Truck Driver SHORTAGE + Staying Warm Ep498

[@donaldmickunas8552]

I retired in December of 2019 after 14 years driving OTR. Through the whole of that time I was always hearing about a truck driver shortage. Regarding parking. I put the fault on the truckers themselves. It gets very old when property owners have to pick up bottles full of Urine and bags full of feces off of Parking Lots not to mention trying to remove urine from the parking lot itself. I've talked with Companies that use to let us park there. The story was always the same. Truckers did not treat the property with respect nor did they treat the owners with respect. So, they quit letting trucks park there. Communities do not want truck stops any where around them for the same reasons. At one point around 6 years ago, I was able to get an apartment in a nice size town in central Florida. The Walmart Superstore, next door to the apartment, said I could park there as long as I wanted. They had a section reserved for trucks. I checked twice over two months with the same response. Two years later, they didn't want any trucks parking there. Even suggesting to anyone in that town that you wanted to park there would get a very angry NO. Why? A group of truckers decided that they had the right to park whereever they wanted and do whatever they wanted to do. They ruined it for everyone else. I've heard and seen this story over and over again. Regarding the Memorial. That is one awesome piece of work!! A lot of thought and planning went into it and it shows. Well Done!!

[@marinadelich876]

Well at least there’s no mosquitoes 😂

[@edwardnorris7911]

Hi Kurt it's the same here in Ireland and most of Europe. Not enough parking . They are saying the same thing here .driver shortage. The thing over here is you have trucks sitting at shippers and receivers for hours. The load is not ready or no place in the wear house to put it . they just use the trailer as a temporary storage until they want it . Stop holding trucks for hours and the shortage is solved. There's very little drop hooks over here . It's mostly live load and unload

[@johnl8996]

I read an article a while back that said the same thing you did; there is NO driver shortage. It means much more coming from an actual truck driver (you). Stay warm and safe out there, you two.

[@edgaranaya9290]

I mean I’m an actual driver an the problem extends more than just a shortage

[@carlthor91]

@BikerTrashDan Agreed, it is that there are not enough drivers, for the companies to hold the rates down. Now they have to pay money. So, they are squeaking big time. Crocodile tears.

[@edgaranaya9290]

@BikerTrashDan I said the problem extends more than just a shortage

[@edgaranaya9290]

@BikerTrashDan I said the problem extends more than just a shortage

[@saras4181]

Love Opie sitting in the driver's seat, he wasn't happy about that vacuum though! I know another one that does not like it!😂 Keep the German warm, safe travels guys!

[@harolitostv9311]

Mr. Schmidt I would love for you to make a tip video on how to drive and how to prepare for the winter season.

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Every time I see a trucker with a dog I know he has the best co driver ever. 😂👍👍🇺🇸

[@jeannettegagnon5039]

Schmidt my husband drove for 22 years and he lost a battle with a 600 pound pallet, He now is still working with the company but not driving, i enjoy watching you as well as he does,

[@jameswilkinson4411]

Good luck and smooth roads to you and Opie Kurt

[@dankuhl991]

Waspys is off the beat and path and very nice. Highway 71 in Audubon Iowa.

[@trevorpollock3024]

Stay safe,stay strong & try to keep warm. All the best from Australia.

[@brianbelt7919]

Kurt your the man I was talking to my mom about people saying there’s a trucker shortage today and you ended up making a video about it keep the shiny side up and safe travels

[@brianwilliams309]

Got to get those booties for Opie's paws. Saw some on chewy.

[@dangregg3189]

Hi Kurt and Opie.. Kurt you're Dad is a treasure. I'm so glad he's doing well. Yes that monument is Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I hope your family is doing well. Stay warm brother. Safe travels.

[@billdeacon458]

I just happen to come across your channel….Great great video….I don’t drive trucks, I happen to be a Union Electrician with a love n respect for the trucking world..I’ve had a few family members that were truckers..What made me subscribe was how you leave politics out…among your view of the truck driver shortage….Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos…Be safe….

[@mileagemaker9925]

I agree with you 💯!! First off it's awful cold 🥶! Next this driver shortage is the higher ups covering their butts! Third , there is a shortage of qualified drivers!!! That is a great memorial and thank you to all veterans who have kept our country safe! God bless you all!!!👏👏👍. Thank you Kurt for another great video 👍

[@Neverdie242]

Enjoyed this very much. You do a lot better job in that cold than I would. Thanks for showing the the Veterans Memorial , that was great. You and pup stay warm.

