A recent article posted in the Newspaper.com stated that the Department of Transportation was promoting women to enter a career as a professional CDL driver:  “US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants to put more women behind the wheels of big-rigs.”

However, after researching, we have found that the programs being funded are targeted for women at the college graduate level.

According to The announcement, “U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed an agreement with the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International to encourage women to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and math – while pursuing careers in transportation.” This program does not appear to be targeted towards CDL professional truck drivers who are considered “unskilled” labor by the Department of Labor.

Secretary of the US Department of Transportation, Ray LaHood announced at a Women’s Small Business Day hosted by the Department of Transportation (DOT), that he would like to see more women in the transportation industry by expanding an existing intern program.

According to a recent press release , the program is one of several internships and fellowship programs offered through the U.S. Department of Transportation for both high school and college age girls. The expanded effort supports President Obama’s mission and the work of the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Although the idea of encouraging more women into the transportation industry is to be applauded, the thought of using transportation funds for this, rather than for the repair of roads and bridges or securing more safe truck parking ( such as Jason’s Law, HR 2156 and S970) must be questioned.

Recently we were told by a staffer in the Highways and Transit subcommittee that funding was low and that this is a main reason that Jason’s Law has been sitting in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  So where then, are these funds coming from which are being used to promote more women entering the trucking industry?  I would think that we would be more interested in repairing the roads and protecting our “unskilled women” who are already in the industry driving big trucks.

This does lead up to another problem which should be mentioned:

There is and has been a strong recruitment movement going on via organizations, truck driving schools, trucking companies,  government work force placement programs and  grants and incentives, in order to encourage more women to enter the “unskilled” level of the trucking industry as a CDL driver.

This is a major concern of ours and others alike, as the CDL training going on within trucking companies has not been one to be admired.  Often women are not told what to realistically expect when entering a CDL training program, including the fact that they will be living in a truck for 3 months with a total stranger, the trainer.

Many times the requirements for drivers to be trainers are no more than the “desire for them to be one.”

The fact that there are no strict guidelines set up by many of the companies has caused numerous problems for trainees, including the lack of a way for trainees to safely remove themselves from situations which could either cause emotional stress or even worse, bodily harm.

There has been a tremendous increase in women entering the field of truck driving, and yet the number of actual women drivers has not significantly increased, still sitting at five to six percent of total drivers.  So where are all those increased “numbers of women” entering into trucking  that have been recruited? Why isn’t the increased  figure of women drivers entering matching the number of actual drivers? The main reason is . . . that they do not stay for very long, many not making it past the training process.   This is a clear sign that something is wrong in the way that many trucking companies conduct their CDL training programs.

So I suggest this to everyone promoting the advancement and promotion of women entering the trucking industry: 

Create a program to protect the women that you have already encouraged to enter the industry, before you try to promote more women to come in.

I challenge every organization, company, or government program to create a data base of driver statistics which includes all women they have successfully recruited into the industry as a CDL driver, and then maintain records to follow up with them in order to determine if they are still driving, and if not . . . WHY?

Would this not make more sense?  I for one, would like to know why more and more women are entering the trucking industry, and yet their numbers are not going up?
I believe if you are reading this that you would like to know too.

Related Articles:

Trucking schools and CDL training-Part 2

Trucking Schools and CDL Training – Part 1

R.E.A.L Women In Trucking

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: cdl training, DOT, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, newbie cdl drivers, Ray LaHood, Truck driving school grants, Us Department of Transportation, women in trucking, Women small business, women truckers

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Smart Way EPA

The last year for the professional truck driver has been filled with many challenges.  The recession has caused many drivers to take a significant cut in pay, drivers still endure negative retaliatory DAC comments by former employers, “fleecing” scams still exist, owner operators maintain their struggle with high fuel costs, HOS rules that cause conflict with shipper and receiver appointment times (creating fatigue from lack of sleep), the talk of new DOT medical requirements, and lets not forget CSA 2010, which has the entire industry buzzing.

