Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast

In this penultimate episode, I talk about my current job driving for Walmart. Yes, I'm well aware I've had a lot of bad things to say about them in the past, but I wouldn't still be working here 1.5 years later if all those complaints were still true, would I? So if you've ever wondered what it's like to be a Walmart driver, click that play button and prepare yourself for a long, rambling chat about the United States' largest employer. Also, I open the show announcing that the 9.25 hour audiobook version of "Trucking Life: An Entertaining, Yet Informative Guide To Becoming And Being A Truck Driver" will soon be available for free both on YouTube and as part of this podcast feed. Stay tuned!

In today's episode, we discuss what happened to my former employer, Yellow, Inc. Why did they go out of business after almost 100 years? Was it the Teamsters fault like the CEO of Yellow said? Or was it Yellow's fault like the President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said. Spoiler alert: I don't have any special inside knowledge, but I do have opinions based on working for both the company as a driver and the Teamsters as an Alternate Union Steward.

So it’s been over a year since the last episode aired, so obviously I start out with a groveling apology, followed by a brief explanation of what happened. I also lay out a plan to wrap up the Trucker Dump Podcast once and for all. But for now, here are the links to those long overdue Garmin video reviews I’ve been talking about. And I also throw in a link to my older review of the Garmin dēzl™ OTR1000, which goes into all the details of setting up your Garmin GPS. Garmin dēzl™ Headset 200 review Garmin dēzl™ OTR810 Truck GPS review Garmin dēzl™ OTR1000 Truck GPS review

In today’s long-overdue show, we’ve got stories on Teamster fights with Sysco and Yellow, FedEx is heading into a massive reorganization, lots of truck stop news, what’s going on with truck safety; including crash rates for new carriers, new out-of-service criteria, driver-facing cameras, drug testing, E-log violation detection, automatic emergency braking legislation pending, and the safest state for truckers (this one might surprise you). We’ll also talk about trucking’s ongoing battle against environmental standards, how female truckers feel about their job, and much more. In the listener feedback segment, you weigh in on tire recycling, checking your brake lights, and we’ll have some follow-up on whether day cab drivers can utilize the split sleeper berth rule without having a sleeper berth. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 25% off! Only $14.98 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Need a list of questions to ask the next time you're looking

In today’s show, we’ve got a cheat sheet to prepare for the upcoming largest safety blitz in North America, the Agriculture Hours-of-Service exemption is coming under fire, California’s AB5 law is back in the headlines, we’ll try to figure out if Electronic Logging Devices have improved safety as much as the FMCSA hoped, the Teamsters are having battles on many fronts, we’ll learn about possible new tax breaks for truckers, and we’ll discuss how the new under-21 driver program is coming. All that and more news. In the listener feedback segment, I’ll give you an update on my quest to find out if day cab drivers can legally extend their 14-hour day by using the 14-hour pause aspect of the split sleeper berth rule. Then a listener will explain the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse loophole that baffled me recently. We’ll have more on the AB5 thing and what defines an independent contractor. We’ve got another “law of trucking” submission and we hear from a new listener. So sit back, take your shoes off, put your f

In this week’s news, Knight-Swift buys yet another large carrier, daylight savings time is being debated in Congress for the millionth time, a Congressman calls the Secretary of Labor nominee the “worst choice.” We’ll find out why. We’ll discuss a new technology that could possibly give truckers priority at stop lights, a safety coalition calls for big safety changes, we’ll discuss what happens to a tire when it finally dies, I’ll tell you about lots of new truck stops opening (better get your shot glass out), what possibly might be the world’s tiniest trucker, and it appears that the public want more truck parking (just not anywhere near their house). All that and more news. Plus in the listener feedback segment, you weigh in on truckers wanting praise above all else, we’ll learn more about how these “best fleets” lists work (I knew there was something fishy going on there), and one listener wants to talk about a few things; how stupid parking on a shoulder is, his tolerance level for breakdowns, and of co

In today’s episode, we’ve got a possible new Secretary of Labor, a fight between a Senator and the Teamster’s President, rising pay for diesel mechanics, the Love’s Travel Stop’s founder dies, I’ll tell you about one high tech and one low tech product, Cummins is rebranding it’s emissions-focused division, and apparently, truckers value praise more than anything else. Huh? All that and more. We’ve also got followup in the listener feedback segment concerning hourly trucker pay and how Canada is spending their money to attract new truckers. So in the immortal words of Lynyrd Skynyrd; turn it up. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Need a list of questions to ask the next time you're looking for your next truck driving job? Well here it is! And it's only $1.99! Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for your everyday shopping. Amazon will pay me a small commissio

