Posts Tagged truck driving careers
Tanker Truck
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking, trucking, trucking companies on January 20th, 2009
Truck driving jobs offer a large array of possiblities for employment. Even with the downward turn we are noticing from the economic situation, truck driving jobs are still available. With several large trucking companies cutting down on their offers to provide cdl training for new drivers, the economy will bounce back and truck driving will continue to be a viable employment opportunity.
When considering a career in truck driving, the first question should be “what type of driving” are you interested in? At the start of your career, you will most likely have to drive over the road. Most transportation companies require around one year of recent, verifiable driving experience. In order to obtain this “one year” of experience, OTR truck driving is usually the beginning route. After that first year, all the truck driving opportunities will open up for you.
Generally, most everyone just entering into truck driving careers, will begin with, and remain with, the van division. There is one avenue of trucking that is often overlooked: the tanker truck. Pulling tankers are one of the best jobs in trucking for many reasons:
- Lower turnover rate among drivers
- Variety of operations – local, short haul, regional and long haul
- More home time – Many tanker truck jobs will have you home every night
- Competitive pay – Tanker jobs usually pay higher wages
- Tanker division offers both Hazmat and Non-HazMat jobs
- Higher Standards for Safety – HazMat Tanker companies generally maintain a higher level for safety than the average “general freight” divisions. They will invest much more time and effort in training and provide safer equipment, as well as adhering to the high Governmental standards set in place for the tank truck industry.
- Non-HazMat tanker companies – There are many tank truck jobs that do not require the HazMat endorsement – liquid, dry bulk, foods, cement and many others.
- Shippers and Receivers who understand the importance of the driver
- No touch freight – Product is loaded and unloaded through various means: pumps, blowers and of course, gravity
- No tarps, chains, binders or the need to hire lumpers
- Ease of Pick up and Delivery – No docks, generally, shorter trailers, easy access, less waiting time which means more hours of service time for driving.
- Regulatory compliant companies – Carriers are more focused on running legal.
- RESPECT – Tank truck drivers are respected by peers, companies, shippers, law enforcement and the public. Expected to be the best drivers.
- More personal – Greater communication with company management and dispatchers
Most tanker truck companies require between one to three years of driving experience. Always remember, that if that truck driving job is not working out for you at present, maintain professionalism, get the required amount of driving experience under your belt, and move on to the better truck driving jobs. You might just want to consider pulling tankers.
Good Luck,
Allen
© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Trucking Problems or Not?
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking on June 3rd, 2008
We read everyday where the trucking industry is “hurting” due to cost of fuel and other factors, but are these the reasons or are there other aspects involved? Some companies are downsizing, while another trucking company provides their drivers with over 40 hours of work per week, and now faces a law suit from their drivers for failure to pay them overtime.
Also, as owner-operators feel the crunch of high diesel prices, new driving students are lining up at truck driving schools to get the knowledge they need to become a professional truck driver. So what gives? Is trucking hurting or not?
Come high fuel prices or whatever, there will always be a need for truck drivers…..period.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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CDL Federal Gun Law
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking on June 2nd, 2008
Due to the controversial topic: “Can CDL Truck Drivers Carry Guns?”, I have researched and found a Federal Law that so many drivers are looking for. Read what an actual Federal Law states about this topic, to put it to rest, once and for all. ( or maybe not)
Provided by Truth About Trucking.
Can a CDL truck driver legally carry a gun in the truck? This is a very HOT topic! In my previous article, “CDL Truck Drivers Carrying Guns,” much controversy was created because nothing could be found anywhere showing any Federal Law stating that it was illegal to carry. I have pointed out that there is NO Federal Law saying that it is illegal, only city, county and state laws that make it illegal to do so, as well as policies set forth by the motor carrier. I have found the actual Federal Law revealing the insight on this subject, listed below:
Title 18 Setcion 926(a). The peacable journey law.
TITLE 18–CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I–CRIMES
CHAPTER 44–FIREARMS
Sec. 926A. Interstate transportation of firearms
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.
OK…now that we have the Federal Law on this matter, what does it mean? I would say that you could give this to 50 attorneys, and all 50 would interpret it differently! I believe what it is saying, is what I originally wrote in my previous articles….a CDL driver may carry a gun in the truck with him or her, PROVIDING that it does not violate any other STATE law, in which the driver will be passing through. Thus my point again…city, county and state laws may be the prevention for CDL truck drivers to carry guns…
Help me out drivers….what do you think?
