I was thinking about closing the website TruckDriversUnited.com, but this email changed my mind:

From: Danielle
"Hey, My name is Danielle and i am 14 and i relize how truck drivers do alot of traveling away from their kids and families. Me personally has had a friend whos step-dad was a truck driver and he was gone quit a bit. Well let me get to the point i think it would be real cool if truck drivers had their own town/city wat ever you wanna call it. It should be located in the middle of the United States so they dont have to drive so far to get places. It would have car washes fit for their trucks only. It would have Mac. Donalds, Chick-fil-aes, Bushes, and all those cool little fast food places, but these would be diffrent. They would all be tall just for diesels. The menu board the inside of the place it would be up to the window of the truck. To get in to Mac. Donalds their would be stairs, they wouldn't be no hard stairs these would be different, they would be softer so if some one fell they wouldn't get hurt. The diesels would have their own highways and if they wanted to go to heb they could, they could park up front if they wanted to, because the parking spots would be long and wide for the diesels. Im not saying their wont be an car parking spots im just sayin Truck Drivers do a lot of traveling and maybe they wanted to stop be heb on their way out you never know. But like i was saying their would even be a school teaching people how to drive Diesels. Now i know this is going to take alot of money and some years but i am determined to make this town for all the truck Drivers. Yall dont get as much appreciation as yall deserve. We should even have. Truck Driver Appreciation Day. All the people living in that town would all get their Diesels together and celebrate this day under the stars. They would bring their familys and Bar.B.Que. Basikly have a party."

Reply: This little girl's letter got to me. She doesn't even come from a trucking family, but had a friend with a step-dad that drove!

I'm 45 years old, and I've accepted the sad fact that my generation isn't going to do anything to change this industry for the better. I've also accepted the fact that it's VERY doubtful the next generation will either (those in their 20s and early 30s that are driving Trucks now) unless they start doing something VERY soon, but this letter does give me hope that maybe there will be a generation coming soon that will get fed up enough to stand together and make some changes for the better in the Trucking industry.

I doubt I'll still be driving by then. I just hope I'm still around to see it happen.

Reply: Hi Sam. Although I was still a kid during the 60s and 70s, I do remember seeing the strike on TV, and it made a MAJOR impact on me.  Seeing how Drivers worked together to stand up for themselves was one of the reasons I wanted to become a Trucker.  Unfortunately there are too many Drivers out here today that got behind the wheel because other jobs were scarce, or they bought in to the hype of 'drive the big rigs, see the country, be your own boss, make tons of money' the trucking schools sold them on TV commercials.  While there are some that have the 'Trucking Fever', far too many lack the true passion that the old timers have, or had. While I'm somewhere between a young pup and 'Hey Noah, wha'cha building over there', I have always been passionate about being a Trucker.  I hold the term near and dear to my heart, and I am proud of what I do to the point of almost coming to blows in the past (even with my own family members) when someone used the term in a derogatory way. Even the Truck Stops won't use the name Truck anymore, as most of them call themselves travel centers or travel stops now.  I guess if other Drivers shared the same passion that so many other Drivers that have written in here do, myself included, we might not be in the situation we're in now.  I really wish I knew how to get them to become passionate about this industry.

From: Cathy
I am suggesting that we all go with the anonymous flyer and shut down the 28,29, and 30th or for the rest of the week for that matter! A lot of truck drivers and citizens will be in DC on the 28th. The MOMENTUM will be strong! I believe that would be the best time to show them we are not joking!
Reply: Cathy's comment has also been posted on the Shut Down Option page.  If you have an opinion about what our next step should be, visit that page and read the information and suggestions there.

From: Samantha
I was just wondering if you heard of this site, www.utda.org
it might make a good add on to your sites info.
Reply: Thank you for the information Samantha. I have contacted them about joining us in our efforts to unite the Trucking websites.

From: TN. TRUCKERS WIFE
I DON'T KNOW IF YOUR AWARE OF THE WEB SITE
"THE AMERICAN DRIVER. COM" IF NOT YOU SHOULD VISIT THERE, THAT IS WHERE THEY ARE ORGANIZING THE NEXT SHUTDOWN
Reply: Hello TN Truckers Wife. Yes, I am aware of the website theamericandriver, and I have spoken to the webmaster on the phone about working together with TDU and other trucking sites to form a United Drivers group of Trucking Websites so that we can all keep in contact and keep our visitors informed. Unfortunately the webmaster there has some personal issues about working with other sites. I won't get into any details, but I was not happy to see them condemning another Trucking site because of some video that they had apparently linked to. Hopefully they will decide to put their personal differences aside some day and help rather than hurt the effort we are all making, and I did let them and other Trucking sites know the invitation is always there to join the United Drivers group of Trucking Websites we are trying to form if they ever change their minds about working together.   As far as them organizing the next shutdown, I hope they find a way to get the word out and organize it a little better than the last one. If I do hear anything definite, whether it be from there site or another site, I will post the information here.

From: TERRIE
MY HUSBAND IS OWNER/OPERATOR AND HEARING ON THE CB OF ANOTHER
STRIKE SET FOR SEPT 1, A 72 HOUR STRIKE. ON THE WEBSITE I AM SEEING MAY 1 AND CAN GET NO OTHER INFORMATION. WE DO NEED TO DO SOMETHING AND YES WE HAVE WRITTEN TO OUR CONGRESSMAN AND ARE WILLING AND READY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STRIKE. THE LAST ONE HOW-
EVER, WE DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT SOON ENOUGH. WE DO NEED TO STICK TOGETHER, GIVEN ENOUGH PLANNED TIME FOR ALL TO PARTICIPATE AND GET THE CORRECT WORD OUT. WHAT IS GOING ON - MAY OR SEPT?
Reply: I have heard about another strike set for May 1st on the C.B., but nothing about September yet. I am currently trying to get other Trucking websites to join together so we can keep in contact with one another about plans that are being made. I too heard about the April 1st strike at the last minute. Things are a little un-organized right now, but I promise I am doing my best to try and get other webmasters to join together so we can share as much information as possible with all of our visitors rather than operating as individual sites with no form of mutual communication.

This was a reply I received in response to a thank you I sent to igtransportation.com for adding a link to TDU on their website. I felt that what is says is important enough to post here rather than keep it to myself:
Hello David,
The pleasure is all ours. We are trying to promote your web site and more precisely the idea that represents among drivers and owner-operators, so we can get their support- the more the better. As I said in recent publication on truckdriversunited.com- we can't thank you enough for the time and effort spent to create and maintain said website, the purpose of witch is to get us together- this is how I see it.
I was thinking that with your website we can get enough brave and forward looking people, so we can all do something about the current situation that we are all in.
Driving around the country not long ago, I've seen hundreds of slogans on trucks and trailers in different forms, shapes and colors basically all saying the same thing :" Without Trucks America Stops " Every time I've seen such proclamation- I knew that I was a tiny part of that giant and strong unity and I was proud to be just that- tiny part of something huge and unstoppable called "truck driver". Now I see things different, hoping that it is just me and I'm wrong. Based on the events that went by April 01. 2008 and the lack of any such events thereafter, I'm not sure that "...Without Trucks..." will ever happen. I don’t see $2.00 per gallon prices. We all know by now that America needs to stop and rethink how their food or clothes or toys arrived to the local store and who brought it there, but apparently we are not good enough to stand together, so we can show it. I'm starting to believe that we will never see all Drivers United. We are good on talking, putting stickers on our trucks and trailers, but that is about it. Every driver with enough intellect to pass the CDL test is aware- I'm sure about that, that we are going down, the the money are getting harder and harder to earn, the miles are getting longer, the presents for the kids and wives are getting smaller and cheaper, if any (wives or presents). The strong respect once people had for, and the privilege to be called, truck driver no longer exist. It is not a privilege anymore and there is no respect. Nowadays It is the same as any other job out there. Sadly me, you and all other drivers on the road are aware that it is a bit different job than say flipping burgers at your local fast food restaurant, although we will be there shortly if we follow the same downhill that we are now. The words truck driver now sound different than, say 10 years ago. It is the sad, stupid, ugly, down to the earth truth, and we are not capable of changing or reversing the path we are on, no matter how beautiful, colorful or how many stickers we are attaching, nor where we put them. Apparently It needs more than that and we don't have it in us, or am I wrong? We need to change all of it, otherwise we will still have occasional some 30-60 trucks doing something that they thing will help, every once in a while on different locations around the country at different times. There will be reporters to report in the evening news that the drivers did in fact try to show to the rest of the world that something is not right and 50, 60, may be even 200 trucks went on strike somewhere, for couple of hours and that will be it. 2-3 minutes of the news block, 2-3 minutes of attention, some thoughts:" -those guys I'm seen on the screen are in kind of a bad situation" and that will be it. It is it, so far and no changes on the horizon to be seen.
Enough said. I'm proposing to prove myself wrong, or to have clear idea when should I go to the closest fast food restaurant to secure an application ( no disrespect ). So we are planning to stop our operations on April 28, 29, 30. The general idea is to see how the brokers will sell their cargo without us. We hope by doing that, our voice will be heard and somebody may decide to put a limit on their earnings or do something about the fuel and it's connections to the drivers salary. (not to mention couple of carriers surprised by the good rates for their hauling these 3 days). The way I see it, we need to organize and be effective and there should be enough time for it. The dates are based on the flyer that was brought to us from driver with unknown author - hopping that we are not the only one to received it and planning on strike. I will ask for your support to find a space in your site and to publish something about that - I think that with the traffic on your site there will be others - desperately needed, that will stop talking and do something about all of us in that part of the fence. Let's hope that we have enough time to spread the word, and more importantly - the guts to make a difference. We have 12 trucks currently under our authority - not much, but we have good friends ready - total of 70 trucks that we are communicating with and their promise to comply with those dates. Tomorrow will be more trucks I'm sure, and your help is invaluable to spread the word around. Big THANK YOU in advance, knowing that you know, that I don't have to thank you - You need this as much as we do and as much as any company driver or owner-operator out there - at home or on the road.
Milen
Reply: I haven't seen the flyer, but I will always make space for any information I can get. Hopefully there are other Drivers that have seen the same flyer, and are making copies of them and spreading them around.

From: Victoria
I have been a truck driver for ten years now. I have to say that I have seen a big change in just those ten short years. I have noticed a more "me" attitude from drivers. I would like to know what changed everything? Year after year drivers get further and further apart. Hey, aren't we all in this together to accomplish the same thing? I have gotten to the point now where I can't stand to turn on my C. B. anymore it's worse than an elementary playground. All the name calling and fighting among people who are out to do the same thing. Everyone knows why they are out here. Don't kid yourselves if you think it is for any other reason than to make money. Sure the list of Why you stay out here can be as long as your arm but the main reason is the money. So with that one common link between us all can't we just put our personal differences aside, even if just momentarily, so that we can present a united front to everyone. In these rough times whether your are an Owner Operator or a Company driver we are all feeling the crunch from these high fuel prices in more ways than one. If we were to do a nation wide shut down, one that would actually do some good, then we all need to ban together get the word out and be a little more organized about it next time. Get some national air time either by way of radio, newspaper, or television. Put people in the truck stops with flyers telling everyone about it. Quite frankly I have heard drivers talking about a strike since I started driving. So please forgive me when I say I don't take what drivers say about that subject to heart anymore. I would be more than happy to back this industry 100% with a shutdown, strike, or protest if I could know for sure that it was something that was real and not just "trucker stories". I have already said more than I intended and I know that I have taken up quite a bit of your time and for that I apologize. I am just very passionate about making this industry what it use to be. Something to be very proud to be a part of.
Thanks,
Victoria Ferrier
Reply: Hi Victoria. I agree with everything you say except the part about us doing what we do for the money. After almost 30 years behind the wheel, I've come to the realization that being a Trucker isn't a job, a career, or even a lifestyle... It's an addiction! I am working to organize other Trucking websites so that we are all working together rather than on our own to share information with our visitors. Unfortunately, there are a few differences of opinion still that we are trying to work through.

From: Gilbert
Hello, my name is Gilbert Arrazolo and I was trying to organize truckers in Houston, Texas. We made the news on April 2nd and it seemed like we had the support of about 15 truckers willing to convoy into Houston the following morning. However, the next morning only 4 were still there and after driving around the truck stops we only gathered another four. I decided not to do the convoy because 8 truckers would be looked at as a couple of troublemakers.
I heard every excuse for not joining us. There were hundreds of truckers at the truck stops in East Houston. There was also a lot of negativity and even racism expressed over the CB radio. I'm Mexican and I had Anglos and African Americans in the group.
Until truckers are willing to unite despite skin color I think our industry will go down the toilet. We had a television crew and I was approached by Houston Police Department to see if we needed an escort into Houston. There were about six trooper cars. Ultimately, I think truckers are just not ready to unite and face the oil companies. I also think truckers, like the rest of America, prefer for someone else to come in and take care of their problems.
This problem is not going away. OOIDA, Teamsters, and ATA have abandoned the independent owner operator. We need to unite. If a united front does not work, I am an attorney and willing to litigate our claims. It is my impression that the oil shortage is a scam and the diesel pricing is nothing more than price fixing by a monopolizing group of oil companies, which is an illegal tort.
Anyway, if anyone has ideas, please let me know. I'll be waiting in Houston to see if we gather any momentum.
Reply: Hello Gilbert. I am afraid that you are correct in your statement that we aren't ready to unite yet, whether it be to face the oil companies, or for any other reason. I also agree with you that most people prefer for someone else to come in and take care of their problems rather than take a stand themselves, and that the OOIDA, Teamsters and the ATA aren't much help to the OO, or even to the Company Truck Driver. As far as prejudice, skin color isn't the only problem we have. Some of the other Trucking sites don't want to join together because of their own personal prejudices against TDU and other Trucking sites that don't meet their personal approval.  Although I still have a long way to go, I am trying to work on some kind of individual organization in each state and even in each city where we can all work with one another. Unfortunately, this is going to require volunteers that are willing to spend a lot of time knocking on their neighbors doors passing out flyers, publishing their home phone numbers online to take calls, and making long distance calls without any kind of reimbursement or compensation. That means a lot of very serious, and VERY dedicated people. As you can see, if I ever can accomplish this, I have my work cut out for me. If I can accomplish this, when we need an attorney I promise I won't hesitate to contact you. Um... you do volunteer work don't you?

From: Tyson
We are all for the strike, please keep us informed on when and how this is going to take place. We are an o/o and the prices of fuel are killing us!!
Thank you for your site!!
Reply: You're welcome Tyson, and thank you for writing in. I am trying to get as much information as I can about what different groups are planning, and trying to get those groups organized so we can all communicate with one another and will all know in advance what to plan for.  So far there's been a lot of resistance for some reason.  So far getting some webmasters to agree and work together is as hard as getting some Truckers to work together.

From: DARREN
FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DAVE FOR HIS EFFORTS. PEOPLE AS WE GET READY TO ELECT A NEW PRES. I THINK WE NEED TO PAY A LOT MORE ATTENTION TO WHO WE PUT IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE FOR THEY ARE THE THE ONES ABLE TO MAKE THE CHANGES. IF YOU READ THE COMMENTS FROM THE REP FROM WV. HE SAYS THINGS LIKE SUPPLY AND DEMAND, THE RIGHT TO CHARGE WHAT THEY (oil co) WANT THESE ARE COMMENTS MADE BUY PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE TO PAY THERE OWN WAY. WE NEED TO UNITE TOGETHER. HOW ABOUT WE PARK OUR CARS AND TRUCKS FOR 24HRS IN GAS STATIONS AND TRUCK STOPS ACROSS THE NATION AND DO NOT BUY DROP OF FUEL? WHAT EVER WE DO WE MUST DO TOGETHER AS AMERICANS. EVERY THING WE DO DEPENDS ON THE TRUCKING IND. PS I'M NOT A TRUCK DRIVER. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE MOST OF ALL O/O I HOPE YOU SURVIVE THIS INJUSTICE. DARREN
Reply: Thank you Darren. Unfortunately I haven't heard any of the potential presidents even mention the topic of fuel prices. They are all multi-millionaires, so I would imagine that all three of them have a hard time grasping the concept of working for a living, let alone living paycheck to paycheck as fuel prices and grocery prices continue to climb each day.

From: Marisa
I'm an independent documentary filmmaker and organizer. In light of the perpetual war in Iraq a shutdown is absolutely necessary. We need to stop the government at the wheels of production! I support you in all of your efforts. Let me know how I can help.
-In struggle,
Marisa
Reply: Hello Marisa. Well, about all I know about the film industry is if I lose the remote control for my TV, I'm stuck watching whatever is on because I can't figure out how to change the channel. Seriously though, I would LOVE for someone with your experience to make a documentary about the REAL day to day life of a Trucker rather than the 'hate' films that have aired in the past. My face would probably scare people on film, but I know I'd have a few things to point out that many people outside of the industry aren't even aware of.

From: John
I was just reading your statements about freight rates and drivers pay, and it truly is a sad state of affairs. Based on your stated average of .34 per mile, I have made out a lot better hauling fruit in Florida, doing 3K miles on busy weeks and being home at night. RACER
Reply: What you say is very true John, but those rates were the average quoted to me by various drivers over a year ago now. Also, you have to remember that those are MINIMUM rates since there is no regulation or minimum wage for any Trucker. Like everything else on this site, those figures are based on legislation that is needed to revamp the entire Trucking industry, including all of the other issues I have mentioned on this site, including the mandatory detention pay directly from the shippers and receivers to the Driver (company and OO) when they delay a truck at their dock for an unreasonable amount of time. When we look at the big picture, there's a lot more that needs to be fixed than just fuel costs, freight rates, and Drivers pay to help get the cost of transporting freight by truck under control so that Drivers can make a decent income without driving retail prices sky high.

From: Jim
First I will tell all of you the people most responsible for our problems is ourselves. Ah the hell you say. Well its true, if we as individuals can't put our personal needs aside for 1 week and EVERYONE shut this country down then any shut down by us o\o (independents, uncontrollables) is going to be fruitless. J.B. Hunt, England, Heartland, Werner, Swift, all look at our efforts as a way for them to profit more. Company drivers need to get off their butts and join in. Reasons for them to join the cause, they are paying somewhere for the fuel either in retail sales or electric prices gas, durable goods, and so on. The following are quotes from company drivers I have spoken to, "I have bills to pay cannot shut down"," its not going to help who am I to join in but 1 person"," I don't pay for the fuel I just drive it". So why aren't they joining. FEAR that big companies are going to blackball them, fire them take there lively hood away. THEY CAN'T!!!!!!!!!!!!
The following quote came from an o\o which I personally found to be offensive to all of us. YOUR JUST BAD BUSINESS PEOPLE. I disagreed with this comment but he insisted the reasons for our demise is "WE ARE BAD BUSINESS PEOPLE" no other reasons were offered by this o\o.
There isn't enough trucks on the road now to cover all the freight that needs to moved daily, SO A COMPANY DRIVER IN FEAR OF LOOSING HIS JOB SHOULDN'T BE.
As an o\o I personally feel calling the government is a waste of time they already know our situation they helped it get like this.
The only answer is to SHUT DOWN PARALYZE THE COUNTRY AND THE OIL INDUSTRY. Oh does anyone know if the following is true. Did George Bush state that if we all shut down we would be violating the the Terrorist Act? What everyone else can strike but if truckers did it it terrorism? 12 million illegal alien banded together for 1 day and businesses lost a lot of money. And they are still working here. Why can't 4 or 5 million truckers do it for 3 to 5 days?
Reply: Hello Jim. I agree with everything you say, and trying to get the big companies themselves on board is as hopeless since they operate on a volume basis. That is why I try to make the point that unless we look at making changes that will benefit the entire Trucking industry rather than ones that will only benefit OOs, Company Drivers will have no reason to join in any shutdown, protest, or rally.  As far as the comment Bush was suppose to have made, I haven't heard about it from anyone else, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.  After all, the federal government has violated our civil rights many times before, and they don't appear to have any qualms about continuing to do so on a regular basis.  The point you make about the illegal's being able to ban together is valid, and it is sad that they were able to accomplish something we as American's don't seem capable of doing.

From: Supporter
I have been thinking about the gas problem a lot, so since the strike/sit out didn't help much. Instead of saying not to buy gas or to park your trucks( which no one can really afford) Why not force the gas stations to start a gas war? this can be done with all drivers and not just truckers. Why not list a few gas stations to not buy gas from. This will force them to lower there prices. If we do this several times with several different stations they are going to have no chose but to start gas wars in prices. and in order to get our business back they will have to lower the prices. Tell me what you think.
Reply: I do know the owner of a gas and diesel station in my area, and his profits on each gallon of fuel aren't that impressive. He gets a tanker in each week, and the price he pays increases as the price of oil increases. I'm not sure any of the independent gas stations could actually lower their prices very much and stay in business. Remember, there were about 30 different oil refineries during the gas wars of the '70s, but now there are only five. I think trying to figure out a way to get to the oil companies themselves is our only hope of making any kind of change since they have been able to monopolize the industry.