With all these issues to contend with, I find none more inhumane than the “no idle” and “limited idle” laws and rules which are being enforced for large trucks by either the states or the trucking companies.  These regulations are disguised  as “being green” and “environmentally friendly,” attracting praise and recognition  from the general public towards the trucking companies  who voluntarily enforce them.

These trucking companies are more than happy to enforce  such idling regulations, as it not only gives a positive recognition from the general public and the conscientious “go green” advocates, but it also creates a larger profit and bottom line. How perfect is that?

Trucking companies are so concerned with the environment that they have teamed up with the  Smart way EPA program, creating their own strict limited idling rules for their drivers. This program gives awards to companies that are most compliant and “eco friendly”, and many times you will see these company trucks proudly displaying their partnership with Smart Way, sharing their enthusiasm for caring for “Mother Earth” and fuel conservation….But here comes the truth….the other side of the coin.

What the general public doesn’t realize is that by carriers creating limited idling rules, truck drivers health and safety is being placed in harms way. I don’t need to tell you what it feels like to be in your vehicle when it is either extremely cold or hot. Many of us turn on the ignition and cannot even wait the 5 minutes that it takes for the air or heater to work, and yet these laws and “carrier idle driver rules” are being enforced against their drivers, expecting them to sleep in 90+ degrees and sub-freezing temperatures without air or heat.

There are some companies that have trucks with an APU ( Auxiliary Power Unit)  on board for their drivers, but not all companies and not all of their trucks.  If you think about it, why would they?  The APU’s are too expensive.   After all, they do not have to sleep in these inhumane temperatures, right?  It is only the dog sleeping in there, I mean the driver . . . wait, I forgot, you are not allowed to have an animal in the truck under those conditions . . . drivers ok, pets not ok . . . what’s wrong with this picture?

Many of the Smart Way Partners are winning awards for being the “best ” in compliance ( SMART WAY EPA AWARDS), by forcing their drivers to abide by limited idle rules so they can receive and be recognized for their gallant efforts towards improving the environment and conserving fuel.  Yet, they are risking the health and safety of their driver employees.

So the next time you see a truck proudly displaying their Smart Way Partnership, give them a call and ask them what percentage of their trucks have an APU for their drivers, ensuring their drivers’ health and safety?  It is  just another way of asking them, ” Do you treat your drivers humanely?”

Many others within the trucking industry are concerned about this limited and “no idle” enforcement. Here’s another post by TruckerDesiree  of RealWomenInTrucking who has also written in detail about it.

Also Rhianna Weir, the Madison Trucking Examiner, has an interesting challenge for those of you  who may or may not believe just how serious a problem this is.

2010-  The Year of Safety!!!

For your additional reading enjoyment I wanted to share this article in the McDowell News, ” New State Rules Have Truckers Sweating.”

The article explains new rules in the state of North Carolina:  The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission now requires that operators of heavy-duty trucks refrain from idling their engines.   I wrote a lengthy response to the article, however, it was not posted, so I’ll post my response here.

Response 7/17/10  by Allen Smith

“I find it always amazing that those who wish to appear to be advocates of various causes or missions, will often do so at the sacrifice and expense of others, not to mention the total lack of respect and the disregard of another human life.

I wonder if Sheila Holman would be quite as emphatic and passionate about her remark, “Exhaust from idling trucks is a significant source of air pollution that we can’t ignore,” … “The idle rule will help improve air quality while conserving large amounts of fuel”,  if she or her family and friends were the recipients of the sacrifices required to reach these goals. In other words, I would like to know how she would feel if she and her children were made to sleep in a 100 degree closed truck ( 60 days consecutively) and then be expected to work a 14 hour day, driving 80,000 pounds down the highway safely and alertly.

Tell me Ms. Holman, would you be quite as worried about the air quality or saving fuel then?  Answer:  I DOUBT IT.  How easy it is though, for Sheila Holman, National director of the NC division of Air Quality, to so boldly, proudly and confidently share this air quality improvement solution with so many, accepting applause and recognition for doing such a marvelous and sacrificial job as she rides off in her air conditioned car and sleeps in her air conditioned home.

