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Post by rosebud on Jul 6, 2009 18:41:10 GMT -5
Give them free food while job action goes on outside the gate. They will all show up. Say what a wonderful job you guys with your trucks parked are doing protecting their rights while on their way to pull out another box. Been there done that. Been there with discounts too. Your not building unity only a transportation membership discount business. No loyalty in that program either. Just a bunch of people hang around thinking they'll never have to do a thing until the grand prize drops from Heaven, lol
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Post by Guest on Jul 6, 2009 18:51:59 GMT -5
Give them free food while job action goes on outside the gate. They will all show up. Say what a wonderful job you guys with your trucks parked are doing protecting their rights while on their way to pull out another box. Been there done that. Been there with discounts too. Your not building unity only a transportation membership discount business. No loyalty in that program either. Just a bunch of people hang around thinking they'll never have to do a thing until the grand prize drops from Heaven, lol Again, discounts are only part of the organization. Not the primary focus. As mentioned above, we will try to ease any financial burden we can while the organization grows and makes inroads to accomplishing goals. Each driver may or may not become involved for their own reasons. The important thing is to show that positive steps can be made towards the big picture. There is obviously a lot of frustration in this forum and I'm sure many here have put a lot of time into the cause. Moreover, I'd agree there are variations in philosophy. However, if you look at what the Teamsters have done...which sucks.... They could not have accomplished without their political and socioeconomic ties. It only makes sense then to make a presence at that level to counter their efforts. There is still a lot of power that lies within the states political system over the port. I don't see privatization as an option any time soon. The first deal was a turd. Even our federal reps understand the impact of the port here in VA. Obama just approved 28.5 million for Craney Island. It is certainly a crucial time for involvement at that level to establish the owner-operator foothold as a stakeholder. As more and more trucks disappear to attrition and frustration, big loser in the end will be the state if they don't have the workforce (trucks) to maintain operations at a competitive level. It is in the politicos best interest to preserve the trucking force. It is in our interest that that preservation goes one step further and sheds light on the dis-advantage truckers have when dealing with all of the crumby carriers and port operations that are constantly diminishing to meet bottom line demands. |
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Post by mediabug on Jul 6, 2009 19:37:37 GMT -5
your norfolk association better have thousands in contributions for our local state representative's campaign coffers which probably now may be a little after the fact. in case you don't realize Richmond's' big political leaders have just recently been visited by the teamsters' international president hoffa along with some large virginia motor carriers in tow who are ready/willing/waiting to purchase all brand new equipment to engage in all local port work. our politicians were sold on the green truck plan along with the employee mandate saying the companies would have control of the purchase power. there's only one way to stop this but since in your own words, " it will take one huge act of god to get every port driver here unify as one" plan a, get started on that goal quickly or plan b, run down and buy plenty of for sale signs for your membership.
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 6, 2009 20:03:02 GMT -5
the thing that makes me shake my head about all this BS is that some people actually believe they are being heard and things are getting changed just because the want so much to be heard. wake up people, not a D%A*M@N thing has been changed on the ports of Va. to benifit the drivers in the least. as a matter of fact, the interchange times have grown drastically and no one has seen a rise in rates, at least that is the general opinion from the drivers. These clowns need to wake up and realize they have accomplished absolutely nothing that has made anything better for the drivers.
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 6, 2009 20:05:38 GMT -5
as far as the teamsters go, they have their benifits and there draw backs, that is true, but don't compare your group to them. Most of the teamsters from the old days stood up and literally fought for their beliefs and their needs, not just sit back and run their mouthes and accomplish absolutely nothing.