From: Joe
Thank god the back bone of America is standing up, I am not a truck driver but my dad has been for 20 years. Truckers today I hope are as American as they used to be many years ago, back then they were the ones helping stranded motorist, bringing the money home and making America the land of the free. I will park on the road right along with you. Truckers are the only hope us Americans have to make things they way they used to be, you run this country please stand up and help.
Reply: Thank you for your support Joe. Things have changed quite a bit over the last few years, especially when it comes to the average Trucker's attitude. Instead of trying to work together, more Drivers have the 'I'm only looking out for myself' attitude these days, and that is one of the reasons it is so hard to get them to join together. Most drivers I talk to on the road about TDU think I'm wasting my time, and maybe I am, but I am still trying, and with the help of people like you and everyone else that has visited this site and helped to spread the word, I still believe that we can make a change to help improve not only the Trucking industry, but the economic situation in this country as well.

From: Mike
I am not a truck driver, but my Dad was for over 40 years, as well was all of my Uncles (They have all since passed away) I grew up with my dad being a truck driver and used to ride with him every chance I got...a lot of great memories.
I have nothing but great respect for all the honest, hard working drivers out there and will do what ever I can to help OUR cause.
I have been in the Marines for the past 16 years and am often told "Thank you for your service", I would like to take this moment to tell all of you "Thank you for your service" because this Nation depends on your service just as much as it does my service. Semper Fi. (Always Faithful)
Reply: Thank you Mike, that was a very moving statement. Although I have driven Trucks since I was a teenager and have never been in the military, I do have the greatest respect for the men and women that do put on the uniforms of our Armed Services. As you say, this is OUR cause, not only the Truckers, but the American people.

From: Melissa
Is the rally for dc on the 12 or 28th we are getting mixed messages. When is the convoy to Indianapolis? I love what everyone is trying to do. Let's all get a little more organized and specific on dates. Please reply to me to let me know when we will take action against these thieves in congress.
Reply: Hello Melissa. Don't feel alone.  I can't get a straight answer about what's going on myself. I have been trying to get some straight information, but as you point out, whoever is setting these dates and planning the shutdowns, protests and rallies aren't making it easy. I am working with other websites to try and get us all working together rather than on our own so that we can get some kind of organization and keep all of our sites up to date on what is happening. So far it's been an uphill battle since some sites don't want to work together, but I'm working on it, so keep your fingers crossed.

From: Teresa
You know someone told me that on fox news one of the analyst or think tanks they had on there called all of the truckers that were on strike blue collar terrorist. It seems to me all the news organizations are downplaying this whole shutdown or maybe they have been told by Washington to not air much about it. I don't know it just seems really odd to me that this shutdown didn't get more coverage than it did. They all seem to think it's only about fuel prices, but they are not getting it, what about all the fuel surcharges that are not getting to the truckers that are using their fuel to deliver the goods. Everyone needs to be made aware that some of these brokers are not passing the fuel surcharge on to the truckers that make the deliveries and that is suppose to be for whoever used their fuel to deliver the goods. They don't seem to want to acknowledge us in Washington so maybe since it's an election year we should write someone in on the ballots that we can all agree on and not vote for a single one of them. You know maybe someone like blue collar that can maybe identify with the "blue collar terrorist"
Reply: Hi Teresa. The television news has never been a friend to the Truckers. Their stories always seem to focus on the 'danger' we present to the motoring public, or how much the truck's pollute the air. I remember one news broadcast that showed how Truckers had no regard for speed laws by using a radar gun and showing them doing between 60 and 65 mph in a 55 mph speed zone. Of course they made no mention of the fact that every time they showed a truck speeding, cars were passing it on the left and the right like it was sitting still. It seems to me that the television news doesn't think the economic hardships we are all going to be facing soon because of the rising fuel costs and other situations in the industry are entertaining enough to air. As far as putting one of us 'blue collar terrorists' in the White House, just pencil my name in on the ballot. On second thought, don't. I'd make so many oil tycoons and corporate hot shots so mad at me in the first week they'd hire a hit man to take me out.

From: Supporter
Hi, I was reading about the question of taking a vote on how people want to handle this. I know I talked about topix before, however you are able to add polls for people to vote on what ever subject you post. I'm not sure if you are able to start a poll on topix and add the link to your site. but it might be a way to take the poll. you are also able to leave comments on the poll that you post. it's a thought if you get a change take a look and if you need any help email me, I have done a few polls and could set it up if you need me to. Thanks
Reply: Hello Supporter. I have seen the topix forum, but we are trying to use a forum site that is dedicated to Trucking only to prevent other issues from taking the focus off of what we are trying to accomplish. I have been talking to another webmaster that knows a lot more about websites than I do about creating a poll, so we'll see what he can do for us, and I will email you for some information about any scripts that I can use for a poll either here or on a forum.

From: Katherine
I am not a truck driver, I don't even think I know anyone in your fine profession. However, I am 100% behind your plight. I recently read in an article that a truckers strike would "cripple the economy". Hells Bells, aren't we there already? What we need at this point is to shake things up a bit.. go a little Boston Tea Party and results will surly follow. It's the way our ancestors got things done and we should follow suit. I certainly don't want anyone to get hurt---I am concerned there would be rioting at grocery stores and I fear for those poor folks who require medications and medical equipment. If you hardworking ladies and gents do decide to strike please give the general public ample warning and the best of luck to each and everyone of you
Katherine
Reply: Hi Katherine.  Too bad dumping oil in the water would pollute the environment. Maybe if the Washington bureaucrats had a little 'taste' of the fuel we are paying a fortune for (pardon the pun, I couldn't resist), they might get the message.  After all, what do they care how much it costs?  They fill their gas tanks for free on the taxpayers money. 

From: m wagner
I am an owner-opp I will be striking 1-5 or longer. At least big oil will not make any money from me this week. I think our gov is trying to put us out business so it can open the border to Mexican trucks. So we need get organized or our way of life and the way we support our families will be gone.
Reply: I agree.  The government never has supported independent businesses, as they cannot control them like they can the larger ones.  Just look at the effort it took to focus attention on the American farmers and their plight.  Maybe we could get Willie Nelson or someone to sponsor a 'Truck Aid' festival for us.  I know we could sure use it.  Anyone out there know anyone famous that owes them a HUGE favor???

From: Keith
This Has been A Prayer that I keep close to My Heart Every Day & Has been" since I was A little Trucker,
Dear God Above,
Bless this Truck I Drive,
And Help Me Keep Someone Alive,
Be My Mortal Site This Day,
On Streets where Little Children Play,
Bless" My Co-Driver Fast Asleep,
When The Night Is Long & Deep,
Please Keep My Cargo Safe & Sound,
Thru the Hours "Big & Round,
Make My Judgment Sound as Steel,
Be My Hands" Upon The Wheel,
Bless" The Traveler Going Past,
And Teach Them No to Go So Fast,
Give Me Strength For Every Trip,
So" I May care for What They Ship,
And Keep Me Mindful Every Mile,
That Life is Just A Little While,
Amen!!
Drivers" Just Keep in Mind that there are higher Powers out there then CONGRESS" And You're Dispatcher!!
Blacksheep/Lexington N,C
Reply: That is a very nice sentiment Keith.  I believe those are the words to 'The Truckers Prayer' that were sung by Red Sovine and others over the years.  If you haven't heard it put to music yet, do a search for it on one of the music sites.  It's very moving.

From: Cathy
I saw this article, didn't know if you had gotten it yet. Doesn't look like he was much help...but it is news worthy
http://www.wpxi.com/news/15799233/detail.html

From: Tom
The Drivers at K&R Transportation have parked the trucks in support of the O/Os to all the people that parked thank you and to all that didn't support them. Don't cry to us when you are paying $8.00 for milk and $15.00 for a box of cereal....................
Reply: Amen to that.  The government will undoubtedly blame the Truckers for the increase in retail goods soon, but from what a lot of people have said here, there are a lot of American's that are way too intelligent to believe the press releases and other lies that the government tries to feed them.

From: HAROLD
I believe the April 1 SHUTDOWN will have no long term affect , A few INDEPENDENTS AND OWNER OPERATORS EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS AND PROTEST HOWEVER , I do think this needs to be repeated - LET THE WORD OUT WE NEED TO DO IT AGAIN - ONLY -- we need to set up dates - BRIDGE THE MAJOR HOLIDAYS --
May 1st for Memorial Day
JULY 1 for Independence Day
SEPT 1 for Labor Day
Nov 1 for Election day
SET UP EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
INCLUDE THE GENERAL PUBLIC -
Everyone who drives or owns a car , pickup , motorcycle SHOULD BE INVOLVED
CALL OUT TO EVERYONE
SUPPLY VS LOWER DEMAND WILL EQUAL LOWER $$ COST AT THE PUMP FOR EVERYONE
I COULD GO ON , but at the risk of being repetitious
ALL OF AMERICA NEEDS TO JOIN TOGETHER -
HECK WE NEED TO JOIN TOGETHER WORLDWIDE
SHOW PETROLEUM SUPPLIES THEY DO NOT HAVE US BY THE SHORTHAIRS
Reply: While it may not have had any direct, long term effect yet, from the looks of what a lot of people are saying here and on the forum, we may have just gotten enough of the American public's attention.  While the people on Capital Hill may just sit back and laugh at us, if enough people across this country start forming individual activist groups and communicate with one another, we may see that what we started will have a major effect before too long.  Remember, the group Parents Against Tired Truckers was started by a small amount of people that went out and started spreading the word about what they wanted.

From: Keith
well its Saturday 4/7/08 did we do any good, the news has quit reporting anything, Do we need to start planning another Shut down, This time one longer than 3 day's,
We need to put Trinity Transport on the BLACK LIST, I think that I was the only Driver that Shut down, I've probably lost that Job,
But I'm not to concerned about it,
There in Lexington N,C Owned By Lane Parker" They Wouldn't Participate in the Shut Down,
I guess that I was the only Driver out of 50 Drivers that Had any Back Bone
Reply: Hi Keith. I think the large number of emails just sent to this site from Non-Truckers showing their support does show that we have accomplished something thus far. While the boys on Capital Hill may be brushing us off, we did get a LOT of people to realize that unless something more is done soon, we are ALL going to suffer from increased fuel and retail prices.  I understand your frustration with Trinity Transport, and I would love to black list them and EVERY OTHER large company that refused to support us, and threatened their drivers if any of them did join in.  I hope if they do fire you for showing your support, you find a better company.

From: Rebecca
I think the key to getting what we want is to have more participation. I think it would be much easier to get widespread solidarity if you made it easy for EVERYONE to participate. My idea is to have a SHUTDOWN FOR ONLY ONE HOUR ON MAY 1ST @ HIGH NOON ON THE SHOULDER OF ANY MAJOR HIGHWAY. Anyone and everyone can participate in this sort of shutdown and nobody has to worry about getting fired, losing money etc. If you could get 80 to 90% of the trucks on the road to pull to the shoulder and shutdown, it would get more attention than a few hundred trucks driving to some destination or just parking in a truck stop somewhere. ALSO, most drivers have cell phones so we could use them to call the local media wherever you are and tell them there's something going on because all the trucks are sitting on the side of the road. We could make their switchboards go CRAZY with calls. Another idea is the rolling billboard that the side of a truck is.. get some large sheet paper and write your grievances in big letters and tape it to the side of the truck. That way when the media helicopters go over (which they will if we get enough participation) then our message will be broadcast on every station coast to coast. I think the place to start is to create solidarity. Once you get most truckers in on the deal and we all see how many of us there really are, I think even the four wheelers might join us because they're sick of these ridiculous fuel prices too. After shutting down for 1 hour, make a promise that next time it will be for 1 day and it will keep increasing until someone starts listening! Anyway, that's my plan.
Well, got to back in the truck tomorrow so thanks for having this website and be safe out there.
Reply: Hi Rebecca. You are 100% CORRECT.  We DO need more participation, not only from Company Truck Drivers, but from the American People.  I think your idea about a one hour, nationwide roadside shutdown is not only excellent, but highly feasible for all of the reasons you list. I wish I knew of some way to communicate with the American people more effectively than I have been able to do here, especially since I can't get online every day. I've been looking at the cost of billboards, but they cost a LOT more than I can afford, especially to get one along most of the major highways in the country to get the message out to everyone about ways we can work together.

From: Curtis
Even though I`m no longer a driver, I stand behind the drivers 100%.
Reply: Thank you Curtis, I'm sure everyone will gladly take all the support they can get right now.  I know I will.

From: Julia
Is there going to be a strike sometime in May 2008? I am part of a small trucking business; we have one truck right now. We WANT to participate in the strike if there is one. We did not know anything about the April 1 strike/slowdown until it was pretty much over.
We are getting eaten alive by the fuel prices which of course, causes us to be out on the road even more hoping to make ends meet before we have to sell.
Please let me know if one is going to take place and we will be in on it. I know that without truckers, this country would collapse and find it so frustrating that the people in charge cant see that the fuel prices and small pay is killing the trucker. Anywho, hope to hear back from you.
Thanks for what you are trying to do.. Jules
Reply: Hi Jules.  You're welcome, and thank you for taking time to write in.  I haven't heard anything about another strike, but as you can see from the amount of support we are getting from the American people that don't drive Trucks, there may end up being more of a public outcry soon that will make our shutdown look tiny in comparison... at least, I hope that's what happens, and it's what I'm working toward.

From: Bobby
I really hate the the truckers have to do this because it is going to affect everyone's jobs, but it is about time they do something. I also wonder what too so long to start this, its been a long time coming.
Reply: Too long I'm afraid, and hopefully, we haven't waited so long that our efforts were fruitless

From: Terri
I want to address something that I feel some may be overlooking. THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT TRUCKERS, IT'S ABOUT EVERYONE HERE IN THIS COUNTRY THAT OWNS A VEHICLE! I support the truckers 100% as I stated in my other posts. BUT, the truckers can't do this by themselves. They need everyone's support and to get on board. If everyone on this forum would spread the word, stop buying gas, write your congressman, and your local news agencies that's a start. I would be for a rally on Washington. Can you imagine all those snooty people in our government having to contend with a bunch of irate people over gas prices? This is an issue that every American should be passionate about because it's not going to get any better if we don't take a very stern stand. You said you liked my "enthusiasm". Well, thank you, but this is an issue that I feel very strongly about, and like I said earlier, I have a family member that is a owner/operator, and I know the struggles you face in the trucking business. God Bless you all, and Please stay safe!
STANDING TOGETHER, WE CAN HAVE AN IMPACT! DO I HEAR AN "AMEN" FROM ANYONE?
Reply: AMEN AND HALLELUIAH!!!!! Since the big trucking companies won't shut down, and they are threatening to fire any driver that does, WE NEED AMERICA'S HELP!  It's going to be up to the American public to start doing something now. Make phone calls, send emails, buy just enough gas to get to work and back home.  AMERICA, STAND UP NOW AND DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING, EVEN IF IT'S WRONG!  Too many Drivers that DID shut down have to start moving again because they have to put food on the table for their families. If the American people don't get involved NOW, then this is going to fade away fast, and the only thing the politicians and corporate big-wigs will do is sit back and laugh at us, the Truckers and the people here that have supported us.

From: kimmy
I live in Oregon where gas an diesel prices are outrageous. and I support the strike, I remember a sign in small town here in Oregon that says "if you bought it a truck brought it". I think we should have a national gas out day. where nobody buys gas, that will have a impact on gas companies. and the trucker strike should last longer than one day. because higher diesel prices affect all of us. from our groceries to our restraunts to our automotive supplies. if trucks cant haul we will be paying out the ass for all that, SO STAND UP AMERICA SUPPORT OUR TRUCK DRIVERS. boycott the gas stations.
Reply: There you go folks. You've been asking what else you can do. Take Kimmy's suggestion and hit the oil executives where they live by NOT buying gasoline. For those who have to get back and forth to work, stay at home this weekend and REFUSE to by gasoline. If it doesn't work, then do it again NEXT weekend. Spread the word and keep doing it until the entire nation joins in.

From: lonewolf.
i use to drive truck but had to stop because of a severe back condition i never knew about until 2002. i had a sharp pain shot through my back and the lower back muscles tightened up and my right leg fell asleep on the fuel peddle. i got my butt out of the truck. after i got home i went to my doctor. to make along story short ,between 2002 an to present day i've been in pain off and on since. i was eventually diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, muscle shorting ,and a disease called shruman's disease more commonly found in younger teenagers, at least that's the way i understand it. i only have a few years of driving under my belt but i enjoyed the over the road experience. my childhood dream was to drive a big rig and i made that dream come true ,mind you i started late in life, but i got my chance to be out there and i have no regrets. i still have a cb in my 4 wheeler and i try to help out of town drivers when i can. i live in Ontario CA an i was wondering because the fuel prices are just as high here to, can Canadian drivers get on board ? the problems in this industry effect all trucking operations on both sides of the border and all should UNITE FOR THE CAUSE! because united we stand ,DIVIDED WE FALL.. i hope that everything works out for everyone involved. i'll look in here from time to time. only one thing left to say, good luck& be safe out there, i'm with you all the way!!!
Reply: I'd love to get Canada, and the Canadian Drivers involved, but right now we're still trying to figure out a way to get enough American Drivers on board. Maybe if the Canadian Drivers got organized, the American Drivers could see that it CAN BE DONE if enough of them quit their whining and just stand together. Wouldn't that be ironic if it did happen that way?  How about it Canada? Can you teach us a lesson and get organized enough to fight the oil giants up north first? (nothing like a little friendly competition to make things more interesting eh?)

From: rosy
Dear Driver,
This is a great website we thank you for it. There are many owner operators here in El Paso, Texas. We heard some rumors & would like to confirm them. Is it true that on April 23rd thru April 27th to make some impact us trucker's are to shut down & protest? Please confirm if any rumor is such true. We also have been spreading the word about your web site. We are asking all our El Pasoan's to view your site for updates. If such shutdown/ protest is in the works, many El Pasoan's are ready & willing to join. Thank you. The Trucker's from El Paso, Texas....
Reply: Hello rosy. As I told linn hongell, mk ranch and transportation, I haven't heard anything on the news, and no one has contacted me here with any specifics about it. I will be going back out on the road today, and I'll see what I can find out.

Good Evening,
I am a wife of an owner operator. I want to make an impact; however, I can't do it on my own.... I have an idea, please give me your opinion.
I suggested to other drivers in El Paso, Texas that we should boycott (1) gas station a day. I believe it's impossible to boycott all gas stations in one day. If possible & the word was spread thru all the states, do you think if everyone did not buy gas from (1) particular gas station one day & then another the next day, & another gas the day after that. What do you think???
Please, any advise would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Victoria
Wife, Mother, Consumer that only WANTS to make a difference
Reply: I believe that might work. The only drawback I see is keeping people informed about which station to boycott each day. The 'No gas on weekends - Stay home on weekends until prices drop' tactic might be easier to organize, as long as people DON'T start topping off every Friday. Just buy enough gas to get back and forth to work and to the grocery store. This may get a little boring on the weekends, but at least families won't have an excuse not to spend time with one another.

From: Dan
I am on board! I support you guys 100%. You guys control the US & the economy. The politicians are going to do anything until something dramatic happens. You are every other American has the ability to do just that. Let's give them something dramatic! If it means killing the US economy...so be it! At least the f&%$ing politicians will finally wake up, because it's then going to comedown like a ton of brick on them! God Bless All Truckers!
Reply: Thank you Dan. The more people that do get on board, the bigger this movement will become. Politicians hate it when we stand together on anything as it takes away the control they have over the American people.

From: Ben
I am not a Truck Driver but deal with them every day in my business. I have a logging crew that is going through the same thing with these high fuel prices. I went from spending $1,000. a week on off road fuel to spending $3500. a week. That's $2500. a week more then I used to have to spend which in turn is $10,000. a Month. Now I could pay just about all of my payments with the extra money it cost me in Fuel. Its ridiculous if you ask me. The rich getting richer and poor getting poorer. Now I was talking with a guy that came up with a idea on a way we might could help on getting the fuel price brought down without striking and without shutting down. I dunno alot about this but what he said seemed to make a little since. He stated that if everyone would pick one company to stop buying fuel from all together that after a while of not having any sales they would have to drop their price which would in turn cause the other companies to have to drop their price to be able to compete. this way we could all keep working by buying fuel from a different company. I dunno if this would work but let me know what you think.
Reply: That could work, but remember there are a lot of companies like Petro, Pilot, Flying J, and TA that don't always advertise who they get their fuel from. I know some truck stops and gas stations get it from whoever's cheapest that week, especially the independents and some franchise operations. If you think that will work, and other drivers or the American public agrees and wants to try it, then I will support it all the way.

