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"
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.
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 .
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
After a long, hard battle advocates finally accomplished their goal in having the hours of service for truck drivers changed to the current 14/10 rule with the 34-hour restart thrown in for support. Remember all the news this was making back then? It was going to be so much better for the general public safety and concerns.
Entering into effect on October 1st, 2005, the trucking industry began operating under the new rules, which to this day, many drivers still do not agree with. And now . . . change may be coming again. Last July, the court ruled to vacate the current rule and change it BACK to the way it was before! The ruling will not become effective until September 12, 2008. Some parties such as ATA, et al are or will be asking for a stay of the current ruling.
If the court does not grant a stay, then on September 12, drivers will be going back to the 10-hour driving rule, and will no longer use the 34-hour restart rule. Rules that will be staying in place are the 14-hour on-duty time, the 10 hours off duty, the 2/8 hours split sleeper berth time and the 60/70 rule.
So for now, the trucking industry will have to wait and see. Are we in for another hours of service rule change? It is highly possible. I stand behind the old adage as I did in 2005 . . . “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
About the Author:
Aubrey Allen Smith is a veteran trucker and author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. An expert in transportation, his book has helped thousands of new, inexperienced drivers understand the scams of the trucking industry. Please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today, to learn more.
A long haul trucker is no stranger to sleep deprivation. Even local truck drivers deal with the problem of little rest, many working 70 hour weeks. Sleep deprivation is the leading cause of serious truck related accidents, resulting in as high as 40% of all crashes. The constant attitude of many motor carriers of “you’ve got to get the freight there,” is an enormous stress on the long haul trucker. Even though Federal Regulations require a driver to take a 10-hour break after 14 hours of on duty time, these 10 hours often work out to be only 5-6 hours of actual sleep per day.
Several years ago, I decided to keep a log of the actual sleep time I received each day. Over a six-week period, it showed that I was only actually “sleeping” an average of 4 hours per day. Twenty eight hours of sleep in an entire week . . . and to add to the problem, a great deal of long haul trucking is done at night.
Sleep deprivation can lead to many other health problems, including depression. Adding the lack of sleep on top of endless hours alone and away from family, increases the risk of “the invisible illness,” depression. Though statistics vary, it is believed that depression in long haul truck drivers is as high as 30-40 percent.
Signs of depression include:
Feeling of hopelessness
Loss of interest in daily activities
Change in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances
Loss of energy or fatigue
Aches and pains
Low self esteem
Less interest in sex
Feeling of sadness and crying spells
Thoughts of suicide
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above on a regular basis, you may be battling “the invisible illness.” See your doctor. Depression is treatable and you DO NOT have to live that way! The first step is recognizing the signs and the second step is doing something about it. Go to your doctor and get the help that will change your life. As your friend in trucking . . . don’t think about it . . . DO IT.
What would happen to the trucking industry if we closed the Mexico border? What would be the impact to American drivers? How would our economy change? Though it will always be open, what financial effects would it have on the United States?
Hospitals spent close to $190 million in 2000 to provide health care to undocumented immigrants.
Hospitals are closing down due to the cost of providing for illegal immigrants.
Statewide, Arizona is losing $150 million annually.
A good part of hospitals in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California have closed or are in bankruptcy.
80% of cocaine and 50% of heroin in the U.S. is smuggled across the Mexican border.
In 2000, illegals cost the United States Federal Government $10 billion.
A study shows that Hispanics and black Americans are hurt the most in lost wages.
Our truck drivers feel the loss from “cheap” freight.
The financial impact on the United States if we were to close the border? Greatly in our country’s FAVOR! We would save billions, the wages could increase and better the economy of the United States.
But, I look at the other side too. Are they all criminals out to destroy our country? Absolutely not! They are simply looking for a better life. How do you put a price on another human being’s search for a better life for their family? Americans are not against immigrants. We are against illegal immigrants!
Would Mexico do nothing, if millions of Americans entered Mexico illegally? The president of the United States will not close the border. Congress will not close the border. There is corruption in every government. It is not only Mexicans crossing the border illegally, but terrorists as well.
I welcome our friends from Mexico. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people. But those who disobey our laws and cause us economic failure, also hurt their fellow countrymen.
Come to the United States. You are welcomed here. All we ask, is just do it legally.
