American Truckers At War

by Cole Waterman | The Saginaw News

Saturday March 15, 2008, 11:12 AM

With fuel prices rising steadily, the backbone of American commerce is struggling to remain upright.

Independent truckers hauling goods across the nation’s highways are emptying their wallets to keep their diesel tanks filled.

Diesel fuel hit a record $4 last week — double four years ago. Unleaded regular hit $3.54 at many mid-Michigan stations.

About 9 percent of America’s 3.4 million truckers are classified as independent, self-employed owner-operators responsible for buying their own fuel, the U.S. Department of Labor reports.

“We can’t buy extra groceries, can’t go the places we used to go,” said Bill T. Bateson, 47, of Auburn, a trucker since he was 19 and an independent since 1985.  From MLive.com

 Freight is down, fuel prices are high - and there is no end in sight. 

RTaylor