I would go as far to say that it isn't just he safety of our fleets that has suffered, but its the maintenance of our fleets that have also suffered. Sad that when money is tight we neglect necessary things.
Unfortunately this problm seems to be world wide
and yes I doubt if the good times will return anytime soon.
This problem seems to be led by the Multinational Companies who seem to want world domination at any cost.
Onle when one or more of these go belly up is there any chance of "Normal Trading" at realistic prices for the rest of us.
I am at this game a long time and Never has cheaper meant better.
You have only to look at Mercedes when they were built by engineers they were great, now they are built by accountants and !!!!!!!!!!
This is the same idoligy tha has burst banks worldwide
Funny deals, funny money, !!!!! Disaster
I sure hope we see the day when business is booming again, but dont hold your breath. We have to survive all the crazy contracts that are being forced on us. Our managers tell us "if we dont sign these stingy contracts, our competitors will....and you will have no work!"
Some competitors are offering fixed maintenance at a low low price for 10 years!
The gravy train days are gone for good. i'm sure techs will have LOTS of time to find defects. Right now, I do see trucks coming in from other DC's that have roll cages welded at 4 posts and worn forks.....with a fresh Yearly safety inspection sticker!