Teamsters Strike Nearing Resolution at 10 Roads Express — But Is the Fight Really Over?

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro: This Wasn’t Just About Money

The Teamsters strike at 10 Roads Express may be wrapping up, but the dust hasn’t settled just yet. This wasn’t just a skirmish over a few extra cents per mile — it was a major power play about how drivers are treated in an industry that runs on their backs but often forgets their worth.

As talks head into the home stretch and a tentative agreement sits on the table, let’s look at how this strike started, what’s reportedly been offered, and whether the fight actually delivered what drivers needed — or just delayed the next showdown.

How It All Started: More Than a Contract Dispute

Drivers at 10 Roads Express have been grumbling for a while. This wasn’t an overnight blow-up — it was the kind of slow burn that turns into a blaze.

Pay Wasn’t Keeping Up: With inflation crushing paychecks and the cost of living rising faster than freight rates, drivers were fed up. Word was, other companies were offering better — but 10 Roads wasn’t keeping pace.

Job Security Felt Shaky: Rumors of restructuring and shifting contracts made drivers worry about getting laid off or having routes yanked overnight.

Healthcare Was Lacking: Drivers reported that the company’s health benefits weren’t cutting it — especially for family coverage.

Management Wasn’t Listening: Drivers said their concerns were being ignored or brushed off. When folks feel unheard, strikes get real.

This strike became a rally cry. It wasn’t just about more money — it was about dignity, fairness, and not being treated like a disposable part.

What’s in the Tentative Deal?

So far, early leaks and union updates suggest a few key wins for drivers:

Pay Raise: Mileage rates and hourly pay are both reportedly going up. Not record-breaking numbers, but a bump that at least starts closing the gap.

Better Healthcare: Coverage may now include improved plans with lower out-of-pocket costs, and some dental/vision upgrades.

Job Protections: The new language supposedly limits surprise layoffs and helps drivers keep their current routes stable.

Grievance Process Strengthened: If something goes sideways, drivers now have a clearer path to getting it fixed — without retaliation.

Is it a perfect deal? Nope. But compared to where things were just weeks ago, it’s a noticeable shift — and it only came because the drivers were willing to take a stand.

The Vibe on the Ground: Mixed

Feelings

Not everyone’s breaking out the confetti.

Some drivers are cautiously optimistic — they feel like the strike was worth it, and they’re proud they didn’t back down.

Others are still skeptical — wondering if these changes are just temporary band-aids or if the company will truly follow through long-term.

And a few are plain worn out — after lost wages and missed time, some just want to move on, whether or not the deal hits every mark.

And that’s the honest truth about strikes: even when you win, you pay to get there. Time, stress, money — it all adds up.

The Bigger Picture: A Warning Shot to the Industry

This isn’t just a 10 Roads issue. Across the trucking world, drivers are drawing lines in the gravel.

Yellow shut down.

UPS barely dodged a massive strike.

Now 10 Roads gets a wake-up call.

We’re seeing the start of a driver-led movement. Folks are tired of being told, “Just be grateful you have a job,” while working 70 hours a week and barely staying afloat.

This strike was a message: If you don’t treat us right, we’ll park it.

Will It Stick? Depends on the Follow-Through

Once the deal is finalized and voted on, the next phase begins: watching to see if 10 Roads walks the talk.

It’s one thing to agree on paper. It’s another to:

Make sure pay raises hit paychecks on time

Deliver the promised health coverage without shady fine print

Honor job protections without trying to skirt around them

If they follow through, they may regain trust. If not, don’t be surprised if another strike brews down the line.

Bottom Line: Power Comes From the Parking Brake

This fight wasn’t perfect. It came with pain. But the drivers showed that their value isn’t up for debate. They reminded a company — and maybe the whole industry — that the wheels don’t turn without them.

So was it worth it? If it leads to lasting change and better working conditions for others too, then absolutely.

Call to Action:

Drivers, if you’re out here grinding and wondering what your future looks like…

👉 Head over to LifeAsATrucker.com — get connected, get informed, and get real talk from folks who’ve lived it.

Ready to plan your own exit strategy before the next company pushback?
👉 Visit RetireFromTrucking.com — don’t wait for burnout to make that decision for you.