Letters to the Editor: Calif. Ports, Seat Belts, Antitrust Immunity
These letters appear in the June 11 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.
California Ports
The American Trucking Associations, California Trucking Association and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association need to get together and stop the restructuring of the California ports.
From what I read in OOIDA’s magazine, Land Line, the Teamsters seem to be trying to force the owner-operators out of the ports. They want to allow companies access by awarding points for different criteria, such as company revenue and driver recruiting.
If you do not meet the criteria, then you do not get the concession license. If you do get the license, then they want to charge $5,000 per deployed truck and 10% of the companies’ revenue to work out of the port.
To me, it seems like extortion under the umbrella of cleaning up the air. The unions seem to just want company drivers so they can unionize them and control the ports completely. This tactic also should be brought to the attention of the governor and attorney general before it goes too far.
Rick Crosby
Owner
Tykatie Transport
Minneapolis
Seat Belt Use
I am a retired California Highway Patrol officer and a holder of a CDL. The only way to get the last holdouts to buckle up is make the fine very stiff. Also, take the truck out of service for at least 48 hours . . . and fine the company $1,000 for each out-of-service from a no-seat-belt ticket. The seat belts would be used all the time. Fining the driver and company, plus having the truck sit for 48 hours, would get the attention of all of the transportation people in the company. The pocketbook is the easy way to correct the lack of seat belt use.
Also, if the officer who investigates the accident and the emergency room doctor feel that a seat belt was not used at the time of an accident, an insurance company will not pay all medical bills of those people in the truck. It would cover only other parties in the accident.
Judd Strong
Former Owner
J. Strong Trucking Inc.
Sacramento, Calif.
Antitrust Immunity
I believe the end of antitrust immunity for trucking rate bureaus is a great benefit to shippers and carriers (5-28, p. 1).
This policy change will force both parties to become more efficient in providing services, and it will create a more competitive environment for the shippers. I hope it also will reduce the ridiculous use of exorbitant discounting, which ultimately leads to unfair rates for small businesses and occasional overcharges for large shippers.
Richard F. Scheuermann
Consultant
CGN & Associates
Morton, Ill.
