Charleston Truckers Drive for Fair Wages Amid Industry Struggles

Charleston Truckers Unite for Fair Wages

In the bustling port city of Charleston, South Carolina, truck drivers are banding together to advocate for fair pay. The Charleston Coalition 18, a grassroots group founded in 2021, is encouraging truckers to turn down low wage offers and instead negotiate for what they term livable wages. Inspired by recent strikes from the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), this coalition is stepping up to claim their rightful place in the labor landscape.

Finding Power in Unity

Jaun Gordon, the founder of Coalition 18, shared how the recent strike showed them the power of collective action. “The ILA decided that they were going to strike, and we can’t work if they’re not working,” Gordon explained. “So we all sat home three, four days as well without being able to work. They did what they did to better their situation, and we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do as a community to better ours.”

As it turns out, every day the ports are shut down equates to five days of work needed to recover, making truckers’ roles vital in the supply chain. Coalition 18 estimates that while it costs drivers about $1.90 per mile to haul goods—considering fuel expenses and maintenance—brokers are often offering as low as $1.50 or less per mile. This disparity means many truckers are barely scraping by, if not losing money on their hauls.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Gordon pointed out that the mechanics of the trucking industry, particularly concerning brokers, are skewed to disadvantage drivers. “We’ve got brokers that chip away at 50% of loads. To take a truck down the road properly, it takes at least $1.90 per mile,” he noted. “So, here you have a driver who’s invested upwards of $80,000 into their truck but is leaving their base for a deficit.”

Such challenges highlight the need for truckers to stand firm and demand fair rates. Gordon emphasizes that while it’s unrealistic to eliminate brokers entirely, truckers can refuse loads that don’t meet their minimum threshold for profit. “We know our worth, and we shouldn’t have to settle for less,” he said.

Building Relationships

Traditionally, truckers have had positive negotiations with the local ports, creating a solid connection that Gordon hopes to leverage. “We’ve always believed in that relationship,” he remarked. “We plan to contact the ports soon with our rate requests to initiate discussions.” He is optimistic that by presenting a united front, they can negotiate better terms.

Rallying Support from the Community

A recent rally in North Charleston brought together hundreds of drivers, including Shauntai Robinson and Ebony Richards, to voice their commitment to collective bargaining. “We have the power to negotiate with brokers,” Robinson stated. “We can only make changes by staying organized and supporting one another.” The sentiment that they are all fighting for the same thing—better working conditions and fair rates—was prevalent among attendees.

Addressing the Impact of Low Wages

According to estimates from an online trucker forum, the average trucker salary in Charleston is around $92,000 a year, but that figure can vary widely. Other reports suggest salaries could be as low as $40,000 annually, with factors such as experience, hours worked, and the rates set by brokers all playing considerable roles. Robinson is even working on documenting brokers’ rates to help the coalition set fair benchmarks.

Seeking Public Understanding

As truckers embark on this journey toward wage equity, they hope to garner understanding from the wider community. “We have families too, and we’re not trying to hurt anyone. We just want to make a fair living,” Robinson expressed. Gordon echoed the sentiment, reminding the public that their struggle for better rates is not against consumers but is essential for their safety and livelihood. “For your safety and our safety, we cannot operate these trucks for under the cost per mile,” he concluded, emphasizing the need for support from the public.

Looking Ahead

The Charleston Coalition 18 is determined to stick together and continue pushing for change. They have plans for more meetings to strategize and strengthen their solidarity. For truckers, the message is clear: it’s time to say no to low-paying gigs and demand the rates they deserve.