Has anyone ever seen evidence of the driver shortage?

Your right, the ability to use tech is fast becoming a prerequisite for a job. NWO, some old hands that cant or more likely wont learn, are complaining all chicken little... dont mind them. Their knowledge base is extremely valuable. And advice should be heeded, for the most part...

 

Regulations have been around since the late 50's. We had the same HOS regs that were implemented in 1968 until the new HOS started being changed in July,13,2013. Social media started in 1997, but certain items as blogging did not start until 1999, it has not been around that long.

As for regulations taking years to pass though. This is not always true. CSA was first tossed around in the FMSCA in mid 2008, and would be implemented fully in 2010. This is due to negotiations, and revisions of the new reg. You can all say what you want as too the older drivers being the reason for the new regs, and laws. The real changes did not start until the late 80's and early 90's. Csa, EOBR, electronic engines, in cab rear and forward facing cameras, Collision warning devices, e-logs. Maybe the e-logs came from the drivers of years past. In the old days there were not regs coming out, or being thought of every year due to issues in the industry.

The whole point to this conversation was the industry seeing a shortage. I never said every driver today is an idiot, or does ignorant crap. I have seen an increase in such behavior, and the ignorant stuff drivers do today. Many of you know what i am talking about ( throwing trash in the lot, pee bottles also, dirty, videoing themselves doing stupid stuff behind the wheel, radio rambo's, and such behavior that has ruined the reputation of the industry.
So no matter what you think of me, or the older generation of drivers. This is your opinion, and i respect that you have one. The new breed driver has issues and this is partially the reason for the turn-over rate, supposed shortage ( which means under qualified) this is why the new implemented Entry Level Training system was enacted. Better qualified drivers. But just as with any job. A person will act one way, until he/she gets what they want, but once out of training of any sort. The attitude, and acts change.

 

By no means do i mean any disrespect to my elders in the industry. Quite the opposite in fact. But lets face it td, there is right now a thread where in half the drivers are saying to ignore possibly drunk and dangerous drivers if they are driving a large car. It aint the new blood saying that. Then the flip side, all the "we need to self police" for ####ty parking, trash, pee bottles ect.. i firmly believe that most of the current bs actually has little to do with drivers at all. I hold that most companies have been chomping at the bit for these mico management tools. And if the tech exsisted in 1985 you would be making the exact same argument.

 

I am not a dedicated, or regional driver. I delivery and my drivers deliver all over the U.S. I am not saying all technology is a bad thing. Just because i do not believe in 95% of it, i am the old outdated naysayer. This is fine with me. So i grew up on a different set of rules, and without the technology. This is my right to decide not to indulge in it's use. I see it this way, with all the issues with viruses, hacking, phones exploding, defects with systems. Though i use old methods maps, pen, and paper, and such. I your GPS goes down and you do not own, or know how to read a map. How do can you know where you are needing to be, or how to get there?. In the new trucks and with all the electronic devices manufactured into them. There is a 30% more chance if one thing shorts out, it will take out other electronic systems. The cost of repairs is on the increase due to all the electronics in a truck (engine electronics) not accessories in the cab (CB, GPS, and such). Though these can go out or break down on you also.
I have never had an issue with getting directions to a shipper or receiver. I have had them state they could get me close. In my early days of driving i pulled Oversize, reefer, flatbed/drop decks. Yes some people amaze us that they lived in a small town all their lives, but cannot tell someone how to get to the place they have worked for 20 years.

 

We also were the ones whom fought for deregulation. No one seems to remember those days.

 

Well, you sorta did though. Your constant reference to the "new breed" were meant to offend and set yourself apart. As soon as you were challenged by me what was the first thing you casually suggested? That I must be one of those you described. You constantly bring up the fact you have a brain, well you are breathing so welcome to the club. But if taking the world's broadest brush is what you call smarts then I'm glad I am where I'm at. I'm glad I understand nuance and reason. Hey but what do I know, I'm just a GPS owning steering wheel holder.

You are not better because you claim to have have started in 68. You are not better because you don't have a GPS, that just means your dedicated and if you tell me you have never looked up directions on a computer then I flat out don't believe you. Just stop with this false notion of supremacy. It's ridiculous, you are no more a real driver than a newly minted license holder, anyone who uses the term "real driver" proves himself a clown here for our amusement.

 

Seriously though, who uses the word nuance.

 

New breed drivers apparently.

 

You mean to ensure the companies with political connections had no competition. You do realize that there was no such thing as an owner operator with his own authority in those days don't ya? Authority was granted by lane and commodity. If you wanted to haul pipe from Houston to Nashville your only option was to trip lease to one of the 2 or 3 outfits that had the authority for it. So for the small independent his choice was trip lease, or haul exempt products.