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Post by yorkcountytrucker on Nov 21, 2014 20:04:14 GMT -5
i think it is time for a better plan down at the ports in hampton roads. i have been doing this container trucking racket 22 hard years. since early nineteen ninety. i see no improvement at virginia docks. as matter of fact this is five times worse then in nineties and we thought that was bad. i dont see where the norfolk port driver club is doing anything positive for us. sorry but they seem to be a passive group with port managers controlling them. they also seem to think the trucking companies are with us. not true. they have their own agenda. make plenty money off us at any cost to us. the companies and the port are not our friends so get over it. maybe no one agrees but this is my view. jus sayin
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Post by FUSION on Nov 22, 2014 13:17:55 GMT -5
Too Bad that there aren't enough drivers on this site or whom are willing to speak out. If you been in this business that long, then why are you and others not forming a new group. There was two groups into one when FTBT started. Then the Funny-Facebook clown made himself director. Most of drivers that were trying to help became the problem. They (FTBT) see it as if is their way or your part of the problem. Young drivers today have no respect or a concept of what is really going on. Most drivers out there see this current group as a JOKE. I agree.
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Post by ilovdieselsmoke on Nov 24, 2014 23:39:52 GMT -5
Maybe we can work with Virginia soon on a plan of action. No port can go it alone. Virginia has tried several times in the past but as others have drivers there repeat same mistakes over again. No dis-respect intended but why re-invent the wheel over and over again? We have been around for many years and have attempted to help Virgina drivers in the past including standing outside the port gates with them in support of work actions. Industry management loves to invite drivers to endless meetings and form committees that go no where. It's their least costly option. A game they play very well to keep your association tied up and finally disband your angry supporters along with the rest of your membership. However they clearly understand pain when hit in the pocket book just like truckers do. The thought of that scenario is enough to send fear throughout their boardroom if they believe you are capable of the power to do just that. We must start the conversation here first but maybe soon a few of us can make the trip there to share our ideas with you..
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Post by lorha1159 on Nov 25, 2014 14:55:13 GMT -5
Nothing will change untill we have a way of hitting the port in the pocket. Why do you think they pay stevedores over time and triple time to sit at the dock waiting for a ship? Because the shiplines charge the port money when their boats dont leave on time. Cheaper to pay them(stevedores) to sit waiting there for the boat then to have the boat be late and the port get charged. When we dont hit them in the pockets and still line up to get in (myself included),what reason do they have to do anything about our situation?
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Post by FUSION on Nov 26, 2014 6:09:07 GMT -5
Having a plan w/ FTBT, Damm! You got your work cut out for you. They think that the answer is to have plenty of likes and selfies so they can mobilize. Keeping the lines of communication with port management and ILA union members is NOT the answer. But they have a plan, watch for it. It only been ten months since FTBT started. Meanwhile, drivers are sitting at APM/VIG for avg of 3 to 4 hours. I think (FTBT) is waiting for drivers to gravitate towards them for salvation.
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Post by ilovdieselsmoke on Nov 26, 2014 17:37:47 GMT -5
Actually I was thinking more along the lines of devising a workable plan with some concerned drivers in Virginia. We are interested in whom ever would be willing to work jointly with us on an interesting Atlantic coast trucker campaign for change. Power in local numbers at any one port makes a tremendous difference when comes time to negotiate with management. That power increases dramatically when you add more than just one port area to the mix. At present it doesn't appear any one group there in Hampton Roads has all the answers nor control nor do they have the majority of Virginia drivers fully engaged with them. That's not a good thing. I know however there is discontent among the ranks over how to proceed with a movement there. I hear it constantly from drivers in Virginia. Sadly we haven't done anything here in the south for several years. The Teamsters tried a few years back to take over with a half baked plan to move owner/operators out of their own trucks into company owned trucks forcing everyone to become employees. That back fired on them as we knew it would once drivers found out what they were up to. We are better off forming a group on our own again now because not only do we have a vested interest in our own well being but we know what the critical issues are better then any outside special interest group. It won't take long to build our numbers back up because drivers here are hungry for education and will soon do something if wrong. Wrong is not what we want to do. We've been down that dead end street several times. However unlike you we have a unique situation in GA because we have no relationship at all with our port management. They have no interest in holding meetings nor discussing any transportation issues with drivers here what so ever. That's the way it's been for the past eighteen years. As far as this management is concerned truckers don't have any right to express an opinion about their port operations. They are the true experts and they also are not the least concerned about what it cost truckers at the fourth largest port in the nation to do business here. Happily without going into detail there are a few of us left that know exactly how to upset their applecart along with their smug attitude. In the meantime I'm extending an invitation out to any Virginia drivers who may be interested in discussing this further as we move along. After the first of the year we are planning to launch our own local organizing drive. Building a coalition between drivers at a couple of the major ports won't be an overnight venture but it can be accomplished in 2015 if everyone is serious about working together. We did that successfully many years ago but because of a few leadership wannabees it imploded before gaining the proper momentum. During the nineties we accomplished more being a considerable threat to several eastern ports as far as disrupting their operations on a monthly basis. Sadly a few of us paid dearly for that traveling roadshow by being brought up on federal charges which a year later were finally dropped so as you can see we've been around this same block. We've also been heavily schooled on the legalities of what it means to be independent contractors under federal law. One day hopefully drivers may learn what the words unite together mean. It's the ultimate tool if one wishes to acquire decent pay.
