We're Not Alone 

UK Lorry Drivers Feeling The Pump Pains Too

I just read a report from the BBC.  It's the British equivalent of CNN 

The first sentence reads  - “Lorry drivers protesting against the 'rocketing' price of diesel have arrived in a convoy in central London.”  A lorry is a truck in Britain.  Seems these folks are confronting many of the same issues that we are experiencing.  Diesel prices in Britain are about $8 per gallon. 

The good news for the British is that their country is much smaller than ours and hence the total cost for truck movement is not as high as in the US.  Nevertheless, the price of diesel fuel is an area of concern in many countries around the world.

It's time to shut down your engines and say "Enough Is Enough!" The nationwide truck boycott starts Thursday, May 1 and runs a week, through May 8. Truckers transport most of America's food and industrial and commercial goods. With the price of diesel running at $4.20 a gallon, we can't afford to fill our trucks. At a truck rally in Washington D.C. on Monday, Pennsylvania trucker Dave Gares told the Associated Press it cost him $1,400 to fill up his tractor-trailer with 220 gallons of diesel fuel. Independent truckers and small firms are lucky if they can break even. Many are in debt, can't pay their mortgages or loans, are having trouble keeping their business going, much less providing for their families. Enough is enough!

"If the truck stops, the economy stops," William Lockridge of the Washington Metropolitan Area Truckers Association warned the crowd of 100 at Monday's rally at the Capitol. Truckers urged Congress to stop subsidizing big oil, release oil from Strategic Reserves, and end oil exports from Alaska to other countries, among other things. "The high price for oil is hurting our economy," said rally organizer Mark Kirsch. "It's hurting middle-class people."

Prior to the rally a truck convoy circled the National Mall. One truck carried an Enough Is Enough sign, its driver shouting, "Enough is enough!" through a bullhorn. Today and all week long, it's your turn to tell the President, Congress and the country that "Enough is enough!"

We're counting down the minutes to the start of the Enough Is Enough nationwide truck boycott. D-Day is Thursday, May 1. Rallies and boycotts are expected across the country. Truckers who rallied today in Washington DC are already on their way to New York for a May Day rally.

A lot of Americans are supporting truckers, but many Americans are clueless. They don't seem to think a truck boycott will impact on their lives. Well, they're wrong. Trucks carry most of America's goods. A truck boycott means empty shelves in the store. If you need a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk, come Thursday we're hoping you'll have a hard time finding it at your local Wal-Mart.

Truckers In Washington D.C. Say Enough is Enough

As with all campaigns that want to start a reform, it is "visibility" that leads to change.  One news item even 10, 20, 30 or more is never sufficient.  Change requires massive effort and "Enough is Enough" seems to be moving in the right direction.  Truckers are standing at the rear of the government behemoth and trying to get attention. It's like twisting the tail of an elephant in order to get it to turn around - it takes a lot of twists. One can be proud of the efforts in Washington D.C. today as an article in the Washington Post will garner attention.  Nevertheless continued pressure and "visibility" is an essential ingredient for success.  All who participated, encouraged and supported this effort are to be congratulated and continued pressure is the only thing that might lead to change.  "Keep truckin' in the effort.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/28/AR2008042800787.html

Trucker News Update

Out trucker friends in Maine are on the way to Washington.  Here is a
video news update http://www.wmtw.com/video/16028704/index.html

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?

Indiana truckers plan to convoy to the state capitol in Indianapolis Friday, April 18, to protest high diesel prices. The convoy is being organized by Dennis and Darrell Breeden of JT Express Trucking of Washington, IN. A family-owned company, JT Express operates a fleet of 28 trucks. Dubbed Convoy to Circle City, the goal of the protest is to call political and media attention to the fuel crisis and its effect on small trucking companies.

In his April 4 blog post, Trucker to Trucker's George Wilkins suggested a rolling state fuel boycott. George asked, "What would happen if truckers refused to purchase diesel fuel in Indiana for a week or two?" Well, we're about to find out! In an April 8 comment to George's post, Sonny came up with a fuel boycott schedule and asked us to pass the word.

With sporadic trucker protests continuing across the country, legislators appear to be listening. The Vermont state senate directed the Attorney General to conduct "an aggressive" criminal investigation of major oil companies, charging possible price-fixing and consumer fraud.

"At the same time that we are paying $3 and $4 a gallon for gas and oil, the oil companies are making record profits, billions and billions of dollars," Senator Peter Shumlin told the Associated Press. "It's puzzling to us that so few politicians both on a state and national level are saying enough is enough."

Truck Shutdown a Success?

Dan Little, the owner of US Cattle Haulers and one of several organizers of the truck shutdown has declared success.  Many truckers shut down for several days and there were a myriad of stories throughout the media.  Certainly attention has been focused on the issue.  The ATA, OOIDA,  Teamsters Union as well as many local and federal government officials took notice.

The question is – what actions have taken place to ease the burden on the trucking community?   Dan Little is quoted as saying to fellow truckers, " "Hang tight. We're gonna see where we go from here."

