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I have ready every post related to this lengthy subject and it seems that everyone, in one way or another, tends to agree that the trucking industry is in a bad way. The whys and hows of course vary depending on one's outlook. That stated, I have to impart my personal outlook. First and foremost is the thought that everyone going union will fix the problem. Sorry, but I would have to disagree. Case in point, Eastern Airlines: for years one of the most respected, profitable Airlines around. They also had the happiest well compensated employees. However, in the late 70's or early 80's "some" pushed for a Union and got it. Unfortunetly, the company couldn't survive and Eastern died, along with the great benefits the company had previously provided. 2nd case in point: Chrysler, doomed in the early 80's till Iacocca stepped in. During the rebuilding, the Fenton, Missouri plant was regearing up for multiple shifts. The offer was put to the first shift workers, "We can either bring on a second shift or you may work the overtime to keep up with increased production." An overwhelming majority voted for the overtime (so much for helping out the brotherhood, eh?). As to 7000 companies with 5 or more trucks failing, very simple logic, truckers are not typically business men, they are drivers. Through success with one truck, they falsely believe they can multiply their successes with more trucks and live the life of Riley.... it just isn't so. With 5 trucks you run a business and you darn well better have some idea how to do it or hire someone who does and get back in the truck. Trucking IS NOT the only industry effected by bad singular judgement. Road Taxes etc... these are a cost of doing business and have to be included in the quoted amount of payment for any given load. Even a doctor (and we all know how rich they are right?) would soon go broke if he did not account for and charge within his fee, for his malpractice insurance and other incidentals that are a cost of doing HIS business. The economy. Absolutely a factor, when the economy slows, spending slows, manufacturing slows, housing slows, all the things that move on trucks to support all of those things slows to a crawl. It is the nature of the beast. Any business person should realize that. And if they don't, they should go back to driving the truck. The major haulers are all doing just dandy, very much in the black, Consolidated was an accident waiting to happen. However their tactless way of closing was irreprehensible. Not to union bash by any means, but another point has to be made related to the thought/idea of privatizing the roads etc.. It will never happen in America for one basic reason. Please refer to the Davis/Bacon Act. This act states without question that any type of "construction" albeit roads, buildings, whatever, while not mandatorily built Union, MUS pay union scale with benefits or the equivilent thereof. For those of you not in the know, this means that even though there are QUALIFIED contractors out there who are very capable of building "X" project for 3 million dollars.... it is MANDATED we must pay the union scale in wages so therefore it just cost 4.5 to 5 million dollars. Do the math across the nation and you'll see the difference, it's down right scary. Now, for the facts, I do work in the trucking industry. I am a broker, not a trucker. I hire truckers everyday to move loads across this great U S of A. I hear the complaints daily, but the fact is I know MANY truckers whom are very successful and live better than myself. They have learned the art of growing and running a business. There is no gain in hauling a load that doesn't cover the bills. Find the loads that do or don't move the rig. The one thing I've caught in this thread is that the "truckers" themselves complain about being paid by the mile. If it is insufficient, then don't accept it. You know going into it, the potential for waiting/layover etc..., cut your deal to cover yourself. Nothing is ever better than a win win for all involved. Last but not least, I have to address the real problem behind the large companys like Consolidated Freight etc... The big wigs of the companies are generally paid a bonus on results. Whether that is through stock options, cash or whatever isn't relevant. The relevant thing is the "period of time factor." Almost every company I've seen has paid BIG BUCKS for increased sales/profits etc.. on an annual report type of basis. Am I the only one that realizes most of those same big wigs only stay 3 to 7 years with any given company? Point being... the results of their full movement won't be felt for years. I for one belief those benefits are great...but should be paid on say 10 years results. Not immeidate gains. Then managers would learn how to go back to managing "people" instead of "numbers" as is the current trend. Okay, time for me to take a break and breathe. My apologies to any I've angered and Good Morning to any of you I've woken up. Everyone enjoy and let's get back to the TRAINS!!!! Roll em outtttttttttttttttttttttttttt!! Blacksheep13
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