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Post by newportnews on Nov 27, 2014 7:44:37 GMT -5
im down with this.i bet u find tons of drivers here who r to. port to port. only way to go.i say start the process.whats to lose?
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Post by FUSION on Nov 29, 2014 7:23:33 GMT -5
Maybe we can work with Virginia soon on a plan of action. No port can go it alone. Virginia has tried several times in the past but as others have drivers there repeat same mistakes over again. No dis-respect intended but why re-invent the wheel over and over again? We have been around for many years and have attempted to help Virgina drivers in the past including standing outside the port gates with them in support of work actions. Industry management loves to invite drivers to endless meetings and form committees that go no where. It's their least costly option. A game they play very well to keep your association tied up and finally disband your angry supporters along with the rest of your membership. However they clearly understand pain when hit in the pocket book just like truckers do. The thought of that scenario is enough to send fear throughout their boardroom if they believe you are capable of the power to do just that. We must start the conversation here first but maybe soon a few of us can make the trip there to share our ideas with you.. Obviously ilovdieselsmoke, your intentions are good but if you can't the drivers needed there, then wishing to get support here in Virginia is hopeless. You have a bunch of misguided drivers that think that having a Funny-Face website or other will bring drivers interest together. Last two meetings my understanding is that they had only about less than a dozen drivers in attendence. Main topic was about their effort in cleaning up Porta-Potti and trash cans, etc. ilovdieselsmoke, you must be kidding in trying to cooperate with a media circus and A-clown director. |
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Post by FUSION on Nov 29, 2014 7:24:20 GMT -5
Actually I was thinking more along the lines of devising a workable plan with some concerned drivers in Virginia. We are interested in whom ever would be willing to work jointly with us on an interesting Atlantic coast trucker campaign for change. Power in local numbers at any one port makes a tremendous difference when comes time to negotiate with management. That power increases dramatically when you add more than just one port area to the mix. At present it doesn't appear any one group there in Hampton Roads has all the answers nor control nor do they have the majority of Virginia drivers fully engaged with them. That's not a good thing. I know however there is discontent among the ranks over how to proceed with a movement there. I hear it constantly from drivers in Virginia. Sadly we haven't done anything here in the south for several years. The Teamsters tried a few years back to take over with a half baked plan to move owner/operators out of their own trucks into company owned trucks forcing everyone to become employees. That back fired on them as we knew it would once drivers found out what they were up to. We are better off forming a group on our own again now because not only do we have a vested interest in our own well being but we know what the critical issues are better then any outside special interest group. It won't take long to build our numbers back up because drivers here are hungry for education and will soon do something if wrong. Wrong is not what we want to do. We've been down that dead end street several times. However unlike you we have a unique situation in GA because we have no relationship at all with our port management. They have no interest in holding meetings nor discussing any transportation issues with drivers here what so ever. That's the way it's been for the past eighteen years. As far as this management is concerned truckers don't have any right to express an opinion about their port operations. They are the true experts and they also are not the least concerned about what it cost truckers at the fourth largest port in the nation to do business here. Happily without going into detail there are a few of us left that know exactly how to upset their applecart along with their smug attitude. In the meantime I'm extending an invitation out to any Virginia drivers who may be interested in discussing this further as we move along. After the first of the year we are planning to launch our own local organizing drive. Building a coalition between drivers at a couple of the major ports won't be an overnight venture but it can be accomplished in 2015 if everyone is serious about working together. We did that successfully many years ago but because of a few leadership wannabees it imploded before gaining the proper momentum. During the nineties we accomplished more being a considerable threat to several eastern ports as far as disrupting their operations on a monthly basis. Sadly a few of us paid dearly for that traveling roadshow by being brought up on federal charges which a year later were finally dropped so as you can see we've been around this same block. We've also been heavily schooled on the legalities of what it means to be independent contractors under federal law. One day hopefully drivers may learn what the words unite together mean. It's the ultimate tool if one wishes to acquire decent pay. I must commend you in your pass achievements. I will sit out any future efforts b/c drivers are scare. But the conversation should continue in sites like this. Don't wait for monthly meetings (or ten months) later to try to participle in ideas that will incrementally advance the trucking community. Understanding what drivers do wrong and make them aware of what they can do for themselves, helps everyone be on the same page. Corporations do the same in informing their people so they can all profit from it. Simple ideas are not hard to come by. Example of a conversation: "park damages OFF wheels in a separate area on NIT. Not in the stack. But I am not even sure anyone wants to get into the logistics of this issue. Darned if you do. Darned if you don't". 