Trucking Advocate and Activist Allen Smith of TruthAboutTrucking.com : Articles Current News and Information for CDL Truck Drivers and Truck Driving Students…"Raising the Standards of the Trucking Industry"
Here is a video we found on You Tube which we believe will be helpful to all of you obtaining your CDL license. If you are in a truck driving school or learning on your own, this video will be a benefit to you. Combined with the Pre-trip Inspection Report Bonus you received with your e-book purchase, The Truth About Trucking, you WILL PASS the Pre-Trip Inspection.
As an over the road truck driver,one has endless hours to spend just thinking. I don’t know about you, but I think about weird, sometimes complicated things. For instance, is a horse really a horse? Anyway, I would like to hear about what some of you think about when trucking across this country of ours. For now, I would like to share this piece of information as just one of the “things” I think about :
The Big Bang Theory……we all know the story : Approximately 15 billion years ago an enormous explosion started the expansion of the universe. What existed before this explosion is purely unknown. World re-known British theoretical physicist and mathematician, Stephen Hawking was once asked what existed before the explosion. His answer? He thought for a moment and simply answered, “Well, there was nothing.” Nothing?
Now I am in no way within the same category of intelligence when it comes to Stephen Hawking. My High School teachers will attest to this fact. In fact, science and math were my two worst subjects! But his answer got me to thinking. Before the universe “began,” there was “nothing.” Well, what is “nothing?” Nothing is defined as the lack or absence of anything at all. If I hand you a box and tell you that you can have what is in the box, and you open the box and it is empty, then there is “nothing” in the box. No existence of anything, only nothing. Now, could you take that “nothing” and make something out of it?
Simple, common sense tells me that something always comes from something else. You cannot take nothing and create something else from it. Stretch out your arm and open your hand. Now, I want you to take what is in your hand, (nothing), and make something from it. Can you? Of course not, because there is “nothing” in your hand. And, since something always comes from something else, how can you make anything?
Let’s look at something that is common in our lives. Let’s say…..glass. Did glass just appear out of nothing? Glass is derived from sand, soda ash and limestone. What about limestone? Limestone mostly consist of calcium carbonate. Did calcium carbonate come from nothing? No, calcium carbonate is a chemical combination of calcium, carbon and oxygen. OK, what about oxygen? Natural oxygen comes from a mixture of three isotopes : 16O, 17O, and 18O.
Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
What about human blood? Can it come from nothing? Human blood consists of the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets all floating around in a fluid called plasma. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
OK, what about air? The air that we breathe . . . does it come from nothing? Air comes from 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen with traces of carbon dioxide, argon, water vapor, and other various components. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
Being in trucking most of my life, I thought about common petroleum-derived diesel. Maybe diesel comes from nothing? Wrong! This type of diesel comes from about 75% saturatedhydrocarbons, mostly paraffins, and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons. What about these things called paraffins? Perhaps they come from nothing? Paraffins are chemical compounds that are made of only two elements : carbon and hydrogen. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
According to Stephen Hawking, perhaps the most intelligent human being on our planet, in the beginning, there was nothing. But, in this case, the “nothing” is something. And, since something ALWAYS comes from something else . . . then where did the “nothing” come from? The “nothing” could not have just appeared from “nothing.” The “nothing” had to come from something else, because common sense AND science tell us that something ALWAYS comes from something else. If indeed there was “nothing” then “something” had to exist BEFORE the “nothing” in order for the “nothing” to have come into existence.
What existed BEFORE the “nothing?” Could it be some kind of “Creator?” But if something always comes from something else, then where did the Creator come from? The only explanation in my simple mind, is it would have to be something supernatural. Something far beyond our science, logic and common sense. A question that man can never comprehend or understand. It is simply beyond our reasoning.
Many supernatural phenomenons can be explained by science. Yet, there is still one that cannot be explained or understood : what existed before the “nothing?” Before there was a universe . . . before there was life . . . before there was space . . . before there was time . . . there was nothing. But, again, in this case . . . nothing is something. What existed before the “nothing” will never be answered by man or science. We are not meant to know or understand.
Something always comes from something else. What came before the “nothing” can only be something of supernatural existence.
Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. His eBook has helped hundreds of new drivers understand the scams of the trucking industry. If you are considering a career in trucking, please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today.
First, I want tothank you for your trust and support in helping to make Truth About Truckingthe best selling CDL Trucking Book for Students and New Drivers. Allen Smith
A Must Read for CDL Students and New Drivers
Many of you have been writing me and voicing your opinions about specific trucking companies and trucking schools. Here is the place to write about them!
Every time you have a legitimate comment, you could be helping fellow truckers (or future truckers) avoid a bad experience.
Know a good or bad company? Write about them. Know a good or bad trucking school? Write about them.
Whatever your experience, just feel free to share it here.
