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Truck Drivers May Strike Save Email Print
High diesel prices may force truck drivers to take action
Posted: 5:31 PM Mar 30, 2008
Last Updated: 12:28 AM Mar 31, 2008
Reporter: Tiffany Tiffany
Email Address: Tiffany.Teasley@wilx.com

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Truckers like Terry and Chuck have gotten word that there could be less truckers on the road nationwide come Thursday.

"I heard they're going to have one on Thursday on account of the fuel being so high," said Terry Woodard, a truck owner and operator.

"I just heard heard they were going to strike on Thursday, but it won't change anything with the prices," said Chuck McLaurin a truck owner and operator.

Cash-strapped truckers are fed up with soaring diesel prices that mean longer hours and less profit.

"It's the worst its ever been," McLaurin said.

"No one's making any money," Woodard said.

Terry Woodard has been in the trucking business for 40 years and says if the boycott happens, he's on board.

"If they strike, I'll have to shut down," Woodard said.

Within a span of a few years McLaurin has seen his fuel bill shoot up from $24,000 a year to $60,000, forcing him to work overtime -- but even with the extra hours he can barely break even.

"I don't think it's really making up for the price of fuel, because there's a lot of them going out of business," McLaurin said.

But some truckers say taking even one day off could cost them more than a day's pay.

"Most people can't afford to go on strike because if they took a day off they'd just have to work harder to make up for a day of not working," McLaurin said.

Both truckers say they spend nearly $800 dollars a day on diesel and the strike isn't just about their limits, but their livelihood.

"It's a lot of loss at one time, it's not just a truck and trailer," McLaurin said. "It's a home and cars and a way of life too."

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Posted by: Dennis Lyons Location: Oklahoma on May 28, 2008 at 04:26 PM
cont;The reason I left OTR in the first place was the price of fuel.I could see how it would effect the price of most goods.therefore people would buy less and the demand for trucking would drop.I could already see less trucks on the road.

Posted by: Dennis Lyons Location: Oklahoma on May 28, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I just recently left a company as an over the road driver(48 states).For a job driving tanker in the oil industry.It looks like my timing was good.The contacts I have with the company I left says that there is not enough frieght to go around.

Posted by: Roxanne Location: Michigan on May 18, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Read comments about the Truckers going on strike. I just want to let them know most of us Americans are for them to strike. We the people know we are all going to have to make sacrafices for a while but we are willing to do that. The fuel prices are really hurting the middle class and the minimum wage workers. I am willing to make sacrafices for most of us won't be able to afford groceries for our families if fuel keeps rising. You will find there is alot of People out there that will stand up and behind you Truckers all the way. WHATEVER IT TAKES

Posted by: BARRY HALPERN Location: DAVIE, FL on May 13, 2008 at 08:56 AM
WHEN ARE THE TRUCKERS GOING TO SAY " IT'S ENOUGH". ON MAY 16TH SHUT DOWN YOUR TRUCK FOR 24 HOURS. IF ***EVERYONE*** DOES THIS THE COUNTRY WILL BE TIED UP ***ONLY THEN WILL CONGRESS WILL TAKE ACTION*** DONT BE SHEEP LED TO THE SLAUGHTER BUT ACT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

Posted by: JUNE Location: INDIANA on May 2, 2008 at 12:31 PM
EXAMPLE An average Independant driver makes $1.00 a mile and lets say you get 5 miles to the gallion. PEOPLE WAKE UP how you gonna make a truck payment!!!!

Posted by: Kristy Location: MI on May 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM
GO FOR IT!! I say we need a wake up call to this rising problem of fuel increases. It is time for AMERICANS to stand up and tell em we arent gonna take it anymore!! I support the Truck Drivers and wish more of us could strike along with them. If everyone didnt go to work ONE day, it would put a halt on many things. Not to mention it would save gas. GET ER DONE!!

