Posts Tagged truck driver training

Truck Driver Training is Serious Issue for Industry

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Truck Driving Jobs, Videos, otr trucking, truck driving schools, trucking, trucking companies, trucking life on March 4th, 2010

By Allen Smith

Allen Smith It is often very easy for veteran drivers and trucking company officials to overlook the importance of truck driver training for CDL students and new drivers. With years of experience, the possibility of becoming laxed over time can lead to deadly consequences. Many issues within the trucking industry have remained swept under the rug for years, including the lack of proper training for new truckers. The seriousness of proper truck driving training and the lack there of, was pushed into the main stream media through our blog about one and a half years ago, through the writings of a newbie trucker known as Trucker Desiree.

Originally met with a great deal of hostility by drivers and trucking organizations, today, the issue has grown into a more acceptable situation where many trucking individuals are finally realizing and commenting on the fact that the industry indeed lacks proper truck driver training skills in many areas. Although there are many excellent trainers in the industry, there is still a long way to go in order to bring about further stricter guidelines for driver trainers.

Calling oneself a trainer, does not make one a teacher. Teaching involves the skills and ability to present the lessons being taught, in an acceptable and understanding manner. Teaching requires the trainer to place themselves in the same situation as the student. Nervousness, fear and anxiety . . . all the emotions that a new CDL student will encounter, all have to be recognized and understood by the driver trainer . . . the teacher. A trainer may have thirty years of driving experience and a perfect record, but without the understanding of teaching and how to teach, the student can often experience higher levels of anxiety and disappointment.

There are endless stories of CDL students being yelled at and even having been “thrown out” of the truck by the trainer. Trainers in other professions are required to attend a trainer course and various other forms of class-training to become certified as a professional trainer. Within the trucking industry, most often it is a matter of the company telling an experienced driver that they are now a “trainer.” More thought must be placed in the equation when determining who can be a trainer and who cannot. Training and teaching goes hand in hand, and just because one can drive an 18-wheeler with the utmost skill . . . does not make them a teacher.

When choosing which driver will represent their company as a driver trainer, the trucking companies should look at some basic qualifications as to what makes up a good teacher:

Explanation skills – Being comfortable with explaining content to students is an essential skill for teachers.

Cool under pressure – Good teachers are able to successfully resist the urge to yell or scream at their students.

Have a sense of humor – Research has shown that good teachers have a sense of humor, and that they are able to use this skill as part of their training methods.

A “people” person – Liking people is essential for being a good trainer/teacher. Drivers considered as “Loners” are not the best choice for trainers.

Are Fair-Minded – A good teacher is able to assess students on the basis of performance, not on the their personal or physical qualities.

Have Common Sense – A trainer should be able to size up a situation quickly and make an appropriate decision.

Set high expectations – A good trainer/teacher should set high expectations for themselves and their students.

Have organizational skills – They should be organized in their professional and teaching duties.

Understand time management – Managing time to achieve the best end results for both the trainer and student.

Is a Leader and not a Follower – Being comfortable in a position of a leader within a very stressful industry.

Not taking things for granted – You were once in the same situation as the student. Keeping this in mind will make you a better trainer.

Drivers who understand the importance of the role of a professional driver trainer can continue to release safe and skilled drivers out on the public highways. The driver trainee should never be released before the designated trainer has stated that they are ready. This means that the trucking company should allow the driver trainer to be the sole person to determine when that time has come . . . not because the company needs to get the driver out there ASAP.

It should also be noted that rules for driver trainers should be adjusted in order to meet the demands that are placed on trainers. Running the truck 24/7 is not a good idea for a trainer-student combination. At some point, trucking companies and the industry must realize that the trainer must rest and receive the required sleep that is needed to function in a logical and professional manner. If the trainer is sleeping in the bunk while the student is driving, where is the safety and professionalism? All too often, the company becomes laxed in their decision making all for the sake of getting the freight down the road. What is loaded on the trailer should never be more important than the safety of the driver trainer and student.

This video shows an 18-wheeler, being driven by a student CDL driver losing control of the vehicle while going down the 7,085 foot Donner Pass . . . while the driver trainer is sleeping in the bunk. Both student and trainer were killed:

Most professional truck drivers understand the importance of proper truck driver training. The time has come for the trucking companies to understand it more as well. Allowing for additional time between load pick up and deliveries . . . providing additional rest periods and understanding that both student and trainer will need added comforts, different from the solo driver . . . will prevent tragedies like this one from happening. It will also provide more safe and skilled drivers being placed on our nation’s highways.

