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"
The Obama administration“will hire 100 more enforcement personnel and the IRS has begun auditing 6,000 companies” in order to crack down on the misrepresentation of truck owner operators as true independent workers. As reported by Today’s Trucking, “The Labor Department estimates that up to 30 percent of companies misclassify employees, many of which are in the trucking (industry).”
The argument states that “In many of these cases, companies treat independent contractors the same as payroll employees, who perform many of the same functions. Both types of workers are frequently given similar instructions and duties and have access to the same equipment and facilities. Companies that pass off employees as independent contractors may do so to avoid paying Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance taxes. The attention federal and state officials are now paying to the issue is significant on another front, as it could bolster unions that are attempting to collectively bargain for owner-operators contracted to for-hire fleets.”
According to a report today from the N.Y. Times, President Obama’s 2010 budget estimates that such measures would yield at least $7 billion over 10 years.
Sounds like another attempt for the administration to bring in more cash, off the backs of our owner operators.
The most recentDan Rather Reports, a second in a series, filmed on location in Carl’s Corner, Texas at Willie Nelson’s truck stop, Willie’s Place – brought a large number of truckers together who had the opportunity to mingle and discuss problems within the trucking industry. Owner Operators specifically, were sharing their concerns about the future of their livelihood.
Concerns such as opening the Mexican Border . . . the Cap and Trade issue . . . new EPA stipulations such as the SCR or EGR and its direct costs to the owner operators who for many, can barely keep their heads above water right now.
It was a good thing to see so many drivers discussing these important issues within the industry as long as it does not turn out to be just “more talk” as many of them shared with me was one of their concerns.
Jimmy Watson – Driver/Trainer for KLLM
Donna and I enjoyed spending time with one of the many drivers who attended, Jimmy Watson, a veteran driver and trainer with KLLM Transport.
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:
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
Truckers News, the #1 leading lifestyle magazine for over the road truck drivers, features the iPhone Trucker Application in their June, 2009 issue. Truckers news is the official publication of the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO).
Senior Editor Todd Dills provides a full page story about our Truth About Trucking, Ask The Trucker blog and the first ever iPhone application for truckers. It was also mentioned in the May issue as well as the June edition of Overdrive Magazine which primarily focuses on commercial truck owner-operators, small fleet owners and company drivers.
Special thanks to Todd Dills and everyone at Truckers News and Overdrive for featuring our story in their leading trucking magazines.
You can read the full article which is on page 86:
With the economy in its current state and the trucking industry feeling the hurt, owner operators are, without a doubt, feeling the brunt of the impact. I first posted about an excellent and affordable health plan program back in February, 2009 and feel it is important to mention here again.
We have received a great deal of feedback on this and would like to bring your attention back to it so you know that there is an affordable health plan program that can greatly benefit Owner Operators within the trucking industry.
Is the trucking industry as we know it in North America changing? Will trucking careers slide downward and may even eventually become somewhat “obsolete?” Many experts believe it will and are advising that the shear core of the U.S. trucking foundation is on very shaky ground.
Trucking in North America is in the midst of a fundamental reshaping which, according to James Hebe, a senior executive of Navistar Inc., “will lead to flat tonnage levels for fleets and fewer truck manufacturers producing much more expensive vehicles, mostly in Mexico.” Mr. Hebe, further noted that federal policies will cause the demise of a number of trucking institutions such as “long and tall tractor design, owner-operators and independent maintenance shops.”
He further noted that long haul operations will shift to regional positions and dedicated contract carriage for distribution and that “the availability of truck-rail intermodal for many linehaul movements of more than 1,000 miles and the shock of $4.75-a-gallon fuel last year mean “fuel prices have changed the world.”
Believing there will be a surge in truck sales within the second half of 2009, he states that this will just be a “suckers’ rally” but it is “only so buyers can avoid more expensive 2010 trucks equipped with new emissions controls.” Due to high fuel and equipment prices and the onset of electronic on-board recorders, this he said will be the “death knell” for owner-operators because they will not be able to survive by running legal.
He also pointed out the high cost to truckers due to the current administration policies for unionization. The cost of unions, he said, is driving manufacturing jobs primarily to Mexico. He pointed out that “there are no unemployed truck workers sitting around in Mexico. We will have to train truck builders who have never built trucks before — and that means a ramp-up will have to be slow, or quality will have to suffer.”
With 38 years of experience under his belt, he believes “truck pricing will increase dramatically. If you think the pricing in 2010 is bad, you haven’t seen anything yet.”
Summing it up, we must wonder if the outlook for the U.S. Trucking Industry is about to be shaken to its core.
According to Mr. Hebe: “Truck jobs in the U.S. are gone and will not be coming back.”