Posted by: Bill Location: Michigan on May 2, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I was a company driver and an owner operater for almost 10 years. I think the truckers should just take their trucks home and park them for a week. Alot of people dont relise that everything that is in your home food,clothing and everything else is brought in by truckers.I know its kind of hard for the company drivers to do, but the owner operaters. How are they supposed to feed and take care of their familys, let alone keep repairs up on the trucks and taxes and insurance let alone a 1000.00 a month truck payment? I say park them for a week and see what happens. God Bless the truckers. Without them we wouldnt have anything

Posted by: trucker2008 Location: Chicago on May 2, 2008 at 07:53 AM
A CALL TO FELLOW TRUCKERS The Trucking Industry and truck drivers have always been one of the main elements of contemporary American culture and folklore. These manly guys, hard working and proud of their country and their work, were always American heroes. Even TV shows like Route 66, countless Hollywood movies, and books like “On the Road” showed professional trucker drivers as positive figures making up the fabric of American daily life. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) states that there were about 390,000 independent truckers in America (see http://www.landlinemag.com/Special_Reports/2008/042208_Trucking_takes_hit.htm ). There were ! In the first quarter of 2008, there are 42,000 fewer independent truckers. These 42,000 were destroyed by the continuously increasing price of fuel, primarily diesel. Calculate, just how few quarters it will take to destroy all of them ! What do these people have left to be proud of ? They worked hard all of

Posted by: JOHN Location: MASSACHUSETTS on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:48 PM
truckers need to stop driving for a month and shut U.S. commerce down!! then maybe we wil see some action.

Posted by: DON Location: CLEVELAND,OH on Apr 7, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I don't understand how these truckers are not making any money? Transportation is one of the top gainers in the stock market posting record profits. Trucking companies are charging 35% fuel surcharge on top of their normal rate. So yes fuel is high but they are certainly not taking the hit. They are passing the cost along to whoever is hiring them to haul the load. You can't do anything about the gas prices

Posted by: Jim Location: Alabama on Apr 6, 2008 at 08:17 PM
This is for the person who thinks he will pay more it truckers get a pay hike for fuel. You wont have to worry about paying more. Without trucks you wont have anything to buy,anything to spend your money on. Things you buy don't grow in the stores, they get there by truck. I paid $5000 more for fuel the first quarter of this year than the first quarter of last year. I can hardly pay my bills. I wish I made $7.25 an hour for all the time I'm away from my family while you're home with yours enjoying the things I delivered to the store for you. Small trucking companies deliver most of the freight. We get paid less than most factory workers but someone has to deliver your TP. We by shuting down are trying to help your prices at the store. We don't want a raise we want the fuel to go down. I get paid the same rate per mile as when the price of fuel was $1.30 per gallon.

Posted by: JOhn Location: Lansing on Apr 4, 2008 at 01:42 PM
There will be no strike, no boycott, or anything. Truckers know that they can never repalce the lost revenue and cannot stop hauling for even a day. If they do, you can bet the companies that hire them will look elsewhere as quickly as possilbe. It is unfortuante that fuel prices are so high, but htings are expensive for everyone. What about the $7.25 wage earners who have to drive to work 30 miles each way? Truckers need to slow down to save fuel and perhaps the load limits should be reduced to lighten the trucks up for more fuel savings. Goodluck to them, but in the end if you support the truckers strike we will all be paying higher prices.

Posted by: ben Location: jackson on Apr 4, 2008 at 07:31 AM
watch the gov step i and try to stop this.will cause to much lost profit for them.we all need to just stop buying gas,oil products in general.the usa people need to take control and get out of this we have no control or no say in things.these gas prices are hurting everything and so many peolles lives.so yes prices are out of control and the greedy ones just need to stop killinf america.we do not need no civil war here in the states,against the rich and poor.people need to wake up and get so many prices down to let people live,eat,buy stuff,including homes and autos.it will cause many bussiness to close or leave the states.is that what we want.the high prices are a serious matter.they will continue to ruin the usa.we are kept in the dark about the real truths of oil prices,so not to panic,and so many can get so rich.we are in a mess from H***,and something has to be done.what it is costing for the wars could create how many new jobs?we're doomed enless theres changes.

Posted by: jay Location: patton on Apr 3, 2008 at 05:11 PM
all fuel prices should drop not just deisel

Posted by: Scott Location: Florida on Apr 3, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Down here it doesn't appear anyone is on strike and they're going just as fast as ever, and there is no lower speed limit for trucks here. And isn't there a point where taxation has far exceeded representation?

Posted by: vanessa Location: palm cost FL on Apr 2, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Truck are goin on trike 04/03/2008

Posted by: Ernesto Cabanas Location: Clewiston, FL on Apr 2, 2008 at 05:19 PM
National Truck Stop ALL THIS WEEK AND NEXT. DONT WORK ITS FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!!!!!

