MOUNT VERNON — Truckers may not be allowed to strike, but they can drive slow. Or get sick, or not show up for work.

That’s apparently what truckers across the country have planned for today and Wednesday, according to Tom Bark, an owner-operator who lives in Apple Valley. Bark, who emptied his trailer in Lincoln, Neb., this morning, is among hundreds of truckers who are fed up with the cost of diesel. He said he supports efforts to raise awareness of high fuel prices, even to the extent of parking his rig. The average cost of diesel today nationwide is $3.99.

Of the slowdown, Bark said, “Instead of running 55 mph, they’re going to go 40 mph. If you’re in rush hour traffic today ... ”

Acknowledging that truckers are not allowed to go on strike, Bark said some drivers will say they’ve had a breakdown, or have logged too many miles and have to stay off the road for a while.

“They’re going to make it rough on everybody,” he said. “I’m trying to get home by the 3rd, because that’s when it’s going to start nationally.”

Bark said a slowdown is planned for today and Wednesday, but he’s heard plans are in the works for Thursday to stop tankers from delivering fuel, and trucks from delivering groceries. He said he’s heard plans for truckers to head to Washington, D.C., on Thursday as well.

“My Kenworth will be parked in Mount Vernon [on Thursday], but the driver will be in D.C.,” he said.

“We’re not making any money,” he continued. “We can’t get the federal government to give us anything like they did the banks. We didn’t get a bailout. It’s not just hurting owner-operators, it’s hurting big companies, now, too.”

According to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, on Monday, truckers in Pennsylvania drove bobtail tractors to the capitol in Harrisburg to raise awareness.

“Pennsylvania just raised its rates on tolls,” said Bark, adding that there’s talk of turning I-80 into a toll road. He recently paid $35 to drive 85 miles on Pennsylvania’s turnpike. Texas, he said, is considering creating toll roads, too.

“These states are so desperate for money anymore, they’ll do anything,” he said.

According to OOIDA, drivers in Georgia planned a convoy from Macon to Atlanta today. Because it’s a trade association, federal law prohibits OOIDA from calling for a strike. The organization has called for President Bush to release oil supplies from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and to ensure American fuel producers and refiners cease their exports of diesel and biodiesel products to other nations.

OOIDA also advises truckers who work through brokers to make sure they are getting fair compensation; ensure that if a fuel surcharge is being collected, the surcharge is being passed on to the drivers; and leave freight that doesn’t pay enough at the dock.

The American Trucking Association also supports release of oil from the SPR. In addition, the ATA is calling for a national diesel fuel standard, streamlining the EPA’s regulatory framework for reviewing and processing applications for additional refinery operations, requiring speed limits be set for 68 mph or lower on all new trucks, and setting a national maximum speed limit of 65 mph, among other initiatives.