A recent op-ed article in the New York Times does a great job of describing the current crisis in long haul trucking.
Because hauling is primarily regulated by the federal Department of Transportation instead of the Department of Labor, working conditions for the drivers are often secondary to road safety concerns. As a result, many experienced drivers are leaving the industry.
The truckers, who do a difficult job that requires a specific skillset, can be subjected to:
- 14 hour workdays with up to 11 hours on the road;
- Lack of benefits, such as sick pay or vacation time;
- Micromanagement in terms of routes, breaks and sleep, and where to buy gas;
- Constant surveillance;
- 82 hour work-weeks.
The article recommends that Congress pass laws that mandate cooperation between the Department of Labor and the Department of Transportation to better protect all big rig drivers and promote road safety.
Truckers are also at risk for work injuries. For more information regarding Nebraska law and trucker injuries see: Truck Driver Accidents and Injuries – Putnam Law – Omaha, Nebraska. At Putnam Law, PC, LLO, we have represented truckers suffering from spine, rotator cuff, leg, and other issues.
It is especially important for long haul truckers who are injured on the job to call for a free consultation as soon as possible. Jurisdictional issues such as where the injury occurred, where the employer is based and other considerations can make a huge difference in the outcome of a driver’s recovery and compensation. We are here to help.