It would seem as if the May 1 date could now take on increased importance.  Perhaps it might be reasonable to call a halt to those participating now and work to obtain a larger involvement on that
date.  There certainly has been attention focused for now, but it is unlikely that any long term benefit can be achieved without a statement of very well defined goals.

There are many suggestions out there, but one that would seem to be "achievable" might be a rollback in federal or state taxes on diesel fuel.  The government certainly has the ability to reduce those taxes.
 The federal tax on diesel fuel is almost 25 cents per gallon.  State taxes are even higher.  California (69.4 cents), Indiana (66.2 cents), Illinois (65.7 cents), Pennsylvania (63.6 cents) are the highest taxes
in the lower 48 states.  Oklahoma is the lowest at 38.4 cents per gallon.

Perhaps a state could be targeted.  For instance what would happen if truckers refused to purchased diesel fuel in Indiana for a week or two?  Would that focus attention on the issue?  Could that be the catalyst for some sort of relief?  Indiana is small enough so that it could be transited in most instances without the necessity of purchasing fuel.

This would seem to be possible because no truckers are being asked to potentially lose their jobs.  The large trucking firms could join in as there is a potential benefit for all.

Another idea might be that all truckers refuse to carry loads for less than (you fill in the amount) per mile.  This would seem to be able to deal with complaints about brokers that offer far to little to move
goods.

Dan Little and others – what say you?

In the first of several planned shutdowns, truckers scattered across the country sidelined their rigs or crawled down the highway in tight caravans to protest high diesel fuel prices and low freight-hauling rates. Another nationwide shutdown, Enough Is Enough, is planned for May 1-8.

"The gas prices are too high," trucker Lamont Newberne of Wilmington, NC told the Associated Press. "We don't make enough money to pay our bills and take care of our family." Newberne was one of 200 drivers protesting at a New Jersey Turnpike service area. During the noon-hour rush a convoy of big rigs turned the heavily travelled NJ Turnpike into a virtual parking lot by crawling along in tight formation at less than 20 mph.

Truckers feel like we're caught between a rock and a hard place and we're angry. We carry the bulk of the nation's goods but are getting an ever-smaller piece of the pie. We're not making enough to feed our families. Many of us are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. There's talk about a shutdown May 1-8 to protest fuel costs but problems in the trucking industry go much deeper. It's time to call attention to the plight of independent owner/operators and small trucking companies.

I've been checking through the comments readers have posted on Trucker to Trucker. Here's what you say you want. (Thanks to Chris@c.p.farms and Brian Cunningham for getting the list started.) Feel free to add your thoughts.

• Reasonable diesel fuel prices with a cap to prevent price gouging.
• Temporary relief from federal and state fuel taxes.
• Mandatory fuel surcharge.
• No lumper fees.
• Limit on broker percentages.
• End to price gouging on equipment insurance.
• Stop the cross border pilot program and get Mexican trucks off U.S. highways.
• Mandatory time limit on broker and shipper payments to truckers.
• Fair treatment by DOT.
• Shippers supply their own pallets.
• Receivers pay for unloading.
• Payment for down time while we wait for loads or loading.

The hew and cry for a trucking boycott is sounding through the country like a long blast on the air horn. "They're desperate for someone to pay attention," said Glen "Jonesy" Jones, host of Sirius Satellite Radio's daily trucker chat show. "A lot of them are losing their businesses, losing their homes. They're getting ready to hang it up." Jones said there is constant talk on his show about a national boycott. "But it lacks organization," he said. "These aren't the Teamster days; there's no Jimmy Hoffa."

-----------OPEN LETTER TO ALL TRUCKERS-------------------

Some are asking what date is the shutdown & what will happen ?
 
Heres the what, why, & when of it.

The reason for this shutdown is not to hurt this country in any way shape or form. But is in fact a peacefull method of sending a message to Washington, D.C. That we do indeed need help & our industry is the backbone of life in America as we know it.
 
The why of it covers issues that you & I as truckers, both O/Os & Co. drivers face on a daily basis.
These problems range from excessive Regulations ie., Fuel, Federal & State Fuel tax's, excessive DOT regulations on NON-SAFETY related items, Excessive Insurance Pre., The list goes on & on.

The when of it, is APRIL 1st, 2008  {see www.uscattlehaulers.com } I & several others picked that date for a reason. April 1,2008 is Aprils Fools Day, that being said, we as an industry are going to
send a Strong message to the otherwise FOOLS in Washington, D.C. that "enough is enough"
 
We Will Be Heard.
 
I & Thousands of You have been telling people for Years now, that a change needed to take place.

Well, heres your chance to Stand Up for Yourself & let The World know We will Stand Strong. "one for all and all for one"
 
Thank You & GOD Bless each & Everyone of you,
Dan Little
Little & Little Trucking LLC
www.uscattlehaulers.com

Mark your calendars!  Here is a list of various truckers “events” scheduled over the next few months.

