All workers expect to get breaks for meals, and there is certainly no exception for truckers, who get hungry on the long haul.  But stopping for food can be particularly bothersome for the trucker who wants to keep putting miles behind him. And it’s no easy feat to get the 18-wheeler through the McDonald’s drive through.  

While there aren’t any drive-throughs for truckers yet, mobile food is on the rise, and there are a few interesting joints that are just as on the go as you are cooking up tasty fair around the country.  You can read about all of them by visiting USA Today’s city guides, but here are a few just to whet your appetite:  

1. San Francisco’s RoliRoti

No matter what you’re transporting, it’s probably not as good as this.  Swiss chef Thomas Odermatt serves rotisserie…anything!  From lamb, his specialty, to chicken, pork, and roast, Odermatt is the master of split roasting, and he’s not doing it in any restaurant.  Instead, he has a rotisserie truck stocked with good eats and an aroma you can smell for miles.  You can let your nose or local information centers point the way, as Odermatt takes his truck to several San Francisco locations.  So if you have some spare time in San Francisco, you can enjoy some of Odermatt’s mobile rotisserie or perhaps even apply to be the truck driver! 

2. New Orleans Que Crawl

If there’s one thing that New Orleans excels at, it’s good food with zest and a unique twist.  Its “restaurant,” a big purple truck, makes the Que Crawl even more unique.  Whether you’re looking for some barbecue of Cajun fare, Nathanial Zimet can give you a meal that’s sure to please.  Specialties include fried boudin balls, gumbo, and a good time.   

3. Marfa’s Food Shark

Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Marfa’s Food Shark isn’t an exception.  Big flavor can be tasked through the chefs’ Mediterranean street food, such as kebobs, hummus, and falafel.  But what’s even bigger is Adam Bork and Krista Steinhauer’s restaurant, a BIG truck!  Food is served out of a former Ford delivery vehicle.  So if you’re looking for big flavor and big fun, visit the pavilion across from the Marfa Book Store for a tasty treat.   

So whether you’re thinking of turning your truck into one of the next biggest attractions or you want to chase down some food while you’re on the road, these are just a few of the mobile food options available to you in major cities.  Just because you’re on the go a lot doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a great mean, and these restaurants think so too, so no matter where you eat—eat well.  
 

We are excited to welcome TEC Equipment as part of the truckertotrucker.com network. Opening its doors in 1976, TEC equipment has exhibited the business excellence, innovativeness, and attentiveness to both customers and merchandise that our website values. And because of these efforts, TEC equipment has grown into one of the most patronized companies in the Western United States.  Headquartered in Portland with eight other locations including Wilsonville, Eugene, and Medford, TEC Equipment is your "Best of the West" in truck equipment.  TEC is prepared and willing to sell you everything from a single used truck that will be the perfect investment for your business or an entire fleet. TEC also is an EPA Smartway Affiliate and committed to selling energy efficient trucks that help promote better air quality, so with their large selection and reasonable prices, it’s likely you’ll be just as glad as they are that they made a sale!

Selling Volvo, Mack, and GMC trucks, TEC sells both new and used vehicles. They also carry light and medium duty commercial trucks manufactured by GMC. In addition, TEC is a parts dealer that emphasizes  finding quality parts quickly and for less. TEC customers can even purchase their parts online through TEC’s web site, www.tectrucks.com. Certified in service, and offering other benefits such as leasing services, financing, and insurance, TEC provides the right combination of trucks and services to help any trucker find what he or she needs to get on the road. And because Trucker to Trucker is all about helping you feel comfortable when you purchase, rent, or lease your vehicles, TEC equipment is right at home among the other truckertotrucker.com affiliated companies.

So the next time you’re out West, or right now while you’re on your computer, make sure to check out TEC Equipment for your truck equipment. Not only do they  have the experience, business savvy, and positive attitude that make the company and its employees easy to work with, but they also have our stamp of approval. Make sure you check them out!