From: richard
having been a driver in the construction industry my friends back east are hurting fuel prices go up but you can only charge so much for materials. so only the big guys survive as usual. the big company's buy fuel in bulk the little guy has to pay pump prices. what needs to happen is to get the civilians to stop buying fuel for a few days I know easier said than done the car owners have to get involved also. maybe bulk e-mail to everyone we know plus reply to all e-mails with a message to help out. a friend of mine sent me the article from the New York Times dated 3/29/08. that's how I got your e-mail address. good luck let me know if i can help even in a small way .
rich buffoni
mesa, az
Reply: Thank you Richard.  Standing together, communicating, spreading the word to your friends, neighbors, and anyone else right now and getting them to start calling the politicians and emailing the networks are the best things people can do right now.

From: linn hongell mk ranch and transportation
Does anybody know if trucks are going to shut down in the Southern part of Texas. Husband and I run a Belly Dump operation and we are also running just to pay those bozo Oil companies.
Reply: Well, the nationwide shutdown that has been on the news was April 1st, and some drivers have stayed shut down all week. Unfortunately, most of that's wrapping up now as drivers have to get moving again. Some areas have announced local shutdowns and rallies to the state capitols throughout the month, but those are hard to keep up with. I haven't heard anything about any kind of shutdown targeting southern Texas myself here on the website, and unfortunately, I don't have any kind of 800 number for drivers to call into at this time, but if anyone writes in with any information, I will be sure to post it here.

From: amreba2 at the TDU Drivers Forum. Topic; SHUT DOWN ON APRIL 1/2/3/2008
Hey Truckdriver, Thanks for the info. I have begun emailing the networks and stations. We are in W. PA here, and we are still sitting. Thank you so much for your reply, we are at home, in a small town, and don't get to see much of the action or progress with this except from tv or this site. Could you suggest on the site maybe others could just type a few lines each day and a general area they are in and how things are progressing there....ya kinda feel a bit alone and secluded not hearing...ya know? It might help us all stay strong in the effort. Thanks a bunch
Reply: How about it folks? Visit the forum and let amreba2 and others know where you are and what's happening in your area. Remember, showing support means staying in touch with each other, and that's what the forum is for.

Current News Updates From: Victoria (Grasshopper)
4-2-08
http://www.11alive.com/news/article_news.aspx?storyid=113808&GID=ggmaRCYA8Av12eTwGiiyIreYHBWRRilyuUU+0SzCjZU%3D
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,344509,00.html
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/

4-3-08
http://www.11alive.com/
http://www.wtoc.com/Global/story.asp?S=8109054
http://www.fox24.com/article.asp?pkid=11676
http://www.whiotv.com/money/15764298/detail.html
http://www.whiotv.com/news/15735957/detail.html
http://qctimes.com/articles/2008/03/31/opinion/columnists/barb_ickes/doc47e884ee13767185626302.txt
http://www.whiotv.com/news/15782121/detail.html?rss=day&psp=news  (not about trucks, but interesting)

From: Keith
I'm A Trucker that had to park 4 truck's just after Christmas, I'm now driving a truck for a local Company for 32cent's A mile, I've been Home Since the 29th for the shut down on the 1st, I done my Part to get the word across the CB on my travels, We've got to keep this up" I live in N,C, & the DOT has been ticketing Drivers hot & Heavy" Knowing that Driver's can't afford to maintain every thing on their trucks & pay 4 buck's A gallon for Fuel" We all know that our Government/Law enforcement is Greedy, In North Carolina the Fuel tax is 70'cents A Gallon across the board, We've got to keep this moving forward! These highway's & interstates are the blood veins of this Nation" and these Truckers are the life's blood that flows thru them, Now I know that every Driver has there own list of gripe's about what need's to be done & what changes need to be made, But We've got to Unite/ stick together, I support this union / Forum, My suggestion is to start Yet another Truck Drivers Association "But ONE that won't sell us out like the ATA or OOIDA! In My Opinion The ATA hasn't done nothing for the American Truck Driver in 20 years" But they Have for the ones Like The Insurance Industry" And Special Interest Group's That are against The Trucking Industry, Our so called OOIDA in My Opinion Has NO Ball's/Backbone or Hair it's Butt" They Don't Or Have Not Ever supported A Strike or shut down or ever tried to Organize the Drivers/Owner operators/Independent Drivers to get anything Done"
Now I tell People to Place A Tourniquet Around their Arm & Tighten it every time something is done to Hurt the Trucking Industry/ Truck Driver & See What Happens" Eventually There Arm Will Turn Black & Fall Off, This is what's Happening to Us" The End is Near!! Now I'm A third Generation Freight Hauler" Great Granpappy's Rig wasn't but 6 to 8 Horse Power" So We've Came A Long way's since the Day's of Carrying Freight! I will Do Anything to Help this Cause" That I Possibly Can" I Fill that we need to start doing thing's to Raise Money to Help this Cause, I Have A Terminal setting Empty Here in Lexington NC & I'm willing to Help" What can I Do to Help? Can We Sale Patches for Coat's & Jackets/ Stickers for windows & Bumpers, What Can we DO?
Reply: Hello Keith. Well, I am trying to start an unofficial organization here at TruckDriversUnited.  By unofficial, I mean no membership fees or anything else that would limit me or any members from legally discussing or supporting one another when it comes to making decisions. There are a lot of legal issues involved when you form an organization with members that pay dues, especially where Independent Owner Operators are concerned.  As far as hats, buttons, etc., I haven't had any requests yet, and I'd have to find someone that would make them for anyone interested.  As far as a fund, I have no idea what would be involved in that.  Being a full time driver, I have a hard time keeping up with the website.  In all honesty, I don't know if I would have enough time to devote to looking into starting any kind of fund.  As far as what you can do to help, start by printing as many of the flyers as you can and pass them out.  We have to start getting drivers to come together and communicate with one another online, or at least come here and say what steps they want to take next to get organized.  I didn't post your phone number because I wasn't sure if it was for me, or for drivers to call you. I guess if we had someone based at home that would get a 1-800 number and could take phone calls, it would be better than just having the website. I hesitate to ask for someone to volunteer for that job, but if anyone wants it, let me know.  Before anyone volunteers, remember, there's no pay, and no expense allowance as I'm not making enough in affiliate sales from the banners I have up to even cover the cost of running the site so far.

From: Sergio
I'm not a trucker, nor am I in the trucking industry, but I drive a F250 with the diesel motor as my daily driver! I fully support what you are all doing and am letting you know that I have had my truck parked in my driveway ever since the strike/shutdown started; and I will continue to do so until a change is made. Hopefully this will get the attention it needs to make a difference.
Sergio
2006 Powerstroke F250

From: Jasmine
Thought I'd let you guys know that the factory I work for mentioned the strike you guys are planning here. I think what you guys are planning to do is fantastic. If we could just get people and truckers alike to participate, it'd be even better! It's time the government started taking notice of you guys. I just honestly hope that a large amount of truckers will band together on this one, because we've all seen stuff like this called for a thousand times before. I say it's time you guys stick it to these greedy oil companies.
I'll be posting a link to the story that was featured on fox as well as a link to this website on my blog. Below is my link to that.
Best of luck, I'm supporting you all fully!
www.xanga.com/operationeducate
Reply: Thank you Jasmine. It took me a few minutes to find the information about the Drivers, but I did and it's great. As far as other people joining in and participating, I'd love to see every American stand up for this and just walk off of their jobs, walk out of their homes, stop their cars in the middle of the road, and stand together for once as a nation against the government and the greed of corporate America. Just imagine if the American people would stand together, say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and start marching down the streets in protest.  The Truckers started it, but other people know they want to join in. I guess things just aren't bad enough for the rest of America to take a stand yet.

From: Kelly
Dear Trucker Friends, I used to travel with my late husband and played lumper when he became ill. He passed away 9-11-01 in our home. I miss the road more than I can say, and the good times we had. If any of you remember "Against The Wind" Trucking Co. out of Holland, Mi., that was us. My CB handle was "Weight Watcher" and I was always telling jokes and convincing truckers to pull over and have a hot cup of coffee with us. Even back then, the prices of diesel was hurting us and the driver's we hired. I see it has only gotten worse, and there will be no end in sight if people don't stand up and speak out. No one would have ANYTHING if it weren't for you incredibly over-worked truckers. I for one appreciate each and every one of you! I salute you and back you up 100% on going on strike. When people have to start doing without, maybe things will change. I sure can't see where it would make it any worse out there! I miss the C.B., but I still wave at all truckers (though not all wave back), and I will continue to do so. I'm even the first one who will back down to let a semi out or in out of courtesy, I know how difficult it can be. I even still blink my lights in an attempt to help. You folks do what you have to do. I know that Bobby would be behind me on this also. Be safe and God-Bless.............Kelly M. Larsen

From: Leslie
I'M A COMPANY DRIVER FOR SHORELINE TRANSPORTATION, A FEW OF US HERE TRIED TO GET THEM TO LET US SHUTDOWN WITH THE O/O BUT THEY HAD NO PROBLEM TELLING EVERYONE ON THE COMPUTERS THAT IF WE SHUT DOWN NOT ONLY WILL WE BE TERMINATED BUT THEY WILL CHARGE US FOR THE LOADS THAT WE'D BE SITTING ON BUT THAT THEY WILL MAKE SURE THEY END OUR CAREER DRIVING BUT IT WILL ALSO GO ON OUR DAC REPORT. I REALLY WISH THEIR WAS A WAY TO SHUT DOWN THE FUEL/GAS TANKERS BECAUSE IF WE CAN'T BUY FUEL THEN WE CAN'T ROLL...
Reply: While I don't condone violence, I wouldn't blame you or any of your fellow Drivers if you put a rock through your own windshield and claimed it was done by someone else because you didn't shut down.  Not that I'm suggesting anyone actually do that mind you.  I'm just sick of these companies that threaten the drivers, and the drivers aren't sure what to do about it. Too bad you couldn't get at least 75% to 80% of your fellow Company Drivers to stand together on this, because as I've said, there's no company that could survive if they terminated that many of their drivers.

From: Supporter
Hey I emailed the news stations in Indianapolis and this is the response I got from one of them.

We have done a couple of stories on it. Some politicians have talked about it but I don't know about any proposals in Congress. One candidate for governor has proposed a temporary waiver of the state sales tax on gasoline in Indiana. The heads of the oil companies testified before Congress yesterday but I know of no concrete plan to reduce gas prices.
Sincerely,

Kevin Finch
News Director
WISH-TV
317.956.8549
317.704-8719 (fax)
LIN Television, Indianapolis
WISH-TV / MyNDY / WIIH / LWS
1950 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
www.wishtv.com
www.MyNDYtv.com
www.indyunivision.com
Reply: Thank you, that's great. I have been in touch with a number of the local reporters and news directors myself from across the country. While their stories do help, and the networks will pick up on the local stories, what we need right now is more national coverage. This is why I'm encouraging everyone to bombard the networks with emails asking them about keeping us updated.

From: Janet
Today is our shut down day....April 2nd...we are planning a trucker rally for tomorrow and hopefully we will get a lot of support, unfortunately not everyone in our small town is backing us.. but I just wanted to tell you that our local radio station wbyz.com has a GREAT editorial on it if anyone has the time to go to the web site and hear it.. if just click on Al's comments....I really appreciate his coverage for us....God Bless and SHUT YOUR TRUCKS DOWN....if we don't get this diesel price down ...I know, we'll be out of business...
Thanks again for your support it helps mine feelings to know you understand and care...
Janet

From: kathy
THANK YOU Truckers all over the US for what you are doing to show what is raping all of us. YOU guys ARE the backbone of the economy. So many business DEPEND on YOU and your loads. You all have my support 100 percent. YOu give alot of yourselves and your job isn't easy. SO GOD BLESS YOU!! Thank you.

From: cj
I REALLY THINK WE SHOULD HAVE A SHUTDOWN LIKE WE HAD IN THE 70'S THEN THE ASSHOLES WOULD HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ITS NOT JUST THE TRUCKERS ITS THE GAS TOO WE HAVE TO STAND UP AND FAST. ITS THE RICH GET RICHER AND THE POOR GET POORER

From: Chris
I am with you all. I am so damn sick of the government not doing anything about the oil tycoons ripping us all off, especially the truckers. My dad is a truck driver and I am standing behind him and the rest of you all.
I want to know why diesel is so much when we are exporting the fuel to other countries because we have so much of it. Why aren't we charging them the higher costs instead of us?
I am standing behind a strike. Let me know if there's anything I can do.
Reply: Make phone calls and send emails to the government and the networks, and get everyone you know to do the same.

From: robert
I am a landstar driver, one who has decided to take the entire week off and would take two to ten if necessary to get the job done, but living within viewing distance of I75 I can see there are still a lot of trucks rolling and when you ask these guys why they are still running they say they cannot afford to shut down, well I do not see how they can afford to keep running. Since 2000 my annual fuel bill has went up nearly 15,000 dollars and that's all out of profit. what will it be next year 18, 20,000. If you ask me the tax break for the big oil companies of 18 billion should be divided up and used to subsidize truckers with their fuel bills.
Reply: Good idea, but getting big oil execs. to let go of that money would be like getting J.B. Hunt drivers to shut down, and I know what you mean about the guys that are still running. It's sad when people use that excuse, and I'm sorry but that's all it is. Anyone that genuinely can't afford to stop their truck for one week now are the ones that can't afford NOT to, because if they are in that bad of shape, then one flat tire would literally put them out of business... and that's no way to be doing business.  Company drivers that are using that excuse need to join together and start demanding more money from their company, or quit and get a job at Micky Ds. Some people aren't going to like this reply, but that's too bad. I won't apologize for making it, because I'm sick of hearing it.

From: Bobby
I may not be a trucker but i am doing what i can since I do drive a diesel truck

From: Terri
I support the truckers 100%! I have a family member that owns his own truck , so I understand what the independent trucker is going through. But it's not just the trucker, it's ALL of us, and we need to get off our butts and do something about it. I'm sick and tired to these greedy oil companies and our so called "government" officials, screwing us over all the time! I'm fed up, and will support our truckers anyway possible. I will not buy gas until this is over. My car has been sitting in my driveway for 2 days, and unless an emergency arrives, that's where it's gonna' stay until this strike is over. COME ON PEOPLE!!! LET'S FINALLY TAKE A STAND, AND SHOW THESE GREEDY PEOPLE THAT WE'RE NOT PEOPLE TO BE MESSED WITH!
Reply: I LOVE YOUR ENTHUSIASM. Please start contacting the networks, and have your friends do the same before this just 'disappears' and no one cares anymore.

From: mwakin
if truckers would shut down Washington, DC for 1 day . that would show the gov't what trucking is all about. nothing in & nothing out.
Reply: I though about recommending no one deliver any kind of alcohol to D.C. When the politicians can't get their free martini with their free meal or their free Cuban cigar, they'll throw a fit.

Reply: Curtis
I am behind the drivers 100%. Those MONEY GRUBBING OIL CO. get richer by jacking up fuel prices and forcing the owner-operators out of buss. The larger trucking co. won't back down because they get kickbacks. What is used to run trucks is the same to heat some homes. So if you can't afford to work you can't afford to stay warm at home.
Reply: If we don't do something NOW, pretty soon staying at home is all ANYONE is going to be able to afford to do.

From: Victoria (Grasshopper)
Hi Dave,
Just a quick note to tell you that Neal Boortz (syndicated talk show host, broadcasts live everyday from Atlanta, GA) is bad mouthing the truckers that are protesting for going to slow and tying up traffic.

From: Tom
Good evening drivers,
I do not drive a truck, although I have always wanted to. I used to drive while I was in the military hauling ammo.
I just wanted to let you know, you have my full support. I wish there was something that I could do to assist you besides sending these words of encouragement.
I truly believe that SOMETHING has to be done in order to get the attention of the big-wigs sitting in their multi-million dollar office, smokin' that fat cigar while there company is making $1,300.00 A SECOND!!!! Give me a break! Here I sit, out of work due to my back. I bring in $123.00 + food stamps in state assistance for a month while I am fighting the Social Security Office for over a year now.
It is time for American citizens to take a stand and let these money hungry greedy imbeciles know that we are tired of being bled dry of what little money we do make to take care of our families.
I believe that if it were possible to have every big rig that drives the roads to park it for 2 days. And not haul any products coming from refineries.
Yes this would put a major kink in the lives of the common person, but it needs to be done. The big companies need to be shown that there are other people in this country who has a right to enjoy a comfortable life. $1,300.00 a second is crazy!!!
OK, gonna' get off here. I am very proud of all of you. And your are doing the right thing so keep it up! Wish there was more I could do for you.
Tom

From: Brian
I support the truck drivers across this country having known quite a few. I would challenge you that a shut-down isn't going to have the long term effects that you are looking for. For the same reason that the shutdown for passenger cars doesn't work. You still have to get where you have to get to. It just delays it a day or so. Slowing down and finding better ways to conserve fuel are a much more effective solution. If the demand decreases and supplies increase, then you will start seeing a drop in prices again. I know trucks have gotten more efficient over the years and last a long time. Pushing for more fuel efficient engines and renewable fuels I feel will have a much more lasting affect on the core business. So having said that, have all the trucks slow down to 45 or just above. They won't get a ticket for driving below the minimum speed limit. They'll use less gas. And I think they'll get the point across... Good luck to you all.
Reply: I agree that an effective shutdown would require about 75% of ALL trucks participating for 72 hours. By that time, the grocery warehouses will start running out of product, and the gas stations will be out of gasoline (even if they do ration it).  That time frame would be enough to get enough people's attention that they would be bombarding their local and federal governments with a demand to take action.  Any longer could have a devastating effect on the economy, which is NOT what we  want.
As I mention on 'The Shut Down Option' page, there are other options, and ones that I believe are more effective. Unfortunately, other options are long term, and too many O.Os. and small Trucking Companies don't have that kind of time.  For many, this shutdown is a last ditch effort to survive before they go out of business. This isn't due to poor planning on their part as much as it is the fact the cost of diesel at the pump has climbed so dramatically over the last year and a half. By the time they adjusted for one fuel price increase, they were looking at another one, all while still running their business in a very competitive and harsh environment. As far as reducing our speed, while this may work for a protest, you have to remember that we are paid by the load, or by the mile for Company Drivers.  The average Driver is making less than $12 an hour right now (not including his time away from home when he/she is on their required break), the more we slow down, the less we make.  Additionally, the longer it takes each truck to deliver one load, it increases the necessity for more trucks to be on the highway, which is something a lot of people don't want to see.

From: STEVEN
I think there is a need to bring attention to the plight of the trucking industry. But we also are going to hurt ourselves in the process. We are in a dilemma. If we raise our prices we pass on the rising cost of shipping to ourselves as consumers also. If the government gets involved we are moving away from the thing that has made our country great, a capitalistic society. There needs to be much thought to decide and bring about a resolution that will befit the trucking industry and also us as consumers.
It seems the only way to get something done at this point is to shut the trucks down and do what has to be done.
Reply: At this time, a shutdown is the only way, and regardless of the outcome, there are going to be those that will raise their prices and say 'it was the Trucker's fault for shutting down'.  Many people will believe this, not realizing that the cost of consumer goods was preparing to skyrocket if we didn't shut down.  Now, rather than walk away when this is over, we need to start organizing. Not necessarily for another shut down, but to make some positive changes in the industry we all know are long overdue before Trucking, much like the migrant workers jobs, becomes a job that nobody wants to do.

From: dee
My boyfriend works for a small company in western Massachusetts and we want you to know that they will strike also when the time comes. We want you all to know that this affects us also the more fuel prices go up the less we make also. Anyways we support this strike also. It's time we got something other than a violation ticket.

