AskTheTrucker

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With the release of the latest installment of the Fast And Furious franchise; Fast And Furious 6, comes the tide of car enthusiasts who can’t wait to get their hands on the latest information about the spectacular cars featured in the film. Many of the vehicles featured in the Fast And Furious films have been American or Japanese, but this particular film features some old style European cars guaranteed to get your heart racing. Here, ExpressInsurance.co.uk has done there research and given you the baddest cars in Fast & Furious 6 this year to look forward to.

Perhaps the star of the show, driven by the actor Vin Diesel who plays Dominic Toretto in the films is the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. This high performance and limited edition model was produced simply for winning NASCAR races and was the first car in NASCAR history to break the 200mph speed mark in 1970. The car featured in the film isn’t an exact replica of the 1969 model and features a shorter nose and rear wing compared to the original. The pop-up headlights proved to be impractical to fix after every stunt so were disregarded, however the car certainly looks the part.

The actress Michelle Rodriguez who plays Letty in the films is lucky enough to drive the 1971 Jensen Interceptor. The 1971 model was one of 232 cars built with a 440 c.i. engine, making it the most powerful car to have ever been built by Jensen, with a 7.2 litre engine and a top speed of 135mph.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class features in the latest Fast And Furious film and is a classic that many fans will appreciate. This box-style car has a multitude of features and a high speed of 109mph. Often referred to as the ‘Wolf’, this car was originally designed as a military vehicle at the suggestion of the Shah of Iran.

The Koenigsegg CCX is perhaps the most visually appealing cars out of the lot, winning a place in the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cars by Forbes Magazine, as well as being designed with economics and global safety in mind. However, this car can reach a speed of 250mph making it the fastest car on the set.

There’s not one car enthusiasts that dislikes a Ferrari, and the Ferrari 360 isn’t a force to be reckoned with. This two-seater classic replaced the F355 by being 28% lighter yet 10% bigger. With a top speed of 189mph, there will be some guaranteed exciting car chases involving the Ferrari 360.

The one car we perhaps didn’t see coming is the Alfa Romeo Guilietta which is considered as a small family car. Not the usual vehicle you’d see in the Fast And Furious franchise but all the same a very stylish machine. This car came second in the European Car of the Year awards which is no easy accomplishment and can reach speeds of up to 135mph, much like the Jensen Interceptor.

There are many more fantastic cars featured in the Fast And Furious 6 film which is proving to be a film franchise that car enthusiasts enjoy thoroughly.

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A National Truck Parking Survey headed by the original crusader for Jason’s Law, Hope Rivenburg, is underway, measuring and interpreting data collected from Professional Truck Drivers regarding the availability of Safe Truck Parking.

The results of this study will be presented on October 12th in Kansas City, MO at Harrah’s  by Hope Rivenburg of Jason’s Law, Richard Wilson of Trans Products, and Andy Warcaba of AireDock and Warcaba & Associates, at the 2013 Truck Driver Social Media Convention.

Other major contributors to the study are Desiree Wood of the Woman Truckers Network and veteran OTR driver Sandi Talbott.

National Truck Parking Survey- Hope Rivenburg Presentation-2013 Truck Driver Social Media Convention

The goal of this survey is to bring awareness to the fact that there is significant lack of safe available commercial vehicle parking space, on or near interstates, for truck drivers who want or need to park. 

For over 20 years, safe available truck parking has been an issue for professional truck drivers. The situation has become more relevant as rest areas continue to close. Many times drivers are forced to drive either sleepy or park illegally on ramps, shoulders, etc. Other times they are forced to park in unsafe isolated areas, such as the case of Jason Rivenburg, who was murdered as he rested in an abandoned gas station.

The Federal Government strictly enforces hours of service, and yet many times drivers are forced to run over their HOS in order to locate truck parking. Drivers and companies are also scrutinized by the enforcement of CSA, experiencing the legal repercussions of being unable to find safe truck parking.

As EOBRS are scheduled to be mandated, the parking problem can only worsen as drivers will find themselves in a situation that will not allow them to legally drive further.

“Jason’s Law” provisions for truck parking, originally drafted as House and Senate bills in 2009 have now been incorporated into MAP-21 largely intact.
Jason’s Law would allow funding for more safe truck parking, however, a D.O.T study needs to be performed in order to allow funding for those states who demonstrate the need for it.

