ROCK HILL, S.C. — For two weeks and counting, dozens of truckers have staged a protest in Washington D.C., demanding changes in the rates they get paid to carry loads across the country.
The rates have fallen off since markets have dried up and many businesses have closed.
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Rock Hill truck driver Perry Feaster hasn’t delivered a shipment since late March. He said it’s not worth it financially, to pull out of his own driveway.
“Our business has been decimated by COVID-19. It essentially has driven rates down the drain. A lot of loads are offering $1 per mile,” Feaster said.
That's half or less than half of what's common in the industry.
Truckers are protesting several issues, including sky high insurance costs, but the one key issue is decrease in the per mile rates for loads.
Brokers, who arrange the shipments between shipper and receiver, have cut the rates paid to truckers per mile. Drivers are concerned about the lack of transparency about how those rates are set, and how much the broker is making on the deal.
Feaster believes, it’s too much.
"Real estate agents don’t get to charge 40% for brokering a deal on the purchase of a home,” he said. “We’re just asking for transparency.”
Retail numbers for April graphically show the slowdown economically. Down 16.4% overall for April. The clothing industry is down 89%.
Truck drivers shipping essential items like dry goods, frozen food or produce are doing better. That’s what driver Marion Porter was hauling through York County Friday afternoon. He’s watched the protest with interest, hoping to see change.
“It costs a lot to be on the road. Plus maintenance on your truck, fuel, other expenses,” he said.
Some trucking companies have folded due to those costs. That could lead to higher costs for what we buy or fewer products on store shelves, with some truckers deciding it costs them less to stay home.
Early on during the the protest outside the White House, President Trump tweeted that he stands with truckers and his staff met with them. However, they’re still there -- still hoping the issues will be addressed.
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