From: Mark
I think it's long overdue for truckers to unite for a cause, and what better cause than to stand up against the oil industry. My sister's husband is a trucker and I know for a fact that truckers go through & put up with all kinds of B.S. I once thought of becoming a trucker, but I don't have enough patience for all that B.S. anymore. I would probable swipe some of the idiots off the road along with their alien cell phones having sex with their inner ear canals, or spread-eagle those crooked brokers (the ones that steal so much away from hard working truckers and their families), strap those crooks across the front grill of an 18 wheeler for a life altering ride they never thought they'd get. Some idiot suggested getting rid of the trucks and doing it all by trains, what planet did that moron come from? Trains are just part of the program of delivery and for what should be obvious reasons, they can't do door to door. You can bet CSX and other unions will eventually go on strike, they did it before, truckers should be able to do the same. I hate to say it, it's harmful to the economy, especially when they do it while the economy is back on the upswing, but sometimes that's what it takes to get the message across. No matter whom the president is when it happens, people find it so easy to point the finger of blame at the president, when it should be pointing in so many other directions, because there are so many others who are truly responsible for all our woes, and so many reasons, ie; outsourcing, cutting hours, layoffs, making poor decisions without getting all the facts or foreseeing the repercussions of those poorly made decisions. STAND YOUR GROUND ON THE STRIKE/SLOWDOWN. "IN MY OPINION THE HIGH PRICE OF OIL AND GAS, IS JUST ANOTHER FORM OF ECONOMIC TERRORISM. THINK ABOUT IT...OPEC... IF THE MIDDLE EAST TERRORISTS, AND THEIR SUPPORTERS, CAN'T BEAT US BY KILLING OUR TROOPS & CIVILIANS, THEN WHAT BETTER WAY TO BRING OUR COUNTRY DOWN, THAN THROUGH THE ECONOMY. AND THE FIRST, THE BIGGEST RIPPLE CREATED IN OUR POND OF THE ECONOMY, IS THE BIGGEST STONE THROWN BY THE OIL INDUSTRY"!

From: jim
well I have only be on the road for a year and a half and I support you 100% I work for a known company and when I dropped off the load, I called and told them IM bringing the truck back and am not hauling another till this strike is over, and if they have a problem, then ill look elsewhere for employment, keep up the strike we need something done...my wife was sure glad to see me and not to mention my 13 month old son..

From: Temy
I'm a former driver, now disabled. I was hearing about shutdowns and strikes at least since 2000. It ain't gonna happen guys. Many, many reasons (lack of support from big companies ia a big one), but it just won't. How many full time OTR drivers are out there right now? And I'd bet you $100 that you can't get even 100 of them to actually join together for more than lip service. You know how easy it would be to totally shut down ALL Interstate traffic around DC? Would take less than 100. It would call immediate national attention. Can it happen? Not a chance.

From: dave
lm a owner operator and be that for a long time until the diesel want up l don't understand when drivers say they can shut down l be down a year and l don't see why some body cant if your not making any money why run for nothing and other thing need to be addressed is the company need to give the owner operator the insurance and they should pay for the rest of operational requirements except physical on there tractor. shouldn't charge no escrow. and give a good percentage rate to truckers that haul there freight give a lot more fuel surcharge than what there paying at present time no wonder nobody can make a living or try to pay bills and raise family .AND KEEP UP YOUR TRUCK MAINTENANCE. LETS KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ON STRIKE AND PRAY FOR A GOOD OUT COME . D TRUCKING

From: Jerrod
Let's start digging in ANWAR. The impact in size of this desolate iceberg is minimal. Compare it to taking a quarter and placing it on the corner of a 12 foot by 20 foot area rug. I care about the environment, as a farmer my livelihood depends on it. Four dollar plus a gallon for diesel means 3 dollar a loaf of bread. It is that simple. An old racing buddy is a geologist for shell oil. A massive oil shale is in the Colorado region. More than most middle eastern countries! Am I the only one who is fed up?!

From: Jay
I am not a truck driver, but I am seriously thinking about becoming one. I am currently in the Air Force (11 1/2 years). How can 4 wheelers support you all?
I am financially lean now and away from my family, I rather be financially lean, away from family and NOT go to war. This is one reason why I think about becoming a trucker, besides I love to drive and love the open road (not so open any more).
Jay

From: james
I'm glad to see someone else passionate about the ever worsening situation trucking has become. I'VE ARGUED WITH MANY A DRIVER THAT WE MUST ORGANIZE, STAND TOGETHER, WE COULD CHANGE ALL THE NEGATIVES INTO POSITIVES. It'd take about 1 week to make a lasting effect, this nation depends on us but i doubt if any other profession is more under-valued/under-payed/under-appreciated than truck drivers. I support your efforts and offer my help in any form...but this needs to be much better organized to be effective---I only heard of the spotty STRIKE today reading fox news...thanx, let me know how to help with the next nationwide organized full truckers strike....sincerely, James

From: Chandra
I think the state by state is a good idea, however maybe all the trucks that can should pick a day for ALL of them the drive downtown DC. If hundreds or thousands of trucks show up in DC at once I'm sure that will wake up the government!!
Reply: This was tried during the Clinton administration. Unfortunately, Bill Clinton did not release any of the fuel reserves back then, but instead, mandated that all states start using low sulfur diesel to help clean the air. This increased the price of diesel fuel, and the lower diesel content created more wear and tear on diesel engines. Although I'm sure it did help to reduce diesel emissions, I have not seen any reports since specifying how much the actual reduction was.

From: Roger
I just wanted to know I support you guys 100%. I know you guys work real hard to provide for your family and with the cost of fuel going through the roof I'm sure it is extremely hard on you. I myself am not a truck driver, but I am a concerned citizen. I think it these big oil company execs. should be locked up for pushing the cost of fuel up for everyone, especially when they are posting billions of dollars in profits and getting billions of dollars in government subsidizes. It is amazing how the government can find 12 billion dollars a month to fund a war that nobody wants, but can't find any money to help with the fuel problems. Well I'm done venting, but do support you guys. Too bad you couldn't strike for a week, that would show the nations how important you guys really are.

From: Debbie
You have my support!! I wish the whole country would stand up and fight!! I would be willing to give up a few days of pay and not commute to work to try to get this gas regulated. Good luck!!!

From: Kevin
I am not a truck driver, however, I do understand the economics of higher fuel costs = lower incomes of independent drivers. But, please understand we are all suffering from the ridiculous fuel prices. I, also, understand that, for many independent truck drivers, shutting down is not an option. They have mouths to feed like I do. I can't simply stay home from work to make a statement against fuel prices and the legalized larceny of oil companies.
I've heard many suggestions for all drivers to do so, including not buying fuel on certain days, etc. This will not work, as the oil companies know we will just buy the next day.
The only viable option I've heard, is to stop buying fuel from one company. The best choice is Exxon-Mobile, since they continue to brag about their "record breaking" profits. Maybe truck drivers should consider this. That could have a tremendous influence on an oil company's profits. It would, also, cause the fuel retailers to put pressure on the oil company.
Unfortunately, I don't believe the American public will come together to make a difference. Everyone just likes to sit back, complain, whine and hope someone else will solve all of their problems for them. Some are even so dense as to think it will be the government that will come to their aid. HA HA HA. Good luck with that and let me know how it works out for ya.

From: Alvin
Today is April 1st and I have shut down for three days. My Friends have also shut down. The company I am leased to is pissed, but they better get over it. I have been telling them for 3 months I was in dire straits. Now that they are suffering, they finally got the message and stopped taking cheap freight. I saw this coming and socked away $27,000.00 in August and had spent all of it on fuel by the third weak of November. I hope this little demonstration will have the intended effect of getting the nation's attention that we are all working for less than minimum wage, which by this nation's own laws is illegal. The cost everything connected with trucking has quadrupled or quintupled but we are still working for pay rates that are 15 years old. The unscrupulous brokers and agents out there are stealing and cheating us out of our due. Drivers need to contact their Congress People and Senators to push legislation to ensure we get our due. The need to be prodded to pass laws taking oil off the free market and regulate the price. They already regulate 90% of our industry, why not something that would actually help us?

From: non driver supporter
Mike,
Hi, I have read a lot of your post and I'm very glad that you guys are getting the support you should get from all of us. I just want to let you know if you need any help with your site or anything please email me and let me know. I don't know if you have ever heard of a web site called Topix but I added the news about the strike to the Connersville, In forum and was going to add your site to it for everyone to show their support.
Thanks email me if you need any help
Chandra
Reply: Hi Chandra.  I'm not sure who Mike is that you are referring to, but I appreciate your support anyway. I did check out Topix briefly, and I will go back and look at it more when I can.

From: missy
My husband is an owner operator.  I support all of you.  The fuel prices are ridiculous.  He will be parking his truck also.  My support is to all of you.  Good luck
Missy

From: matthew
I think what y'all are doing is right on track. I hope that it will make a difference and maybe when people see what truckers are doing maybe people will park there cars for a while and stop buying gas.
Everybody complains but won't do nothing about it. As long as we continue to pay outrageous fuel prices, it will never change.

From: Timothy
Just wanted to say "way to go"! You guys make this country run!!! I can [complain] and moan about my local commute (I drive a 2001 Cavalier and get 30 miles per gallon) and have told my boss I'll stop driving at $4/gallon...big difference from $1200/fill up! Either this country's greed needs to be reigned in, or I'll go without. Or both! I'll settle for less to make YOUR lives easier! This has got to stop...I can't see raising prices for my goods, as a pc tech, I can't compete on parts already! Get what you need for your families. The market has already hit bottom, but I'll tell you that if this country comes to a halt, the rest of the world will fall into line. [Heck with] the Arabs...I can imagine they're making a good Billion a day to figure out how to take us down anyway.
T~

From: Big Ed Drake
The Drake clan supports you...Don't take any crap from anyone...you all deserve credit for long hauls ect...Hell I saw someone hauling on Easter Sunday...Non - Driver but just wanted to voice mine and the clans support..
God Bless you all...the heartbeat of American Industry
http://www.fubar.com/mum.php?id=374543
sort of blog to push your movement
Reply: Thank you Big Ed.  I would suggest adding a link or the URL for TruckDriversUnited.com so people that find your blog can find TDU and not only read more about what's going on, but see what other people are saying.

From: Rosy
We need SUPPORT in going through with this strike. Drivers think other drivers are not going to stop or cant afford to stop therefore they are thinking of today but not for the future. We must come together and bring these fuel prices down

From: james
I think the brokers are a lot of the problems with independent drivers not making any money. They get a good rate and try to move for a cheap rate they are making $500 to $800 off some of their loads. I think they should only be able to take 10% that would stop a lot of this.
Reply: I want to say that all drivers need to remember that there are large brokerage firms, and small ones.  Just as there are large trucking companies, and small ones.  Let's make sure we don't just group them all together like some people do us Truckers. Some of the small companies and agents have shown their support for us, and tell many shippers they need to raise the rate on some loads if they want to find someone to haul it.  Let's make sure we don't point fingers at the wrong people and make enemies out of those that could become our greatest asset.

From: Alien Kowboy
I work as a company driver and very dearly wish that my company would honor the strike and join in. However being they justify not doing so by claiming other employees rely on the trucks moving, what more can I do. I FULLY SUPPORT the truck strike and if I was a O/O I would push it just as I do now as a company driver.

From: Joel
I am not a truck driver but everything I sell goes on a diesel fueled
truck. It impacts the pricing on every item I ship. There is no way I can recoup the increases in shipping costs at a rate equal to the rate of pricing increases we are facing regarding fuel.
I agree with your boycott-if the right individuals don't get the message, then make the shutdown last long enough until they do get the message-
We have had enough.
Good Luck to you folks.
Regards,
Joel Mike

From: Dan
I've been a company driver for about 7 years now. Have often thought about being an owner op though I talked to lots of old timers and they pretty much talked me out of it...saying it's not like it used to be, there's no money in it, etc.
If I did become an owner op I think I'd buy a Freightliner argosy or some similar cabover and put a drom box behind the sleeper, convert the truck to run on used vegetable oil and carry around a tote or two of veg. oil in the drom box. I can buy processed used vegetable oil for $2 a gallon from the local rendering company. You could even scavenge straight from the chinese restaurant's fryer provided you strain the food out of the oil first. Basically you need to heat the stuff up to 180 degrees for it to inject properly, and you have to start up and shut down on diesel. Plenty of websites & companies out there can show you how to do the conversion or will do it for you. At last check kits run about $1,000 and keystart will run from $3-5 grand. A great reference book on the topic is "Sliding Home, A Complete Guide to Driving your Diesel on Straight Vegetable Oil."
Let's face it, we do need to stand together though we still need to put bread on the table at home. Check into the veg. oil. The diesel was originally designed to run on peanut oil. It was the discovery of abundant petroleum in the early 20th century that led us to where we are now.

From: JAMES
I AM AN OWNER OPERATOR BASED OUT OF TEXAS. I WAS IN OKLAHOMA WHEN THE TRUCKER STRIKE STARTED, SO I PARKED MY TRUCK AND PUT A SIGN ON THE FRONT OF MY TRUCK STATING WHY I WAS ON STRIKE. TOO
BAD EVERYONE DIDN'T SHUT DOWN WITH ME! JIM

From: sharon
be strong - don't give up - your voice will be heard

From: Cathy
I learned about your site thru a google search. I am so glad to have found it. We heard of a shutdown starting April 1st. My husband is an independent driver. For the past several months our lives have been hanging on a shoe string. We are about to loose our truck and our home. Thank you for having this site, it will encourage all of us who are hanging in there. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
And thanks again...Good luck to all...We are with you!
We are shutdown...United we stand!
Cathy, another current independent contractor LANDSTAR

From: Goran
Small Company out of Canada
Supporting you all the way, Shut Down is the only way to fight. Stand Up and FIGHT for Your Right
Lots of Canadian truckers want to shut down but they are not organized.
All the best from Toronto Canada

From: gwen
my husband is a driver here in our great state of Texas, corn, rice milo and soy bean. I do not support the shutdown just because he is a driver and we depend on that income. I support it because 1. what is happening to y'all truckers IS HAPPENING to all of us. 2. because without my husband and the like, we would not eat, wear clothes, have shelter etc... I am showing my respect and support by putting a sign on my car ( that while this is going on is only driven 18 mls per day), telling all who will read it to eat next month we have to support our drivers not just today, but next yr and so on. If more people that are not drivers
would make signs for their vehicles or their front lawn to show everyone we support y'all, might help some. Cant hurt. After all it is not just y'alls future here nor is it just y'alls responsibility, it is everyone's. God speed and bless us all.

From: ronfaster
Stop all deliveries going out off refineries to gas stations. This was done in Canada gas stations had no gas this seem to be a better way than disrupting traffic

From: james
You men and women of the trucking business have my 100% support. Thank god you have the gonads to do this. Finally, someone has decided enough is enough. I don't see how you can continue to make a living due to the ridiculous price of fuel. Keep it up. If there is a fund to help you men and women out, please let me know where I can donate.
James
Fire Chief
Texas
Reply: Thank you James.  There is no fund I'm afraid, as there technically is no organization behind this. Independent Owner Operators cannot form a union because of anti-trust laws.  As far as this site, I only post comments and make suggestions, so I'm not any kind of official spokesman, just another Trucker doing what I can to try and make the Trucking industry, and the country I love a better place to be right now.

From: Brent
Thank you for making a stand. I don't drive truck or haul but I do drive a pickup and I do occasionally drive cross country. The gas prices are outrageous and the oil companies are raking in huge profits. The state and federal governments are not going to do anything about it because their tax profit is a percentage of the per gallon price. If they get 20% of every gallon, it's in their best interest to have a higher price...more money for them. The only way anyone is going to take notice is if you all stop hauling. You guys and gals run this country and can make it stop on a dime. Will it hurt a little now? Of course it will, but a little pain now is better than a constant, huge pain later. Thanks again and please be safe out there!!
Respectfully,
Brent Palmer

From: renee
I WISH YOU, TRUCKERS, THE BACKBONE OF AMERICA, GOD BLESS YOU. IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY HAS THE COURAGE TO SPEAK AND ACT OUT AGAINST OUR NOW GREEDY GOVERNMENT. MAY JESUS BLESS YOU....

From: Monica
Going on strike is the best thing you guys could do!! Good LUCK!

From: gwen
i've already written of my support, i would like to know what it is that i may be able to do to help you with this web page. i have alot of free time, very little money, but would like to help you out. please contact me if there is anything i can do to help.
my e-mail is here. will be waiting to hear. gwenkie2002@yahoo.com
Reply: Again, I usually protect peoples anonymity here, but Gwen seems to make it clear she had no problems with her email address being listed.  Since she is volunteering to help, if you have any suggestions for her, her email address is listed.  My suggestion to EVERYONE is start joining in and start getting the economy back under control before it's too late. Call in sick. Don't drive unless you have to. Join in the slow downs when you see them. Call your Governor and other state representatives. Bombard them with emails.  Email Congress. Get your friends, your family, your neighbors, and even your enemies to start joining together to TAKE AMERICA BACK! STAND IN YOUR FRONT YARD AND YELL IF YOU NEED TO, BUT GET THE WORD OUT NOW!  Enough is Enough.  Something has to be done or we will all be standing in line to pay $10 for a loaf of bread before we realize what has happened!

From: Paul
I support your strike! It's time the obscene profits of oil companies and greedy politicians are stopped! These prices are hurting everyone - regular people, and people like you who rely on fuel to make their living. We know it may cause supply problems with trucks stopping, but if that's what it takes to make a point, so be it!
I support you!

From: Jon
I am a truck driver myself, and I don't no what to do, if I don't drive, I will get fired. I support this 100%,but I'm in a bind!!!!!!!
Reply: I understand that many Company Drivers fear the loss of their job by supporting a shut down.  This is why I tell Company Drivers to talk to the other Truck Drivers at the company you drive for.  Get them to join TDU and start standing together.  There isn't a company out there, including J.B., Schneider, Werner, U.S., or any of the other big boys that could do anything but support the drivers if 90% of the Truckers that work for them would stand together on an issue.  I don't know who you drive for, but no matter who they are, if you can get your fellow Drivers to join with you, the company couldn't stay in business by terminating all but 10% of their fleet.  While it may be too late to get enough of them involved in this shutdown/slowdown, it isn't over unless we walk away.  We can still start organizing now, and start coming together as a nation of Drivers that will work together.

From: Brenda
If you shut down or slow down like you did 30 years ago America listened. Please take a stand and stop hauling for a few days or a week. I know that you have bills to pay but we all need the supplies you haul. To make it work band together as truckers and Americans use to do.

From: Cindy
I have been scanning the comments here on these pages and what I see is that not much is organized and then few and I mean very few have the guts to stand up and strike!
1. You need a set date for the strike to start and then be ready to make it last as long as needed. (Believe me it won't take long because without trucker drivers this country will collapse)
2. You need MAJOR media coverage. You need to get the word out to every driver on the road.
3. You have to be willing to stick it out. Others that go on strike don't say "we'll just do this for one day". How is that going to make an impact? Let me once again tell you that when the store shelves are bare and the milk, produce and meat are rotting in the fields and warehouses, this strike won't take long.
4. Know that you are not going to be replaced like so many are in fear of. It does take time to train a driver. And if you can get the majority in for the strike, ...well. The bigwigs may not be pleased with you, but they will be happy to see you back on the job as well as all other Americans!
Let me ask you this?
DO YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO STAND UP AND STRIKE? WELL DO YOU?
I am not a truck driver, but I do support you and want to see you make a real difference with this and not just make a joke out of yourselves. You guys do deserve better!
Reply: Thank you Cindy, we do appreciate all the support we're getting from people that aren't drivers. I did notice that there was some network news coverage tonight on NBC, NBC and FOX about the strike, so we are starting to get some media coverage. As far as organization, yes, that was lacking.  I only heard about the shutdown myself about a week before it was suppose to happen, so I had to scramble to get the information on TDU.

From: paul
i support you 100%.i got so tired of the [crap] i have quit trucking for now. Fuel is not the only problem. The [idiots] of the DOT keep making it harder on us. DAC is [crap] because the trucking company that screwed you over only tells DAC that you quit. You are not allowed to tell your side. Then there is the [idiot] at the shipper or receiver to put up with. Then there are the stupid [idiot] four wheelers who constantly cut us off. If you need me to go to wash. dc i would be glad to go. I want to be heard. I say truckers put signs out at all rest areas to go on strike now until our demands are met. If you would like to have someone who is not scared of our [crap] government put me in charge. I'm willing to die for truckers cause. I can be reached at 478/783-2263 ask for paul d. ringer.
Reply: While I try to make people feel safe commenting here by not posting anyone's contact information, including their email or even their last name, I have the feeling Paul isn't too worried about getting phone calls from other people that read this page.  And Paul, even though I want to get your message posted by editing it, let's remember that there are many people that judge us by our language, so feel free to write in, but what do you say you chose some more family friendly expletives next time for the benefit of our readers that might take offence. I'm getting enough heat because of the links for the adult sites already, and driving supporters away isn't what we want to do.

