by Ronald Nunn

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: September 10, 2011

As a retired long haul truck driver, I try to stay connected to the industry by running a number of websites dedicated to the trucking industry. With great special thanks to the current economy, this is an industry that is failing.

Over the last few months, I have written news story after news story in coverage of rising fuel costs and what we can do as American citizens to make changes to these costs. I have helped to organize protests and convoys, spoken with political leaders asking for their help and support and even started a petition asking states Governments to halt fuel tax collections to help consumers at the pump. (http://www.petitiononline.com/iltax001/petition.htm l)

I recently received an email from another retired driver in support of my efforts to help make a change in the economy. His comments were...

"I am a retired company driver and I have been trying to follow the truckers protests this spring. I see where round 2 is coming this next week. I say to you and to all drivers GO FOR IT! Do NOT just go out for a day or two and then go back to work. That gets NOTHING done. That is NOT the definition of a strike. It's just a day off.

It will take almost every driver (company and O/O) to park the trucks. When I was driving there was a poorly organized 'strike ' in the fall of 1993. Nobody knew why they were striking; nobody knew who the leaders were, but we were on strike. Oh and they announced that they would return in a week. This poor example of a strike nevertheless was starting to take effect when everyone went back. It will take everyone to stay home for the duration, be it two weeks or two months. Personally I think 10 days of no big trucks making deliveries will bring this nation to it's knees. Only then will drivers get relief from these fuel prices.

In closing, I say again GO FOR IT!"

In response to this email, I must first warn everyone, the use of the word "Strike" must be halted. That is not what we are doing. There is a large separation between a strike and a protest. Protesting is what I have helped with and will continue to help with.

It is illegal for any corporation or non-union to "strike". The right of protest is legal as long as it is not performed by any union, corporation or organized group. This is why it is so hard for us to get these protests moving, it can only be done by independent drivers (O/O's) and there just are not enough independent drivers left in this country, at least not ones who support our efforts.

I just do

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