No longer King of the Road

[Dutch Star Don]

As usual, someone here will take a statement and exaggerate it to the tenth degree. I've yet to see a semi pass by with the driver's doctorate degree pinned to the window. Yes, there are professional driver's who are educated, but it's not what the industry is currently hiring.......exactly what this discussion is about.

Lastly, driving a truck all your life and holding a HazMat permit doesn't change the discussion. It just proves that you got the certifications required to do your job. This discussion is about hiring issues they're having now. Guess what....they're having the same issues with law enforcement, and other professional trades like plumbing and welding. Law enforcement can't find anyone who isn't doing dope or has good credit and the plumbing and welding industry can't find anyone willing to work for a living.

[alpha99]

What you are seeing in the trucking industry is the result of the difficulty finding over the road drivers. Supply and demand. Get ready to see it in the airline industry as the shortage of pilots occurs. The experience and skill level will deteriorate as the looming pilot shortage approaches.

[Harley1994]

You know "Don" you should read my post there was nothing "Exaggerated" in my post. You said" one of those jobs that if you have no other skills, you can at least drive a truck." I just find that offensive and insulting. Nuff said I have unsubscribed from this posting as I see it will go no where.

[ChallengerRN]

I ll run with the truckers any day of the week. I hear on here all the time where someone says they got cut off by a car or truck.

Well I suppose I have too. But I for sure get cut off when in my car many many times more than in the RV.

I Respect the trucking industry and understand how hard it must be to make a living that way.

If I get cut off by anyone it is forgotten before the next mile marker. No room for any extra issues in my head.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all

Russell

[spritz]

I'm currently in 800 miles of a 1800 mile trip and am also a x trucker. In that 800 mile part I was thanked all but 2 times flashing my lights to let them know they can pull back into our lane. I drive 60-65 and get passed like I'm standing still... I also have a dash cam to film the morons that pull in front of them or me and jam on the brakes, and wonder why they get re-ended. Just like a trucker you can't stop 80,000 lbs on a dime.
Give them room we are retired and they are still "trying" to make it out there.
I'll be back out there tomorrow.
JS
Merry Christmas,
Tim

[Gary RVRoamer]

I think it is just lack of experience. The Trucking Industry Association says there is a huge shortage of drivers, estimating a shortfall of 40,000 to 60,000. They will hire any warm body that can make it through a CDA course and is willing to be away from home all the time for only modest pay.

[TQ60]

As long as there are unemployment checks going out there is not a shortage of labor.

It is not hard to hire qualified folks for most any job.

Companies who expect top line folks to apply for a job requiring top line resume but offering bottom line pay will not find suitable folks.

So they get who will work for what they offer.

If a company offers good pay they have no problem having a large pool if folks to choose from.

We always look at who is driving any vehicle with a company name on the door just for fun...

[Steady_Rest]

I am always courteous towards other drivers including truck drivers. I don't let others rude driving even bother me much anymore, just try to do what I think is right, that I can control. I have a friend that is in a constant state of agitation when driving. He never pulls any revenge maneuvers, but riding with him wears me out.
As far as the labor pool, when you outsource procreation you have less control over the specifications.

[NevadaNick]

They went from Kings of the Road to Pigs of the Road. Just look at all the piss jugs left where they stop and they even deficate at stops along the road.

[Rider99]

There is a spectrum of good and bad in everything. Seems as the population grows we tend to see more bad than good. We all need to appreciate and recognize the good. It's still there. Pass ten big rigs and nine are great and one bad....appreciate the good ones. Nuff said. Merry Christmas to all.

[twier]

x2 on the jugs, nasty.

[ladagobago]

Originally Posted by NevadaNick

They went from Kings of the Road to Pigs of the Road. Just look at all the piss jugs left where they stop and they even deficate at stops along the road.

Right on there. Two Walmart location we use have stopped overnight because the truckers making the parking lot smell like a urinal. Of course, I also see RV's that dump into storm drains. DISGUSTING.

I don't mind driving along with trucks. Neither does the DW. We generally have the same goals to cover distance safely. Every once in while we find some [moderator edit] but they can be drivers of cars, MH, RV, or trucks.

[sejac55]

Gee, not sure which scumbag group I am a part of. First I spent 6 years a an Army MP with thoughts of going into civilian law enforcement. Decided on trucking with influence of teamster father in law. Well am now a member of the 4 million mile club and retired and looking for our one and only MH. The driver shortage is a falsehood. The shortage starts with large companies that do a poor job of training the thousands of entry level people they sell a bill of goods to. These companies contribute to their own astronomical 100% plus, turn over rates. These entry level men and women have no idea what they are in for with these large carriers and then throw in the harsh reality of life on the road for these new OTR drivers and it is all down hill from there. The skill level of todays divers is minimal at best and it doesn't matter what language they speak. It is industry wide. It will not get any better than it is now. 18 year olds will be huge nail in the trucking industry. The pay is stagnate at best and conditions deplorable for a decent life. If I was a young man again...I would flip burgers first. [moderator edit]The more I read and study about RV'ing and RV's I have to wonder if I really want to do it. I agree with the observation on a 65-70 year old retiree can just drive and buy whether they have any idea or skill level to handle their rig. Thinking it is a good thing that a lot of you stay parked for long periods of time. If I ruffle a few feathers or toupees, oh well. To be safe around todays trucks on the road, take from me, stay away from them as much as possible, I did and survived my 4 million. Just sayin. Be safe...

[golf19]

You think it has something to do with the lack of UNION drivers??? anymore just a thought