About the Author:
Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of: The Truth About Trucking and How to Guarantee a “Perfect” Move. A student of Spanish, please visit http://www.aubreyallensmith.com
¿Qué pasaría a la industria de transporte si cerráramos la frontera de México? ¿Cuál sería el impacto a conductores americanos? ¿Cómo se cambiaría nuestra economía? ¿Aunque siempre esté abierto, qué efectos financieros tendría esto en los Estados Unidos?
Hospitales gastados cerca de 190 millones de dólares en 2000 para proporcionar asistencia médica a inmigrantes indocumentados.
Los hospitales se cierran debido al coste de aseguramiento de inmigrantes ilegales.
Por todo el estado, Arizona pierde 150 millones de dólares anualmente.
Una parte buena de hospitales en Texas, Nuevo México, Arizona, y California se ha cerrado o está en bancarrota.
El 80 % de la cocaína y el 50 % de la heroína en los Estados Unidos son pasados de contrabando a través de la frontera mexicana.
En 2000, los emigrantes ilegales cuestan al Gobierno Federal de los Estados Unidos 10 mil millones de dólares.
Un estudio muestra que hacen daño a Hispanos y los americanos negros el más en salarios perdidos.
Nuestros camioneros sienten la pérdida de la carga “barata”
¿El impacto financiero en los Estados Unidos si debiéramos cerrar la frontera? ¡Enormemente en el FAVOR de nuestro país! Salvaríamos mil millones, los salarios podrían aumentar y mejor la economía de los Estados Unidos.
Pero, miro el otro lado también. ¿Son todos ellos criminales para destruir nuestro país? ¡Absolutamente no! Ellos buscan simplemente una mejor vida. ¿Cómo pone usted un precio en la búsqueda de otro ser humano de una mejor vida para su familia? Los americanos no están contra inmigrantes. ¡Estamos contra inmigrantes ilegales!
¿No haría México nada, si los millones de americanos entraran en México ilegalmente? El presidente de los Estados Unidos no cerrará la frontera. El congreso no cerrará la frontera. Hay corrupción en cada gobierno. Esto no es sólo mexicanos que cruzan la frontera ilegalmente, pero terroists también.
Doy la bienvenida a nuestros amigos de México. México es un país hermoso con la maravillosa gente. Pero aquellos que desobedecen nuestras leyes y nos causan fracaso económico, también hacen daño a sus compatriotas.
Venga a los Estados Unidos. Usted es dado la bienvenida aquí. Todo que preguntamos, es sólo lo hacen legalmente.
Sobre el Autor:
Aubrey Allen Smith es el autor de : La Verdad Sobre Transporte en Camiones y Como Garantizar un Movimiento “Perfecto”. Un estudiante de español, por favor visite http://www.aubreyallensmith.com
As someone who may be considering over the road truck driving as a career, there are many questions you should ask yourself before jumping in head first. Thousands of new, inexperienced drivers tackle the obstacle of long haul trucking each year, only to discover it was not what they expected. This is mainly due to the fact that they are missing one key aspect for this trade: over the road trucking is not just a job or career . . . it is a lifestyle.
The large majority of the population enjoys a typical 9-5 job, or at the least, home every evening to enjoy their family and hobbies. Not so with OTR trucking. Many put in their 5-day work week and are eager to cherish the enjoyment of the weekend. Not so with OTR trucking. A huge majority have the pleasure and ability to attend their children’s school play, ball game or birthday parties. Not so with OTR trucking.
Over the road trucking is a demanding and lonely existence. Life on the road is tough. Are you the kind of person who can live in a semi truck for 24 hours a day? There are the few breaks here and there, but you can expect to physically be in the truck for 15-20 hours per day, every day! Will you be able to handle being away from your spouse and kids for weeks at a time? More important, will your spouse and kids be able to handle it?
For a single person, over the road trucking wouldn’t be bad. With fewer bills, many single drivers have saved up a rather impressive amount of cash! For those who are married and with families . . . it is a rough life. A life, I believe, no family should have to live through. Sadly, divorce is highly rated in the world of over the road trucking.
Personally, I have great respect for these OTR drivers. The general population has NO IDEA the demands that are placed on them, and yet, they still pull through as the back bone of this country. But, as a new driver considering the possibility, you must look at what kind of lifestyle you want and enjoy. If living in a truck for weeks or months at a time . . . being away from your family for long periods . . . spending extensive time completely alone . . . if this appeals to you, then go for it!