My suggestion to her is that if she truly believes this is the way to improve air quality, then she should request that herself, her staff, her family and friends, refrain from turning on the air at night, so they may also share in this much needed conservation and sacrifice.

Now, as far as the other statements:

“The EMC points out that some truck stops have power connections, so truckers can plug in their rigs and not have to idle the engine to keep warm or cool.  The release also points out that a truck can have more than one source of power installed.”

Let’s start with the “some stops have power connections”. Well EMC, that means that “some do not.  It also means that the driver pays for that, not the trucking company. . . Which brings up another fact that the general public should be aware of . . . drivers continually survive on limited wages, which by the way, the trucking companies have significantly reduced further because of the recent economic recession. Many of these drivers are new drivers, receiving sometimes as low as 18 cents per mile (between 200-400 dollars per week, depending on how many miles they drive).  Figuring that many send home most of this to their families, how much do you feel they would be able to spend keeping themselves cool or warm, depending on the weather?  I doubt many can even afford the 10-15 dollars per night for these luxuries of heat and warmth, let alone a motel room, which some extremely ignorant and naive folks have even suggested.

Let’s move on to the APU units which would solve all the idle problems, right?  Well yes they would, in a perfect world that is.  Company drivers have no authority over this. The Carrier decides whether or not they want to place APU’s in their trucks in order to accommodate their drivers health and comfort. MOST DO NOT!!  Yet, many of these companies are receiving awards for their “green efforts” again, on the backs and sacrifices of others while they themselves enjoy the comforts and luxuries of daily life.

I will end with this:  It is this kind of inhumane thinking and treatment which contributes to the former 128% turnover rate of drivers as an ongoing problem. Many people do not stay in trucking, or bounce from company to company, hoping to find a “good company”.  What is ironic, is that they define good as one which will not exploit or abuse them.

What keeps the trucking industry moving is the continuous influx of new drivers, those who do not know that they will be treated badly because they have been told the sugar coated “happily ever after” recruitment story. Many of these drivers leave the industry, and so the truck driver turnover rate continues.  One day, drivers may get fed up . . . and God help us all if that happens. Think about it, and then be concerned: No food, medicine, NOTHING!

What’s the saying?  “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”  Furthermore, stop telling truck drivers want they can or should do, until you have lived their life.

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: Smart Way, Smart Way Awards, smart way epa program, truck driver health, truck drivers, trucking companies, trucking safety

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Monday June 28th, 2010, the trucking community stands in unison together for their support of Jason’s Law

With all the issues existing within the trucking industry today, none have brought together a more unified atmosphere among truckers, bloggers, organizations, social media participants, and radio shows, than the desire to see the much needed bill, Jason’s Law (H.R. 2156  and S971) passed into law.
The  Jason’s Law bill will allocate 120 million dollars over a 6 year period to ensure that safety improvements are made ( including SAFE adequate truck parking) for rest areas and truck stops.

Hope Rivenburg, the widow of Jason Rivenburg for whom this bill is named, has made Monday June 28th, 2010 as the day for everyone to call their Senators and Representative and strongly urge them to Support Jason’s Law.  The trucking community has strongly supported this day in unison together.

As you most likely know, Jason Rivenburg was murdered as he parked to rest in an abandoned gas station because he could not find safe suitable truck parking for his early morning delivery. Adequate and safe truck parking has been a major concern of truckers for many years, with promises in the past made to remedy the problem.
We are now all standing together to ensure that something be done and that the death of fellow truck driver Jason Rivenburg has not been in vain.

Jason’s widow Hope, has made numerous trips to Washington, urging lawmakers and government officials to support Jason’s Law. In a year when highway safety has taken a significant increased priority among government agencies, this bill should be 100% supported and should have been passed by now.

Hope and Congressman Paul Tonko, who is the originator of the bill HR 2156, has also made numerous pleas  on Truth About Trucking “Live”, Allen Smith’s  blog talk radio show. Hope and Congressman Tonko have also been guests discussing Jason’s Law on TruckStar Radio with Daniel Audet.
Hope was recently a guest on Road Dog Trucking Radio on the Lockridge Report, sharing her story and urging listeners to support this day. Many of the other shows on Road Dog Radio have also made numerous mentions of the June 28th Call to Action, strongly supporting this day and urging their listeners to take action.

