Today numerous truck drivers parked on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in order to raise awareness about various issues in the trucking industry.
For months, organizers with Thats A Big 10-4 On DC have been planning a major demonstration to raise public awareness about safety and regulatory issues in trucking. The group says that this is the first time that trucks have been allowed on the National Mall.
Last night, drivers gathered at the Fredericksburg, Virginia, fairgrounds and convoyed to the National Mall where their trucks will remain staged until Saturday morning, when drivers will convoy back to Fredricksburg. During the two day event, drivers will meet with lawmakers and politicians to discuss changes to current regulations. The drivers will also be interacting with the public to raise awareness about trucking issues.
The goals of the Thats A Big 10-4 On DC are listed on their website as follows:
1, Improve safety and training standards across the trucking industry.
2, Eliminate the “fourteen hour rule,” allowing drivers to split “sleeper time.”
3. Reclassification of professional truck driving as a skilled trade.
4. Hold shippers/receivers financially responsible for detention; drivers should be compensated for all on-duty time.
5. Improve parking infrastructure at rest stops and other stopping areas along the road network; crowding stopping areas and parking on an on-ramp or off-ramp is potentially dangerous.
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