Sun Setting on a Dying Breed

I remember as a youngin' the craze of "truckin' fever". Just about every where one would turn, you were bombarded with the image of the last independent spirit of America. Many answered the call of the open road and became drivers. Movies, magazines and apparal mimiced this image. The concrete cowboy. Slowly this spirit has been and continues to be lassoed and reigned. Federal regulations inforcing the log book, hours of service, safety inspections and weight regulations has put limits to the freedom once enjoyed. Another aspect of this era was the citizens band radio "CB". This was used to communicate. Much information was obtained from directions, where to eat, and gossip. This too has slowly been replaced. The chatter onced heard while rolling down the road in now long gone. Cellular devices negate the need for person to person contact. Information can be sent and obtained over greater distances through text, GPS, and social networks. Similar devices are being used to track the truck's activity real time. Data bases communicate and track the speed, location and time of operation. Paper logs are not used much any more. I'm sure most have noticed postings on biilboards, signs, flyers and even on the back of trucks begging for drivers. I'm sure the tracking devices in trucks now are used to gather needed information necessary to allow automated systems to be implimented. Why is it so hard to find folks to drive these trucks anymore. Think of the noose that continues to be tightened around this industry and it's participants. The Story of John Henery is a clear example. Why enter into a field knowing eventually you'll be replaced by a machine.