Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast

In today's foray into the trucking world, we discuss stupid rules that shippers/receivers make to torment truckers. You'll learn what precautions these companies take to avoid accidents and I'll tear them into shreds for being too stinkin' paranoid. There are lots of fun links for you to click today. One you might even find yourself bookmarking. Well, if you're a dude anyway. LOL Click here to see all the pictures I mention. Photos provided by: Eric Blacker; who is @darkstaff on Twitter and darkstaff on Flickr. Hy Ryan from the Truckpreneur Web site. The crashing forklift photo is uncredited. Could not find original photographer. The ugly ones where done by me. Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, or FMCSA TD10: When Company Policy Overrides Common Sense America's Funniest Home Videos DOT (Department of Transportation) regulated rear bumper These are chock blocks. As if you care. TD11: The Insanity of Truck Idling Laws For you youngsters, here's the hottie known as Daisy Duke. My recent pod

Nearly every time I call my wife and ex-codriver "The Evil Overlord," someone accuses me of being an exaggerator. Well, this post ought to plug everyone's pieholes. Listen on to find out "What Makes The Evil Overlord… Evil?" In the feedback section we talk about the likelihood of a new driver getting a truck with an automatic transmission and we discuss if their is any way to get around the DOT's rules about driving with a disability. Links mentioned in the show: TD99: 4 Ways to Be an Awesome Trucker Trucking Santas Check out some pictures of The Evil Overlord, the cooler lid that "accidentally" fell on my head, our incest cat Hammy, and a text message that proves The Evil Overlord is in fact, evil. Videos and info for the movie Napoleon Dynamite and one of the characters named Lafawndah. Insane Clown Posse T-shirt In case you don't get the reference of "Say hello to my leeeetle friend!" TD33: Automatic or Manual Truck Transmission? And the 3 songs I referenced are: All Out of Love by Air Supply

Here’s an idea. How about we all strive to be better truckers this year? Not only can we improve the reputation of the trucking industry as a whole, but maybe we can make the world a happier place too. Today we talk about 4 broad topics that we can all work on. And you'll want to pay close attention as I teach you how to brush your teeth. Seriously. Links mentioned in the show include: Cool trucking stickers from Bruce Outridge Productions Some cool facts about the human stomach Article about the benefits of eliminating soda from your diet The Gorilla Workout App I've been using In case you're too young to know who Olive Oyl is My workout videos TD81: How to Do a Full-Body Workout Inside the Cab of a Semi Check out The Healthy Trucker Web site for all things trucker fitness YouTube video of a worm inside someone's intestines. Ewwww! A fun TED talk video on paper towel usage and a cool way to clean your hands (4:32) Just in case you didn't pass your driver's exam when you were 16, here's what a 3-po

Everyone is stressed during the holidays, but truckers have an extra set of issues to worry about. Find out what they are in today's podcast. Links mentioned in the podcast are: Follow @DriverChrisMc on Twitter TD35: No Guarantees in Trucking A couple of short videos of my Roller Derby sister Email me at TruckerDump@gmail.com Picture of a tiny cut in an airline Paul’s truck weights website TD45: Riding Along With a Trucker TD68: This Is the Life. We All Have to Be Somewhere. This Is My life. Follow @raysunshine77 on Twitter Follow new listener Shannon @holden657 on Twitter We also talk about the Rudolph Foods promotion benefitting the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund and the Trucking Santas organization again (links below). Rudolph Foods links Rudolph Foods Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Rudolph Foods on Twitter Rudolph Foods on Facebook Rudolph Foods on Pinterest Rudolph Foods on YouTube Rudolph Foods on Instagram Trucking Santas links Trucking Santas website Trucking Santas Facebook

