The trucking industry is, and has been in a constant state of driver turmoil. This situation is partially due to the free market system of supply and demand with its constant ups and downs. Unfortunately, this condition continues to perpetrate the environment for shoddy work ethics, or downright immoral behavior on both sides of the great divide that separates drivers and management.

In spite of the daily abuses and indignities drivers face we all should remember another important reality. Without sufficiently capitalized companies staffed with qualified personnel, and reliable equipment -driving jobs have little meaning.

Most of us all too often point accusing fingers, while forgetting that as we do, the same hand is actually pointing 3 fingers back at ourselves. Yes, there are egregious circumstances within many, perhaps most freight hauling enterprises. However, this disturbing reality seems to permeate all forms of human endeavors. Can we improve our situations even though it's within an often-hostile climate of competition? Obviously, the answer is yes. The trick is knowing how. One way that has been proven to work, at least over the long haul, is to allow actions to do the speaking. Good work usually produces abundant fruit. However, a garden does not produce abundance unless vigilance over weeds and disease are maintained.

The truth is - companies whose people are not united and/or exhibit class distinctions are suffering from a variety of economic, emotional and physical illnesses, and will not prosper. Individuals who think they are better than or think that their position(s) are more important than another's contribute to the conflicts. It takes all of us working together to improve working conditions and the bottom line. So, instead of the constant complaining and antagonism - perhaps we ought to be looking for solutions for better communication and equal footing.

When we seek and find employment - what are we really doing? Are we not selling our capabilities and TIME? Therefore, does it not seem prudent to stop the whining and bickering by concluding that each individual is responsible for how these precious commodities are utilized?

When we have problems that seem to be insurmountable, instead of moaning or groaning shouldn't we seek ways to solve them or move on? Apparently, trying to remedy the problems is too great a task. Thus, moving-on has become synonymous with turnover.

So far, the method of resolving fundamental disputes between management and drivers has not been found. The closest drivers and management seem to have come to finding common ground is via UNIONIZATION or collective bargaining. The trouble is, even though this methodology seems to make both sides more relaxed and easier to deal with, there remains the CLASS division, which actually only emphasizes the distinction between drivers and management. Until we realize that this drain on prosperity only perpetuates unresolved hostilities, and constant confrontations there is never going to be a win/win arrangement. Why can't we recognize the relevancy of the age old adages - divided we fall, and united we stand.

This country rose above the ashes of a feudal system. The individual became King & Queen. Yet, and unfortunately, we seem doomed to the consequences of constantly repeating the errors of our past. The issues seem to be: Do we like and want to continue traveling the well-worn hwy of discontent? Or, can we change our ways by creating the climate of Mutual Respect for each otherís precious TIME?

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Created: 10/28/99
Last Rev: 10/25/2000