Well, the time has come to say my farewell as an outspoken columnist for this great magazine, due to circumstances beyond my control.

It was three short years ago that I started writing in this position and it is has been a pleasant experience, except maybe having to write this, my last column.

I stated in my first column, “I promise to be candid, un-politically correct, hold people accountable for their actions, and challenge the industry as a whole. I may also take certain groups and individuals to task on their positions and challenge them to be more responsive to the many issues and problems that face the trucking industry in North America today.”

From the response I have received from you the readers, I certainly accomplished that goal. I had plenty of e-mail, mostly positive, but also some negative. I aimed to speak the truth, regardless of how unpopular that may have been.

Unfortunately, after three more years in the trucking industry we are sill dealing with the same issues, which by no great surprise have become more urgent and thus more controversial as time goes by.

A list of the issues still facing the trucking industry that I feel are of great importance, especially to owner/operators, certainly includes the ongoing debate about Hours-of-Service (H-o-S). I have written in detail on the topic on more than one occasion. I still hold the opinion that the current H-o-S don’t work and the proposed H-o-S have serious flaws and are based upon very questionable science.

An even more explosive issue that is subtlety waiting in the wings is the mandating of black boxes. This safe, professional driver will never drive a rig in which I am monitored by big brother. There has been far too much blood spilt on the ground to win my freedom from tyranny, I won’t just hand it over under the guise of “safety.”

As well, there is another issue of dire importance to O/Os; the manner in which their carriers treat them. Thanks to the Owner/Operators Independent Drivers Association, “truth in leasing” has become a hot button issue in the U.S., and likewise leasing practices in Canada are long overdue for a hard look under the microscope. There is far too much unscrupulous behavior taking place.

It is imperative for Canadian owner/operators to stand up for their rights and enter the debate, regardless of where they may stand on the issues.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the crew at Truck News/ Truck West for the opportunity to write. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and have learned many things along the way.

I would also like to thank all of the many readers that have taken time out of their busy schedule to read my ramblings. And I would especially like to thank all of the people that took the time to respond to what I had written. If any of you wish to stay in contact, my e-mail address is still the same daveholleman@aol.com.

In my first column I stated I was more infatuated with chicken lights and chrome than I was with the actual trucking industry. This still holds true today. I also stated in that first column that I considered the trucking industry an addiction. After three more years in this industry I have concluded that indeed driving a truck is nothing short of addictive. When you’re on the road, you can’t wait to get home and when you’re home for too long, you can’t wait to get on the road. Despite my valiant attempts to rid myself of this addiction, even going so far as to put my truck up for sale, I am still stuck in the trenches of the trucking industry.

If you know of a cure, please send help! Maybe I should take up flying … but I hear that is even more addictive.

On a more serious note I would encourage all of my fellow drivers to be the best they can be, always act like professionals because you never know who is watching, and take pride in what you do.

Keep her shiny side up, keep the bugs off your glass and the bears off your a…

Stay safe and God bless.

Dave Holleman, signing off.

– Dave Holleman is an over-the-road owner/operator and can be reached at daveholleman@aol.com.

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