once should be enough, but then Commiefornia threw more of my trucks out. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what they dream up next. I didn’t run out and buy old iron. They were new when I bought them. I quit buying new trucks when you couldn’t see the engine anymore for ####ing wires and paying for it before it was beat to pieces was a dream. I’m coasting at this point. I could head for the couch now if it suited me, but I’ve got my drivers and 2 lessors to think about. The old guys can retire when they’re ready. I made up my mind a few years ago that they’ll have a truck to climb into as long as they want to. I haven’t figured out what I’m going to do with the FNG and the lessors yet, they’re younger guys with young families and I’d like to figure something out for them. I’m not worried too much by the over regulation and bs anymore, none of it is going to directly affect me for much longer.

 

I'd like to keep this thread and any other regarding this issue alive and current since there are 38 days remaining in the comment period. If you haven't spoken up yet about this please do, it will only take you a few minutes. Friends and family can even speak up, this will effect everybody. New drivers and new members of TTR that may not be aware of this need to take action.

There is a petition started by TTR member @Bret1984, it can be found here: Sign the Petition

To write your Senators: U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators

And the FMCSA comment section: Regulations.gov

This is what life will be like if we don't speak up!