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"
For many, it is known as simply “The GW” and sooner or later most long haul truckers are going to have it in their sights. My best advise for new truck drivers who will be tackling the George Washington Bridge for the first time? Sit down . . . buckle up . . . and hold on . . .
The GW is one of the most heavily traveled bridges in the world, spanning the Hudson River between Washington Heights, Manhattan and Fort Lee, New Jersey offering 14 lanes for the traveling public. It has the greatest vehicular capacity of any bridge worldwide, and according to 2007 statistics, nearly 106,000,000 vehicles crosses its path every year, with approximately 9,549,000 being trucks. It is not so bad crossing in a 4-wheeler . . . but a big rig? This can be a different story.
The first time I made contact with the George Washington bridge, I had no reason to believe that it would be any different than any other structure. Besides the enormous amount of traffic, nobody ever told me about the deteriorating road conditions. I hit the GW running with no seat belt locked in and the next thing I knew I left the comfort of my seat, bouncing so high I hit my head hard on the top of the cab . . . most of the items in the bunk went flying and landed all over the place. From that day forward, before I met up with the GW . . . I had the seat belt fastened and ready to go.
Through the years I have often thought about the reconstructing of the GW crossing. With all the toll dollars and New York taxes, why does this remain as one of the roughest traveling areas in the country? Trucking across the George Washington bridge gives new meaning to the phrase, “Beat you to death.” Along with being such a well-known landmark, the bridge also boasts having some of the most state-of-the-art technology and advanced traffic management systems in the world.
GW Bridge Traffic Managment System
Transdyn has successfully delivered traffic management systems for some of the most important bridges and tunnels in the world including the Boston Central Artery/Tunnel and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Multi-million dollar traffic systems, yet . . . truck drivers take a beating upon crossing. The high-tech system is very much needed, allowing for the increase of an “effective crisis prevention plan by identifying unauthorized stopped vehicles, monitoring critical structure areas, and responding rapidly to emergency situations with real-time decision support tools.”
So, the question came to me again the other day . . . “why do they not repair the travel portion of the road?” The more I thought about it, I considered that the question should be . . . “how do they repair the travel portion of the road?” To get around the 4,760 feet span, how and where do they detour the nearly 300,000 vehicles that crosses every single day?
Although it is one of the most famous bridges in the world, its geographical location could very well be its downfall when it comes to much needed road repair.
It has been debated by truck drivers waiting in line at the shippers and receivers and over a cup of coffee at their favorite truck stop. Some like the idea, while others are adamantly against it. It will likely never happen, but it makes for good conversation . . .
What are the pros and cons of having all truck drivers paid by the hour, instead of CPM, per load or other means. By what pay do truckers really prefer? Stay with cents-per-mile or would having all drivers pay at an hourly rate work for the millions of professional truck drivers who keep America moving?
Trucking talk radio, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” discussed the hourly pay for truck drivers debate on Thursday, August 26th, 2010. Are you for it . . . or against it?
Also, for the first segment of the show, our special guest was Mike Garcia of diesel treatment dot com about the new fuel additive, XTREME.
John Winterholler
Also joining the show was CEO/President of Syntek Global, John Winterholler.
Xtreme fuel treatment
Allen tested this product and the results were disclosed on the show as we learned more about this diesel and gas fuel treatment. Owner Operators should check out the Xtreme Fuel Treatment and compare the cost to savings as was described in the show.
We will posting the test results in an upcoming post . . . catch the show here:
Truck drivers across the country have been called on by Chapter 61 ministries to be the eyes and ears for the human trafficking crisis in America. The partnership between the Transport for Christ and Chapter 61 organizations, the Truckers Against Trafficking, along with many others, have led to a much greater awareness of this problem, not only in the United States but abroad. Recent headline news is focusing on this $32 billion a year business, which destroys countless lives and enslaves its victims . . . the majority of whom are women and children:
These are just a few of the most recent cases involving human trafficking. Most Americans are aware of the problem in Asia and Africa, but are oblivious to that fact that it is big business here in the United States. Chapter 61 ministries will be presenting another set of online informational webinars in September, 2010.
