Truckers lash out at port conditions

Truckers lash out at port conditions    A flyer is circulating among independent truck drivers calling on those that serve ports and rail heads to protest poor pay, unfair treatment and high taxes by idling their rigs through July 4.
   The flyer indicates the action is being initiated by drivers in the Northeast, but it is not clear who exactly is behind the effort, how much circulation the flyer is getting and whether it has any support. The message follows several work slowdowns on the West and East coasts in the last couple of months to protest high diesel fuel prices and working conditions.
   Meanwhile, the American Trucking Associations reiterated its request for ocean carriers, port operators, intermodal marketing companies and the Federal Maritime Commission to work together to resolve issues related to port congestion, container chassis maintenance, compensation and transportation contracts which are making it hard for all truckers to do business and earn a living.