Police threaten to arrest truckers during fuel protest

On Tuesday morning, Texas-based trucker Edisson Villacis led a convoy of big rigs slowly along the New Jersey turnpike. He estimated there were between 200 and 300 trucks with him and said police were threatening to arrest the drivers, saying they needed a permit.

"We need to tell Congress that this industry is dying," said Villacis. "Nobody seems to listen and we can’t continue to let this happen. We are trying to be the voice of the people. Please know that we are not trying to provoke anyone. We want them to understand that this industry supports all other business, restaurants, mechanics, little shops — they all rely on us to move their products and supplies."

Villacis said he’d rather be working.

"But, I can’t do it," he said. "We can’t afford to go these places for so little profit. We’re getting behind on mortgages, credit cards. We understand the economy is poor but in Washington they need to understand our plight. We can’t continue to wait. We organized; what choice do we have?"

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