AKRON — In 1972, Craig Downing got out of the military and pursued a career as a truck driver.
What You Need To Know
- Truck driver Craig Downing recalls a time when inflation was not a major cause of concern
- He said inflation paired with supply chain issues are making things more challenging
- The average price of diesel fuel in Ohio reached an all-time record of $5 per gallon on March 12
“I’ve seen all of the United States and Canada, including Alaska, when I was doing the pipelines in the 70s, meeting people,” he said.
He recalls a time when inflation was not a major cause of concern.
“When I started, I bought diesel for 42 cents,” he said. “When I decided to sell my equipment here two weeks ago and come over as a company driver, I see diesel at $5.49.”
These days, he said inflation paired with supply chain issues are proving different.
“You take example, batteries… eye batteries, we could buy for $90,” he said. “That now is $180 and alternator that was replaced that for $200. Now they’re back ordered for three weeks and $410. So, it’s really come to hurt the trucking industry.”
Besides wanting to spend more time at home, it’s these challenges that are reasons he retired from being an independent contractor after more than 10 years.
He now works with HOC Transport Company as a company driver.
“I’m on the natural gas,” he said. “We load it out of eastern Ohio, and I go up into northern Michigan with it. I have a steady run… highly volatile and then when I come back, I load ethanol and I’ll bring it into the bulk plants where they blend it.”
On March 12, the average price of diesel fuel in Ohio reached an all-time record of $5 per gallon, according to the American Auto Association.
“We get a fuel surcharge to help offset the cost of that,” he said. “But it’s never enough. Truthfully thankful for it.”
He said his company is working to stay ahead by purchasing extra fuel. He said while a temporary relief, it’s proving helpful as driver shortages continue to affect the industry.
In 2021, there was a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers, according to the American Trucking Association.
“It’s tough for the younger people,” he said. “I ran over the road for years and being away from my wife and family, that’s a lot of struggles. I would say for the younger person to get the proper training and find a good company that offers the benefits and the wages that they need.”
He said he remains positive, despite current times.
“I look back at the adventures that we’ve had through the years,” he said. “Family, kids, grandkids, that’s my driving factor and being able to meet people.”