Here are a few divisions for TEC Equipment Sales

Portland

Fontana

Oakland

Sparks

The Progressive Path To Success As A First Time Owner Operator

My name is Doug Shields. I have been committed to the transportation industry for over two decades.  I have sold for Volvo, Mack, International, and most recently Peterbilt. During that time I have noticed that the one thing sorely lacking in our industry is a comprehensive guide to buying that first truck. I’m not just talking about the truck itself or even a mechanical inspection. I’m talking about the entire process, the mindset required, the questions that need to be answered and a host of other topics regarding insurance, finance and other things that are too numerous to list here.  I’m sure all owner operators would agree that the learning curve is quite steep and there are many things they would have done differently had they possessed the knowledge then that they have now. What I decided to do is to produce a progressive audio course designed to help those who wish to own their first rig (as well as repeat buyers who want to brush up on the process) to do so with both eyes open and with the best and most recent information available on the subject. With the advent of I-Pods and I-Phones and other media players including laptop computers it has become much more plausible to produce this type of program and to provide it to a wide trucking audience without cost to the listener. I am producing a series of podcasts designed to educate you in such a way as to demystify the process from start to finish and to provide you with a roadmap to success. My hope is that you find this information to be helpful that you remember where you got it. I sell class six, seven and eight used and new trucks in Phoenix Arizona and I ship to the 48 contiguous states. I carry sleeper trucks, daycabs, flatbeds, dumptrucks, water trucks, and box vans in all shapes, brands, models, and sizes. My website where my selection of trucks is posted (complete with multiple photos, full specifications and pricing) :
 
Arizona Trucks
 
You can subscribe to my free Successful Trucking podcasts and not miss a single episode by going to my podcast page at:

http://dougshields.podomatic.com/
 
If you use I-Tunes you can subscribe automatically by clicking on the “Subscribe With I-Tunes” icon on the right hand side of the page about halfway down. You can also listen to the podcasts directly on any computer by clicking on the “Play” button for each podcast.
 
Since this is a PROGRESSIVE audio program I suggest that you start at the first episode and work through the successive episodes at your own pace.
 
I welcome your comments, suggestions for future topics, and your business. I thank you very much for your time and I look forward to being of further service.

See my Truck Buying Guide.
 
Respectfully,
 
Doug Shields
Phoenix, AZ
480-238-3873 or 800-273-8309

Since 1932, Bruckner’s has been just as associated with trucking as Kleenex is associated with tissue. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Bruckner Truck Sales into our pool of truckertotrucker.com associates. A history like Bruckner’s is hard to beat. The company, a big truck dealer, was founded by one Texas businessman who poured his heart and soul into getting high-quality trucks for some of the nation’s most hardworking people—the truckers! He also staffed the company with those who were as passionate as he was. Today, that passion lives on in a company that not only offers quality trucks and trailers to its customers, but also gives back to the community.

Raised with the ingenuity and longevity of Macks, Bruckner Truck Sales is, above anything else, a Mack dealer, and truckers who want to find the best of new and used Macks should check there first! In addition to Macks, Bruckner’s now offers Volvos and Mitsubishi trucks in some locations. Offering both new and used vehicles, Bruckner’s is the place to shop, whether you’re looking for quality, affordability, or both—you’ll find it at Bruckner’s. Also experienced in trailer sales, Bruckner’s is a dealer in Midland, Specialized, Dragon, and Trailboss trailers—everything from dump trailer’s to Fontaine’s heavy haul trailers to goosenecks. Used trailers can also be found on Bruckner’s physical or virtual lot, and the company has a name for quality service, as well as quality sales. Truckers who take their trucks to Bruckner’s Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico locations will find quality service technicians, as well as parts sales.

So whether you’re looking for a big truck dealer that sells trailers, trucks, parts, or service, visit Bruckner Truck Sales first.. For a list of locations and contact info, Click Here!

