Guideline bolsters rights of truck drivers

A recent guideline aims to improve the protection of truckers' rights, laying out plans to provide a better working environment and to simplify inspection procedures, among others.

The guideline, released by 16 ministry-level departments, includes measures for building more rest stations and setting up hotlines to file complaints against unreasonable fines.

Most freight transport is moved via road in China. In 2020, trucks transported 34.2 billion metric tons of cargo, accounting for 74 percent of the annual freight volume, according to the Ministry of Transport.

China has about 17.3 million truck drivers, who are known for keeping long hours and their heavy workloads.

Overloading has been an issue in truck transportation, which has led to unreasonable fines for some truckers. In addition, trucks are not allowed to drive on some roads in urban areas, and these restricted channels sometimes change, which also troubles drivers.

According to the guideline, a hotline has been established by local transportation and public security departments, and truckers can call to file complaints for unreasonable fines or misconduct during inspections. It also streamlined the procedure for truckers to carry out vehicle inspections and allows drivers to handle most government-related affairs in different provinces.

Wang Yang, vice-minister of transport, said the guideline focuses on issues raised by truckers, such as difficulty parking in service areas, passing through urban areas, a lack of rest centers and thefts of cargo and diesel. He made the remarks at a news conference in November.

The ministry has promoted the building of more parking spaces for trucks in service areas and more rest centers for truck drivers.

China has nearly 230,000 parking spots for trucks in its freeway network and more than 700 rest centers for truckers nationwide. The drivers can take a break, have a shower and do laundry at the centers.

Cai Tuanjie, director of the ministry's transportation service department, said more rest centers will be established in industrial parks and gas stations.

"Even at service areas, some truckers are reluctant to leave their trucks to take a break because they worry about cargo and diesel being stolen," he said, adding that more cameras will be set up in truck parking areas to ensure the safety of the cargo and reassure truckers.

Sun Kunyu from Chongqing has driven heavily loaded trucks on expressways for more than a decade, mainly transporting construction materials.

He said he is happy to have more rest centers along the way.