The DOT study, including their Truck Parking Eligibility, is part of the 27-month surface transportation re-authorization bill that Congress approved  July 6, 2012.  The US DOT will conduct their study and assessment of Truck Parking Facilities in each state by April 1, 2014.

Hope Rivenburg has met with Congressman Paul Tonko (who first introduced Jason’s Law to the House in 2009) and the DOT on April 22, 2013 in Albany, New York regarding her Truck Parking Survey. The results of Hope Rivenburg’s Truck Parking Survey will be shared with the DOT.

We believe it is those directly AFFECTED by this shortage of safe truck parking, mainly DRIVERS and companies, who should be “the voices” taking part in this survey.

For this reason we request that every professional truck driver take the time to take this National Survey which will be the ultimate voice expressing the need for more safe truck parking availability.

Your participation in this survey is vital in order that we may end the truck parking crisis affecting so many today.

Click here to take survey

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We’re already into May and with MATS behind us all, life continues on within the trucking industry, especially for the professional driver.  Their concerns are many and include topics such as: low wages, CSA, Health Issues, EOBR’s, Sleep Apnea, Lack of Truck Parking, Cheap Freight, fuel costs, regulations, truck idling,  CDL training standards, HOS, and the list goes on.  Is anyone listening?

Drivers aren’t alone when it comes to concerns. The industry’s concerns include such topics as: the qualified driver shortage, CSA, driver retention rates, HOS,  regulations, fuel costs, EPA requirements, and  their list also goes on.

One of the greatest and most common concerns for many within the industry has been, “How can I be heard?”  Whether that comes form an individual fighting for justice, a blogger desiring to share their thoughts and ideas, or a company needing to share their products or services, the NEED TO BE HEARD and recognized is vital to them all, but…..Is anyone listening?
Social Media has opened the door for the need to be heard, including those within the trucking industry.  Drivers use social media sites to address issues, share common interests, express their thoughts and opinions, and to connect with one another. Government agencies, such as the DOT, are encouraging dialogue and attempting to listen to concerns and suggestions, and companies are trying to reach their targeted audiences through Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus,YouTube, and a host of other social media sites.

Social Media has bridged a huge gap for those who want to be heard and for those who are listening.  The Social Media platform has turned the once foreign concept of being reachable and personable  into relationship building and transparency.  2 way communication through computers, tablets, and smart phones has supported and strengthened the bond of those who are “saying” and those who are “listening”    SM has strengthened some and destroyed others, but the fact remains it is here to stay and continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

The  Truck Driver Social Media Convention ( TDSMC) broke ground in 2011 with its debut, introducing those within trucking who wanted to be heard with those who chose to listen.  Professional drivers gathered with industry professionals to listen, learn, comment, share ideas, and network.  The result?  People spoke and others listened. As attendees Networked together, business ventures succeeded, information was shared, concerns were addressed, groups were formed, and relationships were built.

Last year at the convention; drivers, companies, organizations, and government officials openly discussed concerns and solutions.  Elaine Papp of the FMCSA listened to the Deaf Truckers United Group as they expressed their deep concerns ( through an interpreter) regarding hearing requirements of the physical qualifications standards at 49 391.41(b)(11).
A few months later the FMCSA granted 40 hearing exemptions letters.  This was the first time the agency had granted such exemptions.
Was anyone listening? I think they were.

Now in it’s 3rd year, the 2013  TDSMC continues to encourage those within the industry to once again network together as they honor the professional driver.
Attendees of the last 2 years have experienced the tremendous enthusiasm, embracing the Social Media phenomenon at the Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention.
TDSMC : Reaching out to one another through relationship building, communication, honesty, and transparency.

