From Reuters:
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Some independent U.S. truckers are purposely slowing down traffic on major interstates or stopping work entirely to protest the high cost of diesel fuel, members of a major industry association and law enforcement officials said on Tuesday.
On the New Jersey Turnpike, about 200 people took part in a protest at a service area in the northern part of the state, while truckers reportedly were driving at slow speeds and disrupting traffic. Read more.
Not quite sure how backing up traffic is going to help bring prices down. But, I understand the truckers’ need to call attention to the situation. Anybody know if any truckers around here are participating?
In case you missed today’s paper, here’s a summary of the story on 1B that will just boggle your mind:
Congress Slams Oil Chiefs on Profits
WASHINGTON (AP) — Don’t blame us, oil industry chiefs told a skeptical Congress. Top executives of the country’s five biggest oil companies said Tuesday they know record fuel prices are hurting people, but they argued it’s not their fault and their huge profits are in line with other industries.
The “gas strike” with truckers HAS hit the area. Just got off the phone with a friend who passed 6-8 trucks in a row going 35 mph on Hwy 45. One had a sign on the back “On Strike”. Some of the names she listed were Magnolia Freight out of Saltillo and Cooper Tire.
Very interesting. I’ll follow up tomorrow.
Arg. I didn’t get to my follow-up today, but it’s on the to-do list for tomorrow.