What's Goin' Down?
They say that every person is going through something that we know nothing about, which is to modestly suggest that we should reserve judgements and keep our own preconceived ideas to ourselves and just let people be. To provide some weight to this train of thought, consider some of the following issues that have been affecting the commercial trucking landscape in recent weeks and months.
Rising Fuel Prices
Of course, this is the number one issue that typically stands at the forefront of peoples' minds when they think about some of the most drastic situations facing the trucking community today. Naturally our initial reaction is to point a finger at someone, anyone, and assign blame. Be it for political arrogance/ignorance or simply because folks just like to have something to complain about, the fact is that fuel prices remain high and there doesn't appear to be a lull in sight.
Most people are going to have their thoughts and opinions as to why the high prices, which is fine. But what we should really be doing is focusing on a way to better understand the overall situation and figure out how to work TOGETHER and overcome an obstacle that is affecting every person in America.
Everybody has an opinion, but very few have answers. The bottom line is, this situation is hitting the trucking industry with the full might of Paul Bunyan's axe.
Pride Month in Trucking
Ah yes, another hot-button issue. And just as we're putting Pride Month in the rearview mirror.
Most people are not going to think about the LGBTQ+ community as having much to do with the world of commercial trucking. After all, it wasn't that long ago that truck driving was solely considered to be a "man's profession." But if you still think that, then you probably haven't been paying attention.
Over the years there have been many a closeted truck driver who was scared to come out as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transexual or questioning (LGBTQ). Afraid, because a very common human reaction is to mock what we don't understand.
But in recent years, there have been a multitude of LGBTQ-friendly support groups that have been made available to the truck driver who is gay, or bi-sexual, or transitioning sexes. The reality of the situation is that there are folks in this country who hold a different set of priorities and beliefs on BOTH sides of the same coin. It might behoove some of us to try and understand a differing perspective from the opposite side of said coin.
For truckers looking for a LGBTQ-friendly support group, click here: LGBT Truckers | Facebook
Migration Toll
Finally, it was recently reported that more than 50 dead or dying migrants passed through a federal immigration checkpoint within the United States. Those migrants had been traveling inside the trailer, one which had not been inspected at the border crossing, of a commercial driver who was smuggling them across the border. And then, it appears, the truck was abandoned*.
Regardless of what someone thinks or feels about the situation at the southern border of the US, whether you're for stronger border control or not, the overwhelming fact remains that people continue to lose their lives every day in an effort to try and create something better than what they had. That's the whole reason a person, or a group of people, will risk everything to gain access into a country that possesses certain freedoms that other countries do not.
These three instances, used only as examples, illustrate how some people in our trucking industry are up against a plethora of obstacles in this country every single day. Most of these issues are out of our direct control, but we can choose how we react to them. On a grander scale, however, these are issues that we are all wrestling with, and everyone is going to have their opinion.
Realizing an article like this can stir up emotions and feelings, all that's being asked is that the greater picture be considered. We are all humans. We are all existing in this country at the same moment in time. Truckers have a responsibility on the road, to deliver freight with great care. Perhaps it's time we all try to show more care and help others around us at a time when it's needed most.
*This story is continuing to develop; some details may change.