Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast

Well we’re back from a wee bit of a hiatus, so instead of a normal topic we’re going to catch up on listener feedback. We’ll hear from people looking into a trucking career, and we’ll discuss LTL vs OTR, Automatics vs. Manuals, Australian and military trucking, laughable rules, and of course, lots of hate mail about my tailgating episode. Those are always fun. We’ve also got over 3 months of news to catch up on. Trucking companies in trouble and CA causing trouble, recalls, new ELD stuff, new legislation, service dogs, booting, and lots more. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com. Be sure to check out the 25% off combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job while you're there. This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Volvo Trucks - Check out the new Volvo Dynamic Steering feature on the VNL and VNR series and watch the videos on the Volvo YouTube page. Links mentioned in the podcast: Financial scandal p

Running a bit behind on my podcasting schedule, so this is a just a quick reminder that the FMCSA has extended the commenting period on the New Proposed Hours Of Service Rules until October 21. Check out that link for my thoughts on the newly proposed rules. October 21 is just a few days, so don't delay! Go and submit your comments now! Want to hear something pathetic? There are over 3 million CDL holders in the United States, but there are only 7,500 comments submitted so far. That's pretty lame. If you care enough about trucking to listen to/read the Trucker Dump podcast/blog, then you should care enough to want to give the FMCSA a piece of your mind. And remember, if you don't submit your comments, you'll have no reason to whine and cry about the new rules in the future. And who doesn't love a good reason to complain? BONUS! One last thing; if you've never submitted a public comment like this before, be sure to check out Tips For Submitting Effective Comments so you don't sound like a raving lunatic. S

In today’s show, I’ll explain the newly proposed hours-of-service rules so you can go leave your comments for the FMCSA. And speaking of safety issues, we’ve got a couple of truck recalls, yet another inspection blitz, more about ELD compliance, more about platooning, and you better watch out in Minnesota. We’ll also discuss the laws behind drug and alcohol screening and sleep apnea, then we’ll hit on deceptive factoring, yet another carrier shutting down and leaving drivers stranded, whether you should be paid for sleeping, and finally your chance to be a superstar on TV. Trucker Grub is going to point us to some yummy cajun food this time around. In the feedback segment, we’ll hear a tailgating story of a guy stuck in a truck sandwich, a funny story about sleep apnea, taking a large dog on the road, and what the heck is Slack? Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com. This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Volvo Trucks - Check

In today’s episode, I’m starting a new series where I talk to truckers who have a speciality. Every now and then I’ll interview a driver who does something different than the average trucker. Today, you’ll hear from my good friend and fellow Trucker Dump Slack Group member, Shannon Holden about his job as a rental equipment hauler. But before that we’ve got lots of news to cover including more truck recalls, lots of new legislation, ELD privacy issues, and some stupid things truckers do, which means I’m pissed off through half the news segment. But we lighten the mood every now and then with an odd quarantine, seven of the best companies to work for (according to Forbes), a couple of cool new products, and a chance for a free trip to Nashville. I didn’t think we’d have a Trucker Grub segment, but an old acquaintance stops in to talk about Nancy’s Pizza in Litchfield, Illinois. You’ll never guess who it is in a million years. In the listener feedback section we’ll discuss Ambien, refresher courses, the im

Well, there’s been a 2-month hiatus while I switched jobs, but it brought up a good main topic for today’s show; comparing OTR to LTL trucking. We’ve got not one, but two good places to eat for the Trucker Grub segment. Plenty of listener feedback too, including more information on the facial recognition system being used at the Canadian border, an audio comment with an oopsie from a driver (and one from myself), and of course I’m going to include some listener comments saying nice things about the podcast. Why wouldn’t I? And obviously, there’s been lots of news over the past couple of months. I couldn’t hit everything, but it might seem like it. We cover the April 12 slow roll protest, more equipment recalls, and some past and upcoming safety blitzes. Speaking of upcoming things, how about new Hours of Service, new emissions standards (oh boy), 18 year old interstate truckers, a drug & alcohol clearinghouse, and a couple of studies on ELD usage, truck parking, and the Eisenhower Tunnel in the Colora