All webinars will begin at 9 p.m. EDT. Because members of the trucking and travel plaza industry represent the eyes and ears of America on those highways, they can play a critical part in fighting this crime and those who perpetrate it. They simply need to know what to look for, what questions to ask and what steps to take.
If you would like to participate, you can sign up by clicking on one of the following dates that you wish to attend:
Often truck drivers can find themselves in trouble when it comes to the required DOT medical drug screen. A legal, prescribed drug from your family physician can lead to termination from the trucking company if you fail to follow the correct procedure. Many times in the trucking industry, problems that arise that can cause a driver to lose his or her job could have been avoided.
The DOT drug screen looks for the use of a Schedule 1 drugs : amphetamine, narcotic or any other habit forming drug that is not legally permitted. They also check for the usage of illegal narcotic drugs including marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates and phencyclidine (PCP). Very often, drivers who have received a legal prescription from their doctor fail to understand that this information should be provided to the motor carrier, especially when facing a DOT physical or drug screening. Most importantly, the information must be provided to the medical examiner before the screening takes place.
As an example, often truck drivers can be given a legal prescription for Lortab which is a combination of a narcotic painkiller and cough reliever with a non-narcotic painkiller for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Since it contains hydrocodone, the hydrocodone is a narcotic, which is one of the things they look for from a DOT drug test. Therefore, if the driver fails to tell the company or medical examiner about the Lortab, the drug test will come back as a flagged and failed screening.
Most truckers understand that this type of prescription, though legal, contains a narcotic. By telling the trucking company that they are on this drug or others like it, they face the possibility of their employer telling them to take the two or three weeks off until they are better . . . or however long their doctor has prescribed the medication. This simply is not worth the chance of losing your job. If you are called to take a random drug test . . . you will now find yourself in a tough situation.
I am hearing more from drivers who have found themselves in this position. Don’t take the chance. Random drug tests could become more random in the future. If you have to be on a prescribed narcotic . . . tell your company immediately. It’s better to follow company policy and be told to take the required time off, than it is to be terminated for not following the correct procedure.
How serious is the FMCSA’s CSA 2010 for truck drivers and trucking companies? While many truckers and trucking companies have taken a “wait and see” attitude, Rickey Gooch of PrePaid Legal Services, Inc., and Justice for Truckers, continues to address the seriousness of this new safety initiative.
Mr. Gooch was our special guest on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” talk radio, on Thursday, August 12th, 2010.
The discussion took a more in-depth look into the CSA 2010 and why he sees it as the most serious law to ever hit the trucking industry, with the intentions of the FMCSA being to “absolutely remove drivers from the industry.”
Did you miss the live broadcast? Not a problem . . . catch it from our show archives, or right here :
As provided in my previous post, Truck Drivers and the Controversial Gun Debate, the right for truck drivers to carry a firearm in the commercial motor vehicle is always a hot topic among truckers. I can see both pros and cons to this issue, although I have found that most truck drivers will stand on their 2nd Amendment Right to keep and bear arms. We have received many emails from truckers across the country voicing their opinions on this issue, and we are seeing that about 95% believe they have the right to carry protection with them in the CMV, while about 5% are against it.
As many will recite the Peaceable Journey Act to back-up their right to carry, I wanted to dig a little deeper as to what, if any, does the Federal Regulations say about the transportation of firearms by licensed CDL holders. What I found is the term, unlawful possession, which I feel is important for all CDL drivers to understand. This term could be the reason why some professional truck drivers find themselves in trouble with D.O.T. or other law enforcement officials.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Volume 9 which was revised as of October 1, 2005 and Chapter XII, Subpart B under Section 1572, firearms are mentioned under Section 1572.103 – Disqualifying criminal offenses. Under this section, truck drivers can lose their CDL for life if they are found to be in violation of what is known as Interim Disqualifying Offenses. According to this Regulation, truckers can be disqualified from ever having a CDL license if they are found to be in:
“Unlawful possession, use, sale, manufacture, purchase, distribution, receipt, transfer, shipping, transporting, delivery, import, export, or dealing in a firearm or other weapon.”
