There's a lot of talk going around truck radio, CB channels and the blogosphere about a possible nationwide truck shutdown May 1-8, dubbed Enough Is Enough. High diesel prices are the catalyst for growing trucker dissatisfaction over a wide range of issues that are pushing independent truckers and small firms to the brink of extinction. Trucker to Trucker readers have been hot and heavy with their comments on both ends of the debate. Here's what truckers on the front line are saying:
"This movement is to call attention to the plight of ALL of trucking. Fuel prices are just the icing on the cake. The threat of Mexican Trucks, addition of toll roads, increasing taxes, low freight rates. The trucking industry has been getting hit from all sides." - Shoestring 1
"We already have too much government interference in our lives and businesses. I respect any business owner's right to shut down his business for a few hours, days, or forever. So if a large number of Independent Truckers all want to go home and shut down at the same time that is their right. Please do not interfere with my business and the business of others as we attempt to provide service to your previous customers." - from an unnamed reader posted by Trucker Jim
"I myself fear some of the repercussions of a strike ... I want no violence, I plan to just stay home and enjoy a little down time ... I have been BOYCOTTING on my own ... slowing down to save fuel, running on the night shift when I can, staying out longer. It takes not only smarter trucking, it means harder trucking, more sacrifice ... our industry is in the process of thinning the herd, the weak and dying will be eliminated. I don't know where I fit into this process, but those that do survive will benefit greatly." - Charles Miller
"This action will only work if we have large numbers involved in the Shutdown. Washington DC will HAVE to at least look at the issues we are face'n. This is an Election Year, use it to your advantage, let Washington know what you feel & how hard we have it right now. - Dan Little
"It needs to start with the tankers. If the gas/fuel can't make it to the pumps, the rest of the country stops, too. I just hope when the time comes, we can afford to stop with everyone. ... we are raising a family living paycheck to paycheck. No time is a good time for a strike, but we have to do something." - trucker wife
"Think this over, I'm pissed enough too to shut down too but the fall-out I think will make worse an already sketchy public opinion about truckers." - Daniel Audet, the Original Florida Kid
"I am ALL for the shutdown. ... I am tired of staying out 2-3 weeks at a time just to be able to cover fuel costs." - Hugh Alverson
"... our entire industry is facing a melt down that will dwarf the sub-prime mortgage crisis. Every tangible item that you have ever seen, held, or used was delivered by ... trucks." - John
"I think we should all shut down the same day and cripple the entire country ... Make it so that all Wal-Mart store shelves are empty, have Americans running out of food to feed their families ... 300 million Americans have to feel the pain of this ..." - Iceman
"We are long past due for drivers to come together and take back control of the industry." - Michael Whitehead
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