True Story:
Aren't all truck driver stories true?????
OK. Enough of the wisecracks, which leads me to a riddle.
How can you tell the difference between cowboy boots and truck driver boots.? The answer at the end.
OK, this is true.
Several months ago I was on a 2 lane road that was blocked in both directions by a 5th wheel gravel truck that was turned over. A lot of gravel haulers were on this particular road. The State Police told us in the line that it would be several hours before the road would be opened and to drive ahead about 1/4 mile, where we could back into a roadway turn around and take an alternate route. It took about 30 minutes for me to get to the turn around point, but the 5th wheel gravel truck in front of me wasn't moving into position to back into the driveway and turn around. I got out, walked up to the driver and asked if he was going to turn around. In his best Mexican English he told me he didn't know how to back up.
Three questions come to mind.
Was this driver a US Citizen?
How did he get a CDL license?
Who hired him?
Enough said.
OH, answer to riddle. On cowboy boots the BS is on the outside.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Notice Caption at right
That was the truck I used to drive. Now this is what I drive.
Tis true, I parked the 18 wheels for 4 on the office chair.
I am now a DISPATCHER.
Well that isn't exactly what I expected, but I did win an award.
Alright, that's enough with the wise cracks.
Actually this was something I had been working on for a while.
I was having a bit of trouble with night vision, and rather than become a liability and a statistic I thought it best to park the Pete.
I'm still with the same company, Heritage Management, the company that owns Indian River Transport and North American Tank Lines. We are an all food grade tanker company with 400 trucks. I work solo 4 nights a week, from 6pm to 7am, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of the trips are done by our regional dispatchers during the day but I do get to make some drivers happy when I play travel agent. Most of my work centers around break downs, flat tires, getting lights fixed and in the case of a major problem, getting loads re-powered and on their way. Food Grade is a little different than general freight as most product has a shelf life and is not accepted if delivered beyond a certain time.
That's the latest. I'll still be around with my comments and opinions, hopefully a new one every week, but being busy and learning the AS400 software program has been quite a change.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Tis true, I parked the 18 wheels for 4 on the office chair.
I am now a DISPATCHER.
Well that isn't exactly what I expected, but I did win an award.
Alright, that's enough with the wise cracks.Actually this was something I had been working on for a while.
I was having a bit of trouble with night vision, and rather than become a liability and a statistic I thought it best to park the Pete.
I'm still with the same company, Heritage Management, the company that owns Indian River Transport and North American Tank Lines. We are an all food grade tanker company with 400 trucks. I work solo 4 nights a week, from 6pm to 7am, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of the trips are done by our regional dispatchers during the day but I do get to make some drivers happy when I play travel agent. Most of my work centers around break downs, flat tires, getting lights fixed and in the case of a major problem, getting loads re-powered and on their way. Food Grade is a little different than general freight as most product has a shelf life and is not accepted if delivered beyond a certain time.
That's the latest. I'll still be around with my comments and opinions, hopefully a new one every week, but being busy and learning the AS400 software program has been quite a change.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Truck Driving Story Number 2
It’s been requested that I tell more on the road experiences. First, a hard fast rule. I will not preface any story with, “have you heard about..”. Any story I tell will be something that involved me.
About 25 years ago I was called into the operation managers office and informed that with my experience, safety record and time with the company I was being promoted to Driver Trainer. WOW! My ego was massaged. Then I was told that I would get all of the mileage pay whether I was driving or not, plus the full unload pay at each stop. DOUBLE WOW! Next I was informed I’d get the top run, the number one account, 5600 miles per week. I did the arithmetic in my head and at that time I would be top dog in earnings for sure. The truck driver gods were smiling on me. What I wasn’t told though was my trainee would be someone fresh out of school with no real time experience, but that was OK, I was somewhere above cloud 10, surely nothing could go wrong. Saturday Morning I met my first co-driver. He even called me ‘sir’. I spent some time with the entire route, directions, where our switch points would be, what hours who would be in the bunk and so on. I took the first leg out of the yard to I-95, South Carolina, exit 8, (the old Joker Joe’s before it blew up). We both went inside, grabbed some eats and waited for new driver to show up. I waited for a few minutes and then figured newbie had gone to the truck. When I went outside, there was the truck heading down the ramp onto I-95 North. I immediately went to the first truck asked to use the CB and hollered at co-driver to stop. The CB wasn’t on in my truck. Our next scheduled stop was in Charlotte, NC. I called dispatch and was told to head for Savannah airport and catch a plane for Charlotte. Evidently somewhere around Columbia my trainee discovered he was solo, called dispatch and was told to continue to the drop and wait for me. The next day was pretty quiet, we each did our turn driving and made our drops. Once at our final stop, it was dead head to our Northern Terminal, drop and hook for the straight shot back to Florida.
On the way home we stopped at the old 76 Truck Stop in Columbia SC and time for newbie to take the wheel. As I-77 wasn’t opened through Ft. Jackson yet, it was West on I-20, East on I-26 and then I-95 South. I made sure my driver understood it was a 270 degree turn onto I-26 to go East. I climbed in the bunk and started to doze when I felt a rather shallow turn to the right. OOPS, wrong way, I came out, got driver turned around and pointed East, then ahead of us was a split where 126 went into town. Sure enough he started to the left rather than to I-26. I got him stopped again, straightened out and reminded him to take I-95 South and I went asleep. Surely he wouldn’t screw up again.
Wrong. About 3 hours later I’m awakened and asked for directions. We had gone through Charleston SC and he was on Highway 17 North, almost to the North Carolina line.
I wasn’t too polite and told him to get in the bunk and I would take it home from there.
When we got to the Florida terminal, he was still asleep in the bunk. I tried to wake him but he was snoring as loud as a jake brake on a straight pipe. I dropped the trailer, wrote out the report for the shop, stuck it in the window and got my things and left. Sleeping beauty was still doing his thing.
I guess I got the last laugh when the mechanic tilted the cab forward, we had a cab-over, and heard a loud noise inside the cab. Yep it was trainee rolling out of the bunk.
Forget the pay, forget the prestige, forget ego, that was my first and last experience as a driver trainer.
About 25 years ago I was called into the operation managers office and informed that with my experience, safety record and time with the company I was being promoted to Driver Trainer. WOW! My ego was massaged. Then I was told that I would get all of the mileage pay whether I was driving or not, plus the full unload pay at each stop. DOUBLE WOW! Next I was informed I’d get the top run, the number one account, 5600 miles per week. I did the arithmetic in my head and at that time I would be top dog in earnings for sure. The truck driver gods were smiling on me. What I wasn’t told though was my trainee would be someone fresh out of school with no real time experience, but that was OK, I was somewhere above cloud 10, surely nothing could go wrong. Saturday Morning I met my first co-driver. He even called me ‘sir’. I spent some time with the entire route, directions, where our switch points would be, what hours who would be in the bunk and so on. I took the first leg out of the yard to I-95, South Carolina, exit 8, (the old Joker Joe’s before it blew up). We both went inside, grabbed some eats and waited for new driver to show up. I waited for a few minutes and then figured newbie had gone to the truck. When I went outside, there was the truck heading down the ramp onto I-95 North. I immediately went to the first truck asked to use the CB and hollered at co-driver to stop. The CB wasn’t on in my truck. Our next scheduled stop was in Charlotte, NC. I called dispatch and was told to head for Savannah airport and catch a plane for Charlotte. Evidently somewhere around Columbia my trainee discovered he was solo, called dispatch and was told to continue to the drop and wait for me. The next day was pretty quiet, we each did our turn driving and made our drops. Once at our final stop, it was dead head to our Northern Terminal, drop and hook for the straight shot back to Florida.
