http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html The Truck Drivers Blog for Saving Money: Truckers' Savings Blog. This blog will keep you updated with all additions and changes to the our website. Subscribe here. en-us truck drivers Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:48 GMT Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:48 GMT truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Natural-Gas-Prices-May-Double-by-2015,-FT-Reports http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Natural-Gas-Prices-May-Double-by-2015,-FT-Reports U.S. natural gas prices may double from recent 10-year lows by 2015 as more of the fuel is used in transportation, the Financial Times reported Thursday, citing an oil company executive. Prices will rebound from the recent lows that have come about from strong North American shale gas production, Royal Dutch Shell CEO Peter Voser told the newspaper in an interview. Truck and engine makers made a big push toward more natural gas use at the Mid-America Trucking Show in March. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:46 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truck-Driver-Charged-with-Illegally-Dumping-Well-Production-Water http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truck-Driver-Charged-with-Illegally-Dumping-Well-Production-Water A Lycoming County man was charged by agents from the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Protection Section with illegally dumping well production water - commonly known as brine. Attorney General Linda Kelly identified the defendant as John Elwood Marsh, 47, 6 Drake Lane, Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. Marsh is a tanker truck driver for Gas Field Specialists, Inc., which is a subcontractor to Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Kelly said that Marsh is responsible for hauling "gas buster tanks," which are tanks used to hold gas well production water (brine) after it is extracted from wells. ... Marsh is charged with two counts of unlawful conduct under Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:46 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Thermo-King-offering-summer-savings-on-select-parts http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Thermo-King-offering-summer-savings-on-select-parts Thermo King is running a summer promotion through Sept. 30, 2012, offering up to $200 off select products. The promotion is available on the following parts categories: Belts Filters Starters Alternators Compressors ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:46 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#4-Solutions-to-Improve-Fleet-Efficiencies-and-Keep-on-Truckin' http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#4-Solutions-to-Improve-Fleet-Efficiencies-and-Keep-on-Truckin' Hard economic times have been especially tough for the transportation industry. During the recession, many companies were forced to lay off drivers and sideline trucks. As the economy recovers, the number of goods to ship will increase. And transportation companies might find it hard to meet the rising demand. ... To meet the coming demand, transportation companies have to ensure their operation is running as efficiently as possible. In this article, I profile four technologies that can be deployed to improve transportation efficiency, increase margins and build a leaner operation. ... 3. Fuel and Contract Management Solutions ... Fuel purchasing solutions like those from Trak Engineering and QuikQ offer radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions for fleets. This technology can help reduce fuel theft by only allowing authorized vehicles to use the pump. In addition, the technology provides an accurate, real-time view of fuel consumption and spend, holding drivers accountable for any discrepancies. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 17 May 2012 17:34:46 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Thirty-three-states-forbid-indemnity-clauses;-here's-the-list http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Thirty-three-states-forbid-indemnity-clauses;-here's-the-list ... During the past few years one issue that continues to trend is an effort to protect truck drivers from certain unfair clauses in motor carrier contracts. Specifically, indemnification clauses are set up to protect shippers or hold them harmless from anything that happens with a shipment. Alabama recently became the 33rd state to forbid indemnification clauses in trucking contracts. ... ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#NHTSA-proposed-rule-calls-for-electronic-stability-control-on-commercial-vehicles:-Agency-claims-new-standard-could-prevent-more-than-half-of-rollover-crashes http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#NHTSA-proposed-rule-calls-for-electronic-stability-control-on-commercial-vehicles:-Agency-claims-new-standard-could-prevent-more-than-half-of-rollover-crashes Today the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a new federal motor vehicle safety standard that would require electronic stability control (ESC) systems on large commercial trucks, motorcoaches and other large buses for the first time. According to NHTSA, its research indicates such systems could prevent up to 56% of rollover crashes annually as well as cut loss-of-control crashes by 14%. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Seven-in-Ten-Americans-Cooking-More-Instead-of-Going-Out-to-Save-Money:-Women-dining-out-even-less-frequently-than-men http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Seven-in-Ten-Americans-Cooking-More-Instead-of-Going-Out-to-Save-Money:-Women-dining-out-even-less-frequently-than-men One of the ways people gauge when an economic recovery is occurring is when Americans start spending more on things like eating out in restaurants. People are dining out. Over three in five U.S. adults (63%) have dined at a fast food restaurant chain in the past month and about half have dined at a local casual dining establishment (53%) and a casual dining restaurant chain (50%). ... ... [Click link for rest of article] Wed, 16 May 2012 16:46:11 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Pennsylvania-Turnpike-at-70-mph:-coming-soon? http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Pennsylvania-Turnpike-at-70-mph:-coming-soon? A Pennsylvania House panel has advanced a bill to authorize faster travel on the state's turnpike system. ... State law now authorizes all vehicles to travel 65 mph on the turnpike system. However, certain stretches of roadway are posted at 55 mph, including the east-west tunnels. ... the bill would affect portions of the turnpike system posted at 65 mph. On these stretches, the turnpike commission would be given permission to perform an engineering analysis to determine where the speed limit could be safely increased to 70 mph. In neighboring Ohio, speeds on the state's turnpike were raised a year ago for all vehicles from 65 mph to 70 mph. Turnpike officials credit the 5 mph increase for an improved safety record on the 241-mile roadway. Supporters say that better safety standards for vehicles and improved driving conditions mean the Pennsylvania Turnpike can accommodate faster travel. Others say the advantages for the state do not end there. They contend that the higher limit could entice some travelers to choose to pay for the opportunity to make better time while driving through the state. ... [Click link for rest of article] Wed, 16 May 2012 14:35:43 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Taking-a-Look-at-the-Natural-Gas-Boom http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Taking-a-Look-at-the-Natural-Gas-Boom ... At the MATS Fleet Forum, Sandeep Kar, of research firm Frost & Sullivan, noted that in a survey of 100 fleet managers, 56% of respondents were interested in natural gas. Two years ago, only 22% were. However, 31% said natural gas was "not at all important" to them. Nearly a third said they would not consider it at all. Is natural gas being a bit too hyped? It's still a niche market, especially for Class 6-8 (unless you're looking at trash trucks, where natural gas fueled 40% of the trucks purchased in 2011). One barrier is price. Frost & Sullivan says the per-unit premium for spark-ignited natural gas trucks is close to $30,000. For compression-ignition systems that run on 95% liquefied natural gas and 4% diesel to power over-the-road Class 8 models, you're looking at an extra $70,000-plus. ... Proponents say the lower cost of natural gas - about $2.50 per diesel-equivalent gallon - means the payback is there, with fuel savings of $20,000 to $40,000 per year. Others wonder, however, if higher demand will eventually push natural gas prices higher. ... [Click link for rest of article] Wed, 16 May 2012 14:31:07 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/discount-club-membership.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/discount-club-membership.html Hey Mike and Vicki, just wanted to get your thoughts on buying a discount club membership. The membership fee is steep, but the savings are supposed to Wed, 16 May 2012 14:26:54 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Thermo-King-promotion-targets-summer-maintenance-costs http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Thermo-King-promotion-targets-summer-maintenance-costs Thermo King. a manufacturer of temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications, announced a rebate promotion to help customers reduce summer season maintenance costs. The company is offering up to $200 savings now through Sept. 30 on belts, filters, starters, alternators and compressors. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 15 May 2012 21:56:11 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truckers-soon-will-pay-more-to-cross-Bay-Area-bridges http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truckers-soon-will-pay-more-to-cross-Bay-Area-bridges Big-rig drivers will soon be paying more to cross San Francisco Bay Area bridges, as the second phase of a two-phase toll increase targeting multi-axle vehicles goes into effect on July 1. Tolls for vehicles or trucks with three or more axles will be charged $5 per axle for most Bay Area bridges, and $6 per axle for the Golden Gate Bridge (FasTrak customers on the Golden Gate will be charged $5 per axle). ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 15 May 2012 17:36:03 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Diesel-drops-5.3-cents http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Diesel-drops-5.3-cents The national average retail diesel price fell 5.3 cents to $4.004 a gallon for the week ended Monday, May 14, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration. The average price is 5.7 cents below the same week in 2011. If the trend continues, diesel will fall below $4 a gallon on a national basis next week for the first time since the week ended Feb. 20. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 15 May 2012 17:36:03 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#GT-Radial-increases-warranty,-casing-values http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#GT-Radial-increases-warranty,-casing-values GT Radial has increased its standard warranty on its truck and bus tires from 60 to 72 months. In addition to the enhanced adjustment policy for any eligible TBR tire, the casing value has been increased on several products. Additional details can be found at ... ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 15 May 2012 17:36:03 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Shorepower,-Pilot-Flying-J-add-power-pedestals-at-Weed,-Calif.,-truck-stop http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Shorepower,-Pilot-Flying-J-add-power-pedestals-at-Weed,-Calif.,-truck-stop Plug-in power to help truckers reduce the hours their vehicles idle is now available at the Pilot Travel Center at Exit 745 on I-5 in Weed in Northern California. Electrical connections for 36 truck parking spaces have been installed, allowing drivers to operate heating, air conditioning and cab appliances without running the engine during their mandatory 10-hour rest periods. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 15 May 2012 15:43:29 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Windshield-camera-helps-N.S.-trucker-nab-reckless-drivers http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Windshield-camera-helps-N.S.-trucker-nab-reckless-drivers A Nova Scotia trucker is filming the antics of reckless motorists he encounters on the road in hopes that his footage will encourage safe driving near large vehicles. Chris Osborne has fixed a video camera to the windshield of his dump truck to record what he witnesses from behind the wheel while driving. Much of the footage involves smaller vehicles making illegal lane changes and cutting off his truck, which he estimates weighs about 55,000 pounds. Frustrated with the unlawful conduct, Osborne has been collecting clips of the worst offenders and uploading them to YouTube in an effort to publicly shame the behaviour. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:53:29 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Industry-Seeks-Relief-from-FMCSA-Policy-in-Crashes-When-Truckers-Are-Not-at-Fault http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Industry-Seeks-Relief-from-FMCSA-Policy-in-Crashes-When-Truckers-Are-Not-at-Fault Royce Brooks, an experienced tank truck driver, was hauling gasoline to Lockhart, Texas, south of Austin, when a BMW driver blew through a stop sign and a flashing red light. The car hit the tanker truck with such force that Texas State Police said the rig went into a ditch, spun around, flipped and burst into flames, killing Brooks, 41. The driver of the BMW in the March 28 crash has been charged with criminally negligent homicide. Nevertheless, under the federal Compliance, Safety, Accountability program, the crash will be posted on the public CSA website as a fatal accident for the carrier, Johnson Oil Co. of Gonzales, Texas, also known as Cinco J Inc. Missing from the posting will be anything that says the carrier and Brooks were blameless, a stark example of a situation that has the trucking industry crying foul. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:50:33 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Disasters-to-Drive-up-Insurance-Rates http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Disasters-to-Drive-up-Insurance-Rates LONDON, ON. - Your insurance premium take a little dip in 2011? Enjoy it while you can. It’s headed the other way in 2012. In a report on the state of the Canadian Insurance Market prepared by Marsh Canada recently, Marsh states that a confluence of events across the globe - ranging from a serious fire in Slave Lake AB, a tornado that ripped through Goderich, ON and to the tsunami in Japan - will lead to a ratcheting up of insurance rates in 2012. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:50:33 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Trucker-with-four-sets-of-log-books-sent-to-prison http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Trucker-with-four-sets-of-log-books-sent-to-prison A Philadelphia trucker involved in a 2009 fatal crash will spend 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to falsifying four sets of logbooks. Valerijs Nikolaevich Belovs, 58, of Philadelphia, PA, caused a multi-vehicle crash in January 2009 on Interstate 76 near Conshohocken, PA, according to The Times Herald. The 1997 Kenworth's brakes were worn, according to the newspaper, and Belovs failed to stop, plowing into stopped traffic. David Schreffier, 49, of Fort Washington, PA, was killed and several others were injured. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:38:57 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#FMCSA-formally-repeals-2010-EOBR-rule http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#FMCSA-formally-repeals-2010-EOBR-rule The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a final rule that formally rescinds its April 2010 final rule concerning electronic onboard recorders for hours-of-service compliance. FMCSA's action responds to a court decision that vacated the rule that would have mandated EOBRs on all trucks used by certain non-compliant carriers. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:25:27 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Frito-Lay-hits-milestone-with-all-electric-vehicles,-plans-to-purchase-100-more http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Frito-Lay-hits-milestone-with-all-electric-vehicles,-plans-to-purchase-100-more PepsiCo's Frito-Lay North America division has ordered 100 additional Newton 2000 all-electric vehicles this year from Smith Electric Vehicles. The new order comes after the company announced it has surpassed one million miles driven by its fleet of 176 all-electric vehicles. ... Frito-Lay said the trucks have eliminated approximately 200,000 gals. of diesel fuel. With all-electric trucks fully deployed on routes, Frito-Lay expects to reduce its fuel consumption by 500,000 gals. a year. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:25:27 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#San-Francisco-Bay-Area-Truck-Tolls-to-Rise-Again http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#San-Francisco-Bay-Area-Truck-Tolls-to-Rise-Again Multi-axle vehicles including heavy-duty trucks will be paying higher tolls to cross San Francisco area bridges starting July 1, the Vallejo (Calif.) Times Herald reported. The move is the phase of the Bay Area's two-phase toll increases that were set in 2010, the paper said. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:12:05 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Driver-wins-$2,500-in-TCA-weight-loss-contest http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Driver-wins-$2,500-in-TCA-weight-loss-contest Carl Bailey of Fair Play, Mo., won the Truckload Carriers Association's inaugural Trucking's Weight Loss Showdown, TCA announced Friday. Bailey took the top honor for individuals, and Prime Inc. of Springfield, Mo., won the company contest. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 14 May 2012 16:12:05 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/digital-stove-to-go.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/digital-stove-to-go.html I bought one and it worked great...for a week. I was far away from the truck stop where I bought it and had a bunch of food in the fridge that needed to Mon, 14 May 2012 11:33:01 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/jb-hunt-driver-comments-on-locking-pin-locator.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/jb-hunt-driver-comments-on-locking-pin-locator.html Paul Foster states: A Million Mile driver from J B Hunt has commented how much time is saves him, how nice it is not to have to climb in and out of the Mon, 14 May 2012 10:56:16 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/emergency-kit.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/emergency-kit.html If you as a trucker were out on the road when disaster strikes, what would you need to survive? We suggest an emergency kit based on your unique situation. Sat, 12 May 2012 00:15:42 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/commercial-truck-leasing.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/commercial-truck-leasing.html Before you enter into a commercial truck leasing program, make sure you know what you're doing. The wrong move can hurt you -- badly. Sat, 12 May 2012 00:04:52 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-speed.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-speed.html When a truck's maximum speed is reduced, what impact does truck speed have on travel time and driver pay? We made the calculations... Fri, 11 May 2012 23:53:47 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/smell-zapper.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/smell-zapper.html Humans have a strong sense of smell, so eliminating odors is a good thing. How well does Smell Zapper Odor Eliminator work? Fri, 11 May 2012 19:08:53 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Trucker-discovers-$168-in-fuel-siphoned-from-his-vehicle:-Brooklyn-Police-Blotter http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Trucker-discovers-$168-in-fuel-siphoned-from-his-vehicle:-Brooklyn-Police-Blotter THEFT FROM AUTO, CLINTON ROAD: The owner of a semi truck reported fuel siphoned from the fuel tank May 3. He noticed on several occasions that his fuel has been taken. On May 3, he purposely filled his tank, and upon his return, he checked the fuel gauge to find a quarter of the fuel had been taken. The value of the fuel is $168. [Click for link] Fri, 11 May 2012 11:33:48 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Idling:-Shutting-'em-down:-Use-of-technologies-to-reduce-idling-is-both-smart-and-lawful http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Idling:-Shutting-'em-down:-Use-of-technologies-to-reduce-idling-is-both-smart-and-lawful The best way to save fuel and the environment- and avoid costly fines for violating anti-idling laws-is to turn those engines off whenever possible. Shutting down engines is not only better for the environment and your fuel budget, it's also the law in most states, and fines for non-compliance can be large—reaching $5,000 plus jail time in some locations. As demands to reduce heavy-duty truck idling increase, fleet executives and owner-operators continue to look for the best idle reduction technologies available. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical commercial truck can waste a half-gallon of diesel fuel per hour while idling. Unnecessary idling just two hours per day squanders at least $1,040 per year per truck, based on a diesel price of $4/gal. The payback for use of engine idle reduction technology in fuel savings alone can come in as few as six months, depending on the solution used. ... [Click link for rest of article] Fri, 11 May 2012 11:33:48 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Shorepower-now-available-in-Williams,-Iowa http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Shorepower-now-available-in-Williams,-Iowa ... The power pedestals offer access to 120 VAC, 208 VAC and 240 VAC power sources and cost $1 per hour. Cable TV and wireless Internet are also available for additional charges. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 16:17:24 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#ATRI-research-identifies-large-truck-rollover-locations http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#ATRI-research-identifies-large-truck-rollover-locations The American Transportation Research Institute on Wednesday, May 9, released findings from the first phase of a three-part research effort aimed at mitigating costly large truck rollovers. ATRI's first phase produced a database of locations with the highest frequency of large truck rollovers using more than 50,000 crash records from a nine-year period. The database, which covers 31 states, provides insight into the location of high-frequency rollover locations to both public transportation officials and the trucking industry. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 16:17:24 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Plug-in-power-available-at-Broadway-Flying-J-in-Williams,-Iowa http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Plug-in-power-available-at-Broadway-Flying-J-in-Williams,-Iowa Plug-in power now is available at the Broadway Flying J Travel Plaza in Williams, Iowa, on Interstate 35 at Exit 144, between Des Moines and the Minnesota state line. By plugging trucks into a power pedestal, drivers can operate heating, air conditioning and cab appliances without having to leave the truck idling during their mandatory 10-hour rest periods. The technology is being deployed across the country by Shorepower Technologies, which has installed 24 electrified parking spaces at Broadway Flying J. ... ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 16:17:24 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#It-Takes-a-Good-Attitude-to-Make-a-Successful-Owner-Operator http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#It-Takes-a-Good-Attitude-to-Make-a-Successful-Owner-Operator Peter Pekala is an owner-operator with an attitude. His attitude is, find business partners who do right by you and do the same for them. ... For Pekala, managing his business begins with managing his costs. He uses a company fuel card to get the volume discount, and likewise takes advantage of the company's program for insurance and workmen's compensation. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 16:08:42 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Logistics-Consulting:-Convert-Inefficiencies-to-Bottom-Line-Savings http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Logistics-Consulting:-Convert-Inefficiencies-to-Bottom-Line-Savings With recent reports showing that the nation's transportation costs were up 10% over the previous year, it's no wonder U.S. businesses continue to look for every avenue of cost-savings possible. And since trucking makes up nearly 80% of those transportation costs, finding ways to correct fleet inefficiencies should be at the top of everyone's list. The challenge to executives is how to identify those hidden inefficiencies so they can be eliminated and converted to bottom line cost savings. ... Driver compensation analysis. With the demand for top-notch drivers increasing, fleets are trying to weather the current economic storm while retaining or attracting quality drivers. Companies need to be apprised of competitive compensation on a regional and national basis, according to carrier type, whether it's flatbed, refrigerated, or tank truck. An analysis like this can provide the data they need to accomplish their personnel goals. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 16:08:42 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Regular-Tire-Pressure-Checks-are-Worthwhile http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Regular-Tire-Pressure-Checks-are-Worthwhile Weekly tire pressure checks might seem unrealistically ambitious, but given what's at stake in terms of tread wear and tire life, it's a worthwhile goal. Regular tire inspections should, obviously, include pressure checks. The more frequently you do them, the better the chances of saving a slow leaker. Tire life decreases exponentially with underinflation. According to The Technology & Maintenance Council's RP 235A - Tire Inflation Pressure Maintenance, running a tire 20% underinflated shortens its life by about 12%. Running a tire 30% underinflated lops about 30% off its expected service life. It only gets worse as pressure drops. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 16:08:42 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/physical-exercises.