Organizations are supporting this badly needed bill, including OOIDA, who on June 24th released a National Call to Action to their members for the participation of the June 28th Calling Campaign to Washington.

The Teamsters and ATA have also supported the need for Jason’s Law.

Now we must ensure that the government officials whom we’ve elected into office, do their part in recognizing the need for HR 2156, Jason’s Law. For some reason, this bill has been “stuck” in the Transportation and  Infrastructure Committee. James Oberstar of Minnesota  is the chair and John Mica of Florida is the ranking Republican.

Representative Jim Oberstar (D – 08) 202-225-6211

Representative John L. Mica (R – 07) 202-225-4035

The Subcommittee that appears to be “sitting on this bill” is the Highways and Transit.
Highways and Transit is chaired by Pete Defazio of Oregon and John Duncan Jr. of Tennessee is the ranking Republican.
Ironically, John Duncan has recently written an article about the dangers of distracted driving, obviously concerned about the “safety of drivers.”

Representative Peter DeFazio (D – 04) 202-225-6416

Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R – 02) 202-225-5435

I say we give all these folks in the committees a call and urge them to get the ball rolling for Jason’s Law.

*ALSO: Please call your own state representatives and senators :

Here’s the link

The entire process, including the phone call will take less than 5 minutes, but the positive effects for drivers will BE PRICELESS.

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: H.R. 2156, Highways and Transit committee, jason rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, Jim Oberstar, John J Duncan, John L Mica, Peter Defazio, safe truck parking, truck drivers, trucking

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by Donna Smith

Trucking Hero Jazzy Jordan Runs for St Christopher Fund

As a native New Yorker I have to tell you that the finale of trucking  hero Jazzy Jordan’s 3200 mile run couldn’t have ended in a better place.  The excitement of NYC is nothing like anything else, and unless you’ve been there to experience it, it’s hard to describe. Jazzy is scheduled to enter NYC sometime late morning/early afternoon on Tuesday June 15th. We’ll be giving you an update after we talk to her dad later in the day.

Now I know that the biggest nightmare for a truck driver is having to drive through the city, but if you’re on foot, it’s spectacular. Now what can be more spectacular, than a 17 year old girl entering the city, finishing up her 9 month run from Los Angeles, California into Time Square in NYC…for the sole purpose of helping others!

We’ve recently been conversing on FaceBook and Twitter with Peter Thorne of WPIX in NY, and it’s appearing quite hopeful that the crew will be there covering the event. Growing up as a kid in NY, WPIX was (may still be) the official Yankee baseball TV station.

Now, for those who may not know, Jazzy was motivated and inspired to begin her run when a close friend and driver of her family’s trucking business, Shelia Grothe, passed away on April 17th, 2009,  after having a 2 year battle with cancer.  From that day forward, Jazzy vowed and was determined to make a difference in the lives of those who could not afford medical insurance or coverage.  She then began a rigorous training schedule and on September 1st, 2009, she began her “run across America”, with all donations going to the St. Christopher Trucking Fund.

In her own words, Jazzy states:    “My goal is to raise attention to the growing problem with people who have medical issues who are under insured and insured.  We have all seen how generous our country has been in the past.  I believe even in economic hard times we still make a big difference.  Will you help me make the difference that is so needed?  Together, we will change the future for the better.”

The 3200 mile run has not been easy to say the least. Jazzy ran many days with severe pain, however, her determination and dedication was that of someone with many more years, displaying so much compassion, wisdom and discipline. Just this past October she escaped what could have been a fatal injury, when a vehicle crashed into the truck that her dad, Lee Jordan, was driving. Fortunately, Jazzy was riding in the truck as a passenger at the time, a true blessing we are all grateful for.

So, we trust that NYC  and my fellow New Yorkers will honor one more hero down the road leading to Times Square, Jazzy Jordan, the hero for truckers from all over the country.  She is the youngest woman to run across the country; not for a record, not for fame or glory , but with the hope to benefit and aid in the well being of those who are less fortunate.

