Chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group, Glen Dunkerson, stated “Given that the majority of our professional truck drivers spend more than 30 weeks out of the year on the road, this survey is a great way to let these seasoned road warriors share their knowledge and preferences with the rest of us.  With summer vacation and road trips just around the corner, the recommendations in the King of the Road Survey can help travelers stay fit while on the road, identify the best hotel chains, food, and much more.”

Technology

The preferred mode of communication today was found to be the SmartPhone with iPhone supported by Verizon Wireless being cited as the most popular.  Use of this device increased from 14% to 60% in just the past year.  Social networks like Skype and FaceTime also made it to the top of the list.  In fact, it was reported that 75% of drivers go online on a daily basis.

It was felt that the 50% increase in computer usage has increased drivers’ ability to communicate with company personnel, family, and friends and was felt to be of primary importance in maintaining stable relationships.  This was felt to be so important that 65% of drivers reported they went online daily just to check their email accounts and chat on social networks.  Psychologically, this has proven to be a valuable solution for reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation while on the road.

Staying Healthy

It was reported by 57% of drivers that the biggest challenge on the road is eating right and staying healthy.  One of the biggest changes noted was that, today, 71% of drivers reported they drink water rather than soft drinks or other beverages while on the road.  When added to maintaining a healthy diet with fresh fruits for snacks and avoiding fast food, it is easy to see how changes in this area are having a positive impact.

One change in statistics that was unexpected was the fact that 27% of drivers reported they exercise when stopped in order to improve health.  Many cited walking or running at truck stops and rest areas as favored activities.  Since the survey involved Atlas truck drivers, it was also noted that many felt that moving furniture was also a good form of exercise.

Other Interesting Facts

Brand names were an important factor to come in the survey.  Here are some of the favorites reported.

—  Subway was the favorite food

—  Dunkin’ Donuts served the best coffee

—  Super 8 was the favorite hotel chain

—  The best truck stops were owned by Petro

—  Favorite rest areas were found in Florida

—  Tums settled upset stomachs better than any other antacid

—  Bridgestone tires were cited as the best option

—  Shell Rotella was the best motor oil

—  And the favorite rig was made by Kenworth

The survey was taken by drivers throughout the US and Canada.  It was noted that all respondents traveled across the country and interacted with customers on a daily basis.  The Atlas Van Lines website is the best place to view complete results.

This can be seen in the fact that, of the 6.8 million people employed in the trucking industry, more than 3 million are drivers.  Although in the past female and minority inclusion in this job market was rare, there are an ever-growing number of drivers making up these groups.  In fact, females make up 4.6% of all drivers and minorities account for 32.6%

 The large numbers of drivers were responsible for moving $603.9 billion in freight during 2011 and traveled more than 397.8 billion miles.  As such, trucks used more than 37 billion gallons of diesel fuel and generated more toxic by-products than almost any other industry.  This is one reason why new federal mandates require drivers to find ways to reduce fuel consumption as emissions beginning this year.

ATA further reported that of the over 9 billion tons of freight moved last year, 97.2% of it was moved by carriers that ran 20 or fewer trucks with the majority running fewer than six.  This reflected the fact that a huge number of carriers are owner-operators or have small businesses with few trucks.  This has opened up new opportunities to those looking to advance in the industry.

Unfortunately, it has also been reported that fuel prices are likely to continue to rise as the demand for fuel increases due to higher consumer spending.  One reason for this trend is the crisis in the Middle East that is casting serious doubts over the long-term reliability of oil supplies from that region.  The result for drivers are fuel pumps that now dispense the precious liquid at over $4 per gallon, in many states, and it may continue to rise.

Although it was reported that over 300,000 drivers lost their jobs during the recession, 2011 saw a huge shortage of drivers trained to fill vacancies in this field.  Of course, the newly revised Hours of Service aren’t helping anything and, as a matter of fact, have significantly limited the numbers of hours a driver can spend on the road; hence, leaving a shortage of qualified drivers willing to take on the arduous duties associated with long-haul trucking.

Ultimately, trends in 2011 demonstrated that there is a continued need for more people in the industry, this type of transportation is a vital component of the US economy, and that it will cost consumers more in the long run as the cost of shipping continues to rise.  With the North American Free Trade Agreement and US/Mexican cross-border trucking deals, however, opportunities for drivers right now are huge.