See Bruckner's Entire Inventory Here 

Dump Trucks in Texas

Box Trucks for Sale in Texas

Dump Trailers for Sale in Texas

Well in the event that any of our readers have not seen the new offering from International, here is the official from Navistar...

"We are excited to tell you about the latest video release featuring the all new LoneStar® Harley-Davidson™ Special Edition. You can preview the video by clicking here.  Please feel free to share this video with your readers by copying the embed code and placing it on your blog!

The truck was unveiled for the first time on March 19th at the 2009 Mid-American Truck Show, and includes features like a custom grille, 7” chrome stacks, and custom paint scheme.

For more information, please check out the LoneStar® Harley-Davidson™ Special Edition website.

The video will be featured on this website, along with a poll where you can provide feedback about the LoneStar® Harley-Davidson™ Special Edition."

Speaking of Truckers…..

My name is Randal Adams and I am working on an upcoming book called; Speaking of Truckers. This hardcover book will feature interviews with over 50 professional drivers from all across North America. The interviews will be kept in the words of the drivers, to give the readers the feeling of having one on one conversation with the story tellers.

I do all the interviews over the phone, when the time is convenient for the driver. A normal interview last 30-40 minutes, but could go longer if the stories are really great. 
I intend this book to be 100% positive, looking at the world of truck driving through the eyes of the men and women on the road every day doing the incredible job of keeping our country moving.

Some of the questions I will likely ask are:

How did you get into truck driving?
What is the most unusual load you’ve ever hauled?
What is the most interesting/unusual/inspiring thing you’ve ever seen while driving?
What is your least favorite place to haul?
What is your biggest pet peeve while driving?
Where are the best places to eat on the road?
 
There may be more questions, depending on how the interview goes, and which direction the stories take. The key word is stories. I’m looking for drivers that have great stories to tell; stories that are funny, heart warming, anger inducing, and thought provoking. I’ve known lots of drivers in my day, and I know they have the best stories to tell and don’t mind telling them. If this is you, you need to be in this book!
I have done interviews for author Rich Wolfe on three sport’s books; For Packer Fans Only, For Browns Fans Only, and For Steeler Fans Only. I have also published one interview type book of my own, Speaking of Rotary, and I’ve released one novel, The Flea Market as well.

I really want to bring this book to print as soon as possible. I have many truck drivers in my family, and I want to honor them and their profession with this work. Please help me by letting me interview you, or by passing this information along to someone else that might have a great story to tell.
I can be reached via e-mail at: rj1978@verizon.net
Thanks

Randal Adams

Truckertotrucker.com is pleased to welcome Arrow Truck Sales to our community. With a foundation in customer service and quality, Arrow Truck Sales represents the values that Trucker To Trucker stands for, and we are pleased to have them on board. With locations across the United States and in Canada, Arrow Truck Sales promises excellent customer services and quality trucks to truckers looking to buy pre-owned vehicles. A full-service used-truck dealer, Arrow Truck Sales works to satisfy customers by providing services such as financing and insurance. In addition, they are easy to access both physically and online. Truckers can browse their extensive inventory online via city or through different search terms. Truckers can also communicate with Arrow Truck Sales representatives via phone by calling 1-866-270-3939; their contact info can be easily found at the bottom of this post.   Because Arrow Truck Sales prides itself on customer quality and meeting customers’ needs, whether financial or otherwise, their sales representatives are always available to answer truckers’ questions.

Although they sell a variety of equipment and manufacturer types, Arrow specializes in Volvo trucks. According to Arrow, Volvo is the leading manufacturer of trucks, busses, construction equipment, and more. In addition to Volvo, Arrow Truck Sales has an inventory stockpiled with Kenmore, Mack, Peterbilt, and International trucks. Some of Arrow’s feature trucks include a 2008 Peterbilt for less than $80,000. Carrying trucks and trailers of all types, Arrow Truck Sales is the perfect place for truckers of all types.