We love you Jazzy. You are an inspiration to all of us, and a reminder to keep doing what we are convicted to do, no matter  what obstacles we face.

Truckers keep our country moving and Jazzy Jordan has moved truckers.

Please show your appreciation for the sacrifices Jazzy has made by donating to the St Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: jazzy jordan, nyc, Peter thorne, Run with Jazzy, St Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund, St Christopher trucking fund, Times Square

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There have been a few industries which have always reigned on the side of secrecy.  The inside look into these few sectors have always remained to those within the industry itself, leaving “outsiders” to wonder  as to what these certain kind of lifestyles are really like.  Long haul trucking is one of those industries.   Recent TV shows like Ice Road Truckers have fed many viewers curiosity into another aspect of the trucking industry.

Nearly everyday on my work schedule, I will have someone walk up to me and ask a question about the “big truck” I’m driving.  Many of the general public still remain enthralled by the life of a trucker and wonder “what is it really like?” In an industry that is dominated by male drivers, add a women driver to the equation and they become even more inquisitive.

In recent years, the secrecy that lies within the trucking realm has become more open and transparent, largely due to another realm known as the social media highway.  With the help of forums, blogs, podcasts and online news sources, more of the general public and those curious about the lifestyle of trucking, have learned more about the industry and what makes the men and women of trucking  . . . truckers!   Normally, they appear to know only a few aspects of the industry which they always are ready to inform me about . . . “80,000 pounds is all you can carry, right?” Another question I am asked often is, “What’s your handle?” Other than these two questions, I can see the general public is still very naive about the world of professional truck drivers . . . although they are learning.

With the help of the information highway, more women are finding much needed resources in learning the in’s and out’s of an industry, long ruled by their male counterparts.   The information can be extremely informative, giving the good, bad and ugly of the industry . . . aspects that can exist in any industry.   It’s a good thing, especially for those women interested in a trucking career, to hear what it’s really like to be a female in a male dominated industry . . . and the women in trucking continue to share their stories while rolling down the social media highway.

DoItHerSelfer is one of those women.   A former construction contractor and business owner for 34 years, doitherselfer was accustomed to working within male dominated industries.  With the fall of the construction business, due to the economy, she had no hesitation in jumping right into another industry ruled by men . . . trucking.  She gives her thoughts, opinions and a further look into the world of trucking from a women’s view and is readily available to answer questions that other women may have in their decision making to move over to long haul trucking as a career.

She can also be found on Twitter.

Women in trucking continue to stand up and speak out using the best means of communication available since the dawn of time . . . the social media highway and Do-It-Herselfer is no exception .

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: do it herselfer, highway, long haul trucking, professional truck drivers, social media, trucking blogs, women in trucking

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Are female truck driver student trainees really being harassed by some male CDL trainers?  Are the stories of verbal and sexual assault true or are they just stories?  Why would trucking organizations and companies want to cover up such acts of violence against women?  In the world of over the road trucking, is violence against women driver trainees really taking place and are the trucking industry leaders doing all they can to cover it up?

For years, this giant industry has moved along in total control of how drivers lives would turn out.  The company could either make you or break you.   With billions of dollars at stake, a large majority of OTR drivers are still just a pawn in the companies game of playing with people’s hope.   Hope that they can have a rewarding career and provide for themselves and their families . . . many of these trucking companies use this hope to pull in new CDL students and drivers, caring not at all that their lives, most often, will be ruined even more . . . all for the sake of the almighty dollar.   Here is a recent email I received:

Mr. Smith,

I received your trucking information about a year ago and I wanted to follow up with you.  All I can say is that everything you said was true.  The tactics used by my company was so blatantly obvious that even a child would have been able to detect it.  Everything was going fine for the first 4-5 months, but then everything changed.  I realize we are in a recession, but it became very clear to me that they were working hard to “starve me out.”    At the same time they were telling me that freight was slow, they were hiring new student drivers every week.  I wish I would have taken your advise a year ago, it would have saved me a lot of heartache.

