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Truckers Save Christmas TCGO Partnering with Trucking’s Top Musicians

Nov
7,
2019
1

Truckers Save Christmas
Trucker’s Christmas Group Partnering with Trucking’s Top Musicians
 
These drivers and performers will be helping to raise funds and awareness for drivers and families in need
(PARK CITY, Kan., Nov 4, 2019) —
 
Trucker’s Christmas Group.Org (TCGO), an organization that raises funds to help professional CDL drivers and their families in the United States and Canada, announces its will be working with many of trucking’s top and rising musical stars for their 12th annual holiday fundraising campaign.
 
Trucking musicians, industry leaders for trucking charities, and other advocates such as Bill Weaver, Paul Marhoeffer, Taylor Barker, Mandi Jo Pinhierio, Jason Henley, Tony Justice, Ken Freeman, Keith Sampson, and more are working with TCGO to raise awareness and funds for the 2019 fundraising campaign.
 
“One of our biggest challenges has been getting the word out to drivers and those in the trucking community about our mission to help them and their families,” said Mark Abraham, president of TCGO. “We’re excited to bring greater awareness for TCGO with this partnership of a phenomenal group of men and women who have established traction in the community.
 
This is crucial because 2019 looks to be one of the most challenging years for drivers and their families in years.”
Since 2008, TCGO has been raising funds to help support CDL holders and their families through challenging times during the holiday season. The 2018 season set records for applications and funds distributed to those in need.
 
To date, over 150 families have been helped with over $90,000 raised and distributed.
“We are always hearing stories of drivers and their families who have fallen on hard times,” said Tony Justice, a pioneer for the resurgence of trucking musicians. “This year, with the challenges facing the industry, as well as many companies and Owner-Operators going under, we hear more and more of these stories. I am proud to be able to do my small part to help my brothers and sisters of the highway — and their families — to have a better and more blessed Christmas.”
 
Ken Freeman, a longtime driver, rising star trucking musician, and finalist for the 2019 Overdrive’s Trucker’s Got Talent contest, learned about TCGO in 2018 when trucking music artist and supporter of TCGO, Bill Weaver and Taylor Barker, this year’s winner of the Trucker Talent Search contest, noticed Freeman’s talent and passion for giving back to the community. Freeman and his wife Susan quickly volunteered and agreed to help organize and coordinate efforts for this partnership with various musicians to raise awareness of TCGO in the trucking community.
 
“No parent should have to tell their child that Christmas will have to wait this year,” said Freeman. “I firmly believe in TCGO’s mission to make drivers and their families live a little better this season. I know the challenges of being a driver on the road, and I truly believe we all have to do our part to make trucking a better more compassionate workplace.”
 
While word of TGCO’s efforts each holiday season has quietly spread throughout the music community Weaver and Freeman will lead efforts to sign more artists and industry leaders as part of the partnership with TCGO.
 
“The trucking industry has been both a blessing and a curse to me over the years,” said Bill Weaver, owner/operator and driver for Henniff Transport. “Like many drivers, I was gone for long periods of time as a single father to support my family. Those early years were rough for me.
 
Trucking enabled me to take care of my family, and over the years it allowed me to follow my passion for music. Family is very important to me, and TCGO is a way I can give back to the trucking community and be a blessing to those who face the same challenges as I have.”
 
To kickoff TCGO’s announcement about its partnership with musicians and industry leaders, Weaver decided to release his 2018 song, “How the Trucker’s Saved Christmas,” a tongue-in-cheek portrayal of the Department of Transportation (DOT) shutting down Santa Claus’ sleigh on Christmas Eve. The story is more real than Weaver knew, because TCGO’s resident Santa Claus and board member, Greg Manchester faced his own DOT shut down when he was pulled for a DOT inspection while attempting to notify 2018’s fundraising campaign award recipients.
 Manchester described that it felt like he went from tears of joy to working with a real-life Grinch.
Weaver’s release of “How the Trucker’s Saved Christmas” will be released on Nov. 4, and will be followed Nov. 18 by a video in partnership with TCGO and Bill Weaver to recognize all drivers who end up on the road during the Christmas season.
 
