Anyone else experience odd semi-truck driving today?

[otrfjr]

I know that truckers are talking about a national strike, but does anyone have wind of other potential tactics--primarily lane hogging, slow downs, and use of hazard lights? On the commute to work this morning, southbound on I-75 between Gainesville and Ocala, probably half a dozen trucks had their hazard flashers on running much slower than the rest of traffic, and at least three that I encountered were driving in two lanes at once (luckily none included my lane). I'm glad they didn't try lining up in a row and slowing down all traffic (which would have been dangerous in the dark with morning commuters). There wasn't heavy traffic & what they were doing didn't affect any other drivers, but this was pre-rush hour.

My dad was a trucker and I fully respect their position: something has got to give when a fill-up runs to $1200+. However, I don't want to see a motorcyclist help them make headlines. If they are using these tactics selectively and in certain areas, maybe we could post to let others know so that they are extra alert on their rides.

 

[k7lvo]

I know that truckers are talking about a national strike, but does anyone have wind of other potential tactics--primarily lane hogging, slow downs, and use of hazard lights? On the commute to work this morning, southbound on I-75 between Gainesville and Ocala, probably half a dozen trucks had their hazard flashers on running much slower than the rest of traffic, and at least three that I encountered were driving in two lanes at once (luckily none included my lane). I'm glad they didn't try lining up in a row and slowing down all traffic (which would have been dangerous in the dark with morning commuters). There wasn't heavy traffic & what they were doing didn't affect any other drivers, but this was pre-rush hour.
My dad was a trucker and I fully respect their position: something has got to give when a fill-up runs to $1200+. However, I don't want to see a motorcyclist help them make headlines. If they are using these tactics selectively and in certain areas, maybe we could post to let others know so that they are extra alert on their rides.

There aren't that many of the "Old Breed" truckers left. Out here, on the hills of I-5, a lot of them drive this way all the time. :dribble: Or, as one truck driver put it, "There are truck drivers, there are people who drive trucks, and there are people who try to drive trucks!"

 

[wfooshee]

Intentionally dicking around in traffic doesn't help their position at all. If that's happening, I hope some arrests and perhaps vehicle siezures are made. It doesn't need to escalate into a war, but they've got no business bringing their problems to us face to face, with the biggest heaviest iron that's out there.

We know how bad it is. Everything we need is brought to us by diesel-fueled freight, whether truck or rail, and that shipping costis reflected in our prices.

If you see that kind of behavior, take names and numbers, report it. They all work for somebody, and those somebodies need to know.

 

[Bounce]

what are they asking? price locking fuel?

oh for the days of Nixon's '73 "Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act"; fixed-price fuel, empty gas stations, and 3 hour lines at the pump! uke:

 

[fjr]

Truck transport is not efficient.

This country needs to invest in rail transport.

Trucking should be local only.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Truck transport is not efficient.This country needs to invest in rail transport.

Trucking should be local only.

The market will dictate what is efficient or not. Would you pay 20k for an FJR when you can get one for 12k? Our own self interests help decide what is most efficient way of transport. Command economies decide for you...market economies you get to choose.

However, you are correct as far as the gov't investment in roads. vs rail lines....

...can't stay out of gov't policies and economics with this thread turn...therefore maybe we should just stick with the thread as originally posted in post #1.

...I haven't been on the freeways today or have heard anything on the web except for your report.

I do remember being "dicked with" from some truckers between Indy and Chicago on my way back from EOM. I would pass a "clump" of traffic and get ahead with a pace slightly higher than average. I would approach some trucks in the right lane and go to pass and the rear trucker would begin to pass the front trucker of the tandem of two trucks. Not unusual. Happened again. And again. And again.......and again. Happened multiple times - 6 atleast, where there was no other traffic but instead of waiting till I passed, the rear trucker passed the front trucker at a very s l o w pace. I didn't give them the finger... just waved politely as I increasingly knew I was being "dicked with" and they were radioing ahead. Nothing I could do about it...so I just kept the blood pressure down and dealt with it...(This being at the end of my little day ride from Lewisburg, WV to west of Chicago, IL).

Hey, I've got the greatest respect for the tough work that truckers have to do...so if this little fun entertains them...I guess I can deal with that. Atleast I could that day.

 

[Thumperbike]

YES! My commute was totally bizzare this morning. No accidents, but traffic came to a stop at least 5 times in a 25 mile stretch with no reason and stayed under 60mph. I wondered what was up; thanks for the explanation.

