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Some Truckers Plan Strike Over Diesel Costs

Drivers Hope To Send Message To U.S. Oil Companies, Feds

POSTED: 8:47 am CDT March 31, 2008
UPDATED: 8:36 pm CDT March 31, 2008

With fuel prices rising, a group of truckers said they are prepared to strike.

Video: Truckers Plan Strike To Protest High Fuel Prices

Diesel fuel has reached another milestone; it has surpassed the $4 mark across much of the nation, according to AAA.

In Tennessee, diesel fuel is going for around $3.95 a gallon, but in 24 other states, it's at least $4.02.

Because of this, many independent truckers are organizing a nationwide strike starting April 1 through April 3. After paying their monthly truck note, then having to deal with soaring diesel prices, independent truckers said they don’t have any money to support their families or pay bills.

"Make a stand, we're going to unite. It’s something we've needed to do," said truck driver Carla Skipworth.

Many truckers are spreading the word thorough Internet blogs and over their CB radios, encouraging everyone to put their trucks in park in order to send the message to U.S. oil companies and the federal government.

Most of the truckers who work for big companies get reimbursed for the fuel by their employer, but most independent truckers don’t. Those who do get just a small surcharge and they said they can't take it anymore.

"I’m going to sit right here to give support and try to get other people to support what we're standing for," Skipworth said.

Skipworth said she is supposed to be delivering a sound system and stage to a church in California for a concert on Tuesday. But she said it won’t make it because she won't be running.

Many truckers who work for companies do not plan to participate because their fuel is paid for by their employer. But Donald McGee said if his boss allows he'll join in.

"I’m willing to do that to get the fuel prices to go down," he said.

This is not the first time drivers have organized a strike, and many times it’s a small group that participates, but some unions are expecting a large number this time because of just how high diesel prices have reached.


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