Deregulation: The Death of the Trucking Industry

[@flattire4701]

100% agree...there is no shortage of drivers. Theres a shortage of people willing to move freight for nothing. Excellent videos. It's a breathe of fresh air to see a truck driver with some sense.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Sir. Dave

[@jamiedardar1616]

I own a Refrigerated Trucking company in Louisiana and i always meet my drivers in person and pay them well for the job they do driving the miles away from the loved ones back at home. My top priority is my drivers my business my customers without my drivers my business fails i buy new Trucks every 700,000 miles for my long haul drivers every new truck the driver chooses the truck and package they want install to make their lives comfortable on the road. i pay performance bonus, safety bonuses, equipment preventative maintenance bonus, milage bonuses every 25,000 miles of safe driving, full coverage health insurance,401k 50% match day one, credit union, 2 weeks paid vacation yearly, i take care of my drivers because without them i wouldn't be where I'm at today. i haven't lost a driver in my 10 yrs in business from quitting. i work with my drivers and their family to get then home as often as possible if they have a family emergency I will fly them in and arrange for a ride to their respective destination to meet with their family. My drivers and my business are my family and I take care of them both.

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, I wish, we all wish, all owners were like you. I f you wish,tell me the name of your company and I'll let drivers know. Dave

[@thompsonbabette]

Flap Private, I'd work for you in a heartbeat

[@da19570]

You must make a lot of money when a new Kenworth big sleeper costs a 165,000 dollars and new trailers costing over 50.000 dollars new .

[@scottwitkowski1298]

That's great but unfortunately you are the exception, not the rule.

[@alexsantiago357]

Flap Private wow, your a dream boss, thanks.

[@coolbreezestudiollc906]

Yes, deregulation as turned an honored profession into indentured servitude. A "sweatshop on wheels" without protection of the Fair Labor Standards Act, drivers must risk their lives and the lives of others so they can feed their families. I know this first hand after getting rear ended by a driver that fell asleep at the wheel after 27 hours of driving. Crushed in my car it took 45 minutes for rescue to free me. I was in a coma for 2 months and had 30 surgeries. Presently I have started work on a documentary film in association with Truck Safety Coalition and intend on making a clear unbiased film. Even though I came as close to death as one could get without actually being there, and suffered indescribable pain, I never blamed the driver. I blamed and still do the trucking company. Too many deaths occur every year, both truck drivers and car drivers, because of deregulation of the trucking industry. I intend to bring this carnage to an end and at the same time make the profession of driving an honored and lucrative one again. Thank you for a very informative video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Cool Breeze Studio Wow you've gone through quite an ordeal. All drivers should hear the stories out there like yours. I don't believe alot of drivers fully appreciate the damage an accident can do until they experience it first hand and then it's too late and someone is hurt or worse.Looking forward to your documentary and please keep in touch.So many of these accidents are preventable had things like deregulation and driver training been done correctly. drive safe dave

[@jbeltramelli6686]

I parked my paid for otr tractor 11 months ago.The blood, sweat and tears are not worth the reward.12 years accident free career. Spotless mvr.I'm the safe and professional driver you want to share the road with.But instead I'm on the sidelines waiting for the collapse and rebirth of the industry.Thanks for the video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey, thank you! Dave

[@Pernection]

The rebirth will mean automated long haul trucks

[@charleshanna2089]

Many people think Republican President Ronald Reagan was the one that deregulated the trucking industry It was Democratic President Jimmy Carter Increasing public interest in deregulation led to a series of federal laws beginning in 1976 with the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act. The deregulation of the trucking industry began with the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, which was signed into law by President Carter on July 1, 1980. Motor Carrier Act of 1980 - Wikipedia

[@donaldbartram6315]

Of course it was a Democrat

[@farmerdave7965]

I liked being a long distance OTR trucker. I quit trucking due to not being able to make a living and being cheated and treated badly by trucking companies.

[@SmartTrucking]

You're sure not alone there! That's why the driver shortage these days. They did that to too many of us! Dave

[@J560iH]

Deregulation was actually Reregulation to the point where it has broken down anybody that works what were once proud respectable trades.

[@m.miller2374]

I think they are going to push for driverless trucks as hard as they can .