The 2013 TDSMC will be held once again in Kansas City, MO on October 11-13 at Harrah’s 
Highlights for this year include:

Topics and Speakers
The Truck Parking Shortage and Jasons Law- Hope Rivenburg, Rich Wilson, Andy Warcaba,
Truck Driver Wages and the Driver Shortage-  Jeff Barker
The Power of Social Media – Jim Bouchard

Q&A Session
Our Sponsors

Special Guests
Kylla Leeburg- Truckers Against Trafficking
Desiree Wood- The Womens Trucker Network

The Jason Rivenburg Making a Difference Award   Candidates are: Richard Wilson, Randall Doane, and Kathy Cass  VOTE HERE
The Pride in Your Ride Truck Contest
Almost $10,000.00 of prize drawings to attendees and award winners from 3rd year sponsor Cobra Electronics and 2nd Year Sponsor GoTruckStop
$99.00  Tickets include:  Friday evening Welcome Reception Party, Saturday and Sunday buffets, meeting room refreshments, speaker presentations, truck parking, tickets to prize drawings, and entry to Pride in Your Ride Truck Contest.

For more information, including the schedule of events go to TruckingSocialMedia.com
or Contact Allen or Donna Smith
info@truckingsocialmedia.com
352-465-7476

T

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Truck Driver Social Media Convention

Due to the recent allegations brought against the Pilot Flying J Travel Centers, the organization has agreed with the Truck Driver Social Media Convention (TDSMC) hosts to step down as the presenting sponsor for the 2013 Convention.

The decision by the TDSMC was not based on an assumption of guilt regarding the Pilot Flying J charges, but rather an agreement between Pilot Flying J and TDSMC to remove the possibility of any negative association or stigma on the event.

The TDSMC believes that the investigation by the FBI and Pilot Flying J’s own personal aggressive investigation, will resolve the many unanswered questions by the industry. It should also be noted that the allegations have nothing to do with driver reward points as many seem to believe, but rather fuel rebates which were due to certain trucking companies.

The convention which was founded on the principles of honesty, integrity and trust continues to earn the credibility among those within the trucking industry, especially the professional driver.

Pilot Flying J was the first to reach out and to support the Truck Driver Convention since its conception in 2011, conducting itself with only good intentions for drivers. The TDSMC believes that the vast majority of those at the organization posses the best of qualities and integrity and it is a great disappointment that a handful of people have compromised the company’s name and reputation. It is the hope of the TDSMC that this matter will be resolved accordingly for all parties involved.

Those interested in becoming a sponsor for the 3rd Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention are invited to visit the Sponsorship Page and can submit the 2013 Sponsor Form.  For more information, please contact Donna Smith at 352-465-7476.

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The nominees for the 2013 Jason Rivenburg “Making a Difference” Award have been selected through the social media sites and the recipient will receive the recognition during the 3rd Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention in October.

The final three nominees are:

1. Kathy Cass – Participates in a “Trucking Family Advice” Column on Trucker Nation and is actively involved in the website,  “A Trucker’s Wife”.
2. Randall Doane – Activist and member of the Deaf Truckers United Group.
3. Richard Wilson – Regulatory Specialist at Trans Products & Trans Services.

For more information and to cast your vote for the 2013 recipient, please visit the 2013 Trucking Convention-“Jason Rivenburg-Making a Difference Award” VOTING.

2012 Making a Difference Award

Technorati Tags: 2013 trucking convention, convention, jason rivenburg, making a difference award, survey, trucking social media, voting

Quick Transport Solutions

The terms freight forwarder and freight broker are sometimes used interchangeably, but their jobs are actually quite different.

They perform some of the same functions, but a broker acts as an intermediary between the carrier and the shipper, while a forwarder’s job is to facilitate the shipping process.

Who are Freight Forwarders?

A freight forwarder is an individual who facilitates the process of shipping non-perishable or perishable items for a third party. The freight forwarder may handle everything from small shipments of personal goods for individuals to shipping containers for large industrial firms. A freight forwarder may arrange for the shipment of goods internationally, domestically or both.

Some freight forwarders work as independent contractors, while others work for shipping companies. There are several reasons that a company or individual may use the services of a freight forwarder instead of taking care of the shipping process personally. The biggest reason that people hire a forwarder is that they usually have contacts in the shipping industry and may have the ability to negotiate a lower rate for shipping services. They may also be aware of shipping options that aren’t available to the public, such as vessels that have enough room available to ship certain items at a reduced rate.