On the way home we stopped at the old 76 Truck Stop in Columbia SC and time for newbie to take the wheel. As I-77 wasn’t opened through Ft. Jackson yet, it was West on I-20, East on I-26 and then I-95 South. I made sure my driver understood it was a 270 degree turn onto I-26 to go East. I climbed in the bunk and started to doze when I felt a rather shallow turn to the right. OOPS, wrong way, I came out, got driver turned around and pointed East, then ahead of us was a split where 126 went into town. Sure enough he started to the left rather than to I-26. I got him stopped again, straightened out and reminded him to take I-95 South and I went asleep. Surely he wouldn’t screw up again.
Wrong. About 3 hours later I’m awakened and asked for directions. We had gone through Charleston SC and he was on Highway 17 North, almost to the North Carolina line.
I wasn’t too polite and told him to get in the bunk and I would take it home from there.
When we got to the Florida terminal, he was still asleep in the bunk. I tried to wake him but he was snoring as loud as a jake brake on a straight pipe. I dropped the trailer, wrote out the report for the shop, stuck it in the window and got my things and left. Sleeping beauty was still doing his thing.
I guess I got the last laugh when the mechanic tilted the cab forward, we had a cab-over, and heard a loud noise inside the cab. Yep it was trainee rolling out of the bunk.
Forget the pay, forget the prestige, forget ego, that was my first and last experience as a driver trainer.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Truck Driving Story
When I first started this blog I vowed I wouldn’t tell any truck driving stories, but I have to get one out of my system. Before I start I have a question. What’s the difference between a fairy tale and a truck driving story? If you don’t know the answer you’ll have to scroll to the bottom to find out. OK, I swear to you, this is a true story and I’ve kept the tickets to prove it.
In the late 80’s and 90’s I worked for a company that delivered new Volvo Trucks from the plant in Dublin Va, to dealers and fleets all over North America. It was good duty until the driveaway company was sold and everything went downhill from there. By the way, I retired the first time shortly after the acquisition. My delivery was going to a dealer outside Toronto and I was on the New York State Thruway, (I-90) between Erie Pa and Buffalo NY. Most of the trucks were governed at 69mph at the factory. Speed limit on the road was 65. No worry, set the cruise control and enjoy the ride. By the way have you ever noticed that even number interstates go from low to high numbers going West to East? Not New York State. On with the tale. One of New York State’s finest decided I was going too fast, and turned on his red lights and pulled me over. (Red flashing lights are for fire trucks and ambulances, but I guess no one has informed this group of grey suited wonders yet). I put both hands on the steering wheel, so they could be seen by this fine gentleman and after being asked for the usual documents, informed me that I was traveling 77mph. My plea that the truck was governed at 69 was of no avail of course and after a few minutes the officer returned with not one but two tickets, my lucky day.
He told me that as I had a clean record he wasn’t going to give me a fast driving award and then asked me if I had a radar detector? I said no, and then he informed me that I did now and here was a ticket for running a bird dog and the second one was for littering. He wished me a good day and was off. And I thought all the ‘honorable’ highway patrol officers were in Ohio.
Before I give you the answer to my quiz here’s how to have fun when you’re bored in a truck stop. Turn on your CB and in between the conversations of the radio rambos and other similar intellects, break it and ask if anyone knows why they have no parking zones in truck stops. When someone asks why, say the following. No parking zones are for those large Petercar drivers with all the chrome and lights and the big over modulated radios with so much echo no one can understand them, that don’t know how to back up have a place to park. If you want to stay around for the fun that’s up to you, but I usually shut the radio off and go to bed.
Answer….difference between a fairy tale and a truck driving story. A fairy tale starts off with….Once upon a time…..a truck driver story starts off with…..you ain’t going to believe this sh**..
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
In the late 80’s and 90’s I worked for a company that delivered new Volvo Trucks from the plant in Dublin Va, to dealers and fleets all over North America. It was good duty until the driveaway company was sold and everything went downhill from there. By the way, I retired the first time shortly after the acquisition. My delivery was going to a dealer outside Toronto and I was on the New York State Thruway, (I-90) between Erie Pa and Buffalo NY. Most of the trucks were governed at 69mph at the factory. Speed limit on the road was 65. No worry, set the cruise control and enjoy the ride. By the way have you ever noticed that even number interstates go from low to high numbers going West to East? Not New York State. On with the tale. One of New York State’s finest decided I was going too fast, and turned on his red lights and pulled me over. (Red flashing lights are for fire trucks and ambulances, but I guess no one has informed this group of grey suited wonders yet). I put both hands on the steering wheel, so they could be seen by this fine gentleman and after being asked for the usual documents, informed me that I was traveling 77mph. My plea that the truck was governed at 69 was of no avail of course and after a few minutes the officer returned with not one but two tickets, my lucky day.
He told me that as I had a clean record he wasn’t going to give me a fast driving award and then asked me if I had a radar detector? I said no, and then he informed me that I did now and here was a ticket for running a bird dog and the second one was for littering. He wished me a good day and was off. And I thought all the ‘honorable’ highway patrol officers were in Ohio.
Before I give you the answer to my quiz here’s how to have fun when you’re bored in a truck stop. Turn on your CB and in between the conversations of the radio rambos and other similar intellects, break it and ask if anyone knows why they have no parking zones in truck stops. When someone asks why, say the following. No parking zones are for those large Petercar drivers with all the chrome and lights and the big over modulated radios with so much echo no one can understand them, that don’t know how to back up have a place to park. If you want to stay around for the fun that’s up to you, but I usually shut the radio off and go to bed.
Answer….difference between a fairy tale and a truck driving story. A fairy tale starts off with….Once upon a time…..a truck driver story starts off with…..you ain’t going to believe this sh**..
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Care and Feeding of Dispatchers
I know the old saying, “You can always tell if a dispatcher is lying if his lips are moving”. But contrary to popular belief, dispatchers are human. They do eat, sleep, have families and have a job to do too, other than give drivers a hard time.
Years ago I used to do some orientation and my last bit of advice was to walk our new hires to the office where the dispatchers were located and said, “these people are dispatchers, their nickname is ‘god’, they will make you or break you”. “If you make your pickups and deliveries on time, cause no claims or damage, they will start moving your name up the list to where the good trips are”. “If on the other hand you give them a rough time, they will put your name at the bottom of their list, give you the worst trips they can find and hope you quit”.
It’s a simple concept, but that’s the way it works in real life. The driver and dispatcher work as a team. Once a dispatcher feels comfortable with a driver and knows he can depend on you, you’ll be pre-planned on trips and your life will be a whole lot easier. Instead of you having to wait after delivery for the next load to come open, which will result in wasted time for you and the company, you’ll be on your way and putting money in your pocket as the miles click away.
Don’t forget, if you think your dispatcher(s) are giving you a hard time, do you give your dispatchers a hard way to go too? Refusing a load or making pickups and deliveries between partying or playing video games in the truck stops doesn’t make life easier for dispatchers either. They also get misinformation and grief from shippers and receivers too.Many of your loads are handled through brokers, and they’ve been known to stretch the truth a little too. Brokers have been known to double book a load with two different trucking companies, and the first one there gets the load. The brokers butt is covered but both the driver and the trucking company are left out in the cold. A shipper will call the trucking company and say he has 10 loads on the dock ready to go. When you get there you have to wait. You’re on you way with a “just on time” delivery and you have a flat tire and miss your appointment. The receiver is on the phone screaming at the dispatcher for his shipment and even though the delay is legitimate the dispatcher has to put up with the SOB on the other end of the line.