[@ascensionranch3213]

Kurt, thanks for letting us tag along. Love your humble spirit.

[@leonarddye1975]

Thanks for your thoughs on the driver shortage. Good travels!

[@MAX999MAX]

Amazing as always thanks. God bless you

[@julieadams34]

Oklahoma it was 9 degree this morning.. Tonight low is 19 so a bit warmer than last night.. Take care stay warm..We are working at it..

[@greglammers9905]

Good videos Kurt. Stay safe my friend. Keep on trucking.

[@jimluense1494]

Love your videos. I just read today LeMars is getting a Love's Truck Stop on the bypass by John Deere, and it's going to have a dog park for Opie! It will be competed this fall. I retired driving truck December of 2018 after driving truck 48 years. The last 23 years in the LTL business and I do not miss driving in the winter. I can sit at home in the winter in my warm house. and watch you and Opie freeze. God bless you and Opie and your family for keeping America Great

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

I heard that

[@7viewerlogic670]

Good info on the heat.

[@majorpayne4098]

I worked outside in the weather year round except during torrential rain or lightning. -40 to 119 degrees. after hitting -30 27 degrees feels like summer in the rockies

[@keepupwithspeedy]

Be glad you don't live here in Michigan. We are having a mild winter so far. It's usually much worse. It's been cold but not as much snow as we normally get.

[@damessenjah5402]

I am as Red Whits & Blue as you, (well, from the Left coast but please do not hold that against me) and the reason that I started watching Truckers channels is that as an American who has lived outside of the US of A for for decades is that I keep hearing that there is a trucker shortage and shelves are not stocked. I will go back in a heartbeat if there is a need. But listening to you guys on the road it seems like there is not a need for drivers. Hum, I do enjoy the HD video tour I am getting to of the States you guys are uploading.

[@hughstephenson2957]

Kurt, I remember when I was a kid (before there were such things as "mega corps" like Werner, Swift and Schneider) there was always a fight between independent owner ops and the "big companies" of the time. All the ",big companies" of the time we're union shops and the independents we're left out in the cold at alot of shippers. Nowadays the "mega corps" have an advantage and are steering politics along with ATA and other organizations that say they are "for the trucker" but really aren't!! There has been a MASSIVE parking shortage for decades (nuthin new). I had an idea once to get some investors to buy like 5-10 acres and pave it, put in bathrooms/showers and maybe have a food truck or something similar.. plus security (lot lizard patrol) and charge $5 a night.. it'd be full, I guarantee ya that

[@truckeroctoling3880]

That's very interesting to hear. I've been told for most of my life that there was a shortage. Since I was little I've expressed interest in being a driver, and I was told it would be easy because companies were scrambling for drivers. I'm 20 now and I just need to wait til my birthday to be at the age to get a CDL. I've been talking with other drivers even and they have told me similar things. A Swift driver was telling me it wouldn't be hard to get hired. I'll have to ask for their views. Gotta love that memorial, always love seeing those. The Sherman was really cool.

[@richardorourke4571]

Be safe Kurt brings back memories. Wish I could dr again but my tour of duty Is over. Good luck out there opie is a great dog. Good bless

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I have a young friend this past year bought a 1998 W-900 and totally rebuilt the truck. I is now a tri=axle pulling a tri axle low boy and he is killing it. When the low boy is not needed, he hook to a dump trailer or logging traller and keep it rolling. I know he put about seventy five thousand into the truck and trailer but he keeps them rolling. He moves a lot of construction equipment for a couple of local contractor and if it takes running into the evening, he will do it and as he says have them ready to work the next morning. He was bought another W=900 and hopes to ave the second truck running soon. He is only 30 years old.

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Awsome

[@MrShade19686]

If you are that cold kurt look into a diesel heater an set it up to run as you driving can mount control box near the dash board so you can turn it on when needed without having to stop.

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Thought about it

[@tommygustavsson6990]

I love to see you and your dog because that reminds me when I was a farmer in Sweden, I had a Labrador and she loved to go with me in my truck a volvo F88

[@stanguay169]

It's -21F (-38F with wind chill) in Quebec right now... Keep warm, keep on truckin!!

