Protest Concerns and Alternatives

First and foremost, I have to state that any talk of violence of any kind by anyone is NOT the way to get positive attention to the plight of many in this industry. Also, asking a company driver to support the efforts of the independents really makes no sense does it? In what way are these folks impacted negatively by the issues many want to protest? On the other hand, if a company wants to support the effort, then that is their call. I for one run independent so I can compete in an open market and make my own way in this world. I don't rely on government handouts, subsidies, or the general goodness of brokers and/or shippers. I set a business plan, I adjust my rates according to the variable expenses of my business, and I provide excellent service to my customers, which also includes brokers. And I don't haul cheap freight. If I wanted a union job, I would have signed on for one.

Does anyone here really think the oil companies are going to lower their prices? We are a free market economy which means anyone can charge whatever someone is willing to pay for the product/service being offered. Nothing illegal about it. Or immoral for that matter.

If you are an O/O leased to a carrier and your current contract is what is impacting you financially, why don't you just quit on April 1? You can sit out as long as you want or can afford to do so. What does this accomplish? First, the demand for fuel goes down. Over time, this will impact the supply and demand equation. These carriers will be scrambling to cover the freight for their customers. And it won't be long before these same carriers (if they survive) may be offering sign-on incentives and you can negotiate a contract that works for YOU! You should know by now what aspects of your contract are causing you hardship. You live and learn; don't make the same mistake again.

If you have contracts with shippers, look them over and see what it takes to renegotiate or cancel them. Again, look at what makes the current contract unfavorable for you and adjust accordingly.

If you continue to do the same thing and are expecting different results, then maybe you need to step back and reassess the situation.

Know what your operating costs are. If you don't know how to do that, ask someone! Listen to those who are successful and learn from them.

I am willing to sit out for one day in support of the protest (please don't call it a strike). But quite honestly, my business is good, my customers need their freight moved and they pay me well to do so. And behaving in any manner less than professional does not pay back benefits to anyone.