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Ethanol Problems
Posted by Allen Smith in Fuel Costs on June 1st, 2008
With the return of Ethanol gasoline into the market, so comes the return of problems we faced back in the ‘70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It is only a matter of time that the problems will grow and perhaps make their way into the news. Of course, the media can squash any news they want, so maybe we will hear nothing more about it.
At least for now, some of the misfortune of using gasohol is creeping ever so slightly into the news realm. Ethanol problems are being noticed here and there and I wonder how long will this “new” form of energy last this time.
People are now experiencing problems with getting their cars to start after using ethanol blended gasoline. Read more about what problems you may experience down the road with gasohol.
Read about Ethanol Problems and let us know what you think.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Ethanol to the Rescue
Posted by Allen Smith in Fuel Costs, otr trucking on May 5th, 2008
Approximately twenty years ago we attempted to introduce ethanol into the market with much excitement. It failed. Now, with the rising cost of crude oil which effects the price of gasoline and diesel, we once again are bringing back the miracle cure, ethanol. My prediction? It will fail again. Ethanol from wood was first introduced in Germany back in 1898 . . . it did not last. We tried corn Ethanol in 1984 and 1990 . . . it did not last. Here we are again in 2008 and it will fail again eventually.
Vehicles are built to run on the premise of the combustible process, not from corn. Eventually, every new vehicle built would have to be “corrected” in order to accept this new form of energy. Older model vehicles would have to be altered to run on the new fuel source. So everybody in the United States with an older model vehicle would have to pay for this alteration? Yea, that is really going to happen.
We are already seeing the decline in wheat and other farming products as farmers switch over to growing corn, and who can blame them? Thus, the prices of groceries are increasing, actually offsetting any savings we may see with gasoline. As well as when people begin to realize they are losing 2-3 MPG by using ethanol, will they continue to purchase it? Also, what are the benefits of ethanol for the diesel industry?
The cost of diesel continues to rise simply due to the fact of supply and demand. More and more countries are using diesel. E-Diesel is out there already, but every diesel driven vehicle would have to have a converter installed on it before using the ethanol blended diesel. Would this assist our truck drivers in experiencing savings in their profession? As the price of food continues to rise will we actually see any savings at the pump? I don’t think so.
The high cost of fuel is here to stay due to two main reasons . . . first, supply and demand. We cannot keep up with the demand for petroleum products, especially diesel. And secondly, and actually most importantly . . . our country will not allow any more drilling or the building of refineries and plants. As long as we continue down this same road, the price of fuel will only go higher and the hardest hits will be our truck drivers.
So for now, we have reinstalled the “blinders” and fallen back to the ethanol miracle again. Ethanol will save us. Well, we’ll see . . .
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Truck Driving Careers: Choose the Right Truck Driver Training School or Trucking Company
Posted by Allen Smith in Truck Driving Jobs, otr trucking, trucking life on March 4th, 2008
I would like to stress to those interested in choosing Trucking as a career, to make sure they do their homework before choosing a Truck Driver Training Facility or Trucking Company for Employment. Trucking Schools are a big business out there, and trust me, there are thousands of eager people just waiting for you to join them. The choice you make will determine the quality of education you receive and the amount of money you spend to obtain it.
On a similar note, careful choice must be made when signing on for a trucking job. The hope of financial freedom can easily be crushed if you sign on with a trucking company that readily abuses their drivers. They do this by keeping them out for weeks on end and compensating them with a small paycheck.
Trucking is Being Chosen as an Exciting Career, but you must be able to research and make the Right Choices. Don’t be Held Hostage by making the wrong choice.
As we enter the year 2008, the job market is looking less optimistic. More people than ever before are investigating a career withing the Trucking Industry as the solution for financial success. Their goal is not just having a job, but a career that will allow financial freedom as well as the freedom of Over The Road Truck Driving. Their goals for achieving this dream are two fold: Find a Truck Driver Training Facility ( to obtain their CDL) and then a Trucking Company to hire them. Simple, right?
