Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast

Well, I’ve been holding onto this episode with the hopes that I’d be able to include a main topic, but that’s still in the works. So I guess there’s no logical reason to keep hanging onto all this old news. Some of it isn’t all that relevant anymore, like the whole Canadian border thing and Covid news. But there’s also some more relevant topics here, including all the typical stuff like recalls, more safety blitzes (not the NFL version), moving forward with both the infrastructure plan and futuristic trucks, drug and health updates, and of course, all the things our government is up to. Additionally, Scott Gunter a.k.a. Killjoy gives me a chance to drool all over his submission for the Trucker Grub segment. This time around, most of the listener feedback segment consists of new drivers wanting to join the Trucker Dump Slack group, but two long-time listeners also pipe in on mechanical woes and YouTube videos. This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Porter Freight Funding - So many services to offe

It’s been over two months since the last episode, so we’re skipping a main topic today to get caught up on a crap-ton of news. We’ve got several recalls, new emissions and inspection standards, autonomous and electric trucks, Teamster elections, the top 500 trucking companies, fixing the supply chain issues, tips for driving in bad weather or avoiding it altogether, and new places for truckers to park. We’ve also got big stories on the proposed vaccine mandate, lots of new legislation, and a trucker who got a major break on his sentence after a fiery wreck. And most importantly, we’ll start the show with some hand signals every trucker should know to combat human trafficking. We’ll point you to some good southern eatin’ in the Trucker Grub segment, and in the Listener Feedback segment, we’ll discuss everything from broken websites, to the future of trucking, to some clarification on the latest Hours of Service rules. This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Volvo Trucks - Check out the new D13TC e

Today we talk to Dave Dein, a co-founder of The Next Generation In Trucking Association, which is a non-profit organization who’s goal is to get more young people interesting in trucking and logistics careers. What they’re doing is pretty cool, so you’ll want to stick around for that. But first we’ve got more news than you can haul without a permit, including a dangerous social media game involving truckers, changes to the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse that could affect your livelihood, more on autonomous vehicles, a proposed electric vehicle tax, a new device that fleets could use to restrict driver’s use of cell phones, and of course, a whole bunch about the impending vaccine mandate. Also, money for truck parking is back on the agenda, care packages for the troops are requested, warehouses are full, the problem at the seaports, more on the lease-operator legal issue, the history of the owner-operator, and legislating bathrooms for truckers. Yes, really. The Trucker Grub segment gets a retraction, an

We’re back with Part 2 of the interview with Zach Smacher, about what it’s like for a new trucker in their first 6 months. We left off with a cliffhanger, so that’s where we’ll pick it back up. But first we’re going to talk about the FMCSA’s new rules about COVID extensions and how they’re bending over backwards to get new truckers into the industry. We’ll also talk about President Biden’s vaccine mandate and how that’s going to affect the trucking industry. And in related news, how to get your own authority if you want to sidestep the mandate. LOL What else? The pros and cons of working for a union shop, no government money for truck parking, higher per diem rates starting soon, lower Social Security benefits expected in the future, a naughty fuel card company, changes to an age-old technology - the CB, and with winter coming up, I’ll point you to a great resource for chain laws state-by-state. In the listener feedback segment, we’ll congratulate a new CDL holder, help another potential new trucker, and

In today’s main topic, we’ve got the first part of a 2-part interview with a new trucker about his first six months in the industry. Lots of good info here for anyone looking to get into the industry. But first we’ve got a couple of recalls, soon-to-be obsolete electronic log devices, possible new vision standards from the FMCSA, and yet another COVID exemption extension. We’ll also talk about the FMCSA’s new driver advisory panel’s first meeting and we’ll hear some reactions to it. We’ll discuss electric vehicles, slack adjuster no-nos, and more truck parking coming to Indiana. Get out your sweet tooth for the Trucker Grub segment and in the listener feedback segment, we’ll discuss, everything from trucker TV shows, burning trucks and trailers, and trucker gear. And be sure to stick around to see if you can help a really short woman figure out how to become a trucker. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in y

Got a whopper of a show for you today, but once again, there is no main topic. I promise this isn’t a new trend. I’ve got some good things lined up for the next few episodes. But for now there’s a fairly long intro where I talk about my company’s hazmat issues, per diem tax breaks, adverse driving conditions, other trucking podcasts, and driving a fancy car. In the news segment, we’ve got more truck recalls, yet another safety blitz, bridges reopening, toll plazas closing, rising driver pay, new insights into driver shortages and women’s affect on it, and what to do if you don’t pass your DOT physical. Also, our governments are working on taxing truckers more, more COVID extensions, proposed legislation on speed limiters, sleep apnea, liability insurance, and infrastructure, all while putting the kibosh on the highway trust fund. Huh?? Oh, and teaming with a robot. Double huh?? On a lighter note, Pilot Flying J is giving away prizes this summer, there’s a popular movie about truckers on Netflix, and in no