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Post by Guest on Jul 6, 2009 20:20:47 GMT -5
your norfolk association better have thousands in contributions for our local state representative's campaign coffers which probably now may be a little after the fact. in case you don't realize Richmond's' big political leaders have just recently been visited by the teamsters' international president hoffa along with some large virginia motor carriers in tow who are ready/willing/waiting to purchase all brand new equipment to engage in all local port work. our politicians were sold on the green truck plan along with the employee mandate saying the companies would have control of the purchase power. there's only one way to stop this but since in your own words, " it will take one huge act of god to get every port driver here unify as one" plan a, get started on that goal quickly or plan b, run down and buy plenty of for sale signs for your membership. Won't deny there is a challenge. Though, regardless of the ATA and the Virginia Trucking Association's influence, neither have the capitol at the current time to buy brand new "green trucks". With over 90% of the Port of Virginia's driver force being owner-operator or small fleet centric, there is just simply not enough freight and capitol for such an endeavor. Sure, some have the funds, but not on mass scale. Virginia does not have the revenue either to subsidize a program like California's "Green Truck Program" even if they wanted to. The state is already facing a massive budget deficit. Also, no matter of the Teamsters approaching state leaders. This is nothing new. In this area, there are more ties to the ILA due to the port presence. Also, more than a few of the Virginia based politicians that have ties to the ILA are also "small business" centric. Historically, there has not been much outreach to these folks from the trucking community. (except from the carriers etc). You cannot write off the political process if you haven't attempted to take part. The swing towards "green" is however here to stay. There will be a time when equipment retrofits and upgrades are required. Make no mistake. I'd agree that that scale has tipped. What to do? Improve the capitol and profits of owner-operators and work towards cleaning up contracts so that there is needed funding when the time calls for it. Improve the systematic inefficiencies that plague the port and increase pollution because of high levels of truck congestion. If enough focus is placed on the fact that low air quality levels in areas surrounding ports is due to slow terminal operations causing additional idling , attention will be removed from trucks themselves. Are newer trucks cleaner? Sure. Still, put a few hundred of them in a compounded area for extended times and the smog remains. Quicker turn times will lead to reduced emissions, and added revenue for truckers to do what is needed (provided freight volumes pick up). Efficient ports also attract new business as costs are lowered to the beneficial cargo owners (Wal Mart , Lowes, Etc. Etc.). Folks in Richmond and on the hill are not all drinking the Teamster Kool Aid. The failure of California's program was a wake up call to more than a few. Also, ports in LA/Long Beach have lost contracts because of the additional costs from the new Tariffs. Tariffs that subsidize the program. The port of Tacoma has seen a sizable bump in business as cargo owners WILL re-route freight to areas that are more cost friendly. LA/Long Beach thought they had the solution but those propellers pushed those ships right past them. The market will only bear so much cost if there are alternatives. This is something, that regardless of what side of the fence you lay, you have to recognize. |
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Post by Guest on Jul 6, 2009 20:26:47 GMT -5
as far as the teamsters go, they have their benifits and there draw backs, that is true, but don't compare your group to them. Most of the teamsters from the old days stood up and literally fought for their beliefs and their needs, not just sit back and run their mouthes and accomplish absolutely nothing. ShortCircut, I won't argue about the Teamsters of Yesteryear. Those were different times and sure there are still "good" teamsters , as with any organization. Today though, times have changed and agendas have shifted. The recent agendas are not on the owner-operators favor. As far as the other post. The increased drayage times are a result of labor cut-backs due to reduced revenue. I'm pretty sure you are aware though. As far as you stating the group isn't being heard, that's not really true, nor is it fair. Regardless if you chose to believe or not, there are folks who are hearing the message loud and clear. The teamsters surely have more money than god which reflects the amount of outreach they do (media, lobbying, etc) but you have to be involved to really know what the group is doing and as well who is being receptive. |
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Post by mediabug on Jul 6, 2009 20:44:13 GMT -5
i'm glad to hear you have the inside scoop but according to the richmond paper our governors office doesn't think it's a bad idea nor does the virginia port authority. that's just on the service for publication, oh yes, these major carriers do have the money and what makes it a kick in the face is they can and have also obtained the federal go ahead for funding on this important program in virginia. the ila in hampton roads take orders from newyork and right now hoofa and ila president richie hughs are walking hand in hand on this one with the afl-cio transportation agenda. they have something each other wants. check it out if you have the source to do it. maybe they are just all talk, who knows but then maybe someone is bs'ing you over at the ports. when they walk in here it'll be their game not ours anymore. there was also a piece on btt buying company trucks and replacing owner-operators. be interesting to see what you can find out. they are holding talks now with other stakeholders behind closed doors. you think maersk doesn't have the money or clout? hope i'm wrong your right but this is in blacknwhite brother.