So far we have found published reports of shutdowns, boycotts, slowdowns and strikes called for on the following dates.
This is from a Fox News article posted on the uscattlehaulers.com website.
Started on Monday March 17th Thomaston, GA   March 17 until ??
March 22    Saturday at 2 p.m. at the truck stop I-81 X77.  This was found at the fuel price link on the uscattlehaulers.com website. !
APRIL 1, 2008 THROUGH APRIL 5, 2008,
HEADING NORTH, SOUTH, EAST & WEST, KEEP IT AT 35 TO 45 MPH IN PROTEST OF OUR NATION’S ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
March 24  A 24 hour Protest to be held on private property near Vandergrift, PA room for 60 trucks.
March 26- 29 (Truck Show shut down) Louisville, KY This will probably have more attendees than all the other events combined.
March 29- 31 JB Hunt, Werner, Challanger and Schneider shutdown
The first I heard of this was this post on Truckertotrucker.com it is now being reprinted on other sites.
Rating: The big 4 have not returned my requests for information.

April 1,        “One day shutdown”
Visit  www.uscattlehaulers.com   for more information

This was taken from the TruckertoTrucker.com website.

“With various dates being spread around, I belive April 1st is plenty of time. I think there will be a lot of trucks parked in GA before then. Those still riding will do so at their own peril. I am not taking this laying down. If you work while I fight for my survival and yours, then don't bitch when you have to pick your teeth up off the ground. Park them NOW.
Posted by CAPTDASH on March 18, 2008 at 7:53 PM”

Rating: Violence threatened

April 2-4  TX I35W MM 66, Parking of trucks flying of signs, bring lawn chairs.

Trucker Strike April 3-8????
“I was told that, at least on the CB around Cleveland, drivers are talking about a strike on April 3rd to the 8th. Now, I read on the internet, it's supposed to be planned for the 1st of April~ CBS is also supposed to have a special onthe 28th of March about this strike~ I was wondering if any of you folks have heard anything about this. I realize that it will be far fetched because it's hard to get anybody to agree to anything~ especially us”
Also at this forum is a 12 question and answer report from Buckshot in a live interview with the possible organizer of the Cleveland event.  His report is well worth reading. Let’s hope that the media does not find that guy.
Rating: Caution! Violence threatened
May 1 – 8  The “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH BOYCOTT”   as posted on the truckertotrucker.com website.
“I will encourage all to assist in stopping the flow of fuels for that one week. Whether that means blocking fuel pumps, refineries, or any other non violent means someone can come up with. This is long overdue.
Posted by Shoestring1 on March 21, 2008 at 12:52 AM”

Rating:  Possible Violence Although the poster calls for this to be “non violent”, be prepared for violence if drivers are blocking pumps or roads.
To read more about these events you may go to the following websites:
www.cdlofit.ning.com
www.uscattletruckers.com
www.ooida.com
www.truckertotrucker.com
As you can see these are a well coordinated, well thought out events that are sure to get lots of media attention for truckers.

Is this what is called "all sticking together?" We can not agree on a date let alone an agenda.

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 

This Gentleman Has Some Questions About the shutdown.

Gentlemen, I have just read your posts and would like to ask either or both of you to answer questions one through nine and then I may change my mind, but for now I will not support an disorganized wild cat shut down.

The biggest of these is number 7. What are your demands and who are you going to talk to about getting them resolved. So far all I'm hearing is "Shut down".

I have already read one post on your site from someone threateningly violence. Do you want to be responsible for some one getting killed or injured because you promoted a disorganized shut down? Remember, you may not have a family, but most truckers have a wife and children and grandchildren who want their trucker to come home again for many more years.

Could a Trucker Shutdown Be a Reality?

Can It Accomplish Anything?

The facts as Trucker To Trucker has been able to determine would seem to indicate that the thinking is out there about the possibility. Perhaps still in its infant stages, but nevertheless it seems like it could grow beyond truck stop talk.

The issues for truckers are long hours, separation from family, substandard pay, inadequate benefits, increased living costs and the failure of many in the industry to address those realities.  Truck safety standards are being raised from already high levels, which is a good thing, but the cost of maintenance and the time it takes to insure the proper level of safety has also risen.  Mexican trucks being welcomed in the United States is not a positive addition to the already challenged trucker.

The price of fuel has increased exponentially over the last several months and oil companies, transportation companies, brokers and others all seem to be recouping their costs plus profit while the trucker continues to be squeezed from all sides as a producer delivering the goods and as a consumer attempting to support a family.  The profit pie does not seem like it is being divided fairly.

Brokers never reveal their individual truckload profits, but few are going out of business, while many independent truckers and small companies are struggling to make ends meet.

Certainly there are a number of current issues that are the cause of angst, concern and frustration by drivers which might result in some sort of strike or boycott.

The question is – what exactly are the goals and what remedy is available for truckers.  Who would represent the truckers?  To borrow a line from past government policies – what is the exit strategy? How would one know if the goal was accomplished?

Then again Trucker To Trucker may not be measuring the pulse correctly
– what say you?