2008 January | AskTheTrucker

Archive for January, 2008

Emily Discovered “Motionless” by Donna: Off to a Better Place

Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized on January 29th, 2008

Today was one of my rare days off. I was glad, because today Donna found her beloved pet cockateil “Emily” motionless on the bottom of her cage. I don’t even need to say how terribly upset Donna was, and those of you who know Donna, know what a compassionate and kind hearted person she is also.

I’m gone much of the time, and when Donna would come home at night, Emily was the one to greet her “hello” when she walked in the door. I know the silence now will be very difficult.

If you would like, you can leave an uplifting message, and although it won’t bring Emily Back, it will be encouraging to know that her friends do care and don’t think she’s being silly.

Thanks,

Allen

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Hours of Service to Change Again?

Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized, otr trucking on January 20th, 2008

After a long, hard battle advocates finally accomplished their goal in having the hours of service for truck drivers changed to the current 14/10 rule with the 34-hour restart thrown in for support. Remember all the news this was making back then? It was going to be so much better for the general public safety and concerns.

Entering into effect on October 1st, 2005, the trucking industry began operating under the new rules, which to this day, many drivers still do not agree with. And now . . . change may be coming again. Last July, the court ruled to vacate the current rule and change it BACK to the way it was before! The ruling will not become effective until September 12, 2008. Some parties such as ATA, et al are or will be asking for a stay of the current ruling.

If the court does not grant a stay, then on September 12, drivers will be going back to the 10-hour driving rule, and will no longer use the 34-hour restart rule. Rules that will be staying in place are the 14-hour on-duty time, the 10 hours off duty, the 2/8 hours split sleeper berth time and the 60/70 rule.

So for now, the trucking industry will have to wait and see. Are we in for another hours of service rule change? It is highly possible. I stand behind the old adage as I did in 2005 . . . “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

About the Author:

Aubrey Allen Smith is a veteran trucker and author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. An expert in transportation, his book has helped thousands of new, inexperienced drivers understand the scams of the trucking industry. Please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today, to learn more.

: long haul trucking, otr trucking, tr, truck drivers