From: M. Dickinson
I'm not a trucker, but i applaud the probably worthless effort. This is a much broader problem overall and is actually due in a large part to the American People's WILLFUL INDIFFERENCE. But God Bless you anyway.

From: JHF
Hello: I have been reading the feedback you are receiving and this is good. I do however want to point out that oil is not evil and one of the problems (beside the greed of big oil and government) is the fact that we can not open any new oil refineries and we can not drill any wells . We are using only 15% of are nations supply here in the us. Most of our oil right now is coming from Mexico and Canada .The stock market is what sets the price of crude and we go from there .We are building all these ethanol plants that are being supported by the government, and one gallon does not produce enough energy to support itself. The clear fact is that for one the oil company is invested in ethanol they still make money, second we are driving up our food prices, and third ethanol has been out since the 70s and fuel keeps going up. It is not working, our focus should be on allowing this country to do what we do best. You can not build a economy by saving, this was once a great industrial country, but some have chosen to put such burdens on industry they have forced them to move there business to other country's to survive .This is just one of our problems The global warming crowd is allowing the rich to get richer and bringing this country to its knees. The earth has survived hundreds of thousands of years with out us. Do I believe in pollution? Yes there is some areas. Will buying carbon credits solve it? NO .Will an 800 dollar fine in California, because your engine sticker is missing or faded solve it? No. I am sure there is some who will not like my view. Keep this in mind:  We use Billons of gallons of oil a day world wide. There is no other kind of that supply of energy out there .So if we was to shut down the oil empire we would be screwed. I am not invested in oil and I have to pay just as much as anyone else at the pump. IT SUCKS. Our focus should be more on the government policies that have caused this situation. Much like in the 70s when carter said there was an oil shortage, Whew, we sure found a lot of oil since then, now if we could just start using it. I am not for destroying the earth, in fact I don't believe we have that power. If we are so concerned then why are the environmentalist not attacking all those other countries, China Mexico, etc.. in fact the leading global warmer has gave them the exemption . As for the comments on this site about the porn, we could help the host to eliminate them buy sending a donation or becoming a member if he was interested. For those who like the site but do not like the advertisements. In short I have two trucks that are sitting for now and I hope this strike gains ground and we get some relief .But it is not just the oil companies we should be focusing our anger at. But the goofy policies are fearless leaders have put in place that brought us to this point.....Thanks for the time...
Reply: There are a lot more issues than just the cost of fuel, as I let Fox news know earlier today when I contacted them regarding why Truckers are so angry right now, but that is the thing everyone's focusing on.  Basically, diesel reaching $4.00 a gallon and more is the proverbial straw that is breaking the camel's back. There isn't room here to discuss the entire agenda that's affecting the Independent Trucker, but suffice it to say that the current strike/slowdown over the fuel price is the tip of a very large iceberg.
As far as supporting the site, I'm not proud, and I try to make it clear that I'll take all the help I can get!  Membership is free, because if I charge a membership fee, then TDU becomes an official organization, and what we can and can't do begins to fall under various regulations. That's why the site is technically just a place where any driver is welcome to give his or her opinion, read what other drivers are suggesting, then make up his or her own mind as an individual as to whether or not they will shut down, or anything else. Unlike some trucking organizations, I can support a shut down if I chose to do so, and I can post it on TDU because I'm not in violation of any anti-trust laws. In other words, I made sure to cover my tail when it comes to keeping legislation and government control OUT of TDU!

From: Bill
There is no reason diesel fuel is higher then gas being that it is a byproduct of gas. Its a shame they have to cut into our living expenses in order get their products to the consumer.

Reply: You are correct, but just to clarify for those that aren't aware, diesel is a byproduct of the refinery process. It use to be thrown out until the diesel engine was invented.  Although the diesel engine makes it usable, still, it is nothing more than the 'waste' produced from refining gasoline. So while there are costs involved in producing and shipping diesel, since gasoline is the primary product made during the refining process, the majority of the income made from diesel fuel is technically pure profit.

From: Bridget
Just letting you know that more people then you think are standing behind you!!! I know how hard its hitting my family at the gas pumps, I cannot even imagine the toll its taking on truckers families. I hope that all of America will take a stand and let our leaders know that as a country we will support this action. How can it be feasible in anyone that "big oil" companies are making billions of dollars a quarter and regular people are trying to decide between gas, food or medicine? My hope is that soon Washington will see what these gas prices are doing to our economy and start some regulating.....well maybe after we get the "oil barons" out of the White House. GOOD LUCK and STAND STRONG!!!

From: John
I think that this is outstanding. The truckers need to get together and keep it up MEGA QUOTOS to you guys spending all you time on the road and no one respects you and what you do. I am 100% supporting your efforts. Semper Fi.

From: Linda
My husband is a O/O with plenty to bitch about with the rest of you. Unfortunately, we are unable to shut down until tomorrow because he's under a government load and will be arrested for theft if he shuts down. I pray this is longer than one day. If this "strike" doesn't last long enough to severely inconvenience America, it will accomplish nothing. The shelves need to remain unstocked long enough for the members of our misguided government to run out of champagne and caviar before they will do anything more than reflect their anger at the "selfish" truck drivers. My support is with you all and I hold you in my prayers. Be safe and stick together.
Linda

From: Robin
Hell yeah!! Do it to it!
Go on strike for as long as you like. God will look after His own.
It may or may not get the attention of the US government, but nothing short of that will, for sure!

From: Chris
Hey guys/gals,
Here's a young Air Force pilot saying MORE POWER TO YOU! I've watched in amazement as your fuel prices soar. My father-in-law has been driving big rigs for a few decades so your fight is close to home for me. I hope you can send a message to Congress and the oil companies. EVERYTHING we own road on your trucks at one point or another. You guys/gals deserve better than this!
Good luck!
Chris

From: a freight forwarder
Truckers are targeting the wrong people,
All trucking companies charge a 20%-27% fuel surcharge which the drivers are not seeing
Last i checked drivers are getting 2-5% fuel surcharge, which which covers a little more than the cost of a coffee at a truck stop
that's an additional +20% profit for the companies and brokers.

From: AD
I am a 52 year female, wife, mom and grandmother. I drive 84 miles round trip to work 4 days a week. I cut back to 4 days to save on fuel cost. I support the truckers in a strike.
God Bless them for taking a stand.

From: Kimberly
I believe in what yall are doing. There is no way yall can make a living with these diesel prices. Even if I have to go with out I am willing to stand behind yall. Godspeed ahead!
Kim Weaver
Amelia Virginia

From: Phil
This strike is LUDICROUS and will solve NOTHING !!! Oil companies will not any time soon back down from their profit margins, and be forced to explain to stockholders profits are being slashed "so we can make truckers and drivers with 'Gas Guzzlers' feel better !!!"
The Feds and states won't back down on fuel taxes, because roadways and structures are already seriously decrepit, requiring repairs or replacements.
If you don't get "FSC" from a broker, and you can't a freight rate you want -- just say "NO" to its loads !!!
Learn how to control your costs -- and better yet, learn how to run ANY sort of company, before blaming others for YOUR problems !!!
Running a business is tough -- NOT a GAME !!! Nobody promised you life is fair, or a business "DESERVES" to prosper and grow !!!
Suggesting anybody who refuses to "strike" is lazy or "scared" is ridiculous !!! MOST know it's merely an "Exercise in Futility"
And THAT is why it has a miniscule level of Trucker support !!!

From: Dr William P. Steingold IV
Don't have enough [guts] (content edited for language) to post my message uh?
like i said if yall quit driving 90 miles a hour 365 days a year, you would have plenty of fuel. c'mon get your head out
Reply: If you would take the time to scroll down, not only will you see that your message was posted, I commented on it as well to help educate you, and I put the comment in bold. I can't help the fact that your message is only one of more than a hundred that has been added here today, and that you are having a hard time finding it among the comments from all of the supporters of the American Truck Driver.

From: Dave
I stand with you and the other truckers that struck today. The fuel crisis hurts you all most of all. Small business owners should not bear the burden of a falling dollar and it's weakness. I hope you get some relief. By the way, I am a Christian and understand that you have to pay for your site, but I am not in agreement with some of your sponsors.
Blessings,
Reply: Thank you, and I understand the adult links may be offensive to some people. It is not my intention to offend anyone, Christian or otherwise.  Since most businesses don't want to get their hands dirty and support this site, maybe some churches would be willing to help out in exchange for a link or banner?  I'm being serious, so if your church or anyone else's would be willing to help support TDU, I will replace the adult links with their information.

From: Tom
GREAT JOB!! It is about time they someone started to stand up to the oil company. The people in DC don't care about what goes on out here.
Thank you
Tom Mowry

From: John
Great, I am glad that someone in this country will stand up to the oil companies... I am not a trucker but I am behind you guys and girls..!! 

From: Justin
It is the small business owner; The working class person who will change the face of this country. My Uncle is a driver and the cost of diesel is killing him. This country depends on the small business owner. The person trying to make better for themselves.
What people need to realize is that this situation is starving people out of business.
Stand United!

From: Dave
I'm a driver for Con-way freight. I am ALL for this strike. I really hope it works. I think, in my opinion, if you got companies like UPS freight, Fed Ex freight and Con-way on board it would have a MAJOR impact. I talked to my terminal mgr the other day and he said we will run. I think if you would call the corp. offices maybe, just maybe, they will see your point. Just thought i would drop you a line to say THANK YOU and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

From: kathy
To all of you who are standing firm on this:
I give you great kudos and only wish more would do the same. I know there would be impact on all consumers. I remember the strike many years ago, and it worked then. Go forth and make a point for us, it seems that truckers are the only ones with the guts to do it. Go Boys and Girls! I support you completely!!!!

From: John
I am not a trucker, but I totally support what you're trying to do. The oil companies and profiteers of the oil companies (politicians) need to know that enough is enough.

From: John
I just called the AP reporter whose phone number was in a posting on "The Truckers Report" and asked him to dig into and report on how the commodities markets and those damn crooked brokers are responsible for a huge part of this mess. He seemed interested. RACER
Reply: Thank you John. Although as some brokers have pointed out, it's not all of them causing the problem, hopefully if we keep this in the media, they will do some digging and keep reporting on it. The more they dig, the more they will realize what's happening, and the more they will keep the American public informed. This is about the American economy getting ready to take a major crash that none of us can afford.  The Truckers are just the ones that reacted first, but as you can see from a lot of the comments here, many people that aren't Truckers understand this isn't just about trucks, it's about the fact we're dangerously close to facing a depression.

From: twyla
I think this strike is great, I'm glad someone is doing something about it. i only hope tat this will open some eyes to what we are going through. my boyfriend is a trucker and i stand behind him all the way. If he has to shut down to prove something or get something accomplished then so be it. all vehicles should do it, truckers, four wheelers, buses, soda trucks whom ever drives a truck and has to pay for fuel needs to open up their eyes to what is happening. Man is going to destroy himself if he doesn't be careful. I have a lot to say but I'll cut it short for now and hope for the best.

From: Ted
Hi, I live in Utah and there are no signs of a truck strike out here. I support you and if you have a connection out here please tell the truck drivers to join the strike.
Thank you
Reply: Actually, I don't have any connections anywhere Ted. I would love to get at least one person in each state with a website that would act as a representative for that state. Unfortunately, whoever that person would be, it means they would be working for free and paying for all of the expenses out of their pocket like I am doing here. I'm not complaining, just making sure it's clear what would be involved before I get a bunch of volunteers that think there's a paycheck or any kind of income or compensation for their time involved.  There's not.

From: Chad
I am from Nashville, TN and I don't drive a truck, however I am sick of high gas prices! I would like the truckers to know as a regular citizen you have my support all the way. I don't care if it temporarily drives up prices of other goods. You need to show these oil companies and the US government that truckers are vital to the economy and that these insane prices must come down!

From: Just A Freindly Broker
To ALL the truckers out there, I salute you ALL for a job well done. If it weren't for ALL of you, America and the world would not have food, clothing, furniture and any other product. So again, I salute you ALL for a job well done.
As a broker, please DO NOT get upset with ALL the good paying brokers out there. It is the brokers that want to keep all the money that is causing lower rates for carriers.
Not only if the truckers stick together, but if ALL us brokers join forces also and JUST SAY NO to the shippers that want to pay CHEAP RATES, we would all benefit from it.
Reply: I'm sure many Drivers realize that not all brokers are bad.  It just goes back to the old saying about "one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch".  (I can just imagine what the big trucking company executives are saying about me right now because of TDU. LOL).

From: Jonathan
As a federal officer with friends and family who drive truck I support the truck stop personally i think they should do it for trucks and cars alike! They need to lower fuel prices and stop getting rich off the poor man!

From: Carl
Dear Truckers,
I stand behind you if you strike or not. I feel that it will take something like a strike from truckers to get the government to pay attention to the rise in fuel prices.

From: Jillian
I'm not a truck driver, but I do support what you're doing. The prices of fuel are ridiculous for everyone. Hopefully, what you are doing will help lower the prices and send the message that we need to kick our search for alternate powering sources into high gear.

From: dennis
God Bless you all. At least you have the intestinal fortitude to stand up to this huge scam played upon the American people

From: Annie
As opposed to boycotting fuel, would it be at all helpful to start boycotting ancillary products that are sold at gas stations and truck stops, such as soda, cigarettes, chewing gum, fast food?
Those items are really where stations and travel stops make the biggest amount of their profit, while fuel is almost a break-even for them. Especially Diesel.
This is a way that not only you as a trucker can participate, but your families could boycott as well.
As a consumer I have to purchase fuel to get to work, but I don't need the pack of gum, cup of coffee or anything else my local Chevron or Exxon has to sell, so I don't purchase it there in support of the truckers. If truckers are not profiting, why should my local gas station?
When the service stations and truck stops start losing money because they are not making the profits they are used to, then maybe they will put some pressure on the distributors of fuel, who can put pressure on the gas companies. Sort of a hit them where they live theory.
Not sure it will work, but if so, everybody who purchases gasoline could stand up for the Independent Trucker by refusing to help their local gas station profit off the ancillary item sales.
I hope that makes sense. :)
Annie
Reply: I like it. ANYTHING that will increase the exposure and effect to help try and get our economy back under control needs to be done right now.  Many people don't realize that Truckers are doing today is not out of selfishness, it's out of necessity, and if things don't change fast, people that don't drive trucks can expect to see higher retail prices on everything very soon, including gasoline and food.  After all, that food at the grocery store wasn't grown, picked and processed in their back room, and the gas in those pumps don't come from pipes leading directly to the refineries. It was all delivered by a truck.

From: joe
I am a single truck operation. I have shut my truck down today. I have had brokers calling all morning and asking me to take loads, I told them no, I'm on strike until they start passing the fuel surcharge to me and quite telling me that the fuel surcharge is already figured in,,,,bull crap. We don't even need to talk about the price of fuel because all we will get is excuses. Drivers stay home and take a break
Reply: Well, that was my plan today, but so far I've received 159 emails this morning that I have edited and posted here... I need to get back on the road so I can take a break! LOL, just kidding. KEEP 'EM COMING FOLKS!!!  Oh, and if this site mysteriously disappears, then I guess it means someone with a lot of clout in Washington didn't like what was being said here.

From: justin
i own two trucks and have only been able two afford to run one for the past six months due to fuel prices. so at 12:00 3/30/08 i shut the other one down and hope everyone else does the same

From: Bob
Hell I went up and down I4 and I95 and hit a lot of truckstops and Rest areas and passed out flyers for the "Great American Truckout" some months back. Lots of truckers laughed at me when I told them Bush was planning to unleash 17,000 Mexican rigs on Americas roads. Many would not take the flyer ---- Do you believe me now. Bush wants to run you guys out of business with high diesel costs so he can bring in the MEXICANS. Yes your right diesel used to be .40 to .50 a gallon cheaper that Regular gas - When I was 14 I worked in a gas station then we called it coal-oil and burned it in cook stoves and for heat. I asked the oil delivery man why coal oil was cheaper than gas and he said because it didn't need all the processing that gasoline does. It comes out of the system ahead of gasoline so its cheaper to make. Well good luck on your strike - but like before you won't stick together --- that's the problem with lazy ass Americans nobody wants to do anything they figure somebody else will go out on strike so why should they? Hey you gotta hand it to the MEXICANS they stick together and get what they want YOUR JOBS.
Adios American Truckers! you are soon to be a thing of the past.
I don't want to say I told you so - but I did
Bob
Reply: Although some may consider this comment racist, I don't see it as such. There are no derogatory remarks made about the Mexican people, so I'm leaving it up because it does raise an important issue regarding NAFTA and the fact trucks from Mexico and illegals are being allowed to put more pressure on the American Trucker.

From: joe
GOOD JOB!!! truckers might be the only sector of this country that can bring about the changes we need. between wall street and wal mart and the people who would sell our country and our way of life for profit to the highest bidder, need a message sent...we have had enough of our good jobs going overseas, cheap labor being brought in unregulated, and 100.00 a barrel oil, not to mention that our dollar is at a all time low. i will be shutting my truck down until our voices are heard. current Landstar independent contractor.

From: Joe
Not a trucker, but my job requires driving. My "mileage reimbursement" hasn't gone up in years. I back you guys 110% and hope it makes a difference. If anything, perhaps this will form a trend. When you all close the grocery stores and restaurants, then they'll hear our voice. One by one, local businesses shut their doors as a country wide stock market crash looms. I stocked up on non perishables weeks ago. I also have an arsenal to protect it. Bring it the hell on!
If, one day, someone organizes a "stop and park" where car drivers blockade gas stations, you bet your ass I'll participate.
I also wrote my senator urging him to pass legislation on price controls. Every fiber of my being would be against such things. But times are changing.
Good luck! To all of us.
Joe

From: gordon
I support your cause 100%.But i think if you did have adult web sponsors u might get more support. It makes the trucking industry look bad.
Reply: I won't argue that fact, but with no membership fees, and no financial support, right now the adult sites and what I pay out of my pocket are what pay for TDU I'm afraid. Obviously, large trucking companies don't want drivers to organize, so they want nothing to do with TDU (at least none of them have written to me thus far asking how they can support us). Any business that did want to sponsor the site would have to understand they could not dictate what can and can't be posted here, even if it was negative comments about their company from Drivers that have dealt with them.  If you know of any business that would be willing to make a monthly donation in exchange for having a link to them put up in place of the adult links, and do so without placing any conditions on what comments I will and will not post here, please have them contact me and I will gladly do it.

From: David
Although I am not a trucker, I support you in your efforts to fight the ongoing battle with diesel and gas prices.
We should also urge the government to increase the production of oil shale to usable oil from the Green River Formation located in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. With over 1.7 trillion barrels of oil out there, it's time for us to tell OPEC to drop their prices to $10 a barrel or force them into bankruptcy by not buying their oil.
It takes 2-3 years to heat oil shale to a liquid state. This started on a small scale in 2005. It needs to be increased so that we are no longer dependent on OPEC.
Solidarity to all truckers and those who support you.

From: Ron
Hello,
I am not a trucker, but I own a Ford F-450 with a PSD that I use to commute to work and back. I fill up once a week and over the last 6 months the cost has gone from about $95 per week to $130 per week and I only hold 40 gallons! I appreciate everything that the truckers do for this great country and to show my appreciation, I am parking my truck tomorrow and using my wife's car to get to work.
Thanks again for all that everyone does.

From: Dr William P. Steingold IV
You truck drivers need to stop your whining. If you stopped driving 85 mph years ago, when you were causing multiple wrecks and running over law abiding citizens, you would have more than enough fuel.
Anyone who drives a semi 75-110mph needs his CDL revoked anyway.
I for one am glad the fuel is high and hope it goes higher because it forces you to slow down. After all who needs ya, the train can haul 1000x more than your 53ft trailer, and we won't have all your recap tires ( to cheap to buy new tires) on the highways and interstates....
woohoo, go diesel prices....
Reply: Dr William P. Steingold IV, I strongly suggest you read the page "Do We Really Need Trucks?" to get an idea of what it would be like without them. I'm not sure what kind of doctor you are, but if you are an MD, then I suggest you think about the fact that you would have to drive to a railhead approximately once a month and stand in line with a few thousand other doctors to get the medical supplies and equipment you need to stay in business.  Oh, and since a train consist will haul more than just medical supplies, the line you are in will probably be integrated into the other lines... you know, the ones with seven or eight thousand people standing in to buy food since it's impossible for every grocery store in the country to have a rail head behind it.  If you suggest adding more rail heads, be sure to consider the fact that EVERY business in the U.S. would have to have tracks run to it... right across the roads you drive on, so be prepared to leave two or three hours earlier for work, that is as long as your work place is only a few blocks away. Remember, you would have to stop for each train when it switches cars to spot a boxcar, which would become a round-the-clock event on every road in the country to keep up with the current rate of supply that Trucks spend to accomplish this task.  There are more issues to consider, but this should be enough to make any intelligent person realize that replacing trucks with trains isn't a feasible option.