Van Nuys, California (May 2, 2012) –  Aviisha Medical Institute, LLC, an industry leader in portable home diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea, will be taking $100 off the cost of its home sleep test for commercial drivers throughout May in honor of Better Sleep Month. Aviisha hopes that making the test more accessible will encourage drivers to get tested and treated, promoting better health, better safety, and better sleep, as well as help prevent the many diseases associated with untreated sleep apnea. Commercial drivers anywhere in the US will be able to get tested in the comfort of their home.

Studies have shown that drivers with untreated sleep apnea are at a 7-fold increased risk of being involved in a motor vehicle crash. Researchers believe that drowsy driving, one consequence of untreated sleep apnea, is a factor in more than 100,000 crashes per year. Moreover, it is estimated that 2.4-3.9 million licensed commercial drivers have sleep apnea.

“One of the major concerns we have is that most people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it,” said Dr. Avi Ishaaya, MD, Aviisha’s cofounder and CEO. Studies estimate that 85% of sleep apnea sufferers don’t know they have the condition. “A strong predictor of sleep apnea is being overweight or obese, but research shows that most people who are overweight or obese don’t know it either.” A recent poll discovered that 70% of obese individuals and 39% of morbidly obese individuals consider themselves simply “overweight.” Sleep apnea has been strongly linked with being overweight or obese; as many as 70% of sleep apnea sufferers are obese.

Treating sleep apnea can improve driver alertness, leading to fewer car accidents. It also can help prevent the occurrence of sleep apnea’s long list of associated diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart failure, heart attacks, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. “The first step is getting assessed and tested, and we’ve tried to make it as simple and convenient as possible through the DriveSafe program,” said Dr. Avi. Aviisha offers the complete package a driver needs to address sleep apnea and get certified, including screening, evaluation, home testing, treatment, and compliance management. The home sleep test and treatment device are covered by most major insurance companies.

To order the home sleep test, call 877-4AVIISHA or visit sleep.aviisha.com and use the promo code DriveSafe.

About Aviisha
Aviisha, a national leader in home sleep care, works with physicians and patients around the country to provide comprehensive, convenient, affordable and expedient services to address the emerging sleep apnea epidemic. Aviisha’s services include screening, home sleep testing, treatment, compliance management, and education. Additionally, Aviisha operates fully accredited sleep labs in Southern California and the MD Home Sleep Program which enables both sleep and non-sleep physicians to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. For more information visit http://sleep.aviisha.com or call 877-4AVIISHA.

Drivers in California can get a free face-to-face video consultation by mentioning TruckerToTrucker.com

Although the Pedigree Powertrain has been the proprietary engine, axles, and transmission for Mack’s since the 1900′s, the new Super Econodyne powertrain is designed to improve fuel economy by 3.5%.  It works with the MP8-445SE engine, mDrive automated manual transmission, and C125 proprietary drive axles.  The result is a new design that reduces fuel use, but does not compromise on power or performance.

The new Econodyne is available on all Mack Pinnacle Class 8 commercial models and is seen as an ideal option for dry bulk, refrigerated, and liquid hauls as well as flatbed operation.  The engine itself provides 445 hp with up to 1,760 pounds of torque, is aerodynamic in design, and is rated up to 88,000 pounds GCWR with even greater operating benefits.  One of the best aspects is the “down speed” feature that cuts 200 rpm’s off normal operating speed while maintaining desired power.  In the long run this reduces fuel consumption by 2% with an equal reduction in CO² emissions.

Most important to fuel efficiency is the mDrive transmission.  This 12-speed automatic has a gearshift that is operated by what is call an “intelligent shift pad module.”  This is managed by sophisticated electronics that continuously monitor changes in grade, throttle position, vehicle speed, torque demand, combined vehicle weight, and acceleration.  To better control road and engine speed, the transmission is designed with two-speed reverse functionality. Finally, pulling it all together are the new axles that have a 2.66:1 ratio and deliver an additional 1.5% fuel economy.

 To ensure all components work well together is a software package.  This allows the engine to seamlessly communicate with the transmission that corresponds with the vehicle resulting in instantaneous decision-making.  For drivers that depend on their equipment for a livelihood, this ensures that key features work at optimal efficiency and are included in these important design packages.

Mack’s second new product, which is managed by Bulldog Service Management, is the Pedigree Uptime Protection Package.  This is an integrated aftermarket solution that was designed to ensure customer satisfaction with parts purchasing, service, and asset protection.  This means that the entire truck ownership experience falls under the purview of the new policy with the goal of keeping clients in front of the competition.  Mack has led the industry for many years and it is anticipated that their latest integrated products are going to be the hottest on the market today.