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 6, 2009 20:53:37 GMT -5
maybe they are being heard, but the proof that they are not being listenend to is out there every day. Drivers are selling trucks, getting out of containers all together or are simply parking their rigs. I my self , just bought another one and will do what I have to survive. I stuck my kneck out time and time again, but will not give these drivers out here, the sweat off my ( I think you know where that was going) any more.
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Post by Guest on Jul 6, 2009 20:56:39 GMT -5
i'm glad to hear you have the inside scoop but according to the richmond paper our governors office doesn't think it's a bad idea nor does the virginia port authority. that's just on the service for publication, oh yes, these major carriers do have the money and what makes it a kick in the face is they can and have also obtained the federal go ahead for funding on this important program in virginia. the ila in hampton roads take orders from newyork and right now hoofa and ila president richie hughs are walking hand in hand on this one with the afl-cio transportation agenda. they have something each other wants. check it out if you have the source to do it. maybe they are just all talk, who knows but then maybe someone is bs'ing you over at the ports. when they walk in here it'll be their game not ours anymore. there was also a piece on btt buying company trucks and replacing owner-operators. be interesting to see what you can find out. they are holding talks now with other stakeholders behind closed doors. you think maersk doesn't have the money or clout? hope i'm wrong your right but this is in blacknwhite brother. Media... I won't say privatization is a bad thing. I know the current governor is open to the idea. I was stating that the deal from Centerpoint was crap. No one wants to sign a 50 year deal. My thought is that the only reason it was entertained so publicly was to encourage counter offers from other parties. Just to see what happened. You could argue that a privately run facility may address many of the concerns we have as private enterprise" tends" (not always) to be more efficient than gov't endeavors. I'd agree there are massive agendas rolling down the pipe between organized labor. I also know that many of the trucks purchased through the California program are sitting idle because truckers decided they did not want to be tied to lease purchase deals that don't protect the equity a signer builds as they drive the thing. There very well could be a companies that are pushing away from owner-operators. However, with freight volumes where they are, shiplines demanding rate reductions and showing historical losses in the millions, terminals laying off labor..etc..etc I think that much of what we might hear is "hot air" expelled for political causes. These mega companies still would require investment from outside sources...and we still are in the credit crunch. I won't discount that there are some unholy alliances... but pure economics tell me that direct action is still a ways off...even though they may say otherwise. That's just my take. Though.....I think we all need to watch and be ready. |
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Post by PPPPPPP on Jul 6, 2009 21:03:47 GMT -5
maybe they are being heard, but the proof that they are not being listenend to is out there every day. Drivers are selling trucks, getting out of containers all together or are simply parking their rigs. I my self , just bought another one and will do what I have to survive. I stuck my kneck out time and time again, but will not give these drivers out here, the sweat off my ( I think you know where that was going) any more. Shortcicut... Thanks "OK" man. No one is asking you for a thing. You can't say people aren't listening either. People leaving the business is a sign of the economy and low revenue freight levels. Some guys just don't have the tools to stay above water. Attrition happens. Some folks don't know how to compute fuel mileage....how can you expect them to "keep trucking" in times like this. You obviously are "stinging" due to personal differences with particular people. I hear ya. As I mentioned earlier, a lot of things have changed. I'm pretty sure you can figure out who you are talking to. Congrats on the truck. Wish ya the best. Truly. I think though, let's place focus on improvements and kill the confrontational crap. Know what I mean? |
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 6, 2009 21:17:20 GMT -5
yeah , I am not trying to start anything , just making a statement based on what others tell me on a daily basis. to be honest, I am tired of these drivers complaing to me and not standing up for themselves.I am not talking about you, just the others who complain and whine every day on the CB, that is why I don't even listen to it anymore.