This is a short one due to the fact that the subject matter is time sensitive. Learn how you can help those less fortunate at Christmas and improve the image of truckers at the same time. Hurry and listen now! You’ve only got until December 6! But hey, even if you’re listening to this long past then, go ahead and check it out. Trucking Santas does this every year, so just consider it an early jump on 2014… or 2015… or… Check out the Trucking Santas website or their Facebook site to learn more about what Trucking Santas does. You can also follow Trucking Santas on Twitter to keep track of how things are progressing. Please check out the people who benefit from Trucking Santas and the current open wish lists. Or you can also go directly to the wish lists on Amazon. If you aren't much of a shopper, you can donate directly through YouCaring.com. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

A trucker’s greatest foe isn’t always someone else. Quite often, it’s our own arrogance. In today’s podcast, I tell a story about getting a new truck and how it (and possibly my complacency) nearly put me in a real jam. In the introduction, I also talk about how you can win $1500 from Rudolph Foods. The first link is to the contest details and the rest are all related to the contest or Rudolph Foods. *Rudolph Foods is not a sponsor* Rudolph Foods Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Rudolph Foods on Twitter Rudolph Foods on Facebook Rudolph Foods on Pinterest Rudolph Foods on YouTube Rudolph Foods on Instagram I also mention Allison Sheridan’s Nosillacast podcast and Dave Hamilton from the Mac Geek Gab podcast. Here are the pictures that I mention. In the feedback section, Valentin writes in with a cool product that can help you blindside back. We also hear from D.R. about TD77: Arguing E-logs and WolverineTom, who writes a funny comment about TD81, which was the one about my workout videos. To finish

This show is all about you. I've gotten way more feedback than I can fit into future shows, so I've devoted this entire episode to getting your questions and comments answered. But just because there isn't any fresh and exciting new stuff from me doesn't mean that you can pass on this one. I've been known to goof when I answer these questions and I need you good folks to keep me in line. So snap-to and get ready to send in your corrections. The following links are referenced in the show: TD63: E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time? TD58: How Much Is Too Much? TD91: Bungling the 34-Hour Rule TD90: The New Web Site Is Finally Here. Try Not to Pee Yourself. TD18: Eddie Rabbitt Was Right TD33: Automatic or Manual Truck Transmission? TD66: Truckers Go Turtle Racing TD95: 4 Reasons That Trucker Might Be Tailgating You TD94: Understanding the New Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules TD88: You Can't See America from the Trucker's Lounge. A Guest Post by Kevin McKague TD54: Truckers Get Lost: The Do's and D

No one likes to see truckers tailgating cars; not even other truckers. But today I argue that there are times when a trucker has to tailgate. Find out what they are and learn a new phobia that I made up. There is also a reference to a short, but funny clip of The Big Bang Theory. I also refer to one of my favorite blog post/podcasts I've done called TD66: Truckers Go Turtle Racing. In the feedback section we hear from CJ, who left a question over at my JobShadow.com interview about the chances of getting hired when you have a felony, and Gregory, who asks about running slow and steady versus hard and quick. That comment can be found at TD63: Do E-logs Really Increase Driving Time? And lastly, I point you to a comment that was a bit too racy for the podcast, but can be seen in the comment section of TD76: The Spitting "Christian" Zealot. CJ was kind enough to provide two links to online forums that list trucking companies who are willing to hire felons. http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/trucking-job-for-felons.

There are three new Hours-of-Service rules that are going to hit truckers on July 1, 2013. Do you understand them? Well, I was lucky enough to be put on them a couple of weeks before the deadline (that's called sarcasm), so I can help you with that. There are some pictures of my e-log unit that you might want to look at to help you understand what the heck is going on. There are also references to two of my other podcasts/blog posts, TD91: Bungling the 34-Hour Rule and TD82: Are All These Changes Good for the Trucking Industry? The intro and feedback section of this episode has been highjacked by Chris. He wrote in with not one, but two corrections and a comment on TD93: The Driver's Seat Phenomenon. You can check out his website and he's @DriverChrisMc on Twitter and AppDOTNet. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheate

Today's topic springs from something I mentioned in passing on the last podcast, called Honor Among Truckers. I've got some kind of weird fascination with understanding the obsession drivers have with their driver's seat. Since I'm so confused about this, I actually ask more questions than I provide answers. So have a listen and let me know why YOU spend so much time in the driver's seat. Also, since this subject is very broad, it's rather short. No worries though. I filled in the time with an extra long intro explaining why the podcast is out late. Because I know you were biting your nails about it and all. *smirk* As for the feedback section, I jump over to JobShadow.com and answer a few questions from people who read my interview over there. And by the way, my commenters over there seem pretty happy with how helpful my interview was, so if you're interested in becoming a truck driver, click on the link above, have a read, and ask me any questions you might have, just as Paul, Frank, and Shelley did. Paul

Ever heard of the concept of Honor Among Thieves? Well, there's something very similar in the trucking world. Today we discuss three specific areas where drivers trust each other beyond what common sense tells them they should. I also compare some 4-wheeler's driving to a scene from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. And I should warn you. Avoid this podcast at all costs if you don't want to hear me butcher a perfectly good Journey song. In the intro, I tackle a couple of administrative details concerning the Web site and I correct a goof I made multiple times in the last podcast called, Bungling the 34-Hour Rule. In the feedback section, Chris, Fargoguy, and smoothjazz share their thoughts on the blog post/podcasts called, The Spitting "Christian" Zealot, Arguing E-logs, and E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time? Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this bef

In today's episode, we discuss how the new 34-hour rule will affect truck drivers when it rears it's butt-ugly head this coming July. Merged into this story is a mystery solved. What could possibly make me, possibly the least adventurous trucker in the world, take a 1.2 mile walk to take his first-ever ride on a city bus? Click the play button and find out. Also, in the introduction I address some technical issues that have been discovered since the launch of the podcast. We have feedback from Rodger and Bill and I do my best to imitate Steve Irwin and Arnold. People and things mentioned are: @raysunshine77 @DriverChrisMc @w9xxx @kf7kwk How to subscribe to the blog/podcast Check out the Stitcher app Check out the TuneIn Radio app TD64: Truckers: Be Heard on the Proposed HOS Changes The FMCSA website The new Hours-Of-Service rules TD82: Are All These Changes Good for the Trucking Industry? Talent on Parade @kylemccluer Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro s

Dude; this is one weird podcast episode. At least it is if you're not listening to it shortly after it was released. If you're a latecomer, you'll be wondering what all this talk is about a new Web site and podcast. But whether you're a current listener or not, you'll still learn why it took so long to go live with the new Web site. You'll learn what is involved in producing these podcasts and you'll get a taste of what it's like to move from a free web host like Wordpress.com to a self-hosted one. Other links briefly mentioned are HostGator, Hover.com, my lame YouTube channel, a wicked-cool app called TextExpander, and WooThemes. I also mention the Free Stuff page on AboutTruckDriving.com. In the feedback section, I discuss e-logs with an angry dude who calls himself angrytrucker and a reader named Charles, who I point to my blog post called, E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time? Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einste

Apparently, the FMCSA is considering making Sleep Apnea testing mandatory for overweight truckers. Since statistics say that 73% of truckers are overweight, this could definitely be a problem for drivers. Doug Thomas, a freelance writer for The CPAP Shop helps us understand what Sleep Apnea is. There are also references to Kevin McKague's new travel blog called, Kevin's Untitled Travel Blog. As for feedback, Kevin points us to recent travels he's had at an abandoned turnpike and tunnel near Breezewood, PA and a bike ride to a New Hampshire beach, complete with Instagram pictures. Lisa writes in concerning The Spitting "Christian" Zealot podcast/blog and @DriverChrisMc writes in with an ever-so-mean slam about the Eddie Rabbitt Was Right podcast/blog. I retaliate by giving his blog a plug. That somehow doesn't seem fair. Lastly, I follow up with the last podcast's teaser concerning Kristine's comments on my JobShadow.com interview. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro son