Unfortunately, whenever there are anxious and enthusiastic people looking for an opportunity, there are those who will be equally anxious, waiting to take advantage of them. Their company ads and promises are as luring as expensive fish baits, and as successful as the most expert fisherman. Their motive is financial gain, plain and simple. They charge thousands and deliver very little, except maybe an empty check book or a large loan payment.
The most vulnerable are the Students desiring to obtain the required CDL license through quality truck driver training. This is the first step that anyone considering a truck driving career must achieve. As a result of this necessary requirement, there are many businesses out there targeting this audience, trying to obtain their business by promising a quality education in truck driving. Some are reputable institutions, but many are just businesses, posing as quality schools, offering a poor education, costing thousands of dollars. Many of these CDL Training Schools promise “quick training” in as little as 2 weeks. Since many potential drivers are eager to get their training and start earning a living, this kind of training is quite appealing.
The next targeted audience for abuse is the “newbie” CDL driver. Many Companies are willing to take on these new drivers, promising them the world, but only delivering hours of driving, time away from home, and VERY little pay.
Veteran drivers are very much aware of the scams and tricks out there. Many however, are not as aware of the Truck Driving School Scams, as they achieved their CDL many years ago before the “driving school mills” were as popular.
These veterans, are however, familiar with the trucking companies that take advantage of drivers, and stay away from them like the plague.
Many of them have paid their dues, enduring years of heartache and empty promises, going from one company to the next, until they found the “right” company. Others were fortunate enough to land a good company from the beginning and have spent their entire career with them.
We strive to encourage everyone to research all their options carefully before making any decisions. As many of you already know, Allen’s well researched book, “The Truth About Trucking” has much of the valued information you will need, including information he has obtained through his own trucking experiences.
Don’t get carried away with all your eagerness and enthusiasm. Take time and do your research. Only when you know about the scams will you be able to avoid them and be successful choosing the best truck driver training and trucking company to work for.
Allen is a 30 year veteran and expert within the trucking industry. He has written dozens of articles , helping students and new drivers to be successful by avoiding the scams of many truck driving schools and trucking companies. He is the original author of the well known book, “The Truth about Trucking” and the primary writer on his blog, Ask The Trucker.com
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Blowing the “Bang” out of the Big Bang Theory
Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized on February 22nd, 2008
As an over the road truck driver, one has endless hours to spend just thinking. I don’t know about you, but I think about weird, sometimes complicated things. For instance, is a horse really a horse? Anyway, I would like to hear about what some of you think about when trucking across this country of ours. For now, I would like to share this piece of information as just one of the “things” I think about :
The Big Bang Theory……we all know the story : Approximately 15 billion years ago an enormous explosion started the expansion of the universe. What existed before this explosion is purely unknown. World re-known British theoretical physicist and mathematician, Stephen Hawking was once asked what existed before the explosion. His answer? He thought for a moment and simply answered, “Well, there was nothing.” Nothing?
Now I am in no way within the same category of intelligence when it comes to Stephen Hawking. My High School teachers will attest to this fact. In fact, science and math were my two worst subjects! But his answer got me to thinking. Before the universe “began,” there was “nothing.” Well, what is “nothing?” Nothing is defined as the lack or absence of anything at all. If I hand you a box and tell you that you can have what is in the box, and you open the box and it is empty, then there is “nothing” in the box. No existence of anything, only nothing. Now, could you take that “nothing” and make something out of it?
Simple, common sense tells me that something always comes from something else. You cannot take nothing and create something else from it. Stretch out your arm and open your hand. Now, I want you to take what is in your hand, (nothing), and make something from it. Can you? Of course not, because there is “nothing” in your hand. And, since something always comes from something else, how can you make anything?
Let’s look at something that is common in our lives. Let’s say…..glass. Did glass just appear out of nothing? Glass is derived from sand, soda ash and limestone. What about limestone? Limestone mostly consist of calcium carbonate. Did calcium carbonate come from nothing? No, calcium carbonate is a chemical combination of calcium, carbon and oxygen. OK, what about oxygen? Natural oxygen comes from a mixture of three isotopes : 16O, 17O, and 18O.
Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
What about human blood? Can it come from nothing? Human blood consists of the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets all floating around in a fluid called plasma. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
OK, what about air? The air that we breathe . . . does it come from nothing? Air comes from 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen with traces of carbon dioxide, argon, water vapor, and other various components. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
Being in trucking most of my life, I thought about common petroleum-derived diesel. Maybe diesel comes from nothing? Wrong! This type of diesel comes from about 75% saturated hydrocarbons, mostly paraffins, and 25% aromatic hydrocarbons. What about these things called paraffins? Perhaps they come from nothing? Paraffins are chemical compounds that are made of only two elements : carbon and hydrogen. Something ALWAYS comes from something else.
According to Stephen Hawking, perhaps the most intelligent human being on our planet, in the beginning, there was nothing. But, in this case, the “nothing” is something. And, since something ALWAYS comes from something else . . . then where did the “nothing” come from? The “nothing” could not have just appeared from “nothing.” The “nothing” had to come from something else, because common sense AND science tell us that something ALWAYS comes from something else. If indeed there was “nothing” then “something” had to exist BEFORE the “nothing” in order for the “nothing” to have come into existence.
What existed BEFORE the “nothing?” Could it be some kind of “Creator?” But if something always comes from something else, then where did the Creator come from? The only explanation in my simple mind, is it would have to be something supernatural. Something far beyond our science, logic and common sense. A question that man can never comprehend or understand. It is simply beyond our reasoning.
Many supernatural phenomenons can be explained by science. Yet, there is still one that cannot be explained or understood : what existed before the “nothing?” Before there was a universe . . . before there was life . . . before there was space . . . before there was time . . . there was nothing. But, again, in this case . . . nothing is something. What existed before the “nothing” will never be answered by man or science. We are not meant to know or understand.
Something always comes from something else. What came before the “nothing” can only be something of supernatural existence.
Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. His eBook has helped hundreds of new drivers understand the scams of the trucking industry. If you are considering a career in trucking, please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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Truck Stop Directory
Posted by Allen Smith in Safety, Truck Stops on February 20th, 2008
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
Waddy: Waddy Travel Center, I-64 @ exit 43
LOUISIANA:
Bayou Vista: Bayou Vista T/P & Casino, US 90
Crowley: Exit 80 Travel Plaza, I-10 @ exit 80
Greenwood: Kelly’s Travel Plaza, I-20 @ exit 5
Grosse Tete: Tiger Truck Stop, I-10 @ exit 139
Hammond: Petro, I-12 @ exit 40
Tallulah: T/A, I-20 @ exit 171
MAINE:
Fairfield: Truckers International, I-95 @ exit 132
MARYLAND:
Elkton: Petro, I-95 @ exit 109A
Hancock: Little Sandy’s Truck Stop, I-70 @ exit 3