As I read headline news where truck drivers have been arrested at a weigh scale or inspection site for having a gun in the vehicle, I had to wonder if there were another side to the story, since by all Federal Law and meeting all city, county and state laws and regulations, and if their motor carrier allows them to carry in the CMV, why were they arrested? I would have to conclude that they were, somehow, in violation of this unlawful possession offense. Not being an attorney, I had to research exactly what does “Unlawful Possession” mean?Although each state varies in their definition of unlawful possession, here is a general outline :
A person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a firearm(State permit license excepted) if the person knowingly:
Carries any firearm concealed upon the person
Possesses a handgun that is concealed and readily accessible to the person within any vehicle; or
Possesses a firearm and has been convicted of a felony;
Was committed to a State Health Authority (Court determination of mental illness);
Was found to be mentally ill and subject to an order (Court determination of mental illness) that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm as a result of that mental illness; or
Has been found guilty except for insanity (Effect of mental disease or defect) of a felony.
You can read more about Interim Disqualifying Offenses from the FMCSA website, and be sure to tune in to Armed American Radio on Sunday, August 8th, 2010 from 9-10 PM EST as Mark Walters, myself and others, will discuss the right to carry as it pertains to professional truck drivers.
Mark Walters is host of the nationally syndicated, Armed American Radio by Salem Radio Network. He is the columnist (The Ordinary Guy) for Concealed Carry Magazine, and co-author of the best selling book, Lessons from Armed America, which is available at White Feather Press and all major book retailers.
The lifestyle of truck drivers can lead to many health problems and many drivers are looking at the new safety initiative, CSA 2010 as focusing on the problem of obesity and sleep apnea. Actually, it has more to do with the DOT, however, the concerns drivers are having is due to the following statement, found in the CSA 2010 document which states:
“Driver Fitness BASIC—Operation of CMVs by drivers who are unfit to operate a CMV due to lack of training, experience, or medical qualifications.” The “medical qualification” that many drivers are concerned with, is the possible disqualification due to being overweight.
Concerned about the BMI tests and the costs of the CPAP, as well as the possibility of losing their jobs, many truck drivers are investigating the option of gastric sleeve surgery. Furthermore, many truck drivers with a BMI of 30 and over are looking at CSA 2010 as the incentive to lose the weight that they have been wanting to lose anyway, but due to the trucking lifestyle, never had that “push” they needed to do so.
We have done exhaustive research into this procedure and wanted to share what we have discovered with our readers :
Gastric sleeve surgery in the United States will cost between $18,000 and $35,000 and many insurance providers will not pay for the procedure unless the patient has a BMI of 40 or more, or if there is a health risk involved such as diabetes or heart disease. With the average long haul truck driver making $32,000 per year, it is nearly impossible for them to have the Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure. More truck drivers across the country have discovered another alternative with incredible results.
To learn the truth, we went directly to the source :
Almater Hospitalis a private hospital with state of the art equipment, located in Mexicali, Mexico. Dr. Alberto Aceves specializes in the gastric sleeve surgery and has performed nearly 1000 surgeries. His credentials include:
Member American College of Surgeon
Member American Society for Briatric and Metabolic Surgery
Current President of the Mexican Association for Bariatric Surgery
Member International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity
Member Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery
Member Mexican Association of General Surgery
Member General Surgeons College of Mexicali
FACS (American College of Surgeons)
Dr. Aceves and Staff
We contacted Dr. Aceves’ staff to discuss the gastric sleeve surgery and to learn more about him and the Almater Hospital. The biggest concern with a sleeve surgery is having a leak. Dr. Aceves has never had a leak with any of the sleeve surgeries he has performed. The Almater Hospital is above the statistics for this procedure and no other doctor in the United States or Mexico has this great of a record with this number of surgeries performed.
In the U. S. most sleeve surgeries are done as an out-patient procedure. Dr. Aceves keeps his patients in the Almater Hospital for three days for recovery. He and his staff’s biggest concern for American patients is that they will get trapped in attending one of the many facilities in Mexico that offer the procedure at a very low price, but in return, they are having a great deal of complications, including infections and poor sterilization. Dr. Aceves and the Almater Hospital believe in not sacrificing quality to lower prices. Speaking with Nina Eguia, patient coordinator at the hospital, she told us:
“The doctors in Mexico doing surgery at lower prices are having a lot of complications and sacrificing quality. It is a shame that patients go to them to save money and end up with complications they really cannot afford or having to stay off work for months to recover, because procedures are not done correctly or with sanitary standards.”