[@stevenbuis4490]

Should have come down to Cartersville. It’s only 28 here

[@marvinelder3828]

Opie sure gave you the eye when you ran the vacuum. The look on his face told it all, not my mess. Good to see both of you staying warm and glad things are going well for you. Stay safe.

[@stephenglendenning1475]

You can come to Ontario Canada it is -11 now time 6:46 Friday night. By Monday it will be 21 with 70% snow. So have warm night . Siring will come back From Kitchener Ontario Canada. Just keep fish happy and little pigs

[@paulson6270]

Another Great Video! Stay Safe and Stay Warm!

[@heatherkohlwey8379]

There does need to be more and better accommodations in the right places for our truck drivers . You guys are the life blood of this country. Zoning laws, environmental concerns and many factors prevent most development of large truck parking. There are a lot of hoops to jump through. I worked at an engineering firm and that was the biggest pain. Thank you for sharing the ride and that beautiful memorial. Stay safe and warm. God bless.

[@promedic92]

Kurt their isn't a truck driver shortage, it is a shortage of drivers who will work for nothing for weeks at a time. Mega Carriers can't fill seats for a quarter a mile so they start screaming "driver shortage". As for parking, I think H.O.S. rules created a parking problem. More trucks are held to strict operating times and a majority of drivers now follow similar schedules. It has created a bottleneck that didn't exist before.

[@ryansmith4849]

How long has opie been running in the truck for, and when did you decide to bring him for the ride? Love the videos and keep being you!!

[@paulouellette9616]

lol stay warm we’re getting all kind off weather-40 with wind for a few days then -5and freezing rain then snow then more cold lol I hate winter keep doing great video 👍

[@bilgeratjim]

As a Canadian, I enjoy your "weather reports". It was -27C (-17F) this morning- almost cold enough to zip up my coat and wear a hat, tee hee hee! Have a great day, and stay safe (and warm, if you can).

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Lol, like I said I could never last up there

[@melwallenhorst3486]

Opie needs a dog jacket for them cold days. 🥶. Stay safe and keep warm its going to be cold for a while

[@robertblevinsjr4531]

Thank you for the video they are good enjoying watch them and thank you for not talking politics I ain’t it be safe stay warm thank you

[@darrenstewart7202]

- 30c here in eastern Canada tonite.

[@chrishelms1967]

Imagine if wait times were eliminated how much more efficient our supply chain would be

[@joeprocopio494]

Kurt,your absolutely right about the truck driver shortage it's all bull,dead on about 5he big wheels,hahaha!! Well be safe Opie is somethin,ain't he!?,I'll see you next time,keep truckin up whoop-whoop

[@robertmowery9596]

It sure looks cold out there. I don't do well in cold weather, even though I'm originally from Montana. Please get Opie some cold weather doggy boots. Stay safe out there Kurt.

[@DieselDoc78]

Billings checking in and sayin hello!

[@richstrang4184]

Kurt I don't mean to bust your chops was wondering if you need a little cheese to go along with all that winning your doing about the cold , glad to see the winter front is working out for you , be safe out there

[@jimflorey2711]

Hi Kurt and Opie. Be safe out there. Practically crossed paths I live abut 1/2 mile from the Evansdale truck stop.

[@ronisley9716]

Watch those cameras going around Cedar Rapids. They got me once going over 54mph. Hate them things.

[@teddekkerfan92]

I replaced the HVAC box (2011 T800 KW) and used the spal dual blowers and it's noticeable difference

[@imtimrich]

I’m with you -11 is cold 🥶

[@michellejaquez8809]

Love the amazing video keep up the great work. Hi opie.

[@jimmycagnee65]

Thanks bro.

[@MrAdoii99]

5:25 you at my house Ill be seeing it next Friday hopefully my car starts 😂

[@kenia7430]

Probably been asked but have you taken your heater core out and had it cleaned and made sure you have enough air flow through it and the AC core? When I drove for McNess and they had the cab over Freightliners they put a old style tractor cab heater in the compartment behind the seat and cut an opening under the seat, that really helped, kinda crude but it worked. Stay warm, the Mack I drove for the county said not to use a radiator cover until it was I think 20 below or better, never did use one on it

[@jackfickel9013]

I have a lot of lnsulation as well .......but it is what about body service.....

[@tracywood8676]

First class sounds really good when I wear my headphones.