Are all dispatchers great to work with? Of course not, I’ve worked with some that have caused me to wait and lose income and I’ve worked with others who have made me a lot of money. You try to minimize the turkeys and built a relationship with the good ones. I can hear the cynics in the crowd saying that means kissing butt, call it what you will, but in reality it’s building a trust that means a lot easier time for you in the long run. Let’s try this analogy. You’ve heard race car drivers praise the relationship between a crew chief and a driver for a winning combination, and you know the teams who do poorly when that chemistry isn’t there.
Here’s another point to consider, if you think you and your dispatcher(s) don’t get along, the problem might be found if you look in a mirror.
Years ago I used to do some orientation and my last bit of advice was to walk our new hires to the office where the dispatchers were located and said, “these people are dispatchers, their nickname is ‘god’, they will make you or break you”. “If you make your pickups and deliveries on time, cause no claims or damage, they will start moving your name up the list to where the good trips are”. “If on the other hand you give them a rough time, they will put your name at the bottom of their list, give you the worst trips they can find and hope you quit”.
It’s a simple concept, but that’s the way it works in real life. The driver and dispatcher work as a team. Once a dispatcher feels comfortable with a driver and knows he can depend on you, you’ll be pre-planned on trips and your life will be a whole lot easier. Instead of you having to wait after delivery for the next load to come open, which will result in wasted time for you and the company, you’ll be on your way and putting money in your pocket as the miles click away.
Don’t forget, if you think your dispatcher(s) are giving you a hard time, do you give your dispatchers a hard way to go too? Refusing a load or making pickups and deliveries between partying or playing video games in the truck stops doesn’t make life easier for dispatchers either. They also get misinformation and grief from shippers and receivers too.Many of your loads are handled through brokers, and they’ve been known to stretch the truth a little too. Brokers have been known to double book a load with two different trucking companies, and the first one there gets the load. The brokers butt is covered but both the driver and the trucking company are left out in the cold. A shipper will call the trucking company and say he has 10 loads on the dock ready to go. When you get there you have to wait. You’re on you way with a “just on time” delivery and you have a flat tire and miss your appointment. The receiver is on the phone screaming at the dispatcher for his shipment and even though the delay is legitimate the dispatcher has to put up with the SOB on the other end of the line.
Are all dispatchers great to work with? Of course not, I’ve worked with some that have caused me to wait and lose income and I’ve worked with others who have made me a lot of money. You try to minimize the turkeys and built a relationship with the good ones. I can hear the cynics in the crowd saying that means kissing butt, call it what you will, but in reality it’s building a trust that means a lot easier time for you in the long run. Let’s try this analogy. You’ve heard race car drivers praise the relationship between a crew chief and a driver for a winning combination, and you know the teams who do poorly when that chemistry isn’t there.
Here’s another point to consider, if you think you and your dispatcher(s) don’t get along, the problem might be found if you look in a mirror.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Who Represents Truck Drivers Part 2
I'm creating this as a new blog post rather than just a reply to the comment below to a previous post on the same subject.
My previous blog post does not endorse the Teamsters or any other Union or their policies. It's merely that this is an organization that has the capabilities and resources to create a voice that has some teeth behind it. So many times in the past well meaning individuals and small groups have tried to create an effective voice to represent CDL Drivers, but have failed as they don't have the ability, resources, organization or funding to recruit membership to form a strong lobby.
I think you'll agree that an idea is worth nothing unless acted upon.
Sure you or I could put out a strong appeal for some sort of collective voice, but remember in this country we have the best political and judicial system that money can buy. The ATA representing the companies has a strong voice and political clout as they have the resources and connections to be heard. OOIDA has a good membership but sadly lack the resources to effect political change. So we're back to square one. We all know what needs to change, but being a very individualistic group of people, not willing to give up that freedom we cling to, it makes it hard to cede any control to a single authority to represent us.
Now having said that, I feel there are only three possible solutions.
1. Teamsters need to get back to their core purpose and represent the truck drivers. It seems anymore they are more interested in hamburger flippers and cleaning ladies. But there are negatives, because of their past reputation and image.
2. OOIDA needs to put on a massive recruiting campaign to bring others into their organization other than owners and operators. They've created an image that they are only interested in OO's. I don't think that's true, but remember perception is reality if uncorrected.
3. We create an organization where every CDL driver pays, say a membership of $10.00 per year which would build a war chest of about $30 million dollars a year to hire lobbyists and contribute to the campaigns of effective politicians at the State and Federal level to understand our concerns. Sounds good, but who's going to get it off the ground?
Of the 3, the only one that I think could have any impact would be a concerted effort by OOIDA to build it's base, become more political and stop the runaway infringements on the people who actually make the transportation industry thrive, the drivers who do the work.
OOIDA probably could care less about my suggestions but here they are anyway.
1.Create a database of every CDL license in the US.
2.Do a massive mailing to all on the list outlining their membership and political goals that benefit truck drivers.
3.Set up recruiting booths at every truck stop in the country.
4.Contests for membership to bring in new members. Top prize a new truck, cruises, trips, etc...
5.Ads in every trucking magazine.
6.Engage the services of the most powerful lobbying groups at the Federal and State level.
7.TV ads telling the story that without trucks America wold come to a complete standstill. I have some great storyboard ideas on this.
8.This goes along with number 7. More face time on TV and talk shows. This is where impressions are made and opinions are formed. Truck drivers have a bad image and anytime there is a negative about the trucking industry it's all over the news. Where are the stories about the good drivers, the ones who make a positive difference in peoples lives?
I'll step off the soap box and let some others have a go at it.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
My previous blog post does not endorse the Teamsters or any other Union or their policies. It's merely that this is an organization that has the capabilities and resources to create a voice that has some teeth behind it. So many times in the past well meaning individuals and small groups have tried to create an effective voice to represent CDL Drivers, but have failed as they don't have the ability, resources, organization or funding to recruit membership to form a strong lobby.
I think you'll agree that an idea is worth nothing unless acted upon.
Sure you or I could put out a strong appeal for some sort of collective voice, but remember in this country we have the best political and judicial system that money can buy. The ATA representing the companies has a strong voice and political clout as they have the resources and connections to be heard. OOIDA has a good membership but sadly lack the resources to effect political change. So we're back to square one. We all know what needs to change, but being a very individualistic group of people, not willing to give up that freedom we cling to, it makes it hard to cede any control to a single authority to represent us.
Now having said that, I feel there are only three possible solutions.
1. Teamsters need to get back to their core purpose and represent the truck drivers. It seems anymore they are more interested in hamburger flippers and cleaning ladies. But there are negatives, because of their past reputation and image.
2. OOIDA needs to put on a massive recruiting campaign to bring others into their organization other than owners and operators. They've created an image that they are only interested in OO's. I don't think that's true, but remember perception is reality if uncorrected.
3. We create an organization where every CDL driver pays, say a membership of $10.00 per year which would build a war chest of about $30 million dollars a year to hire lobbyists and contribute to the campaigns of effective politicians at the State and Federal level to understand our concerns. Sounds good, but who's going to get it off the ground?
Of the 3, the only one that I think could have any impact would be a concerted effort by OOIDA to build it's base, become more political and stop the runaway infringements on the people who actually make the transportation industry thrive, the drivers who do the work.
OOIDA probably could care less about my suggestions but here they are anyway.
1.Create a database of every CDL license in the US.
2.Do a massive mailing to all on the list outlining their membership and political goals that benefit truck drivers.
3.Set up recruiting booths at every truck stop in the country.
4.Contests for membership to bring in new members. Top prize a new truck, cruises, trips, etc...
5.Ads in every trucking magazine.
6.Engage the services of the most powerful lobbying groups at the Federal and State level.
7.TV ads telling the story that without trucks America wold come to a complete standstill. I have some great storyboard ideas on this.
