Archive for June, 2009

Transportation Mystery: What Happened to Amelia Earhart?

Posted by Allen Smith in Talk Radio Show on June 30th, 2009

After 72 years, the greatest transportation mystery of all time, continues . . . What really happened to women’s aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart? Along with her navigator, Fred Noonan, did they simply crash at sea and sink to the bottom of the Pacific? Were they really captured alive by the Japanese and held in a prison camp as Government spies? Or did she survive and live out her life as a New Jersey housewife under the name of Irene Craigmile Bolam?

Theories and conspiracies abound when it comes to Amelia Earhart and what really happened on that fateful day of July 2nd, 1937.

Join Allen on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” as he takes a detour from trucking and looks at the circumstances around the disappearance of one of transportation’s lasting legends.

Transportation Mysteries – Whatever Happened to Amelia Earhart? - Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 6:30 PM EST

Come join in on the conversation . . .

: amelia earhart, fred noonan, Irene Bolam, mysteries, mystery, transportation, trucking, what happened to amelia earhart

amelia earhart, fred noonan, Irene Bolam, mysteries, mystery, transportation, trucking, what happened to amelia earhart

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How to Report Workplace Harassment

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Talk Radio Show, Truck Driving Jobs, trucking, trucking companies on June 30th, 2009

Internet trucking talk radio show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” continued their efforts in reporting the abuse and harassment that is taking place in some areas of the trucking industry. Seldom reported, more and more are “speaking out” against this workplace abuse and the final result that is being worked towards is change.

With lawsuits being placed against some trucking companies and hundreds of complaints being filed by employees of trucking, people are finally fighting back for their employee rights.

Topics of the show included: What you can do if ever faced with an abusive situation at your workplace and what steps you should take to protect your rights as an employee and to insure that the correct procedures are followed so action is taken against the abuser.

Although it can be a difficult subject matter to discuss, too many new student drivers, male and female, have been faced with abusive actions while training with some trucking companies and they need to understand that they have rights as employees under the law, and can fully act upon those laws to pursue action against the company, driver trainer or anyone else who violates their rights.

Learn more about your rights as an employee . . .

: abuse, employee, harassment, rights, trucking, trucking companies, workplace

abuse, employee, harassment, rights, trucking, trucking companies, workplace

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iPhone Application TRUCKER Makes Debut at the Las Vegas Truck Show

Posted by Allen Smith in Woman Truckers, iPhone Trucking Application, trucking on June 29th, 2009

The Great West Truck Show in Las Vegas was the Big Trucking event last week which displayed some of the most innovative and technological gadgets and equipment, not to mention some of the most eye catching and creative trucks around.

Bette Garber

Attending the show was trucking’s well known and respected Lady Trucker, affectionately know as TruckerDesiree. As most know, Desiree is a driver who is extremely active within the trucking community, sharing her thoughts, ideas, and concerns with her fellow drivers and CDL students. Desiree has joined us and so many others, as we all attempt to bring about positive change within the trucking industry.

This time though, Trucker Desiree was at the Big Truck Show in Las Vegas as an attendee, sharing the Apple iPhones first and only Application created by Allen Smith ( developer Infomedia, Inc) for the Professional Truck Driver….“TRUCKER.”

Desiree shared with Attendees and Vendors the advantages of having an iPhone as she demonstrated the iPhone App TRUCKER benefits and capabilities. Desiree said that there were many at the GW Truck Show that had not known about the Trucker Application, but after she demonstrated it to them they were very impressed, especially since Version 1.1 still downloads for the modest cost of 99 cents. She said that many were most impressed with the vast Drivers Resource Page which continues to grow with the much needed info that drivers need on a daily basis. Many of those there who owned an iPhone downloaded Trucker and are now using it.

iPhone Trucker App

Reviews for Trucker can be read on iPhone Trucker News.

While attending the GW Show, TruckerDesiree was also filmed for a documentary which will be aired in the near future. We’ll discuss this in more detail in a later post. Here’s Desiree and the film crew taking a break:

Trucker Desiree and Film Crew Taking a Break

Another attendee at the GW Truck Show was Damian from SmartUnion. Damian is another strong advocate for drivers and is an avid user of the iPhone app Trucker. Damian and Desiree, along with so many others, were able to meet each other in person for the first time. We’re already looking forward to meeting everyone at the Dallas Truck Show in August. Hope to see you all there!

: iphone trucker, las vegas, The Great West Truck Show, truck drivers, trucker, TruckerDesiree, trucking

iphone trucker, las vegas, The Great West Truck Show, truck drivers, trucker, TruckerDesiree, trucking

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Trucking Advocates Discuss Workplace Harassment

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Talk Radio Show, trucking on June 24th, 2009

Workplace harassment With the recent news touching on bullying and harassment within the workplace, trucking talk radio – Truth About Trucking “LIVE” aired a 2 hour show last evening discussing these very issues. Guests were JB Shaffner, Desiree Wood, Damien and special guest Yancy Thomas.

Bringing in a record listening audience, the show proved to be an eye opener for many as the purpose was to discuss these issues within the trucking industry, as well as to find solutions for the problem.