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Post by mediabug on Jul 6, 2009 21:19:37 GMT -5
perhaps you didn't understand, privatizing the virginia port has nothing to do with this new clean truck eastcoast labor agenda. the green coalition focus now is not so much on california as new jersey and virginia. look back through some of the post on here. one poster nailed it down that the new york port authority wants the virginia ports to undergo the same changes they are about to make. they're not taking a risk the ships will find this port cheaper over them. the labor, political machine, federal government, environmental groups, ports are all in play now working this out. this isn't wait and see, may or may not. your standing on the tracks and the train is coming fast. when these carriers take over with funding, an employee mandate from the port authority, they will be the only game in town period. the box goes on them and they will make a profit to the distribution center. the tidewater trucking assoc membership with their small companies and dummie agencies will be out the door with the owner operator trucker. they have as much to lose as anyone. this isn't a think tank suggestion demo, it's a work already in progress by the powers to be. it's crunch time now or find another career for your truck.
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Post by PPPPPP on Jul 6, 2009 21:25:07 GMT -5
yeah , I am not trying to start anything , just making a statement based on what others tell me on a daily basis. to be honest, I am tired of these drivers complaing to me and not standing up for themselves.I am not talking about you, just the others who complain and whine every day on the CB, that is why I don't even listen to it anymore. Shortcircut. I hear that. It is frustrating when folks just want to complain and not lift a finger. People sometimes don't want to put forth any kind of selfless effort and are only interested if there is immediate gain to be had with the least amount of work. I guess that's just the way it is. Folks don't seem to realize that their livelihoods are in serious question. There are only so many McDonalds that are hiring. I do think though, that if drivers do invest some time in themselves, there will be improvements. At the same time, there are a lot of truly dedicated people out there and when drivers realize that a shift can be made.... they will come around. There just isn't a silver bullet and things will take time. Anyhow, if you really want to know what's going on... you should still have my #. Can't always throw everything out there in a forum... |
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Post by Guest on Jul 6, 2009 21:34:22 GMT -5
perhaps you didn't understand, privatizing the virginia port has nothing to do with this new clean truck eastcoast labor agenda. the green coalition focus now is not so much on california as new jersey and virginia. look back through some of the post on here. one poster nailed it down that the new york port authority wants the virginia ports to undergo the same changes they are about to make. they're not taking a risk the ships will find this port cheaper over them. the labor, political machine, federal government, environmental groups, ports are all in play now working this out. this isn't wait and see, may or may not. your standing on the tracks and the train is coming fast. when these carriers take over with funding, an employee mandate from the port authority, they will be the only game in town period. the box goes on them and they will make a profit to the distribution center. the tidewater trucking assoc membership with their small companies and dummie agencies will be out the door with the owner operator trucker. they have as much to lose as anyone. this isn't a think tank suggestion demo, it's a work already in progress by the powers to be. it's crunch time now or find another career for your truck. Media....... You are right about New York / New Jersey wanting Virginia to follow suit. They will not be successful if we do not. That is apparent. However, I don't see the Port of Virginia being players in that as much as New York / NJ would like to say they are. There is no way they want a power shift and have the ultimate productivity of the port in control by a unionized truck force. If something like that were to be remotely successful, every port on the east coast would have to play ball. Even then, if the ship lines and cargo owners did not want to pay for the added cost they will simply make port in Canada and Mexico and try to bring cargo across the borders via rail and some "bs" cross-border program. They will always find a way to reduce the end transportation cost. If that means what I mentioned above, so be it. As I said before, the market will bear what it wants to pay for service... I'm all for truckers getting paid for the work they do and cutting out all the "bs" contracts, but just as Maersk up and pulled out of Charleston..... it is an end cost game... |
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Post by RKing on Jul 7, 2009 6:45:05 GMT -5
Largecar good morning.