: cdl student, cdl students, driver trainer, truck driver training, truck driving training, trucking companies

cdl student, cdl students, driver trainer, truck driver training, truck driving training, trucking companies

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Truck Driver Training Solutions

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Talk Radio Show, trucking on December 4th, 2009

Donna hosted this evening’s Truth About Trucking “LIVE” talk show on Blog Talk Radio with special guest, TruckerDesiree, focusing on solutions for the problems in truck driver training. Second guest, Tom Hanson did not make it, but the one and a half hour show brought in many listeners and finally addressed solving the problems within the trucking industry.

To date, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” has regular listeners in seven countries and brings in 100,000 plus listeners, once placed through out the world wide web.

If you missed the “live” show, you can catch it here:

: solutions, talk radio, truck driver training, TruckerDesiree, trucking industry, truth about trucking

solutions, talk radio, truck driver training, TruckerDesiree, trucking industry, truth about trucking

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What Every CDL Student Should Know

Posted by Allen Smith in Talk Radio Show, Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking, truck driving schools, trucking on September 11th, 2009

In today’s economy, many people are looking at professional truck driving as a possible career. Their first stop? CDL truck driver training school. Before heading to the nearest CDL school, CDL students need to know certain, important facts before making the move to OTR trucking.

From your MVR records to filling out the truck driving job applications to choosing the right truck driving school . . . the trucking job market has changed considerably in today’s economy.

Truth About Trucking “LIVE” – Blog Talk Radio’s premier trucking talk show, discussed these facts this evening plus much more. If you’re considering a career in over the road trucking, be sure to listen to what was appropriately titled: What Every CDL Student Needs to Know.

This one show could save you thousands of dollars.

Our upcoming shows:

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at 7 PM EST – Truckers Convoy Aims to Rescue California Farmers From EPA Drought – Water restrictions that were imposed by our Federal Government in order to protect a little fish called the Delta Smelt, is putting California farmers out of business. The situation is so bad, that a convoy of 18-wheelers are being put together in order to bring trailer loads of food to the farmers and those within the area facing the high loss of jobs and income. Join Allen for this SPECIAL broadcast detailing how EPA regulations have made a tiny fish more important than our American farmers, and how truckers are working to bring relief to those in need. Special guests: JB and Fred Shaffner of The American Driver.

Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 3 PM EST : American Trucking and Opening the Mexican Border. Opening Mexico’s border and allowing their trucks to run through our 48 states could prove disastrous for the American driver. Most companies and organizations write that they are against this plan, but are they really? Or is this a plan that has been secretly building in the background for years? With a combined driving experience of 65 years, Allen and co-host Barry Szczucki takes a look at what opening the Mexican border could do to the American trucker. Special guest: Daniel Audet of The Truck Star.

Come join the conversation!

: barry szczucki, california drought, California farmers, cdl students, Delta Smelt, epa, job applications, mexican border, opening, truck driver training, truck driving, truck driving school, trucking, trucking talk radio, truth about trucking live

barry szczucki, california drought, California farmers, cdl students, Delta Smelt, epa, job applications, mexican border, opening, truck driver training, truck driving, truck driving school, trucking, trucking talk radio, truth about trucking live

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Truck Driver Training and Trucking Companies- Comments and Questions

Posted by Allen Smith in Trucking Company and Driving School Comments, Woman Truckers, testimonials, truck driving schools, trucking, trucking companies on March 14th, 2009

We’d like to “freshen up” a few links to very important posts that need to be more easily accessible. Please add your comments to them accordingly.

1) Truck Driving Schools and Trucking Companies: Post Your Comments about Them Here:

There are almost 200 posts about schools and companies that could help you in this post. Also, it is an opportunity for you to post to others and help them out, as there could be a question about a company or school that you have experience with and would want to share.

2) A Day in the Life of a Lady Trucker

This is Truck Desiree’s Journal, where she gives a daily description and trail of events of her life in CDL school and trucking company training. Desiree has become the favorite of many throughout the trucking world as she shares her life experiences in the hopes to help other students and trainees. Some of her posts have stirred up quite a bit of contoversy and we suggest you read this if you want to know the “behind the scenes” of what really goes on.

3) Truth About Trucking- Your Opinion, Comments, and Testimonials

Here are some more comments, questions, and testimonials from others.

