DemolitionMan,
Years ago the straight truck was a necessary evil, less docks, smaller streets, tighter areas, and with running rural areas it was the best option.
Today, more customers have docks, the roads and streets are in much better shape, and most of the customers are in areas where we can access them with tractor and trailers.
So we are not looking to do completely away with the straight trucks, we are looking to cut back in the future, as they are an added expense to the operation, and we need versatility.
Not sure about your friends case, but if he has his class A, not sure that he would have to move to shuttle if a straight truck is removed from the terminal he works out of. That would be on an as needed basis.
Your Friend just needs to speak with the manager of that facility. If he has concerns.
Thanks