From: Bill
Give them hell truckers there are tons of people out here that will support you 100 percent and I one of them. Take the fight to Washington DC , ring the Capitol block ever dam bridge in and out of that city , block ever road around the White House, Block every street that a congressman or woman lives on . Hell ring the beltway in the slow lanes. The more people understand that everything they eat, drink , clean them selves with , everything they use everyday get there by TRUCK and people who drive those trucks have to make a living on what they can get. While the oil company executives get huge bonuses and rack up profits that you could run a small country off of then nothing will happen. They in Washington don't get it , everything is based on OIL , you want to get the country going again lower the price. Those checks the government is sending out they will not go back in the economy because people will not buy those TVs and Washers and Dryers and stuff because they will have to use it to by there dam gas to go to work or buy there fuel for there job like the truckers. Everyone not just the truckers need to get involved and support these people. The taxi drivers, the delivery drivers, normal people going back and forth to work need to get involved. Hell block the fuel trucks from leaving the refineries. We are working people need to flood Washington with people in the streets if they will not do anything then flood Exxon and Shell and all the oil companies with people so they cant get anything done.
If you don't fight this mess we will get crapped on again every day , funny thing the oil prices in Europe have not gone up as much as here I think that is really interesting they have been paying 4 to 6 bucks a litter for years while we were paying 50 to 75 percent less, now our fuel has doubled while theirs has stayed close to the same. Who is screwing who , and by the way , I think we invaded a country setting on one of the largest oil fields and we get nothing from those fields. Give me a break it was about OIL we are spending billions on that place and we get nothing but dead Americans I think 4000 Dead Americans is more then a price to pay for some free or cheap oil. We own the skies and water around Iraq, we can wipe the place off the map if we want but we don't because we are people who care about others even though they hate our guts, we should have Supertankers lined up in the gulf waiting to be filled up.
So give them hell my trucker friends I support you until the end, greed is killing this country I hope we can fix it one day before we implode from within

From: Ann
It's about time you truckers start a strike. The American people believe that truckers are just a dollar bill going down the highway. That we can afford lawsuits when that [moron] pulls out in front of you. They don't understand that it costs an owner operator so much per mile to actually make any money. The pay per load sucks, as does the fuel surcharge on the loads. That is if you are lucky enough to get that. The police departments and their bogus citations. Because they know the driver will just pay the fine to keep it off their license. Truck drivers have a rough job to do. Some of you are civilized and some are not just like on any job. The cost of fuel is putting a hardship on small companies. While Washington could remedy this situation, they choose not to do so. Why should they, they do not have financial problems. So, why should they care? Hello! Washington you are suppose to be here to speak for the American people, but all you are doing is lying, lining your own pockets, and using stall tactics for your own agendas. You bureaucrats in Washington should be ashamed of yourselves. You need to read over our constitution. OUR GOVERNMENT HAS GOTTEN TO BIG FOR IT'S FOR OWN GOOD. YOU DO NOT SPEAK FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. NOR HAVE YOU EVER. WHAT SHALL WE DO!!

From: Brittney
my fiancé is a truck driver. he loves his job, very hard working man. i love going on the road with him. i appreciate what all you truckers do. but the cost of fuel is an outrage. ya'll need to stand up and speak up for yourselves

From: Holly
I am a late bloomer. & just entering the truck world.& i support the drivers 101% They are the ones that deliver everything to us. I am going to school for Schneider in 4 weeks.& I am going to retire in trucking. & i say its about time truckers stand united. i should say not 1 day 1 week sock it to them. They will notice 1 week no deliveries more.& i think the fees are way too high too licenses too/. give our men & ladies of the road a break!!!! I love all of you & will be on road to join you soon. Love Holly

From: Charles
Gentlemen,
I support you wholeheartedly. I may only own a diesel pickup, but the current situation is ridiculous in the pricing of fuel. It takes a lot less in refining, and additives to make diesel, so why are we paying 40 cents more than premium which costs more to make. I was told by a Sunoco driver that we are competing with Europe which uses more, and sells for more, also that having the low sulfur no longer makes it interchangeable with heating oil. I have found a product at Diesel Secret.com that uses used fryer oil, without the time and hazardous chemicals of traditional biodiesel, you use all the oil. We should encourage the restaurants you haul to to save, or donate their used oil which would reduce what se use now in petrodiesel. This process can be mixed on the spot, and put right into the tank. Has anyone justified the price to you that sounds reasonable?

From: Desiree
I support you on the strike 100%!! My step father has drove a truck for 38 years and this is just ridiculous. Stand your ground!
Our prayers are with you all
Desiree
Scottsboro, AL

From: Sam
To whom it may concern.
I am a dispatcher/driver/Fleet Manager of 10 trucks, today is my first to log into your site, I saw the address in an news article.
I agree whole heartily with the articles I read, split speed limits, restricted lanes,and revenue being the primary reson for these laws.
But as a first time viewer I was extremely disappointed, why? because you disgrace the must vitual industry in our great country by allowing sponsership for your site by the most devastating industry to our most valuable commodity the driver
and his Family. Pornography, why would you stoop to such distructive, degrading means to gain support. Our great industry demands better for someone to be a voice for us. You speak out on the issues which we need but stab us in the back by your business pratices.
Ashamed of you.
Sam Groff
Reply: I will re-post the same reply I did before regarding the fact there are links for adult sites here at TDU:
If you would like to help support the cost of running the website financially, I'll be glad to take the links for the adult sites down. Remember, there are no fees of any kind for the site. I pay for it all out of my own pocket, and run it myself while driving OTR full time. There's not a room full of people running TDU, just me and my computer at home and on the road.
As I state elsewhere on this site, I've started an affiliate relationship with some non-adult companies to help pay for TruckDriversUnited.com, and I've included some products for sale on the 'Eating Healthy - 12 volt accessories' page.
I'm a driver, not a retailer or wholesaler, so these are all affiliate links, just like the banners in the borders. These companies don't pay for advertising space. I only make money if sales come from a click on one of the links from this site. If sales from these non-adult links begin to make enough to pay for this site, I'll take down the adult links then too, but so far the adult sites and what I pay out of my pocket are the only things keeping this site up. (And by the way, I have to pay my bills and put food on my table too!)

From: Susan
I say stike away!!!

From: Donna
I've got both friends and family in the industry. I live in Naples, Florida. Most of my trucker friends are in the NY area. I also have my Class B CDL, and have been a bus driver, both OTR and local in NY.
I heard about the strike last night on CNN Lou Dobbs. He's always a great one for telling "ALL" the news! There was also a news report from Orlando Florida on CNN's website this morning. I Googled truckers strike also, and got your website from another news article. It's out there, but not enough. If the Company drivers can't go out, It'll be a bump in the road, literally. Add me to your list, and if you can send me an email address, or some way to contact you. I'm connected to a computer every day, for my job. I can get info, if nothing else.

From: jim
Yes I totally agree with what is going on with these oil GIANTS, Why is this going on? With all the taxes we pay!!! This is so ridiculous it makes me very upset to see that our country has no control over this let alone anything else!!! So what do we do when the UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT does not respond to time & time again questioning on issues. ? We take stand & get this sort of thing out in front of people just like you & me!!! Please lets put something together like you are doing but it really needs to get out in the media.! Everyone who you are preaching this to will respond, I promise. You know if we as consumers were to buy gas from a few select gas stations it would force everyone else to follow suit in pricing. Please contact me if you wish to help in any way I can.! 623-687-6578 If there is a will there is a way!!! J.W.

From: Cindi
If you have a petition to send before congress or any other House member, please let me know and I'll post it on www.care2.com or www.petition.com, I stand behind you 100%!
Cindi Warnstaff

From: KW
I'm with y'all!!!
And I'm going to email the TV stations and ask why I didn't see anything on the new, too.
Hang in there guys.

From: tommyb
hey Dave,
I live in Newport News, VA and I've been watching the load boards and i haven't seen this many loads available in a while. Brokers have been calling off the hook wanting me to run loads for them and i tell them I'm shut down for the week for the strike and they don't want to here that. So to say that it isn't working is total horse s@#$%. The ones that are posting loads have there loads posted for at least 2.00mile which is very good for this area. I've been shut down since yesterday the 31st(march)
and will shut down all week. One of our local news station broad cast the strike and it looks like our local containers haulers are going to shut it down on thurs. and fri. I will strike as many times as it takes. This should send a message to brokers and shippers that if they won't lower fuel prices than they need to increase there freight rates, which would off set fuel prices. Keep up the good work and know that at least one trucker is in it for the long haul.

From: The Rubber Duck
Is the price of fuel high? I've been filling up for the last couple of years at the Petro in Cutoff, LA for $2.03 a gallon. Let me know where you've seen it higher. Happy truckin' guys n gals.
The Rubber Duck

From: Kevin
I don't drive truck, but do drive casually for a small charter bus company. I have always said, even as late as this morning, that the truckers are the ONLY ones that are going to straighten out this mess in this country.. and if you have to park the rigs to do, now is the time. Record profits for the oil companies reported today. Park the rigs and watch the profits disappear as the oil glut begins as it can't get to market. Good Luck to all of you!

From: Will
Hey guys,
I only haul with a small 7.3 PS, though I feel your pain. Everyone of you have my full support. I will do what I can to boycott anywhere you'll do.

From: Bobby
I applauded your efforts!!! Truckers are my friends and family and I support any actions you take to stick it to them. The gov. and big business has a monopoly of fuel and it make my stomach turn every week when i put $83.00 in my pick up truck. I cant imagine the frustration you must have for a $1200.00 fill up..
God Bless You
SHUT 'EM DOWN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From: Malcolm
I'm not a trucker, but I completely support this. Why should I as a home owner pay $3.89/GALLON for home heating oil when I'm paying 3.07 for regular unleaded?
This strike needs to include everyone - teachers, commuters,etc.
Organize a NATIONAL strike, and never ever put an oil man in the white house again!

From: Rob
Dear Truckers, I applaud your efforts to get a control on the ever increasing diesel prices. I am not a professional driver nor independent. I do however own a Ford F350. I have chosen to stop driving my truck until the prices drop back down under $3.00 per gallon. If that doesn't happen I'll sell it. For now I'll stick to driving a little junker I purchased that runs on gas and gets more than 30mpg. It frustrates the [heck] out of me that the oil tycoons can make over $123Billion in single year still get $18Billion tax cuts and don't give a hoot about the American Truck Driver who is trying to make a living but can't due to the prices of Diesel. If you do decide to go on strike, I pray to God it's a short strike. Again, I applaud you for stepping up and representing all of America on this economic issue.
Very Respectfully,
Rob

From: Dr. Alan Lott
OUTSTANDING! if you guys could coordinate it during the same time frame nationwide the result would be spectacular... i feel your pain worse than my own when i see those diesel prices on the sign ... you have my support and best of luck!

From: james
Im proud of yall. Wish I could have stuck it out as long as ya'll. We have been on strike since October thanks for support. Nobody pays attention to six log trucks.

From: Susan
All I can say is " Get'em Boy's and Girl's " !!
I am so proud of all of you and I stand behind you 150% !!
I wish to God everyone had the B**** to do this!!
Susan
Pearland Texas

From: Burt
Our farm diesel pickup has been parked for over one week. It was taking $ 170.00/week to get back and forth to the farm. We bought an old 1986 Olds 88 with a 3800 engine for $ 1,600.00, getting 31 mpg.
Fuel bill for the car - 1 Week - $26.00.
We're being raped on diesel fuel...just because they know they can get away with it...same way with chemicals, seeds and fertilizer. You just can't organize farmers to do anything as a group....we only make up 2.5% of the population, so no one gives a rat's hind end what we do

From: John
I'm not a truck driver, but I do understand. Despite the fact that this may cause some smoke in the economy and my company depends on trucks to bring us the goods we sell, the smoke will settle though. Me and my family are barely making it because gas prices are so high, therefore everything else is high. We understand this move may jack these prices up even higher for a short time, but SOMETHING has to be done. Groceries will be the first to get hit, but I have a rifle and can hunt if I need to. Therefore, I support this movement and believe it may just get our politicians and oil rich people to think about the little guy for a change. If we are going to have to take a hit for the team to get these fuel prices down, then so be it. Good luck with your strike.

From: JIM
First of all, I appreciate your effort. Give me 30 days to get ready to help you. Can you help me though.
I found this website looking for news on the strike. I'm too late to help you to get the word out on the strike. you probably already see the need for help with just giving your website more hits. You need at least 300 volunteers to do every truckstop in America with this site.
Within 30 days I'll start passing your address out in all the Gary, IN truckstops and try and get you visitors and loyal readers.
How you wish to organize a true strike is how I need help with. can't impede traffic at 5pm in Chicago, 4 wheelers do that by themselves. I think a all out strike would disrupt what is left of our economy. I would prefer to just see this website grow and disrupt just certain areas of goods. Like a driver who is hauling (the CEO that makes 23 million at Countrywide (bankrupt) bank) some white collars thief's furniture, boat and girlfriend. Really, say target all Pilot Tanker drivers and get them to take sick days or every driver that hauls a wal mart .93 a mi freight. Save that driver from losing money on their loads.
I don't want to tell you what to do, just give some stupid suggestions. With not enough support (friends of the site) to pas out bills how will drivers know of this site. GOOD LUCK AND MAY GOD BLESS DRIVERS
Reply: There are no stupid suggestions Jim, just some that are better than others. One person suggested we refuse to deliver toilet paper for a while. That might work, but it would have some obvious 'repercussions' that I don't think I would want to deal with, especially at the Truck Stops and rest areas.
On the Shutdown Option page, I suggest state-by-state fuel boycotts to get changes made in on state levels first, such as the suspension of state fuel tax on diesel. While this won't have an immediate impact on a federal level, it will allow us to learn how to work together, and how to remain organized over time rather than a 'hit and run strike now and never work together again' tactic. Getting a long term group of Truck Drivers that are United (thus, the name of the site) to stand together and use the internet to communicate with one another is actually the purpose of this site, and I created the forum so others could communicate without having to email me and wait until I'm able to post their comments here. Remember, this is a one man operation, and I'm a full time OTR Trucker running coast to coast myself, so when I'm on the road, I don't have the opportunity to get online every day.
For now, just getting the word out to other drivers about this site is the best thing anyone can do. As drivers find it, and start returning to it and using the forum to communicate with one another, they will be the ones that decide what changes they want made in the industry, and how they want to do it. I will make my suggestions, post comments, contact news stations and do what I can to contact government officials to let them know what we want, but the majority will have the final say so on what we do, and whether I agree with them or not, I will support whatever decisions the majority of drivers agree on (plese, no comments about five drivers not being able to agree on anything.. I've been out here almost 30 years, so I know this is going to be a herculean task).

From: J. Cabrera
Drivers Be-Ware !!
I work for TEAM ONE TRANSPORT who is a sub contractor for US-Xpress.
I Don't! get paid for detention only if they do imagine that.
They changed there home time policy on me even though there web
site states that your entitled to 3 days off for 2 weeks out but they
only wish to give 1 day per week out.
I also got a preemptive message on there part with the up and coming protest from them stating any driver that is shutdown for any reason other that weather conditions will be terminated.
I'm Tired of being treated like trash by trucking companies.
Reply: Hmmm, I wonder what would happen if 90% of the Team One Transport drivers DID shut down together? And imagine what would happen if 90% of the US-Xpress drivers joined them. Do you think US-Xpress could really afford to terminate them ALL and still stay in business?
This is the very reason you, and every other driver needs to start telling his fellow Company Drivers and Lease Operators about this site. Just imagine what it could be like if even 80% all the Truck Drivers that work for US-Xpress and their sub contractors would join together as a United Group of Truck Drivers that will stand together, and then 80% of the Truck Drivers working for other companies started doing the same?
WOW... just the thought of it excites me so much I get cold chills!
While it may be too late for you to tell all the other drivers at Team One Transport and US-Xpress about this site to affect the shut down, DON'T LET IT END HERE!
We MUST form a long term group of drivers that will communicate with one another and start working together. Hopefully, if nothing else happens, this shutdown will get enough drivers aware of the fact that they need to start working together and using the internet as a communication tool to stay in contact with one another.

From: George
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am not a truck driver but a consumer who knows the value of what it is that each and every truck driver does for myself, family and friends. And because of that I support all of you 100% I know that the costs are going to trickle down to me sooner or later but I do believe that what you are doing is important enough that maybe Big Brother will get the message out to big oil. It's amazing that a day before the big execs are suppose to go before Congress, that the price of a barrel of oil falls.
Good Luck.

From: Alice
My brother is a truck driver and been one for over 20yrs and if I must say a very good one. I am for the strike and hopefully it will get the attention of the "THE POWER THAT BE" I feel if everyone come together and make a stand they will take this matter seriously and do something about. You guys and gals work hard and are literally getting the shaft. So good luck with everything and may GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

From: Mrs. Richard Shobert
I tried a few times to post a comment on one of your blogs but for some reason was unable too.
In essence, all I really wanted to say was that what the trucking industry is doing is SPOT ON and I am very proud to support you and of your All-American back bone, for standing up for what is RIGHT!
Several comments I noticed, in particular, this "TruckersRF_ckers", where hateful and obviously this individual has some issues that need to be worked out with professional assistance. People like that, in no way reflect what the majority of Americans think or feel about the stand that you all have made. Though, personally, our family has no affiliation with anyone in the trucking industry, I whole heartedly feel that what your saying to our gov't and Big Oil, speaks volumes for the hard working man! Those obtuse naysayers who condemn what your stance is, need to start growing their own food and make their own clothes. America was built on the backbone of trucking and we need all of you very much. I can imagine that the comforts of home are far more pleasing then sleeping on a highway, being away from your families and it is that self sacrifice that puts alot more in perspective for me. Thank you for doing what so many don't and haven't in the past, STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT!
Reply: That comment was deleted from the forum due to the insinuation of foul language used in the nic.  Yep, I'm trying to moderate the forum while I'm working on the site right now.  I'm going nuts trying to keep up today... AND I LOVE IT!!!  No one can imagine how much other Drivers and me appreciate the huge amount of support we are being shown by people that don't drive trucks.

From: Bob
Hey guy we support you! I only have one question, what took you so long???
I'd park my Jeep Wrangler on the interstate with you if I could!!!

From: R. Lowell
Editorial Comment: So far about 10 out of 250 visitors to this site have shown their support by contacting me.
I talk to drivers constantly about the site on the C.B. and in person, and of course, everyone says they're all for it....
So why didn't the other 240 visitors show their support for America's Truckers?
That's a question I would love to know the answer to!

Greetings from NC
Understood, but there is no obvious link for people to click on... (Unless I'm blind as a bat!) I had to use your "contact us" link to send this to you. Most people are geared around visual cues to reply to sites like this one. PLEASE set up an easier link so you can get more response. I'm sure the slowdown will help, but you have to make it brutally easy for the average person to voice their opinions!!!!
R. Lowell
North Carolina
PS.... I've said for YEARS that the American people have all the power in the world to reduce gas prices (ESPECIALLY TRUCK DRIVERS!!!) but as long as they all have their TV, a sixpack, and food in their faces, they will never get together and simply tell the system that "We are staying home for the week, or longer until you bring prices down!" Wanna see changes? Not until we rid ourselves of apathy... Maybe $5.00 gas and $6+ diesel will change their minds!!!!
PSS.... I knew NOTHING about the strike/slowdown until I saw it on FOX NEWS (best news on EARTH) this morning. I found you by Googling "trucker strike", so thank FOX for keeping us informed along with fair and balanced!!! The rest of the networks are nothing but shills for the Socialists that are trying to take over the good ole' USA... Over my dead body.
Hang in there... more people support you than you might think!!!
Reply: This is the second comment I've received about this.  Thank you for letting me know about the problem. Although I do have the Click Here and add your comments link at the top of the pages, I will try to think of an easier link for people to use to get to the email form.  I don't use a 'mailto' link because the unbelievably high volume of SPAM makes it impossible for me to sort through the emails.  Believe it or not, I still get people that actually type in (or copy and paste) SPAM into the contact us and member email forms and think I'm going to post it here.
UPDATE: I just changed the top border with new links, including one for the email form.  Please let me know if this makes it easier to use the site and get your comments sent in.