8.This goes along with number 7. More face time on TV and talk shows. This is where impressions are made and opinions are formed. Truck drivers have a bad image and anytime there is a negative about the trucking industry it's all over the news. Where are the stories about the good drivers, the ones who make a positive difference in peoples lives?
I'll step off the soap box and let some others have a go at it.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Interesting Web Site
A new website, similar to myspace has developed strictly for truckers.
Take a look and share.
www.myehandle.com
Take a look and share.
www.myehandle.com
4 Wheelers
I think the biggest problems we have with 4 wheelers is they just don’t understand how to interact with an 18 wheeler.
Let me draw an analogy. I am a licensed pilot. I just fly the little ones, but my point is I can safely fly in the same air space with Capt. Big Iron. Why? I’ve been trained to understand what my capabilities are and what theirs are too. I’ve been in the same landing pattern as a big jet at a major airport and we both knew what each was doing.
So here’s my point. How many driver ed students are ever given instructions on how to share the highways with 80,000 pounds of moving mass? Wouldn’t it be great if new drivers, and a lot of older ones too, knew how to tell if a truck is loaded or empty and how to adjust your passing accordingly? How many realize how dangerous it is to pass on the right side? I’ll bet very few people know that the “on ramp” to an interstate is really an acceleration ramp. This is where you get up to speed and blend in with the traffic. I don’t know how many times I’ve been frustrated when I’m doing my best to get on the road when I see some 4 wheeler almost come to a stop, look around, and if the driving lane is free for a mile down the road, timidly enter the freeway. This is especially terrifying when you’re doing a 270 degree turn to get on the interstate.
Probably the most dangerous of all is, when in heavy traffic, you try to leave a space between you and the vehicle in front in order to stop safely, then a 4 wheeler will dive into that space and slam on the brakes. I wonder if they would do the same in front of a freight train at a crossing? I’m sure the train would win and possibly there would be one less idiot in the gene pool. The problem with jumping in front of an 18 wheeler and a collision results because the truck can’t stop in time, is that the trucker is going to be charged for following too close. It’s a lose lose situation.
If I’m on a trip in my car I look for an empty 18 wheeler that is staying near the speed limit and pace the trucker at a reasonable distance. He has better eyes on the road ahead than I do and if he slows down I know there is a reason for it and adjust accordingly and frankly I feel much safer than I do around impatient drivers, the $50,000 pick up trucks and SUV’s who think they own the passing lane and those on their cel phones.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Let me draw an analogy. I am a licensed pilot. I just fly the little ones, but my point is I can safely fly in the same air space with Capt. Big Iron. Why? I’ve been trained to understand what my capabilities are and what theirs are too. I’ve been in the same landing pattern as a big jet at a major airport and we both knew what each was doing.
So here’s my point. How many driver ed students are ever given instructions on how to share the highways with 80,000 pounds of moving mass? Wouldn’t it be great if new drivers, and a lot of older ones too, knew how to tell if a truck is loaded or empty and how to adjust your passing accordingly? How many realize how dangerous it is to pass on the right side? I’ll bet very few people know that the “on ramp” to an interstate is really an acceleration ramp. This is where you get up to speed and blend in with the traffic. I don’t know how many times I’ve been frustrated when I’m doing my best to get on the road when I see some 4 wheeler almost come to a stop, look around, and if the driving lane is free for a mile down the road, timidly enter the freeway. This is especially terrifying when you’re doing a 270 degree turn to get on the interstate.
Probably the most dangerous of all is, when in heavy traffic, you try to leave a space between you and the vehicle in front in order to stop safely, then a 4 wheeler will dive into that space and slam on the brakes. I wonder if they would do the same in front of a freight train at a crossing? I’m sure the train would win and possibly there would be one less idiot in the gene pool. The problem with jumping in front of an 18 wheeler and a collision results because the truck can’t stop in time, is that the trucker is going to be charged for following too close. It’s a lose lose situation.
If I’m on a trip in my car I look for an empty 18 wheeler that is staying near the speed limit and pace the trucker at a reasonable distance. He has better eyes on the road ahead than I do and if he slows down I know there is a reason for it and adjust accordingly and frankly I feel much safer than I do around impatient drivers, the $50,000 pick up trucks and SUV’s who think they own the passing lane and those on their cel phones.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Friday, March 30, 2007
You'd be Amazed
I’m amused but many times frightened by the things I see when I’m being passed by an automobile. When My eyes are 10 feet off the ground, it’s very easy to see what’s going on inside the car that’s going by me. I’ve seen instances of what people are doing to themselves and to others and that’s as far as I’m going with that one. I’ve seem people reading newspapers, maps and even paperbacks while traveling at 70 to 80mph. I’ve seen drivers actually working on a computer in the right seat. Text messaging and emails on a blackberry or other similar device are common and more and more chatting on a cel phone. All scenarios are scary but I think the one that causes more and more problems are cel phone users. How did we ever survive before they came along?
I can usually spot a cel phone user driving in front of me before I actually see them using it. Their speed and direction is erratic. I have the greatest urge when one is beside me to hit my air horn, but I’m afraid they’d have to clean up a mess on their seat cushion or be under my wheels or both. I’d love to put a sign on the back of my trailer that reads, “if you’re using a cel phone please stay behind me. I can’t pay attention to your driving too.”
This is sort of a truck driving story and of course true. Several years ago I was on the New Jersey Turnpike on a Sunday Morning and traffic was light. The roadway was 3 lanes wide and I saw a sign that the center lane was closed 2 miles ahead. In the center lane was a red BMW. At the 1 ½ mile warning I was closing on the red car. As the driver was using the center lane I passed on the right at about the 1 mile warning sign that the center lane was closed. When I passed I looked down to see the young lady driver reading a book perched on the steering wheel. As I got closer to the closed lane I looked in the mirror to see the car still in the middle lane. Ahead the middle lane was blocked with orange barrels and cones and additional warning signs. When was the BMW going to change lanes? She hit the first few cones dead center, sent them flying and created a cloud of blue smoke as she locked up the brakes. Needless to say, I had my chuckle of the day. Fortunately there were several factors in place that prevented this from being much more serious. The brakes did lock up as this was before ABS. Thanks to good automobile engineering the car stayed straight and I’m sure the driver froze holding the steering wheel too. There was no traffic around the mishap.
Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. I only hope this young lady became a smarter and safer driver.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
I can usually spot a cel phone user driving in front of me before I actually see them using it. Their speed and direction is erratic. I have the greatest urge when one is beside me to hit my air horn, but I’m afraid they’d have to clean up a mess on their seat cushion or be under my wheels or both. I’d love to put a sign on the back of my trailer that reads, “if you’re using a cel phone please stay behind me. I can’t pay attention to your driving too.”
This is sort of a truck driving story and of course true. Several years ago I was on the New Jersey Turnpike on a Sunday Morning and traffic was light. The roadway was 3 lanes wide and I saw a sign that the center lane was closed 2 miles ahead. In the center lane was a red BMW. At the 1 ½ mile warning I was closing on the red car. As the driver was using the center lane I passed on the right at about the 1 mile warning sign that the center lane was closed. When I passed I looked down to see the young lady driver reading a book perched on the steering wheel. As I got closer to the closed lane I looked in the mirror to see the car still in the middle lane. Ahead the middle lane was blocked with orange barrels and cones and additional warning signs. When was the BMW going to change lanes? She hit the first few cones dead center, sent them flying and created a cloud of blue smoke as she locked up the brakes. Needless to say, I had my chuckle of the day. Fortunately there were several factors in place that prevented this from being much more serious. The brakes did lock up as this was before ABS. Thanks to good automobile engineering the car stayed straight and I’m sure the driver froze holding the steering wheel too. There was no traffic around the mishap.
Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. I only hope this young lady became a smarter and safer driver.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Attitudes
Do truck drivers have attitudes? Does McDonald’s have hamburgers?
You bet! It may seem that every truck driver you meet has some gripe about something.
Which brings me to the question, “How can you tell if a truck driver is happy?” Answer, “If he’s complaining about something”. I think I’ve heard gripes about shippers to receivers to brokers to dispatchers to payroll and of course let’s not forget the cops and DOT that are out to get you, highway construction and I guess the number one gripe is 4 wheelers.
But what a shock when I saw painted on the back of a cab in big bold lettering at the Flying J in Jackson MS. ‘SUCCESS IS THE ULTIMATE REVENGE’ I had to meet this driver, who by the way is a young Owner Operator leased to a flat bed carrier. He told me that he had worked for a starter company for 5 years until he saved enough to dive into the business for himself. I have no doubt he’ll do well. By the way a starter company is one who will put anyone with wet ink still on his graduation certificate and a brand new CDL behind the wheel and turn them lose on the highway. You know the companies I’m talking about
My first impression when I spotted the proclamation was here was someone who was told he couldn’t make it, or wouldn’t get anywhere, and isn’t it sad that there are those who believe this put down and continue to live it for the rest of their lives. You might ask if becoming an O/O is being a success? To some, maybe not, but I remember Tommy Hopkins, a very popular and effective sales trainer telling a class I was in that “Success is the continuous pursuit of worthwhile goals”. You see, success isn’t the top rung on the ladder. There is no top rung. Success is a constant climb to do better, to be better, success is a never ending quest. Isn’t it funny that the truly successful people are always looking for a new ladder, a new challenge and are always looking up, always being positive, never looking down at their shoe laces, never saying, “It can’t be done”. What do the Marines say, “If the job is difficult we’ll do it right away, it it’s impossible it may take a little longer”.
Personally I think I’m a very positive person. I love driving a truck, I love the challenge of meeting appointments and looking after my equipment. I like to think I take pride in what I do, how I appear and how I treat the people I come in contact with. After all, I am the company I work for. I am a certified geezer, and have only been in trucking 40 years. Before that I was in other professions and have owned a business outside of trucking. Retirement is not in my dictionary. My youngest daughter says I’ll retire when they pry my cold stiff fingers off the steering wheal. Am I a success story? To some I’m just a truck driver, one of “those people”. But you see, I’m where I want to be, I’m doing what I want to do at this time. Who knows what other challenge might excite me, I’m only 73 and thank God he’s given me another day to live and be productive.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
You bet! It may seem that every truck driver you meet has some gripe about something.
Which brings me to the question, “How can you tell if a truck driver is happy?” Answer, “If he’s complaining about something”. I think I’ve heard gripes about shippers to receivers to brokers to dispatchers to payroll and of course let’s not forget the cops and DOT that are out to get you, highway construction and I guess the number one gripe is 4 wheelers.
But what a shock when I saw painted on the back of a cab in big bold lettering at the Flying J in Jackson MS. ‘SUCCESS IS THE ULTIMATE REVENGE’ I had to meet this driver, who by the way is a young Owner Operator leased to a flat bed carrier. He told me that he had worked for a starter company for 5 years until he saved enough to dive into the business for himself. I have no doubt he’ll do well. By the way a starter company is one who will put anyone with wet ink still on his graduation certificate and a brand new CDL behind the wheel and turn them lose on the highway. You know the companies I’m talking about
My first impression when I spotted the proclamation was here was someone who was told he couldn’t make it, or wouldn’t get anywhere, and isn’t it sad that there are those who believe this put down and continue to live it for the rest of their lives. You might ask if becoming an O/O is being a success? To some, maybe not, but I remember Tommy Hopkins, a very popular and effective sales trainer telling a class I was in that “Success is the continuous pursuit of worthwhile goals”. You see, success isn’t the top rung on the ladder. There is no top rung. Success is a constant climb to do better, to be better, success is a never ending quest. Isn’t it funny that the truly successful people are always looking for a new ladder, a new challenge and are always looking up, always being positive, never looking down at their shoe laces, never saying, “It can’t be done”. What do the Marines say, “If the job is difficult we’ll do it right away, it it’s impossible it may take a little longer”.
Personally I think I’m a very positive person. I love driving a truck, I love the challenge of meeting appointments and looking after my equipment. I like to think I take pride in what I do, how I appear and how I treat the people I come in contact with. After all, I am the company I work for. I am a certified geezer, and have only been in trucking 40 years. Before that I was in other professions and have owned a business outside of trucking. Retirement is not in my dictionary. My youngest daughter says I’ll retire when they pry my cold stiff fingers off the steering wheal. Am I a success story? To some I’m just a truck driver, one of “those people”. But you see, I’m where I want to be, I’m doing what I want to do at this time. Who knows what other challenge might excite me, I’m only 73 and thank God he’s given me another day to live and be productive.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Toll Tickets
How many times do you go through a toll booth, pay your money and stick the receipt in the sun visor and drive on? I used to do that, but now I check every receipt and here's why.
Some time ago I was heading East on I-90 and turning onto I-84 into Connecticut. The toll was $3.55. I gave the collector a $5.00 and got $1.45 back. So far so good, but then I looked at the receipt. It was made out for $0.55. I had room to park and went to the supervisor to explain what happened. I was given another receipt for $3.55. It isn't too hard to figure out where the missing $3.00 went. I hope this scammer got fired, or better yet put in jail. Truck drivers get the short end of it too many times with rogue DOT and cops with the attitude that all truck drivers are guilty. We get stuck with rules and regulations that no one else on the highway gets burdened with. Wouldn't it be nice if rules of the road were equally enforced? Only in a dream.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Some time ago I was heading East on I-90 and turning onto I-84 into Connecticut. The toll was $3.55. I gave the collector a $5.00 and got $1.45 back. So far so good, but then I looked at the receipt. It was made out for $0.55. I had room to park and went to the supervisor to explain what happened. I was given another receipt for $3.55. It isn't too hard to figure out where the missing $3.00 went. I hope this scammer got fired, or better yet put in jail. Truck drivers get the short end of it too many times with rogue DOT and cops with the attitude that all truck drivers are guilty. We get stuck with rules and regulations that no one else on the highway gets burdened with. Wouldn't it be nice if rules of the road were equally enforced? Only in a dream.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Mexican Truckers
I know the issue of Mexican trucks and drivers having access to American Highways is a sore issue with a lot of us. Before I make any comments I have a link you might look at first.
CLICK HERE
OOIDA's President made a strong comment to President Bush several years ago on the subject too.
Here's my take. It's going to happen, deal with it.
Ever since deregulation, NAFTA CAFTA, and any other free trade issues, we've benefited, and we've suffered. We've seen lower prices with cheaper labor costs abroad. We've seen good paying American jobs go out of the country. It's a fact of life. We can't build a wall around our nation and revert to some sort of protectionism. We'd be a third world country in no time.
The problem is, it's the middle class men and women who suffer the most. Many of us never were able to or never availed ourselves of continued education, and there are numerous reasons for this, which I won't go into here. Many of us do not have the means or skills to qualify for the high paying jobs. I'm not feeling sorry for myself, I made choices and I blew chances as many of us have. I knew when I choose trucking as a profession many years ago I'd never be a rich man, but it seems that proportionally, our salaries don't increase sufficiently to keep pace with the cost of living. Frankly I don't see any improvement and with the imminent invasion of truckers competing for freight and jobs in this country I don't see how it will get any better.
