Truckers across the country are taking part in “Mayday” protest activities intended to raise public awareness about issues like low rates and unfair broker practices.
For weeks, truckers in various online groups have been planning May 1, 2020, protest activities using the hashtag #mayday in an effort to fight back against plummeting spot rates. Other issues top of mind for demonstrators are increasing insurance costs, overregulation, and vehicle automation.
In Washington, D.C., truckers are parked along Constitution Ave and using their horns to deliver the “S.O.S.” message in Morse Code. This is reportedly the start of a three day planned demonstration.
“Slow roll” protests are also taking place today in locations including Chicago and San Bernardino.
Various trucker protests have already taken place in Houston, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, leading up to the “Mayday” event. During the protests, truckers asked for fair prices on loads and regulations on freight brokers. Many displayed signs urging their fellow drivers to “say no to cheap freight.”
The drivers accuse freight brokers of taking advantage of the Coronavirus pandemic to slash rates and pad their own profit margin.
Notably, the Houston protest led to citations for about 75 truck drivers, but Houston Police also agreed to open an investigation into driver claims of wage theft by freight brokers.
This is a developing story.