We don’t have a main topic today, but we do have a mega crap ton of news, some listener feedback, and a fun contest that could win you $50. So about this news; we’ve got a handful of truck recalls, Canadian ELDs, lots of driverless trucks being ordered, some useful tips for tax time, another reroute around a busted bridge, and yet another safety blitz (yes, really). But hey, all is not lost. We'll also tell you what qualifies as an out-of-service violation when it comes to lights and hours-of-service. This one might surprise you. We’ll even discuss how some of these violations are actual crimes! Whaaaa? We’ll address some myths around the COVID vaccine and if you’re still freaked out, how to clean your truck to reduce your chances of getting it. But hey, at least you won’t die from a truck rollover if this prototype fifth wheel makes it to market! And once again, the powers that be are making truckers unhappy with talks of the new Vehicle Miles Traveled tax, the push for speed limiters and automatic emergency

In today’s show, we discuss truckers and their taxes in an interview with Mason War, CEO and Co-Founder of COS Accounting & Tax. Lots of good info on 1099 drivers here. But first, we’ve got the obligatory Covid-related news including more extensions and vaccines, the Canadian Electronic log roll-out, lawsuits involving Prime,Inc., sleeper berth pay, and independent contractors, and I’ll tell you when to expect the next safety blitz. The government has been busy too, with pushes for underride guards, speed limiters, mileage-based taxes, and more truck tolls. President Biden wants to fortify the supply chain while the FMCSA warns truck drivers of massive job losses. All while thousands of drivers are being lost to drug testing. Yeah, that makes sense. Thankfully we have listener feedback to cheer us up; from Danny, Taran, Shawn, and of course Stevie. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast

In today’s main topic we talk about how you know when you should switch trucking jobs. But first, lots of news involving COVID, new elog information for both the US and Canada, and lots of changes coming in 2021 due to a new presidential administration, including a scary one involving sleep apnea testing. Also, truckers stick it to California, Walmart and driverless trucks, the big UPS sell-out, new vision and testing standards for CDL holders, and of course, the obligatory truck recalls. In the listener feedback segment we’ll hear about hatred of elogs, a driving school and training story, COVID vaccinations, and I get called out by a 15-year-old. We’ll also hear about a great BBQ joint in the Trucker Grub segment. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 25% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job while you're ther

Got something a bit different for the main topic today. I had the opportunity to test Garmin’s newest truck GPS called the dēzl™ OTR1000, and I’ll share my thoughts in a video review. But first, lots of news to discuss including truck recalls, winter driving prep, and COVID vaccines, waivers, and how it relates to workman’s comp. Autonomous and electric vehicles are always a hot topic, including how electric trucks might attract new truck drivers to the industry. We’ve got an update on the closed bridge in Cincinnati, we’ll learn about fancy pants smart trailers, a request to be the new head of the FMCSA, and a DOT physical exemption for one large company. HUH? We’ve got a non-traditional Trucker Grub segment this time and we’ll hear about Stevie driving for a carnival and musical guest, Driver Dave will give us his origin story. And we’ll top it all off with the annual reading of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas - Trucker Style. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast sh

Well there is no main topic topic today, but we’ve got enough news, listener feedback, and other stuff to choke a hippo… provided a hippo would try to eat stuff like that. Anywho, we’ll be covering truck recalls and lots of stuff about truck brakes, myths about truck inspections, truck parking, new hours-of-service clarifications, and we’ll learn about winter fuel additives. Good news on the economy and trucker pay is always good, but dash cams, drug testing, delayed driver training guidelines, and drivers getting sued, not so much. Listener feedback covers, trucking schools, elogs, “smart” trailers, autonomous trucking, and of course, tailgating truckers. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 50% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job while you're there. This deal is only available for a limited time! This episod

Today’s main topic is job-hopping. How much is too much? Stay tuned. But as always, we’ve got some news to cover including voting info, brake recalls, safety blitz stats, nuclear verdicts, trailer technology, broker scams, truck warranties, and think pieces on being an owner/operator and ANTs. Huh? The FMCSA has also been busy with hairy drug testing, driver advisory panels, under 21 drivers, driver training exemptions, and yet another COVID HOS exemption extension. Wow. Say that three times fast. And we’ll top it all off with six restaurants for the Trucker Grub segment, and listener feedback on weapons, railroad crossings, man vs. beast, and driving school experiences. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 50% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job while you're there. This deal is only available for a limited

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drive a chemical truck in the oilfields, then you’re going to love the interview we have with Cannon Bryan on today’s show. For the record, oil is NOT the slickest thing Cannon deals with. LOL We’ve also got surprisingly few news stories including the 14-hour rule, futuristic Michigan roads, what to look for in a used truck, what to do when your employer blacklists you, some trucker health help, and hey, what do you know; yet another safety blitz. yay. Ryan is going to point us to some good Indian food in the Trucker Grub segment and we’ll hear from Rob, Steve, Goose, and Maurice, on topics such as scary CDL school situations, trucks stuck on railroad tracks, and the slim chances of any trucker ever needing a gun. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 50% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Gre