[@donaldbartram6315]

A lot of good men both drivers & owners suffered because of it. My Union Hall once ahd over 5000 members in freight handling,, we had over 25 terminals in a 6 mi stretch of rte 1 between Milford & New Haven Ct, another 15 or so terminals in Brpt. The downfall of a great industry. Now you have all these half wits behind the wheel that haven't a clue what it is to be a TRUCK DRIVER

[@jimcameron9848]

There is a great KZbin video from 1979, titled, "Trucking 1979". It quotes a cross country trip as the gross being $3,300 US and then removes the costs (i.e., fuel $1,000). Even then they were discussing the challenges of (a) being a single owner/operator; (b) leasing to operate under a large carrier umbrella; and (c) the risks each load entails (i.e., repairs). Still, that is a good chunk of change for 1979. Thank you for the video. Very interesting. I also liked your previous comments about the 80s and having disposable income.

[@seththomas9105]

This is the same song, different verse for the whole transportation industry in the U.S. Rail was deregulated in 1980 with the Staggers Act, trucking and the air industry also in the 80's. Look up how many trucking lines, airlines, and class 1 railroads have merged or gone out of business since 1980. Great topic sir.

[@DagorDagorathSauron]

Sort of the same story in Australia ever since the 1990's. When railways were privatized and fragmented into alot of smaller railways, how many of them have been devoured by the big railway companies since then, to the point where he almost have a duopoly on rail freight. Same with the trucking industry, where alot of the smaller and medium (as well as some large) trucking players have been assimilated into the Linfox and Toll empires

[@MrComputerdog58]

You make an excellent point. I was one of those Airline Mechanic's (now retired) that went through the deregulation and consolidation of the airlines. I was also a union rep (IAMAW) for nearly 30 yrs of my career. The hardest hitting issue that hit us, was the changing of the FAR's (Federal Air Regulations) which allowed the U.S. Airlines to take their planes overseas, to places like China, Brazil etc...for repairs. While these companies and the FAA claim that these repair stations must comply with the U.S. FAR'S, that is a fallacy. I have a couple old time friends that still work for major carriers and are sent to these overseas "repair stations". Nearly every week, I hear of the nightmares that occur over there. These guy's jobs, are only to assure the paperwork, meet's FAA Reg's. In the 10+ yrs they have been assigned to rotating overseas, none of them, nor their working partner's have EVER seen a FAA Inspector at any of these overseas bases. Luckily for the travelling public, the redundant systems on the aircraft do their job well. These systems have prevented far more accidents, than the public will ever know. My dad drove big rig's back in the early/mid 60's and was a Teamster. He only left to go into the airline business (also a mechanic), because back then the airline pay/benefits, were better than drivers made. He also liked being home at night/weekends with his family. I feel that if you guy's in trucking have the power to change your industry. As other's have stated, there are those that will drive for peanut's, but we both know that at some point this is going to bite the fat cat's in your industry in the butt. Unfortunately, it might take a total crash of the trucking industry to cause drastic changes. Luckily for you all, they can't ship your truck's overseas and get the freight hauled. I wish you all the best of luck, and hope things take a turn for the better. Trucker's are the Backbone of this nation, and the sooner this nation realizes it, the sooner things will change. Safe Travels and God's speed to you all.

[@jimjones4774]

It's not the deregulation that is hurting, it is continuing re-regulation that is destroying the business. Ridiculous HOS, ELDs, and related regulations are causing the problems along with not allowing shippers contract with drivers without a middleman.

[@garysapp1450]

Unfortunately the trucking industry will never collapse and reset to a more liveable wage for truckers. Instead, the current trend of importing massive amounts of cheap labor through immigration will continue. Before long, the only truckers on the road will be newly arrived third world immigrants who are tickled pink to be earning $25 A day.

[@rwenji22]

You have it wrong. Sadly. The Industry is heading to driverless trucks and Uberfreight has began the process of kicking out the brokers. That’s the future of the trucking industry. Nothing will collapse. Evolution is key.

[@drifter436]

I drove for over 20 yrs, my dad who drove for 38 yrs was making 38 cpm and 13.75 an hr in 1981.i had had enough of the lies and BS, so I got out about 4 yrs ago and got into refrigeration and hvac, more money better benefits and home a lot more. God bless everyone still out there. America needs you to keep this country moving.

