From October 1 to October 4, about 30 drivers parked their trucks at the National Mall to clarify the industry’s existing problems.
As a reminder, back in May, a group of truckers arrived in Washington for the #MayDay2020 to highlight issues, such as the problem of brokers’ transparency.
In October, protesting truckers returned to continue the battle with problems and further develop the industry. The truckers also delivered over 23,000 pounds of food to the Virginia Food Bank and met with Acting FMCSA Administrator Wiley Deck. In turn, Mr. Deck drew the participants’ attention to the changes that came into force a week ago and noted that the agency continues to work on the trucking industry’s existing problems.
For months, protesters have been preparing for a major demonstration, where they would have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and politicians and discuss changes to existing rules. Besides, drivers actively engage with the public to raise awareness of the cargo industry’s challenges.
In May, the protest with Rick Santiago, “CJ” Sergey Karman, and Mike Landis leadership started the industry’s significant changes. And since #MayDay2020, trucker movement is voting for:
– Freight Broker Transparency: The requirements of 371.3 should be clarified, and the required information should be produced to the prospective carrier and or driver before the load is booked.
– Broker Collusion: The FMCSA should work with appropriate authorities to investigate price-fixing and other collusion between the large brokers.
– Double-Brokering: Rules should be enacted to prohibit the act of “double-brokering” where loads are brokered from one broker to another before reaching the drivers.
According to the “That’s A Big 10-4 On DC” website, truckers want to achieve the following goals through this event:
1.Improve safety and training standards across the trucking industry.
Improve safety and training standards across the trucking industry.
2, Eliminate the “fourteen-hour rule,” allowing drivers to split “sleeper time.”
3. Reclassification of professional truck driving as a skilled trade.
4. Hold shippers/receivers financially responsible for detention; drivers should be compensated for all on-duty time.
5. Improve parking infrastructure at rest stops and other stopping areas along with the road network; crowding stopping areas and parking on an on-ramp or off-ramp is potentially dangerous.