So whether you’re looking for an top of the line used trailer , or you’re looking for a quality late-model used truck at thousands of dollars less than you would spend on a new model, then Arrow Truck Sales is the used-truck dealer for you. So no matter where you are, take a moment to check out Arrow Truck Sales inventory either online or in one of their many locations.

For instant service call 1-866-270-3939

Click here to see Arrow Truck Sales complete inventory...

While many trucks may look good on the outside, and even have sleepers and accessories that seem grand, the most important thing about a used semi-truck is the way it runs, and if it can take the rigors of the road that you are about to put it through.

Whether you’re shopping for a big rig or you’re examining the trucks for sale owned by a company that you’re thinking about driving for, mechanics should be key. As a trucker, and especially as a truck buyer, you’ll need to learn to prioritize. While the epitome of all trucks can certainly be made, you’ll have to pay quite a lot to get it. Most truckers can’t afford to have their wants and needs satisfied in every category. For this reason, checking out how well the truck does what it is designed to do should be your first move when looking to buy or drive a truck.

Of course, this means that one of the first things you will focus on is the engine. You’ll want to know what kind of transmission it is, especially if you are one of the few who has learned on an automatic transmission. Though most semi-trucks have manual transmissions, as this is much more convenient for the trucker, automatic semi-trucks are available, and if you’re not looking for one, you need to be sure you are not getting one.

When you discover that the truck you are looking at has a manual transmission, there are still questions you need to ask. Mainly, you’ll need to find out how many speeds the engine can carry. Ranging from nine to eighteen speeds, transmissions with more speeds allow truckers to have more control over the vehicle and make certain maneuvers easier.

After the engine, truckers need to consider safety features like lights and breaks. If you’re looking at a used truck, you’ll want to make sure all of the lights are intact. Also, you’ll need to make sure that the truck has the minimum number of lights needed to be legal, in addition to more if you feel that this is necessary. For breaks, truckers should be sure that the lines connecting breaks from truck to trailer are not broken. Furthermore, some truckers will want to see if the truck contains a jake break, or a device that helps truckers slow their trucks.

Finally, after determining that engine and safety equipment meet their standards, truckers will want to look at those factors that are not as important. For instance, truckers may then consider amenities in the trucks’ cabs, such as thermostat gauges, and other indicators that make trucking easier. In addition, truckers may want to see if the truck has other safety equipment or comfortable sleepers.

Although truckers can get their perfect truck either to own or to drive, most don’t believe it is worth the financial strain. By getting their priorities in order, drivers can make sure that they drive away with the truck that is best for them.

Truckers and Companies Wanted!! (877)263-5665

I have a seat for your Butt!! Do you need a Truck or 50 Trucks? The Truck Advisor can help. Are you looking for a Volvo, Kenworth, Freightliner, Peterbilt, International or ETC Call Me!! Just because it doesn’t show on my website doesn’t mean I don’t have it. Financing is available and you will most likely qualify. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions!!!  (877)263-5665 http://thetruckadvisor.com Thank you,   Dustin Lofdahl (C)704-302-5050 (O)877-263-5665 dllofdahl@yahoo.com www.thetruckadvisor.com

Are you looking to unload a heavy-duty truck? Things might be tough in a market that is suffering, but suffering market means job changes, and some who have been working in affected heavy industries might opt for truck driving school as a way to get ahead. Whether or not your trucks for sale get sold in a timely manner, then, has to do with environment, purpose, and appearance.

Of course, whether or not your truck sells is going to depend quite a bit on whether or not the kind of truck you’re selling is needed or in demand. In addition, what kind of truck you are selling and the mechanical specifications are also important. But, usually, truckers will know what kind of truck and what features they need on it before they even start searching. What makes your truck different from all the others, then, is its appearance.