“When you’re on the road, offer a kind word and shake a stranger’s hand,” said Weaver. “You may help him through a rough day and you just might make a new friend.”
 
TCGO is proud to be working with so many generous drivers and musicians who have agreed to take time from their own busy schedules to spread the word of TCGO’s mission and its fundraising campaign this year. The musicians will also encourage people to donate and nominate families in need.
 
Among those include Taylor Barker himself, who has been vital in obtaining new items for the TCGO store for this year’s fundraising campaign.
 
“Trucker’s love to see children smile, whether it’s a fist pump and a smile when they hear that air horn, or the simple joy of getting a Christmas present when they know things are tough at home,” said Barker. “Growing up and living in rural Tennessee, hard times are a fact of life for many families. I believe each driver needs to do what they can to make this work environment a better place for our children.”
 
Other musicians to support this year’s TCGO fundraising campaign and help grow awareness in the industry include The Stone Creek 4 and country music legend Leon Everett, who credits truck drivers with making his concert tours possible through tireless work hours and effort. Everett also commented that it’s important to remember the quality of life most of us enjoy are a result of those efforts and tireless hours by truck drivers every day.
 
Many of the participating artists will be adding merchandise and memorabilia to the online TCGO store, and more items will be added throughout the holiday season. Confirmed artists may be added or dropped during the season based on availability. To see the full list of participating musicians, see the bottom of this press release.
 
To learn more about TCGO, its mission, this year’s fundraising campaign visit https://truckerschristmasgroup.org/, or Trucker’s Christmas Group on Facebook.
Confirmed artists may be added or dropped during the season depending on availability.

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Truckers Christmas Group partners with trucking musicians to aid trucker families in need

Nov
7,
2019
1

Truckers Save Christmas – Trucker’s Christmas Group Partnering with Trucking’s Top Musicians

Truckers Christmas Group

TRUCKERS HELPING TRUCKING FAMILIES IN NEED during the CHRISTMAS SEASON. TCGO is a 501(c)(3) registered charity

For 11 years the Truckers Christmas Group (TCGO), has been helping trucking families in dire need during the holiday season through donations, sponsorships, and nominations.
The Christmas Group has raised $90,000  and helped 154 trucking families in need  over the last 11 years. TCGO is a 501(c)(3) charity.

During 2018 the TCGO donation drive, the group had record numbers of applications and delivered $8,000 to 16 families during the Christmas season.

  It is during the Christmas season that families feel the most stress and sadness during difficult, challenging, and sometimes catastrophic situations.
This year can prove to be a most challenging year because of bankruptcies and layoffs as well illness and other unforeseen circumstances.
This years need for donations from the trucking community is greater than ever.

Mark Abraham, the organization president stated,  “This year has been incredibly difficult for the drivers in our community, and the donation of goods and funds will help us make sure each and every driver in our trucking family can support their families during the holiday season.”

In an attempt to gather these additional funds for the 2019 Christmas season, a special group of truckers are making an appeal, our very own trucking musicians.

It started with trucker singer songwriter Bill Weaver last year with his song ,“How the Trucker’s Saved Christmas”  and it has been contagious among trucking’s top musicians.

Trucking musicians, industry leaders for trucking charities, and other advocates such as Bill Weaver, Paul Marhoeffer, Taylor Barker, Mandi Jo Pinhierio, Jason Henley, Tony Justice, Ken Freeman, Keith Sampson, and more are working with TCGO to raise awareness and funds for the 2019 fundraising campaign.

Musicians Working together for the needs of others

Ken Freeman, a longtime driver, rising star trucking musician, and finalist for the 2019 Overdrive’s Trucker’s Got Talent contest, learned about TGCO in 2018 when trucking music artists and supporters of TCGO, Bill Weaver and Taylor Barker,(this year’s winner of the Trucker Talent Search contest), noticed Freeman’s talent and passion for giving back to the community. Freeman and his wife Susan quickly volunteered and agreed to help organize and coordinate efforts for this partnership with various musicians to raise awareness of TCGO in the trucking community.