With new laws and regulations effecting the idle time for truck drivers and trucking companies alike, staying comfortable in the truck cab is becoming more difficult than ever. By not allowing truckers to idle their trucks, they are expected to sweat it out in the summer heat or just “chill out” during the winter months. Another aspect which shows the total disregard for our professional truck drivers, not to mention a safety issue. Yes, this is a safety issue.
Truck owner operators, fleet owners and especially the trucking companies themselves, now have a solution. A solution that can save them up to $23,000 per year in fuel costs … per truck! Not hard to figure out is it? Two thousand trucks, $23,000 each, that’s a savings of $46,000,000 per year from lost fuel idling. Even with only 250 trucks, they would be looking at saving $5,750,000 per year.
There is an APU system available that will do just that. The Kool Rig System is the world’s first Hybrid solar powered heating and air conditioning unit built for semi trucks. With the Kool Rig system, truckers can now turn off their trucks, saving thousands of dollars of fuel per year, while at the same time having the in-cab comfort that is needed for the proper rest, not to mention not having to worry about breaking local idling laws.
Owner operators, fleet owners and all trucking companies should seriously consider this revolutionary system. It’s all about saving money, protecting the environment and reaping a higher gross profit, isn’t it? Learn more about theKool Rig System. This could literally change the future of trucking.
How serious is harassment against female truck drivers? From trucking companies and male driver trainers, you just may be surprised to hear how some companies and drivers are treating many of our women in trucking. Join Allen and Donna, along with special guest,Trucker Desiree, as they blow the lid off of one of trucking’s dirty little secrets. Other topics will include the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposal for tighter emission and air quality control, certain to effect many owner operators across the country. With other special guests scheduled to appear, be sure to tune in for this 2 Hour Special as Truth About Trucking “LIVE” goes “Green” and talks about what others choose to ignore.
Desiree is an OTR Driver who not only enjoys driving, but enjoys helping cdl students and new cdl drivers overcome obstacles every chance she gets, and she does . . . alot! She is an advocate for truck driver training safety, the fair treatment of students by their trainers, women in trucking, and Green Trucking . . . but NOT at the expense of the Owner Operators, which appears to be the case these days.
Desiree will the guest on Allen’sBlog Talk Radio Show on Sunday February 22, 2009 at 6pm EST discussing: “The Harrassment of Women CDL Students and Drivers Within Trucking Companies” and also the Contoversial “CARB” ( California AirResources Board) Topic, which has many, especially owner operators, quite disturbed to say the least.
TruckerDesiree ( as she is known ) has become quite popluar with many groups as she makes her stand for truckers everywhere.
She is quickly becoming “a voice for many” as she is frequently contacted by magazines, news networks, and organizational groups desiring her input, opinions and support. Here is a page from her Facebook account which will give you an idea of “Who is Trucker Desiree” and what she wants to accomplish:
“Trucker Desiree :California is where I was born & raised. I am of a Family of Migrant Field Workers who came to California before the Freeways. I grew up at the beaches in Venice, Oxnard, Malibu, Arcata, Trinidad and Carlsbad as a child of the Welfare System.”
“After a life of struggles as a Single Mother, I am now an “Over the Road” Trucker.I fully understand where the miscommunication lies between Activists, Environmentalists & Truckers because I have lived on both sides of the argument and I have an Idea that can help.I am New to Trucking and I quickly learned to not tell people I was from California because of the manner Truckers are looked upon in my home state.”
“Similiar to the way I conceal I am Mexican as I travel across the U.S. as a Trucker to areas that Mexicans are also misunderstood. The Geography of my home state isolates population centers from understanding that Industry requires dirty stinking trucks that work 24/7 to move sensitive high dollar freight from the Ports & Agriculture from rural areas of the State.”
“Trucking is a detail oriented job that requires much more than driving skill. Good planning to move freight out of California in Particular, makes this State… the least desired State to work in as a Trucker. Mostly because California targets Truckers without regard to how difficult this job is and what they do for California Industry.”
“California has the worst infrastructure I have seen since I became a Trucker. No Parking is available to accommodate sleepy drivers, especially in areas where Freight must be shipped from. The transit time to move freight out of the state at the Truck speed of 55 mph thru the traffic centers of Southern California & geographic locations in Central California affect a driver’s ability to NOT violate Federal “Hours of Service”. Therefore, California places Truck Drivers at risk by NOT providing them adequate space to rest, forcing them to continue to drive out of the state in many cases to get to “Friendlier States” where they can sleep safely.”