Now for the safety issue. Do you think for one minute that the trucks we see streaming across the border and on our highways are going to be the safest trucks on the road? Do you think that emission standards will be as strict for Mexican trucks as they are for American Trucks? Do you think that the promised enforcement will materialize? Do you think that our border patrol keeps out illegal immigrants? Do you believe in the tooth fairy? How many of our great governmental agencies ever live up to their hype and promises? Just like illegal immigration, once the door is open there will be little, if any enforcement and then the mantra will be, "well they're here, we can't enforce it", just like the war on drugs and gun control and any other enforcement our elected politicians are afraid to tackle. They might offend big business and all of the other powerful lobbies they depend on for contributions and votes. I know this is a side issue, I've said it before and I'll say it again here. IN THIS COUNTRY WE HAVE THE BEST POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM THAT MONEY CAN BUY.
So what are my predictions? The borders will be open to any and all. Enforcement of the proposed rules and guidelines for foreign trucks and drivers will be ignored. Scenes line the one above will be more common. Trucking companies just like agriculture and construction and the service industry will find ways to hire cheaper labor and well take it in the rear fenders again.
Picture above could be your next 'new' truck.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Those Nasty Trucks
I guess we’ve heard it all. Noisy, Too Big, Too Fast, Too many, Run you off the road, taking over the interstates, cause accidents, yadda yadda.
Let’s deal with these perceptions. Remember, perceptions left uncorrected become reality.
Noisy: Yes, some are. Some seem to think that straight exhaust is good. To me it’s more show than functional. Besides, some motorcycles are noisier than trucks. Again more show than go.
Too Big: Hang on, if the ATA (American Trucking Association) has it’s way they’ll get bigger. The ATA is made up of Trucking Company Owners who want to move more freight per driver. Part of this is desire for more profit, but in a deregulated business, like transportation, profits can be very elusive. Part of this is a shortage of drivers. In most States you’ll see a truck pulling 2 trailers, and in the North West it’s not uncommon to see 3 trailers. Some, like the New York Thruway, allow 2 full sized trailers. If you think that is big, check out Australia that will allow 5 full sized trailers behind a truck. Big really isn’t the issue, training is and this doesn’t mean just the truck driver. 4 wheelers need the training too on how to interact with trucks. Boaters who have gone through captain training know how to work with larger boats and ocean liners without difficulty. Yes there are idiots on the waterways, but hopefully they are removed from the gene pool without hurting anyone else. A private pilot can fly safely in the same skies with a 747. It’s all training and understanding each ones limits and respecting the others.
Too Fast: I think anytime a truck passes a 4 wheeler the notion is, they ALL go too fast. The truth is that 80% of all trucks on the highway are governed to go no faster than 70mph. Try this little test. Next time you’re in the family car on a trip, count the number of trucks you pass vs. the number of trucks that pass you. I think you’ll be amazed at the results. Why not count the number of $50,000 SUV’s and pick up trucks that think they own the passing lane pass you. Little known fact. Speedometers in trucks are far more accurate than cars. Car manufacturers like to show you’re going 80mph., when in reality you’re only going 70.
Too many: If you think there are too many now, wait a few more years. Transportation demands are not being met. Put more trailers and containers on railroads. Unfortunately
They are at capacity now. If you’ve ever driven in the Western States along Interstates 10,20 and 40, you’ll see thousands of containers, most stacked 2 high and truck trailers on rail cars. I’ve been to Clovis NM where a train goes through every few minutes with 3 to 4, noisy by the way, engines pulling anywhere from 50 to 75 sections. Yesterday on I-10 between Las Cruses NM and the Arizona Border (about 150 miles) I counted 74 freight units with about 75% hauling containers and truck trailers. Let’s play with numbers, If 50 rail units each had 75 containers and were being hauled by a truck that would be 3750 more trucks on the interstate in that 150 mile stretch. By the way I did see one Amtrack. I guess if more people rode the rail, there would be less problems on the highways.
Run you off the road: I must admit, I’ve seen very few 4 wheelers in the ditch, or median all by themselves, unless they were speeding when road conditions were bad or icy, or when drivers were on their cel phones and not paying attention. That’s a whole other story and don’t get me started on people not paying attention to their driving. I could write another blog on the things I see when cars are passing me.
Taking over the interstates: When President Eisenhower first proposed the interstate system, what was the purpose? Answer. “The rapid movement of military and commerce.” So to the 4 wheelers, you are the ones who are encroaching on our space.
Cause accidents: Statistics prove this is absolutely untrue. About 75% of all accidents where an 18 wheeler is involved are caused by 4 wheelers. Of the other 25% I would say many are caused by 18 wheelers anticipating that a 4 wheeler knows how to drive properly. One of the big causes is when a 4 wheeler dives into the space in front of a truck and then slams on the brakes. Why does a truck driver leave that space there in the first place? Which is going to stop quicker 40 tons or moving mass or a 3000 pound automobile? Chicago is the first city I’ve seen where they display on their orange alert signs a warning to motorists about cutting in front of trucks. Thank you.
Now for a bit of pontificating. If we are going to see more cars and more trucks sharing the same roads, then there needs to be a greater emphasis placed on education and enforcement. Do I think the 18 wheelers that will speed over 100mph are exempt? Hell no. Should there be a restriction on the speed of trucks? Only if the same restriction is placed on cars. Should there be dual speed limits for cars and trucks? Absolutely not, it’s been proven to be unsafe and is only used by those states to generate revenue. Do you hear me Ohio and Oregon? If we’re all using the same roads, then education and enforcement should be uniform. Too many drivers, and that included truck drives are turned loose on the highways without adequate training.
Is there adequate enforcement? I think there should be more. Much has been done to improve and enforce rules on the commercial side. It’s time to do a lot more to get the unsafe, uneducated, uncaring and drunk 4 wheelers off the roads.
Footnote: Isn’t it amazing how we’re all concerned about 3500 military being killed in Iraq and don’t give a darn about 50,000 being killed each year on America’s Highways. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not uncaring about the military fatalities, I am. I guess we haven’t been able to politicize highway fatalities.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Let’s deal with these perceptions. Remember, perceptions left uncorrected become reality.
Noisy: Yes, some are. Some seem to think that straight exhaust is good. To me it’s more show than functional. Besides, some motorcycles are noisier than trucks. Again more show than go.
Too Big: Hang on, if the ATA (American Trucking Association) has it’s way they’ll get bigger. The ATA is made up of Trucking Company Owners who want to move more freight per driver. Part of this is desire for more profit, but in a deregulated business, like transportation, profits can be very elusive. Part of this is a shortage of drivers. In most States you’ll see a truck pulling 2 trailers, and in the North West it’s not uncommon to see 3 trailers. Some, like the New York Thruway, allow 2 full sized trailers. If you think that is big, check out Australia that will allow 5 full sized trailers behind a truck. Big really isn’t the issue, training is and this doesn’t mean just the truck driver. 4 wheelers need the training too on how to interact with trucks. Boaters who have gone through captain training know how to work with larger boats and ocean liners without difficulty. Yes there are idiots on the waterways, but hopefully they are removed from the gene pool without hurting anyone else. A private pilot can fly safely in the same skies with a 747. It’s all training and understanding each ones limits and respecting the others.
Too Fast: I think anytime a truck passes a 4 wheeler the notion is, they ALL go too fast. The truth is that 80% of all trucks on the highway are governed to go no faster than 70mph. Try this little test. Next time you’re in the family car on a trip, count the number of trucks you pass vs. the number of trucks that pass you. I think you’ll be amazed at the results. Why not count the number of $50,000 SUV’s and pick up trucks that think they own the passing lane pass you. Little known fact. Speedometers in trucks are far more accurate than cars. Car manufacturers like to show you’re going 80mph., when in reality you’re only going 70.