Please note: There is a delay upon posting. All comments are moderated to avoid spammers. Sorry.
A professional truck driver gets to know the best places to stop for a meal or rest during their time over the road. Normally based on what services are available, ease of parking, safety, etc., each driver has their own “favorite” spots to stop along the way during their travels. These are mine:
ALABAMA:
Bucksville: Petro, I-20/59 @ exit 100
Cullman: Jack’s Truck Stop, I-65 @ exit 304
Grand Bay: T/A, I-10 @ exit 4
Robertsdale: Oasis Travel Center, I-10 @ exit 53
ARIZONA:
Eloy: T/A, I-10 @ exit 203
Kingman: Petro, I-40 @ exit 66
Tonopah: Rip Griffin, I-10 @ exit 103
ARKANSAS:
Earle: T/A, I-40 @ exit 260
Prescott: Rip Griffin, I-30 @ exit 44
Russellville: Flying J, I-40 @ exit 84
West Memphis: Petro, I-40 @ exit 280
CALIFORNIA:
Buttonwillow: T/A, I-5 @ exit 257
Coachella: T/A, I-10 @ exit 146
Corning: Petro, I-5 @ exit 630
Lodi: 3 B’s Truck Plaza, I-5 @ exit 485
Madera: Pilot Travel Center, Hwy. 99 @ exit 159
Ontario: T/A, I-10 @ exit 57
COLORADO:
Cameo: Gay Johnson’sA/T Stop, I-70 @ exit 47
Fountain: Tomahawk A/T Plaza, I-25 @ exit 128
Limon: Rip Griffin, I-70 @ exit 359
Loveland: Johnson’s Corner, I-25 @ exit 254
CONNECTICUT:
Branford: T/A, I-95 @ exit 56
DELAWARE:
Middletown: 301 Plaza, US 301 South
FLORIDA:
Jacksonville: T/A, I-95 @ exit 329
Lake Panasoffkee: Spirit Travel Center, I-75 @ exit 321
Mossy Head: Lucky 13, I-10 @ exit 70
Reddick: Petro, I-75 @ exit 368
Vero Beach: T/A, I-95 @ exit 147
GEORGIA:
Carnesville: Petro, I-85 @ exit 160
Richmond Hill: T/A, I-95 @ exit 87
Tallapoosa: Noble A/T Plaza, I-20 @ exit 5
Unadilla: All State Truck Stop, I-75 @ exit 121
IDAHO:
Boise: Boise Stage Stop, I-84 @ exit 71
Eden: Travelers Oasis, I-84 @ exit 182
Idaho Falls: Yellowstone T/S, I-15 @ exit 113
Post Falls: Flying J, I-90 @ exit 2
Twin Falls: Flying J, I-84 @ exit 173
ILLINOIS:
Effingham: Dixie Travel Plaza, I-57-70 @ exit 159
McLean: Dixie Truckers Plaza, I-55 @ exit 145
Peru: Crazy D’s, I-80 @ exit 75
Russell: T/A, I-94 @ exit 1
Troy: St. Louis East Truck Plaza, I-55-70 @ exit 18
INDIANA:
Brazil: Brazil 70 T/S, I-70 @ exit 23
Fort Wayne: Fort Wayne Truck Plaza, I-69 @ exit 109A
Memphis: Country Style Plaza, I-65 @ exit 16
Remington: Hoosier Heartland Travel Center, I-65 @ exit 201
IOWA:
Ainsworth: Four Corners, US 218 & Rt. 92
Altoona: Bosselman Travel Center, I-80 @ exit 142A
Denison: Ampride Truck Plaza, US 59N & Rt. 141
Elk Run Heights: Road Ranger, I-380 @ exit 68
Sioux City: Truck Haven, I-29 @ exit 143
Walcott: Iowa 80 T/A, I-80 @ exit 284
Williams: Boondock’s USA, I-35 @ exit 144
KANSAS:
Beto Junction: T/A, I-35 @ exit 155
Garden City: Garden City Travel Plaza, Hwy. 50 & 83
Newton: Newell Truck Plaza, I-135 @ exit 31
Oakley: Mitten Truck Stop, I-70 @ exit 76
KENTUCKY:
Corbin: Corbin Travel Plaza, I-75 @ exit 29
Paducah: Southern Pride, I-24 @ exit 16
Richwood: T/A, I-71-75 @ exit 175
Smiths Grove: Smiths Grove BP, I-65 @ exit 38
Sonora: Davis Brothers Travel Plaza, I-65 @ exit 81
I want to start out by saying that this whole so called recession thing is getting slightly on my nerves. Do you think, that just possibly, it could be a little bit of election propaganda set up by our trusted media? You know, the people we depend on for the “news”, like ABC, NBC, CBS, and CNN, just to name a few.
