Trucking Industry is Still Getting Hammered From All Sides

From: Lance (Transportation Issues)
Date: 03 May 2003
Time: 21:12:02
Remote Name: 66.82.48.1

Comments

We are still seeing the trucking companies and transportation industry get hammered. And if you work for the DOT you are not going to like this post, but you really should read it. Do not take it personally, but this should be a wake up call to your DOT Agency. If you work for the DOT then you are in a position to fix this problem and you ought to do something about some of these issues. For those who wish to join the http://www.truckwashguys.com you may want to understand the current trends in the industry of trucking and cost savings being demanded from companioes running on 1-3% margins and under pressures from so many attacks. Now you want to make money washing trucks? I find that ironic because currently the DOT legislation, trial lawyers, fuel costs and economic pressures are killing trucking. Did you know that 2/3 of all independent truck drivers have gone out of business in the last three years, lost everything? And now you wish to polish and detail their rigs? http://www.DetailGuys.com ---- The DOT uses and over uses chemicals on the roadways by the DOT is why they need to have their aluminum polished. Meanwhile the EPA and most POTWs do not want the waste water from the cleaning of these magniusim chlorides off the trucks. These chemicals used to remove ice casue mechanical problems. It is why accidents occur from worn parts like brakes etc. And did you ever stop to think that decreased speeds and differentials in speed at more trucks on the road for more hours, thus percentage wise you get increased number of deaths on the highway? And then the DOT blames the truck drivers and make more laws? Now the trial lawyers are using these laws to attack trucking companies and insurance costs are up 15-20% since 2001, but they were already up before that. Some say the 1980-1990s had lower prices than other industries and that trucking is now up to speed. I say oh BS, I say that the rates are out of line due to frivolous lawsuits, which is the true point, it also effects our teams. I have a question for DOT people? Have you ever sat in the lounge with drivers or sat in a room with dispatchers from JB Hunt, Swift, FED EX, Covenant, Schneider? Well, I have. Think about it for a minute. The DOT is so slow to respond to the needs of the trucking industry, is partly funded by harassment and tickets of trucking industry. DOT causes slowing or our distribution system, causing trucking companies to run on three percent margins. Now there are people calling us to buy fleet washing franchises from our Truck Wash Guys Brand who want to make money cleaning trucks? Exactly how are they suppose to pay you? With what, the lawyers and DOT already stole all their productivity, money, sanity and future? And we as the public have let this happen because we believe trucks are evil? BS, trucks are good, they bring to you everything you have and uplift your standard of living. These additional costs are passed on to every American in higher prices and a lower standard of living. The solutions in trucking are so simple, and yet the people at the DOT spend hours sitting in committees putting into minutes when a reality check could have solved the problems in minutes. Look at the construction in our states, do you even realize how much productivity the DOT has taken from business? In a recession? OUCH. I cannot imagine having a franchisee who use to work for the DOT, can you just hear the comments from the companies we work with? "That SOB, get him off our property?" "He is what? Former DOT, that scum bag". Imagine a DOT employee who wants us to sell them a franchise. ---- A franchise to help you and your family with your American Dream? Well it is not possible now due to the industry in trucking without another special niche market as part of that franchise. The DOT has destroyed how many families and devastated the lives of how many with all the layoffs. How many companies have folded and laid off everyone, how many more? What is it going to take to make the DOT happy now. The DOT needs to take a reality check. What have they ever done in your administration except take coffee breaks and filled out forms. There is so much technology that could improve efficiency and move freight faster and safer and less risk from International Terrorists. But instead the DOT will harass some of the oldest and longest standing companies in America. The Freeways in the USA, as a matter of fact the entire set of freeways in this country are in piss poor condition, construction zones for 20 miles at a whack, jobs take years that should take months. Will they ever fix them? The DOT rules cause accidents, DOT construction causes productivity losses, DOT ticket happy scales in the states steal money from operators on their last shoe string. Does the DOT even realize how hated they are in the private sector? I bet they don't because the trucking companies and transportation industry tries to appease you and actually pretends to listen, but secretly they absolutely hate the DOT. Did you know the DOT has 10 stories of rules if you stack each page upon the next? Have you ever seen the Keller Guides 'FIVE' CDROM series of rules? Please, look at what you have done in your life. Look what the DOT in all their infinite wisdom has done to destroy our infrastructure with inane rules, government attorneys and paper pushers? The DOT is suppose to helping America, not hurting her. Well DOT, What have you to say for yourself? Maybe it's better if the DOT keeps it up, Besides everyone in the trucking industry agrees with me and it is a good ice breaker during sales calls to fleet customers. Here are just some of the rules made in the last year: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/rulemakings.asp --- They keep making more rules and waste the industries time fighting these rules, when there are no need for the rules in the first place. Why not take the millions of dollars found of Saddam's ans send all the DOT people on vacation by bus across the country to help the travel and hotel industry to see what a mess they have made. Make them travel the highways at the same speed them make trucks drive, stop every 8 hours, stop at all the scales? DOT should not govern unless they have Class C licenses and have driven a truck, conducted a train, built a bridge and slept in a truck at a truck stop and used a shower coupon from the fuel purchase. Give trucking a break. The DOT is killing us. They have constantly caused their own problems, causing congestion, limiting hours causing more truck drivers who have no experience to be hired and allowing a feeding ground to emerge for the vulture attorneys to fest. I cannot believe the amounts of awards these attorneys are getting against such a vital part of our economy and general well being of our society. This low sulfur fuel issues are the next wave to hit the industry right after a fuel price increase, health insurance cost increases and general liabiltiy increases. Now the Trucking Companies are offering lower amounts for truck washing the EPA is getting tougher and the water shortages are not easing, meanwhile the trucking companies get excessive grease tickets in some states and even dirty truck tickets. The game continues the margins tigher and the risk greater, some have checked out such as CF others to follow.

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