Brian Gray says he and his wife, Karol, are slowly adjusting to their new lives in Oklahoma, but have no regrets about leaving California as costly laws and regulations are squeezing small-business truckers’ profit margins.
“Starting from scratch in a state where we know no one has been difficult, but it will be worth it,” Gray told FreightWaves. “I miss the contacts I had in California, who could vouch for my work, but eventually that will happen here.”
The Grays bought a piece of land and moved to Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, in early December ahead of the new AB5 labor law that was set to take effect on Jan. 1 which would limit the use of independent contractors.
Federal Judge Roger Benitez of the Southern District Court of California issued a preliminary injunction on Jan. 16, which blocks AB5 from being enforced pending the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the California Trucking Association in November.
Even with the pause on AB5, Gray, who has been trucking for nearly 25 years, said he won’t go back and live in California. That’s because his 1999 Peterbilt is no longer compliant with the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Truck & Bus rule that took effect in January. Under the new rule, he said he wouldn’t have been able to register his vehicle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
“I keep my Peterbilt is great shape, but I can’t afford to buy a new truck to comply with the new emissions rule, so I just decided it was time to leave,” he said. “I am tired of being persecuted for being a truck driver.”
Gray, who hauls construction equipment, said business has been slow this winter, but he has his first job lined up on Jan. 25 to haul concrete and other materials for a home builder.
“I think this will help get my name out there,” he said. “I think Oklahoma is going to be business-friendly toward us.”
Charles
Houston is the flatbed capital of the world.
Enormous pipeyards on the northeast side.
Lots of activity up and down the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast.
Also, Laredo is a monstrous flatbed cargo “port”.
Check Midland – Odessa – Permian Basin oil field activity.
Maybe Eagle Ford – Corpus Christi.
Beautiful dogs !
Good luck and God bless.
Dusty Roads
Trucking companies, especially owner/operator, have refused to run California and New York for years because of ignorant regulations. Those who do run in them usually have California/New York trucks haul to just across those state lines, then unhook for another truck to haul the load cross country. Limits the miles on the newer trucks nessicary to comply with the emissions regulations, and older models rack up the miles and pay. Truckers and farmers should just boycott them until the liberal trash starve out from empty store shelves.
Jason
California is for fagots anyway.
James Weed
Everyone is welcome everywhere but…. Just remember why you left and don’t bring all the bs baggage with you.
Some of us in these states like the great state of Oklahoma are really Leary of folks from California. Just remember why you left there and leave the insanity there.
Texas is turning purple and totally blue on the I35 corridor. In the early 2000s it started with smoking bans. It seems small but I should have the freedom to smoke inside just like riding a bus while black or not being able to sit st a lunch counter. Like I said it seems small but back then what was the “consesus”? Think about it.
Holly
Im a trucker left for exact same reasons!!!!!!! CA sucks get someone else to deliver your goods CA!
Mary Ann Buchanan
I pray for you and your family. May your business be successful in Oklahoma. My family are road construction truckers in northern New Mexico!
Desmond D Evans
Thanks for the knowledge i sure had planned to move out west to drive but not with this emerging…
Craig
When did truckers become such whiney PAB? Good riddance and make sure you get earthquake insurance in OKLAHOMA due to all the fracking.
Steve Moore
Who can afford to live in California
Matt
Biggest douchebag comment ever… Congrats for being you.
Joseph
Exactly, I agree with you.