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/physical-exercises.html Professional truck drivers can greatly benefit from a regular and varied program of physical exercises. We explore some options for you to consider... Thu, 10 May 2012 10:24:51 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Diesel-and-Gas-Prices-Down,-Oil-Hits-2012-Low http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Diesel-and-Gas-Prices-Down,-Oil-Hits-2012-Low Gasoline and diesel fuel prices dropped for the fourth straight week, and the price of oil hit its lowest point this year due to more concerns over the state of Europe's economy. This week, the average price of U.S. diesel price dropped 1.6 cents to $4.057 per gallon. A year ago this week, diesel fuel was 4.7 cents less than what it is now. Ten years ago this week, the price of diesel at the pump was $1.305 per gallon. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 09:49:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Trucking-Executives-Warn-Shippers-on-Costs:-Speakers-at-NITL-Policy-Forum-warn-of-price-hikes,-seek-more-shipper-partnerships http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Trucking-Executives-Warn-Shippers-on-Costs:-Speakers-at-NITL-Policy-Forum-warn-of-price-hikes,-seek-more-shipper-partnerships Trucking executives sounded a clear warning about rising costs Tuesday at the National Industrial Transportation League's Freight Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. From driver wages to fuel and tractor prices to health insurance premiums, costs are rising at a steady pace, putting pressure on carrier margins and shipper budgets. Shippers could face much higher transportation costs if the economic recovery picks up its pace, those carrier executives warned, as higher demand meets tight capacity. "We're facing a lot of headwinds in all areas of cost," said Dan England, chairman of $1 billion truckload carrier C.R. England. "Driver costs, fuel costs, the cost of regulation." "Insurance costs are going up, not just for vehicles but health insurance," said Rob Estes, Jr., president of Estes Express Lines, a $1.9 billion less-than-truckload carrier. The health insurance premiums paid by Estes have risen 10 percent over five years, he told shippers at the NITL forum. The Richmond, Va., carrier is also raising pay. ... [Click link for rest of article] Thu, 10 May 2012 09:49:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/free-cookout-at-idleair-521-in-carneys-point-nj.html http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/free-cookout-at-idleair-521-in-carneys-point-nj.html FREE Cook-Out at IdleAir! Monday, May 21, 2012 12 noon – 8pm ET Please join us in thanking America's Professional Drivers! We're serving complimentary Wed, 09 May 2012 16:07:29 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Florida-Highway-Patrol-stepping-up-ticketing-of-aggressive-drivers-on-highways-this-week http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Florida-Highway-Patrol-stepping-up-ticketing-of-aggressive-drivers-on-highways-this-week State troopers are on the hunt this week for the all-too-common South Florida driver: one who speeds, tailgates and weaves dangerously in and out of lanes. This week, the Florida Highway Patrol has stepped up ticketing of aggressive car and truck drivers on Florida highways. The enforcement campaign lasts through Friday. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 08 May 2012 18:04:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Mobile-Comm-Systems-Makers-Add-Upgrades http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Mobile-Comm-Systems-Makers-Add-Upgrades Qualcomm Inc., PeopleNet, Cadec Global and Descartes Systems Group all announced changes to in-cab mobile communications systems to give customers the ability to design custom programs and to extend data processing capabilities to tablets and other wireless devices. ... In addition, Ron Konezny, PeopleNet chairman and CEO, said the company would be the first mobile communications system operator to automatically compute fuel efficiency in trucks using compressed or liquefied natural gas. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 08 May 2012 18:04:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#ATA-and-OOIDA-square-off-over-EOBR-in-transportation-bill http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#ATA-and-OOIDA-square-off-over-EOBR-in-transportation-bill The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. (OOIDA) have squared off on the issue of mandatory onboard electronic recorders in letter-writing campaigns to members of the House and Senate currently negotiating the transportation bill. ... Meanwhile, OOIDA sent a letter to the Senate conferees contending that EOBRs are an unproven technology, providing no cost benefit or highway safety improvement. "Despite being previously struck down by a federal court, a costly and unnecessary mandate has been included in the U.S. Senate's highway surface transportation funding legislation. U.S. truckers see it as the last thing a struggling trucking industry needs right now and want to see it removed from the bill," OOIDA stated. A House-Senate conference begins today to try and hash out the details of a bill. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 08 May 2012 18:04:25 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truck-driver-in-fatal-Schuylkill-crash-gets-18-months-for-falsifying-logs http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truck-driver-in-fatal-Schuylkill-crash-gets-18-months-for-falsifying-logs A truck driver who slammed his rig into a sedan on the Schuylkill Expressway in January 2009, killing a Fort Washington man, was sentenced Monday to 18 months in a federal lockup. Valerijs Nikolaevish Belovs, 58, of Somerton, pleaded guilty in October to federal charges he had falsified his driver's logs. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 08 May 2012 16:16:15 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#$100-million-weigh-station-project-under-way-in-Oklahoma http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#$100-million-weigh-station-project-under-way-in-Oklahoma The first of nine new weigh and inspection stations for heavy trucks entering Oklahoma has opened for business, and state officials are pushing ahead with a nearly $100 million project to build the rest, the head of Oklahoma's Department of Transportation said Monday. ... [Click link for rest of article] Tue, 08 May 2012 16:16:15 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Whistleblower-Refuses-to-Violate-Hours-of-Service-Law http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Whistleblower-Refuses-to-Violate-Hours-of-Service-Law ... [Jack Taylor, a driver for Mark Alvis Inc.] instructed Alvis he was not only ill and fatigued, that making the delivery in the instructed time would violate the hours of service law. Taylor refused the delivery and headed back to Brush Creek. When he arrived back at Mark Alvis Inc., Taylor was instructed to remove his times from the truck and was terminated. Taylor filed a claim with OSHA, under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act. Mark Alvis Inc. told OSHA that Taylor had quit when he was asked to remove his items from the truck; however, OSHA performed an investigation and found evidence that Taylor had, in fact, been terminated. OSHA sued on behalf of Taylor. Taylor won an $180,000 suit. Mark Alvis Inc. was ordered to pay back pay, interest, compensatory and punitive damages. OSHA also ordered the company to expunge Taylor's employee record and remove any comments regarding the situation. The company also ordered the company to post a fact sheet outlining employees rights under OSHA. Taylor and other drivers are protected under the Whistleblowers provision. All drivers have the legal right to refuse a load that would cause them to violate the hours of service law, as well as any of the 20 other trucking regulations. Under the provision, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees from reporting concerns or protected information to their employer or the government. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 07 May 2012 18:32:56 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truckers-robbed-at-Missouri-truckstop http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#Truckers-robbed-at-Missouri-truckstop A couple of swindlers running a three-card monte game in the parking lot of the Petro Truck Stop on Interstate 44 in Joplin, MO, robbed two truck drivers of $5,300, according to a report in the Joplin Globe. Cpl. Chuck Niess of the Joplin police said the first victim told police that he was approached by a group of men who were playing cards on the lot near his truck. Niess said they asked him to play, "but he had to show them some money first." He said the driver went inside the truckstop and withdrew $300 cash from an ATM to join the game. The trucker said the robbers took the money from him, but never let him play, even when he threatened to go call police. A second truck driver reported ... ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 07 May 2012 18:29:12 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#$100-off-apnea-test... http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#$100-off-apnea-test... $100 off apnea home test available through end of May The more regulators mull over sleep apnea and whether to regulate the condition (the latest, FMCSA's "apnea trial balloon that went off like the Hindenburg," as one operator had it, here), the more it is part of the general conversation surrounding health among drivers. Many believe that docs/sleep labs are jumping into driver testing and treatment with both feet, seeing a coming captive audience. At once, though, some providers are attempting to address the expensive realities of in-lab apnea testing with at-home options and alternative treatments. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 07 May 2012 18:29:12 GMT http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#App-monitors-texting,-other-dangerous-vehicle-movements http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/truck-drivers-blog.html#App-monitors-texting,-other-dangerous-vehicle-movements A new iPhone and Android app from Dangerous Decisions can monitor texting or phone use when a vehicle is in motion. The app also can monitor and record driving behavior associated with excessive turns or speeds, quick acceleration, or sudden braking, the company said. The program, App4Drivers, can notify drivers or managers when it detects dangerous behavior. App4Drivers creates a trip report and a map showing where driving performance exceeds desired set levels for speed, braking, turning, and for cell phone use. The map can be automatically transmitted to any location. ... [Click link for rest of article] Mon, 07 May 2012 18:29:12 GMT