Posted by: Ken Location: Wisconsin on Apr 2, 2008 at 09:24 AM
I noticed where some of the drivers are putting the blame on Bush, however, if I remember correctly, in the last mid term election, the Democrats were blaming Bush and the Republicans for high fuel prices. The Democrats won enough seats to take control of the House and Senate. Since they took control, the fuel prices have risen higher and higher. Where is the outcry? I think that you would find many Democrats own stock in Oil also. It's time to get the Environmentalists out of the way and allow us to drill in the Gulf and the Arctic, while expecting the Government to enforce upon the Oil Industry to find new alternative fuels. In the meantime, I think the best ideas are to slow down. Every day I see truckers running 75-80 mph. This is not the answer.

Posted by: Bob Location: Upstate N.Y. on Apr 2, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Sit in's were effective in the 60's. Maybe "park in's" would have the same effect. Shut down New York city, especially Wall St. No trading, no profit taking. The only way to get the point across is to hit the oil companies in the wallet, like they do with us. Park in front of every oil terminal so no fuel gets out. Could the government seriously arrest thousands of drivers and move thousands of rigs? Not quickly!

Posted by: greg Location: hudson on Apr 2, 2008 at 04:57 AM
we can't blame the truckers at all.who is responsible for fuel prices gets into many areas.gas tax alone in giving the greedy government way to much money.if everyone in america would stop buying gas for 1 week we'd see some changes.fuel prices have brought up so many other prices.has hit our incomes to the point many are going hungry.many bussiness have a higher cost just to ship products and must charge the public to cover thoes costs.it is so far out of hand.the gov is just envolved as others invested.if high fuel prices continue america will fall to it's knees.then what.way to many jobs are being lost,and way to many went over seas.we need to start many new bussiness here in the usa and stop buying from overseas.but the costs here to do so is out of hand.we all best wake up and change more than globel warming.go green is fine but we should of done that many yrs ago.get gas price way down or pay a dear price.we need to take america back and get it in shape.the gov can't.

Posted by: Daniel Wormsbacher Location: Roscommon on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:59 PM
I am so shoked about this stike on the truck drivers that there is out there, last year i was an company driver and i heard what the o/o r going through i had a freightliner and it would cost $900 every other 1 1/2 days so i now where there coming from this fuel is going to hurt us in a way where we can not eat have gas or diesel or they way i see it if the truckers go on strike for a week it will hurt us but they r not looking at that it not how u lose it is a way for oil companys should give everyone else the tax BRAKE So what these drivers r doing is not hurting one another there just out to make a living like no one out there nows better then a driver so when the next time they say there is going to a strike this 1 u r going to ask ur self how long can we live like this how much more can these truck drivers take?

Posted by: john Location: Aledo, Tx. on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I'm a truck driver and with this fuel prices, it's hard to make ends meet. Some people say the oil co. is getting richer but what about the gov. they charge fuel tax; there getting a big piece of the pie also. Something needs to be done soon or the trucking industry will loose a-lot of good O.P's. May God help us and have mercy on us. God bless America!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Tim Location: Arkansas on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I know that it is hard to come up with the one best idea, but it is time to take a stand. I like the idea of slowing down, and plugging up the roads, so that everyone has to slow down. This will assist in the gas prices also.

Posted by: andrew frank Location: charlotte nc on Apr 1, 2008 at 07:19 PM
im about to lose everything because of the high cost of fuel. I cant afford to strik but i cant afford not to. Im joining the strike also.

Posted by: Sue Location: Sidney on Apr 1, 2008 at 02:23 PM
My husband and I are both company drivers, for different companies, and will be joining the strike as well. Fuel prices are beyond extreme and the oil companies are making BILLIONS in profits with little or no regard to the misery they are causing. I say everyone strike and for more than one day

Posted by: Ann Location: Humble on Apr 1, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I think EVERYONE should strike! It's not just diesel prices that are crazy. Because of fuel prices, the price of everything is going up.

Posted by: Reine Location: Nebraska on Apr 1, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Do I need to spell it out. The fuell prices are what is killing the trucking industry yes. But do you not realize we are still working for the same rate of pay as we did in the 70's Everone else has gotton a pay raise except us. Yes a stirke would go good, if all you non belivers would get on board with it. one days pay isnt much to loose. Look at the BIG picture. We are the slaves of the us. United we can do something.