: CDL schools, Desireed, truck driver training, truck drivers, truck driving schools, trucking, trucking companies

CDL schools, Desireed, truck driver training, truck drivers, truck driving schools, trucking, trucking companies

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Trucker Desiree Update -”Who is Trucker Desiree?”

Posted by Allen Smith in Politics, Safety, Talk Radio Show, Woman Truckers, otr trucking, trucking, trucking life on February 6th, 2009

For those who have followed “A Day In the Life of a Lady Trucker“, here is an update of Desiree’s recent adventures:

Desiree is an OTR Driver who not only enjoys driving, but enjoys helping cdl students and new cdl drivers overcome obstacles every chance she gets, and she does . . . alot! She is an advocate for truck driver training safety, the fair treatment of students by their trainers, women in trucking, and Green Trucking . . . but NOT at the expense of the Owner Operators, which appears to be the case these days.

Desiree will the guest on Allen’s Blog Talk Radio Show on Sunday February 22, 2009 at 6pm EST discussing: “The Harrassment of Women CDL Students and Drivers Within Trucking Companies” and also the Contoversial “CARB” ( California Air Resources Board) Topic, which has many, especially owner operators, quite disturbed to say the least.

TruckerDesiree ( as she is known ) has become quite popluar with many groups as she makes her stand for truckers everywhere.

She is quickly becoming “a voice for many” as she is frequently contacted by magazines, news networks, and organizational groups desiring her input, opinions and support. Here is a page from her Facebook account which will give you an idea of “Who is Trucker Desiree” and what she wants to accomplish:

“Trucker Desiree : California is where I was born & raised. I am of a Family of Migrant Field Workers who came to California before the Freeways. I grew up at the beaches in Venice, Oxnard, Malibu, Arcata, Trinidad and Carlsbad as a child of the Welfare System.”

“After a life of struggles as a Single Mother, I am now an “Over the Road” Trucker.I fully understand where the miscommunication lies between Activists, Environmentalists & Truckers because I have lived on both sides of the argument and I have an Idea that can help.I am New to Trucking and I quickly learned to not tell people I was from California because of the manner Truckers are looked upon in my home state.”

“Similiar to the way I conceal I am Mexican as I travel across the U.S. as a Trucker to areas that Mexicans are also misunderstood. The Geography of my home state isolates population centers from understanding that Industry requires dirty stinking trucks that work 24/7 to move sensitive high dollar freight from the Ports & Agriculture from rural areas of the State.”

“Trucking is a detail oriented job that requires much more than driving skill. Good planning to move freight out of California in Particular, makes this State… the least desired State to work in as a Trucker. Mostly because California targets Truckers without regard to how difficult this job is and what they do for California Industry.”

“California has the worst infrastructure I have seen since I became a Trucker. No Parking is available to accommodate sleepy drivers, especially in areas where Freight must be shipped from. The transit time to move freight out of the state at the Truck speed of 55 mph thru the traffic centers of Southern California & geographic locations in Central California affect a driver’s ability to NOT violate Federal “Hours of Service”. Therefore, California places Truck Drivers at risk by NOT providing them adequate space to rest, forcing them to continue to drive out of the state in many cases to get to “Friendlier States” where they can sleep safely.”

“Sleeping safely includes Idling because currently no other system in California has other options for drivers to sleep properly & have temperature controls in their cabs. A safe driver is well rested, not roasting or freezing which is the case now because Idling laws do not take into account that Truckers live in their Trucks & must congregate where shippers are located for proper planning to move sensitive California Freight out of the State.”

“Truckers are targets for Hijackers, esspecially in this economic downturn. Much of the Freight from the Port is extremely High-Dollar that must not stop for at least 200 miles from the time the trailer is sealed at the shipper.”

“Freight moves 24/7 so a driver must be on call to drive 24/7, this is why many trucking companies have Terminals in the Long Beach Port & other Port Areas. Owner-Operators do not have anywhere to go but wherever they can to sit and wait. Both Company Drivers & O/O must idle to rest & be ready at a moment’s notice.”

“Many times, arriving at the shipper, the load is not ready. Sometimes I have waited 14 hours, my entire Legal shift for a load at the shipper. I am only paid to drive, nothing else. Legally, I cannot drive. I must be in the sleeper 10 hours to go back on duty, but with no temperature control? Even if I am in the sleeper in the shippers dock during that 14 hours I cannot have temperature control to sleep properly under California’s current policy. When I am waiting at my company terminal in Long Beach, Pomona, French Camp waiting for a load, sometimes for days on end I have nowhere to go, I live in my truck to move freight.”

