The convoys began in southern California, Florida, and across the Northeast days before a March 16 rally, called by the National Owner Operators Trucking Association (NOOTA).

Some 200 truckers gathered at a simultaneous rally on the other side of the capital sponsored by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

"I am here to support this rally due to increasing fuel prices, rates, broker fees, and taxes," said Steven Dokins, a produce driver from West Union, South Carolina. "We can win by all getting together--all the truckers and anyone who has to go to the fuel pump."

Jerrod Stevens hauls produce from around Hanover, Pennsylvania, he said, to distribution centers in Florida. "I make about $1,800 per trip. $600-700 of that now goes to fuel. My broker gets 15 percent. I have to pay $200-400 for someone to unload the produce in Florida. That is all before tires, repairs and other costs," he said. "I've come to this rally because the truckers need immediate relief. And the politicians better listen before the country comes to a standstill."

Each action featured a number of capitalist politicians. Mostly Republicans spoke at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association event.

During the rally one trucker suggested that if they did not get immediate relief they would organize to shut Washington, D.C., down. The proposal was met by rousing applause from the truckers present.  
 
 
Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home