When they are initially contacted regarding items to be shipped, the freight forwarder starts by gathering information about the shipment. One of the most important things the shipper needs to know is whether the merchandise is perishable and whether the merchandise will have to cross international borders. The weight and size of the shipment are also considered, as well as when the shipper expects the items to reach their destination. After they have gathered the necessary information, the freight forwarder looks at all of the shipping options available for that merchandise.

Shipping options may include truck transportation, water, air or rail. The forwarder tries to keep goods that are going to the same geographical area together because shippers often pay less when their items are shipped on the same vehicle as other items. Exceptional record keeping skills are required to be a successful forwarder. They must track rates, shipping information, damaged goods incidences and other information on many companies. The forwarder must also prepare legal papers and customs documents if the shipments require their use. Being a freight forwarder doesn’t require a college degree, but excellent analytical and negotiating skills are necessary. A freight forwarder’s success is dependent on having repeat customers, so integrity and customer service are a big part of the job.

Who are Freight Brokers?

Either a company or an individual may be a freight broker. The broker is a liaison between a company or individual that has items that need to be shipped and a motor carrier that it authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to haul freight. The broker’s job is to determine the needs of the shipper and connect them with a carrier that has agreed to ship the items at an agreed upon price. A freight broker must have a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to operate legally. Many states require brokers to carry surety bonds and brokers are also expected to carry adequate insurance to protect their customers and business clients from loss.

Freight Brokers provide a valuable service to both motor carriers and shippers. They connect shippers with reliable carriers that they may not come across on their own. They also assist carriers in finding loads to move so they make money. Brokers are usually paid on commission. Using technological resources and knowledge of the shipping industry, freight brokers help both carriers and shippers meet their business goals. Some companies find the services of a broker so invaluable that they hire a broker to coordinate all of their company’s shipping needs. Many new freight brokers work for a carrier or shipper to gain industry knowledge and experience. They also gain business contacts that help propel them forward in their new career.

Some new brokers take a training course to learn the business, but they often find that the course doesn’t give them the experience they need to be successful. New freight brokers are usually more successful if they begin their career an agent for an established broker and learn the business firsthand. These agents act as representatives of the broker. They are usually assigned to a certain geographical area and generally work from home using their telephone, fax machine and computer.

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When Truth About Trucking, LLC conducted a recent survey on drivers’ biggest concerns, truck driver wages came in at number one, while truck parking was still the second major concern among drivers.

Hope Rivenburg of Jason’s Law is once again taking the initiative to ensure safe parking areas are presented for drivers by conducting a new focus study to be performed in two stages: (1) a survey conducted by professional drivers and (2) a two month study for an OTR Driver Focus Group. The data from these two efforts will be invaluable as it will come directly from current long-haul truck drivers.

The  goal for this study is to collect data regarding the various aspects and causes of inadequate truck parking and then present it to government officials. The study has already caught the attention of a USDOT official which duties include managing the FHWA’s Truck Parking Program Activities.

Hope Rivenburg

The official has contacted Hope stating: “I would deeply appreciate if you could call me so we can discuss your efforts and how those efforts cross paths with work Congress included in MAP-21 in the section named for your late husband, Section 1401, Jason’s Law.”

The study will need over-the-road drivers who will be willing to help in the two month study. Drivers who frequently run long-haul into Western and Eastern port areas including South Florida, the Northeast and West Coast, as well as all drivers who continually have difficulty finding parking are encouraged to participate.

The final data and results will be presented by Hope Rivenburg, Andy Warcaba of Andrew J. Warcaba & Associates and Richard Wilson of Trans Products during the 2013 Trucking Social Media Convention in October.

1. Study participants will be needed for the following assistance:
2. Take notes regarding their experiences while attempting to find parking. Notes can be photos or videos of the specific parking facility, noting the day and time it was taken. Included in these notes can also be the security and safety of the parking area and can include a note regarding the shipper or receiver, if they allowed you to park on their facility or not;
3. To be part of a once-a-week conference call;
4. Willing to have their name included as part of the presentation in Kansas City, Missouri at the Truck Driver Convention and to official government correspondence.

The truck driver survey will be released in the coming weeks by Truth About Trucking, LLC.  Professional truck drivers interested in being a part of this two-month study may contact Hope Rivenburg directly via email at: hope.rivenburg@gmail.com

Technorati Tags: hope rivenburg, Jason's law- H.R.2156 S971, social media, study, truck parking, trucking

Cry for Argentina

As truck driver health has been one of our main topics lately, my research led me back to the news of the Monsanto Corporation from my past post: The Killing Fields of Monsanto.

