My journey focused on www sites belonging to Trucking Co's, Drivers, and Wives of drivers. However, a few detours lead me through a maze of brokers, insurance companies, suppliers, lawyers, associations, as well as state/federal agencies. And, of course, no trip would be complete without stopping here.

While touring company sites, it seemed that "sugar and spice and every thing nice" rained like heavenly manna. Yet, and in contrast, when traveling through the creative driver and wives sites, there seemed to be an undercurrent of dissatisfaction. Obviously, something seemed amiss. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to lay blame, find fault or point fingers for there is too much of that now. Besides, I discovered many innovative and enjoyable sites on both sides of the Continental Divide.

Oddly, company mission statements seemed to infer one big happy family. Whereas, drivers appear to imply that they not only love & live to drive, but are deeply disturbed about their work environment. And, when visiting the wive's sites, potholes of safety pay, loneliness, and children dominated cyberville. Therefor, I'm drawn to the conclusion that there are dangerous riptides undermining the beaches of the entire trucking industry.

In the real world, not cyberspace, the differences between management, dispatch, drivers and spouses are akin to a gearbox running without oil. Years ago, I often asked myself - what can be done to change this awful situation where toxic whispers cloud the air of mental clarity? Now, I'm asking you - can we afford a Grand Canyon of mutual disrespect and mistrust without eventually destroying goodwill, and the bottom line?

There's another component part of this trip worth mentioning. We all know that the customer is always right and without which there would be no jobs. However, it seems that the customer is the point of contentious collisions. For instance, have you ever noticed that customers have a beautiful and prestigious front view, but the back door where the products come and go is often a nightmare? From my point of view anyone who paints a magnificent welcome mat, but fails to make it just as easy to enter and park in the rear are behaving like America did during segregation. To me it's utter disregard and complete disrespect when a pick up and delivery area requires a driver to blind side to the loading dock with only a couple inches of clearance? And too top off the load of insult and injury, customers often demand unrealistic delivery schedules? Sometimes I suspect that the customer just does not realize the stress they place upon the driver who's always caught in the middle.

I keep hearing about a driver shortage, or the rampant turnover. I wonder, could it be that the only real shortage is ethical managers and dispatchers? I never hear about raging churning among dispatchers or managers. Oh sure, and without doubt, due to the competitive nature of business and the need of competent professionals there will always be the lure of greener pastures.

During my driving experiences I often wondered how many dispatchers or managers held a CDL? Obviously, there are such people. So, I ask you - what do you think the advantages would be if mgt/dispatch held a CDL? In addition, how many companies actually recruit mgt/dispatch through their driver network? Or, on the other hand, if a company does not or will not or entertain this arrangement - why not?

Now, to expand this feeble attempt of loosening the wedge that divides wouldn't it seem logical for dispatchers and mgt to make short and long haul runs with drivers? Just try to imagine what the customer might say and think about this kind of service? Can you think of a better way for mgt and dispatch to comprehend what really goes on, instead of continuing the same practices that are obviously less than desirable? Wouldn't such a scenario inevitably enhance relations, communication and understanding for each discipline? Wouldn't this type of change be sowing the seeds for a better tomorrow? In my opinion, companies failing to take these types of steps to resolve the differences are destined for collisions in which no insurance company will issue a policy.

Perhaps, some will ask - could such a system actually work? I am not 100% sure. However, there is a company that seems prosperous and uses a similar system. Who is this company? UPS, where mgt is usually ex-drivers. Look at the respect UPS receives from the public, customers and law enforcement. Oh, sure, there are disputes, and everything is not perfect in paradise. But, why canít similar scenes dominate the landscape? I might add that I'm not for or against unionization. In my opinion, unions like many transportation companies are either evolving or facing extinction. In addition, I suspect that the preverbal push and pull, or tug of war is a no win situation, and requires a complete overhaul. The trouble is I fear that it will be placed on the junk pile to be recycled into more of the same.

Downsizing seems to be the in-strategy for making/keeping the bottom-line above a sea of red ink. My question is - why not downsize arrogance and hostility with better communication? Why not promote from within and build a foundation that will function through thick and thin?

Drivers, instead of honing a sharp edged tongue, why not try to get together with the other drivers to formulate a plan of equitable solutions and take them to mgt? Don't be dissuaded by the first few maybes, we'll see, or NO's. Sure it's hard to swallow rejection no matter where it originates. Pessimism and skeptics are everywhere; in fact, they may even be required to sharpen your communication skills. However, there will also be those who say their plates are full and can't digest anymore. No matter, for if you look back into history you will find that those who accomplished great deeds were never the majority, but always the tenacious few. I can only say that if your product is really worth its salt, keep going back. Eventually, mgt will get the message that you are intellectually serious. Will it be easy? No! Building a new Golden Gate will take planning, time and persistence.

The biggest bump in the road will probably be finding ways to communicate with each other. But, with a little thought you will discover ways to congregate and map out a plan of action. Perhaps, there will be a few who will say it cannot be done, but how does one know till it's tried? After all, what are you actually doing, other than constructing and attempting to implement a business plan? As a matter of fact, most successful companies spend long hrs developing and perfecting these strategic plans. And, the only reason they do so is to help them focus on the objective. Obviously, if you're smart enough to recognize the time saving merits of the Inter-net as being a great communication tool, then you're wise enough to pull together and channel your resources to arrive with a winning set of maneuvers.

Regardless of which side of the yellow line you may be on, what's wrong with incorporating into your tactics a new alternative for a better future versus the hostile treadmill most ride? After all, we all know what is not working, so what's to be lost? Sure the road will be long and arduous, and the lurking shadows human nature being what it is will most assuredly pose risks of failure. But, why not reach out across the abyss by creating a new business standard? Isn't your future worth pursuing?

In spite of the treacherous mountain passes and the steep icy curves, there's nothing that American ingenuity can't solve. The question is, will you arrive "Just In Time" or will the brakes fade into a chaotic runaway? Everyone is depending upon you to make the grade. Are you up to the task?

To conclude, the darkness of mistrust and apprehension can only be reduced through communication. So, plan well and state your objectives clearly. Perhaps then we might come to learn that the differences don't need to divide. Instead, they could be blessings in disguise that can strengthen the bonds of unity and harmony.

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