[@charlieharrison6453]

how will you support yourself if you park your truck. most o/o cant afford to retire. and we need to get rid of brokers they are the ones that damaged the trucking industry. by low balling a high paying load and giving the trucker scraps

[@numbaoneUFCfan]

I started in the Industry in 1979...…working on a loading dock in a town with all the major LTL union carriers......Throughout the 80's they all fell to the wayside, a casualty of Deregulation. Deregulation was good for consumers and the trucking Magnates, but not for the drivers...…...The industry went from good paying wages and benefits to crap wages and crummy working conditions...…….Many large carriers have their respective business model set up for high turnover......get them in and burn them out...…….My advice to all...….organize and unionize...…...the American trucking association would have you working 24/7 if they could...…..they have the politicians in their pocket...…….

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

Two big problems in trucking. 1. Parking 2. Pay

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@mikeobrien8951]

What this guy said is true. I doubt if he was in the industry when the country was warned about "degreg.". The Teamster pleaded with congress not to allow it . But no one wanted to listen because the unions didn't want it to happen.Everything that was predicted has happened and is happening. It's the same thing as far as Nafta goes. I'm glad to see some of the larger non-union LTL companies are starting to turn to the Teamsters. Some of you may not like what I'm doing to say but we need regulated trucking again. Everyone made good money back then and not every tom , dick and harry was able to start a company just because they wanted to. There needs to be control and regs.

[@SmartTrucking]

Mike Obrien Agreed. I'm not a fan of unions as a rule, there must be control again as you say, in order to bring this industry back. (Dave)

[@javiertorres9114]

I’m seeing this video 7 yrs later and Wow!.. this is a reality check today. All shipping containers are literally stuck at the ports all over the cost cause there are not enough trucks to pick them up.

[@thepowerofdreams6816]

I'm from argentina, but my father is a trucker and it happens the same here, EXACTLY THE SAME, if you are an Owner Operator of your own little truck is very possibly that you gonna to get a bad day dealing with the liars of the trucking companies, and the companies from here preefer to contract the bolivians truckers who get paid by a fraction of the ones born here' and if you re an owner operator most companies also will try to do everything to kick you. and a family or brotherhood with 3 or 4 trucks, is kicked down by the big companies. At least tankers normally get a better paid i suppose there' because the safety and professionalism level.

[@blueaura2191]

Well both Robert kiyosaki and Trump says, it's all about the deal, and not with big government. California is a good example of what happens when you allow the reigns out of the hands of the people

[@paulhartnell4671]

I have followed your videos for a while now and really enjoy them you have very good advice across the board from information and advice for perspective drivers all the way through seasoned veteran's. One of my first postings to you're video's was about deregulation and the sad state the industry is in now. I am a Union man through and through I was born into trucking and Teamsters when I posted previously about the Teamsters and the need for the industry to come together and stand together to better our working conditions you said many did not like the Teamsters butt that was not necessarily you're feelings now you say it is, how can we all come together with out honest straight forward discussion. Many many years ago my grandfather was a real teamster ( with horses and wagon) back then it was much as it is today lousy pay no respect. Then they fought hard and stood together to better their working conditions the Union fought hard and got laws regulating the industry. truck drivers across the board benefitted and became part of the middle class. This worked great until deregulation which gutted everything and drivers started the down hill slide to wear we are. We can't just wait for it to collapse and see were the chips fall, we know where they will fall, right in the big corporations lap ! Some of us teamsters are still hanging in there making a good living but not for long. Every day these schools send out someone with a pulse to sit behind a steering wheel. Time to stand together and fight for respect again no one is going to just hand it back to us !

[@SmartTrucking]

Paul Hartnell good letter, let me clarify my position. my grandfather too was an old time teamster with horse and buggy.was a teamster myself for awhile. Deregulation definitely hurt the teamsters, but so did Hoffa sr. and the violence of the strikes. The public still thinks of violence today when they hear the word teamsters. I agree with the concept of a union, the teachers union is a working and respected example. I just don't see,given their history, how the teamsters could ever regain public respectability. I don't know how the drivers could insure that their reps were honest and their members wouldn't resort to violence. dave

[@the0to1smell86]

sorry buddy but we need to stop working for the trucking industry couse nobody's got our backs no body and it's not going to change unless we do something about it..