In today’s show, I’ll tell you when the biggest safety blitz of the year will take place, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) asks the FMCSA for a better Big Truck Crash Study this time around, more rules exemptions are being sought from the FMCSA, new “move over” laws are coming in some states, Canada provides funding to get more truckers into the industry, a new loading/unloading system is introduced by a major LTL company, and a truck pulls a semi out of a ditch. Spoiler: it’s not a tow truck. Then for the fun part where we’ve got a Trucker Grub segment from @Wunuvakind, @TruckerSmack has a suggestion how the FMCSA could make the split sleeper berth rule easier for everyone, and once again, my ability to speak coherently is challenged, only this time it’s by @Goose from Australia. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Need a list of questions to ask th

In today’s show, we’ll talk about how the trucking industry was a hot topic at the State of the Union address, we’ll talk about how this futuristic trucking world isn’t working out quite as expected, the FMCSA is staying busy receiving and rejecting exemption requests, I’ll tell you about a new restaurant chain at TA truck stops, and I’ll point you to a funny article written in a style you used to get here. In the listener feedback segment, we’ll talk weigh station apps, worn out tires, how “best trucking fleet” criteria works, and I’ll point you to another trucking podcast I listened to recently that was recommended by a listener. And after much guilt-driven goading, I finally talk a listener into submitting a Trucker Grub segment. Well… sort of. Stay tuned. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Need a list of questions to ask the next time you're looking for your next truc

In this week’s show, we’ve got lots of truck stop news, I’ll tell you the top 10 worst traffic bottlenecks in the US, we’ve got a crap ton of new state traffic laws, the FMCSA is revamping the way it rates carriers for safety, I’ll share tips to get you in and out of a weigh station quickly, and we’ll talk about what your tires are trying to tell you. Also, there’s a new “AirBnb” for trucks (yes trucks, not truckers), there’s a new type of CB radio on the market, we’ll discuss how new Right to Repair legislation is important, and a trucker gets arrested for eating muffins. And that’s only part of the news. In the listener feedback segment, Andrew remembers our dearly departed friend Shannon Holden, Gordon joins the Trucker Dump Slack group, Dave finally figures out what the guy says in the feedback intro, and ex truck driving instructor calls me Toddles and offers his services to the podcast. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books

No show today. Really crappy week. 'Nuff said.

Well, news was light last week, but it’s back with a vengeance, which means I’m pretty sure this week’s show is going to be long, so strap in and keep your cup of coffee handy so you don’t doze off. LOL News this week includes American Trucking Association’s (ATA) CEO discussing trucking’s biggest issues with Congress, positive drug tests were up in 2022, lots of states making new road rules, how to make sure you have the best chance to get that next trucking job, and possibly the world’s worst trucker. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Listener feedback topics this week includes roundabouts, Canadian vaccine mandates, an and a lengthy discussion about truck driving schools. Also, it seems only right that someone would point out how bad I talk. LOL Alright, let’s get on with it. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for

Well, the news is light this week, so we’re trying something different again. We’ve been teasing a mega breakdown saga from listener Wunuvakind in recent weeks and it turned out to be far too long for the listener feedback segment. So, I’m sure much to her surprise, Wunuvakind’s story is featured on the show. I enjoyed it immensely and I hope you do to. As for the news, we talk about a new bill pushing tax credits for most truckers, new roundabout rules, CARB is slowing it’s electric truck expectations, and an autonomous truck gets sidelined by bird poop. All those stories, plus more. In the listener feedback segment, Charles, Farley, and William all just want to say hi, Driver Dave is back to scolding me again, and Cici shares her favorite Trucker Dump episodes. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for your everyday shopping

In today’s show, California’s AB5 just won’t go away; getting paid-by-the-mile is coming under fire; truckers, drugs, and drug testing is always a hot topic; and I’ll tell you where is the worst traffic in the world and the US is (the answer might surprise you). Also, how likely is the US going to be ready for electric trucks by 2045?; I’ll tell you about the new type of eco-friendly fuel; we’ll discuss new ways to avoid low-clearance accidents; and one source says the worst of this inflation mess is behind us. All that and more news. Plus, we’ll hear from a new listener in the feedback segment and I’ll introduce you to Cici, who you’ll be hearing from in quite a few upcoming episodes. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for your everyday shopping. Amazon will pay me a small commission for everything you buy. All you ha