Posted by: Ann Location: Houston on Apr 1, 2008 at 11:03 AM
My husband is an owner operator. We filed bankruptcy but could not afford the payments. We have lost ower home, our vehicles and there is a huge strain on our marraige. These oil company and trucking companies should be ashamed of themselves. I guess the rich gets richer and the por get poorer. God Bless the good old USA! Thank you President Bush! We REALY appreciate this!!!!!!

Posted by: Ed Location: Ocean Shores, WA on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I am a former owner-operator and independent driver. I support the strike but realize that many drivers will be financially unable to strike. Drivers should slow down to the speed limit or, as Dave from Denver suggests, five miles under the speed limit. That would save fuel and yet make the point that our economy is held hostage by the middle-east, oil companies, and Bush's economic policies. I would hope that Teamsters and other unions would support our strike and job action. It is in the best interest of America and the working middle class.

Posted by: Bob Location: Upstate N.Y. on Apr 1, 2008 at 10:06 AM
I think if the truckers "ran out of fuel" at every entry and exit to large cities, blocking the flow of traffic. They will get their point across. Imagine having to have to move hundreds or thousands of 18 wheelers!

Posted by: Leean Location: Flat Rock,AL on Apr 1, 2008 at 09:56 AM
We as a PEOPLE are going to have to do something.About the fuel prices.The Oil Company is filling their pockets while the "COMMON"man is struggling.I have said all along we should make a stand.Truck Drivers STRIKE,STRIKE,STRIKE,I and my family are behind you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: steven g lamperta Location: jackson maine on Apr 1, 2008 at 09:07 AM
I am behind the truck strike all the way! the goverment is getting richer at are expense. we need to stand up for are rights! why dont the goverment stop playing with there nasa shuttle toys an help us in this time of so called need?

Posted by: Vernon Meyer Location: kansas city on Apr 1, 2008 at 09:01 AM
strike the gas station and the consumer will eract let get paid better

Posted by: _______________ Location: Charlotte, Michigan on Apr 1, 2008 at 08:52 AM
I think we need to get the world under control. People are homeless due to gas prices and stock market. People need to go on STRIKE. i agree.

Posted by: Kristy Location: MI on Mar 31, 2008 at 10:54 PM
I dont think this should be left up to the Truckers alone..I think we all need to JUST STOP BUYING FUEL for these Days AS WELL!!We not only need to Support our Truck Drivers, but we need to let The Country KNOW we arent going to take these HIGH Fuel Prices ANYLONGER!! Stand up and take a stance. If we dont Unite and Stand firm, Nobody is going to feel this Impact. other then the ones who purchase Fuel.*and that my folks is Us!

Posted by: Buster and Tanna Location: Fort Stockton, Texas on Mar 31, 2008 at 09:55 PM
We will be one owner operator that will be parking our truck. We haul cattle and the price of fuel is driving us out of business any way. When all you can do is drive to put fuel in something is really wrong and everybody needs to stop and look around them. If we don't get something done now we are going to lose everything we have worked so hard for. SHUT DOWN GUYS

Posted by: James Location: Stockbridge on Mar 31, 2008 at 09:51 PM
This type of walkout never works. If they really want to hurt delivery, they should organize a slowdown and drive the speed that those semi can be fuel efficient.

Posted by: Dave Location: Denver,PA on Mar 31, 2008 at 06:12 PM
I propose a slowdown,if we all drive 5 miles under the speed limit and run strictly compliant I think it may have a bigger impact. We will be visible everywhere because we will be"in the way" and saving fuel which will be felt by the oil companies. Also the shippers and receivers will not be getting the service they are used to. We will not be breaking any laws,infact we will be strictly obeying them and freight will not move as it usually does. Please let me know what you think of this idea by posting a comment here or email me

Posted by: Randy Location: Jackson, MI on Mar 31, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Strike!!!! Something has got to give. Not to long ago, diesel fuel was cheaper than regular gas. Now that everyone is buying diesel vehicles, the prices have sky rocketed. What ever shops Detroit Axle has not shut down, this strike might as well shut the rest of us down. The prices are REDICULOUS!!!! I SUPPORT YOU TRUCKERS!!!! I hope all follow suite.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Walhalla, SC on Mar 31, 2008 at 05:57 PM
My husband and I have a trucking business, and it is about to bankrupt us. We totally agree that a strike needs to happen for as long as it takes to get some attention. We think a convoy needs to go to Washington and wait it out up there. We have already parked our truck as of today.

