Trucker Shutdown Could Be a Reality - May 1, 2008

There is beginning to be a constant stream of chatter over the Internet and at truck stops throughout the nation about an impending trucker shutdown on May 1, 2008 although some are calling for an earlier shutdown.

The issue for truckers is primarily the upward spiral in the cost of diesel fuel which has the effect of substantially reducing their income. Owner-operators in many cases are not making enough profit to pay the costs of operating their vehicles. The cost of a big rig can easily surpass $100,000 without including the costs associated with maintaining a safe vehicle and complying with a myriad of federal regulations. There are many other regulatory issues which truckers face that demand examination and the wheels of government turn slowly while truckers are expected to continue working while they wait.

Owner-operators of small trucking firms make up the majority of trucks that move freight about our nation and America is dependent upon their efforts. Some companies have already reportedly began their truck shutdown.

According to talk on the Internet the purpose of the trucker shutdown is simply to focus attention on the importance of trucking to the American economy and to request help through some relief from the federal fuel tax for big rigs (Class 8 trucks) transiting the highways. Since this is an election year, several truckers state that it would seem beneficial to have the Presidential candidates weigh in with their views. One web blog at http://uscattlehaulers.com/ states that Senator Clinton's office has been in-touch with them seeking details about the trucker shut down.

The Quad-City Times (http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2008/03/18/news/iowa/doc47e03e9ea03bd427238845.txt?sPos=1) is also reporting on the potential for a trucker shutdown.

FOX affiliate WGXA (http://www.fox24.com/article.asp?pkid=11489) in Macon Georgia reports that at least one small trucking company has been joined by a number of owner-operators who have shutdown their trucks in an attempt to get some government attention on their plight.