What if the truckers strike?

I have read in a couple of places that there is indeed not enough truckers and that more are needed. So much so that companies train them, some colleges and schools have CDL A License programs. There is one at ACC, for example.

Companies have a hard time keeping them and they move on quickly if a company cannot provide enough round trip loads. Something needs to be done whether it be moving things to rail or even further regulating the industry.

Prices on goods will go up as a result as they should. But how much will be the big issue. Do we pay for the compensation for a driver that hauls 1,500 miles with no return load? Well, that driver won't do it. He is not making money coming back. So the end is some brand new driver hauling *** to get back or somewhere else for another load. No bueno.

I don't have the solution but something needs to be done and it is a hot topic between drivers unions, shipping/hauling companies, business coalitions, highway officials and international politicians. This issue affects people worldwide if you look at it macroscopically.
 
The US economy is dependent on trucking. There is no alternative that could meet our needs in the short or medium term. Unless you live completely off the grid, a total trucker strike, especially one that blocks thoroughfares, would affect you dramatically.

Having said that, many long haul truckers are the last ones you would want piloting multiple tons of metal at a mile a minute a few feet from your crushable little SUV. The honest Joes and the SOBs will both be squeezed by the fuel costs. I imagine many independents will have to sell out to conglomerates with deep pockets, with a gradual increase in rates across the board as the suppliers (of shipping services) in general have more market clout.
 
My buddy worked as atrucker. Gas prices had no bearing on him. Now, his bosses on the other hand........


Maybe other truckers are paid different than my friend, but he was paid per mile/load as far as I know.


As for the "why don't they raise their prices," most of them do. It's passed on to the consumer.

Business is business. Do what you got to do, but gas prices effect everyone.
 
It would not only be virtually impossible to have an industry wide strike, most drivers would or could not do it. There is a very small percentage of unionized drivers these days and most of them work for self contained companies like UPS. Meaning company XYZ could not contract a UPS truck to pick up their load.

The vast majority of drivers are owner operators who usually can pick and choose what load to pull or company owned trucks which take what the dispatcher gives them. Almost zero percent of those drivers are unionized and have no reason or ability to strike.


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I think we may have similiar info, Vol. I too teach drivers safety as well as defensive driving. Great post.
 
Vol, my friend was just dismissed because he got into an accident 30 days into his new job, an avoidable one. He's been trucking for 3 years, and otherwise his record is spotless. But, noone will hire him now. Any contacts?
 
And before anyone gets too righteous, I am sympathetic to the cause. But, this is like the food chain, what affects one, affects all. Truckers, just like waiters, lawyers and gardeners, all serve a purpose in society.

In the end the consumers end up paying.





Puddle, he's based out of Austin I guess. Willing to relocate though, since he'll be living out of his truck.
 
Rama - I sent you a pm. I didn't read your post thoroughly so disregard my question about driving time. Accidents are always a tough one.
 
not an expert, but my dad is a retired trucker, and both my brothers are owner-operators too.

Trucks today get better fuel mileage than ever. My dad was lucky to get 5 mpg with a 350 hp cummins.

Nowdays, the guys are getting around 7.5 with more powerful 450+hp engines..
 
"Count me in the group that thinks we should move more goods by rail. We have the infrastructure and it makes too much sense not to."

Other than it takes rail a much longer time to get to it's destination. Trucks can be there today.
We do a lot of deliveries by rail, and it definitely takes longer.
 
If we upgrade rail for cargo, we need to do the same for trains only make them efficient. I would adore having those magnet trains as an alternative to flying or driving. I love trains but am scared of Amtrak. I don't want a 13 hour trip to take 4 days.
 
convoy.jpg
 
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