Other musicians to support this year’s TGCO fundraising campaign and help grow awareness in the industry include The Stone Creek 4 and country music legend Leon Everett, who credits truck drivers with making his concert tours possible through tireless work hours and effort. Everett also commented that it’s important to remember the quality of life most of us enjoy are a result of those efforts and tireless hours by truck drivers every day.

How the Trucking Musicians got involved

In the 2018 Bill Weaver wrote a song, “How the Trucker’s Saved Christmas” he wrote about the Department of Transportation (DOT) shutting down Santa Claus’ sleigh on Christmas Eve.  Ironically, little did Bill realize that TCGO’s “Santa, Greg Manchester, actually did get called in by DOT.
Here is how Bill explains it.

“Life imitates art or something like that. Last year I wrote the How the Truck Drivers Saved Christmas. Not long after I learned that a group of drivers who were helping families in need the Truckers Christmas Group.Org. Was having their annual call when their Santa Claus was called into a scale for a level 1 inspection right in the middle of telling families the good news. After hearing this story I began to think of what I could do to help.”
–Bill Weaver

Bill wanted to do something special for TCGO as well as drivers in need, so after speaking to them, he decided he would redo his song,”“How the Trucker’s Saved Christmas” into a video.  This is the result of their combined efforts

Truckers Save Christmas – Support Truckers Christmas Group
How the Truckers Saved Christmas
Music copyright Bill Weaver Music
Video Copyright Truckers Christmas Group. Org

Video Editing and Production Tom Kyrk

Special Thanks to the Truckers Christmas Group.Org
Mark Abraham (Bernard)
Idella Hansen
Greg Manchester (Santa)

Photos provided by
Robert G.Greene
Pixaby.com
Tom Kyrk
Sarah Ellis

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP The Truckers Christmas Group

1 Nominate a Family in Need by November 21st
Nominations are made anonymously, and open to professional CDL drivers living in the United States and Canada
Do you know a trucking family in need?  Nominate them today, time is running out. NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2018 SEASON ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE AT 23:59 ON DECEMBER 11TH 2019
SUCCESSFUL NOMINATION WILL BE NOTIFIED ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 16-17th 2019.

Nominations must be submitted using this TCGO FORM only!

Qualifying Nominations include the following.
A complete list of Nomination Qualifications can be found here

1. Rules of Eligibility:
A)1) They must have been employed as a trucker within the last calendar year and have the intention of getting back into the trucking industry.
2) If off due to a disqualifying medical disability but have driven in the previous three years
3) If deceased must have been driving and passed away after Christmas of the previous year.

2- Donate to the Truckers Christmas Group with a small donation. Think of it as just one more  Christmas Gift  on your list and give and receive a blessing.!

3- Purchase gifts from the TCG Store

4- Sponsor a Family
5- VOLUNTEER– TCGO has four main areas in which you can help. If you have other skills or services that you would be willing to donate please contact Idella Hansen our volunteer coordinator idella@truckerschristmasgroup.org

6- Join the Truckers Christmas Group on Facebook and Share the notifications
Truckers Christmas Group Fan Page ( Like it!)

Truckers Christmas Group Members Page  

Truckers Christmas Group (TCGO) helps Truckers and their families that have fallen on bad times and they need our help. Please be a part of this charity drive

JOIN US Saturday November 9th at 6PM eastern as we will discuss more details during the show on AskTheTrucker Live

The Media PR Coordinator Tom Kyrk will be co-hosting the show with Host Donna Smith. Donna hosts the yearly show with TCGO

 

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Win a trip to the Daytona 500 from RoadPro and PFJ

Sep
12,
2019
0

Free Trip to Daytona 500

RoadPro Offers a Chance to Win a Trip to the Daytona 500

Palmyra, PA (September 2019) – RoadPro Family of Brands is teaming up with Pilot Flying J travel centers to give one lucky winner and a guest an all-expense paid trip to the Daytona 500 on Sunday February 16, 2020.
The grand prize is valued at about $3,130.

 

The grand prize winner of the Race to Daytona Sweepstakes will receive:

  • Round-trip coach air transportation for two to Daytona Beach, Florida
  • One double occupancy hotel room for two nights
  • Two tickets to the Daytona 500
  • Transportation to and from the airport to the hotel and the hotel to the event
  • $300 Visa Gift card

There will also be eight weekly prizes for a $50 Pilot Flying J gift card.

