Truckers Should Boycott California

[Bullwinkle]

Trucking isn't a Union, therefore there won't be a strike. The truckers out there are not all on the same page, so at the same time, there can't even be a "shutdown".

If you want to change things, the only realistic way of doing so is becoming active in the things that go on in the trucking industry and being vocal all the time, not after things happen.

Vote! And this doesn't mean going out to vote for the President. Research every office you are eligible to vote for, and vote in all of them. When I listen to the CB, almost daily I hear arguments break out over the presidential election. 99% of the people arguing have no clue how government works, and couldn't name the members of the House or Senate. Who is leading their City Council? They don't know. All elected offices are important, because the people you see at the top now, all started somewhere. Get the right people in on the ground floor and change things the way our Nation is set up to do so.

Forget about strikes though, they won't work.
I have no problem with people boycotting. If you have a problem with a State, a product, or whatever, don't support it.

And for the sake of the trucking industry, join the OOIDA. We have an organization that wants to help, and does what they can with the funding they get, but only a very small percentage of truckers are even members.

[gearjammer]

15 million versus 200 million it kinda looks like we have them outnumbered then since it takes 15 million of us to supply the country what would happen if even a third of us just sat for a week , the 200 million sure ain't going to be able to make up the difference driving their hondas around
Since it would only be a few days before the hondas ran out or gas anyways we won't even see if the cars could haul the freight like the trucks can will we the only thing stopping us from succeeding is too many truckers saying it isn't going to happen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pro1driver its going to happen, no matter what, read my next response. we (as driver's or an occupation skilled trade), are a small amount that can be easily controlled by big brother and others. take for instance this, the cell phone industry.......... if someone were to organize any type of ban on cell phones that prohibit a person from OWNING a cell phone, the cell phone industry in of itself, a multi billion dollar industry, with lobbyists in D.C., will come down so hard on those that wish/think/talk, about such a ban, that the so-called ban would be swept away before you blink an eye.......... now, the trucking industry........ we (as individuals) are what, under 15 million strong...?? against what...200 miilion strong car owners, that SUPPORT anti-idling laws....?? get it...?? the BIGGER NUMBERS win..............we lose..........no senator, no congressman, no one...........not even any trucking group, which what, supports or has the support of 15 million (or less) truckers to back them up...?? who do you realisticaly think the politicians will listen to..?? the voters who LIVE in the state, or "outsiders"....??? we lost, before it even got off the planning board...........

[gearjammer]

so how many are ready now to say enough is enough and actually DO something to fix this mess

[Bullwinkle]

You mean boycotting California?

As I said before, I am already doing so. But, there are far more problems than just California.

We have far more things in the trucking industry to worry about than California though.

We need everyone in this industry signing up with OOIDA and getting behind them and their efforts to try to help the industry.

[gearjammer]

you are right bullwinkle and I have been a member of OOIDA for years, you are also right that there are a LOT of things wrong with this industry and I would stand behind any sensible idea that will focus a light on the problems so that they can be addressed.
Right now my efforts are on the BOYCOTT and I am seeing some people rallying around the idea I just wish that it would happen faster as I am seeing the deterioration of this industry gaining a lot of momentum I figure that if we can get together on this issue we can stay together on the other issues and this is one issue that about ALL truckers believe is wrong

[sledgehammer]

WELL I REALLY HATE TO SAY IT BUT I HAVE NEVER LOST ANYTHING IN CALI, AND IF I DID, IT AIN'T WORTH GOING BACK TO FIND IT!!!

[sledgehammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle You mean boycotting California? As I said before, I am already doing so. But, there are far more problems than just California. We have far more things in the trucking industry to worry about than California though. We need everyone in this industry signing up with OOIDA and getting behind them and their efforts to try to help the industry.

YOU SAID IT BULLWINKLE........ CALI REALLY SHOULD BE THE LAST OF ANYONES WORRIES!!! BUT AS FAR AS THE CONVERSATION ABOUT IT IS CONCERNED, JUST DONT GO THERE!!!!

[bigtime]

Here here!!! Unless the rate is REALLY good, I've got no reason to go there either. Since they started that fining truckers, what, $700?, for no engine sticker nonsense they can keep that place. What gets me is California is, in my opinion, whats wrong with this country. There too liberal - pro illegal, anti-gun, over-taxed, over-crowded, the schools stink, the roads stink, the healthcare stinks, there ALWAYS over-budget. YET thats the direction the rest of the country is headed! Am I the only one who sees how screwed up liberal thinking is??? I have never understood California and I don't need to start now!

[Flatbedpete]

Didn't they just pass a law in CA that they no longer allow spread axle trailers?

[lunachic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flatbedpete Didn't they just pass a law in CA that they no longer allow spread axle trailers? That state is insane, it's like they simply don't want any products or goods of any sort to enter their precious state, I say fine, don't go there and see how long they last without trucks, let them tank the state all by themselves and when they NEED us and the truck that cart in all the crap that they NEED, .

why, What is the reason for this law?
Ok, I don't understand this one at all!