Newburg: One Stop Travel Plaza, Hwy. 301 S @ MM 3
MASSACHUSETTS:
Chicopee: Pride Travel Center, I-90 @ exit 6
Whately: Whately Truck Stop, I-91 @ exit 24
MICHIGAN:
Battle Creek: Te-Khi Travel Court, I-94 @ exit 104
Bridgeport: T/A, I-75 @ exit 144B
Dexter: T/A, I-94 @ exit 167
Dimondale: Windmill Truck Stop, I-96 @ exit 98A, I-69 @ exit 70
MINNESOTA:
Albert Lea: T/A, I-35 @ exit 11
Cannon Falls: Cannonball A/T Plaza, Hwy. 52 S & Rt. 24 E
Fergus Falls: Big Chief Truck Stop, I-94 @ exit 61
Sauk Centre: Trucker’s Inn, I-94 @ exit 127
MISSISSIPPI:
Escatawpa: Cone A/T Plaza, I-10 @ exit 69
Hattiesburg: Dan’s Truck Stop, US 49 S
Hickory Flat: New Mart, Hwy. 78 & 178
Jackson: Petro, I-20-55 @ exit 45
Winona: High Point Travel Center, I-55 @ exit 185
MISSOURI:
Cuba: Voss Truck Port, I-44 @ exit 208
Columbia: Midway A/T Plaza, I-70 @ exit 121
Matthews: T/A, I-55 @ exit 58
Oak Grove: Petro, I-70 @ exit 28
Strafford: T/A, I-44 @ exit 88
MONTANA:
Belgrade: Flying J, I-90 @ exit 298
Laurel: Pelican Truck Plaza, I-90 @ exit 437
Missoula: Muralt’s Travel Plaza, I-90 @ exit 96
Shelby: Town Pump Travel Plaza, I-15 @ exit 363
NEBRASKA:
Big Springs: Bosselman Travel Center, I-80 @ exit 107
Grand Island: Bosselman Travel Center, I-80 @ exit 312
Lincoln: Shoemaker’s Travel Plaza, I-80 @ exit 395
Ogallala: T/A, I-80 @ exit 126
York: Petro, I-80 @ exit 353
NEVADA:
Las Vegas: Petro, I-15 @ exit 54
Sparks: Petro, I-80 @ exit 20 EB or exit 21 WB
Wells: Flying J, I-80 @ exit 352
Winnemucca: Flying J Fuel Stop, I-80 @ exit 176
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Lebanon: Exit 18 Truck Stop, I-89 @ exit 18
NEW JERSEY:
Carney’s Point: Flying J, I-295 @ exit 2C
Columbia: T/A, I-80 @ exit 4
Paulsboro: T/A, I-295 @ exit 18
NEW MEXICO:
Alamogordo: Timeout Travel Center, US 82 N
Casa Blanca: Dancing Eagle Travel Center, I-40 @ exit 108
Las Cruces: T/A, I-10 @ exit 139
Moriarty: Rip Griffin, I-40 @ exit 194
Santa Rosa: T/A, I-40 @ exit 277
Socorro: Santa Fe Diner & Truck Stop, I-25 @ exit 115
Springer: Russell Truck & Travel, I-25 @ exit 419
NEW YORK:
Binghamton: T/A, I-81 @ exit 2 W NB or exit 3 SB
Buffalo: Jim’s Truck Plaza, I-90 @ exit 52E
Dansville: T/A, I-390 @ exit 5
Fultonville: T/A, I-90 @ exit 28
Kanona: Wilson Farms AmBest, I-86 @ exit 37
Maybrook: T/A, I-84 @ exit 5
Mexico: Sun-Up A/T Plaza, I-81 @ exit 34
Waterloo: Petro, I-90 @ exit 41
NORTH CAROLINA:
Candler: T/A, I-40 @ exit 37
Dunn: Sadler Travel Plaza, I-95 @ exit 75
Mebane: Petro, I-40-85 @ exit 157
Salisbury: Derrick Travel Plaza, I-85 @ exit 71
Whitsett: T/A, I-40-85 @ exit 138
NORTH DAKOTA:
Bismarck: StaMart Travel Center, I-94 @ exit 161
Fargo: Petro, I-94 @ exit 348
Grand Forks: Big Sioux Travel Plaza, I-29 @ exit 138
Jamestown: Jamestown Truck Plaza, I-94 @ exit 260
Minot: Econo Stop, US 2-52 Bypass (EB) & US 83
OHIO:
Beaverdam: Flying J, I-75 @ exit 135
Hebron: T/A, I-70 @ exit 126
Leavittsburg: Short Stop Truck Plaza, I-80 @ exit 209 – 2.5 miles East
London: T/A, I-70 @ exit 79
Seville: T/A, I-71 @ exit 209
Stony Ridge: T/A, I-80-90 @ exit 71
OKLAHOMA:
Big Cabin: Big Cabin Truck Plaza, I-44 @ exit 283
Oklahoma City: Petro, I-35-40 @ exit 127
Sallisaw: Ed’s Truck Stop, I-40 @ exit 311
Sayre: Flying J, I-40 @ exit 20
OREGON:
Baker City: Baker Truck Corral, I-84 @ exit 304
Canyonville: Seven Feathers Travel Center, I-5 @ exit 99
La Pine: Gordys Truck Stop, Located on Whitney Road
Phoenix: Petro, I-5 @ exit 24
Troutdale: T/A, I-84 @ exit 17
PENNSYLVANIA:
Barkeyville: T/A, I-80 @ exit 29
