This is a story that got picked up by the media because they knew that a lot of people would respond with a knee-jerk. I did not intend to imply that the consumer should do nothing. My point was that a one day boycott by a handfull of OTR-drivers, and a bunch of guys with PSDs would have absolutely no impact, other than making them all feel like they are in a brotherhood!
What should the consumer do? If you had invested (bought stock) in a particular company, and it started declining over a long period of time, what would YOU do? Stay in, whine, and continue to lose $$$? Or leave the pig and go to something that was making money? If they can't afford the market they are in, get out of it until it improves! Buy a compact gasser, or a hybrid!
Exxon and the other oil companies aren't making their billions by gouging you. They are making their record billions on our record use. It's record VOLUME! This planet is using more petroleum than ever in it's history. The USA is using up most of that! The demand is high. OPEC is keeping the supply low, therefore driving up the "bid" (think NYSE) price of a barrell of oil. THAT IS WHAT IS DRIVING THE PRICE UP! Not Exxon....
Buying your fuel on Wednesday instead of Tuesday means absolutely nothing to the global petroleum market.
But...a bunch or OTR drivers think it's so simple that they can intimidate the largest corporation in the world into breaking. Really, how rediculous does THAT sound?
The point is, boycotting a market commodity for a day or two, and expecting it to have an impact, is a pipe-dream. Did you notice how many trucks were on the road yesterday? THERE OBVIOUSLY IS NO STRIKE! There never was going to be! So....A few guys lost a days revenue by parking their trucks, and bought fuel on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Big whoop...
You won't beat Exxon by boycotting, so you may as well buy some Exxon stock (Symbol: XOM) and make some money from it, rather than parking your big-rig, pouting, and giving up a days revenue. Some of the dummies stayed in hotel$, losing even more money on a cause that never had a chance of succeeding....
The boycott is neanderthal in it's conception. So easy, even a truck-driver could do it! If the world economy was that simple, shouldn't we be boycotting milk, eggs, produce, electricity and such?
#1 im a truck driver do you have a problem with that? #2 it was cheaper for most of those drivers to park there trucks than take another loss on a load that pays less than the fuel for the trucks #3 The protest may have been small but it did get peoples attention its been all over the news up here and got plenty of attention. #4 just wait till your milk,eggs etc cost so much that you have to take out a loan to have breakfast.
Right On.
STAND UP and keep Sending Signals.
A VERY short Monday media piece: US Consumer fuel use for the 4th quarter of 07 was lower than in the past 3 years.
A Very short media piece this AM: Fuel is costing the US Military 153 MILION dollars.. a MONTH, due to rising prices. (and thats Tax free fuel)
And the Fat Cats are getting Richer ? Somethings Wrong here.
Since we are over there helping Iraq, they should be giving us free fuel. Also they should be paying all our costs of being there. If not money then free oil. This is BS that we must pay in money and lives to keep their country safe, and they get a free ride.
Ok , why is it that a less refined fuel than gasoline is higher? Were not trying to break anyone , again I believe in capital gains but this is rediculous.Also not bellyaching , just clueless.
Ok , why is it that a less refined fuel than gasoline is higher? Were not trying to break anyone , again I believe in capital gains but this is rediculous.Also not bellyaching , just clueless.