Today, many truckers start their search online, so you’ll want to take a picture of your truck that is flattering, but you also need to make sure your truck looks good. That’s where truck accessories come in. There are all kinds of truck accessories, though, and picking the personalized ones like mud flaps featuring your favorite characters and grills that look like teeth are probably not the kind of accessories you should use to improve your chances of selling your truck.

Instead, you’ll want to invest in accessories that not only make your truck look good, but also that add value. For instance, LED lights will increase your truck’s safety features, and prospective buyers can rest assured that other drivers will see you at night.

If you can, it’s also best to spiff up the look of your truck using chrome. Chrome not only makes a truck look great, but it’s also a longer lasting material in many cases. When asked to choose between a truck shining with chrome and a truck without these accessories, a buyer will probably go for the chromed-up truck.

So, if you’re getting ready to sell your truck, then you’ll need to think about the economy, where to list it, and all the other options that you generally consider when it comes to truck buying. But don’t forget about appearance, as it gives the first impression of your truck.

Will you be visiting Indiana soon? Do you want a living quarters that looks like a bar, arcade, or parlor? Do you love to cook and want a kitchen that is as close to gourmet as it can get? If so, just taking a peak at the photos of custom truck creations that Indiana Custom Trucks  puts out might make you pretty excited.

Truckers often talk of customizing their vehicles when it comes to specifications that will make it better able to do its job. This means being sure it has accessories that make loading and unloading easier, tires and aerodynamic features that will save truckers when it comes to fuel, and engine power that can last a long time on the road.

While truckers talk of comfort as well, it’s often job-related. For instance, truckers try to get seats that will be comfortable for long drives without putting unnecessary pressure on the back and heating and air conditioning systems that will keep a trucker from getting sick with cold or heat. But if you are able to order a customized truck, then you can go a head and think about not only what will make it and you better able to do your jobs, but also what will make you happy.

That’s where Indiana Custom Trucks come in. They can design high quality sleepers that give the personal touch to each and every truck. With Indiana Custom Trucks, truckers and customizers can work hand in hand to be sure that the finished product is something that the trucker feels comfortable with.

When you’re a trucker, you’re on the road often more than you are hat home. In your own personal home, you decorate or add features that make you feel comfortable. Indiana Custom Trucks allows truckers to do this for their sleepers. From LCD televisions, to mirrors, to fans, to cabinets, luxury is just a web site away with this unique service provider.

While some people get into trucking because of the freedom of the road and the excitement of travel, others get involved for a very different reason; they love wheels. And loving wheels doesn’t just mean 18 wheels, but even much smaller vehicles, like motorcycles.

It turns out that many truckers are also motorcycle fans, riding to rallies, attending shows, and enjoying the road from a perspective far different than a semi-truck allows. One group, Road Dogs on Hogs, has brought the two passions together. In 2004, the group was founded by a female trucker who wanted to go to the Mecca of motorcyclists—Sturgis.

Her ambition, however, was hampered by an event that happened to her while working as a civilian in Iraq and Kuwait. She was attacked in her sleep. Because of this, she was worried about the security issues that camping at Sturgis might bring. When she raised her concern on a truckers’ radio program, other truckers who were also motorcycle lovers responded, saying that they could attend the rally together.

Now, the group has been founded and is growing. Together, the drivers with shared interests attend other motorcycle rallies across the country. And Cindy, the driver who organized the first rally, is still involved in the community, encouraging others to get involved and share their love of driving vehicles whether big or small.

Truckers who are interested in joining this group can learn more about Cindy and her story, as well as the group, by visiting Road King’s web site.  Road King, a magazine for truckers, is loaded with information and personal stories about truckers who are stepping out to make a difference, exploring new ideas, and getting together in order to enjoy their common interests.

Truckers who want to know how they can join the motorcyclists in their next ride, however, should visit Road Dogs on Hogs to discover the latest information about how the trucking and riding groups meet.  Truckers who are not interested in riding hogs, though, can use Cindy’s story as an inspiration to find others on the road who share their interests.