This episode tackles the question, "Is trucking really an adventure?" As you'll hear, that largely depends on the person behind the wheel. Since I get out of the truck and go exploring about as often as a TV evangelist refuses money, I figured I'd get avid trucker/explorer, Kevin McKague, a.k.a @KevinofMI, to explain how he manages to see more than just asphalt when he's out on the road. And in a rare treat, you get to hear his voice instead of mine. He mentions AllTrails.com as an excellent source of information. He cites some trails he frequents, including the Western Maryland Rail Trail. And he talks about places he's visited, including links to Modern Woodmen Park, a minor league ball park in Iowa, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Kevin is @KevinofMI on Twitter, and you can see his photos on Flickr, or on Instagram. Not long after he wrote this blog post, he also started a blog of his own, which is called Kevin's Untitled Travel Blog. We've got a whopper of a feedback section today. I

In today's episode, guest poster Sam Fisher, who works for Teletrac, a GPS Fleet Tracking Solution, gives us some helpful tips on how to get good rest while sleeping in your truck. And of course, I can't keep my ginormous trap shut so I weigh in with some advice of my own, including things The Evil Overlord (the wife/ex-codriver) does to make things more comfortable in the truck. I also provide proof that The Evil Overlord... actually is. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

Okay, this gets a bit weird. This is the first of a series of guest posts that I used to build the new Web site and podcast, which, if you're listening to this, is already up and running. In today's post, Noble McIntyre, an Oklahoma attorney, tells you why it's bad to run your truck when it's over the legal weight limit, and I pipe in afterward with some thoughts of my own. There are links to a How Stuff Works article entitled, "How truck weigh stations work?", information on pavement maintenance, and braking for semi trucks. In my portion, I mention the "Trucking in the Northeast" podcast/blog post and my Twitter friend, @DriverChrisMc. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

In today's episode, I put the word out to help out some Twitter friends who got in a pickle due to some medical issues. And I tell you why you should help Lou and Heather, a.k.a @trkrsvoice. Heather's blog post called "Your Back Doesn't Always Have Your Back" explains the situation more fully. Her Web site is The Trucker's Voice. Her YouTube channel and a funny video is mentioned and so is Trucking Santas, an organization that Heather and Lou started to help less fortunate families at Christmas. In association with Trucking Santas, they both work with the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland. There is a reference to a fundraising site, but the time limit has expired. However, if you still want to help, you can donate using PayPal to trkrsvoice@gmail.com. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This is another one that may not be relevant by the time you hear it as the applications for Payload were due on by May 18, 2012. I was simply putting the word out for truckers who might want to be on a TV show. But hey; once again, I know you won't want to miss out on my exquisite and charming humor. Yes? No? Anyway, the links to the Payload Web site that appear in the blog version are no longer relevant, so nothing to report there. In the intro though, I do rattle off a whole lot of stuff I've been up to. It may sound like a "look how great I am" beginning, but trust me, it's not. I thank Jason from TruckDriversNews.com for asking me to guest post for him. @Lisa_Nowak, who you heard all about on Episode 79 contacted me for some advice. I mention the interview I did on JobShadow.com and some of my articles being reposted on GoodMenProject.com. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater wo

Today I briefly talk about why I don't leave my truck to go exploring very often. There is a reference to Jake's Famous Crawfish in Downtown Portland, Oregon though. Because it was just that awesome. But really today's episode makes me reach down inside myself to see if I have an artsy-fartsy side. So basically, this is here to get @darkstaff, @alanqbristol, and @DriverChrisMc to quit bugging me about never taking any pictures. But again, this is an audio podcast, so you'll have to go to the Web site to watch the video and see the pictures I took of Carhenge, which is America's piss-poor attempt to copy Stonehenge. All the pictures were taken and edited with the totally awesome Camera+ - tap tap tap">Camera+ app and the video was taken with a Flip Mino HD camera. The music in the video is a song by Walking On Einstein, which just so happen to be the same guys who you hear every episode in the intro and outro. You can download and keep both songs for free if you want to hear the whole songs! Thanks for allow