Bullying and harassment within the workplace has become a very serious issue and we will continue to broadcast future shows in order to help bring this matter out more into the main stream media.

The next show: Dealing with Workplace Harassment - will air live on Monday, June 29th, 2009 at 7 PM EST.

What can you do if ever faced with an abusive situation at your workplace? What steps can you take to protect your rights as an employee and to insure that the correct procedures are followed so action is taken against the abuser? Just because trucking is far different than the average workplace, you still have rights and you do not have to accept any abuse or harassment by the trucking company, trainer or anyone else within the industry. How to deal with workplace harassment … Allen continues the discussion …

: bullying, dealing with harassment, harassment, industry, solutions, talk radio, trucking, truth about trucking, workplace

bullying, dealing with harassment, harassment, industry, solutions, talk radio, trucking, truth about trucking, workplace

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The Virginia 2 Hour Parking Rule is Finally Over for Truckers

Posted by Allen Smith in DOT, Politics, Safety, Talk Radio Show, Truck Stops on June 21st, 2009

The long entailed battle of the 2 hour Parking Law in Virgina is finally over! On June 18th, 2009 it was made official that the 2 hour commercial parking rule was replaced with ” no overnight parking” signs. READ MORE

The state of Virgina had been forcing Truckers to break Federal Law by waking them up after only 2 hours of rest( parking,) before they could complete their 10 hour rest/break required by Federal law. Besides forcing them to break Federal law, a serious safety risk was at stake by allowing sleepless drivers to share the roads with other innocent drivers and vehicles.

Although the 2 hour parking law in Va had been in existence for many years, it was the relentless and persistent approach of Fred and JB Schaffner of The American Driver , which would eventually lead to the victory of ending it . Their continuous phone calls, letters, and even petition to the FMCSA, created an onslaught of followers and eager participants to help in their quest to end this dangerous law. JB and Fred got the ball rolling and and did not allow any obstacle to stop it’s momentum.

We would like to thank JB, Fred, and the many supporters who have contributed in the efforts to change the 2 hour Parking law in Virginia to an ” no overnight parking” rule. We also would like to thank Mr Jeffrey Caldwell, VDOT Chief of Communications, who played a major role in the change of this 2 hour Rule. Mr Caldwell was willing and gracious enough to address the situation on April 15, 2009 on Truth About Trucking Live Blog Talk Radio Show with Host Allen Smith, and guests JB and Fred Schaffner. You can listen to the show and hear JB and Fred Schaffner as they ask Mr Caldwell to address the serious issues facing truck drivers as they travel through Virginia.

We’ve spoken to JB and Fred on numerous occasions, and this victory is now in the past. They’re already addressing other issues on their agenda in order to aid drivers towards a better future. We’re grateful to them and to ALL who have recently joined forces together, sharing our one common goal and interest of, “raising the standards of the trucking industry.”

: 2 Hour Parking, fred schaffner, jb Schaffner, jeffrey caldwell, truck drivers, Truckers, trucking, VDOT, virginia parking

2 Hour Parking, fred schaffner, jb Schaffner, jeffrey caldwell, truck drivers, Truckers, trucking, VDOT, virginia parking

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Trucking Talk Show Exposes Hostility Within the Industry

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Talk Radio Show, Woman Truckers, trucking, trucking companies on June 18th, 2009

Trucking talk radio, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” aired their introductory commentary broadcast this evening by Allen Smith, concerning bullying and harassment within the trucking industry and the public workplace. Part 1 of a 2 Part series, Allen set the stage for their in-depth look into the hostility many truck driving students, male and female, are facing from some driver trainers and the trucking companies that employ them.

The next show, Hostile Training and Work Environments within Trucking, will be a 2 hour show as Truth About Trucking looks at the hostile work environment within the trucking industry. From the bullying to criminal assaults targeting students and drivers, this area of trucking continues to go unreported. With a wide range of special guests, the show will reveal and discuss the motives AND solutions to one of trucking’s dirty little secrets. Showtime: Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 PM EST.

: assaults, bullying, driver trainers, female drivers, harassment, hostility, industry, students, talk radio, trucking, trucking companies

assaults, bullying, driver trainers, female drivers, harassment, hostility, industry, students, talk radio, trucking, trucking companies

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Bullying Talk Show Re-Scheduled

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Talk Radio Show, Uncategorized, trucking on June 16th, 2009

Truth About Trucking “LIVE” – broadcast: “Bullying in the Workplace” – Part 1, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 7:30 PM EST. Join us live as we begin our 2 part broadcasts concerning bullying and harassment within the trucking industry.

Allen

: bullying, harassment, talk radio, trucking

bullying, harassment, talk radio, trucking

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Truckers Make Wishes Come True for Serious Ill Children

Posted by Allen Smith in trucking on June 15th, 2009

We all know the problems that exist in trucking. Serious problems that need resolution in order to make the trucking profession better for all drivers. Still, many drivers love what they do and would not want to do anything else but drive. Sure, trucking is tough . . . trucking is rough . . . but we also must remember that there is some “good” out there.

