A New Direction for “Enough is Enough”
I've been reading the responses, suggestions and ideas from truckers over the course of the last month and have been thinking a lot about what is occurring. We all are hoping for some relief from the high fuel costs and have been hoping that either federal or state government will provide some respite from the taxes or regulations that we have to deal with. While that may yet occur, you can be assured that it will be agonizingly slow. Perhaps there needs to be a look in a different direction.
I've read a number of complaints about how competition is strangling many truckers because brokers are offering such low rates for movement. I'm uncertain as to how wide spread this is.
It would seem like a minimum price per mile might be possible if all independents/owners could agree.
There obviously are a large number of factors involved in determining rates, but it sure would seem like a floor could be declared. My thinking is that the industry needs to address the issue as a whole and that there is something in the pot for all – that means the large firms as well as the independents. Large firms are competing with each other and independents/OO are competing with them as well as each other.
I'm sure there are many responses available for what the floor charge per mile ought to be, but it seems like the market could bear a minimum of $2.50 per mile. Anything less could be immediately rejected. If everyone did that could it be the basis for change? Is this number close to reality for at least the minimum charge? Actually, what has to occur is some level of agreement and then a plan to be followed.
What do you think?