From: Jim
I fully agree with the Independent truck drivers concerning fuel costs. It is way to costly and causing major problems to our economy in all areas. I don't know how the truckers can afford diesel fuel when it cost even more than gasoline. I hope this strike drives home the message to reduce these fuel prices NOW. I'll be with you by not using one drop of gasoline as long as this strike continues.. I just saw on Sat TV that truckers are reducing their speed to a snails pace on a very busy interstate (I-55 in Chicago) and causing delays in the traffic.. Hope this works for the Independent drivers.. Good Luck

From: Cheryl
I am a truckers wife, and I agree with what you all are doing. Our way of life depends on the big trucks. If it weren't for you guys driving all day, every day, taking time away from your friends and families to do what is important for America, there wouldn't be any way for our country to survive. Truck drivers is what keeps this country running. Being you provide our country these services, the government should provide you an easier way to do them. You as a truck driver not only provides for our country, but you also need to be able to provide for your families as well. If we had to live life without trucks and those that put their heart into it being drivers, people would have to go back to living Little House on the Prairie lives to survive. Think about it, Where would our food, vehicles and needed parts, clothing, household items, necessities for every day living come from? I think you as the driver should be greatly appreciated and recognized for it. For you drivers that put everything into doing a job well done, Thank you very much!!! When all is said done and you continue to be the trucker that you are, stay safe and drive carefully. God bless you all.

From: Dustin
I am not a truck driver, but I am a teacher near Mason, Ohio. My students have been talking about your strike against oil today. Your message has gotten on the radio and TV stations in Cincinnati. You guys are our only hope in fighting high gas prices. Please keep up the good fight. I am supporting you 100%.
Dustin
Mason, Ohio

From: Tonia
I think that now is definitely the time for this. My husband has drove truck for 30 yrs. and 11 of those he was independent. I have worked in a truck stop for over 10 years. It is amazing to me how this whole country runs on some truck bringing us what we need. everything from cars to toilet paper. Yet you guys are treated like the bottom of the barrel. Like you'll keep doing what you've always done and just be happy to bitch about it in the privacy of the CB radio. Well show somebody that you're smarter than that. See how cocky they are when the "important" ones in the gov't can't get what they need and are inconvenienced. I wish there was more I could do than just show my support, but I assure you I think it would be great if we could get them all to shut down for 1 week. I know some would be facing loosing their jobs but would they honestly fire everyone????

From: John
This has got to get attention and has got to work, because there is too much at stake. I got involved in hauling citrus in Fla. in 1984, and since it was from where it is grown to where it is processed never had any comic books due to the ag. exemptions. It would always amaze me that I would be home at night and make more than most o.t.r. guys I would talk to. The public has got to be made aware of the fact that if you got it, a truck driver and his truck brought to you. I have yet to see 550 boxes of Hamlins stuffed in the back of an Escalaide!!!I want to buy myself a nice Pete and do some flatbed hauling, BUT I don't need a yard ornament to help me loose more money. I saw something recently on a business channel that was trying to explain how the de-valuing of the $ was the current excuse for the crude prices. Would someone please explain to me, in plain English, what purpose the commodities and futures markets serve, other than to drive up prices and make millions for greedy bastards, while others are going broke and freezing due to oil prices. The markets are useful for certain items, cattle and citrus, but not oil. RACER

From: michael
I support you men and women 100%. Its about time as a group of Americans that you all come together and protest Fuel prices. This should have happened in 2004 when prices were first jacked up. Another couple of things that you may try is to park every Sunday. I know yall have deadlines but this would save fuel and hurt oil companies. A little down time will help you too.I drive I 10 between S.A.Tx. and B.R. La. a lot. In my personal vehicle I slow down the big company boys by braking often and cutting them off and keeping them slowed down as much as possible. I let the independents by when they need room to roll and have common courtesy for them on the road. I look to see what stores utilize the big companies as their suppliers and boycott that store as much as possible. It is difficult as I know that I am working this alone but maybe some of you other road warriors will join in. How about all of us being a little more friendly at those damn construction zones. Work with the Independents and cut off the big boys .Cut your speed to 64 mph, and Use that right lane more often. Let those idiots in cars go by on the left as most will get out of the way. Independents should show more professional driving manners than our big companies do.

From: Holly
I am moving to charlotte n.c. for Schneider trucking. in 4 weeks to be otr driver. HECK YES I SUPPORT THE DRIVERS!!!!! STAND UNITED MEN & LADIES then we won't fall.

From: Debra
I live in Springville ny near Buffalo. I drive truck for roadway. I use to drive for CF until they went under. I understand what it feels like to fear for your job. I wish all truckers would join a union so the unions could be strong again

From: Dennis
I'm with ya the truck is parked for the day

From: Jeremy
As I wrote in a blog on March 14, "I would love to see millions upon millions of Americans purchase a hearty supply of fuel containers, fill 'em up with a month's - or even a week and a half's - worth of gasoline, and then let the oil companies squirm from lack of continued business. I'd love to see sit-in-car strikes at gas stations, where people fed up with ever-rising prices refuse to move their cars until something significant is done. Refuse to move their cars, and refuse to buy anything - anything at all from the convenience store. I'd love to see such things happen, but it likely won't."
http://therealslimslavin.blogspot.com/2008/03/were-fueling-taxation-without.html

From: Robert
Without you truckers, nothing in my home would be available at my local Wal-Mart, Target or grocery store! Thank you! Without you there is no commerce in our great country! It's time for the "people" to make a stand! You represent the "people for which it stands", white, black, latino - Americans is what we are! We are tired of the "Ugly Americans" who divide us by race, language or income. We all just want to live out the "Pursuit of happiness"! God bless you all, lead the way and lets take back our country from the political marketers who are leading us the believe they are looking out for us when they are only looking out for themselves. A big brother needs to stand up and say something...... and that is the Truckers of America!!! You are looking out for us!!!! LEAD THE WAY!!!

From: Debbie
I am not a truck driver and neither is my husband, but every time I see a big rig haulin' down the road, I have a heart full of admiration for what must be a tough life. You are all real men, out doing what you need to do. I salute all truckers and I found out about your site from an article on the Fox New website. The article was lengthy. Don't get discouraged, your movement is just in the beginning stages, soon, your support will be overwhelming as truckers,( and also the public) have to mentally process the idea of moving from complacency, to anger, and then finally to rebellion.
Lastly, and as a service to all who read this I want to list a few websites based in Europe that I follow to find out what is really happening in America. www.marketoracle.co.uk and also europe2020.org. There are a lot of recent articles that detail exactly what is REALLY happening. The Europe 2020 website is predicting a total American financial collapse by September of this year. Forewarned is forearmed. God Bless all Truckers and God save the Republic.

From: A.R.Wilson
Look I am not a truck driver but I do work for a living. What one job used to do with bills now takes 2 jobs. Because of this higher gas prices, my kids have had to go without, me and my wife have had to go without and that ain't right. America is supposed to be a land of dreams not the land of broke people working themselves to death just to fill their vehicle up. I know it is much worse for you truckers, and I will stand by any shutdown of yours and if you beat on the doors of congress ill beat on them too. And your right if nobody stands up nothing will get done. Oil companies are making record breaking profits from us and I, and I hope many many many others agree its time to stand up and take back what has been taken from us.

From: dusty
I am not a truck driver, but I am just as pissed as you all are. I support the strike 100%.
This is America let the damn Arab's know we ain't putting up with it any longer..
Good Luck

From: Michael
I'm not a truck driver but I support you guys and wish you Godspeed.

From: Raven
I would like to say that I'm a company driver and not an Independent Driver.
But I stand behind Independent Drivers, and will not be driving during the strike.
I guess my boss will just have to get over it.
If not, I'll find another job.
Best of luck to all my trucking brothers.
And most of all, Stay Safe.

Sincerely
Raven

From: Beth
We are not truckers per se: however we do own a small construction company and the diesel costs are outrageous! With competition from the larger companies, who seem to be able to absorb these horrendous costs, we will soon be out of business. I support your stand 100%. In fact, I think all working class Americans except for emergency medical personnel should stay home until the government understands that we the working class are not going to continue paying for the rich, the poor, the addicts, the abortionists, the illegals, and whomever else they choose to tax and regulate us for - for a vote. This government no longer represents those who pay for it. I have read about at least one who is concerned your strike will send the economy into a spiral - what on earth does he think is it in now? a corkscrew!?
I salute your courage and unity. Pray others find it before it's too late.
Post your needs in specific areas during this strike. Those of us who care and agree will help.

From: Rider44
I'm not a driver, but I do work at Petro Travel Plaza in WI. I support this site, and I support what you truckers are doing out there with the nationwide park. Right now, diesel is $4.09 at our Petro. It's time that you guys stop getting shafted for the work you do. PARK TODAY, TOMORROW, AND WEDNESDAY, AND TAKE A STAND!

From: Kevin
I agree with your analysis that only 9% (owner/operators) will have little effect on a general industry strike. In fact, the Swifts, Schneider's and other mega trucking companies will poster themselves to absorb new business channels. However, if we can more narrowly define our focus to commodities that are pulled primarily by independent contractors ie: produce, it could have a greater effect and a small voice becomes quite large. For example, if we refuse to haul produce loads out of California for 3 days the impact would be dramatic and immediate. In most circumstances it is unlikely that farmers could delay harvesting for 3 days and once picked must be loaded & cooled immediately to avoid decay.
Targeting a state by state fuel boycott may raise some eyebrows slightly at first, but everyone would soon be lulled back to sleep by the gulping sounds of tractor trailers fueling on day four. It is not my wish to target any particular industry for financial impact but the agricultural industry is a tremendous force of tax revenue, but they are a powerful lobby and they have the ears of the state legislators.
What's needed is to pick a date to implement our boycott and a concentrated awareness program to inform our constitutes. Such as, billboards just before the California state line on the four major interstate entry points 30 to 60 days in advance.
KW
owner/operator

From: ricardo
i live in el Paso Texas i am not going out on the first at all i drive for a company but you got my support for sure i lost my truck and now i drive for a company but you count me in

From: Jeremy
I'm not a trucker, I work as a welder but I just wanted to let you all know (and I think I speak for if not all, but most at Yanke Machine Shop in Boise, Id) that we support you. Give em' hell! Only one problem though... in all the news reports I never heard any suggestions about what the regular commuters could do to help you all out.

From: Terry
I've been out here, back and forth across these highways since 1984. We hear year after year about shutdowns, strikes and slowdowns. I believe this time it may be real. I will shut down 4/1 and 4/2 after that I will be involved in a slow down for the rest of the week, til Monday. Don't believe what you here about slow downs and impeding traffic it is not illegal to run the state minimum speed limit. Example in Missouri the min is 40mph. I was told by a trooper as long as my vehicle doesn't fall below the min speed on flat road, I will NOT be cited. Every Driver out here can and should participate in a slowdown. Company, Independent, OTR, Local or Regional. Every driver can do it. Imagine this is just a start. What next? God Speed and be safe out there

From: mike
I'm shutting her down. I'm standing up for what I believe.
Thanks for the site. this need to be done.

From: wiliam
i am a truck driver. i support your cause. its hard out here for us. my family comes first. im on strike with you

From: Yuri
It's not just fuel prices. We have too many people that do nothing in this business. Too many brokers, too many middle men. They did not invest any money unlike truck owners, they don't buy insurance, they don't pay for maintenance, tolls, permits, registrations, parking, lumpers, etc. finally they don't drive a truck. But they sure use your money for 30 days. After that they keep up to 50% to them selves for doing nothing. Just imagine how your business would look if you can get 30% more on load rates.........
Strike is very good and powerful method of making statement. We have to let them know we can make a big different.
p.s. Pardon my English, it's my second language

From: Steve
Just to let you know I heard about the stand down on Midnight, April 1st via Fox News. I just wanted you to know that I'm shutting down and WON'T drive for 24 hours. I won't buy a DROP of diesel.
Any trucker who won't shut 'er down in protest is a wimp. Period. My family came here in 1770... 6 years BEFORE the Declaration of Independence. We've fought in ALL wars since the war of 1812 when we helped to run the British out the 2nd time. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. My family figures if we can fight for this country on FOREIGN soil, by God, we can stand up and be counted on OUR OWN soil! It's time to stick it to the Big Oil Companies and the Jewish Bankers who run this country! Oh! Don't like the fact I mentioned Jews! Then get your head out of your ass. Secretary of The Treasury Paulson is a Jew and former head of Goldman Sachs. Look at how many FORMER Secretaries of the Treasury were from Goldman Sachs. The Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke is a Jew as is the former Fed Chairman Allen Greenspan. I could go on and on but Bernanke just handed 30 BILLION of YOUR money to J.P. Morgan to buy Bear Sterns which collapsed after 85 years.
I could go on, but I'm telling you... get your heads out of your asses and STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS. Stand up for your JOB and YOUR money! The big Oil Companies don't give a damn about you. The Federal Government doesn't give a damn about you. The Federal Reserve (which is NOT a Federal agency but a group of 12 PRIVATE banks) doesn't give a damn about you and the Wall Street Bankers don't give a damn about you! The ONLY way you can fight back is NOT through violence but by HURTING THEM IN THE POCKETBOOK. Yes, it will hurt your pocketbook. But if WE stand together in MASS, it will hurt their pocketbook FAR MORE than ours and if we KEEP socking it to them... they'll finally get the message.
We're in an ECONOMIC WAR! Are you a bunch of WIMPS that need some General or Sargent to tell you what to do? A true warrior was able to grab his weapon and take that hill. He had some GUTS. You can now take Capitol Hill and Wall Street by guts, and being a true Road Warrior. Your ammo is your TRUCK shut that puppy down for 24 hours!
We should do it once per month until THEY get the message. Take back this country. Take back YOUR life. Take back YOUR MONEY!
Shut 'er down!

From: Christina
I'm not a trucker but, my granddad drives one and I just wanted to let y'all know that we are standing behind you on this. Thanks for all you do!

From: FascistUSA
Want to know WHY The "Media" and your Government doesn't [care] (comment edited for language)? Zeitgeistmovie.com. Skip Part 1 and 2. Watch part 3. The "Federal" Reserve is a Private bank owned by international bankers...

From: Al
Its about time someone stood up to these oil cats ! Good luck guys and gals out there on the road and maybe if this is big enough the people will stop driving and really send a message !

From: hoopoo
I'm not a truck driver but many of us feel the same we all are hard hit at the pumps tho more so than others, will stand beside you good luck.
ps.
this is what happens when we have a
president that is an oil man.

From: Edward
I'm not a truck driver, but I'm willing to sacrifice. If I have to live without something for a while so be it....Even if it means not working. We need to do something about this greed. I wish I could do more!!

From: shawn
ITS about time someone has the balls to stand up to corporate America and our government that lets these animals get away with this.
It is just wrong that they are allowed to charge what they charge and get away with it.
But lets waste more or OUR money and put these baseball players on trial because they have been using steroids, when the real crooks that are STEALING our money daily (Exxon/Mobil, and all the others) are the ones that congress should have on trial, but no you wont see that (oh that's rite they did they 2 yrs ago, as a big showing then it was over) Who really cares if these baseball player are using steroids, go for the real crooks
I really think that all these clowns that we put in to run our country have really forgotten who really pays their off the wall salaries.

From: Roger
I love what the truckers are planning to do today on April 1st. I'm not a truck driver. But I totally support their pulling over for the day. There is no reason their fuel costs should be so high. It's so sad that the working man is the one getting stiffed by high oil prices............that as those with half a brain know are being fixed!

From: ron
if you made it easier to contact you then maybe more people would instead of winging

From: Dave
I found your site today while looking for info on the truckers strike planned for today 4-1-2008. I am uplifted and encouraged by what I have saw here this morning. It looks to me like you have the start of something great here on this site. I am going to take the day off today and hope that I am not the only one. It may be another lame attempt at a strike with little or no real participation by my fellow owner operators, but I am willing to take the chance.

From: Jason
Give 'em hell guys!!!
Just remember, it's not the oil companies setting prices...it's the moron traders (or traitors depending on how you look at it) in New York. I'm not one for regulation, but I think it's time for the feds to step in and freeze the price of gas. Preferably at a much lower price than it is right now.
Everybody needs to call their Senators, representatives and whoever the next President happens to be and tell them to shut down the futures "traitors" in New York. They're ruining the economy.

From: B-Bro
We run diesel fuel in our work trucks and we are fed up as well, we support your decision and we'll join in. Granted we don't use the fuel all y'all do but every bit will help. These record profits these oil companies are recording at the U.S. working peoples expense is just as bad as the terrorist screwing up our economy, it's criminal.

From: Tim
Finally. All Americans should stand behind and make their voices heard on this. The cost of fuel and gas has people trying to make a decision to either eat or buy gas. Good luck!!!!

From: Vicki
I am not a Truck Driver, I'm a woman from North Carolina. I support all of you for this effort!!!!!!!I think this has been a long time coming. Something has got to change.
Thanks

From: Robert G
I fully support a trucker strike over the fuel cost. But I am disappointed that you are not really point out the root problem to the high fuel cost. It can mostly be traced to the environmental movement. The environmentalist have prevented drilling for oil in ANWR Alaska, a good source of non foreign oil. Environmentalist have stopped new oil refineries from being built, this keeps supplies tight and any disruption will cause an up swing in prices. Environmentalist have forced the EPA to require new diesel formulas that are so called more environmentally friendly and more expensive. The big one is the global warming scam. The big lie that get repeated so often and loudly that people are starting to believe in. In the name of stopping global warming the government is requiring fuel to be made out of food, i.e. corn. So in an effort to stop a non existent problem from happening in 100 years and make Al Gore richer. We are all paying the price now in the form of high fuel and high food prices. Yes the oil companies are making a fortune but it's the environmentalist that have created the right environment for the oil companies to get richer. You want saner prices we have to stop the environmentalists

From: Marcia
I support a trucker strike 100%. I drive a diesel truck and I have just about had to park it. I have been worried sick about the truck drivers and their families. To say I am disgusted with this country and the way they have raped the truck drivers is an under statement. God bless and keep you all safe and well.

From: Lara
I'm not a trucker, nor is anyone in my family, but I've been talking to friends and neighbors and we all agree...GO FOR IT GUYS! Something has got to be done; what affects you affects us. We are paying higher grocery prices, higher prices for goods, higher prices for everything. We know almost all products in this country are trucked, you are all the backbone of the nation. It is time that someone paid attention to you and to your plight. Our biggest problem is that people in our country have forgotten to stand together. We have become a "me" society. What do our kids need PS3s for when the guys that deliver them barely make enough money for their kids to eat? I'm with you on this one all the way.
We aren't buying any gas this week. If you must drive, slow down, we will slow down with you. There are a lot of people out there who drive cars that are willing to stand with you.
In support and friendship,
L.

From: LR
I am not a truck driver, but a HUGE supporter in what your trying to do with striking. Praise to all who are doing this, SOMETHING needs to be done here in this country with the soaring gas prices! The greedy gas executives are getting rich, while the working class can barely put food on their table. I hope for all of ours sake that this strike will become one of many in order to stop the gas prices from getting any higher. Good Luck to all!

From: jaime
i support all the truck drivers out there ..something needs to be done about the soaring gas and diesel prices..  i am a small business owner and it is affecting us no one wants to drive out to our shop ..here on the east coast our prices are not as bad as the west coast but regardless the spike is hurting everyone here in the U.S. something needs to be done and may be a strike of our truck drivers will do the trick..  who knows.. i hope that the truck drivers that do not drive today make a point ....good luck ..and stay safe everyone

From: J Kahan
I am not a trucker, or even know a tucker but completely support the strike!!
The high price of fuel affects everybody, from the trucker to the merchant to the consumer. The obscene profits are only being made by big oil. Not the owners of the stations or even the refiners; just the CEO's and a minority of big shareholders.
Who do these people think they are? What other industry goes so far to hurt it's own customers and is guaranteed to keep them coming back? That sounds like the definition of monopoly to me.
Do what you have to do, because the rest of us can't just boycott food.

From: Neil
Keep up the good work!!!
Neil Boardman
Owner 1985 Mercedes 300D (Diesel) converting to waste cooking oil.

From: Mark
I am not a truck driver but I support you all in your strike. Good for you and God bless you in this effort.