Truck Convoy for Wishes is one of the “good” in trucking. Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Truck Convoy for Wishes are beginning their ninth year in helping to make wishes come true for children facing a serious illness. With the help from local truckers and trucking companies, money pledged to the Convoy, in return, supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and leads to a child’s wish coming true.

The ninth annual convoy will be held on May 2nd, 2010 at:

Battlefield Harley Davidson
21 Cavalry Field Road
Gettysburg, PA

If you would like to particpate and help make a child’s wish come true, for more information, you can contact:

Truck Convoy for Wishes
c/o Sherri Keller
39 Rolling Lane
Abbottstown, Pennsylvania 17301
717.624.3443 (phone)

: make a wish foundation, truck convoy for wishes, trucking

make a wish foundation, truck convoy for wishes, trucking

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Bullying in the Workplace

Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Talk Radio Show, trucking, trucking companies on June 13th, 2009

Bullying in Trucking As elementary as it may seem, intimidation by the workplace bully has actually become a silent epidemic . . . not only in this country, but worldwide. A recent study on bullying in the workplace, showed that 37% of the population is or has experienced being bullied while performing their job duties. It is believed that many cases go unreported, and worse yet, many companies do nothing about it once reported.

Often told to “just gut up and handle it” – bullying has become so overwhelming for some, that in recent years a new term has been coined: bullycide. In recent years, kids as young as 13, as well as adults, have taken their own lives due to the cowardly acts of these still-existent bullies. The trucking industry is no exception.

Many CDL students and specifically, female drivers are finding themselves being “bullied” by some driver trainers. Many of these trainers are known convicted felons, still hired by the trucking company. With the lack of professional women trainers, female students are placed in a truck with a male trainer and are finding themselves harassed, assaulted and even raped. Many male students are being “thrown out” of the truck in the middle of nowhere by these bully trainers and left stranded . . . yet, the trucking company will terminate the student, and do nothing in response to the trainer’s actions.

Even when an act as violent as rape has occurred, the situation is turned around in order to place the fault upon the female driver. When one female driver was recently raped by one of the felon trainers, the trucking company simply asked her, “Well, did you keep your curtain closed?” This driver was terminated from her job and the felon male driver trainer remained with the company, receiving no repercussion of any kind. There are hundreds of cases like this one playing out within the trucking industry today, yet, they remain to be reported by the main news media.

Most trucking companies and driver trainers are professional and respectful individuals. Still, there are a handful of trucking companies who continue to hire known felons and place them in a position as a driver trainer, and simply turn the other way when acts of bullying and violent crimes take place . . . punishing only the victim. We are taking a stance to reporting this type of behavior and to push it out into the main stream media in order to let it be known. It has got to STOP!

There is a massive difference between bullying and rape. Recently, one trucking company received 265 complaints by female drivers and very little was done. Now facing 35 counts of sexual harassment, the other 230 reports were “thrown out” by the courts because they were not filed within the 45 day reporting deadline. Another tactic used by these trucking companies that allow these acts to take place.

Truth About Trucking “LIVE” will begin bringing this epidemic to light on Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 7:30 PM EST. Host Allen Smith, will present a one hour commentary on the trucking talk radio show, setting the stage for the main broadcast which will be on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 PM EST. With a special guest panel, the 2 hour show will reveal the truth behind the bullying and violent assaults that many CDL students and new drivers are facing within the trucking industry. Future shows will be slated, as we continue to push forward in order to stop these acts from occurring, and to demand that the trucking companies who knowingly allow these acts to continue, STOP!

Solutions to the problem will be a major focus for the show. It’s time to report these acts of violence and let it be known that the correct measures must be put in place to prevent them from happening.

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 – 7:30 PM EST - Bullying in the Workplace

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 - 7:30 PM EST – Hostile Training and Work Environments within Trucking

Join us as we report on Truth About Trucking “LIVE”

: bullycide, bullying, cdl students, driver trainers, female driver, female drivers, hostile training, rape, solutions, talk radio, trainer, trucking, trucking company, trucking industry, truth about trucking, workplace

bullycide, bullying, cdl students, driver trainers, female driver, female drivers, hostile training, rape, solutions, talk radio, trainer, trucking, trucking company, trucking industry, truth about trucking, workplace

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Virginia DOT Coming Up Broke

Posted by Allen Smith in DOT, Politics on June 10th, 2009

The Virginia Department of Transportation ability to build and maintain its roads and highway system is collapsing. Unless Federal or State legislation comes to the rescue, VDOT may soon find itself unable to maintain the state’s own infrastructure.

The Federal Highway Trust Fund which is responsible for supporting the country’s construction projects, could very well be broke by August, according to officials. This would obviously be destructive to the State of Virginia’s cash flow. VDOT has already laid off nearly 450 part-time employees and is currently in the process of laying off 1,000 full-time employees. They estimate, that there will be no state money to support smaller, local construction projects, by the year 2011.

Secretary of Transportation for Virginia, Pierce Homer, stated: “We are approaching a cliff. Our underlying bread-and-butter program is seriously compromised.”

Read more about VDOT money problems . . .

: department of transportation, federal highway trust fund, VDOT, virginia