Say What?

Question: Is the trucking industry heading in the right direction?

Neil Brant, 66, Caraville, IA

Professional driving experience: 44 years

“Well, I’m about ready to get out of it. I’m not sure I like where we’re headed. To tell you the truth, I think drivers were better off 15 years ago than they are today. Take pay, for example. I think I was making more money 15 years ago than I am today.”

Larry Harris, 49, Houston, TX

Professional driving experience: Two months

“I’ve only been driving for a few months, so I’m not really qualified to say, but from what I’ve seen so far, I would have to say yes. I just found out about agents and freight brokers, and I think I might look into that after I’ve spent two or three years on the road.”

Roderick Robinson, 45, Orlando, FL

Professional driving experience: 2 years

“The trucking industry is making a lot of money, so yes, I guess you could say it’s going in the right direction. The problem is, the money isn’t trickling down to the driver. I would like to see that changed.”

James Ault, 62, Pinefield, TN

Professional driving experience: 30 years

“This industry is going to keep getting bigger, but I’m getting ready to walk away from it all in another few years. You’re going to see more and more trucks. And they are going to need more and more drivers to put in those trucks. As long as this country has more freight to pull, more mouths to feed and more houses to build, the trucking industry will just keep on growing.”

Greg Myers, 53, Belle River, Ontario, Canada

Professional driving experience: 18 years

“I think we’re heading in the wrong direction. For one thing, it’s almost impossible to make a living anymore. The fuel rates are too high, and the freight rates are too low. Everyone wants to run down the road for nothing. That’s not a good situation for owner-operators.”