 

[madmike2]

I don't think I'd let broad assumptions and rumor be the deciding factor for deciding WHAT was the cause of any slow down on a given highway.

I drive for a living and I've not heard of the thought expressed in the opening post. First, it would be extremely unsafe and second, causing traffic delays, as wfooshee pointed out, is not likely to garner support for their cause.

Nobody is happy about the increase in the cost of gasoline or diesel fuel. Commuters still have to get to work, delivery trucks still deliver the goods being transported, moms still have to get the "kiddies" to school, ball games and boy/girl scouts, etc. and people still buy groceries and clothing.

My work day is always bizarre, but it has more to do with the driving habits and perceptual inabilities of the average cage driver rather than the trucks (though they have their moments). It was more weird commuting home on the FJR because of the cars than anything to do with the trucks.

 

[Pioneer007]

Most truckers traveling behind other trucks will try to maintain momentum and not "Lift" off the pedal on hills. They then

pull into your faster speedier lane. It would appear your being dicked by the guy but in reality he's trying to maintain turbo boost. Once you "Lift" hauling the heavy loads these guys haul, its slow going (real slow) and they fall way back. I thought the same thing until I bought my new Dodge Turbo Diesel and carry my 2900lb camper while pulling my 6x12 enclosed trailer loaded with two dirt bikes, generator, tools etc. I can pull any grade hill within reason at 70 relativly easy at or under 2k rpm, But if I have to lift, boost blows the wastegate, momentum gone. Things are not as they seem. "Oh, Taking up two lanes", your being Dicked!

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I know that truckers are talking about a national strike, but does anyone have wind of other potential tactics--primarily lane hogging, slow downs, and use of hazard lights? On the commute to work this morning, southbound on I-75 between Gainesville and Ocala, probably half a dozen trucks had their hazard flashers on running much slower than the rest of traffic, and at least three that I encountered were driving in two lanes at once (luckily none included my lane). I'm glad they didn't try lining up in a row and slowing down all traffic (which would have been dangerous in the dark with morning commuters). There wasn't heavy traffic & what they were doing didn't affect any other drivers, but this was pre-rush hour.
My dad was a trucker and I fully respect their position: something has got to give when a fill-up runs to $1200+. However, I don't want to see a motorcyclist help them make headlines. If they are using these tactics selectively and in certain areas, maybe we could post to let others know so that they are extra alert on their rides.

Well, I have been out for 2 weeks straight and have not seen any unusual behavior on the roadways.

There aren't that many of the "Old Breed" truckers left. Out here, on the hills of I-5, a lot of them drive this way all the time. :dribble: Or, as one truck driver put it, "There are truck drivers, there are people who drive trucks, and there are people who try to drive trucks!"

So very true! Alot of the older respected drivers were pushed out of business by the cut-throat rates by bigger companies, And replaced by anyone with a pulse... I know this. And it's the reason i am looking for an out to trucking, Since all we are is a public nuisance...

Truck transport is not efficient.This country needs to invest in rail transport.

Trucking should be local only.

Rail, You say?

How would you like to have a set of tracks running through your yard? There would need to be at least triple the amount of train traffic to account for just a small percentage of the freight trucks haul. Not to forget that trains cant deviate forom their tracks, So there is another problem. Where are all those rail cars going to be stored?

Did you know that CURRENTLY, The Railroad uses MORE deisel than trucks on the roads? Talk about non efficient...

Next time, Put a little more thought into such a statement.

 

[odot]

Check out the 'tude on blue! Still mad ya ain't comin' ta SFO?

 

[GalaxyBlue]

Still mad ya ain't comin' ta SFO?

I'm a little bummed, But happy at the same time! I guess it's a yin yang thing!

 

[Kevin Daly]

I know that truckers are talking about a national strike, but does anyone have wind of other potential tactics--primarily lane hogging, slow downs, and use of hazard lights? On the commute to work this morning, southbound on I-75 between Gainesville and Ocala, probably half a dozen trucks had their hazard flashers on running much slower than the rest of traffic, and at least three that I encountered were driving in two lanes at once (luckily none included my lane). I'm glad they didn't try lining up in a row and slowing down all traffic (which would have been dangerous in the dark with morning commuters). There wasn't heavy traffic & what they were doing didn't affect any other drivers, but this was pre-rush hour.
My dad was a trucker and I fully respect their position: something has got to give when a fill-up runs to $1200+. However, I don't want to see a motorcyclist help them make headlines. If they are using these tactics selectively and in certain areas, maybe we could post to let others know so that they are extra alert on their rides.