The Almater Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico are seeing and hearing from more American truck drivers and we wanted to research this more. What we found is an excellent hospital and staff with exceptional standards. As the U. S. is charging $18,000 to $35,000 for the gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Aceves total cost for the procedure, including the hospital stay and everything . . . is $9,500.
As CSA 2010 grows closer and truck drivers are threatened by their BMI in regards to a possible positive sleep apnea diagnosis, they are questioning the use and cost of forced and expensive sleep apnea testing and a CPAP machine. Instead of only treating the effect of the problem, why not treat the cause? The cause being the overweight issue that they feel they may be flagged for . . .
I feel that this information on Dr. Aceves and the Almater Hospital in Mexicali, Mexico is imperative for truck drivers facing this problem to be aware of . . . in fear of losing their jobs and the fact that they look at CSA 2010 as the push they needed to do something about their weight and to become healthier . . . if there is another reliable, trustworthy and safe solution that will save them thousands of dollars . . . then we wanted to provide this information for them.
Let’s face it . . . how many truckers can afford $18,000 to $35,000 even when their livelihoods are at stake? Dr. Alberto Aceves and his professional staff at Almater Hospital are making the impossible . . . possible.
For more information contact:
Mexicali Bariatric center
Madero 1119-2, Colonia Nueva
Mexicali, BC 2110
U.S. TOLL FREE : 1-888-344-3916
Allen Smith
Armed American Radio is one of the fastest growing Nationally Syndicated Radio Programs in America. Host, Mark Walters is a columnist with Concealed Carry Magazine and co-author of the highly acclaimed book, Lessons from Armed America. He is also a 26 year veteran of the trucking industry. His radio show isheard in all 50 states and 11 countries, and he has appeared on the Fox Business Channel.
I have been asked by Mark to be a guest on the show which will air live on Sunday, August 8th, 2010 and is scheduled for the second hour of the show, from 9-10 PM EST. Discussion will be on truck drivers and their right to carry a firearm for protection. I urge everyone to tune in and call in to the show to share your views on this issue.
Professional truck drivers are expected to travel in and out of the highest crime areas in the country. We usually think of the most common places such as Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and the inner boroughs of New York City. However, truck drivers today can face life threatening situations anywhere across the nation as crime continues to rise. States that one usually does not associate with a high crime level have now made the list of the top 15 most dangerous states for 2010. Arkansas, my birth state, comes in as number 10 on the list, while Oklahoma, my home state, ranked number 13. Crime is everywhere.
The recent prison escapees out of Arizona, hijacked a tractor-trailer rig with two truckers and as all three escapees were serving sentences for murder, these truck drivers were lucky to escape with their lives. Others have not been so lucky:
NY Truck Driver Shot, Killed In Cab
Truck Driver shot in Fort Worth
Truck Driver shot in neck, dies
Truck Driver shot in Dillon
Truck Driver shot and killed in Tampa . . . and on and on and on . . .
The issue of truck drivers being able to carry a firearm in the truck with them for protection is always a heated one. Many do not believe that this would be a good idea, and in fact, would lead to more criminal acts. Evidence, on the other hand, shows this is not the case. In case studies, both here in America and Europe, when more law abiding citizens were armed with protection, crime actually went down. The question is not whether or not truck drivers should be allowed to carry a gun in the commercial vehicle . . . the question is : are you willing to give up any of your Constitutional Rights under any circumstance?
Contrary to what you may have read on the internet, there is no Federal Law against truck drivers carrying a firearm with them in the commercial motor vehicle. In fact, Federal Law states that you can. According to Title 18 Section 926(a) of The Peaceable Journey Act, under Part 1, Chapter 44, it states:
“Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle:
Provided, that in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked
container other than the glove compartment or console.”
The problem with truck drivers not being able to carry a gun with them for protection has nothing to do with a Federal Law. Truckers are faced with two hurdles to overcome when faced with this issue: (1) Being legal and not violating any city, county or state law of any state that they will be passing through and (2) abiding by any company policy that their employer may have in place. The first point is clear in the opening sentences of the Peaceable Journey Act:
“Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof . . .”