“Sleeping safely includes Idling because currently no other system in California has other options for drivers to sleep properly & have temperature controls in their cabs. A safe driver is well rested, not roasting or freezing which is the case now because Idling laws do not take into account that Truckers live in their Trucks & must congregate where shippers are located for proper planning to move sensitive California Freight out of the State.”
“Truckers are targets for Hijackers, esspecially in this economic downturn. Much of the Freight from the Port is extremely High-Dollar that must not stop for at least 200 miles from the time the trailer is sealed at the shipper.”
“Freight moves 24/7 so a driver must be on call to drive 24/7, this is why many trucking companies have Terminals in the Long Beach Port & other Port Areas. Owner-Operators do not have anywhere to go but wherever they can to sit and wait. Both Company Drivers & O/O must idle to rest & be ready at a moment’s notice.”
“Many times, arriving at the shipper, the load is not ready. Sometimes I have waited 14 hours, my entire Legal shift for a load at the shipper. I am only paid to drive, nothing else. Legally, I cannot drive. I must be in the sleeper 10 hours to go back on duty, but with no temperature control? Even if I am in the sleeper in the shippers dock during that 14 hours I cannot have temperature control to sleep properly under California’s current policy. When I am waiting at my company terminal in Long Beach, Pomona, French Camp waiting for a load, sometimes for days on end I have nowhere to go, I live in my truck to move freight.”
“Many O/O in this downturned economy do as well. California needs to implement in their Infrastructure plans a “Green” solution for Truckers that everyone can afford, not just targeted at “Mom & Pop” Truckers who have only their Truck in the whole World where they live & work to move California’s Freight out of the State.”
“Shippers, Receivers, Big Trucking Companies who have Terminals in California & the State of California need to combine forces to reduce emissions.The burden on O/O is too great, they are being singled out because they have just that “Old Truck” that is their life’s blood. As a Student Trucker I am appalled to see companies charging drivers to Idle in Freezing Winter Temperatures at a price higher than Diesel per gallon & the turning around and accepting the “Smart Way EPA Award.”
“A true Smart Way would be to require innovation to combine existing technologies in Trucking & provide adequate space for Truckers to park & rest.This includes at Shipper/Receiver facilities, Terminals & areas for O/O. Companies that manufactuer APU units to reduce idleing have struggled in our downturned economy. Truckers who have purchased expensive APU units to comply with emissions regulations now have an additional concern that they cannot get warranty or repairs done.”
“Idleaire, the company that is in use at some Travel Plazas, is not a viable option for mass appeal because technology has advanced to the point that their product is quickly becoming obsolete.”
“Currently, Wal-Mart has a no idle policy on at their Distribution Centers. For Wal-Mart Tractors, a unit is provided in the bobtail parking section that keeps the engine block from freezing in Winter Temperatures. This unit currently does not provide temperature control for the driver, only for the engine. Some Tractors come equipped with bunk heaters, but many Big Trucking Companies buy only the Standard Model for their Fleets that do not have bunk heaters.”
“In California, Temperatures do not fall low enough to jeopardize the engine block, but they do get too cold & too hot for the driver to rest properly without temperature Control. RV’s can plug into electric power, Ships in port can receive shore power, but nothing is available to Truck Drivers to accommodate their comfort for safe driving to move freight from the State of California.”
“My Idea is a unit of similar size which is currently used by Wal-Mart to provide warmth to the engine block. It is less cumbersome than Idleaire.
It would not pump in foreign air like IdleAire which is an added security risk, because of Hijackers & Criminals who target Truckers and rob them. This unit could run off electricity but could be developed into a solar unit, perhaps wind power as well.”
“The Long Beach “Green Port” Project is the Ideal place to implement such a prototype because of the forward thinking innovation they are currently using to modernize this urban center. I am concerned when I read the Conference entitled “Faster-Freight, Clearner Air” has no VIP Speakers who are Truckers who live this life. I only see VIP Speakers who sell Trucks.” http://www.ffcacalifornia.com
“When I watched the Port of Long Beach Webcast about The Green Port Project, I heard about Innovations for Ships but not for Trucks that move the freight and fight Southern California Traffic to do it. To solve this problem, Californians need to understand Industry of this State is conducted away from the beach and the beautiful scenery. Its a dirty, stinky business that must be done. Who wants to put some plasma screens in their mercedes and drive them across the country? Anyone?” — TruckerDesiree@gmail.com
: government, independent workers, labor, owner operators, today's trucking, truck
Better fuel mileage and cleaner emission control is always on the mind of trucking companies and many owner operators, especially these days. 
How serious is harassment against female truck drivers? From trucking companies and male driver trainers, you just may be surprised to hear how some companies and drivers are treating many of our women in trucking. Join Allen and Donna, along with special guest,