Most recently, Mr. Obama signed the Monsanto Protection Act which ultimately makes the company above the law.  By signing the Act, the corporate giant is now protected from anyone or anything, even the U.S. Government. It further allows Monsanto the complete authority over the U.S. food supply, laced with deadly insecticides and pesticides that have shown the increase of autoimmune diseases among a growing population.

Monsanto continues its aim at one of the last most fertile soil environments on Earth, as it moves forward toward the beautiful land of Argentina. A place where the soil was once so rich, that one could simply throw a seed to the ground and it would grow, the Argentina crop fields are becoming an environmental crisis, damaging soil bacteria and allowing herbicide-resistant weeds to grow out of control.

Argentina Protest

Just seven years after genetically modified soya was introduced to Argentina in order to be an “economic miracle for poor farmers,” the once vibrant land is fast becoming an “economic ruin.”  Even though the Argentina people voiced  their disapproval of Monsanto’s arrival, politics were too powerful for its own people to overcome.

A recent investigation by the University of Buenos Aires demonstrated that thousands of farmers have been exposed to serious health risks from the chemicals leading to cancer, birth defects, intestinal, heart and neuronal conditions. Yet, with studies like these being made available world-wide, Mr. Obama still signed the Act and further ignored his 2007 promise for the labeling of GMO products.

Furthermore, the farmers and crop workers of Argentina are reporting no additional income from the planting of Monsanto seeds, while the company is reporting that it has nearly tripled its profits in the first fiscal quarter of 2013.

March Against Monsanto

As people all across the globe continue to march against the Monsanto movement, the company continues its expansion throughout Latin America, oddly enough, with the full support and backing of the U.S. government.

Technorati Tags: argentina, Monsanto, monsanto protection act

Federal Trade Commission

The on-going false DAC reporting by motor carriers against the professional truck driver continues as we hear from drivers on a near daily basis.

As awareness of this issue has become greater in the past few years, further steps have increased in the support of drivers to help combat this “blackballing”  of drivers by certain motor carriers.

Our Stop False DAC Reporting petition remains in place as we reach for 5,000 signatures in order to present to Congress as future viable evidence pertaining to the DAC reporting services.

Recent comments include:

• “False information has ruined my ability to obtain employment. 16 years of accident free and no tickets. We have to stop this! it’s all I know how to do.”

• “I haven’t been able to get a job for a year and  I am sure it has to do with false info on my DAC report.”

• “I am a CDL driver that also has been wrongfully done by former trucking companies that has made incorrect reports on my DAC.”

• “Hire Right has and continues to allow former employers to input false information on drivers DAC reports, the dispute process is hard to navigate, and the length of time to resolve can cost a person an opportunity to gain employment. And it only takes an employer seconds to ruin someone’s life.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is encouraging truck drivers to file DAC report complaints with their agency through their online Complaint Assistance Form. Although the FTC does not help to resolve individual DAC complaints, by filing the complaint with the FTC, it can help detect patterns of wrong-doing, and lead to investigations and prosecutions such as the recent lawsuit brought against HireRight by the FTC and the Department of Justice. In this case, HireRight was ordered to pay $2.6 million for numerous violations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The DAC Report Class Action Registry is another registry that has been established by the Workers’ Counsel, a California based employee rights law firm with the same goal: by drivers sharing their DAC complaints with the registry, they will work on identifying groups of drivers who have similar claims against common trucking companies in order to increase the chance for further class action suits.

DAC, which stands for “Drive-A-Check”, is used by many trucking companies for the purpose of “willfully and maliciously reporting false information against professional drivers, either in retaliation for seeking better paying trucking jobs elsewhere, or for any number of other fraudulent, anti-competitive reasons.”  

Truck drivers with inaccuracies on their DAC reports who have received no assistance from HireRight in the removal, are now urged to contact the FTC .

Technorati Tags: dac, DAC report class action, employee rights, false dac report, Federal Trade Commission, FTC, HireRight, truck drivers, trucking