A truck driver must know for certain that he or she will not violate any law of any city, county or state that they will be passing through on their journey, as it pertains to carrying a firearm within the CMV. Most often, this is not a problem since most states recognize a permit to carry . . . most do . . . not all:
Driver arrested at Texas D.O.T. weigh station when gun discovered in truck
Truck Driver arrested in New York when hand gun was discovered on routine inspection stop
Maryland Truck Driver arrested after firearm found in vehicle
Whether you have a licensed, permit to carry . . . laws in cities, counties and states matter. That is number one . . . number two, an employer has the right to establish any such company policy that employees are expected to adhere to. Most motor carriers have a policy of “no firearms” allowed in company vehicles. It is the same as the policies of many shippers and receivers, such as a Walmart Distribution Center, for example. They will usually have a sign on their property stating that no firearms are allowed on company property and that they reserve the right to search your vehicle. It is their property, their policy.
So how do you answer the question, “Can truck drivers carry guns?” From a law point of view, yes . . . but I would make certain that it is registered and that you have a state license to carry. On the other hand, “Can truck drivers carry guns?” . . . no . . . not if the motor carrier or employer has a policy forbidding it.
So the final answer to this question really comes down to you, the truck driver. Are you willing to carry a firearm for protection within the cab of the CMV at the risk of losing your job? Federal Law allows it . . . your 2nd Amendment Right allows it . . . but as a professional truck driver who’s motor carrier may have a policy against it . . . you must make the personal choice of whether or not to carry a gun in the truck with you or not . . . and risk losing your job for it . . . as well as running the risk of arrest by violating any city, county or state law as stated in The Peaceable Journey Act. This is what it really boils down to.
What are the pros and cons to this issue? Good idea or bad? I hope you will tune in to the showon Sunday, August 8th, 2010 at 9 PM EST and let host, Mark Walters hear your thoughts on this matter.
The July, 2010 edition of Truckers News has a great article by Carolyn Magner and Misty Bell about the generation gap between the modern day truck drivers. Looking at trucking through the eyes of veteran road warriors versus the “newbie” truck driver, the article, “Clash of the Generations” gives an insight into how the two generations of truckers see each other.
The article also made me think about how long haul trucking has changed through the years and how this generation gap plays into the factor of any sort of truck driver shortage. Although there is no such thing as a truck driver shortage, the Truckers News article unknowingly touches on another facet of this newer face of trucking, one which trucking companies would be wise to pay attention to.
As with any new and upcoming generation, changes are expected to be made. The newer generation of workers today are more apt to get a college degree than prior, older generations that grew up in the belief of a blue-collar work force era. In relation to trucking, many of the newer young guns of the highways reject the fact that a professional truck driver must live out on the road for months on end. This is one reason trucking companies tend to experience a more difficult task of retaining truck drivers in their employment. In years past, the old dogs of trucking accepted the quality of life for truck drivers. As with any newer generation that is set in their own way of thinking, this quality of life will have to change in order to meet the newer demands of today’s younger drivers.
For the trucking industry to continue down the same old path of years past, they will discover that times are changing, like it or not. Many are beginning to understand that the old school of OTR trucking is just not cutting it with a newer generation of truckers. Some trucking companies are working to build more of a regional operation to meet the wants and demands of theseyoung guns. For those companies who choose to stick to the old way of doing things, they will continue to fight the constant battle of truck driver retention.
Due to the hardships of the long haul trucker lifestyle, American truckers life expectancy drops by 15 years, compared to the rest of the work force. Many of the up and coming newbie drivers believe that their quality of life and having a life, is more important than running themselves into the ground for an industry that shows no care or remorse for doing so.
Even as I write, veteran truck drivers are struggling with paying their bills and keeping food on the table for their families . . . many owner operators caught in the company lease programs are not getting enough miles to meet their truck payment . . . professional truckers face newer and tougher regulations, always aiming at their pocketbooks . . . and recent CDL graduates are running all 48 states for as little as .13 cents per mile. This is the old school . . .
Perhaps the newer breed of young guns truckers have it right . . . work smarter, not harder and still have a life to enjoy.
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.
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.
: george washington bridge, road repair, the gw, transdyn, truck drivers, trucking
