Charles Dickens once wrote the famous line – “It was the best of times, It was the worst of times” in his book A Tale of Two Cities. That same sentiment can be applied to wages in the transport industry.
Wages Going Up, But So Are The Challenges Facing Drivers
Industry experts predict that with increased demand for products to be shipped around the country and the trucking industry not having the trucks currently to move it, it could mean increased wages for drivers.
“Wages are expected to grow 3% this year. Spending on goods, excluding services, I think, is going to grow 4.3% this year.”
Read more by clicking the link below!#Trucking #truckers #RollWithIt https://t.co/GvQQ9NJi2b
— Fleet Trailer (@Fleet_Trailer) February 15, 2018
But it also has been pointed out that there are extreme challenges facing drivers in 2018, in spite of some pay increases. Some drivers might be getting paid more but there are also more problems. Government regulations such as the Electronic Logging Device or ELD Mandate, unresolved detention pay issues, major traffic problems with more cars on the road, and the lack of respect shown to those drivers (especially on on-ramps and cars cutting in) are just a few of the things drivers are having to deal with regularly that make trucking a less desirable profession.
look at the trucking industry,14hr days, 3000+ mile weeks at 1980’s wages and forcing professional safe drivers out and they still think an electric box is gonna fix the problem or all the deaths caused by rode strung over worked drivers!
— wally so (@wallyso2) February 14, 2018
Change in Wage Structure
To combat current circumstances some companies are moving away from the traditional per-mile rate and are looking at other measurements to pay including driving time, on-duty time, a per load rate, or a blend of the three.
An increase may be just what some drivers around the country need, where some feel they aren’t receiving a living wage.
“We must address the trucking crisis at our ports…hundreds of employees have been misclassified and too many drivers are working for poverty wages. We need to ensure that labor laws are followed and that truckers earn a living wage.”https://t.co/8JQitFjYB3
— Caitlin Vega (@unionista27) February 16, 2018
That is the biggest question, are drivers receiving a living wage? Senator Bernie Sanders last November asked President Trump that very question. And at the very least government trucking contracts need to pay above a living wage.
Figuring out the Right Wage
Several drivers have left tips on how to look at wages.
Discrimination in the Trucking Industry with Skilled and Unskilled, is rampant. Drivers with skills are being held hostage against recognition and wages, that other Tradespeople receive with higher wages and benefits. The Industry hold skilled truckers under a thumb of depression
— Stephen D James (@StephenJames58) February 14, 2018
Feel free to leave comments about wages or other story ideas.