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Archive for August, 2009

Better Fuel for the Trucking Industry

Better Fuel Better fuel mileage and cleaner emission control is always on the mind of trucking companies and many owner operators, especially these days.   BetterFuel.org is an organization providing and promoting fuel saving technologies with the use of Ethos.   As their site explains:

Ethos is a product that is added to fuels to help engines burn fuel more completely.  Ethos is non-toxic, non-hazardous and works with any fuel used in cars, trucks, buses, ships, trains and generators.  Ethos is free of carcinogens and is not derived from petroleum.  It utilizes cleaning and lubricating esters suspended in a mineral oil base.”

One gallon of Ethos FR treats 1,280 gallons of fuel, while four gallons will cover 5,120 gallons.   Studies have shown that this product are the following:

Ethos

  • Non-toxic, Non-hazardous
  • Extends Engine Life
  • Reduces Maintenance
  • Bridges the Lubrication Gap

You can see the difference that Ethos FR had when tested on two separate engines.   BetterFuel.org will come to your place of business and provide testing on your vehicles showing you the end results.  They will then implement a technology of your choice or one that they have tested and proven to be sufficient.  They will then compare the difference between the two test results.  This will allow you, as a trucking company or owner operator, to view what is really happening within the vehicle’s engine.

BetterFuel.org is showing proven technologies for fuel saving and emission control products.  Technology is getting bigger and better with products that will increase the life of your truck’s engine which, without a doubt, will lead to more dollars staying in your pocket as a professional driver or fleet owner.   Stay up on the newest technology for trucking fuel and emission products.  Check out:  BetterFuel.org

Allen



© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Energy Drink for Truck Drivers, Without the Caffeine

Big Ol' Trucker Energy JuiceThe life of a truck driver can be tough.  Over the road, regional and even local trucking can wear us down and the lifestyle itself prevents many of us from receiving the proper diet, exercise and vitamins or minerals that the human body craves.   Often, we barely have time to grab a quick hamburger or a cup of coffee and get back on the road to meet our deadline.  Finally, when we reach that moment in time where we can shut down and actually go inside the truck stop or cafe and enjoy a good, hot meal . . . we head for the all-you-can-eat buffet or in my case, ( or maybe my downfall?) my favorite . . .  chicken fried steak dinner.  Hey!  What can I say?   I like it!

I’ve never been one who liked those energy drinks or supplements that we all know and hear about.  Although there were many times my body could use a jolt of energy, I never wanted to fill my body with pure caffeine and sugars, which most energy drinks offer.    However, there were times I gave some of them a try.  Once, when I was waiting to get unloaded at a receiver in Maryland, I walked to their break room and found a vending machine, but all it had in it were energy drinks.   They looked good and showed to have vitamins and minerals, so I figured I would give one a try.   I put in $1.50 and chose one that looked like lemonade.  I took a really big drink . . . and instantly got rid of it in the sink!   It tasted like crushed vitamins mixed with water.  It was the worse drink I have ever tasted and several others that I have tried through the years had the same effect on me.   They tasted like medicine or was filled with unhealthy ingredients . . . until now.

I have been hearing a lot lately, about a new energy drink that was specifically designed for the lifestyle of a professional trucker.  It made me want to research more about those other drinks, and my suspicions were confirmed.   Most energy drinks are filled with high sugar, calories and caffeine and “other ingredients” that can lead to  increase weight gain which medical science proves can result in diabetes, obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure.   I don’t know about you . . . but that term “other ingredients” tends to make me very leery.