Truth About Trucking, LLC is not about pushing anyone away from trucking as a career, but to assist in showing how and what one will be expected to go through in order to make trucking work as a career.   Surviving the first couple of years as an OTR driver is the key, which you must realize will be very difficult to do for many.   Again, a great part of long haul trucking is designed for your failure.

Having been involved in trucking in some form or fashion since 1969, I am no newcomer to the industry.  In past years, I have declined to work as a driver trainer and I have never operated around female student drivers.  In fact, with 20 years of long haul trucking under my belt, I never even ran into that many women drivers.  As reports of abuse and harassment by trainers against female students became known, I first responded by doubt.   Thirty two years of driving a truck, locally and long haul, I had never witnessed any such acts against women drivers.   Then came news about CRST and the suit brought against by hundreds of women, which by the way, was refiled on November 30th, 2009.  Unlike many drivers and trucking industry organizations and leaders, I could not believe that all 230 women were simply lying.   This was just one company . . . I wondered if there were other female driver trainees too afraid to come forward regarding these acts of violence which include both mental and physical abuse . . . then came TruckerDesiree.

As I mentioned on the Dan Rather Reports, after Desiree began sharing her story on this blog, I began receiving emails and often phone calls, from women across the country asking for our help in making this issue more public.   First came a few dozen, then as many as a few hundred.   I would always ask each women why they never reported such incidents of violence, even rape by these male trainers . . . and the answer was always two-fold:  (1)  they were afraid of losing their jobs and (2) they did not think anyone would believe them anyway.    Through our investigation, one aspect that always surprised me was the fact that industry “leaders” and organizations tried and are still trying, to keep this issue silent.  This is an issue that not only deals with female harassment, but male harassment as well.  Furthermore, let’s be fair . . . driver trainers have also been harassed by driver trainees.   Bottom line . . . there is a big problem within the trucking industry and its driver training programs.   Why then, is the industry fighting back so hard to prevent this issue from being heard further?

Why would large trucking organizations contact former drivers who are now unemployed and on welfare, and recruit them to write against TruckerDesiree and anyone who works toward making this issue known?   Why would these organizations and trucking companies not want to change their driver training programs and instead, continue to turn their heads when women are reporting physical, mental abuse and even rape?   Furthermore, why is there no law enforcement agency stepping forward to conduct their own investigation into this matter?

How big, really is this issue?   Are you a female CDL student trainee who experienced such acts of violence by a male driver trainer?   Post your experience at Real Women in Trucking.    Trucking organizations have recruited drivers that were once on the side of Desiree . . . I know this as fact.   Why are they wanting to cover up such illegal acts by some of these male driver trainers that they continue to hire?   Why are there still those trucking companies and organizations condoning this behavior and working to discredit those women who are sharing their experiences?

We would like to hear your thoughts . . .

© 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: cover up, crst, driver trainers, female driver, female drivers, harassment, otr drivers, real, sexual harassment, Trucker Desiree, trucking, trucking companies, trucking industry, trucking organizations, violence, women in trucking

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by Donna Smith

Monday evening  Nov 9, 2009, Dan Rather Reports videoed  part 2 of an ongoing  trucking industry  investigation at  Willies Place Truck Stop in Carl’s Corner, Tx. The objective of this broadcast was to follow up from the Show of October 20^th, “Queen of the Road” where Trucker Desiree and Tom Hansen discussed the poor practices going on in trucking, specifically the students in the CDL training mills and the new driver company training programs.

When the drivers first drove up and were entering Willies Place, some were confused, thinking that the show may create a poor image for drivers. After talking with many of them they soon realized that the intention of the show is to actually improve the image of the American driver by confronting the many scams that so many of them have faced throughout their career.  The CDL school mills and new driver training programs are just 2 programs which are hurting the image of the drivers. This is because by churning out so many inexperienced drivers, not only are veterans being starved out of the business by newer lower paying drivers, but the lack of experience by these new drivers is not a true symbol of the excellent driving skills which so many veterans possess.  I personally talked at length with trainer Jimmy Watson of KLLM. Jimmy at first came to Willies Place concerned about the possibility that his reputation would be damaged by exposing poor training tactics of other companies. It wasn’t until I explained that by exposing and eliminating the poor training practices of other companies, that his company would not have to endure any kind of negative stigma which may result from them.

