unfair labor standards in the industry in general

Hit. It. On. The. Head.

Simply put, greed.

 

When the exemption came about there wasn’t really cheap driver wages. Trucking was regulated, drivers could make a decent middle class living, and long haul trucking didn’t exist as it does now. I’m sure back in the 60’s they didn’t envision people living in a box for weeks on end.

 

I can see almost all your points.... But I'll add my personal 2 cents that isn't worth anything lol.....

I work for super small company (5 trucks)..... I wouldn't change it. Good pay based on my work ethic, not a general base wage across the board; great mechanics and maintenance, no micro-managing, and new truck every 500,000 miles

Mostly we need LESS regulation not more! I do completely agree with national restrictions on allowing non-citizens to drive. Also don't believe a company should be owned by a corporation that's based out of the country. This would drastically reduce the volume of incompetent drivers that are willing to work for absolutely nothing. I believe if that wasn't there messing with valid competition, then the free market would allow companies and drivers to get paid based on quality and work ethic.

In the ag side, we loose loads to companies running the beat up trucks paying foreign (illegal) drivers cash under the table and at cut flat rates..... A load that we need $30-50 per ton to make profit, these companies are taking for $18-$24 per ton.

But in general I'm a believer in any job, the employee and company are both better when it focus is on "merit" not a regulation or "minimum pay" etc. Ie OT sounds great, but in my case the company would have to reduce my base hourly rate so low to cover the 1.5 x hours that is end up loosing a great deal of pay over an entire year. More than I'd recoup in tax breaks, etc.

 

America is not really known for its labor standards or rights..For the most part everyone is an At Will employee.. basically this means employers can do whatever they want..fire or lay you off on the spot.. you know its not good for average folks in the country..