TROUTDALE, Ore. - Local reaction was mixed Tuesday on a loosely organized protest of steep fuel prices, which included some pulling their rigs off the road and others slowing to a crawl on major highways across the country.

At a Troutdale truck stop, some independent truck drivers supported the move while others were against it. One even thought it was just an April Fool's joke blogged about on the Internet.

But what was not funny to these drivers is what they pay to do their work.

With diesel prices at more than $4 a gallon, some were seriously considering joining a grassroots effort to strike.

"If we had a lot more people stand behind and do that, I would," said independent truck driver Darren Murphy. "Because I think it's hurting."

Such drivers pay for gas out of their own pockets, and many are unable to afford the high prices.

"It's just way too expensive, you know," Murphy said. "With everything going up, I don't see how people are going to survive."

But some drivers are lucky.

"My company that I'm leased to gives me a fuel surcharge," said independent driver John Toler. "The price of fuel goes up. My pay goes up - makes up the difference."

Others say parking their trucks to strike isn't the way to get things done.

"Well, I don't believe the guys are doing it properly," said independent driver Aaron Neal. "I think that perhaps what they should be doing is going for more money on the rates ..."

One independent driver said he was parking his rig Tuesday.

"I'm not going anywhere," said John Colon, adding that his hard work simply isn't paying off. "That's all we're trying to do out here is earn a decent living. I'm not looking to get rich."

It was not clear how long some drivers might strike. Some are apparently determined to stay parked until next week.