Man, we’ve got a colossal show today, headlined by me sharing the emotional rollercoaster I’ve been on lately as I prepare to change truck driving jobs. But before that, we’ve got interesting stuff like Dustin’s Trucker Grub segment on some good BBQ and some long lost listener feedback from Keith, who talks about hourly pay and has a military analogy to truck training, Scot has comments on the podcast and a question about driver suicide, and Mark sent in a audio clip about why there’s so much confrontation between drivers. But of course, we’ll start out with a bajillion news stories regarding such things as truck idling regulations, concealed carry in a truck, speed limit changes, updates on the truck parking situation, and what changes our benevolent regulators would like to focus on within the trucking industry. And speaking of things that don’t work, we’ll also be discussing electric truck technologies, truck tolls, autonomous trucks, 1099 drivers, and trucker protests. And to round out the news an

In today's main topic, we discuss whether trucking recruiters are friend or foe? My views on the subject might surprise you. But before that we’ve a tribute to a friend, a couple of funny videos, and DriverChrisMc will point you to some good Mexican food in the Trucker Grub segment. We’ll discuss fancy pants new trucks from Volvo and Freightliner and what’s this about a truck with no mirrors??? Lots of other topics including trucker fatalities stats, a truck parking update, facial recognition for truckers, and a major construction warning in the south. And of course, we’ll talk about the trucker who got beaten by security guards and we’ll talk about what qualifies as “adverse weather conditions” when it comes to log books. We’ll also look at some length-of-haul stats and what that means, and we’re going to figure out if it’s true that truckers are considered unskilled labor. In the feedback section, David will clarify something from the last podcast about hourly pay, BSHarlan1971 leaves an iTunes revi

In today’s main topic, I’ll share 3 Trucking Apps Every Trucker Should Have and tell you why they're so awesome. But there's so much more! We’ll also be discussing news stories about truck recalls, tolls, impending new emissions standards, HOS of proposals, and whether driver pay is the key to solving every problem in the trucking industry. I’ll tell you where you’re most likely to get a moving violation, and speaking of violations, we’ll be discussing the sentence that was handed down to the Pilot executives. The tiniest of progress has been made to stop the exploitation of truck booting, so that’s good. Look out for some changes at your local Road Ranger too. I’ll point you to a couple of articles to help you curb your road rage and improve your professionalism. And we’ll finish up the news by sharing a Trucking charity and finding out about a possible exemption for narcoleptic truckers. Whaaaa? In the Trucker Grub segment, Dustin is back to tell us where to find some great clam chowder, and Lindsay

Truckers are an unappreciated group for sure; but there are lots of other people within the trucking industry that are even less appreciated. In today's show, I take the opportunity to thank those good folks who support us truckers. Other topics covered in the podcast are some truck recalls, some new emissions systems, a temporary truck parking fix, trucker tax changes, and I share my thoughts about the recent Washington DC trucker convoy and road blockage. We've got drivers suing carriers, a drowsy driving blood test, trucker pay raises, and a group to help suicidal or depressed truckers. The Trucker Grub segment is submitted by Nick, and in listener feedback Driver Dave talks about electronic logs, Michael talks about the new CDL restriction called "No manual transmission equipment CMV," Ab tells us a dreadful tale of a tailgating trucker, and Martin agrees with me that my company has me bent over on a particular issue. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes o

We all see people doing stupid, inconsiderate, or just plain rude things every day. What do we do it about? Should we call these people out or should we bite our tongues? We'll discuss that in today's main topic. But the show is also jam-packed with news stories, including some recalls, some autonomous truck stuff, some good news for diabetic truckers, and more thoughts about dash cams. We’ll also talk about naughty booters and some even naughtier truckers. And I’ll tell you a couple of ways you can get your voice heard to make trucking driving a better job. We’ll also talk about what makes a good trucking company and of course, the death of a trucking icon. Driver Dave sent in a unique Trucker Grub segment and in the feedback section we hear from Ali, who has a tailgating tale, Tim is considering a switch from IT to trucking, and Anthony’s "oddest question I’ve ever received" leads to a discussion of truck driving schools. Listen to the podcast version or read the full article and the podcast show notes o