The topic of today’s show is CDL Farms and why you should be careful when choosing a truck driving school. I interview a driver who went to one and you won’t believe how bad his school was! But before that we’ve got stories about safety blitzes and recalls, electric truck expectations, and of course, more COVID-related news, including the death of a trucking icon. We’ll also hit on the upcoming new split sleeper berth rule, we’ll issue a warning about CBD products, the FBI warns about ELD hackers, and bringing the issues of truck parking and detention pay into the spotlight. We’ve even got a Trucker Grub segment for you foodies! Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 50% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job while you're there. Limited time only! This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Volvo Trucks - Chec

Boy oh boy, have we got a good show today. We’re going to talk about personal safety tips for truckers and some of you are going to be a part of it. But before that we’ve got news stories about truck drivers and protestors, inspections and ELD coercion, more deadline extensions, and electric trucks. We’ll also talk about health issues including sleep apnea and amputees getting CDLs. Marijuana use is on the rise too, which makes sense with the insane changes to liability insurance the government is trying to make. We’ll also discuss the government owning part of a major trucking company through a controversial bailout deal and how changes in routing could change the future for truckers. Top it off with a few emails from you and we’ll wrap it up. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 25% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Tr

If you've ever been interested in how oversize/overweight loads work, you're in luck. Today we talk to Travis Jellison, who has pulled loads as heavy as 230,000 pounds, 22 feet wide, 15.5 feet tall, and 120 feet long. Yikes! In the news segment, we discuss how the coronavirus is affecting the trucking industry with regards to the loss of work and restaurants, and Hours-of-Service adjustments, including the upcoming HOS changes. We also look at technology such as electric vehicles and it's lack of infrastructure, CDL skills testing, and how 5G networks could help the trucking industry. Freight brokering gets its fair share of talk time, and we hit on truck parking, truckers and medications, toll hikes, and gross injustices like the prison release of a bad trucking CEO and what is considered a preventable accident when it comes to the CSA. In the feedback segment, we hear from Daniel, Evan, two Davids, and Aron all join the Trucker Dump Slack group. Driver Dave has an encounter with a duck, and Ben talks

I’ve heard lots of people say that truck driving is a recession-proof job. But if that’s true, then why am I laid off from my trucking job right now? We’ll discuss the issue and hopefully get to the bottom of it once and for all. But like a good appetizer before the main entree, we’ve got lots of news to cover, including recalls from three truck manufacturers and pulling back the reins on emissions expectations. And of course, there’s still lots of Corona-related stories, including rules extensions, Real IDs, government helping truckers, and Coronavirus fraudsters. I’ll also share some trucking-related COVID resources, as well as things you can do to protect yourself in these trying times. And what would life be without listener feedback? Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 25% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Drivi

Well, you can probably guess what today’s podcast is all about, and unfortunately it ain’t fluffy kittens. Nope, for today’s main topic I’ll be rebroadcasting an episode of the Payload Podcast where JT Peters talks to an epidemiologist about Coronavirus and how it relates to us truckers. But before that, we’ve got lots of news on how this pandemic is affecting the trucking industry; including suspended and forced rules, how truckers are gaining new respect, and some clarification on the $2.2 trillion stimulus plan. And of course, what you should do if you think you’ve got the virus. But it’s not all about the Corona. We’ve got an update on new HOS rules, autonomous trucks, truck parking, and new high-tech maintenance ideas. Also, a major data breach and tips for being in an accident. In the feedback segment, we’ll talk about ignorant commenters, under 21 truckers, tailgating, and kitchen utensils. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com

On today’s show, we’ll be continuing the series where we highlight unique trucking jobs. This time Joshua Knode will tell us about expedited trucking and how it differs from a typical truck driving job. Lots of great information and fun stories in here, including rock bands, mercenaries, and a late night talk show host! But before we get to that, we’re going to learn about a new trucking podcast, truck-only lanes, truck-only tolls, dangerous parking, and an early roadcheck safety blitz this year. We’ll also hear about a new trade agreement, ELD yard moves, internet scams, 18-year-old truckers, trucks with no drivers, and how $50 and some elbow grease could save your life. And we’ve got a few quick emails about recruiting and of course, tailgating. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com or search for Trucker Dump in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to check out the 25% off combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Dri

Today we’ve got an interview with Ellen Voie from the Women in Trucking Association, which is a non-profit organization that aims to help and promote women truckers. Dudes, don’t tune out. This is a discussion you need to hear too. But before we get to that, we’ve got a month’s worth of news to catch up on that includes a major southern corridor opening back up, mirrorless trucks, deaf truckers, and sexual harassment. We'll also look into what happens to your ELD data and what happens after a trucker has a stroke or seizure. Of course, we’ll also catch up with what the government is up to, including truck tolls, GPS apps, EPA guidelines, and I’ll give you an update of the California Lease-Operator debacle. And we’ll finish up with a couple of stories that involve truckers in pain. To close out, we get a two-fer yummy Trucker Grub from driverchrismc and we only have a few quick emails from Daniel, Brandon, and Steve since we knocked out most of the feedback in the last mega-episode. Listen to the podcast