Dear Editor,

I feel compelled to write and tell you that Dave Holleman’s column regarding proposed changes to hours of service rules (TN – February 2000) is probably the most honest and realistic evaluation of industry-related problems that I have encountered in some time. Dave says it all in one word: attitude. Attitude determines if a driver is interested enough to learn how to operate their equipment in a safe, reliable and efficient manner, but also if he will have some regard for the image of the professional truck driver that many today are pushing into oblivion.

Generally, the ones who spout the most negative commentary about trucking are the ones most responsible for this industry’s demise. A few minutes spent watching the antics and listening to the tough-trucker talk over the airwaves easily distinguishes the career-oriented professionals from the wannabes who consider trucking to be just another job.

No amount of bureaucratic regulation can compensate for bad attitudes.

J.F. Maywood

Ulster Transport

Abbotsford, B.C.