Big Ol’ Trucker Energy Juice is a new energy drink that is beginning to make a name for itself and I thought I would pass this information on.  Before doing so, like anything I do, I tried it first.   For the last two weeks I have been taking 1-2 bottles of Big Ol” Trucker with me to work.   The very first thing I can say about this drink, is that it is the first energy drink that I could actually drink!   With the fruit punch flavor, I could still get a touch of that nutrient and vitamin taste, but it was still a good flavor.  I actually enjoyed it.   This energy drink for trucking professionals is filled with vitamins and nutrients which creates a heart healthy energy blend:

Ingredients

Big Ol’ Trucker Energy Juice gets an A+ rating.   There was no “jolt” of nervous energy and no “crash” afterwards.  Just a normal, relaxing and more natural effect that is what the body actually needs, being provided by the vitamins and nutrients listed above.  It’s worth checking out and just so I make myself clear here . . . it tastes pretty darn good too!

For Trucker Health:

Allen

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Trucker Health, Arthritis and the Benefits of Epsom Salt

Benefits of Epsom SaltHealth issues for truck drivers is an important concern.  The endless miles and constant beating from the rig, getting in and out of the truck, the bending, stooping and the never ending grasping of the steering wheel will lead to sore muscles and joint aches and pain.  Many truckers are no strangers to the stiffness and general body aches that years of trucking can create.  Naturally, drivers tend to head to the over the counter remedies to rid themselves of these irritations.   Nevertheless, there is an alternative that our grandparents and their parents were well aware of . . . and it’s time to bring it back to the forefront.

Epsom salt.  Magnesium sulfate.   Magnesium is a natural mineral and one that few of us receive on a regular basis.  Epsom salt is made of two components – magnesium and sulfate and its name comes from a bitter saline spring at Epsom, Surrey England.  The benefits of Epsom salt has been known for hundreds of years, but with fast moving technology and the speed at which life goes by now, the usage of this mineral has nearly been forgotten.

Epsom salt has been shown to ease stress, relieve pain and muscle cramps, opens up the skin pores, makes insulin more effective and has even shown to relieve arthritic pain.  As a child, I remember my mother always saying, “Soak it in Epsom salt.” I just recently stumbled across this item while doing research for my vegetable garden.   The more I read, the more I wanted to find out about the benefits of Epsom salt for trucker health, such as in the case of MaxGXL Glutathione.

Having been suffering from mild to severe arthritis in my right hand for several years now, I wanted to see if Epsom salt would really have an effect on my pain.  Grasping the steering wheel  of an 18 wheeler now for so many years, at times it was difficult for me to even wrap the fingers of my right hand around the wheel.   Many times, I could not even form my hand into a ball or fist . . . the pain was too much.   So two days ago, on August 24th, 2009 -  I decided to put this Magnesium sulfate to a test.

I added 2 cups of Epsom salt to one gallon of warm water and sat down and began soaking my right hand in the solution.  After 30 minutes I had become very bored and called it quits.  Not knowing if a half hour would be long enough, I just decided to wait and see.   Yesterday, on the 25th, I would say about 75% of the pain in my hand was gone.  I was able to open and close my right hand very fast and even capable of closing it the whole way.  Today . . . 95% of the pain is gone and I’m able to make a hard, tight fist . . . something I haven’t been able to do for at least 2-3 years.

Will Epsom salt help with severe arthritis?   I don’t know, probably not . . . I’m no doctor.   I can say, however, that with general aches and pain, joint stiffness and at least some arthritic pain, it does work.    Mostly marketed as a laxative, it’s time to get back to what our grandparents knew all along . . . Epsom salt relieves many aches, pain and joint stiffness, among other things.

Truck drivers experiencing these types of aches and pains can benefit from Epsom salt solution.  When shut down and time allows, simply do as I did . . . soak in an Epsom salt solution.   Two cups of Epsom salt,  mixed in with a warm bath will ease away many of those aches and joint stiffness.   It really is an amazing mineral and one that has nearly been forgotten . . . until now.

As with anything medical, always be sure to check with your doctor first, before starting a new program.   If you have any serious medical condition already, you want to be certain that the magnesium and sulfate will not interfere in any way.   If you have kidney disease or are taking medication for any reason, consult with your physician first.  Furthermore, hot or warm soaks should not be used by individuals with diabetes except under the advice of your doctor.

Be safe, and check with your doctor first.

