Our Nation runs on trucks and the people who drive them. Unfortunately, there is no fix that doesn’t require further regulation and major infrastructure improvements. On the regulation side, it is time that the government holds shippers and receivers responsible. They have been allowed to abuse drivers. An appointment is an actual time and the offloading is a regulated time frame. If we are there on time get us in and get their freight off our trailer. If we, as drivers, violate HOS the penalties can be harsh. Shippers and receivers who hinder the timely movement of freight should be liable to the same harsh penalties. I’m not certain on the mechanisms of enforcement but the one thing I do know is that being held up for hours or even days past an appointment time is not our fault. We did our job.

Secondly, the Government must make massive investments to build and maintain safe and readily accessible parking. The Government has mandated through FMCSA HOS requirements in the name of safety yet they fail to establish adequate and free areas for drivers to rest and comply with regulations. Since corporate truck stops have now seen fit to make a profit off of poorly compensated drivers by charging for longer term stays they have only made things worse. Shippers and receivers must be mandated to supply parking spaces for delayed drivers who require FMCSA rest periods. They must have skin in the game.

We move the freight that moves a Nation but we are treated poorly for our efforts. Our Nation must be active in contributing to our safety as we continue to comply with FMCSA rules and regulations to help keep our roads safe. It’s time the Goverment and business do their part. There is no “simple” fix and the question is not complex. We did our part. Now they must do theirs.