The main aspect to consider? What about the pay? Are the wages that come with over the road trucking worth it? You will hear about and see in advertisements, the BIG MONEY you can make with OTR truck driving. In reality, you can expect to gross $35,000.00 to $45,000.00 per year. Using a “rough” formula, lets break this down to see what your hourly pay would be:
If you are operating on the 70 hours per week rule, which most do, and you are driving the average of 100,000 miles per year, it would come out as this:
70 hours per week X 52 weeks = 3640 hours per year
$35,000 3640 = $9.62 per hour
$45,000 3640 = $12.36 per hour
This is just a quick “rough” formula to see what your hourly pay could be while living the life of over the road trucking. The figures are actually MUCH WORSE! I break it down even further in my article: Owner Operator: More Loss than Profit.
There are many more considerations to figure when coming up with an accurate picture for actual pay. One company that studied this, ended up with a figure of only $2.45 per hour! Once you read the above article, you’ll understand how this can be. Why live a life over the road, alone and away from home and family, when there are other options which pay the same if not more?
The bottom line? Look at yourself and if it applies, your family. Missing birthdays, anniversaries, ball games, school plays and other activities will become a part of your life. Is this the career you want? Is this your “lifestyle?”
About the Author:
Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. He devotes his time and efforts in assisting new, inexperienced drivers by revealing the scams of the trucking industry. Answering hundreds of emails weekly, he is becoming known as a major advocate for fighting back for our nation’s drivers. Please visit www.truthabouttrucking.com if you are considering a career in over the road trucking.
Lets just pretend for a moment, the trucking industry is perfect, all companies treat their employees wonderfully, all truck driving schools are reasonably priced and give top notch education, and everyone gets sick time and Holiday pay.(You will really have to use your imagination, but just do it).
The thought of being free on the open road, not having a boss on your back, seeing new places all the time. AHHH, what a life.
Now Time For a Little Reality
You wanted the Truth, Right?
Now, you’re out on the road, you’re driving to meet an appointment. You’ve had to really rush to meet your dead line, but YOU MADE IT. You’re all ready to get going again and get some more “real good” miles for the week. But wait, the next load doesn’t deliver for 2 days and the destination is only 350 miles away. That’s only 175 miles/day…..or about $75.00/day. So you wait and hope your next load is a better one.
It is, but the problem is you have to go 600 miles and deliver the next morning. Guess who’s not sleeping tonight? Oh, and remember you were suppose to be home this weekend? Well, you’re not. The load that was suppose to deliver on Saturday AM, won’t be able to accept until Monday early. You’re now out all weekend sitting, alone, and not being paid. ( Remember, you get paid by the mile).
You end up with 2000 miles for the week and gross about $800.00. (That’s $0.40/mile) Take out taxes, insurance, cash advance for OTR living expenses, etc..and you end up with about $500.00. You’re still out there away from home and you now have to do it all over again.
Okay, remember how you were pretending that the trucking industry was wonderful? Well, add to the above the fact that you owe $5000.00 for cdl school training, (which comes out of that check). And how about the fact that you rushed and drove so hard to make that appointment? Did you notice that you went over on your logs? Yup, that’s a fine from DOT if they catch you! That comes out of the check too. By the way, if you say anything about it to the company you work for, you’ll hear something like, “if you knew you were going to go over, you shouldn’t have accepted the load”. The company now issues you a safety warning also. Remember, it is always the driver’s fault!
This is just the tip of the iceberg. This is reality. Let’s sum it all up: You’ve spent thousands on your CDL. You’ve tried to be a good employee and get to your apointments on time. You’ve gone over on your logs, got a fine from DOT, a company safety warning, and did not go home for the weekend. Still sound good?
Decision Time Everybody
Here is the truth. Some people love trucking. They’ve gone to the best schools without spending thousands, they work for a good company that really cares (in my book I give my opinion on the best OTR company out there). Some don’t care that they’re out for weeks at a time, away from family and friends. For these people, trucking is Heaven. They love it, and even though they could be making more money at a 9-5 job, they wouldn’t give it up for anything.
However, if you are planning on “a life”, a structured home on most weekends, exact salary every week to plan on bills, and being with your friends and loved ones, then trucking could be hell for you. It’s just not happening in OTR life. There are other options in trucking though that do pay very well. You can learn about these options in the e-book, The Truth About Trucking.
So there you have it . . . Trucking . . . Heaven or Hell? Want more details? You need to read the Truth About Trucking.
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.
: do it herselfer, highway, long haul trucking, professional truck drivers, social media, trucking blogs, women in trucking
