Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast

In today's podcast I introduce my second book called, How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job. I also share some thoughts on driving with your hazards on and a special exemption CRST was granted recently. And what would a Trucker Dump podcast be without a trucker whining for a while? This time it's about the saga of switching trucks. Links mentioned in the podcast: BeSpecular app for sighted people to help the blind see. CRST exemption for permit holders. @RiverRatWA57 pointed me to this article from CDLLife.com about the legality of using hazard flashers. Nero pointed me to an article that he wrote called, How a Mom Overcame the Odds and Pursued a Job as a Trucker. How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job sales page. Download the Trucking Company Questionnaire for a measly $1.99. Download a FREE sample version of How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job from Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, or AboutTruckDriving.com. Trucking Life: An Entertaining, Yet Informative Guide To Beco

Ever wonder how truckers stay in shape out on the road? Well, truth be told most of them don't. But Jeremy wrote in asking how it's done. He's curious because he's thinking about truck driving as a career and doesn't want to let himself go. He asked me a bunch of questions about truckers and exercise and I do my best to answer him. Links in the intro: TD119: Winter Driving Tips With An Alaskan Trucker was the last show. If you missed it, go back and check it out. It's got some great tips for driving in the snow and ice! My website domains and hosting fees are coming due! If you've enjoyed the show over the last few years, please consider donating some spare change via the donation button in the side bar of the blog. Or if you want to get something for your money, consider purchasing Trucking Life, which includes a free 9.25-hour audiobook version. Check out the free samples wherever you buy your ebooks! If you're a trucker who likes discussing Apple products and services, please consider joining the iTru

If you could get winter truck driving tips from anyone, who would it be? How about someone who drives a 155,000-pound,12-axle tractor trailer on mountainous, snow-packed, two-lane roads nearly every day? Well, I found such a person. Even better, I commenced to bribe, cajole, and generally badger him into coming onto the Trucker Dump podcast to share his experience with you. I may have even threatened to set bear traps for his dogs. Don't judge. Gotta do whatcha gotta do. Kevin Lowery has been driving big rigs in Alaska for 23 years of his 28-year career and he's learned a thing or two about getting around in the snow and dealing with extreme cold temperatures. In today's podcast, we discuss how to get your rig and yourself ready for winter, how to keep from having maintenance issues, and what to do if you have them anyway. We also talk about the best heater settings to use, how to drive on the snow, and how to keep from getting stuck when you park for the night. Lastly, we talk about how to install tire cha

I have two topics for you today. First is a review of the AeroPress coffee maker and then I ponder how much luck has a part in keeping a safe driving record. I also discuss the often false advertising of the term "Million Miler." Links mentioned in the podcast: TD78: A Trucker's Thanksgiving was my last Thanksgiving-themed podcast. It is also one of my favorite podcast episodes. The snark meter goes off the charts! I reluctantly discuss the 2016 presidential election and the results. Yeesh. What a mess. Since the election was so depressing in general, I went over to Singsnap.com and recorded a few songs. Have at it if you want to hear me butcher some perfectly good songs. I came across another idiot truck driver recently. I tell the story and mention TD66: Trucker's Go Turtle Racing. Scalebuster is a new app that tells you if the scales are open. You can also report any surprise inspections you run across. The new myPilot app has a couple of cool features but one of them doesn't always work. I did a

Welcome to the third installment of Hell Week. If you want to get caught up with the previous two, check out the links below. Hell Week is what I call a bad week of trucking. I'm sure it's no comparison to the Marine's Hell Week, but I'm a giant wuss so this is as close as I will ever get. You can find this blog post here. Links mentioned in the opening: I'm still looking for an Owner/Operator who would be willing to install the Wheel-Check product and do a short audio or text review. Contact me at TruckerDump@gmail.com. If you like discussing your Apple products and services, send an email to iTruckers@iCloud.com to request an invitation. Despite my hatred of Facebook, I'm considering starting a Trucker Dump Facebook page. If you'd be interested in something like that, please email me at TruckerDump@gmail.com. If I don't hear from a lot of you, I ain't-a-gonna-do-it. I got three new iTunes reviews recently, courtesy of Clive Hammett @Clive_Hammett, Kevin Thompson Sr. @KevinThompsonS1, and Kenneth Sum