[@jeannettegagnon5039]

One more thing they have a fleet of kenworth and freightliner and the freightliners are running strong , The kenworths dropping by numbers due to the electronics. 12 units sitting at Kw dealer due to no parts and 3 died on the road this week they are just a pile of junk so if you can afford a freightliner buy one and tell Kw to find a different product because theirs is not running, all of your additives for your trucks are double in price.they have just doubled every thing you need for that truck, stock up while you see it cheap

[@truck3warden859]

Minus 30 up here in north central Wisconsin this morning, and then the wind had to blow as well. Spring is coming eventually. Stay safe. I think a t-shirt with a picture of your Uber on it that says Uber under his picture would be good.

[@stacyfernandes2860]

Always says woof woof don’t worry Opie I get cold to when I go outside

[@casey6518]

Kurt, realize how bad it is in Canada, majority of the fuel pumps are open to the weather with no roof over them for fueling, if it's raining you getting wet, truck parking is usually a dirt lot. That's even for the major name brand truck stops. You have seen Trucker Josh over the last 8 or so years when he did OTR & now local fueling or stopping, they 40 yrs. behind in their truck stops, be happy most all of the lots you stop at are paved & have a roof over the pumps. O, it started snowing here again about 6pm tonight here in upstate SC, but Myrtle Beach got hit with ice & snow this morning & shut the city down. It stayed 32 degrees all day here so the snow is sticking right now but only gonna last to about midnight, 30's is cold average for us during the day, supposed to hit 23 tonight. Be safe...

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Very true we are lucky

[@lumberjunkee8451]

You 2 cool "cats"......👍👍 for "cheeks in the winds" new goal.......LETS GO!!!! Truck it up..... 🚛🚛🚛

[@robertesposito9871]

Doesn’t look like you guys got any snow yet

[@richardeckert6130]

I was just in Auburn the other day I had a funeral to go to Is that in the city park in town I didn't even know that was there Be safe and stay warm

[@johnhanson4795]

you said in a heartbeat with that saying its politics and bs media

[@cpenhaligon]

Youll make a good housewife man 👨 with that hoovering haha 😄 keep safe man.

[@2fast65]

Great video Kurt i sure miss running the road i have been a county worker in central Mn for 22 years because of my parents health i love my job especially plowing snow keeping it safe for you guys makes me feel good most people think we are crazy they just dont get it have a great day be safe.

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Gotta say I think I would kinda like doing that, the plowing snow part

[@scottbaker1018]

Opie be light in the drivers seat was like wth old man punch the yellow button i got the rest 🤣🤣

[@breakbenjaminfan56]

Hey you got my rig in this video! Caught me not getting up early lol.

[@duanesmeal1160]

Another awesome video Kurt n love the sunset. I agree with u there's not enough truck parking, here in Pennsylvania they closed alot of rest areas above the 81/78 split across the mountain on 81. I've seen alot off trucks parked on off ramps n get on ramps. The trucks stops are always full here in Pennsylvania. U n Opie stay warm n be safe and see ya both next time

[@raykrv6a]

I got tired of Target and not having a full selection of beef anymore. So two weeks ago I ordered half a cow. 240 lbs @ 5.82 a lb. I think Target is just not ordering as they are trying to save money. Some companies just don't treat the drivers time as important. Short shipping hours. SouthGeorgiaHotshot was on the scale when a foreigner backed into a no parking area and blocked exiting the scale. At least your company tends to go to the same warehouses.

[@LT.X380]

Keep Opie warm. You two stay safe. God bless you 🙏

[@KevinConklin5]

Stay warm. Both of you. -18? Oh my

[@leroymickle2998]

Hello Kurt and Opie, you both stay warm and safe on your travels. Wish we had your Temp, we have +6 Celsius here in Canada where I live, and i hate it for the driving I have to do, everything Icey. See you on the next one.

[@paulw3714]

Burrr…. Kurt, I feel for you and Opie. Would you believe in Southcentral Alaska we’re getting a Pineapple Express, 35f now and 40f by tomorrow, down side is the rain and ice. Keep the great videos coming and stay safe and warm.

[@ppger44]

With Indiana or Illinois pro drivers, how often do you think I've seen them drop trailers in mid Pennsylvania because they can't go to NYC or Long Island to deliver the load? Creampuffs don't last usually past 6 months before looking for another trucking company or a way out of working all together.