In today's podcast, I tell you about an electronic logging device (ELD) called the FleetUp Trace. I also share news stories about a truck recall, the possibility of new Hours-of-Service rules, more happenings in the autonomous truck world (including what's up with your job), I point you to a survey for your opinions about the biggest trucking issues, and a lady trucker stands up to the man and wins. I also discuss dash cams and a conversation I had with OOIDA on Twitter. Trucker Grub features an Albuquerque restaurant. In the feedback section we discuss private vs. sponsored truck driving schools, we follow up with last months mad gay trucker, and obviously… strawberry jam. View the article and show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com. Check out new Trucker Dump merchandise at TeePublic.com, including tee shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, tote bags, and even kid's clothes (not that any sane person would put their kid in a Trucker Dump shirt)! This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Citadel Fleet Safety

I was in a situation recently and got called out by a friend for my actions. To me it was a technicality. To him it was a blatant lie. In today's podcast, I tell that story and the situation surrounding it. I'll let you decide. We also cover some trucking legislation stuff, the rise of guaranteed driver pay, more about truck parking, and something called Bus and Dump (which I’ve never heard of before). I’ll also point you to a test to figure out your driving personality. Trucker Grub is still hanging on by a hair. And I talk to Classic Truck Insurance about becoming an owner operator and getting your own authority. In the feedback section we discuss parking, sleeping, McGyvering your truck, and a fellow trucking author. View the article and show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com. Check out new Trucker Dump merchandise at TeePublic.com, including tee shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, tote bags, and even kid's clothes (not that any sane person would put their kid in a Trucker Dump shirt)! This episode of Trucke

In today's podcast, I present four ideas that could help you become a more efficient trucker. I also cover a crapload of news stories, ranging from new ways to tackle truck parking, new proposed hours-of-service legislation, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), a lost trucker, some surprises about driver pay, and possibly one of the most insane verdicts I've ever heard. I also tell you how social media can help you in a way that you might not have thought of before. In the Feedback section, we hear from from Goat Bob, Driver Dave, DriverChrisMc, and Dan on subjects such as trucking podcasts, to axle weights, to cancer, to beef liver, and finally being pissed off at truckers. View the article and show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com. Get free audio and text samples of Trucking Life and a text sample of How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job. Check out new Trucker Dump merchandise at TeePublic.com, including tee shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, tote bags, and even kid's clothes! This episode of Trucker Dump is

In this episode we talk to Ben Lee, president of Make-A-Wish for the Susquehanna Valley, who tells us about the awesome, Guiness World Record holding, Mother's Day Truck Convoy event. But before that, I talk about a few articles I saw involving California emissions, a new Hours-of-Service bill, and a horrible truck crash. I also point you to a cool gift for a trucker. I also have a nice, long chat with Dave Meltzer, a Principal at one of our sponsors, East Insurance Group. Believe it or not, we have a non-boring chat about truck insurance. And in Trucker Grub, Driverchrismc is back with another excellent restaurant. In the feedback section, Aaron and Greg have comments about C.R. England, while Jeff, Steven, Trucker Bob, and @thebesttruckeralive (yes, really) want to talk about reserved paid truck parking. View the article and show notes on AboutTruckDriving.com Check out new Trucker Dump merchandise at TeePublic.com, including tee shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, tote bags, and even kid's clothes! This

In today's episode of the world famous Trucker Dump Podcast, we discuss why podcasts are so perfect for truckers. I also talk about losing my Kenworth and I share a funny quote from a million mile safe trucker I met. Driverchrismc tells us about a Mexican restaurant in the Trucker Grub segment and he also corrects me about Oregon speed limits. I point you to a couple of excellent health resources and fun little game I've been addicted to lately. I also discuss taking on sponsors for the show and we have an interview with one of them, Citadel Fleet Safety. In the feedback section, we hear from not one, but two Jeffs. One clarifies the CRST CDL exemption and the other shares his thoughts on reaching truckers about how great podcasts are. Taylor asks about trucker seats, while I share one of our Slack group conversations that happened when Trucker Bob got screwed by buying a reserved truck parking space. And last, we hear from Roger, who thinks I'm a dick. View the article on AboutTruckDriving.com This episod

