Industry Representation

On the "Trucker's Report" dated August 11, 2007 (sorry, I can't post links yet), WiseOne posted a few states that make truck driving inconvenient, or even dangerous, due to their enforcement tactics. This was posted at the bottom of a commentary about "Trucker Parking Shortages Faced By Truckers."

I know there are trucker associations, like the ATA, supposedly there to represent the trucking association, though I suspect they're representing the carriers more than they represent the drivers. Regardless, do these associations actually represent drivers at all, and if so, how effective are they? Do they have the political and economic power to make changes?

Did any trucker association take any action at all in regard to the "thumbs down" states mentioned by WiseOne? If so, what did they do, and were they successful? Have they successfully fought for other positive outcomes benefiting the drivers?

If representation is not what it should be, what course of action should be taken?

I'm not necessarily an activist (and don't want to be, really), but BIG government and BIG corporations should not be allowed to trample human rights so freely.

I look forward to your comments! ~ Steve

 

I'd like to think that independent trucking firms, some who are making praiseworthy effort to treat their drivers right, would be able to turn the tide. But the truth is, as long as the deep-pocket companies maintain always low prices to their customers (as many do to appease customers like Wal-Mart) and promise impossible delivery times, the well-intentioned independent firms will continue to struggle to find and hold on to their customers. It's not right, and in the long run, no one but the corporate profiteers (and their government cohorts) will benefit.

Customers may pay less money, but they'll end up paying more in the long run. In addition to increased highway injuries and deaths because of an abused system (and how do we figure the cost of that?), each of us pay more through:

1. Limited product variety and quality
2. Loss of creativity
3. Loss of pride in employment
4. Reduced value of salaries and benefits
5. Loss of jobs
6. Loss of unique, local culture and community
7. Reduction of property values
8. Violations of human and civil rights

Is there an organization that fights for drivers' rights (O/O and company drivers)? Is it effective? What can the drivers do -- realistically -- to help?

~Steve