In this week’s follow up, “Truck Talk “, Dan Rather visited the big truck stop at Carl’s Corner, Texas, to hear from others within the trucking Industry. Truckers from across the country were encouraged to attend the live videoing of the follow up program so they could witness first hand the questions and discussions going on among Dan Rather and the stage panel: Todd Spencer ( executive VP of OOIDA), Michael Belzer ( Economics Prof of Wayne State), Miles Verhoef ( O/O), Derek Leathers (COO of Werner ENT), Tom Dean( Veteran Driver for Werner Ent) and Guest audience speaker Allen Smith of AskTheTrucker.com.   Many Truckers were in the audience including Desiree Wood from the first Dan Rather Reports trucking Video, along with owner operators, company drivers, company trainers, and even a student who came to Allen for help regarding a wrongful statement on his DAC report which has ended his short lived trucking career of less than 1 year.

As you will see after viewing the Dan Rather Truck Talk video, the greatest part of this program has been the fact that it has brought truckers, blogs and organizations together, discussing the problems and issues within the trucking industry. As you are aware, Allen Smith has been an advocate for students and drivers and has been talking about the scams within trucking for quite a number of years now. TruckerDesiree and Allen, AskTheTrucker, for the last year have had a synergistic relationship, fighting for the rights of students, new drivers, the harassment women in trucking trainees, and even the veterans who are being starved out. Other issues only being addressed by Allen, are the DAC abuse and the Trucking Lease Scams,which hopefully will gain the attention of others as they are crucial topics which must be addressed.

Now, we have  agreement with Todd Spencer of OOIDA, who personally told TruckerDesiree what a great job she did in the first video. Also notice in the video that Todd Spencer brings up how there never was a driver shortage, but the problem is the 125% turnover rate, something which Allen has been trying to explain to people for years and actually devoted a chapter to in his book, “The Truth About Trucking.” When I heard Todd say that, I wanted to jump out of my chair and personally hug him!!  I did mention it to him later, although I didn’t hug him…

I want to say that this meeting/forum at Willies Place has given me a hope that I have never felt before. I felt unity and comradeship, people standing around discussing problems together. I had a great talk with Norita Taylor, media spokesperson for the  OOIDA,  as we discussed things like the importance of Jason’s Law HR1256 and the CDL training problems.  Norita told me also that her boss Todd Spencer said that Desiree’s depiction of CDL training was right on,  and how great it was to be able to meet and speak amicably on all these important issues.

You see, we all need to have the same agenda, the same common goal….THE SUCCESS OF DRIVERS AND TO” RAISE THE STANDARDS OF THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY.”

Watch Both Dan Rather Reports Videos ( “Queen of the Road” and “Trucker Talk” on the right side column!

© 2009 – 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: allen smith, carl's corner, cdl training mills, company training, Dan Rather, ooida, truck drivers, TruckerDesiree, trucking, willie's place, women in trucking

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During the Great American Truck Show in Dallas this August, I had the honor to meet a woman, Beverly Peterson, who dedicates much of her life to defending people in the workplace who are and have suffered the effects of bullying.  Some  think this isn’t a serious epidemic going on and will say, ” just tell them off”, or “if you don’t like it quit”, or “report them to their superiors” ( What happens if even the superiors are covering up to protect the company?).

Ahhh….if it was only just that easy all the time.  It’s easy to judge, until you or a loved one are in that position. Oh,  how we will then seem to change our non empathetic and very apathetic  tune when the circumstances hit home.

Some circumstances for a specific job sometimes don’t allow leaving, quitting, or escaping, and the victims become seriously abused, either mentally or even physically.