From: Melanie
Thanks for taking a stand.... I have posted our local news article and your front page editorial on my myspace page and sent your link to all my email contacts. I am so proud that someone is actually going to take a stand....People so ready to be lead by their noses and wait for everything to be fixed for them. Get the word out, it's time for a stand!!!! Thanks again.
Melanie L. Whitney

From: jean
I'm not a truck driver but I think this strike you are planning is an excellent idea. Get them where it hurts THEM, in the wallet. Put the shoe on the other foot. I can't believe the independent truck drivers haven't gone on strike before now and I hope there are truckers all over the US that go on strike. I am personally not going to drive for the rest of the week and I am going to get some of my "environmental safe" friends to stop driving too. It should be a nationwide strike, not just with truckers. If more drivers would quit buying, maybe it WOULD send a message. Who ever thought of the strike, they were brilliant!
jean

From: Keith
You go guys....Someone needs to stick up for the truckers, and everyone else in this nation with the government allowing big oil to price gouge everyone. It seems like the government is looking the other way on this issue, guessing a lot of them have money coming into their personal pockets, election campaigns..  etc.
My father is a independent trucker in Oklahoma. He has used his truck income to help support his hobby of farming, which up till 10 yrs ago was a good income in itself. However, now to keep up, he has to truck every spare minute he isn't farming his 2,000 acres. Now, with the high prices of fuel, his truck fuel is eating up all his profits, and his farm fuel is killing his farm operation. Most farmers in Oklahoma are switching to no till farming methods to cut and help with the high prices of fuel. This in itself is a recipe for disaster. Has everyone forgotten the Dust Bowl, and what caused it? No till Farming was one of the major causes. Lack of water, and barely scratchin' the surface to plant a crop. So, this fuel situation is a recipe for disaster in many ways...to his farm income and his trucking income.
Lastly, Yes, I drive a diesel truck. I bought it originally because not only was it pretty low in maintenance, but also because diesel was cheaper to make, and sold for less at the pump. Further, in a one ton truck, I was getting 17 mpg, which in turn was a great thing as if I was in a gas truck, would have been getting 7-9 mpg. So, all in all, I was doing my part for energy conservation.
If it is good for the truckers, it is good for the farmers, and it is good for me, personally. I totally support you in your endeavors.

From: Steve
I'm not a driver, but I'm reading the stories about everything here. You need to get bigger coverage is the bottom line.
Somehow, if you can get the story to appear on www.drudgereport.com , he gets over 20 million hits a day. You could also try www.fark.com, he might support. I'd give Rush Limbaugh an e-mail too, he has 20 million listeners a day. You get those, especially drudge, the world will follow. I'd get a caller into Rush on the radio too.
Good Luck

From: Mike
Parking rigs will also impact the consumers by reducing quantities of goods available for sale, thus raising prices through the simple supply and demand system. I'm not a fan of that, but...truck drivers are in a position to get the attention of the feds and BIG OIL. Good luck to ya, and I'm headed to the store now before they have a chance to raise the price of milk to $6/gallon.

From: Kelly
Seems many people forget what an important role truck drivers have in America. Something has to be done and I think this is the best way to get the nations attention. I support this 100%.

From: James
With record profits from the major oil industries there is no legitimate excuse for the higher prices being charged for fuel. But you know that they are used to flowing certain amounts through their "pipeline" on a daily basis. If that pipeline doesn't flow, it backs up like a stopped up toilet. So your idea of a nation wide strike is right on. Supply and demand is still the order of the day. We still have the power to make the billionaires listen.

From: Ron & Linda
My husband and I fully support a complete shut down. Period.

From: Rifleman
Hello. I have twenty years on the road and go by the handle "Rifleman". I read on Fox news that "George Vincent, 44, a driver from Monroe, Mich., said he doesn't support the trucker strike because he fears it will "throw the economy into a spiral." This is exactly what we need. This guy Monroe is like most of these drivers. Cowards! If the people don't suffer then only we suffer. This country needs to realize that the way fuel is going up (Even though its cheaper to produce then gas) The only people who will be driving is company drivers and at a very small wage. [Other people] (edited for negative connotations toward a specific religious or ethnic group). They control peoples thoughts and the price of fuel. We need to stop them now! STAND UP OR DIE AMERICA. That's all there is to it my friend.
Have a great day.

From: BILLY
I BELIEVE ALL DRIVERS AND COMPANIES SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR WAITING TIME OVER 2 HOURS. WHY DO O/O OR THE COMPANY HAVE TO PAY TO BE UNLOADED AT CUSTOMER'S WAREHOUSE? NOT ONLY TRUCK DRIVERS, ITS THE ECONOMY, EVERYBODY'S INVOLVED. I SHUT IT DOWN YESTERDAY, ON MARCH 31ST TO STAND WITH MY FELLOW AMERICANS.
GOOD LUCK!

From: starhauler
As a company driver I do not fork the bucks out of my pocket at the fuel pumps for fuel! I do it every time I purchase a product, service, utility or look at the levies on the ballot wanting more taxes to pay for school bus fuel, police fuel, utility company fuel and the list goes on, WE ALL DO!
You might not see it yourself as well as through the eyes of your wife or son or daughter trying to make ends meet. I suggest you ask them what they have put back upon the shelf at the grocery store as being to high priced.
It does not matter if we can pass on to the consumer the cost of fuel. The bottom line is in today's economy we are at a point where if consumers can not buy a product we will have nothing to haul.
Ladies and gentlemen there can be a voluntary shut down on your part in order to try and get congress to come to reality. Face it when those in power being driven in limos pay $4,500 for a hour with a woman do you really think they care about a senior citizen trying to live on $15,000 a year?
A Michigan Congressman Dingy wants to impose a 50 cent tax per gallon on gasoline! Tell that to those commuting 100 miles a day because of the lack of jobs within their locality! What products will they cease to buy that we haul?
I will not get into our shipping delays, lack of parking, DOT waking us up and all the other hassles we face.
Bottom line if consumers can not buy products we haul we all are screwed!
Lastly slow down? Yes slow down Company governs a company truck to save fuel cost, from 65 mph to 55 mph you will get better fuel mileage! Let's see here 10 mile per hour is $4.00 a hour lost in wages if your getting .40 a mile, a ten hour driving period try $16.00 a day times say 5 days a week that's $80 a week times 50 weeks in a year $4000 a year in lost wages, I wonder if anyone thought about that?
As you can tell by the time of this posting I am at home enjoying National Truckers Day!
I drive for a small company and there are 22 trucks parked today.

From: Catherine
Good Morning. Your website is very informative. You wonder why only 25 drivers took a stand?? In my opinion, we have taught our children, to take an I DON'T CARE ATTITUDE and don't ruffle peoples feathers, that would not be politically correct. We have also taught them THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE CARE OF IT. That is no better than being on WELFARE. But I think, we are slowly watching our way of life erode, and as it happens, all these young people who are used to getting what they want immediately, are finding out, not possible, and that the only way to sometimes, fix things, is to take a stand. They are learning some hard lessons. I am an ex-truck driver, I stay home now and take care of running my business, but I have not forgotten what's going on out there, and may end up back out on the road again, because of spiraling costs, not just fuel, but all other facets of keeping trucks running. We support running compliant, stick to speed limits, or in the high limit States, slowing down. We would shut down, but it is not possible, we would lose our contract, and at the moment, we are still making money, and cannot afford to lose the contract, there are no other companies out there willing to pay a decent mileage rate to the trucks. We do however, support all those drivers willing to shut down, and to the best of our ability, will honor, what they choose to do.
I only have one more comment. As I said your website is informative, I would suggest that you find some different sponsors, when I saw what is posted, I immediately did not take you seriously, show them that DRIVERS have more to think about. If I am not impressed, then how do you think the GENERAL PUBLIC WILL LOOK AT IT???
Thank you for taking the time to read my comments.

From: Antony
GALLOP LOGISTICS of TORONTO, ON uses unfair business practices by manipulating rates resulting in lower than average rate. They been always using mix of "Gross rate" and "To the truck Rate" to confuse truck owner.
DON'T WORK WITH THEM. THEIR RATES ARE LOWEST IN THE INDUSTRY. THEY DON'T PAY DETENTION, THEY HIJACK YOUR TRUCK AND GIVE YOU LOWEST RATE POSSIBLE.

From: Ken
I have been waiting and watching to see if the truckers would get fed up and stand up. I am not a truck driver, my dad was for a while, and other family members across the country.
I want you to know that I think the whole public not just truckers, should unite in this fight against the fuel problem. I for one do not drive my pick up unless I have too. I am a handyman by trade and have to have a pick up for my work. But because I am able to be very flexible in my work, I refuse to drive unless I have no choice, mostly to keep from spending too much on gas.
So, I say it is about time the American people stand together and fix this problem of dependency on other nations. And, STOP THE GOUGING! They tell us there is no price gouging but there is 3 to 15 cents difference from town to town here in Texas. If the stations are not gouging us, then the local, state, or federal government is. That is sad and humiliating. Anyway, I just want you to know you're supported by more than just truckers brother.
I do however as a common driver wish you guys would slow down but that is a whole other issue.
May we make a difference together!
Ken

From: Ronald
I live in New Hampshire and I am a "company" tri-axle dump driver employed by a large construction materials/asphalt manufacturing firm.
Although I do not have to purchase the fuel for the truck that I operate, the many independent owners/operators that augment our company fleet do have to.
It has gotten to the point that many of the "hireds" (owner/operators) that we use each year are dropping out of the business as the fuel prices spike to unaffordable levels.
And it's painfully evident that we cannot rely upon our elected officials to implement effective measures to stop the self-destructive path that our economy is on, so the citizens must unite and initiate positive change in whatever way we can.
This energy crisis is not limited to the trucking industry, and consequently the petroleum price gouging that has been occurring will eventually destroy this country, a society that is so dependent on oil that we, as a nation have become the epitome of energy addiction.
Unfortunately it will take more than an independent trucking strike or slowdown to fix this problem, but it is a good start. There is strength in numbers and all that is needed now is some constructive organizing to pull this off...
Perhaps it is time to capture the attention of the national media. Be imaginative, keep it safe and legal, but also remember that sensationalism wins the headlines and the lead newscast stories...
Best Wishes !

From: Henry
Hello;
I am a 3rd generation trucker and owner. I remember when we had no CB radios ,so that is how old I am. 40 years road driver.\
WE ARE BEING RIPPED OFF to the very end. The rich brokers and Uncle Sam want us gone. They want the North American Union along with open borders and cheap International Trucking Companies.
If we do not strike now we are doomed to fail and go broke.
STRIKE THE [IDIOTS] (comment edited for language) NOW NOT LATER> let them call out their trained Nazi dogs on us. [STICK IT TO] (comment edited for language) BIG BROTHER....
FROM HENRY WADDELL ROSEMOUNT< MINNESOTA
651 322 1452 I am easy to find.

From: clayton
I am a consumer and thoroughly believe that the truckers have to go on strike if anything will be done because there are not enough consumers in the united states with enough balls to stand up and make it happen

From: west excavating
unite yes i am a ind excavating contractor high fuel cost and bad lending have made it almost impossible to stay in business fuel cost are putting me out of work 4/1/08 my equipment is parked i am a small company but i hope i helped
unite now

From: ray
i am not a driver , but i support ALL you are doing . if truckers are out of business then who will drive the trucks ? cheap labor from Mexico .shut it all down . this is a fight that is just starting . thanks for all you do . ray hubbard .

From: Corky
As a niece of a Indie Driver (independent), I hope your plan for a shutdown/slowdown works! I've seen my uncle have to sell tools and other things just so that he can pay his bills because he has no money after the pumps and other costs. It is outrageous to me that I have to pay over 3 bucks at the pump, so it makes me head spin to think that diesel is so drastically high. It's cheaper to smoke cigarettes than to drive today. How sad is that????

From: Cynthia
I was very happy to run across your website while reading an article on today's FOXNEWS.COM website. As the step-daughter, niece and cousin of many truckers, I FULLY support the stand to stop/slow the rigs this week. It may or may not affect me some time down the line but it will be worth it. SOMEONE has to take a stand and let the oil companies and the government know that we little people are sick and tired of being taken advantage of.
From my family to all of yours, THANK YOU for taking a stand!

From: Daniel
I'm not a truck driver, but I support your efforts. Maybe when businesses can have a bigger impact than us regular people!

From: Gary
I have a hydraulic hose mobile service company, only three diesels. They stay parked as much as possible. Run as much service with small Dodge caravan. My support is 100% behind you all.

From: Paul
I am not a truck driver but I support the shutdown. I read how much Exxon made per second on your site. In one minute they could pay for a full tank of gas for 60 drivers. Wouldn't that be a nice thing to do nation wide. One minute out of every hour make the gas free or even one minute out of every day would help a little. These companies don't care about anyone else. All the truck drivers will be in my prayers this week.
God Bless,
Paul
I-75 in OH between the 36 & 38 exits ;-)

From: TripleCrownKaren
I hope you guys SHUT the Country DOWN! Exxon's RECORD profits this year alone equal $1,640.00 PER SECOND!
My Dad was a trucker/bus driver and UNION member. If he could see this now he'd be calling for everyone he knew to SHUT IT DOWN!
I think better than that, ALL the truckers should drive into Washington DC and PARK them all right on the mall and NOT move until something is done. This affects ALL of us in AMERICA and the last time I checked, we still had the right to express ourselves when the government sat on it's butt and did nothing.
Too many people are so busy with the 'AMERICA, RIGHT OR WRONG" mid frame that they never mention the last part of that quote....
AMERICA, RIGHT OR WRONG
WHEN RIGHT, TO BE KEPT RIGHT
WHEN WRONG TO BE MADE RIGHT!

From: Ms. PAZ
Are you in touch with the Port truckers? They are the ones I believe the Feds will come down on first, &probably pretty hard. Question: Where would the Ports get large numbers of trucks quickly if the currant truckers go out? They can't. WHAT IF the port truckers all suspended their insurance because they can not afford to pay it? They are out of business (technically). The Feds could not touch them! The Ports would have to offer them enough money to be able to pay their insurance so they could go back to work, 'cause they sure won't get anyone else! Can you get this suggestion thru to any of them?

From: Ms. PAZ
Tune in to National Public Radio for something on this. (The strike/shutdown/slowdown)

From: Victoria (grasshopper)
I have been on the phone and internet contacting people all week.
Here is a link concerning the Macon, GA convoy for tomorrow.
http://www.fox24.com/article.asp?pkid=11639
Here's the video from the Harrisburg, PA truck rally that took place this morning
http://www.whtm.com/news/stories/0308/507680_video.html?ref=newsstory

From: Carol
I AM A WIFE OF A TRUCK DRIVER HE IS A OWNER OPERATOR , HE DRIVES AND I DISPATCH HIS TRUCK HIS COMPANY DOSE NOT EVEN FIND HIS LOADS I DO. BUT THEY GET A CUT OF THE LINE HAUL, THEY EVEN GET PART OF THE STOP OFF PAY. NOW WITH THE FUEL AT 4.00 A GALLON HOW DO THEY THINK HE IS GOING TO STAY ON THE ROAD IT IS COSTING US FOR HIM TO DRIVE THE BIG CO. ARE THE ONLY ONES MAKING ANY MONEY.. STAY AT HOME ON APRIL 1 2008 YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HELP IF YOU ARE DRIVING.. YOU ARE ONLY GOING TO PUT YOURSELF AND OTHERS LIKE US IN THE WELFARE LINE....
HOW MANY DRIVERS ARE LETTING THERE TRUCKS GET RUN DOWN AND NEED TO SERVICE THEM BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO BECAUSE THEY MUST CHOOSE TO CHANGE THE OIL, BUY A NEW TIRE, OR FEED THERE KIDS.... WE FACE THIS EVERYDAY.... PLEASE DRIVERS LETS STICK TOGETHER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE, PARK YOUR TRUCK...... STAY HOME WITH YOUR FAMILY AND PRAY, WE MUST GET THE WORD OUT. IT IS ONLY GOING TO GET WORST IF WE DON'T DO SOMETHING NOW....

From: Bud
I'm not a driver but I support you 100% My son is a driver for an independent owner.
You know the FED GOV is reimbursing the Big Trucking Companies like Yellow Freight, ETC ETC and then they charge their customers a FUEL SURCHARGE for deliveries.
Back in the 70's all truckers parked their trucks and this county was hurting for supplies. Well if the BIG boys keep driving it won't help you people any. And as long as the FED GOV helps them to keep them on the road they won't PARK.
GOOD LUCK AND I HOPE LIKE HELL IT WORKS FOR YOU

From: Ronnie
I think the drivers should go on the shut down because the American people don't see that the truck driver delivers everything we eat and wear, and even some of the vehicles we drive, and the gas we use to get to work everyday, and the American people don't think of the hard working trucking man or lady pushing the pedal to the metal to get the products we can live without, like tv and clothes and dvd players and computers that are delivered to each and every store we shop, so the American people needs to wake up and smell more than the coffee. I am a truck driver's daughter and have been a rider on the truck for 10 months and know how it is out there and it is not easy, it takes a special person to be out there day in and day out dealing with the stupid Americans that don't know no better.

From: SUPPORT from non trucker
I say good for you guys. As a family of 6 it's hard for us to get out a lot because of the gas prices, but I can't imagine what you guys are going through everyday!
GO FOR IT!!

From: Rick
Hey All!!
Though I did a short stint as an agriculture trucker in the 80's. I am not a professional trucker but I want you to know that America supports you all.
America's life and lifestyle depends on our trucking industry and we are suffering right along side of you with high fuel and consumer good prices..
In my casual conversations with folks in my town, the consensus is that there will be nothing but positive support if you all decide to park your rigs and show D.C. that we have had enough!
As a bonus, all of America will benefit from whatever you accomplish.
You are the last of the Great American Cowboys and we intend to support you all the way!!
Rick

Note: The email from still.ms.paz included information that indicated it was downloaded from another source, so I can only assume Barbie was the original author of the information, which is why I included both emails, but replied to Barbie as the author.

However, there is the DAC report.

The DAC is a report most large companies use to confirm a potential employees past employment history. According to USIS (http://www.usis.com, the official website for DAC), a person's DAC report contains information to "verify application information, fill employment gaps and may reveal undisclosed past employers. Report details can include reason for leaving, equipment operated, loads hauled, eligibility for rehire, status, driver's experience and number of accidents."

Previous employers may also list 'incidents' and 'accidents' on a person's DAC without disclosing much detail which can potentially cause a driver problems if he/she isn't aware of it. For example, one company listed that I struck a stationary object with their equipment. What they didn't disclose was the fact the stationary object was the ground when I left a shipper and a trailer tire rolled over a sidewalk, breaking the bead loose from the rim and causing the rim to bend and the tire to lose air. The fix was a hammer and an air hose, but the company made it sound like I had an accident on my DAC.
Another company reported an incident I was involved in that resulted in a non-hazardous material spill, but they didn't disclose the fact that I had taken evasive action to avoid an accident that occurred in front of me involving two trucks and a car, and in doing so an unsecured drum of glue fell over in a trailer that I picked up pre-loaded and pre-sealed at the shipper 2,400 miles back.
Yes, I did strike a stationary object, and yes, I did have an incident involving a non-hazardous materials spill, but as you can see, the DAC report can make a driver look bad depending on what type of information is included, and what information isn't.
While some companies view a DAC report as the Bible, most will admit that they take the information with a grain of salt, and will also admit the information companies put on the DAC is to make a driver look as bad as possible in the hopes that doing this will leave the driver no choice but to come back begging for their old job (yes, some companies have admitted this to me).

In any event, anyone can obtain a copy of their DAC at http://www.usis.com/Consumers/default.aspx. You may obtain a copy of your report free of charge once every twelve months, and as a Consumer Reporting Agency, DAC is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA is designed to protect your rights whenever you apply for a job or credit. A few of your rights regarding DAC reports include:
•The right to know who has seen your DAC report in the previous two years.
•The right to obtain a copy of your DAC report at any time. In some cases, such as denial of employment due to DAC information, the report may be obtained free of charge more than once in a twelve month period.
•The right to dispute any item on the report.
Additionally, carriers are required to notify you of your right to review the information obtained from your previous employers. This provision applies regardless of whether or not this information is obtained directly or through a third party provider, like DAC Services.
They're further required to inform you of your right to correct errors in that information, or to file rebuttal statements regarding verified, but potentially misleading, information.
You  can do a search for 'DAC Report' online (you'll get about 142,000 results for the term) and find sites that will give you a lot more in-depth information about it.
I hope this information is helpful and answers your question.
Dave

Daniel Ragusa
(Read the Reply on the Shut Down Feedback Page)

BILL MOGENSEN

Kim Murphy

P.S. I was in Laredo, TX. when you was on the truck and used another drivers laptop
and registered this site. I have been telling people about the web address for this
site to help spread the word. Thanks so much, for trying to help all of your fellow
drivers and to get some changes made. You're the greatest!

Mike Keller

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