This road goes over the famous Atigun Pass, which is 4,739 feet high and is located in the Brooks Range in Alaska. It is the point where the Dalton Highway crosses the continental divide and is Alaska’s highest maintained roadway.  Truckers on this road may be subject to avalanches during the winter and its weather conditions have forced many drivers off the road.  One driver, John Taylor, who has driven the road approximately 2,990 times and states that at times his speed is 5 miles per hour.

The loads hauled over this route are mainly for the North Slope oil fields.  They include such things as fuel, cars, groceries, heavy machinery, and equipment.  This oil field is one of the largest in the U.S. and these goods have to be trucked over 414miles (a 14 hour trip) to reach this destination.

There are specific areas of this highway that are considered extremely dangerous.  One of these is at Mile 75.  It is called Roller Coaster Hill for a reason.  The highway veers into a huge climb covered with ice.  Other conditions that may be encountered are:  snow gusts at 100 mph hour, blizzards, white outs,  ice storms, and temperatures often reaching -40 degrees Celsius, all of which may strand a truck for a number of hours.

With this, the question arises “Why on earth would anyone take a trucking job under such conditions?”  The answer is the money.  With a salary of $120,000+ average for a 3-month season there are a number of hardy men do this hauling.

Various truck driving jobs are available in Alaska with Auto Truck Transport, Con-way Truckload, Covenant Transport, The Mason & Dixon Lines, and USA Truck.  Depending on the company, owner operators, company drivers, and recent graduate, jobs are available.  Some even offer training.  These companies can be found on their Internet sites.

There is no doubt that this is a job only for people who are able to work under stressful and hazardous conditions.  Things such as flat tires and other breakdowns can occur with no immediate roadside assistance.  However, there are drivers who have worked here for many years and would not dream of going “down” to the states to work.

The majority of ice road truckers have a cabin or a home in Fairbanks or one of the other Alaskan cities.  Cities in Alaska provide restaurants and recreational facilities just like the rest of the U.S., however there are differences not only in weather conditions, but daylight hours as well.  People who live there love its vastness and the unique traditions of the residents.  For those who like to fish, some of the most beautiful salmon in the world is caught in this area, and there is excellent hunting for a variety of game.

When you work as an oilfield trucker you transport both hazardous and non-hazardous materials like sand, water, fuel, and cement to the oil fields and move equipment and supplies around the area to where they need it. Most companies require a minimum of 6 months experience truck driving or operating heavy equipment and you’ll need a tank endorsement. A HazMat endorsement helps, too. In most oilfield trucking positions you’ll be loading and unloading the materials that you bring in.

At an oilfield, everything has to be hauled in. Pipe, fuel, water, drilling additives, pumpjacks, food, and medicine aren’t conveniently located in a store down the street. Oilfields are isolated and usually hours from civilization. One day you might haul water back and forth and the next you’ll be moving heavy equipment from one site to another.

As an oilfield truck driver, you’ll be moving rigs and heavy equipment, hauling tanks and open top tanks and hauling large equipment. You get to be home nearly every day on most jobs but some require you to stay out in the field for days at a time.

Many isolated oil fields will have “man camps,” which are basically like barracks. Most workers use them mainly to sleep when they are not working; you share a bath, living room, and kitchen. Some oilfields have better housing and allow you to bring your family, but that type of housing is not standard.

Oilfield truckers also do winch work and that’s one area that’s very dangerous. Those lines can snap with no warning and cut a man in two. Experienced oilfield truckers will tell you to always treat a winch line like a rattlesnake—stay as far away as possible!

Oilfield roads are often tricky, especially when it’s dark. They are rarely paved roads, and more often are dirt or gravel that can disappear after a hard rain. Traveling those roads can be very tricky even in the best conditions. The hours are not regular and you may be on call for up to three weeks at a time.

Experienced oilfield truck drivers will tell you that you should bring rubber boots that reach at least knee-high because you’ll be working in all sorts of weather conditions. The summers are hot and the winters can be brutally cold depending on where the field is located. It’s hard, grueling work and you’ll be exhausted at the end of every day, but if you like a challenge with high wages, then oilfield trucking jobs may be exactly what you are looking for!

Roehl Transport was started in 1962 by Everett Roehl who is the company’s current CEO.  The President of the company is Everett Roehl.   He started out as an owner-operator with only one truck, which shows what is possible when strategy and hard work is involved.  His son, Rick Roehl is the company’s president and still drives a truck several times a year to deliver loads.   The company stresses good treatment for its drivers and customer satisfaction.