Well, we’re back to our normal news-focused show this week. We’ve got lots of news to catch up on, including how California shutting down a crapload of trucks is going. Is the new Tesla semi already having problems? The FMCSA is staying super busy with both denying and accepting requests. I’ll catch you up on that. What else? Trucking jobs are slowing down, there’s a new tax guide for owner-operators, young truckers and truck parking are both back in the limelight, I’ll tell you about the ongoing battle between UPS and the Teamsters (and why it’s important), and the Biden Administration makes a statement that won’t make most truckers very happy. All that news and more, including @wunuvakind coming back to share a great cafe in the Trucker Grub segment. In the listener feedback segment, we've got new Trucker Dump Slack Group members, @driverchrismc questions my website building skills, and a listener needs your help finding a particular kind of trucking app. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Comb

Well, you asked and I listened. In today’s show, we go back to a time when there was nothing on the show but this dorky trucker telling a story and a reading a couple of emails from listeners. This time around we’ve got a rant called “Scoot Over And Fix It Now!” We’ll also hear a bathroom story from Driver Dave and Wunuvakind sent in an audio clip about harassment and urban parking. Introduction Links: TD100: What Makes The Evil Overlord… Evil? from AboutTruckDriving.com Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $9.99 for two books (including a 9.25 hour audiobook version of Trucking Life)! Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate link for your Christmas shopping. Amazon will pay me a small commission for everything you buy. All you have to do is click on the ebook link on this page and then shop as you normally would. Thanks! You can also donate directly by clicking the Donate button on this page. Steven Gorman has a TikTok channel where he likes to make stuff. Show info:

In this week's show, guest host Steven Gorman talks about the difference between accidents and incidents, and how neither should keep you from succeeding in your trucking career. And he backs that up by telling you about his roads mishaps and where he is now. In the news segment, Steven talks about the top 10 largest private trucking companies, he’ll provide some further evidence to disprove the “truck driver shortage” myth, and he’ll site a survey telling how the public views truckers in 2022. Also, he’ll point you to a CB radio lingo website so you can study up for the 18 trucker movies you may or may not have forgotten about. Steven Gorman has a TikTok channel where he likes to make stuff. This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Porter Freight Funding - So many services to offer, including Factoring, Dispatching, Freight Brokering, Fuel Cards, Insurance, and Compliance. Call 205-576-8257 to learn more. Introduction Links: Get the Trucking Ebook Combo Pack for 50% off for a limited time! Only $

In this week’s trucking news, you’ll get winter driving tips from experienced drivers and you’ll learn if your employer can retaliate if you refuse to drive in bad weather. We’ll hear about the Department of Labor getting an earful about the newly-proposed rules on who qualifies as an independent contractor. California emissions Nazis are reeking havoc again, and we discover yet another chink in the electric truck armor. Canada is finally getting ready for electronic logging devices, the FMCSA seeks to modify emergency exemptions, the crazy high harassment numbers in the trucking industry, and finally, a trucker’s rights to bathrooms goes to Congress and one trucker who really loves Kelly Clarkson! And it’s Christmas, so of course I’ll share my rendition of Twas The Night Before Christmas: Trucker Style. Might what to earmuff your kids for that one. LOL As for listener feedback, @wunuvakind and @goose from the Trucker Dump Slack group weigh in on the new format of the show, and @goose also gives us some in

This week, we’re going to discuss Congress’ controversial intercession in the pending railroad strike, also, both the FMCSA and individual states are making it harder for truckers in some aspects, and easier in others, Facebook seems to be discriminating against female truckers when it comes to trucking jobs, I’ll tell you about a government funded research grant that might actually yield something useful for a change of pace, and to keep you out of trouble, we’ll also talk about what you need to know about counting the costs before you go into owning your own truck and what you should do if you find yourself in one of those massive weather-related pileups. All that plus more news, and a couple of listener feedbacks from Steve and Trailrider. Steve shares his honest opinion about new format of the show, while Trailrider asked me a question about the 60 hours in 7 days vs. the 70 hours in 8 days, that frankly, I need your help answering. This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Porter Freight Funding

In today’s show, we’re going to talk about the struggling LTL industry and what makes it so finicky. We’ll discuss new ways to make trucks more eco-friendly and the problems that come with trying to charge all these proposed electric trucks. I’ll also give you an update on the potential railroad strike, a new healthcare option for truckers, and for a change of pace, some good results from the Brake Safety Week blitz. But that’s not all! We’ve also got another Trucker Grub segment and two bits of listener feedback, one domestic and one international. How cool is that? This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by: Porter Freight Funding - So many services to offer, including Factoring, Dispatching, Freight Brokering, Fuel Cards, Insurance, and Compliance. Call 205-576-8257 to learn more. Introduction Links: TD119: Winter Truck Driving Tips From An Alaskan Trucker from AboutTruckDriving.com Free Info: Winter Driver Heater Settings (from an Alaskan trucker) from AboutTruckDriving.com News Links: Roughly n