Allen

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Texas Couple Winner of Trucker GPS Give-A-Way

On Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 the Trucker iphone application booth at GATS launched its PC Miler Navigator 430 GPS System Give-A-Way.  The lucky winner was Jeanie Cummings who had placed her name in the drawing as did her husband, Ron who’s a driver.

Donna presented Mrs. Cummings with the GPS system, valued at $349.00 and her excitement was apparent!

Congratulations to the winner of the “Trucker App” GPS Give-A-Way and I bet Ron will be running down the road very soon with their new Navigator 430!

Navigator 430 Winner

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Safe Truck Parking Advocates Recognized at Trucking Show

Jason's Law BoothThe drive for secure and safe parking areas for our professional truck drivers was on display at the recent Great American Trucking Show and its popularity and recognition was well noticed.  Hope Rivenburg and family members were set up at booth #23149 and the voice of Jason Rivenburg was heard loud and clear. Advocating for Jason’s Law, hundreds of trucking enthusiasts and drivers learned, for many the first time, about Jason’s Law H. R. 2156, which is a bill seeking to pass a law to address the ongoing and escalating problems with truck driver safety and security.

With thousands of attendees enjoying the three day event, the Jason’s Law Booth even caught the attention of GATS as a featured article of the event:

Jason's Law at GATS 2009

Hundreds of new signatures were received for the Jason’s Law petition and new awareness for the cause was escalated.  Donna finally got to meet Hope Rivenburg and the twins: Logan and Hezekiah.

Hope Rivenburg with Donna Smith

It was quite apparent that the Rivenburg family is on a mission to bring about safe and secure truck parking, being joined by literally thousands of supporters for the cause, and the 2009 GATS show did just that.  It was a lot of work and effort and I would like to thank Hope and her family for all their effort it took to get to Dallas for the show:  Hope with Josh and the twins:

Josh-Hope-Logan-Hezekiah

A lot of work and determination, but also some fun and enjoyment as well.  Little Josh Rivenburg even got to meet TruckinDog Karma and her owner Trucker Desiree:

truckindogKarma

Jason’s Law was a great success at the Great American Trucking Show . . . and their sign said it all:

Jason's Law Support

Allen

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Trucks Shine at The Great American Trucking Show

The 2009 Great American Trucking Show pulled off another great event this year.  As the 2nd largest trucking show in America, those nice rigs … and I mean those REALLY nice rigs … were nothing but shine!

For those who have received our eBook:  The Best Truck Driving Jobs . . . A State by State Guide, you already know about John Christner Trucking out of Oklahoma.  An excellent owner-operator company, plus . . . a fellow “Okie.”   But check out their rig from the 2009 GATS event:

John Christner at GATS 2009

Eye catching rig, don’t you think?  John Christner Trucking was just one of many on display this year and we are already looking forward to GATS 2010!

Allen

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Trucker App Well Received at GATS

Trucker BoothThe 2009 Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, Texas came to a close yesterday but there was a lot of fun and informative works that took place during the three day event.  Our booth for “Trucker” – the world’s first iPhone application for the trucking industry, was well received and Donna did a great job with the much appreciative help and assistance of Trucker Desiree.

Also on hand, and giving much of his time in helping out was Daniel Audet of The Truck Star and Truck Star Radio.   We will be posting more pictures and stories from the event and would like to thank everyone for their help during the event.  It was a big three days but well worth the time and effort.   Donna also finally got to meet the Rivenburgs and family of Jason’s Law, and we will be sharing all the pictures as they come in, right here on our blog.

Also, we will be posting the winner of the PC Miler GPS System very soon.  My understanding is that a lucky lady from Texas claimed the prize that was donated by GoTruckStop.  She was one happy winner!

Check back later, as there will be more posts coming about the GATS event of 2009.