Hopefully you read my post before you respond to this guest poster. I'm talking about the one that responded back last evening to your post. His name is Paul Yurkovac. He sits on the board of the Virginia OOCVA(owner operator coalition of Virginia).
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think your one of the guys that was with Hardtime in Baltimore in 1999 during the trucker shutdown, right? Anyway, don't respond to this person, it's not worth air time. This guy doesn't have a percent of one percent the hands on experience you guys have.
More later on that. In the meantime I'll email Hardtime to see if he has your # or private email. I need to discuss with him these two IWW guys that were down here from New York a couple weeks ago. They also had an ILA guy with them and their attorney.
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Post by TTA6 on Jul 7, 2009 15:41:20 GMT -5
Virginia drivers, think hard before damaging your career. If you participate in any demonstrations outside these VA terminals you will experience difficulties finding permanent work with motor carriers in the Hampton Roads area. Don't be influenced by outsiders from other ports. There is a great future here in trucking as long as you act accordingly. Don't throw away the opportunity to grow within this fine trucking community because of ridicules promises that will not happen. If you have a particular problem with your trucking company address it with management. They certainly will be able to discuss every option to solve the issue for you.
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 7, 2009 17:09:31 GMT -5
TTA^ does NOT know what they are talking about. "damaging their career" , come on get real. If every one was banned from work for doing something the companies didn't like, then all of the older drivers would be unemployed. The only way we will get the respect and rights we deserve, is by standing up and saying we have had enough of this s#*t and we want to be payed what we are worth.
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Post by phantom309 on Jul 7, 2009 18:32:25 GMT -5
Virginia drivers, think hard before damaging your career. If you participate in any demonstrations outside these VA terminals you will experience difficulties finding permanent work with motor carriers in the Hampton Roads area. Don't be influenced by outsiders from other ports. There is a great future here in trucking as long as you act accordingly. Don't throw away the opportunity to grow within this fine trucking community because of ridicules promises that will not happen. If you have a particular problem with your trucking company address it with management. They certainly will be able to discuss every option to solve the issue for you. This gentleman frightens me, please make him stop  |
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Post by phantom309 on Jul 7, 2009 19:20:30 GMT -5
If something like that were to be remotely successful, every port on the east coast would have to play ball. Even then, if the ship lines and cargo owners did not want to pay for the added cost they will simply make port in Canada and Mexico and try to bring cargo across the borders via rail and some "bs" cross-border program. They will always find a way to reduce the end transportation cost. If that means what I mentioned above, so be it. As I said before, the market will bear what it wants to pay for service... I'm all for truckers getting paid for the work they do and cutting out all the "bs" contracts, but just as Maersk up and pulled out of Charleston..... it is an end cost game... Yeah , this would be about a successful move as railing it from the ports in Cuba! Maybe they have some other secret lines of track hidden from view somewhere. Congestion on the east coast rail system is stretched to maximum limits. Fat chance this amount of cans will be moved by rail, and if so to what customers with spurs or better yet how many days do the customers want to wait on their deliveries? Hard time, where you at anyway? These post are getting creepy over here on the Virginia side. |
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 7, 2009 19:28:51 GMT -5
not to mention, it takes alot less time for a truck to move a can then it does the rail.
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Post by lookoutsideyergate on Jul 7, 2009 22:08:45 GMT -5
Virginia drivers, think hard before damaging your career. If you participate in any demonstrations outside these VA terminals you will experience difficulties finding permanent work with motor carriers in the Hampton Roads area. Don't be influenced by outsiders from other ports. There is a great future here in trucking as long as you act accordingly. Don't throw away the opportunity to grow within this fine trucking community because of ridicules promises that will not happen. If you have a particular problem with your trucking company address it with management. They certainly will be able to discuss every option to solve the issue for you. Your right, the Hell with the port terminal, give us your address and we'll picket your yard. |
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Post by workforcash on Jul 8, 2009 15:52:25 GMT -5
look what slithered out from under the rocks. it's too slimy to be an eel so it must be a trucking company maggot. save your threats for your office employees little man.