This company has what is called, “The Power of Red: Driver Success”.  This involves CDLTraining, The Inexperienced Driver, The Experienced Operator, and The Owner Operator.”  Each of these divisions are especially designed with the needs of the trucker in mind.

They state that they:

     Work with drivers to assure their success and help them meet their professional as well as personal goals.

     Help drivers use their tools and recourses to full benefit and

    Have a good support staff to help the drivers.

Their Roehl Driver Training Center (RDIC) is located in Marshfield, WI and focuses on developing driving skills and preparing participants for a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).   This is advantageous as a great deal of the time is spent learning how to handle a big rig.  In addition, the company will reimburse up to $6,000 of tuition money when you are on the road for them.

Their site shows that they offer many benefits for their drivers.  These include additional TripStart and drop compensation, additional NYC compensation, authorized tolls and scales, detention pay ($10 for each 30 minutes after two hours), compensation for longevity and safety, weekly settlements, PMP , and many others.  In addition, they pay a hire bonus of $600.

This company focuses on prompt delivery for their customers as well as fairness to their drivers.  For owner operators there are a number of options, including both national and regional routes.  It gives a driver or owner-operator good pay, benefits, home time, and the opportunity to grow.  Multiple mileage rates are posted, depending on what type of hauling is done.  This includes a carrier trailer or owner operator trailer.   There is also additional compensation offered, depending on the load and vehicle involved.  Pay offers are shown on their Internet site.

 This company has won a number of awards through the years, including Fleet Owner Magazine‘s annual Graphics Award in 2011, the 2008 Quest for Quality Award, and the 2008 Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association’s highest honor.  It is well known in the trucking industry for its fast delivery and safety of its carriers.

 This appears to be a company that might be good to check out at their web site.  This is especially true if you are looking for a company that has steady work available and a number of benefits.   Reading what is offered might provide the opportunity to have a job that is both self-satisfying and is in line with what you want to do.

One Canadian contestant, Martin, was approached by a producer while he sat parked in his ’05 Pete 379 at the Flying J outside Montreal.  He finally decided to take on this one-of-a-kind test after considering the opportunity for 1-1/2 years.  Despite preplanning, however, he never dreamed he would be tested to his limits everywhere from the backwoods of Mongolia to the outback of Australia.

Once he made up his mind, he auditioned against 10,000 other drivers from around the world, but even this ended up becoming a trial of patience and skill.  According to Martin, the producers were just looking for people and didn’t even know if any of them could drive.  Martin stood out for many reasons, the least of which was his passion for trucks and the immaculate condition of his cab.

In the end, eight of the world’s most experienced truckers have been selected to go head-to-head in some of the world’s harshest environments and will be challenged on many levels.  Treacherous, icy roads will be encountered in the Indian Himalayas while the Australian Outback offers desolate, sun-baked roads that are often not paved.  Driving is only part of the competition, however, as various loads have to be safely hauled to specified destinations within a set amount of time.

The contest began April 16th in Cape York, Australia.  This is one of the most remote regions on the continent and the challenge of hauling wild cattle to greener pastures will prove challenging to many of the drivers.  The eight contestants will be paired for the first several runs after which they will compete individually.  These tests are designed to test skill, mental strength, and the ability to keep a pace that is appropriate to the task.

The first team was eliminated at the end of day three after four huge prefabricated building were hauled 500 miles across the hostile desert in Australia to Kiwirrkurra, a remote Aborigine community.  The remaining six then travelled to Brazil where they were given the assignment of hauling 11 half ton concrete pipes through 360 miles of jungle.  Not only was the load fragile, but nearly impossible to secure.

This show will definitely demonstrate that truckers do much more than drive a big rig.  It is an art form that few master to the level of those selected for the competition.  Whether or not Martin, the Canadian contestant comes out on top is yet to be determined.  However, this is definitely one show that will get the blood pumping in drivers that tune in regularly.

]]> http://www.truckertotrucker.com/blog/tough-truckers/feed/ 0 http://www.truckertotrucker.com/blog/freightliner-cascadia/ http://www.truckertotrucker.com/blog/freightliner-cascadia/#comments Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:02:35 +0000 TJ http://www.truckertotrucker.com/?p=1578 You don’t often think about it, but all those big rig trucks in the movies have stunt drivers that make sure they do what their supposed to yet walk away each time unscathed.  Just like with cars, many of these specialized drivers have preferences when they get behind the wheel.  One of the most popular is Freightliner’s Cascadia model, which has become a big hit in the industry.  One driver, Mike Ryan, has years of experience in the industry and shares his insights into his role in promoting many safety and movie magic when behind the wheel.