Breezewood: Petro, I-76 @ exit 161 or I-70 @ exit 147
Duncannon: Clarks Ferry All American, 1/4 mile EAST of Hwy. 11-15
Frystown: Frystown All American Plaza, I-78 @ exit 10
Hickory Run: Hickory Run Travel Plaza, I-80 @ exit 274
Milton: Petro, I-80 @ exit 215
RHODE ISLAND:
West Greenwich: RI’s Only 24 Hr A/T Plaza, I-95 @ exit 5B
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Blacksburg: Mr. Waffle, I-85 @ exit 104
Columbia: Columbia 20 Travel Center, I-20 @ exit 71
Cowpens: Mr. Waffle Auto/Truck Plaza, I-85 @ exit 83
Duncan: T/A, I-85 @ exit 63
Florence: Petro, I-95 @ exit 169
Manning: T/A, I-95 @ exit 119
SOUTH DAKOTA:
Mitchell: I-90 Travel Center, I-90 @ exit 332
Rapid City: Windmill Truck Stop, I-90 @ exit 55
Watertown: Stone’s Truck Stop, I-29 @ exit 177
TENNESSEE:
Denmark: T/A, I-40 @ exit 68
Franklin: T/A, I-65 @ exit 61
Kingston Springs: Petro, I-40 @ exit 188
Lebanon: Uncle Pete’s Truck Stop, I-40 @ exit 239A
Monteagle: Monteagle Truck Plaza, I-24 @ exit 135
Niota: Crazy Ed’s, I-75 @ exit 56
TEXAS:
Amarillo: Petro, I-40 @ exit 75
Baytown: T/A, I-10 @ exit 789
Beaumont: Petro, I-10 @ exit 848
Big Spring: Rip Griffin, I-20 @ exit 177
Buda: Dorsett’s 221 Truck Stop, I-35 @ exit 221
Denton: T/A, I-35 @ exit 471
Edinburg: T/A, US 281, 5 miles North of Town
El Paso: Petro, I-10 @ exit 37
Gainesville: Hitchin’ Post Truck Stop, I-35 @ exit 500
Huntsville: Hitchin’ Post Truck Terminal, I-45 @ exit 118
Marshall: Pony Express Travel Center, I-20 @ exit 617
Ozona: Circle Bar A/T Plaza, I-10 @ exit 372
San Antonio: Petro, I-10 @ exit 582
Victoria: Big Vic Truck Stop, US 87 & 59
Weatherford: Petro, I-20 @ exit 409
UTAH:
Green River: West Winds Truck Stop, I-70 @ exit 158
Lake Point: T/A, I-80 @ exit 99
Ogden: Flying J, I-15-84 @ exit 346
VERMONT:
Wells River: P&H Truck Stop, I-91 @ exit 17
VIRGINIA:
Ashland: T/A, I-95 @ exit 92
Emporia: Sadler Travel Plaza, I-95 @ exit 11B
Raphine: White’s Truck Stop, I-64-81 @ exit 205
Ruther Glen: Petro, I-95 @ exit 104
Troutville: T/A, I-81 @ exit 150
Wytheville: T/A, I-77 @ exit 41 or I-81 @ exit 72
WASHINGTON:
Ellensburg: Flying J, I-90 @ exit 109
Kalama: Rebel Truck Stop, I-5 @ exit 27
Tacoma: Flying J, I-5 @ exit 136
Union Gap: Gearjammer Truck Plaza, I-82 @ exit 36
WEST VIRGINIA:
Jane Lew: Jane Lew Truck Stop, I-79 @ exit 105
Mineral Wells: Liberty Truck Stop, I-77 @ exit 170
Mount Nebo: U-Save Travel Plaza, Hwy. 19 & Rt. 129
Valley Grove: T/A, I-70 @ exit 11
WISCONSIN:
Black River Falls: Flying J, I-94 @ exit 116
Cadott: River Country Plaza, Hwy. 27 & 29
Curtiss: Abbyland Travel Center, Hwy. 29 @ Exit 127
DeForest: T/A, I-90-94 @ exit 132
Edgerton: Edgerton Shell Oasis, I-90 @ exit 160
Fond du Lac: Stretch Truck Stop, Hwy. 41 & CR OO
Green Bay: Country Express A/T Stop, I-43 @ exit 180
Hudson: T/A, I-94 @ exit 4
Janesville: T/A, I-90 @ exit 171C
Johnson Creek: Pine Cone Travel Plaza, I-94 @ exit 267
Oshkosh: Planeview Travel Plaza, US 41 @ exit 113
Racine: Petro, I-94 @ exit 333
Richfield: Richfield Truck Stop, US 41-45 & Rt. 167
WYOMING:
Cheyenne: Flying J, I-25 @ exit 7
Douglas: Broken Wheel Truck Stop, I-25 @ exit 135
Fort Bridger: T/A, I-80 @ exit 30
Lander: Stub’s Truck Stop, On Rt. 789
Laramie: Petro, I-80 @ exit 310
Lusk: Outpost Truck Stop, On US 85, 3 blocks S of Rt. 18-20
Rawlins: Rip Griffin, I-80 @ exit 214
Rock Springs: Flying J, I-80 @ exit 104
Aubrey Allen Smith is a veteran OTR driver with over 3 million safe miles. He is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking.