Too many: If you think there are too many now, wait a few more years. Transportation demands are not being met. Put more trailers and containers on railroads. Unfortunately
They are at capacity now. If you’ve ever driven in the Western States along Interstates 10,20 and 40, you’ll see thousands of containers, most stacked 2 high and truck trailers on rail cars. I’ve been to Clovis NM where a train goes through every few minutes with 3 to 4, noisy by the way, engines pulling anywhere from 50 to 75 sections. Yesterday on I-10 between Las Cruses NM and the Arizona Border (about 150 miles) I counted 74 freight units with about 75% hauling containers and truck trailers. Let’s play with numbers, If 50 rail units each had 75 containers and were being hauled by a truck that would be 3750 more trucks on the interstate in that 150 mile stretch. By the way I did see one Amtrack. I guess if more people rode the rail, there would be less problems on the highways.
Run you off the road: I must admit, I’ve seen very few 4 wheelers in the ditch, or median all by themselves, unless they were speeding when road conditions were bad or icy, or when drivers were on their cel phones and not paying attention. That’s a whole other story and don’t get me started on people not paying attention to their driving. I could write another blog on the things I see when cars are passing me.
Taking over the interstates: When President Eisenhower first proposed the interstate system, what was the purpose? Answer. “The rapid movement of military and commerce.” So to the 4 wheelers, you are the ones who are encroaching on our space.
Cause accidents: Statistics prove this is absolutely untrue. About 75% of all accidents where an 18 wheeler is involved are caused by 4 wheelers. Of the other 25% I would say many are caused by 18 wheelers anticipating that a 4 wheeler knows how to drive properly. One of the big causes is when a 4 wheeler dives into the space in front of a truck and then slams on the brakes. Why does a truck driver leave that space there in the first place? Which is going to stop quicker 40 tons or moving mass or a 3000 pound automobile? Chicago is the first city I’ve seen where they display on their orange alert signs a warning to motorists about cutting in front of trucks. Thank you.
Now for a bit of pontificating. If we are going to see more cars and more trucks sharing the same roads, then there needs to be a greater emphasis placed on education and enforcement. Do I think the 18 wheelers that will speed over 100mph are exempt? Hell no. Should there be a restriction on the speed of trucks? Only if the same restriction is placed on cars. Should there be dual speed limits for cars and trucks? Absolutely not, it’s been proven to be unsafe and is only used by those states to generate revenue. Do you hear me Ohio and Oregon? If we’re all using the same roads, then education and enforcement should be uniform. Too many drivers, and that included truck drives are turned loose on the highways without adequate training.
Is there adequate enforcement? I think there should be more. Much has been done to improve and enforce rules on the commercial side. It’s time to do a lot more to get the unsafe, uneducated, uncaring and drunk 4 wheelers off the roads.
Footnote: Isn’t it amazing how we’re all concerned about 3500 military being killed in Iraq and don’t give a darn about 50,000 being killed each year on America’s Highways. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not uncaring about the military fatalities, I am. I guess we haven’t been able to politicize highway fatalities.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Photos along the way
I take hundreds of photos on my trips around the country. If you have the time I've picked out 75.
Click just below PHOTOS in the right column and see some of our great country.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Click just below PHOTOS in the right column and see some of our great country.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Who Represents Truck Drivers
I’ve heard there are 1.3 million big rigs running around the US. I can’t verify that number but let’s go with it. Of that number how many have any voice about HOS rules, DOT concerns, rogue cops, unreasonable company demands and on and on? You know the answer. We’re the ones keeping the goods and materials moving and we have no say in the matter at all. The HOS rules are a joke. You’re paid by the mile. If you start your day at 7am, drive 4 hours for a pick up and have to wait 8 hours to get loaded or unloaded, how many more hours can you drive that day? 2 more hours and you’ve got to take 10 off. That’s 6 hours driving for the day at say 37 cents per mile. If you’re lucky you might do 375 real miles. $138 for the day, do that for 6 days before you have to recycle and take out all of the taxes and other deductions, and then figure your meals and what do you have left? About $325.00 take home pay.
Is it any wonder that more drivers are going to loose leaf log books? (In case we make a mistake and need to correct it of course). In reality, drivers are showing 10-11 hours per day driving on the log book, but spending more hours per day, to get the miles they need in order to make a decent pay check. And there are those “do-gooders” out there who want trucks off the road altogether, who don’t know the first thing about the industry who are getting the ear of the Feds. Like liberal advocacy groups around the country, they have all the answers but never ask any of the questions.
So who represents the truckers? Trucking Companies have their lobbyists and certainly make contributions to their favorite elected officials. OOIDA tries very hard to be heard.
Unions do their part, but what about the rest of us? The truth is, we’ll never have a voice.
Sure we gripe and complain about the way things are, but that’s about it. If things keep going the way they are, then we can forget about log books, it will all be done electronically, will that be better for us? No, it will result in more trucks needed, more drivers needed, more traffic on the highway and higher wages needed to compensate, higher cost for transportation. Who wins? No one. But there is a possible solution.
We all need to unionize. OK, I hear it now, but stop and think a moment. If the Teamsters would get off their duff and do something in the trucking industry like they used to instead of looking to unionize hotel workers and hamburger flippers, then there would be a solid voice in the trucking industry. I’m not saying we’d all be making 50 cents a mile, we wouldn’t. Each company negotiates a contract with their drivers, but if this were to occur then there would be a solid voice that would have some clout and we would all be heard.
Some of the issues we would all like to address are detention and down time time pay, unreasonable lumper fees, better training for new drivers and severe penelaties for companies that "force" drivers to violate safety and log book rules. No company will admit to the later, but we all know that many do.
I’d love to hear feedback on this one.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Is it any wonder that more drivers are going to loose leaf log books? (In case we make a mistake and need to correct it of course). In reality, drivers are showing 10-11 hours per day driving on the log book, but spending more hours per day, to get the miles they need in order to make a decent pay check. And there are those “do-gooders” out there who want trucks off the road altogether, who don’t know the first thing about the industry who are getting the ear of the Feds. Like liberal advocacy groups around the country, they have all the answers but never ask any of the questions.
So who represents the truckers? Trucking Companies have their lobbyists and certainly make contributions to their favorite elected officials. OOIDA tries very hard to be heard.
Unions do their part, but what about the rest of us? The truth is, we’ll never have a voice.
Sure we gripe and complain about the way things are, but that’s about it. If things keep going the way they are, then we can forget about log books, it will all be done electronically, will that be better for us? No, it will result in more trucks needed, more drivers needed, more traffic on the highway and higher wages needed to compensate, higher cost for transportation. Who wins? No one. But there is a possible solution.
We all need to unionize. OK, I hear it now, but stop and think a moment. If the Teamsters would get off their duff and do something in the trucking industry like they used to instead of looking to unionize hotel workers and hamburger flippers, then there would be a solid voice in the trucking industry. I’m not saying we’d all be making 50 cents a mile, we wouldn’t. Each company negotiates a contract with their drivers, but if this were to occur then there would be a solid voice that would have some clout and we would all be heard.
Some of the issues we would all like to address are detention and down time time pay, unreasonable lumper fees, better training for new drivers and severe penelaties for companies that "force" drivers to violate safety and log book rules. No company will admit to the later, but we all know that many do.
I’d love to hear feedback on this one.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Thursday, March 1, 2007
So you want to be a truck driver
Who are Truck Drivers?
Why does one want to become a truck driver?
Where do truck drivers come from?
Is it an easy job?
What training do I need?
