Independent Carriers Code of Ethics

IMHO the issue with trucking or better yet what has changed trucking is not so much technology or laws or even to a degree the people who are coming into trucking.. I am NEW to this industry but I have already had a 25 year successful business career.. And I know there are many out there like me or with a similar desire to get into trucking..

The problem is with the mega carriers who have devalued the profession in the all out race for profits and to become even bigger.. The fact is that there are over 400,000 trucking companies in the US. 94% of them (376,000 are running 6 trucks or fewer. So that leaves 34,000 trucking companies of the 34000 approx 1/2- 1 % or 170 - 340 companies would be considered Mega Carriers. There is presently according to the ATA a 48,000 driver shortage. If the trends continue that number will grow to approx 170,000 by 2024. Also 88% ofcarriers say that they are not lacking in applications however the vast majority of applicants are not qualified.. At the end of the day IMO you can not fault the people who are becoming drivers. As they are only following the procedures and programs set up by the carriers. Until the carriers decide to put more emphasis on Quality over Quantity the mega carriers schools are made to follow guidelines and rules rather than allowed to make them up as they go and the cdl schools (carrier owned or privately owned) are more regulated nothing will change..

It was not so long ago that a professional OTR driver required not only a certain skill set but it also carried with it a certain amount of mystic admiration and respect with it. When a driver had to have a special licence a chauffeurs license. When Professional driver was at the top of the career day list with the Police and Fireman. When you could bring your dad to work so he could talk about his career and you would go and ask that outlaw uncle because he was a Semi driver and that would score a 5th grader far more cool points than bringing your dad who was merely business man.. When you knew that outlaw uncle would come to school in his jeans and cowboy boots and giant belt buckle but if he was out on the road driving. Well you were surly in for some teasing and ridicule at recess because your dad showed up with his tie and jacket and only a dork would allow that to happen.

Yes those were the days that made me want to become a driver and those memories are what has drive me to pursue it now 31 years later..

 

Good thread, thanks for starting it. You can count me among your supporters.

 

Sounds good! I'd like to think I operate in a similar fashion.

 

These are values I can get behind, it would be great if others would too. There are too many people that just don't care.

 

Direct contact with shiper. We have alot of lumper to do with our loads. Nobody wants to lumper. Great rates, amazing price for each sropa, almost empty on the way back.

Who would of though hauling bread was specilized?! Nooooobody wants to do it, exept drop and hooks, wich are only 100 miles radius and pay isnt worth it being in trafic all day.