After reading a lot of opinions about the (hours-of-service) changes, it seems like a lot of drivers don’t understand or have found their excuse to quit trucking.
Any change in the log book rules is not going to change how drivers are taken advantage of. Regulations are only as good as they are enforced. I don’t think unions or striking is the answer either. Right now rates are low, and drivers are taken advantage of because there are too many trucks. Shippers know they can go for the lowest desperate bid and that drivers will take most anything just to keep moving. Companies and shippers know this.
Drivers are to blame for working for a company that allows shippers to take advantage of their drivers. There are plenty of good companies and good shippers that treat drivers with respect.
We should all be more professional, more educated, and we must police ourselves. That means reporting dangerous drivers before they wreck. Testing and certification of all drivers (no one gets grandfathered) in order to keep their CDL bi-annually or every five years. This would insure truck driving becomes a respected career again. There are several industries that certify the professionals in their fields.
Truck driving schools and even company-sponsored schools have no investment in the people they train. If they have a wreck or get tickets, there are plenty waiting to take their place.
If companies had a substantial investment in their students they would insure they could not only drive the truck but also have the aptitude to be professional.
Wayne Weisser
Las Vegas, Nev.
No More Orlando
In reference to your article “Convoys Ahoy!” in the July 2003 issue of Truckers News, it is wonderful that we are getting some positive publicity instead of all the negative. What surprises me is that the convoy has been going on for three years from, of all places, Orlando, Fla. What most people don’t realize is that there is only one truckstop in Orlando. Unless you live there or know someone who does, most of the participants in the convoy will probably have to spend the night before in Wildwood, then go into Orlando early in the morning. Orlando wants what we have to deliver but they don’t want us.
My husband and I lived in Orlando for many years and finally had to move because of the hassle the city gave us about have our tractor “in a residential area.” None of our neighbors cared, but some self-important “supervisor” in the Code Enforcement Department just couldn’t stand it. We have moved to Lake City, and it has to be one of the most truck-friendly communities around. My husband enjoys your magazine and looks forward to each issue. Keep up the good work.
Judi Hoger
Lake City, Fla.
Visiting Gettysburg
I hope those who visit Gettysburg enjoy their time here but felt it was important to let you know of the restrictions not mentioned in the July 2003 Off-Duty Destinations article due to the hefty fines that result in the breaking of these ordinances.
Drivers who want to visit Gettysburg must not enter Gettysburg with a trailer over 48 feet long and 102 inches wide. This is Gettysburg’s ordinance that affects U.S. Rt. 30 business U.S. 15 Pa Rt. 116, 34, 97 and Steinwehr Ave.
To enter Gettysburg you have to bobtail to the visitors’ center, but bobtails are not permitted on national park property, so to tour you must take a tour bus once at the visitors’ center. The tour costs approximately $15. A good place to drop your trailer is Biggerstaff’s Texaco Truckstop on U.S. 15 at Pa. Rt. 394 exit.
Keith Becker
Gettysburg, Pa.
10-Year Fan
I have been enjoying your magazine for 10 years now. The online eTrucker.com is great. Good job. I look forward to the monthly articles. They are very informative. Keep up the great work.
Donald W. Norris Sr.
Collingswood, N.J.
Wish List
I would like to thank you for the great article you published in the July 2003 edition of Truckers News, titled “Wish Upon a Trucker.” Because of your time and effort we now have another vehicle to get the word out about our annual competition, and then in turn be able to help more children’s wishes come true. Thanks again for all you do for the trucking industry.
Mark Chase
Wilson Trucking Corporation