Allen

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Trucking GPS System Give-Away

PC Miler Navigator 430An important reminder that we will be giving away a PC Miler Navigator 430 GPS System on Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 at the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in Dallas, Texas.   If you can make it to the show, we will be in Booth #21149 for the Trucker App display.  The actual drawing will take place at 12:00 noon and the lucky winner will walk away with a brand new GPS system ($349.00 Value).

Special thanks to the nets truckers online gift store, GoTruckStop.com for donating the Navigator 430.  GATS will get under way on Thursday, August 20 and run through Saturday, August 22nd.  Be sure to swing by the Trucker App booth and put in your name for the GPS drawing!

Also, stop by and meet the iPhone Trucker Mascot, TruckingDogKarma. Karma will be at the booth with her “mama”  TruckerDesiree.

See you in GATS!

Allen Smith

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Workplace Harassment and American Injustice

“The most odious of all oppressions are those which mask as justice.”

That statement was once made by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson.   It’s a statement that I often recall when I hear or read about a so-called “victory” within our American judicial system.  Granted, the system is not perfect, but it’s the best on the planet as far as “man” goes.   Without a doubt it continues to rid America of criminals that prey on the weak and vulnerable.  Like most things however, there are flaws.  Criminals, most often seem to have more rights than the victims.   Also, when it comes to our judicial system, many times nothing is more truer than the old saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”

Those who have the courage to stand up and speak out about workplace harassment within the trucking industry and are not willing to sell themselves out to businesses or organizations, are making a difference within the industry.  A difference that has some big players in the trucking game growing nervous.   That is what the truth does . . . it can make a lot of people nervous.   It can also strengthen a person’s courage to come forward and fight for what is right.

More and more, student, inexperienced and female drivers are coming to the front lines and exercising their rights as employees.  Female drivers who have experienced harassment, abuse and even rape by male driver trainers, are going to court and fighting back.  It’s about time.  Some have won . . . and some have lost, but they fought back.  This is the ultimate sign that things are changing and they will continue to change as long as there are those who will speak out against these secrets of the trucking industry and other industries as well.   Not to be bought out . . . not to be frightened by threats . . . but to move forward with truth which holds the key in bringing about real change for the better, to an industry that has its share of corruption, lies and abuse.

There will be those workplace harassment cases that will be thrown out due to some trivial oversight, but not because the cases were not warrant.  An attorney missed something . . . the statute of limitations were missed . . . or somebody “knew” somebody in high places.   All to often, sadly enough, there will be those true victims that will run right into the brick wall of American injustice.   The accused will claim “victory,”  but I would like to know where exactly is the justice?

A friend in high places . . . Congress, Senate, Judge?  American justice can be bought and paid for … it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

When victims lose the judicial battle, many times they still win.  They won by not backing down and facing the demon head on and saying, “You cannot allow this treatment of drivers to continue, or we will fight back.” They may not win the case every time, but their courage and determination speaks volumes to many others and can lead them to follow in their footsteps and not back down when faced with violations of their employment rights.   When a case is thrown out over some missed, minute detail, this is no victory for the accused.   The facts of the case were never heard . . . the victims never had the opportunity to provide testimony . . . the defendant has no victory at all . . . just another example of judicial injustice.

Workplace harassment, whether it be in trucking or any other business . . . is not going away . . . but those of us who cannot be “bought out” by trucking companies, businesses and organizations . . . are not going away either.

Allen Smith


© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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Green Truckers and Life Outside of Trucking

Organic GardeningWith our previous Blog Talk Radio show about life outside of trucking being so well received, Barry Szczucki rejoined us for one more go around.  Looking at what professional drivers do to pass the time when not on the road, Barry turns to organic gardening and topics focusing on energy

In this broadcast, he discussed how to make your own compost and fertilizer, what you can plant right now, no matter where you live and his continual efforts toward providing easy-to-understand advice on his website: relyonyourself.com.

Organic gardening part 2 – Green Truckers aired live on Sunday, August 16th, 2009.

Take a look at how Barry helped me get started and why he is becoming known as the Green Guru:  Organic Gardening

For now, enjoy the show:

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.


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