Today we have a guest post that originally posted on The Diabetes Council website. Whether you are a trucker dealing with diabetes, a potential trucker wondering if you can drive a truck with the disease, or someone who simply has a major sweet tooth, "Commercial Truck Driving and Diabetes: Everything You Need To Know" has something for you. Links mentioned in the intro: I got to meet Buck Ballard from The Trucking Podcast in person! And of course, the Internet rule says that it didn't happen if there aren't pictures. The folks over at RoadPro are giving away prizes every day of September for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Click here to enter the contest! I'm looking for an Owner/Operator who would be willing to test a product called Wheel-Check for me and do a short audio review (3 minutes or less). Drop me an email at TruckerDump@gmail.com and I'll have them shipped to you ASAP. Warren wrote in telling me he couldn't download the songs that I use for the intro/outro of the podcast. I fixed it

In today's podcast, I review the weBoost Drive 4G-X OTR cell signal booster from Wilson Electronics. Links in the podcast: Check out my new ebook/audiobook called Trucking Life and get some free samples of both the audio and text versions. @Holden657 was kind enough to leave reviews of Trucking Life on both Amazon and the iBooks Store. 35-year driver Daniel S. Bridger reviewed Trucking Life on his Trucking Blog. Todd Dills from OverdriveOnline.com also wrote an excellent review of Trucking Life. Youssef from KnowTrucking.com wrote in to tell us about their free practice CDL tests. Billy from Trutrux told us about his new website that sells truck, ATV, boat, camping, outdoor gear & cool stuff. I mention shows I've been watching, including Arrow, Flash, Agents of Shield, and Downton Abbey, which is sort of a spin-off of the movie, Gosford Park. Non-trucker Jeremy wrote in to ask about exercise as a trucker. I put him off so I could do a whole podcast about it. I mentioned my workout video calledTD

You're thinking that the title of this podcast makes the topic clear… but you'd be as wrong as a 2nd grader taking a physics test. Nope, this podcast is not about the book. It's about the making of the book. I do describe the book a bit, but I pointed everyone to the Trucking Life sales page for all the gory details. Links mentioned in the show: I mention the latest articles I wrote for TruckerMagazine.com. If you're a trucker who's also an Apple-junkie, you should definitely join the iTruckers Slack group by requesting an invite at iTruckers@iCloud.com. Jim Sweeney from the Adcom Group wrote in to tell us about the annual Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Truck Convoy that takes place on May 8, 2016. Jeff Bayless from The Successful Trucker website asked me for some help, but since I couldn't really help him with what he wanted, I guess he'll have to settle for this lame plug. Get sick a lot on the road? Maybe you should check out this 24/7/365 Telemedicine service that Sheldon from Concierge Benefit Services

Well, I came up blank for a topic this time, so that's bad. What's good is it means that it's a perfect time to catch up on all the feedback from you guys (and gals). But before we get to the feedback, I ramble on about boring stuff like I usually do. Topics and links mentioned in the podcast: I was a guest on The Trucking Podcast. We had a blast talking about all kinds of stuff, so please check it out. Look for episode 108. Who doesn't like to hear about another person's aches and pains? No one… right? Right? Tough noogies. I open the show with my kidney stone woes. Good times. More in the complaint department, I whine a bit about the crappy Internet at my new home. Of course, everyone loves to hear a trucker bitch about trying to get home. Well I don't disappoint with the story of my emotional rollercoaster ride trying to get home for Christmas. I'm also looking for listener's input on whether being called a "Trucker Dumper" is insulting or just plain funny. I ask because Buck and Don over at The Tr

In this episode of the world famous Trucker Dump podcast, I tell about a couple of incidents that convinced me that truckers simply can't read. Have a listen and tell me about your experiences. I close the episode with a retelling of "Twas The Night Before Christmas: Trucker Style." One listener said she'll never look at Christmas the same. LOL Links mentioned in the podcast: A photo of my new house! Shaun from PowerTrainHorns.com made an infographic out of TD95: 4 Reasons That Trucker Might Be Tailgating You The folks at Fleetmover.com put the Trucker Dump podcast on their "Best Trucking (and Non-Trucking Podcasts To Listen To On The Road." Sweet! I list some of the articles that are in the TruckerMagazine.com that I have been writing for. Check it out. Buck and Don from The Trucking Podcast have been riding me pretty hard (in good fun) about me wearing sweat pants at work. Buck wrote an article called 5 Acceptable Places To Wear Sweat Pants. Have a read and let me know what you think about truckers a

