Truckers And The American Economy

American truckers. They’re on the front line of the U.S. economy. We get the view from big rig country.

American truckers know this country mile by mile by mile.

From their big rigs, 18-wheelers, high in the cab, they’ve got a wide view: of factory and farm and what’s moving on the highways; of grain bins and loading docks where they pick up; of the cities and towns where they drop off; of all the traffic and life in between.

They’re celebrated in song. They’re worked hard on the highway. They know what’s up with the economy — they’re carrying it.

And they are listening, from their cabs, to the life of the nation.

This hour On Point: truckers, trucking and the view from the big rig.
- Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

Noel Perry, managing director and senior consultant at Transport Fundamentals, one of the country's only 'trucking economists.'  He joins us from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Todd Spencer, executive director of the OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers’ Association) and former independent trucker.  He joins us from Grain Valley, Missouri.  He is also former editor and now a frequent writer for the OOIDA’s “Landline Magazine.”

Willie "Ugly" Tessier, a company driver --and for today, On Point's own philosopher-king of the road.  He'll join us from his home in Rogersville, Tennessee while resting up after an overnight haul and waiting for the next job.