[zazen]

I can see that small businesses aren't in a great position to negotiate with large businesses. But if there were really a substantial shortage, you wouldn't have to engage in high-risk, high-stakes negotiation to get a better rate. People will offer you a higher rate to secure your service, if your service is _really_ in short supply.

If the people hiring these independent trucks can afford not to pay more, because they know someone else will take the lower rate, then there isn't a shortage. This could just about be the definition of whether or not there is a "shortage".