“Many O/O in this downturned economy do as well. California needs to implement in their Infrastructure plans a “Green” solution for Truckers that everyone can afford, not just targeted at “Mom & Pop” Truckers who have only their Truck in the whole World where they live & work to move California’s Freight out of the State.”

“Shippers, Receivers, Big Trucking Companies who have Terminals in California & the State of California need to combine forces to reduce emissions.The burden on O/O is too great, they are being singled out because they have just that “Old Truck” that is their life’s blood. As a Student Trucker I am appalled to see companies charging drivers to Idle in Freezing Winter Temperatures at a price higher than Diesel per gallon & the turning around and accepting the “Smart Way EPA Award.”

“A true Smart Way would be to require innovation to combine existing technologies in Trucking & provide adequate space for Truckers to park & rest.This includes at Shipper/Receiver facilities, Terminals & areas for O/O. Companies that manufactuer APU units to reduce idleing have struggled in our downturned economy. Truckers who have purchased expensive APU units to comply with emissions regulations now have an additional concern that they cannot get warranty or repairs done.”

“Idleaire, the company that is in use at some Travel Plazas, is not a viable option for mass appeal because technology has advanced to the point that their product is quickly becoming obsolete.”

“Currently, Wal-Mart has a no idle policy on at their Distribution Centers. For Wal-Mart Tractors, a unit is provided in the bobtail parking section that keeps the engine block from freezing in Winter Temperatures. This unit currently does not provide temperature control for the driver, only for the engine. Some Tractors come equipped with bunk heaters, but many Big Trucking Companies buy only the Standard Model for their Fleets that do not have bunk heaters.”

“In California, Temperatures do not fall low enough to jeopardize the engine block, but they do get too cold & too hot for the driver to rest properly without temperature Control. RV’s can plug into electric power, Ships in port can receive shore power, but nothing is available to Truck Drivers to accommodate their comfort for safe driving to move freight from the State of California.”

“My Idea is a unit of similar size which is currently used by Wal-Mart to provide warmth to the engine block. It is less cumbersome than Idleaire.

It would not pump in foreign air like IdleAire which is an added security risk, because of Hijackers & Criminals who target Truckers and rob them. This unit could run off electricity but could be developed into a solar unit, perhaps wind power as well.”

“The Long Beach “Green Port” Project is the Ideal place to implement such a prototype because of the forward thinking innovation they are currently using to modernize this urban center. I am concerned when I read the Conference entitled “Faster-Freight, Clearner Air” has no VIP Speakers who are Truckers who live this life. I only see VIP Speakers who sell Trucks.” http://www.ffcacalifornia.com

“When I watched the Port of Long Beach Webcast about The Green Port Project, I heard about Innovations for Ships but not for Trucks that move the freight and fight Southern California Traffic to do it. To solve this problem, Californians need to understand Industry of this State is conducted away from the beach and the beautiful scenery. Its a dirty, stinky business that must be done. Who wants to put some plasma screens in their mercedes and drive them across the country? Anyone?” — TruckerDesiree@gmail.com

http://www.askthetrucker.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-lady-trucker/

http://www.twitter.com/TruckerDesiree

: California emission, CARB, ooida, owner operators, truck driver training, Trucker Desiree, trucking companies, women in trucking, women truck drivers

California emission, CARB, ooida, owner operators, truck driver training, Trucker Desiree, trucking companies, women in trucking, women truck drivers

4 Comments

Women in Trucking can Make a Difference

Posted by Allen Smith in Woman Truckers, otr trucking, trucking companies, trucking life on November 19th, 2008

One of the most courageous woman truckers right now is writing on the AskTheTrucker blog, exposing the treatment and tactics allowed to continue within the trucking industry, as viewed through her eyes and own experiences. The purpose for these posts are two fold:

1) To warn women desiring to get into OTR trucking about the many “red flags they must be aware of so they may avoid them.

2) To encourage other woman in trucking to speak up and not be intimidated or fearful of “losing their job.”

Desiree has a written a Journal type posting which I encourage women to read. She posts regularly, and in my opinion it’s like getting a treasure of info, which I’m sure many would be more than glad to “pay for”" if it was available in book form.

