Fuel Costs are rising, and it doesn't appear that this situation — which is creating an incredible impact on all of us — will dissipate anytime soon.
The implications for fleets are very serious. For many large temperature-controlled fleets, diesel fuel has surpassed labor as their largest expense.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says that at the current price of diesel fuel (as of mid June), compared with five years earlier, it costs 230%, or $985, more to fuel up a typical tractor-trailer. Compared with 10 years earlier, it costs 347%, or $1,096.
As the price of diesel continues to rise, it's likely we will all be paying more for everything. Trucks haul 70% of all freight tonnage, and 80% of communities receive their goods exclusively by truck.
On the positive side — and I believe there's always something optimistic that can be found in any situation, the trucking industry is continuing to make great strides in conserving fuel and reducing emissions.
On the negative side, frustration and consternation within trucking, particularly among owner operators, are boiling up. One outgrowth has been truck slowdowns and shutdowns to clog traffic in protest of the spiraling cost of diesel fuel and shrinking profits.
Such actions do get people's attention. More often than not, though, rather than winning support, these actions do more harm than good.
Think of the impact blockades could have on our just-in-time transportation society. It wouldn't take long for there to be shortages of products and goods, and factories ceasing operations due to a lack of materials.
A highly organized, coordinated nationwide truckers shutdown would cripple the country and cause a good deal of anger and perhaps panic. I have visions of the National Guard being called out to restore order.
Think what this would do to the attitude of the public and lawmakers toward the trucking industry. Would it help trucking's cause for fuel price relief?
I went through the trucker shutdowns in the early 1970s and 1980s when highways were blockaded to protest fuel prices, speed limits, and unfavorable trucking legislation.
Along with the blockades came outbreaks of violence and sabotage. The protests also brought out “crazies” who used the occasions as a way to hide their criminal behavior.
Do you recall gunshots being fired at trucks by characters not even remotely associated with the trucking industry?
I worked during the shutdowns because I didn't think they were the appropriate way to get the issues resolved. Moreover, I couldn't afford to be out of work.
My decision nearly cost me my life.
I was trailer trucking late one night on an interstate highway in California, piloting a cabover tractor and trailer, when someone dropped a large brick off an overpass. It went right through the middle of the passenger side windshield. Talk about flirting with the angel of death!
How does such an action help to lower fuel prices?
I firmly believe the way to improve a situation is to become involved in changing it.
If you're not already working with local, state, and federal officials, or participating in industry and business organizations, you ought to be. All of us need to help seek workable and fair solutions.
I leave you with this thought my father was fond of saying: “Complaining is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere. Working constructively is how changes are made.”
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