There are endless questions and equally endless answers, but deep down inside I think we really enjoy what we do. OK. Stop right there. If you were to listen to many drivers you would think that most hated their jobs, the people they deal with, the DOT, Police, 4 wheelers the company they work for and on and on. Now after that’s over, ask one what he or she would rather do and not too many would pick any other profession. No one I’ve talked to would want to work in an office, or punch a time clock or have a boss or manager hanging around. To an outsider, driving a truck seems simple work, but there are challenges apart from traffic. There’s weights, appointment times, schedules, equipment problems, log books that need to be accurate, weather, road construction and accident holdups to contend with. But when you get right down to it, I think there’s a certain freedom in the work. You get to go and see places you otherwise wouldn’t see. You’re on your own most of the time and some people like that. Truthfully, I think it gets in your blood. I’ve retired twice from trucking and where am I now? Right back in it. My youngest daughter says I’ll retire when they pry my cold stiff fingers off the steering wheel. Maybe she’s right, I don’t know.
Today’s trucks are almost like campers in a way. Your seats are air ride with cushioned vertical as well as lateral ride. Many have lumbar back support and frankly I can travel more miles in a truck and be less tired than I can in a car. Visibility is much better as you can see over traffic and know what’s well ahead of you. Bunks are comfortable. Many trucks have refrigerators and closets and space set up for TV and Video players. Some come powered with inverters to provide 110 volt AC power for microwaves, and coffee makers. I’m also a ham radio operator, (call sign KN4WX) and I have a mobile rig and can communicate with people all over the world, when atmospheric conditions are right.
Yes there are negatives to trucking, being away from home and family for weeks at a time. Being restricted to certain places you can go with an 18 wheeler can be a problem. You’re pretty committed to parking and eating and showering at a truck stop. But with cel phones and internet accessibility staying in contact with friends and family is a lot easier than it used to be. Personally I use Nextel service with direct connect so I can stay in contact with my wife 24/7 if needed.
There are things one can do, while driving to make the miles go faster. Many drivers have satellite radios. Some will use the CB to amuse themselves. Personally, the only time I use it is when I’m waiting to load or unload and need to listen for a call in. And there are times if I am traveling with a friend that we’ll get on a dead channel and ratchet jaw for a while. I love to listen to mysteries, so when I’m home I go to the public library and take out some audio books. I also carry a collection of favorite CD’s to listen to. And then there’s always talk radio to keep a person entertained. Most truck stops have audios for rent. Pick them up at one location and turn them in at another when you’re finished. I’m always taking pictures of scenery and oddities I see on the way. So the miles go by and I’m usually never bored.
Some people are truck drivers because a parent is and it’s what you have been brought up on. Some think it’s a lifestyle they want to explore. Some stay, some don’t. Some are team drivers, and believe it or not, a good husband and wife team, (or significant other) can make a very good living trucking. It’s not uncommon for a good team to earn $100,000.00 a year combined gross income. There are a good number of young couples who see this as a way to build a very nice nest egg before starting a family. And there are other older couples whose families have grown up and moved on and decide on a truck driving job. Some are divorced and want to get away, so to say. Others escape the stress of a corporate lifestyle. I’ve met a number of men who have retired from a life long job in industry who can’t stand retirement and want to go back to work again and find trucking a rewarding new career.
To easiest way for a person to get started in trucking is to find a company that will train their own drivers. The downside is that you usually are committed to that company for about a year. There are numerous driving schools around the country. If there is a trucking company near you, call their recruiter and ask for advice on a good school.
When you are first hired you will spend some time with a trainer until he feels you are ready to go solo. Don’t be intimidated by the size of a truck and trailer. Frankly I find it easier to drive a truck than I do a car. That may sound odd, but after a while you will understand what I mean.
Comments always invited.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
Why does one want to become a truck driver?
Where do truck drivers come from?
Is it an easy job?
What training do I need?
There are endless questions and equally endless answers, but deep down inside I think we really enjoy what we do. OK. Stop right there. If you were to listen to many drivers you would think that most hated their jobs, the people they deal with, the DOT, Police, 4 wheelers the company they work for and on and on. Now after that’s over, ask one what he or she would rather do and not too many would pick any other profession. No one I’ve talked to would want to work in an office, or punch a time clock or have a boss or manager hanging around. To an outsider, driving a truck seems simple work, but there are challenges apart from traffic. There’s weights, appointment times, schedules, equipment problems, log books that need to be accurate, weather, road construction and accident holdups to contend with. But when you get right down to it, I think there’s a certain freedom in the work. You get to go and see places you otherwise wouldn’t see. You’re on your own most of the time and some people like that. Truthfully, I think it gets in your blood. I’ve retired twice from trucking and where am I now? Right back in it. My youngest daughter says I’ll retire when they pry my cold stiff fingers off the steering wheel. Maybe she’s right, I don’t know.
Today’s trucks are almost like campers in a way. Your seats are air ride with cushioned vertical as well as lateral ride. Many have lumbar back support and frankly I can travel more miles in a truck and be less tired than I can in a car. Visibility is much better as you can see over traffic and know what’s well ahead of you. Bunks are comfortable. Many trucks have refrigerators and closets and space set up for TV and Video players. Some come powered with inverters to provide 110 volt AC power for microwaves, and coffee makers. I’m also a ham radio operator, (call sign KN4WX) and I have a mobile rig and can communicate with people all over the world, when atmospheric conditions are right.
Yes there are negatives to trucking, being away from home and family for weeks at a time. Being restricted to certain places you can go with an 18 wheeler can be a problem. You’re pretty committed to parking and eating and showering at a truck stop. But with cel phones and internet accessibility staying in contact with friends and family is a lot easier than it used to be. Personally I use Nextel service with direct connect so I can stay in contact with my wife 24/7 if needed.
There are things one can do, while driving to make the miles go faster. Many drivers have satellite radios. Some will use the CB to amuse themselves. Personally, the only time I use it is when I’m waiting to load or unload and need to listen for a call in. And there are times if I am traveling with a friend that we’ll get on a dead channel and ratchet jaw for a while. I love to listen to mysteries, so when I’m home I go to the public library and take out some audio books. I also carry a collection of favorite CD’s to listen to. And then there’s always talk radio to keep a person entertained. Most truck stops have audios for rent. Pick them up at one location and turn them in at another when you’re finished. I’m always taking pictures of scenery and oddities I see on the way. So the miles go by and I’m usually never bored.
Some people are truck drivers because a parent is and it’s what you have been brought up on. Some think it’s a lifestyle they want to explore. Some stay, some don’t. Some are team drivers, and believe it or not, a good husband and wife team, (or significant other) can make a very good living trucking. It’s not uncommon for a good team to earn $100,000.00 a year combined gross income. There are a good number of young couples who see this as a way to build a very nice nest egg before starting a family. And there are other older couples whose families have grown up and moved on and decide on a truck driving job. Some are divorced and want to get away, so to say. Others escape the stress of a corporate lifestyle. I’ve met a number of men who have retired from a life long job in industry who can’t stand retirement and want to go back to work again and find trucking a rewarding new career.
To easiest way for a person to get started in trucking is to find a company that will train their own drivers. The downside is that you usually are committed to that company for about a year. There are numerous driving schools around the country. If there is a trucking company near you, call their recruiter and ask for advice on a good school.
When you are first hired you will spend some time with a trainer until he feels you are ready to go solo. Don’t be intimidated by the size of a truck and trailer. Frankly I find it easier to drive a truck than I do a car. That may sound odd, but after a while you will understand what I mean.
Comments always invited.
Enjoy the day
Flat Tire
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I have read your article which I find very interesting but the thing about who represents truck drivers is the same the world over,
Only the truck drivers can represent themselves, and I'm not talking unions here, to me unions are a wast of time and money,
Drivers need to organize themselves into a CDL Drivers co-operative and have their own representation nothing more nothing less.
That is the only way your voice will be heard.