Ryan began his career as a stuntman when he was only 18 and soon became a top driver in the movies successfully executing complex stunts with everything from motorcycles to semi-trucks with trailers.  Known for films such as The Italian Job, Herbie, Fully Loaded, Swordfish, Terminator II, and many others, he has accumulated over 500 films, commercials, and television shows to his credit.  Behind the wheel of semi-trucks he has crashed, burned, and blown up these big rigs throughout the U.S.

He began collaboration with the trucking industry in 1997 when he built a modified Mercedes Benz-powered Freightliner Century Class S/T Super Truck.  He soon began competing at the Colorado Springs Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and in 2006 set his 6th new record with a time of 12:43:66.  During this period, he also began educating drivers on accident prevention maneuvers and safety.  He was especially effective in his association with law enforcement by reconstructing accidents in order to serve as a prosecution witness.

According to Ryan, “Not many truckers have had the experience of sliding or crashing their semi-trucks, and it’s easy to panic when placed in a dangerous situation. By sharing my experience, I hope to lend some insight to truckers that may help them avoid or survive a collision and make the highways a safer place for everyone.”

His love of the Freightliner Cascadia was displayed once again in 2007 when he constructed a more powerful and better handling race truck.  In collaboration with the Freightliner team, he began with Cascadia platform then powered it with a 2000 HP Detroit engine.  As a result of their combined efforts, the new Cascadia race truck made its mark in championship classes including the “Climb to the Clouds” competition held in Mount Washington and exhibitions in events such as Formula Drift.  He can also be viewed on YouTube in a series called “Size Matters.”

Due to his involvement with Freightliner, when conducting movie stunts the Cascadia is Ryan’s preferred choice.  It powerful engine, maneuverability, and dependability ensure that stunts come off the way designed and he stays safe.  Over the more than 25 years spent as a stunt driver and coordinator, he has had the opportunity to demonstrate that the right semi-truck will get the job done every time.  In his experience, the Cascadia is the preferred choice.

In exchange,  this increase would replace the 12% federal excise tax now charged on retail sales of heavy trucks, trailers and semitrailer bodies, heavy truck body chassis, and tractor trailers.

Both the NTEA and the ATA are supporting this bill.  They have stated that the current 12% FET is detrimental to truck sales.  The rational by both the politicians and the trucking associations is that it would help the trucking industry to better meet the needs of converting their vehicles to meet the new environmental standards, maintain highways, and help “strengthen the industry”.

All monies current collected from the FET and fuel sales go to a highway trust fund, which constructs and maintains the nation’s highways and bridges.  By eliminating the FET and adding on to the price of diesel, every truck driver will be affected.  It will obviously increase the cost per mile to deliver freight.

The ATA president states that the bill would, “…provide a boost to U.S. manufacturing and speed adoption of environmentally friendly technologies.”  NTEA stated, “FET serves as a very unstable source of revenue…When truck sales drop the FET revenue..drops in a corresponding manner” and “The fuel tax provide a significantly more stable source of revenue for federal budgeters.”

At the current time when a person purchases a truck, trailer, or related parts this 12% FET is charged.  However, it is a onetime charge.  Any increase in diesel fuel, on the other hand will go on forever until there is a reason to raise it again.  That, together with all the environmental changes that are being required of truckers may very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.  Most certainly, it will increase the cost of hauling freight.

An April 3, 2012 report shows that currently the automobile driver is paying an average of 49.5 cents in direct tax per gallon for gasoline at the pump.  The trucker is paying an average of 54.6 cents, which is higher than it was in January.  The states charging the highest in gasoline taxes are New York at 69.6 and California with 69.0.  The highest state taxing diesel was California at 79.5 and Indiana at 76.2 cents a gallon.  The lowest state for gasoline and diesel taxes is Alaska.

Building highways and bridges is an expensive proposition.  However, it boggles the mind to think the thousands and thousands of trucks and other vehicles that travel the highway every day and are paying that much per gallon for fuel tax.  This is in addition to the cost of vehicle upkeep.  With the basic cost of fuel currently at an all time high, it will be interesting to see if this bill passes.