[@whateverestupihd8348]

Hit the nail in the head , im looking at 70, 000 and up for me to go back in the driving full time ,less than 70,000 not worth my time..20 years of driving experience .I learn my lessons. The collapse is neer,2015.

[@SmartTrucking]

Willi J Shame it needs to happen, but the big CEO's in the industry just don't get it.

[@SmartTrucking]

And respect goes a long way too, along with decent pay.

[@SmartTrucking]

You know, I hear so many drivers say that.... makes me wish it could really happen. We all know that's the answer. Can you imagine the chaos if the majority parked for even just 4-5 days? But the message would be loud and clear.

[@SmartTrucking]

What percentage of trucks parked would make this effective, in your opinion? We know some won't park for due to fear of loosing their job. How would we encourage drivers to put it in park? One thing I've thought of that is essential is that the goal of doing this was clear... that the cause was simple and clear. That trucker strike last year failed, as too many groups were shirt tailing on the cause and then the purpose of the strike was muddy..... too many causes and many of them weren't even trucking related.

[@SmartTrucking]

Well, that's one thing driving is good for... excellent time for thinking and pondering... goodness knows you can get lots of that done in those long days LOL.

[@riggedfortruckers9748]

If we do not value and respect the hard workers we will lose them all. Why wait until it collapses to see that greed is killing the average American household. The workers are equally important to the success of our economy as are the thinkers and it high time they began to consider where the economy will be when we put an end to the embezzling upper management does! There needs to be more balance. Brain is not more important than brawn!

[@SmartTrucking]

Well said, indeed. America needs the workers.

[@andrewdonohue1853]

College industrial complex. Student loan debt is worse then credit cards now

[@Joe-mk3ii]

I would like to see a law that says no one in a company can make more than 10x the wage of the lowest paid employee. That would make it so it was not all about the money. When the CEO is making 600,000,000 a year it will corrupt him and everyone else.

[@ALT3RZxx]

This video helped me with a sociology course on "work and occupations". Thank you Sir! "

[@smedlydumpsterjuice8875]

the good part of dereg was the consolidation of state permits. i used to have many state permit stickers all over the side of my truck.

[@SmartTrucking]

I remember those days! Dave

[@DWTAVey]

I still to this DNAge wanted to be a Trucker, Just the Experience and Journey of it all, Sir Dave its truly an honour to Learn from the rest even just Online..

[@jamesshedd752]

1.30 a mile

[@paulhartnell4671]

Dave thank you for the response I understand you're feelings towards the Teamsters. The violence on picket lines predated Jimmy Hoffa Sr.. and the Teamsters union itself, there is long history of violence related to labor and workers trying to stand together to better their working conditions. The fact is the violence was brought on by the companies as evidenced by the steelworkers and coalminers strikes these workers were shot and killed in many cases by the company hired thugs the longshoremen met the same violence in their efforts to organize too these men died for the working conditions we all enjoyed for decades. Unions have been attacked in the media for ever and their campaign has been successful. You mentioned the teachers union here in the states they are under attack by the conservatives through court actions and legislation and the press. Hoffa was no saint neither are the corporations, we can assure the union's represent are needs through participation and elections we are the Union it's like anything in life it takes effort and commitment . Thank you

[@TheLastJatt]

10 years later I would like to know your updated views on where trucking is, I’m second generation in and I think the trucking industry is its own worst enemy on so many levels

[@AT-uy1tj]

Union for truck drivers?

[@MrTattooed81]

teamsters Jimmy Hoffa's union

[@Frank71]

A T back in the day of the introduction of deregulation for trucking, i sounded the alarm that this would happen, i was called a lib, commie. you reap what you sow!

[@donclark1442]

We had one, for 38 years it provided a solid middle class lifestyle for my family and me. Then came deregulation and you all know the rest of the story. Unions , in my opinion will not become the collective bargaining powerhouse powerhouse they once were in my lifetime. Grateful to be retired with a full company funded pension. Not a 3% 401 k match.

