Not only does the local, regional and national media sensationalize every harmful story they can get their hands on relating to trucking, but many in our own industry actually consolidate these horrendous stories and then circulate them in trade publications nationwide. This industry needs to take a hard look at what they are doing to themselves and to the rest of us who are striving to achieve and maintain a positive image. As a rule, the general public does not understand the significant economic impact the trucking industry has on the national economy. They don't often hear about drivers who are highway heroes. The result is trucking professionals who receive little or no respect.
Many professional drivers feel uncomfortable with their career.
Other qualified individuals avoid the industry altogether. At Flying J, we're concerned. Simply put, what's perceived is believed. Until the industry takes a hard look in the mirror, trucking professionals will be slow to get the respect they deserve. We think it starts one driver at a time.