[Blakowt13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by so_cal_Trucker This is absolutely ridiculous! Being a truck driver is not exactly an easy job on top of that you have to work to keep fit as your setting on your ass all day. Truckers give us food, water, oil, gas, milk, and just about everything!!!! It's not all done by trains and trains these days don't go through every town! Think about it, if we did not have truck drivers every store in town would be empty, the gas station would not have gas, restaurants would not have food to make, etc....the list goes on. Now CAL has to make it Even harder on the truckers???? What about when its freezing cold? rite now its only 8pm in So Cal and its already 40 degrees! now all of our truckers are forced to pretty much sleep in the freezing cold?? That's wrong, Just plain WRONG

WHERE upon this Planet does ANYTHING FREEZE at 40 degrees??
If YOU think 40 degrees is cold, then STAY HOME.
If you're too scared to idle your truck to maintain your health then you're too scared to go anywhere else and idle your truck, so again, STAY HOME!!

Californucatia offers NO ALTERNATIVES to Idling unless Drivers can afford all the Motel rates and WHY DO THIS??
There are NO options to Idling ones Truck: NO idleaire facilities except at the very few places that are consistently overcrowded like the two TOILETS in Ontario, NO options what so ever at ANY rest area, randomly located truck stops with Motels nearby, when at all, !!

If/when I ever again drive a Combo into Californucatia, I'LL IDLE WHEN AND WHERE I CHOOSE!!

[Blakowt13]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearjammer Quote: Saving the company money by not idling the truck in today’s economy is important as is slowing the pollution caused supposedly by idling trucks. Diesel Engines burn considerably more efficiently than Gasoline Engines, therefore contribute significantly LESS Pollution than Gasoline Engines, AND THERE ARE CONSIDERABLY LESS DIESEL ENGINES BURNING FUEL THAN GASOLINE ENGINES, yet Diesels get the brunt of the Pollution creating problems. A Gasoline Engine with a burn ratio or Volumetric Efficiency of 80% is a well tuned Engine and there is NO Gasoline Engine anywhere that burns at 100% efficiency since one can easily ignite the Exhaust with a well placed Spark. Quote: But is it worth the risk to a driver’s health or ability to rest properly so they can do their job safely? How safely can anyone perform their job functions without proper AND adequate rest?? We hear and see many regulations being passed touting driver health and public safety while these same states and groups are supporting anti idling laws….could it be that they are talking out of both sides of their mouth or are just looking for quick fixes to long existing problems? I think so! Ya’ll be safe out there

These are the people that are screaming for their long passed/ignored appointments to receive their much needed Lobotomies.

[Flatbedpete]

Don't know Luna, I just heard the hubby talk about it, he'll be home soon, maybe he can offer details.

[lunachic]

Ok I have a problem. I am concidering going to Calif. With my husband in our truck.
can any one tell me what truck stops has handicap parking in Calif?
We cannot afford a motel/hotel, and the fact of not having air can cause me great harm and i belive I have rights under the disability act.
Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciatated.

[semipenguin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunachic Ok I have a problem. I am concidering going to Calif. With my husband in our truck. can any one tell me what truck stops has handicap parking in Calif? We cannot afford a motel/hotel, and the fact of not having air can cause me great harm and i belive I have rights under the disability act. Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciatated.

Just about all major truckstops have handicap parking available. I haven't been to California in a while, but I think I remember seeing the Flying J up by Sacramento with handicap parking...

[gearjammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by semipenguin Just about all major truckstops have handicap parking available. I haven't been to California in a while, but I think I remember seeing the Flying J up by Sacramento with handicap parking...

the problem with the handicap spots in a truck stop is that you have some fat ass that can't walk or waddle fast enough to belly up to the buffet if he/she was to park in a normal spot so usually they are filled, and I have yet to see anyone enforce the laws regarding handicapped parking in a T/S.

for that matter it is getting so bad that it is getting hard to even get fuel anymore what with so many steering wheel holders parking on the fuel islands while they go get a shower, play a few games,watch some tv,grab a 4 course meal,or what have you and they won't even pull ahead because its an additional 80 ft. to the door

[Bullwinkle]

and today's lazy truck driver rant was brought to you by Gearjammer

[semipenguin]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearjammer the problem with the handicap spots in a truck stop is that you have some fat ass that can't walk or waddle fast enough to belly up to the buffet if he/she was to park in a normal spot so usually they are filled, and I have yet to see anyone enforce the laws regarding handicapped parking in a T/S. for that matter it is getting so bad that it is getting hard to even get fuel anymore what with so many steering wheel holders parking on the fuel islands while they go get a shower, play a few games,watch some tv,grab a 4 course meal,or what have you and they won't even pull ahead because its an additional 80 ft. to the door

Well let's not get all bent over our fellow truck drivers...

I agree with you. Some drivers who are not even handicap nose into a parking spot so nobody can see into their cab to see if they are really handicap, but they are still handicap spots. I'm sure a call to the local police station will bring a cop out to serve the offending party with a ticket, if anyone would think to call them...

[Bullwinkle]

It's private property, so the cops can't do anything unless the truck stop owner calls to have them removed from the property.

[gearjammer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle and today's lazy truck driver rant was brought to you by Gearjammer

one of them days, some idiot parked in front of me and spent an hour in a pilot i had to finally go in to find him playing games, I ask him to move and he said there was no place to park, it was a heres your sign moment, had to explain to him that if he moved so I could get out a open spot would magically appear. how do people like this get CDLs besides I am allowed to rant once in a while my mummy told me so