[@2DSTORMS]

I live 30 mile NE of Evansdale and operate a National Weather Service Coop Observer Station at Stanley 4W since 1996. Keep daily weather records. Lowest temperature I ever recorded was -36.4⁰F

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Ouch that's cold

[@faurotejames]

You should look into getting a green apu

[@brendamelander5942]

I totally agree, there is no truck driver shortage. I drive 90 miles each way to work every day. I have seen more trucks in the last year than than in the previous 13..

[@douglaspeterson7602]

Love's is adding new truck stops this year with 3000 parking spaces. Just wait until all of those electric trucks hit the roads and need charging stations.

[@michaelselman9885]

Good evening Kurt & Opie. Another great vlog. Thank you for taking us along. I am like you on the complaining department. We do live where we live. It is colder up north. Most of us say, the can keep their cold air. They can keep their snow. We do live in the midwest. It seems that we do not get the snows like we used to. Seems we get the very cold winds. It's all apart of the winter season. The older I get the more I do not like it. I just try not 2 complaint. Big word, try!😉 1 day closer 2 spring.🥀🌞😎

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

I agree, the snows are definitely smaller

[@jackfickel9013]

Alaska is not that different temp wise .....ok a little colder..... but it’s the 8 month length of coldness that gets to ya!

[@odorizedramblings4660]

I'm running UT, CO, NV, ID, WY, N-CA this winter and there is squat for parking! If you don't get into a truck stop or rest area by 4pm you won't find a spot. And all the wonderful people giving me the middle finger for being on the road...

[@J-YT99]

as much as I want a classic xl I heard about the door seals, insulation, and weak fans. also they have closed down a lot of rest areas/welcome centers over the years when we need twice as many

[@airwolf3385]

So when you and Sara retire would you move to a warmer southern state. God Bless and safe travels

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

I'd travel more in the southern states. But stay living in the midwest just because the low population

[@danielramsey1959]

For now grab a couple of moving pads and hang them against the interior walls of the sleeper.

[@rrpstpie]

I think the shortage refers to career drivers retiring and being replaced by part time driver. Meaning ppl who get in the industry for a few years to make money, then leaving to do what they really want to do. That's why there's so many regulations. Their being pushed through school without being taught everything they "should" know. I.e. automatic trucks. Bottom line is freight has to move, company's have contracts to fill.

[@richardjr5745]

Those headlights still working out ok

[@juststuffwithwolfe4482]

15:56 y don’t u get a diesel heater?

[@garyw8481]

-18...uhhhhh no. That's why I live in Fl. Saw too much of that when I was driving.

[@kevinweston9312]

I find in the winter I run my bunk fan all the time. With the heater running it keeps the bjml and cab warmer. In the summer I run the bank fan also when it's real hot. A old timer put me on to that.

[@joer2390]

What was thos blinking lights in the back ground at the last truck stop?

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Not sure

[@larryfisher5796]

Kurt back in the old days parking for truck drivers was hard to find in the 60s an 70s and far as heat gos all we had was the heater in the trucks .that was a diamond T freezes your butt off

[@ritakinder4452]

What I have been hearing is not a driver shortage even tho they are blamed for it. is they can't find anyone willing to work and unload the barges and ships sitting at the docks to be unloaded. they showed pictures of lines of trucks waiting to be loaded but no one was unloading the ships so the driver just sits. stay warm it is 18 degrees here in WV.

[@hughstephenson2957]

Kurt, just imagine driving a cabover in that cold.. that's one thing about those, no matter the brand... The heaters SUCKED A**!!!

[@tommyduran6785]

Good morning Sir, just watched the video and enjoyed it so I wanted to say thanks for the footage it was awesome I enjoyed the ride along with you and OPIE. Not telling you what to do with OPIE but you may want to get him some boots for his paws being that cold out could cause OPIE to get frostbite on his paws but other than that the truck looks nice. T's&P's to you OPIE and your family be careful and stay safe out on the road have a blessed day

[@tomwestbrook1266]

Lack on heat in the truck.....have you tried to flush the heater core?

[@truckingwithschmidt7120]

Oh it's coming out at 180 degrees, it's just to cold for it to keep up.

[@tomwestbrook1266]

@@truckingwithschmidt7120 but are you getting full flow (as in volume of coolant).