[@blakerobinson5233]

When did the money stop being a think and when did they start to limit income

[@robertl.fallin7062]

Amen! The shippers ( corp americia) and the large brokers OWN the industry.. After hearing the BS from the trucking company's about a driver shortage I began asking both shippers and consignee if they had been effected by the inability to get freight moved or received. I did this from 98 thru 2002. Not one of a thousand shippers had ever had a issue that effected productiion. Consignee almost never had freight delivery effect their operation except for weather related delays which were mentioned maybe two times. The joke is the turnover stats and wages. Pay drivers and they won't leave ya.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right!!! Dave

[@johnmurray4918]

I agree, big business pays off government to deregulate, so they can suck up the increased profits. It is how they operate, but once the industry does collapse the government will be forced to step back in. We know everything moves by truck and the economy would collapse without the trucking industry, so something would have to be done. Regulation will come back, but most likely in the form of over regulation, as typically the governments record on successfully fixing anything is "0". In the mean time, I think that for whatever reason the driver shortage exist, the law of supply and demand will naturally have to surface. With trailer loads sitting everywhere waiting for drivers to move them, the price drivers will receive to get these products moved will have to increase dramatically. At least for a while a collapse might make trucking a good job once again. I believe the trucking industry is about the only one that does not have to deal with a union. This leaves you in the realm of divide and conger and not having a union to fight and lobby for you, is a big part of the problem. I truly wish you guys the best of luck.

[@antoniomachado7014]

Well done Dave it's been some time the way they want unfortunately.

[@CUSTOMWORKS7.3PSD]

We in the Repossession industry are in a similar situation, Financial institutions have screwed rates so low its not really worth while doing this business any more.

[@the0to1smell86]

ain't it funny that you are hauling millions in one haul but they only pay you pennies not even a percentage...you get more money taking drugs ..and the cartels pay you better than your honest trucking job..that's sad.

[@predator265]

Right you are it's very sad.

[@luckyfromsurrey]

I bet they'll pay on time too

[@mikekahl5609]

Deregulation!!!!! We are over regulated. What have you been talking about in your videos. E-logs, Def additives, dispatch control, speed limiters, DOT, 34 hr resets, etc

[@m.miller2374]

make trucking great again!

[@iseedeadppl79]

To many company drivers to really cripple anything by staging a strike. For a lot of them they get a 1500 dollar paycheck and all is well in they're mind but what they don't realize is they got paid 4.09 dollars an hour. If your not home your at work right. The word professional is used very loosely too, I'm not just beating on anybody or company but if you see the things that go on out here you'd know why we get no respect. And if we aren't respected any more than a McDonald's worker who is gonna pay us more? We seem to be a necessary nuisance.

[@deleteduser121]

shows that propaganda works. He believed that deregulation was a good thing instead of actually doing some research first. the working class needs to be educated on the basics of capitalism

[@robertl.fallin7062]

ryler05 it was actually union busting .

[@NealWalter]

Thanks, good insight

[@williamcarey8529]

You are 100% right about what you are saying!! Plus the mega carriers have a monopoly on the industry; which is or was forbidden under US law and these sorry ass carriers use this strategy to their advantage!! In my opinion, generally 80% to 85% of the new recruits that show up to places like CR England, CRST, Uass Express and the others get so discouraged and leave the industry within the first year of them getting their license!! It is sad how a once admired and respected trade has been flushed down the drain!!

[@PaulChristenson]

Why do you think the corporate trucking industry is financing a serious push for autonomous road trucks...:(

[@donclark1442]

Sweatshops on wheels, very little Pride in the Ride. Sad

[@SmartTrucking]

Sad but True! Dave

[@chrisreed9160]

how much money is too much money for a company driver that get paid a week I thought 900 is good or $1,500 is good

[@SmartTrucking]

1500 clear is good! Dave

[@andrewdonohue1853]

Never too much no such thing lol

[@robertdixon6536]

The drivers are paid what they will will work for. Simple free market.

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

4:19 Autonomous trucks will replace the driver. 🛻

[@SmartTrucking]

Don't hold your breath!