While people used to get their news and information from newspapers alone, today there are almost as many ways to get your news as there are types of news. While truckers are obviously interested in the weather reports and road conditions that are featured on the news, they’re also looking to hear the national and local news that they’ve missed when they’re on the road.

Most truckers have advanced ways of getting weather and road conditions. They use their CB radios, GPS systems, cell phone applications, and laptop computers to stay on top of these conditions that impact their professions. For music, most truckers can tune to their favorite satellite radio station, put in a favorite CD, or plug in their iPods.

But when it comes to news, a few radio stations can satisfy the needs of truckers who are often on the road. Probably one of the most famous is the Midnight Trucking Radio Network. For 40 years, this radio program has been keeping truckers company on the road. They offer talk, weather, news, contests, and programs specifically targeted to the trucker on the topic of fuel economy, truck makes and models, etc.

Also producing podcasts, this radio program can be accessed on the Internet. Truckers can listen live, read headlines, and meet radio personalities on the program’s website, Midnight Trucking Radio Network. For truckers who want some relevant news on the road, this program is the way to go.

Midnight Trucking is also joined by Steve Sommer’s America’s Trucking Network and the Truckin’ Bozo. In addition, Sirius radio, a satellite radio station that has recently paired with other satellite radio provider XM, features shows for truckers, such as Freewheelin’. Thanks to the advancement of technology, truckers can use web sites such as these to stay in tune with their professional news. Although the Internet gives quite a bit of good information to truckers who are seeking it, these radio programs give a face and personality to the information as well as letting truckers debate hot topics.

In addition to Midnight Trucking, Truckers who want to hear national and local news can check out coast-to-coast AM stations, talking heads, and national news stations like Fox News and National Public Radio. As far as local radio goes, many local stations now have Internet links that allow truckers to listen online. If you have mobile Internet and a pair of speakers, this is a great way to feel like you’re at home even when you’re miles away.

So whether you’re looking for trucking news, Bill O’Reily, or local basketball scores, radio for truckers is everywhere!

Attention Ohio Truckers and Ohio Drivers

Mr. Christian needs your help...

I am looking for anyone who has traveled Interstate 70 in Clark County, Ohio from 1985- 2001, Who is aware of any objects being thrown from the Plattsburg Road Bridge which spans Interstate 70 in Clark County, Ohio from 1985- 2001. This bridge is near Springfield Ohio. It was one of the few bridges not having protective vandal fencing. I am   Looking for anyone who may have called 911, needed to file a police report, Insurance claim, or aware of debris being throne and landing on the interstate from this bridge. The Incidents need to have occurred prior to July 9th 2001.

I was severely injured as a result of such an incident at this bridge.

If you have any information that you think might help me please email me at drjjc@wowway.com

Johannes J Christian

614-253-7385

Owner Operators United News

OOU Inc New Membership Drive Underway
 
The OOU Inc today announced a new membership drive starting April 1, 2009 and ending on Dec 24th, 2009

The OOU member that sign's up the most new members will win a new Shotgun, choice of 12 or 20 ga. Shotgun model to be announced later.

In the event the winner can not legally own a shotgun then he or she will recieve. a cash amount equal to the price of the shotgun.

ALL FFL RULES APPLY

New this year will be a $50.00 cash prize to the runner-up member that sign's up the most new members.

Re-newal memberships are NOT counted as new Membership's
Good Luck to all.
Membership app's can be downloaded & printed at the OOU Inc main website.
www.owneroperatorsunited.org

OOU Inc announces new officer
 
The OOU Inc. today announced that Brad Kramer the Colorado state rep had accepted the post as Director of Relations for Company drivers who are members of the OOU Inc.

Any Co. driver that has questions or concerns should contact Brad.

Brad has years on the road as both an Owner Operator and Co. driver and will be a huge asset to all members.

Again Good Luck,
Dan Little