In reference to the article, “Recruiting truck drivers is a long haul” (Sept. 9), you contradict yourself in the area of starting salaries being low due to deregulation when within four years a driver can make $50,000. Apparently the unions kept the rates artificially high costing the consumers more for products they deliver.
Deregulation has brought about not only less costly transportation charges but also better service due to competition. This is the same scenario that happened with the automobile industry. GM, Ford and Chrysler were forced to make better products due to competition from the Japanese.
Trucking companies that were not run efficiently are no longer in business. Where else can a person start out making $27,000 with as little as six weeks of training and no experience? Many college graduates do not start at this pay level.
I am well aware of what is happening in this industry since I am a college graduate myself which includes an MBA, and now own and drive my own 18-wheeler. Deregulation has helped me gain a foothold in a previously untouchable industry while benefitting the consumer.