Posted by: Ed Location: dorr on Mar 31, 2008 at 05:38 PM
I've been in trucking since 1973. As an owner operator I am being driven to bankrupy. I can no longer meet my obligations due to constantly rising fuel prices and shop labor rates.Fuel prices are causing food and other prices to rise as well. We used to be able to make an acceptable wage and contribute to michigans economy. The oil companies are running the U.S. now that we have a oil man in the presidency and a canadian in michigan's highest office.

Posted by: Jeff Location: Jackson, MI on Mar 31, 2008 at 04:41 PM
The large companies are hoping owner/operators go on strike because it will increase their business. We need carriers like Schneider, JB Hunt, and Walmart to strike as well and I don't see that happening. To be effective, all trucks must stop for 5 days at least. When there is no fuel to sell because there are no fuel trucks moving, the oil companies will feel the pinch from gas and diesel. This is about them, not just fuel prices. Their profits make our cost even worse!

Posted by: Ken Location: Wisconsin on Mar 31, 2008 at 03:52 PM
No doubt that the fuel is causing severe problems but,the biggest problem we really have is the rate cutting that some of the largest carriers are currently providing to customers. We actually have customers telling us that we need to lower our rates if we want to continue to receive loads. When you see the large trucking companies on the road, make sure that you thank them.The strike will actually help the large carriers.

Posted by: vickie Location: troy,mo. on Mar 31, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I think they should strike.Fuel prices are just CRAZY!!! Hopefully it will help.

Posted by: STEPHANIE Location: KM on Mar 31, 2008 at 09:34 AM
I DON'T BLAME THE DRIVER'S FOR WANTING TO GO ON STRIKE.THIS COUNTRY HAS STUCK IT TO US FOR SO LONG, THAT IT'S TIME WE RETURN THE FAVOR.SO GO AHEAD I'M WITH YA, STRIKE,STRIKE,STRIKE!!!

Posted by: Martin Location: Parma on Mar 31, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I've been saying that a strike should happen for over a month now.It happened back in the 70's,my grandfather was a part of it,it worked,do it again.The strike's going to have to last for more than a day though,one day isn't going to open people's eyes,they probably wouldn't even notice.Strike until you get results.It worked back then,It WILL work now.

Posted by: william Location: lansing on Mar 31, 2008 at 06:38 AM
Why not. prices have gotten way out of control. every thing has gotten out of control. just go ahead, do it, and cripple the economy and put the icing on the cake while you're at it. who needs money to survive on any ways ? just put it in the oil companies, and let your families starve!!!!!!

Posted by: Christina Location: Portland on Mar 30, 2008 at 11:11 PM
I say if they go on strike, everyone should support them! Then maybe something will happen for the better.

Posted by: Jack Location: Texas on Mar 30, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Our truck will not move on thursday if we hit them in the pocket they will listen thats the only way they will

Posted by: Greg the trucker Location: lansing mi on Mar 30, 2008 at 09:50 PM
I am a company driver, and see the high cost of fuel and can only imagine what the o/ops are going thru. so i will be joining the strike for no less than a week.

Posted by: truckerstrike08 Location: KY on Mar 30, 2008 at 09:12 PM
www.myspace.com/truckerstrike08 SHUT EM DOWN!!!!

Posted by: april Location: missouri on Mar 30, 2008 at 08:41 PM
is there a way to watch the video interview of the truckers talking about the strike??

Posted by: Kathy Location: Potterville on Mar 30, 2008 at 06:36 PM
My husband is a truck driver and has been for many years. He has been forced to work for companies now, because we could not afford the fuel bills. My biggest concern with the fuel prices and these drivers having to put so many hours in to make any money, is their safety and the safety of other drivers. They are putting in all these extra hours and they are getting tired. What if one falls asleep at the wheel and kills themselves or others? What is more important? Fuel or the safety of our family and friends? Obviously, our lovely Governor hasnt thought about that. She doesnt care about Michigan. She isnt doing anything to help our jobs or stop the fuel costs! I believe we need to make a huge change in the Governor of Michigan!!!! Maybe we can have Michigan back!!!!

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