11/15 - "That issue was actually brought up during the Motor Carrier Task force meetings. I will have to bring the results on paper. Do you have a solution? Thanks for your continued support. We can get things done together!" What was wrong with the idea of bringing damaged boxes into the NY Yard? Took damaged box to the NY Yard the other day got rejected, they sent me to the front gate, then was routed to North zone to take off damaged box to put back on stack. Took 3.5 hrs to get rid of damaged box. Why are they continually trying to fix things that aren't broke? I'LL bring this matter up on the 6th at the meeting! Another issue that was a problem at 'APM' years ago was drivers opening their empties and waiting in climate weather for more than the average three to five seconds before told to close their doors. It is still practice that it takes three to five seconds for the inspector at ‘PCY’ to look inside, not five to ten minutes. Drivers please pay attention and do something about this at- -NIT. Tell the interchange writer or call: 757-440-7078. Make this a good habit for the rest of us. |
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Post by AJ on Nov 29, 2014 19:08:09 GMT -5
Well it seems a lot of you are so negative on here about the FTBT driver association. I don't know enough about them to justify a comment. Remember a few years back we had a driver assoc. in Norfolk meeting at the same iron workers hall. They claimed to be associated with OOIDA. What happened to those guys? They were here one month collecting membership dues the next month gone for good. Is this more of the same leadership under a different flag? There doesn't seem to be a lot of info on what the end game is for truckers to jump is with both feet.
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Post by FUSION on Nov 30, 2014 15:18:04 GMT -5
I can tell you this much AJ, drivers are NOT going to come together because of negativity and I am one. But think AJ, why is it that drivers don't agree in the first place? You read comments like this on Funny-Facebook: We also thank those that are cynical because you give us motivation to fight the odds, daily; and you hear statements on the CB like: If your not part of the solution, your part of the problem. I never thought that could make sense until I hear it and thought, yeah what a concept. As I spell out earlier to ilovdieselsmoke, we as the trucking community should start somewhere and come up with ideas. Work toward a common goal, which in my opinion is what management and operation at the ports can-not come up with; Answers! They have had their chances to many times, such as the Motor Carrier Task force. What a joke.
I intend to tackle the ruts in the NCY next. I have notice some improvement in the door opening for NIT maingate, but I can only speak for myself.
Action is better than suffering in silence. P/u the phone...
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Post by FUSION on Dec 5, 2014 16:16:27 GMT -5
For Truckers By Truckers PPCY:: is rolling labor to work through lunch to help with the back up.
It should be clear what they stand for and for whom.
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Post by robinhood on Dec 5, 2014 17:43:57 GMT -5
the solution? ok solution i see is to show virginia port management exactly what it feels like to be controlled like they control us. if we had our house in order today they would be witnessing very limited trucks when they need them most during the holidays. the rest of us would be outside the gates in the street. the driver meeting i would like to see with the port would be those in power asking us when will we return to move the massive amount of boxes stacked everywhere because we've successfully shut them down for two weeks. that's when they will fix problems. only then will they fix problems or seriously listen to any of our concerns.if anyone here thinks talking nice or kissing butt is going to do anything for truckers you are fooling yourself.
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Post by clay on Dec 6, 2014 8:42:06 GMT -5
that is what was needed first of rush season.shut them down tight.nothing move.should have worked on a plan to do ths whil containers were packed with christmas cargo not play ball games.holding useless discussions with port was more important.shut them down then have the discussion why they look at boxes ten high on docks.
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Post by FUSION on Dec 9, 2014 6:35:48 GMT -5
Drivers, get treated with respect. If you are trucker, how low can you go? Are you concern with porta-pottys and trash cans or likes on Funny-Facebook? I know for a fact that FTBT are inexperience in this game we owner/operators call business. I don't see delays at Mickie-Dees, why are you (drivers) settling for two-hours plus at the ports. Call someone in management and voice your frustration.
Action is better than suffering in silence.
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Post by Mike on Dec 9, 2014 19:17:04 GMT -5
I say drastic action needs to be taken too. Face book doesn't scare the Virginia ports. No trucks hauling containers for two weeks will!
