The following is from another frustrated driver in response to my latest Owner Driver column. He raises some good points and I have replied with others.
Morning Rod,
Great article.
I’m not sure if it’s the end of the year,but I’m feeling empty,frustrated and directionless.
I feel that most if not all the issues that impact the transport industry would not be tolerated anywhere else!
Why?
The transport industry is the lifeblood of this country!
It’s dependence is far beyond anyone’s comprehension.
I’m friends with an elder gentleman.
He’s retired and has been a large scale business owner for most of his life.
During a conversation we had recently,he told me transport is a “mugs game”,”the only business I know that sinks it’s own value “.
I thought about this for days.
Initially I was insulted.
The more I thought of these statements,the reality was there,he was right!
We devalue the industry that the country is most reliant on.
Question.
How do you sell a career in transport to a school leaver,outlining to them that a lot of their time will be spent for FREE?
Driver shortage,what driver shortage?
I look forward to chatting to you Rod.
I feel your frustration.
Goodaye Darren, I have asked the same question as you pose many times and as you suggest, struggle to answer it to the betterment of both current and future truckies. The world is a cruel place and I doubt we will ever be recognised for the sacrifices we have made in our lives, to improve the lives of others and now of course, they will be pushing the argument that as we cannot get drivers, we need autonomous trucks and the roads will be fixed for them, yet I cannot get them fixed for us now.
Frustration grows, but whilst getting slightly less enthusiastic, I have not given up. Cheers and all the best for a Merry Christmas and a Trucking Good New Year. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey. http://www.truckright.com.au http://www.truckright.blog 0428120560
The driver who sent this has approved me using it. I would not use it otherwise. In the UK they have shirts with, “Without trucks, you would be COLD, NAKED and HUNGRY”, yet we are still being treated badly, not enough rest areas, etc, etc, etc. I want to make the job safer, better and fair, but I can’t do it alone. I would welcome your comments. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.
TRUCKRIGHT 