I am a believer in thinking that if you start to believe in something, you can make it happen. Now, that can go for both GOOD and BAD. If we start believing that there really is a recession, what do you think we will start doing? Well, the first thing is, we will stop spending money. What do you think that will do to the economy? Now, I’m not saying we should go out and spend money like a bunch of drunken sailors, but to totally put the brakes on normal everyday spending can put a drastic impact on our economy. ( That would be quite impressive for election day, right?)
Well, “what does all that have to do with Truck Drivers?” you are thinking. First, no matter what kind of ”recession” we are in, there will ALWAYS be trucks and freight. Period. The American economy might as well just fold up and die if trucking ever came to a halt. That one’s a “no brainer”. So, if you are in trucking right now, ( and loving it) you are in a good position, no matter what the economy looks like. Sure, with more competition and low freight costs, you could feel somewhat of a slow-down, but trucking and freight will always continue.
This brings me to my next topic. Lately, I have been getting much more e-mail from people looking into trucking OUT of FEAR. It seems that they want to get into trucking as a career change because they feel they may lose their job ( you know, this “recession” we’re having). I want to address this to those of you who fit this category.
Let me say that trucking is not for everybody. I have written quite a few articles describing the kind of life you will lead as a trucker. There are many people who absolutely love their trucking career, but I will tell you that there are almost as many who hate it, and find themselves “stuck” in the career because of a decision they made years ago, soley based on the security of having a “job”. You must realize that this is not a 9-5 life, holidays with the family, visiting the grand kids, and so forth. It is a life of driving and destinations, one after the other. Even the local trucking jobs which I discuss in my book are not without sacrifice. Although many of them boast of 50-80 thousand per year salaries ( which is true, I may add) they also include 10-12 hour days with physical labor involved. If you’re not in shape, these jobs are not for you. You must be realistic when you are looking at Trucking as a career, whether it be OTR trucking or working for a trucking company locally. Make your decision wisely and with much thought, because not only will you spend time and money on training, but you will be spending many years behind the wheel of that Freightliner ( my personal favorite).
I’m not trying to discourage anyone from being in the trucking industry, but rather encourage them to research and investigate if this type of career would match their personality. It’s what you need to do with ANY career choice. For example: You wouldn’t be a first grade teacher if you couldn’t stand being around small children all day, right? And you certainly would not want to work on skyscrapers if you had a fear of heights. It’s the same thing with trucking. So don’t let FEAR of not having a job, be your only motive for a trucking career. However, if you do decide that trucking is a lifelstyle that will fit your personality and desires, then welcome aboard!
Trucking and taxes go hand-in-hand. But trucking companies and owner operators in trucking who have an ICC number or who are leased to a carrier that has an ICC number can save on sales tax in some states.
Some states, like Oregon, Montana and New Hampshire, have no sales tax at all for any retail purchases.
Other states, like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania, will provide a form to fill out and sign. If a trucking owner operator or the trucking company he is leased to have an ICC number, the owner operator (or trucking company) does not have to pay sales tax in those states for the items bought for their trucks.
Good luck trying to get out of paying sales tax at Wal-Mart, but at the truck stop shop, they’ll know what you’re talking about. Consider that if you are buying a full set of drives you may be paying retail prices in the $3,000 range. At 6% sales tax, you will save $180. That is certainly worth the time to fill out a tax form.
Most retailers in the trucking industry won’t suggest to owner operators that they may be tax exempt. The owner operator will have to ask if the shop or supply store will honor that provision. Tax exemption forms create more paperwork for the retailers, so they tend to keep the uninformed truckers in the dark about it.
An owner operator who wants to save on sales tax would be wise to buy his supplies in one of these states. Whatever state you are in, if you get repairs, maintenance or supplies, always ask if they have a tax exempt form you can fill out. They may or they may not, but it is certainly worth enduring an occasional blank stare in order to double check.
States that should allow tax exempt status in addition to those already mentioned are Kansas, Missouri, and Washington. PDFs for many state sales tax exemption forms can be found online.
CoopsAreOpen.com is the only comprehensive online resource for over 1100 truck weigh stations and scales as well as state DOT weight regulations and policies. Knowledge of the varying policies and the ability to manage or avoid most weigh stations can save truckers thousands of dollars in ticket fines. For further information, contact Suzanne at information@coopsareopen.com or view Truck Weigh Station, Scales and State DOT Information at http://www.CoopsAreOpen.com
After a tough week in trucking, it’s always great anticipation to know you can enjoy a ride on your bike.
Take a ride with us and enjoy the “not so typical” biker background music. Has a pretty cool ending too.
There something about the words, Truck Driver and Harley Davidson , that just seem to go together well.
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: cdl license, cdl training, passing the pre-trip inspection, pre-trip inspection, truck driver training, trucking compnaies