Personally I hope it gets too expensive for trucking and most of them get off the roads all together. Rail is a far FAR more effective interstate/transcontinental tranportation method and we have **** our rail system away thanks to the auto and tucking industry.

That said, 20 bucks to fill my FJR? thats BS!

 

[Kevin Daly]

Oops

 

[madmike2]

Personally I hope it gets too expensive for trucking and most of them get off the roads all together.

No problem....the costs are transferred to the end consumer in the form of higher prices. Just like the hidden taxes on the companies.

Rail is a far FAR more effective interstate/transcontinental tranportation method....

One assumes you checked the logistics and run your numbers so you can publish the facts to support this opinion.

Please include the forecast for product damages (I have friends who work for competing companies who use rail and their damage storied from trailers being "slammed" are horrendous compared to my company's refusal to use intermodal).

Also include the forecast model for the amount of sub-standard (possibly unsafe) trucks that will be used at railheads to transport the trailers and containers to their ultimate destination. (Yes, I worked in that industry for 10 years and the "contractor" trucks were definitely unsafe or under-maintained compared to those of other companies I've worked for.)

Please include the cost for creating the new rail lines and terminals, as well as the environmental issues that will need to be addressed for new rights-of-way. For instance, across the Sierra Nevada Mountains (full of preserves, reserves, State and National Parks) or through the Siskiyous in Oregon and Washington, or across the Mojave Desert (where they are closing motorcycle riding to protect the environment). And forget about building lines near the Pacific Ocean.

There is no transportation nirvana. Rail "might" lessen the trucks on the interstate, but logistically, for short haul (200-300 miles), there would be the same amount of tractor-trailer units around metropolitan areas so support market needs. And any freight with time requirements cannot be delivered via rail intermodal. The difference is measured in days on deliveries as close as 1500 miles.

The above IMHO and personal experience.

We now return you to your original thread topic.

 

[Last Chance]

As a driver for Roadway Express I can verify what MM said. The only reduction in truck traffic would be on the long routes between major metropolitan areas (the interstate highways). There would still need to be "truck traffic" for "time-critical" shipments (Ever hear of Just in Time inventories?). Our company makes extensive use of inter-modal rail service. We use dedicated "high-speed", non-stop trains that still have difficulty meeting their schedules.

The amount of freight damage is amazing.

This is a big country. The cost of replacing the interstate/hwy system with rail/mass transit would be unbelievably high! The cost of the BART system is horrendous and has never been recovered in fares. It is is nice to have available as long as I don't have to pay for it.

The main thing is that in the metro areas you would still have to have truck traffic to move goods to/from depot/warehouses and then trucks would be needed to move the same goods to retail outlets and homes. You would probably not even notice the lack of trucks since most people live in or near metropolitan areas.

Perhaps we need a little more economics education in this country. Then decisions made might be a little more "rational" than emotional.

LC

 

[krashdragon]

I do remember being "dicked with" from some truckers between Indy and Chicago on my way back from EOM. I would pass a "clump" of traffic and get ahead with a pace slightly higher than average. I would approach some trucks in the right lane and go to pass and the rear trucker would begin to pass the front trucker of the tandem of two trucks. Not unusual. Happened again. And again. And again.......and again. Happened multiple times - 6 atleast, where there was no other traffic but instead of waiting till I passed, the rear trucker passed the front trucker at a very s l o w pace. I didn't give them the finger... just waved politely as I increasingly knew I was being "dicked with" and they were radioing ahead. Nothing I could do about it...so I just kept the blood pressure down and dealt with it...(This being at the end of my little day ride from Lewisburg, WV to west of Chicago, IL).

Hey, I've got the greatest respect for the tough work that truckers have to do...so if this little fun entertains them...I guess I can deal with that. Atleast I could that day.

Maybe different down south... I was running I40 from Va to Tx... I was on my slow Harley so was only running about 75-80. Heyit was cold out... like in the 40's and cloudy....

When I saw 3 or 4 trucks ahead I'd just let thm pass the slow one.

Hey... good excuse to go vroom vroom and pass them all at once! <BG>

Until a truck pulled right in front of me going up a small hill.. He wasnt' even passing anyone! WTF?!

OH...... turns out there was a radar gun sittin in the median... Mr Trucker blocked the reading.... I was going 80 in a 65 zone when I finally slowed and looked at the speedo!...<BG>

Gave him a BIG wave as I passed a few miles donw the road.

Maybe the long blonde hair flying out the back of my helmet had something to do with it! <LOL>

Mary