Her experiences start all the way from day 1 in truck driving school, where she first began in her quest for the coveted CDL license. It then continues into driver training and team driving. This persistant woman would not allow ANYTHING to prevent her from attaining her #1 goal of driving the big rigs. Her experiences are at times like something you would read in a novel or watch at the movie theatre.

She is a testimony of integrity, commitment, and perseverance.

If you are anyone interested in a trucking career, looking into truck driver training, are already a truck driver, or just interested in knowing what is still allowed to go on within the trucking industry, then I believe you will benefit from these journaled blog posts.

Thanks,
Donna

: cdl license, otr trucking, team driving, truck driver training, trucking, trucking career, trucking industry, women in trucking, women truckers

cdl license, otr trucking, team driving, truck driver training, trucking, trucking career, trucking industry, women in trucking, women truckers

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Truck Driver Training – Automatic or Manual?

Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized on October 15th, 2008

I am asked quite often by those considering a career in trucking, if training and taking the CDL driving test in an automatic or manual transmission would have any affect on their career. Also, are there any “restrictions” placed on the CDL if automatic is used? As of this date, it is my understanding that there are none, and it would not matter. However, important issues are surfacing that you need to be aware of . . .

First, in the real world, you are more than likely going to be placed in a manual vehicle, so if you have been trained in an automatic, and took your driving test in an automatic, when you “hit” the real world, you may find yourself “lost” when your new employer places you in a 10-speed standard. Also, it is quite possible, that when you go to take the driving test . . . it’s going to be in a manual! What then? Unless your school and the testing facility has agreed that you can use the auto for your test, you may be in for a surprise with your CDL training.

Secondly, why limit yourself? There are companies using automatics, but the majority are operating the standard, manual vehicles. It would be best to learn by standard and have the knowledge to operate both kinds of transmissions. With experience, shifting through the gears will become so second-nature, that soon you will not even be thinking about it.

Finally, the FMCSA has issued a proposal to set new standards on rules concerning CDL and CLP testing procedures. One of these proposals could bring about the action of placing an “automatic restriction” on your license. The proposal was actually brought about last April, 2008.

You can read the FMCSA’s proposal at Truth About Trucking’s – Advisory Report.

Just something I wanted to pass on to those considering a career in trucking . . .

Allen

Truck Driver Training

: automatic, cdl, cdl training, manual, standard, transmission, truck driver training

automatic, cdl, cdl training, manual, standard, transmission, truck driver training

4 Comments

Ethanol Problems

Posted by Allen Smith in Fuel Costs on June 1st, 2008

With the return of Ethanol gasoline into the market, so comes the return of problems we faced back in the ‘70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It is only a matter of time that the problems will grow and perhaps make their way into the news. Of course, the media can squash any news they want, so maybe we will hear nothing more about it.

At least for now, some of the misfortune of using gasohol is creeping ever so slightly into the news realm. Ethanol problems are being noticed here and there and I wonder how long will this “new” form of energy last this time.

People are now experiencing problems with getting their cars to start after using ethanol blended gasoline. Read more about what problems you may experience down the road with gasohol.

Read about Ethanol Problems and let us know what you think.

: fuel prices, truck driver training, truck driving careers, truck driving job, truck driving school, trucking, trucking companies, trucking life

fuel prices, truck driver training, truck driving careers, truck driving job, truck driving school, trucking, trucking companies, trucking life

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Ethanol to the Rescue

Posted by Allen Smith in Fuel Costs, otr trucking on May 5th, 2008

Approximately twenty years ago we attempted to introduce ethanol into the market with much excitement. It failed. Now, with the rising cost of crude oil which effects the price of gasoline and diesel, we once again are bringing back the miracle cure, ethanol. My prediction? It will fail again. Ethanol from wood was first introduced in Germany back in 1898 . . . it did not last. We tried corn Ethanol in 1984 and 1990 . . . it did not last. Here we are again in 2008 and it will fail again eventually.

Vehicles are built to run on the premise of the combustible process, not from corn. Eventually, every new vehicle built would have to be “corrected” in order to accept this new form of energy. Older model vehicles would have to be altered to run on the new fuel source. So everybody in the United States with an older model vehicle would have to pay for this alteration? Yea, that is really going to happen.

We are already seeing the decline in wheat and other farming products as farmers switch over to growing corn, and who can blame them? Thus, the prices of groceries are increasing, actually offsetting any savings we may see with gasoline. As well as when people begin to realize they are losing 2-3 MPG by using ethanol, will they continue to purchase it? Also, what are the benefits of ethanol for the diesel industry?