[@rickgiordano963]

Dave: If the industry has suffered because of lower wages, it's not because of deregulation. It's because of the changing demographics of the trucking industry. More non-white immigrants who are willing to work for less are entering the industry. I refer you to www.ttnews.com/articles/printopt.aspx?storyid=36758. If you want to place blame, place it on your government for allowing too many low skilled immigrants into your country who are willing to work for a wage that you consider too low. The trucking industry is like any other. It is ruled by the law of supply and demand. Business wants cheap labor. Government works hand in hand with business. Immigration of people from countries with standards of living far below your own is encouraged by government policy. Government and business win. You lose. Your problem is you look to the government for solutions, when in some cases, the government is the problem, not the solution. If you want to change the industry, start by changing your government. Fewer immigrants competing for jobs will necessitate higher wages for drivers. It's no more difficult than that.

[@SmartTrucking]

Don't even get me started. Dave

[@JDUBZisYAHWEH]

I would love to drive a truck, even for the current rates. But no one will hire drivers with less than 5 years experience.

[@SmartTrucking]

Bigpimping Papercut Yes, and that's clearly a problem too.

[@ricicon6169]

You might wanna do your research, there are companies that will hire right out of trucking school...Quite a few companies will hire drivers with 6 months or more experience...

[@JDUBZisYAHWEH]

Richard Wyatt you might want to do your research as it actually is region specific. Where you live probably has a healthier economy than my area so businesses in your area may be more willing to take on less experienced truckers than where I live.

[@ricicon6169]

Where do you live?

[@JDUBZisYAHWEH]

Onterrible

[@m.miller2374]

I agree with you 100%, but I think they are going to try autonomous trucks as much as they can , even modifying interstate highways so their is sensor guides for the trucks, especially Swift and Werner . But I'm like you I would rather see it happen the way you are saying.

[@jbeltramelli6686]

By the way.. I'm in a good paying lane.. Still not worth it

[@bodhitree7764]

So sorry,

[@farhadosmani]

I parked my truck because it’s not worth driving my own truck in California at $1.00 per mile. I’m better off driving for a local company as a company driver.

[@SmartTrucking]

Smart move! Dave

[@m.miller2374]

Otr driver ads are flooding the classifieds in Omaha.

[@MrTattooed81]

I have pride in driving a truck I still believe in the brotherhood

[@arelytalove8101]

yes this is too true in one word thanks ronald reagan for making laws with alzhimers disease not his fault but ive been paying for it ever since along with every other driver out there.

[@RayT70]

Drivers will take it up the exhaust pipe like they have been. When the collapse happens it will be much larger than the trucking industry.

[@spookyfizz]

And who’s responsible for deregulation? Republicans!

[@Richtaco]

Lol you called it. We are close to the bottom

[@SmartTrucking]

Sad but true.

[@sonnypruitt6639]

Shoot!!! You just give me an 18-wheeler, and a CB radio, and I'll haul that load for nothen! LOL

[@broadwayboy6024]

Deregulation was designed to keep inflation low at the expense of the truck driver.

[@davidherman8244]

Sad that they pay everyone else except the one doing the work y dosent anyone see anything wrong with this

[@PaulChristenson]

Well, Deregulation killed the airline industry, why should the trucking industry expect to be any different

[@2ndgenshedmover]

I disagree deregulation is always a good thing to get the govt out of the way and let the free market work! The problem is that these mega carriers can put big money influencing policy that benefits them and squeezes the little guy out. I just started last year and I couldn't believe all the bs I had to go through just to be legal. It's ridiculous. It's just like the ACA the issuance companies were right there to write the policy to raise prices screw over the consumer and put more profits in their pockets and more money into the medical industry. You can't expect the govt to look out for your best interests they never will they are owned by big companies that are their donors for campaign funds for reelection to stay in power. If you really think the govt should get involved to regulate something "because people need help"and the govt getting involved will help them you need to pull your head out of the sand!

[@m.miller2374]

What should a truck driver really be making if pay would of kept up all those years- ball park figure? Company driver.

[@dairyinc.3651]

Sounds like the dairy industry here in the US

[@williamharrington8099]

Amen.....

[@jbeltramelli6686]

Maybe not the collapse.. Only the rebirth lol

[@jihongchen80]

what the point, ya voted for this

[@SmartTrucking]

Oh no i didn't! There should have been controls and oversight built into deregulation to prevent this mess. Dave

[@hornet6969]

A.I. , Driverless Vehicles.