Here’s one example of Bullying within the Trucking Industry :

A woman truck driver trainee on a truck can be in a very vulnerable position with a trainer.   Alone, away from home and desperately trying to learn and gather enough of the required miles by law (to be eligible to apply for another job as miles of experience is a  requirement) The trainee can feel trapped, afraid, threatened,intimidated, fearful to tell anyone of the abuse that is going on…even to tell someone in their company for fear of losing their job, and worried they will never get another driving opportunity somewhere else! Who do they tell? What do they do?  They’ve heard the stories about others who have reported the abuse/harassment to HR and have been fired for it! They just paid 6000 dollars at a CDL truck driving school, what should they do now? Is there somewhere to turn?

The trucking industry has had a series of allegations by drivers, many of them women, who have expressed and eventually reported that these types of abuses have taken place in their life.

Listen closely to these 2 very short videos, as Ellen Voie of Women in Trucking and Ronald Fletcher, a teacher at a community college in Texas, share with Beverly,  their comments to questions  asked to them regarding this controversial topic.  ( Listen closely at the questions being asked)

Remember: Many women are afraid “to tell others in the company”   so because of that, “there is no record” of a report.

Here is a Radio Show That Allen did back on June 17th of 2009-  Bullying in the WorkPlace Part One-

The follow up show is here:   Hostile Training and Work Environments within Trucking 6/23/2009

Shame on any of us who turn our backs on our fellow man just because it hasn’t happened to us!

We reap what we sow………..be careful who you judge.

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: Ellen Voie, hostile work, ronald fletcher, truck driver trainee, tuck driver taining, women in trucking, women truck driver trainers, workplace bullying

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by Donna Smith

Tuesday October 20th at 8PM EST

Dan Rather Reports:  Queen of the Road

Also Available on iTunes as a download:  Listen from your computer

Join Dan Rather from  Dan Rather Reports as he interviews our dear friend and fellow trucking advocate and activist TruckerDesiree. The theme of the show will be the inadequate CDL schools and the exploiting of new CDL drivers and trainees.

Almost 10 years ago my better half, Allen Smith ,wrote the book “The Truth About Trucking”, advising people on the correct paths to take and those avenues to avoid, specifically CDL school mills and trucking companies.  The motive?  To help folks achieve success within trucking and to prepare them for the lifestyle they would be facing.

Allen literally has received thousands of emails from people, but none so memorable as the one in September of 2008  from a new  CDL driver who had just gone through the mill……CDL Mill if you will.  The name of that Student?  Desiree Wood, affectionately known today as TruckerDesiree.

Desiree had written Allen and I numerous times, asking questions about trucking ( as so many do).  She had just been through some of the most difficult and stressful experiences during her CDL school training and her CDL company team driver training…and her descriptions were quite vivid and graphic!  She would write us long detailed emails describing her encounters…some of them making me cringe.  I finally asked her if she would like to share her experiences with our Blog readers and Newsletter subscribers.  She said yes she would and thus “ A Day in the Life of a Lady Trucker” and TruckerDesiree was born, and the trucking industry would never be quite  the same!

Well, it’s exactly one year today that TruckerDesiree made her debut in “AskTheTrucker” with the  first post in her journal, ” A Day in the Life of a Lady Trucker”.

A lot has happened since then for Desiree;  Talk Radio Shows, Trucking Magazine interviews,  documentaries, spokesperson for the iPhone Trucker App, blogger, twitter queen, facebook diva, and most of all a very good friend and advocate for truckers … She’s made a lot of friends and many enemies (goes along with popularity)  By far her interview with Dan Rather will be her biggest accomplishment to date, but we expect to see even more achievements in the future.

We’re so Proud of you Desiree!! You Give a new meaning to Women in Trucking

Allen & Desiree Oct 2009

@ Petro i75 in Florida

© 2009 – 2010, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: a day in the life of a lady trucker, allen smith, cdl drivers, cdl training schools, Dan Rather, truck driving schools, trucker desiree dan rather video, TruckerDesiree, truckerDesiree video, trucking tv news show, women in trucking

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“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.

: abuse, female drivers, harassment, harassment case, inexperienced, injustice, judicial, justice, male driver trainers, rape, student, trucking, trucking industry, workplace

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