The ones hurt won't be union. It will be Independent Owner operators or a company driver working for a non union hauler already in some cases making what equals out to minimum wages. I drove in 1984-85 and the illegals were hurting us then. Companies paid by the mile. Then they allowed something like $20 flat rate to unload the truck by hand if needed. Would you unload a 52 footer loaded with bagged onions and lettuce? BTW the stuff even though inside a reefer unit is still iced down. Me and my driving partner could not find any illegal even in 1985 willing to do it so you know who unloaded that truck. The company paid low for the unload because of illegals.
Driving a truck requires having as much going for you as possible. Being in a truck with an American driver who can't read is bad enough. Such was my driving partner. But he could at least understand instructions and read clearance signs etc.
I did a temporary stint as a distribution supervisor in Chicago for about 8 drivers, Chicago teamsters. I had a few problems, including one grievance, but the biggest headache was the maintenance bills. I could not believe the cost of maintenance on the trucks.
The higher the bill, the higher my blood pressure.
I agree that the independent would probably be hurt worse since they own their own rigs, but would the union boys be hurt too? I don’t understand why not.
I will add that I don’t think this early situation will remain static. I think full access would come in a few years, if that long.