“Last resort” trucker protest planned outside South Carolina State House to combat frivolous trucking lawsuits

A trucker protest is planned outside of the South Carolina State House this afternoon in an attempt to combat frivolous lawsuits battering small trucking companies. 

The protest has been dubbed “Truck the Statehouse” and is organized by the South Carolina Trucking Association. The protest is set to take place at 2:15 p.m. EST outside the state capitol in Columbia, South Carolina. 

According to a statement written by SCTA President Rick Todd, South Carolina truckers and other small businesses are being plagued by rising insurance costs, frivolous lawsuits, and legal barriers that threaten to close their businesses. Demonstrators plan to sound their horns in protest of the hardships brought about by these costs.

“In our current system, small trucking companies and working-class employees are being crushed by legal threats that make every fender-bender a financial crisis,” Todd wrote. 

“Insurance premiums have skyrocketed. Legal fees and settlements are putting companies out of business. Ultimately those costs get passed down to consumers in the form of higher prices on the things families need every day.”

“We’ve tried meetings. We’ve written letters. We’ve testified in committee. Still, the system remains tilted in favor of those who know how to work it, not those who work…. Why do the voices of a few politically connected trial lawyers continue to drown out the voices of thousands of working people? That’s what this week is about,” Todd continued. 

“The horns you’ll hear on Wednesday are not a stunt. They’re not noise for the sake of spectacle. They’re a last resort from people who feel unseen and unheard… Our members will deliver handwritten letters to lawmakers. They’ll line the Capitol grounds with trucks and signs. They’ll ask one simple thing of the legislature: Put working families first. Pass real tort reform. Stop letting a handful of trial lawyers control the future of our economy.”

Todd goes on to assure that the demonstrators are not intending to attack the legislature, and acknowledges that that state has made good investments regarding infrastructure and safety. Todd also notes that the state has made real progress on the state of roads, bridges, freight corridors, and DMV modernization.”

“We’re grateful,” he says, “but gratitude doesn’t mean we stop asking for more.”

It is unclear how many participants are expected at the protest. Officials warn that traffic surrounding the State House may be affected in the area, reported Fox 27.