Say What?

Question: How has the trucking industry changed since you first got into it?

Anthony Waclaw, 34, Westville, IL

Professional driving experience: 13 years

“There are a lot more trucks. A lot more trucks. There are also a lot more rules and regulations. So you have more competition and more hassles than there used to be.”

Neil Brandt, 66, Coralville, IA

Professional driving experience: 44 years

“I’ve driven for 44 years and probably about 5 million miles, so I’ve seen a lot of changes. Take the roads, for one thing. There were no interstates when I started. There was no power steering, no air conditioning. I don’t know how I would do it today without all of that.”

James Ault, 62, Pinefield, TN

Professional driving experience: 30 years

“It’s changed a lot, especially in the last five years. Take fuel prices. I’m an owner-operator, and the cost of fuel went from about 25 percent of my expenses to about 40 percent, and that impacts the bottom line. If it weren’t for fuel surcharges, we couldn’t survive. That’s a big change.”

Jeff Ives, 44, Coon Rapids, MN

Professional driving experience: 20 years

“There used to be a lot fewer trucking companies, and they controlled their lanes. Now anybody can get their authority and haul freight. Is that good or bad? It’s been good for me, but for many people, I suppose it’s been bad.”

Robert Miller, 56, Mount Pleasant, IA

Professional driving experience: 33 years

“It’s the little things that have changed. Drivers don’t seem to thank you anymore when you flash your lights for them to come over into your lane. They don’t want to talk to each other as much as they used to. In my opinion, there doesn’t seem to be the camaraderie among the drivers like there used to be. On the other hand, there are lots of positives: Wages and equipment are better. Drivers get home more often. But drivers themselves seem to be going their own way. I guess that’s why they’re drivers.”