© 2008 – 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
Related posts
Independent Truck Drivers Have It Tough
Posted by Allen Smith in Uncategorized on August 19th, 2007
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow]L. Winslow
It has never been easy to be an independent truck driver and with the high fuel prices, high cost of insurance and over regulations and bureaucracy; including out of control taxes it is a wonder that there are any Independent truck drivers left at all. And the ones who are left are upside down in truck payments and are not making very much money.
At the online think tank we talk a lot about logistics, distribution and transportation and we are quite alarmed at the challenges that the independent truckers have to deal with. Recently one independent truck driver told us;
“The past 10 years of my life have been pretty tough, if you ask me. I have been a CDL driver since 1984 and never really found a driving job I wanted to keep, so I have jumped many times to different positions, hoping the next will be better… and its not.”
Indeed, I am deeply troubled with the Trucking Industry in the US and the number of “Independent Truck Drivers” who have been forced into BK and trucks repo’ed. And I often will tune into Rolly James or George Noory and listen to the complaints about the Mexican Truck Driver issues.
I remember once talking to an OK State Trooper and he said that he could flag 95% of the trucks from Mexico with Out of Service tickets. It is amazing. Even worse we have pollution laws here and then our old junk gets shipped to Mexico and they buy it and then drive it here, but no American driver could, it would not pass a single weigh scale or an inspection.
Anyway, I understand all these issues having been in the Trucking Industry. I see the same problems with Independent Truck Drivers and Owners as the American Farm Family in America. There are issues, and no it is not funny at all; I see this in many industries, then watch the larger companies force undo restrictions on the small business person, who then cannot compete, even if they lower price.
Then what do we get? Well, we get the larger companies cutting costs to bare bones, hiring mal-contents and newbies and increasing accident rates, although they try to hide them at the GAO reports and modify the statistics at the DOT and then we get more restrictions and regulations.
Meanwhile the Rail Industry has taken a bite and in Dec. we watched the truck load rate fall 2% and no one said anything. Stock market just reflected that, anyone should have seen that coming after studying the trucking industry since Mid October?
Fuel prices do not help either, it gives an advantage to rail which can bulk buy in advance and the last big trucking company holds out to raise rates, starves the little guy, of course FedEx is the weather vain, and when they raise rates dominoes are in motion. Companies which need shippers then go hunting for best rates and that sexy sales lady waltz’es in and sells your rear end out of a job or takes the account from your best company clients. Yes, I see all that.
L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entreprenuer. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?Independent-Truck-Drivers-Have-It-Tough&id=553631
© 2007 – 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.













Truth About Trucking- Your Opinions, Comments, and Testimonials
Posted by Allen Smith in Comments, Truck Driving Jobs, Trucking Company and Driving School Comments, Truth About Trucking Products and Services, otr trucking, testimonials, truck driving schools, trucking life on March 11th, 2008
To all our very valued readers, subscribers to our Newletter, and fellow truckers,
In response to all our daily e-mails, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU.
The blog and our website, TruthAboutTrucking, is quickly becoming a source for information.
This is because of you. You have trusted us and responded positively by offering your input about our sites to others, and they too have eagerly joined our cause for The Truth within the Trucking Industry: Truck Driving Schools and Trucking Companies
For those of you have sent us testimonials via e-mail, we ask you to post them here, along with any opinions or ideas you would like to share in order to make the information we give even better.
Special thanks to “Larry”. Your words of encouragement in our e-mails and on YouTube are a blessing.
Looking forward to your comments, ideas, opinions, and testimonials
Important Note: Please be patient. There is a delay upon your posting to stop spammers.
© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.
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testimonials, truck driving careers, truck driving school, trucking companies
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