Letters to the Editor

While I fully support the Ohio Trucking Association’s stance on limiting speeds to 65 mph or lower, I still am a proponent for same-speed roads because split speeds promote obvious obstacles to safety on the roads.

Hours-of-service regulations have never been a “one size fits all” solution to the number of hours a driver is permitted to operate. Changes to the HOS regulations will always affect carrier operations differently — some slightly, some dramatically.    

I cannot agree more with the arguments in support of “larger” trucks. However, when applied in support of “heavier” trucks, they fall short — particularly when compared with the effects on outdated, deteriorating highways and bridges.

There is no driver shortage for organizations that understand productivity, process capability and continuous improvement. How the organization thinks determines the extent of driver retention and whether a driver shortage is real or just an outcome of poor management.

I was reading your Nov. 1 issue and came across the article about the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, electric onboard recorders and hours of service. I read the article and felt I should put in my 2 cents’ worth on this issue.

I have been following your Class 8 sales data but recently have noticed that you are publishing information on Class 8 orders. The difference is about 2,000 to 3,000 units, and I am curious as to what the definition of sales vs. orders is in your articles.

I read with interest the letter from Colin Young about keeping less-than-truckload drivers — especially the part about management thinking it should take you only so long to go from point A to point B, without taking into consideration traffic flow during different parts of the day or other unforeseen circumstances.

Unfortunately, large LTL companies don’t believe drivers need to know what’s coming down the pike, so no information is shared. The contempt and disrespect toward drivers is very disturbing and is going to be a huge problem within six months.

Every day, we hear on the radio, TV and various websites that the American people are angry about the economy, job losses and the high unemployment rate in this country.