In today's show, guest co-host and fellow trucker Steven Gorman sits in as we discuss ways to improve the reputation we truckers have. I also have a couple of corrections to make and I go off on a rant about a run-in I had with a bonehead trucker. Links mentioned in the podcast: @MikeTheDriver got me started on a rant with a tweet about a slow driver. Stevens Transport Steven mentions the Smith System, which is a driving safety method for truckers. Correction from last week, Clive Hammett's Twitter name is @Clive_Hammett. Steven showed me a photo of his "Apple" watch. LOL We discuss the Slushbuster product again that Greg introduced us to on the last episode. Greg is @RiverRatWA57 on Twitter. Pat Smith @PatSmithF1 wrote me to point out another windshield wiper device called the Wiper Shaker. Here is a video about it. I mention the podcast/blog post called, "TD95: 4 Reasons That Trucker Might Be Tailgating You." I was interviewed by Noah Davis for an article on Road & Track called "A Trucker Ex

Welcome to the first interview I've done on Trucker Dump. I recently had my nephew out on the road with me and I forced him to talk with me about it afterward. I hope you have as much fun listening to it as we had recording it. Links mentioned in the podcast: Erich McMann's new video for the song Trucker Country I've been doing some writing for TruckerMagazine.com for the last few months. Check it out! Check out the new AboutTruckDriving.com header and the new Trucker Dump logo and header A much younger Jared shows off his Gangnam Style dance moves while The Evil Overlord and I guffaw in the background. Pictures from being on the road with Jared In the Feedback section: Clive @trucktrekker give us an Apple Watch tip Ken has a comment about TD107: The Fuel Bay Golden Rule I mention my Google+ page, which I'm rarely on. Greg @RiverRatWA57 sends an audio comment about his fuel bay experiences and tells us about a cool product called the Slushbuster. He also asks my opinion about carrying weapons in

We truckers encounter rookie drivers all the time. The question today is how you handle these situations. I tell you two stories that happened to me recently that may open your eyes a bit. Or you can ignore them and continue to be a jerk face. Your choice. Links mentioned in the podcast: Check out fiverr.com for all your little needs. I'm betting someone over there can help you for $5. The Trucker Country CD by Erich McMann winners are SFC Sapper, Kevin I., and Eric M. Check out the 5:25 min video showing how I chose the winners using Random.org, a random number generator. If you didn't win you can always find out more about the Trucker Country CD on Facebook, the iTunes Store, or Google Play. And don't forget to follow him on Twitter. Short clip of Austin Powers in his cart. LOL In the feedback section: Brian from Australia chews me out about being lazy Long Duck is back after listening to TD96: The Feedback Show, but before that he totally grosses us all out. Finally, Justin shares his thoughts

I've heard a buttload of drivers say that it's not worth it anymore to go through the hassle of getting your Hazmat Endorsement. So is that true? Well, perhaps there are some good reasons. Hit the Play button to see if you're screwing up by not having it. Links mentioned in the podcast: This is the last announcement for the Trucker Country CD by Erich McMcann. Enter to win 1 of 3 free copies by sending an email to TruckerDump@gmail.com with the subject line: Trucker Music. I DO NOT need your physical address at this time. Freightliner's new Inspiration is the first licensed autonomous big rig in the U.S. Link includes a video demonstration. The Trucking Podcast with Buck and Don is a great podcast that covers trucking and non-trucking stuff. This father-son duo have a lot of laughs, so if you aren't listening yet, click the link and start doing so. How to get your Hazmat Endorsement and what the fees cover. I do a brief Ace Ventura imitation… really poorly. Missouri is the Show Me state If you don't

In today's episode, we'll take a look at the do's and don't of fuel bay etiquette. In other words, all you truckers need to listen to this so I will never have to be pissed off about it again. So get on with it. Links mentioned in the podcast: LoadingSpot.com is a free website and app that can help truckers find information about shippers/receivers. I did a short interview over at TruckersTraining.com Need to get a quick DOT physical? Check out CVS's Minute Clinic Check out this Kickstarter for Advicy Drive, which is a new device to keep drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Enter to win a free CD of Trucker Country by Erich McMann or simply send an email to TruckerDump@gmail.com with the subject line: Trucker Music The Golden Rule I mention old blog posts called TD3: What The Heck Has Happened To Common Courtesy? and TD66: Truckers Go Turtle Racing. In the feedback section we hear from: Dave is binge listening to all the past episodes and has comments on multiple episodes. He also mentions Da