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Post by FUSION on Dec 11, 2014 20:16:51 GMT -5
Easy Mike, are you building an army of one? Follow the advice of your fellow drivers at FTBT:
The end of the year is upon us... An opportunity to reflect and assess the lessons of the first year. Success is relative and elusive. It's also temporary. We realize this, and embark on each day challenged by the problems we face collectively in this industry. Some new and some old. We accept the challenges, aware of the battles we have to overcome to win the war. Undaunted, we forge ahead. Our priorities in pencil, our principles in stone as we work to fully define who we are as well as who we will become. In 2015 we will continue with a renewed focus, better prepared and more capable of accomplishing our collective goals. Legally, we have to stand up. We have to build our numbers. With increased numbers we will leverage our power and influence to support our mission. Every issue won't require a shutdown. Conversely every problem may not be resolved in a board room. Our goal is to meet each challenge with the necessary force to overcome that challenge. This requires the support of every driver. This requires sacrifice. This requires money and time. The history is written, let's dictate our future. #Momentum
- The Staff, For Truckers by Truckers
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Post by casey on Dec 13, 2014 12:36:22 GMT -5
i smell victory for the port.lol
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Post by truckertoo on Dec 13, 2014 17:25:17 GMT -5
hey guys i never figured out the ftbt mission.i just stopped going to meetings. well now guess i am an outcast? other then on face book i dont think they have many members left to speak of.
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Post by FUSION on Dec 14, 2014 3:33:29 GMT -5
LOL. Outcast & victory, you guys are funny.
Follow the advice of: ilovdieselsmoke said: (Nov 24, 2014 at 11:39pm)
Maybe we can work with Virginia soon on a plan of action. No port can go it alone. Virginia has tried several times in the past but as others have drivers there repeat same mistakes over again. No dis-respect intended but why re-invent the wheel over and over again? We have been around for many years and have attempted to help Virgina drivers in the past including standing outside the port gates with them in support of work actions. Industry management loves to invite drivers to endless meetings and form committees that go no where. It's their least costly option. A game they play very well to keep your association tied up and finally disband your angry supporters along with the rest of your membership. However they clearly understand pain when hit in the pocket book just like truckers do. The thought of that scenario is enough to send fear throughout their boardroom if they believe you are capable of the power to do just that. We must start the conversation here first but maybe soon a few of us can make the trip there to share our ideas with you..
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Post by harda$$trucker on Dec 16, 2014 21:57:48 GMT -5
yes-strike-strike-strike-strike-with all six people. now reality check. not one driver in virginia has time to join or support any activity that may succeed in making this work better for everyone. we are to busy living the good life at the harbor making the fat cat trucking company ceo's wealthy.
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Post by FUSION on Dec 20, 2014 7:58:56 GMT -5
JOKE of the day: Let's pretend that we don't have the power to make significant change for a second....
Then in some glorious fashion, the power to make one change is magically bestowed upon us. What one thing would you change today and why, as it relates to the job we do pulling containers. Serious, thoughtful answers only please!
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Post by FUSION on Dec 30, 2014 9:36:45 GMT -5
FTBT: pretend, glorious fashion and magically. Sound like serious thoughts to me.
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Post by OOmad on Jan 1, 2015 22:08:56 GMT -5
JOKE of the day: Let's pretend that we don't have the power to make significant change for a second.... Then in some glorious fashion, the power to make one change is magically bestowed upon us. What one thing would you change today and why, as it relates to the job we do pulling containers. Serious, thoughtful answers only please! First things first- If my badge is scanned, or my license plate read, the clock should start running at that point, and anything after one hour should pay detention time. Detention should be paid directly to the registered owner of the truck. With a little effort this could be programmed into VIT and VIG computer systems, and checks could be cut and issued with our EIR tickets. On a side note. Ive "downsized". and cut out a big assed truck payment. Im working to feed my family , not for the ports bottom line. Probably among the poorest owner/drivers here. not going anywhere. I plan on supporting whatever I see that will help my "trucking" community. Im tightening my belt and preparing for change. Big question is - will my "change" involve fair compensation from those who willfully abuse my time, or will I have to sit outside the gate with my peers until they who abuse my time fairly compensate me for the waste of my day ? Like the rest of you, Im looking for a leader. Think I`ll go to a couple of meetings just to be sure Im not missing something. Unless you`ve got a better idea  |
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Post by chris on Jan 3, 2015 8:35:15 GMT -5
i agree. someone should compensate us for wasted time at the docks. i dont care who.i got into this local trucking four years ago. this is bs. i have leased at six different trucking companies. they all lie. as o/operators we are garbage to them. we need our own organization with teeth. maybe some lawsuits against the offenders. i dont know what has been tried in the past but i see nothing for drivers in norfolk that will help with this mess anytime soon.
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