In today's podcast, I speak with Ryan Backstrand, Product Engineer and Korina Velasco, Marketing Manager for Right Weigh Load Scales. If you haven't heard of Right Weigh, it is a system of weighing your truck without having to drive to the nearest CAT Scale. How cool is that?! You'll learn how this product works, how much it costs, and how to install it, just to name a few. Additionally, Troy from the Big Rig Banter podcast dissects trucker pay, I point you to an awesome FAQ about Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and a short book explaining truck weights, and I introduce a new segment that I think you truckers are really gonna dig. And obviously, I do some shameless self-promotion of a couple of podcasts I've been a guest on recently. I also talk about a service called Teledoc that seems custom-made for truckers. In the feedback section, Aaron shares why he's always sitting in the driver's seat (even when off-duty), Greg and I dodge Winter Storm Grayson, Danielle shares health tips she's learned on the roa

As you can tell from the title, today's show is about this reserved truck parking that is popping up at all the truck stops. But before we get to that, listener Kevin wrote in to tell me I screwed up the Meritor jacket contest from the last podcast. He was right! We also have some gift ideas for truckers, which is handy right before Christmas. We also discuss Telsa's fancy new electric truck and I share a mechanical tip I learned from listener Mike. But that's not all! Connor Smith from the Big Rig Banter podcast shares his article on the Top 5 Issues In Commercial Driving. In the feedback section, Renae shares her experience with her training and being a trainer herself, Tim points out a problem with one of my books, and Ryan thinks he could've solved my overweight issue from the last podcast. And to wrap things up, Shannon lost a bet with me and had to send in an audio comment telling me how awesome I am! Follow along along for the text version and photos: TD:125 Reserved Truck Parking: Convenience Or Exp

Ever had one of those crappy days that just seems to drag on forever… and in fact, it actually does drag into the next day? Well, that's what happened to me recently when a shipper just couldn't get me loaded legally. I share the story with mind-numbing detail. Lucky you. I also interview Bill Busbice from HWY Pro, an app that helps owner-operators find, accept, and plan loads more efficiently than current methods. If you signed up to win the Meritor jacket, you'll want to stay tuned to see if you won. I also talk about some new audio editing software I'm going to buy. Yes, this cheapskate. In the feedback section, we hear from Renae, Emily, Garry, David, and Andrew. Links mentioned in the intro: I'm planning on reviewing the My ONE20 app soon, but you can go ahead and check it out now. I've started a Trucker Dump Podcast Facebook page. Yes, I finally broke down. Along with that is a Facebook Group called Trucker Dump Podcast. Since I buckled from the pressure, I expect all of you to join and partic

Today's episode is devoted to helping rookie truckers. The advice I give is all stuff that you'll learn over time, but why wait when you can learn it now? I also discuss my recent visit to the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) and I tell you about a new trucking podcast. We cover stories about some recent trucking accidents and a thief who deserved everything he got. Furthermore, I discuss what's going on with the mandatory speed limiter proposition and talk about platooning. In the feedback section, we hear from Renae, Steve, and some anonymous dude. Links mentioned in the podcast: TD110: Jabbering With Jared includes an interview I did with nephew Jared after he rode in the truck with me. Some good laughs here! Jewel Jones is @JewelJonesIRL on Twitter Check out the videos from trucker BukWildTrucking on YouTube Australian country artist Jayne Denham performed at the TA/Petro truck parking community at GATS. She sang her #1 hit, Addicted To The Diesel as well as her new release called Stacks. Check

This episode is a continuation of TD120: Truckers And Exercise where I answered listener Jeremy's questions about exercising out on the road. TD122: 4 Awesome Trucker Workouts takes that further by telling you about some workout apps and methods I've used over the years. But before I get to the exercising junk, I talk about the new Kenworth T-680 I'm driving and my time on the road with nephew Jacob. I even go off on a tangent about rap music and the people who listen to it. We also discuss a couple of road rage incidents involving truckers and I issue a warning about signing onto Uber Freight. In the feedback section, Mike and Chris had comments on truck driving simulators, Kyle tells us a bit about how Walmart operates, Greg has a suggestion for a portable shower, and Brian the Aussie sent in an audio comment that dives into everything from the US DOT rules to my relationship with my nephews. Links mentioned in the podcast: I read about two separate road rage incidents recently on TheTruckersReport.com