In today's episode, I show you what an idiot I am by commenting on a political subject: Amnesty for illegal immigrants. More importantly, I share my thoughts about how 11 million new American citizens will affect the trucking industry. I'm also pleased to announce that Erich McMann agreed to let me give away three copies of his new CD called Trucker Country. Just email me at TruckerDump@gmail.com and put the words "Trucker Music" in the Subject field. I'll do a random drawing and announce the winners on a future show. And be sure to Like him on Facebook and check out his music video on YouTube. Links mentioned in the show: BigTruckGuide.com when you need to know axle weights in a particular state. Monogahela Misfit talks about an app/web service that helps truckers called Loading Spot. A new iPhone app called StayAtHand can help truckers find hotels with truck parking. If you haven't heard what's going on with the new amnesty laws, check out this New York Times article. An article on other country's

How's that for a title? Yes, you read that correctly. Today we discuss 4 reasons truckers don't have butts. We also discuss butts in general and I provide yet another example of why The Evil Overlord (the wife and ex-codriver) is truly evil. And yes, even that has to do with butts. Links listed in this episode are: The Trucking Podcast with Buck Ballard and Don the Beer Guy Erich McMann's trucking music video BigTruckGuide.com for axle weights and bridge laws LoadingSpot.com is a website where truckers can rate shippers and receivers. Check it out! Carl Reiner's poem, "Ode to the Buttocks Bountiful" Learn about DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) Learn about APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) In the feedback section: Dave is slightly pissed about TD44: The Split, yet he still somehow manages to cram my workout videos and Bugs Bunny into his email. Andrew listened to TD57: Really? A Good Dispatcher? and writes in complaining about his crappy dispatcher. He also needs my help killing him. I mention two guest pos

Back in TD97: A Trucker's Worst Nemesis: Complacency, I talked about something bad that almost happened. Well, apparently I didn't learn my lesson because this time a bad thing did happen… twice. I also deliver some lame excuses for it being six months since the last podcast. Links in the podcast: The Evil Overlord (wife and ex-codriver) recently had neck surgery. Check out the photos of the X-ray and her neck scar. The Trucker Dump podcast is now part of the lineup on BigRigRadio.com, an Australian-based 24/7 Internet radio station that focuses on the transportation and mining industries. Check it out! @DriverChrisMC and his blog post about complacency My failure in regards to I Thessalonians 5:18 My podcast/blog post about Sliding trailer tandems and bridge laws The first of many podcast/blog post about electronic logbooks IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) If you don't know who Lurch is, check out this video clip My podcast/blog post called What Makes The Evil Overlord, Evil? Dudes; check

Tired truckers. Yep. That's what people want to talk about when a truck driver crashes into, and injures a celebrity. So today we discuss whether all truckers are driving tired, and if they are, why are they? What makes truckers tired? Links in todays show include: My Twitter account @ToddMcCann Rudolph Foods National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Contest info Steve Jobs audiobook Kevin McKague on Twitter, his blog about his bicycle adventures,, and his guest post on my site TD88: You Can't See America From The Trucker's Lounge. The news story about of the Walmart truck/Tracy Morgan crash. TD94: Understanding the New Hours-Of-Service Rules QuizUp (the game I mention playing) My username is ToddMcCann if you care to challenge. TD39: When Planners Don't Map showing Mr. Roper's commute from Jonesboro, Georgia to Smyrna, Delaware. An article that talks about Mr. Roper's commute. In the feedback section we hear from @raysunshine77, Ken, and Greg about TD101: Stupid Rules That Truckers Tolerate @rays

In today's episode, I bring the interview I did over at JobShadow.com into the Trucker Dump. And so I don't sound like a lunatic asking myself questions, I recruited my friend @alanqbristol to act as the interviewer. This interview describes what trucking is really like and I've gotten a lot of good feedback from the readers over there. Case in point: Kristine asks a question about women in trucking and team trucking in TD88: You Can't See America from the Trucker's Lounge and I follow up with her about the woman issue and we discuss pet and rider policies in TD89: Truckers with Sleep Apnea: How to Know If You Have It and What to Do About It. From TD93: The Driver's Seat Phenomenon, Paul asks whether an old accident will keep him out of trucking, Frank asks for company recommendations, and Shelley asks about communicating from the truck and she wonders if she can really learn to drive a truck in 15 days. In TD95: 4 Reasons That Trucker Might Be Tailgating You, CJ asks about having a felony and provides a c