Why the US never moved to a hub and spoke system(railroad freight-using shipping containers-to a hub, then transfer container to a OTR truck to deliver anywhere within 8 hours) is beyond belief. And yet that is exactly what we do. Worst system to move freight in the world. Because shipping by rail is super cheap, while shipping via OTR is both slower and more expensive. The real reason we had such a poor system IMPO was due to all the alienated young men who had been drafted to fight in Vietnam. They became OTR truckers because they could stay away from American society(some friends I made in Vietnam became OTR truckers)
OTR=Over The Road aka Semi Trucks. When employed by a national company like UPS they drive out 5 hours, switch trailers with another truck, then drive back to their home station.
Meanwhile, railroad engineers work 3, 12 hour days and then get 4 days off
I did it for over 35 years… and yes, it IS one of the hardest jobs out there, for all of the reasons that the previous comments have pointed out!!
3-4 WEEKS away from home, then maybe 4 days time off to try to get caught up at home, then right back at it!! And you have to deal with Dispatchers with no clue as to traffic and weather conditions, sometimes with arrogant Cops/ DOT officers, shippers who screw with pick-up times, receivers who want you to unload the trailer AFTER driving 8-9 hours to get to them, a lack of places to legally park a semi to try to get your rest in the sleeper, people in traffic with NO CLUE as to how to drive around a Semi, irregular sleep patterns forced on you to try to make the schedule, and SO MUCH MORE!!
The pay needs to match the hardships of the job. There are more than enough truck drivers. There are not enough companies willing to pay what the job is worth. Back when the Teamsters were the norm with union pay and benefits, people fought for those jobs.
…Everybody thinks that lookin’ through this windshield’s really great; But my guts are blazin’ fire and my back it always aches; My old donkey’s just a smokin’ sitting 16 hours straight; Give me Rolaids, Doan’s Pills and Preparation H; Coffee in some truckstops is enough to kill a mule; Wish the gas in my stomach could be used for diesel fuel; An’ I’m stuck to my seat when I reach the loadin’ gate; An’ I need Rolaids, Doan’s Pills and Preparation H… -Dave Dudley
They are required to be away from home for long stretches of time, deal with bad drivers and waiting in lines at weight stations or stuck in traffic jams (time you don’t get paid for) while still being required to deliver on time for low wages and few, if any benefits. Many truck drivers are contract workers, so they pay for their gas, to rent (or rent to own) their trucks, responsible for the cost of truck repairs — and since they are contract employees they don’t have to be offered health insurance, paid vacations, sick leave or holiday pay. The only thing I find surprising is that more don’t quit.
Concretionist almost 2 years ago
Driving truck is NOT an easy job. And you get to spend nights away from home. Lose/lose (at least for most people)
rionmorrison69 almost 2 years ago
How many reasons would you like? My dad jammed gears all his adult life—killed him at 65! His heart just gave out.
Valiant1943 Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Also given their contracts they make less and less
timbob2313 Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Why the US never moved to a hub and spoke system(railroad freight-using shipping containers-to a hub, then transfer container to a OTR truck to deliver anywhere within 8 hours) is beyond belief. And yet that is exactly what we do. Worst system to move freight in the world. Because shipping by rail is super cheap, while shipping via OTR is both slower and more expensive. The real reason we had such a poor system IMPO was due to all the alienated young men who had been drafted to fight in Vietnam. They became OTR truckers because they could stay away from American society(some friends I made in Vietnam became OTR truckers)
OTR=Over The Road aka Semi Trucks. When employed by a national company like UPS they drive out 5 hours, switch trailers with another truck, then drive back to their home station.
Meanwhile, railroad engineers work 3, 12 hour days and then get 4 days off
mourdac Premium Member almost 2 years ago
An economy in which employees are in shortage and can make demands for better working conditions, pay, etc. What is capitalism coming to … /s
Masterskrain Premium Member almost 2 years ago
I did it for over 35 years… and yes, it IS one of the hardest jobs out there, for all of the reasons that the previous comments have pointed out!!
3-4 WEEKS away from home, then maybe 4 days time off to try to get caught up at home, then right back at it!! And you have to deal with Dispatchers with no clue as to traffic and weather conditions, sometimes with arrogant Cops/ DOT officers, shippers who screw with pick-up times, receivers who want you to unload the trailer AFTER driving 8-9 hours to get to them, a lack of places to legally park a semi to try to get your rest in the sleeper, people in traffic with NO CLUE as to how to drive around a Semi, irregular sleep patterns forced on you to try to make the schedule, and SO MUCH MORE!!
davidthoms1 almost 2 years ago
The pay needs to match the hardships of the job. There are more than enough truck drivers. There are not enough companies willing to pay what the job is worth. Back when the Teamsters were the norm with union pay and benefits, people fought for those jobs.
coop2003 Premium Member almost 2 years ago
Q: Is the trucking industry a cl*sterf*ck or a sh*tshow? A: Yes.
Jethro Flatline Premium Member almost 2 years ago
…Everybody thinks that lookin’ through this windshield’s really great; But my guts are blazin’ fire and my back it always aches; My old donkey’s just a smokin’ sitting 16 hours straight; Give me Rolaids, Doan’s Pills and Preparation H; Coffee in some truckstops is enough to kill a mule; Wish the gas in my stomach could be used for diesel fuel; An’ I’m stuck to my seat when I reach the loadin’ gate; An’ I need Rolaids, Doan’s Pills and Preparation H… -Dave Dudley
KarenLaRae Premium Member almost 2 years ago
They are required to be away from home for long stretches of time, deal with bad drivers and waiting in lines at weight stations or stuck in traffic jams (time you don’t get paid for) while still being required to deliver on time for low wages and few, if any benefits. Many truck drivers are contract workers, so they pay for their gas, to rent (or rent to own) their trucks, responsible for the cost of truck repairs — and since they are contract employees they don’t have to be offered health insurance, paid vacations, sick leave or holiday pay. The only thing I find surprising is that more don’t quit.
mourdac Premium Member almost 2 years ago
As scary as driverless cars are, companies are working on driverless semis. The mind boggles.
GiantShetlandPony almost 2 years ago
Besides everything we’ve said, John Oliver had an excellent piece about trucking companies that abuse and exploit their drivers.
https://youtu.be/phieTCxQRLA
Radish the wordsmith almost 2 years ago
Willin’ – Little Feat
I been warped by the rain, driven by the snow
I’m drunk and dirty, don’t ya know
And I’m still, willin’
And I was out on the road, late at night
I see my pretty Alice in every headlight
Alice, Dallas Alice
And I’ve been from Tucson to Tucumcari, Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that’s ever been made
Driven the back roads, so I wouldn’t get weighed
And if you give me … weed, whites, and wine
And you show me a sign, I’ll be willin’
To be movin’
Well I’ve been kicked by the wind, robbed by the sleet
Had my head stoved in, but I’m still on my feet
And I’m still, willin’
MuddyUSA Premium Member almost 2 years ago
@Masterkrain – Thanks for your service!