We have a lot of truck drivers who listen to the Steve Harvey Morning Show, and we definitely appreciate everything they do to keep this country moving.
Rumors have been circulating on social media that some independent truck drivers could stop working on October 1 to protest extremely high diesel prices.
But there is an important distinction: There is currently no confirmed nationwide trucker strike.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association says most of the talk surrounding an October 1 shutdown appears to be “social media chatter,” although the organization is monitoring the situation.
Some individual truckers have said they plan to participate, but even people promoting the movement have questioned whether enough drivers will join to cause a major nationwide disruption.
What is not a rumor is the pressure diesel prices are putting on drivers.
The national average for on-highway diesel was about $6.38 per gallon as of September 28 after reaching approximately $6.53 the previous week.
For independent owner-operators, fuel is one of their biggest business expenses. Unlike company drivers, many are responsible for paying directly for their truck, maintenance, insurance and fuel.
And when trucking costs rise, the impact can eventually reach everyone.
Truck drivers move the food in our grocery stores, clothes in our closets, electronics, construction supplies, medicine and countless other products Americans use every day.
So whether or not a major strike happens, the frustration over fuel prices is very real.