The cost of diesel continues to rise simply due to the fact of supply and demand. More and more countries are using diesel. E-Diesel is out there already, but every diesel driven vehicle would have to have a converter installed on it before using the ethanol blended diesel. Would this assist our truck drivers in experiencing savings in their profession? As the price of food continues to rise will we actually see any savings at the pump? I don’t think so.

The high cost of fuel is here to stay due to two main reasons . . . first, supply and demand. We cannot keep up with the demand for petroleum products, especially diesel. And secondly, and actually most importantly . . . our country will not allow any more drilling or the building of refineries and plants. As long as we continue down this same road, the price of fuel will only go higher and the hardest hits will be our truck drivers.

So for now, we have reinstalled the “blinders” and fallen back to the ethanol miracle again. Ethanol will save us. Well, we’ll see . . .

: cdl training, cdl training schools, fuel prices, otr trucking, owner operator, truck driver training, truck driving careers

cdl training, cdl training schools, fuel prices, otr trucking, owner operator, truck driver training, truck driving careers

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Truck Drivers Strike

Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking, trucking life on April 7th, 2008

Whether you are a seasoned driver, just out of truck driver training or attending any of the truck driver schools across the nation, one should be watching the outcome of this recent truck drivers strike. Primarily owner operators, many drivers shut down for a few days to protest the high cost of diesel fuel. At $4.00 plus per gallon, nobody can blame them. When a rig holds 300 gallons of fuel, $1200 just to fill up your tanks is destructive to your bottom line profit.

But, will the strike have any effect? Will this small, short-lived demonstration actually cause a change for the better? Unfortunately, the answer will more than likely be a resounding, “NO.” Having a small group of drivers stage a 3-4 day “strike” will, sadly, accomplish nothing. With owner operators falling beside the way side year after year, the greatest majority of drivers on the road these days are fleet drivers.

It will perhaps cause those interested in truck driver training and looking at truck driver schools to take a second look at truck driving as a career. However, owner operators are the ones taking the dramatic hit by the fuel costs. The company driver does not have the worry. Most trucking companies will pass some of the increased cost of fuel onto their customers through an added fuel surcharge, but the rate of freight will remain the same . . . cheap. Therefore, the owner operators will continue to haul the load at the same low rate, while doing battle with the increased price of diesel. The truck driver will always be the one who loses.

Strikes of this nature will simply not work. It will take the effort of all truck drivers working together in order to force those with the power to make changes occur. And that, my friends, is where the problem lies. A few hundred drivers here and there cannot make change . . . it must be done by thousands . . . no, millions.

Eight million CDL drivers in the United States today, and most of these would have to participate in a truck driver’s strike to catch the attention of Congress and the nation, and be taken seriously. Now, what would have to be done? Hundreds of thousands of truck drivers, company drivers and owner operators would have to ban together and shut their rigs down. They would have to do so, not for a few days, but for several weeks.

CDL drivers everywhere would have to make the decision to STOP the flow of freight in this country, and do it long enough where the effects would be felt. This would mean store shelves would go empty . . . everything that everybody takes for granted: groceries, supplies, clothes, autos, EVERYTHING . . . would come to a halt. The general public still cannot comprehend that everything they buy . . . everything they purchase at a store or retailer or ANYWHERE . . . comes by way of a truck driver. The ships can still sail, the aircraft can still fly and the train can still run, but the truck driver carries the products to the stores. The truck driver carries it to the general public.

Because the owner operator is somewhat of a dying breed, it leaves mostly company drivers running the road these days. Thus, the fear factor sets in . . . ”If I shut down and strike, I would lose my job.” In addition, to create empty shelves in our nations store, what kind of suffering would that cause to the innocent? A mother needs formula for her baby, but the shelf is empty due to truck drivers striking? It is a tough situation and a hard call to make. On the other hand, the truck driver and his or her family cannot pay their bills due to the high cost of fuel factored in with the low cost of freight.

The good side of this is that the shelves could be refilled at an alarming rate due to the professionalism of our nation’s drivers. But this is the only way for drivers to make a change. For those who are attending truck driver training or considering truck driver schools, they too will have to consider the options of someday executing a massive, well organized strike with other CDL drivers. A strike . . . a “real” strike . . . of such magnitude, will cause those in power to react.

Allen Smith
Truth About Trucking

: cdl, company driver, owner operator, truck driver training