Some independent U.S. truckers plan to stop hauling freight today in protest of record-high diesel prices that are cutting into profit margins

Truckers to Strike Over Record Diesel Prices, Some Paying Up to $1,200 to Fill-Up

Many truckers are spreading word of a strike through Internet blogs and over their CB radios, encouraging everyone to put their trucks in park in order to send the message to U.S. oil companies and the federal government.

"Make a stand, we're going to unite. It's something we've needed to do," said truck driver Carla Skipworth.

Diesel this week was at an average of more than $4 a gallon in Oregon and Washington and nearly $4.12 in California, according to the American Trucking Association. If a trucker is filling up a 300-gallon semi, that bill could top $1,200.

Oba Boy!

Good for them!

I hope it has some impact.

I wouldn't expect too much. Independent truckers are not well organized as a group. I don't expect many will participate. They have done this before with little or no impact. Not trying to dampen spirits, but there is some history here.

Ronnie

I wouldn't expect too much. Independent truckers are not well organized as a group. I don't expect many will participate. They have done this before with little or no impact. Not trying to dampen spirits, but there is some history here.

Ronnie

Yep, if the union truckers get involved then heads would turn then.

Do you remember the truck strike in the 70's? Didn't it last a week :-?

I wouldn't expect too much. Independent truckers are not well organized as a group. I don't expect many will participate. They have done this before with little or no impact. Not trying to dampen spirits, but there is some history here.

Ronnie

Yep, if the union truckers get involved then heads would turn then.  

Do you remember the truck strike in the 70's?  Didn't it last a week :-?

The 70s is what I was referring to. Union drivers pay is not affected by the cost of fuel. Oil companies have some of the largest Teamster contracts out there. Union truckers have nothing to gain.

Ronnie

so they're gonna try to block the roadways? things are bad for a lot of people, why make it worse?

so they're gonna try to block the roadways? things are bad for a lot of people, why make it worse?

What do you mean "block the roadways"?  Are they parking their trucks in their driveways, or in the middle of the road? :-?

http://wcbstv.com/local/new.jersey.turnpike.2.689594.html

Good for them!

I hope it has some impact.

x2

I understand if they want to park their trucks, but parking them in the middle of the road, or driving excessively slow, to slow/stop traffic is simply irresponsible. > Ambulances, Fire trucks, and Police cars use those roads, not just truckers. I'm glad some of them got tickets. If they halted an EMT from getting to a heart attack patient in time, a fireman from getting to a burning building in time, or a police officer to get to an armed robbery in time, people could have lost their lives! Very irresponsible. >

A trucker protest is great, but if they are going to keep their rigs off the road, they ought to keep them off the road.

Yep, if the union truckers get involved then heads would turn then.

It's illegal for union truckers to strike.  

Also, a strike is absolutely pointless as it will do nothing about the fuel prices and will only cost the truckers money in lost wages/revenues.

As far as I know, these truckers get paid a fuel surcharge that is variable based upon the average diesel cost.  At least, that's how it works in my industry (intermodal and otr transportation).

I wouldn't expect too much. Independent truckers are not well organized as a group. I don't expect many will participate. They have done this before with little or no impact. Not trying to dampen spirits, but there is some history here.

Ronnie

Yep, if the union truckers get involved then heads would turn then.

Do you remember the truck strike in the 70's? Didn't it last a week :-?

Union drivers pay is not affected by the cost of fuel. Oil companies have some of the largest Teamster contracts out there. Union truckers have nothing to gain.  

Ronnie

Well that sucks > :

I guess big brother will always win or who ever it is.

But I did find this

http://roundtable.truck.net/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73519&start=30

Intresting