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Post by shortcircut on Jul 8, 2009 19:51:17 GMT -5
I'd mis read the post, my appologies . I would also like to know who the idiot is who talked about "damaging our careers" . he is either some suck a** or some lowlife agent who doesn't want anyone to "rock the boat" . or worse yet , some piece of crap like Tommy White who thinks he can rule the world ( what a loser) !
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Post by powerball on Jul 13, 2009 21:44:03 GMT -5
i'm glad to hear you have the inside scoop but according to the richmond paper our governors office doesn't think it's a bad idea nor does the virginia port authority. that's just on the service for publication, oh yes, these major carriers do have the money and what makes it a kick in the face is they can and have also obtained the federal go ahead for funding on this important program in virginia. the ila in hampton roads take orders from newyork and right now hoofa and ila president richie hughs are walking hand in hand on this one with the afl-cio transportation agenda. they have something each other wants. check it out if you have the source to do it. maybe they are just all talk, who knows but then maybe someone is bs'ing you over at the ports. when they walk in here it'll be their game not ours anymore. there was also a piece on btt buying company trucks and replacing owner-operators. be interesting to see what you can find out. they are holding talks now with other stakeholders behind closed doors. you think maersk doesn't have the money or clout? hope i'm wrong your right but this is in blacknwhite brother. Media... I won't say privatization is a bad thing. I know the current governor is open to the idea. I was stating that the deal from Centerpoint was crap. No one wants to sign a 50 year deal. My thought is that the only reason it was entertained so publicly was to encourage counter offers from other parties. Just to see what happened. You could argue that a privately run facility may address many of the concerns we have as private enterprise" tends" (not always) to be more efficient than gov't endeavors. I'd agree there are massive agendas rolling down the pipe between organized labor. I also know that many of the trucks purchased through the California program are sitting idle because truckers decided they did not want to be tied to lease purchase deals that don't protect the equity a signer builds as they drive the thing. There very well could be a companies that are pushing away from owner-operators. However, with freight volumes where they are, shiplines demanding rate reductions and showing historical losses in the millions, terminals laying off labor..etc..etc I think that much of what we might hear is "hot air" expelled for political causes. These mega companies still would require investment from outside sources...and we still are in the credit crunch. I won't discount that there are some unholy alliances... but pure economics tell me that direct action is still a ways off...even though they may say otherwise. That's just my take. Though.....I think we all need to watch and be ready. I've been out here for more years than I care to remember. I started back when old man Jack Valenti over in Newport News had a steady run hauling buck stoves back in the seventies. Before that it was beer with Budweiser when they first opened the Williamsburg plant. That man let containers and trying to organize these fellows here drive him f*****g crazy. If anybody doesn't think that the JB's,Swifts, and the rest of that crowd can't swamp this area with trucks and send us ownerdrivers packing they are sadly mistaken. Open your eyes drivers and learn from past history. The shippers will pay whatever rate to move the port freight if there is a port monopoly set in play under the guise of this clean air mafia. The public will foot the bill not the shippers or their big box customer pals. It's no sweat off the big players. These d@mn containers paid three times what they pay now over twenty five years ago because of the same scenario under a different name --- ICC authority. You had a choice back then of using maybe only fourteen trucking companies at this port if you wanted to move your box. Most everyone published the same freight rate. This may just happen again under the --- Green authority. This time it'll be company owned, company trucks, company drivers, goodbye us. Me, myself personally, I will retire the day it happens because there is not enough drivers around here that have left what it takes to stand together any longer. Your OOcVA doesn't have the manpower it takes to stop this from taking place so your only buying time for yourself and a few loyal members before the explosion. lol everyone |
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