What Changes Are Needed in trucking?

So are you saying that there is NOTHING about the business of trucking that needs to be changed? Or the things that you think need changed,there is NOTHING we can do about it?

 

Nothing that will be changed. Sure, I'd like to see the 14 hour rule go away, but it won't. I'd like to see a rule made to limit the time that you set at a dock loading/unloading. I'd like to see non-CDL drivers go thru more training and restrictions, just like we have to. I think dispatchers should have to have driving experience, and should be required to go OTR for a couple weeks every year, just to remind them what it's like.
But, the bottom line is, the OTR industry is what it is, and that's life. If you don't like it, that's fine...go to work somewhere else. Just because you can get a CDL doesn't mean that you're cut out for this business, and there's no harm in that. I'm not cut out for a lot of other jobs out there, but I'm not going to enter those industries and start making demands about what needs to be changed to accomodate my opinions.
The industry is what it is...either you like it or you don't.

 

Some excellent ideas! I was with you all the way up "to the bottom line"
Not to give a history lesson here, but our country was founded b/c people were fed up with the way life was and were brave enough to do something about and we get to live in the greatest country in the world as a direct result of some of the biggest complainers and whiners (and some would say traitors to the Crown) the world has ever seen. Imagine how History would be changed if our forefathers allowed themselves to be silenced by their critics.
I guess what I am saying is, sometimes dissention and discussion is needed for growth to occur. Merely accepting the status quo b/c "that's how it's always been" is retarding growth. Who wants to be retarded? LOL!

 

True enough. And I've actually suggested to other unhappy drivers that they do the same thing. If you don't like the way ABC company does business, go buy your own truck and do it "right". Just like our forefathers came over here and made a new country.
I just find it humorous some of the complaints/suggestions drivers have, like the OP. Company paid inspections every week, free showers...come on now. If you have a real problem, then fine. But let's not get carried away here.

 

OK, but the change I would like to see is not going to change anytime soon, but I would like to see rates get back to what they used to be, as someone who has a trucking business this is most important to me, because if rates are low I can't afford to pay a driver a decent wage.

HOS, dispatchers, or whether or not I get a free shower are the least of my concerns

 

Haven't you noticed ? Rates are what they used to be - 30 years ago . So is bottom feeder driver pay .

 

Me and another old hand were talking about the rates just this morning and I have to disagree with you here...

The rates these days are substantially lower than the were thirty years ago.

 

That is true, compared to the cost of everything else, rates are much lower today, my dad made much better money 20-25 years ago than I do today.

 

Trucking has just about reached the same point as a soiled diaper.

Start All Over Again, Clean !!!

Regulations on top of regulation, who really knows what is currently legal in this business. Half the regulations are bull sheet anyways.

Enjoy, I had enough---




welcome to walmart !!

 

I agree with ssbowles on one thing, the time spent at shippers and receivers, they know your coming, so why cant they have your load on the dock and ready instead of waiting till your at the dock then start with the paperwork, finding all the product, bring it out one pallet at a time, taking theyr slow time doing it, taking a break at every opportunity, and taking 6 hours or longer to get you loaded and gone. i think there has to be a way to fine these stupid shippers and receivers big money to making a truck wait. Oh and another thing quit the highway robbery with the #### lumper fees, $300.00 dollars for half a trailer load is just stupid, $25 0r $50 dollars yea, but $300. give me a break.