You can enter three different ways.
1. Purchase a select RoadPro product from the Daytona 500 endcap display at any participating Pilot Flying J. Then take a photo of your receipt and text it to 80160 with the keyword “RoadPro” or upload the photo to your RoadPro Rewards account.

2. You can also take a photo by the RoadPro Daytona endcap display and text it to 80160 with keyword “Daytona”.

3. Or hand print your full name, address, email, phone number, and birth date on a 3×5 card and mail to: Realtime Media, Attn: Race to Daytona Sweepstakes Entry, 200 Four Falls Corporate Center, Suite 130, Conshohocken, PA 19428.

Using the first two entry methods, drivers are limited to one submission, per email address or phone number, per day. The final entry method is limited to one per mailing address.

The sweepstakes ends Monday, Oct. 28, at 9 p.m. Eastern.

See complete contest rules at any participating Pilot Flying J locations or by visiting https://www.roadprobrands.com/daytonasweeps

About RoadPro® Brands

RoadPro Brands is a division of DAS Companies, Inc. It designs and manages the proprietary RoadPro Family of Brands, distinctly created to bring the comforts of home to the road. With truck & auto supplies, travel gear, and mobile electronics, our brands offer safety, convenience, comfort and connectedness to on-the-go consumers. The RoadPro Family of Brands delivers product quality at a great value—distributed exclusively through DAS divisions. The RoadPro Family of Brands includes; RoadKing®, Wilson®, MobileSpec®, PowerDrive®, RoadPro®, K40, Astatic®, Francis®, LUMAGEAR®, and Black Canyon Outfitters. RoadPro brands are sold at most Travel Centers across the country. To learn more about the RoadPro Family of Brands, please visit www.RoadProBrands.com

About DAS Companies, Inc.

DAS Companies, Inc. is a full-service marketing and supply chain portfolio company. Privately held, DAS Companies, Inc., designs, imports, and distributes truck & auto supplies, travel gear, and mobile electronics that offer safety, convenience, comfort and connectedness to on-the-go consumers, through a series of channel partnerships, including: Travel Centers, Convenience Stores, Heavy Duty Trucking, Electronics & Specialty Retailers.

For further information, please contact DAS at 717-964-3642 or online at www.DASinc.com.

Contact: Charles White Vice President
Brand & Marketing (717) 964-3642

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Tips for Running a Safe and Successful Truck Stop

Aug
28,
2019
2

truck stops

Tips for Running a Safe and Successful Truck Stop

A truck stop can be an oasis for weary truck drivers, RVers, and others on long drives. It offers a place to rest and recover after hours spent behind the wheel. It is also a place that provides services and amenities for those who may not be able to navigate whatever they are driving into places meant for more traditional automobiles.

Running a truck stop means figuring out the needs of your customers and offering the services and amenities that a road-weary traveler needs and wants. There are a number of things you can do to make sure that your truck stop is both a safe and successful one.

Signage

One of the ways to ensure the success of your truck stop is to make sure that it is seen. It is vital that customers know that it exists. That means having signage that can be seen from the nearby interstate. To achieve this, install large Guthman LED signs that are visible from the highway. These will be bright enough to serve as beacons for travel-weary eyes.

Parking
For decades there has been a shortage of safe truck parking. The Federal Government has named the need for more truck parking as a National priority. Section 1401 of MAP-21 (PL 112-141), also known as “Jason’s Law,” was established to provide a “national priority on addressing the shortage of long-term parking for commercial motor vehicles on the National Highway System to improve the safety of motorized and non-motorized users and for commercial motor vehicle operators.”

A good truck stop will offer ample truck parking for professional drivers. Many truck stops are expanding their parking facilities to accommodate the critical need for more truck parking. Some are offering the ability to reserve a parking spot, however, there is a cost for these.

Food

Offering good food is one of the key points to a truck stop. After a long haul, drivers are looking for something that is comforting, tasty, and filling.  One of the most important goals for many however, is for services to offer healthy options.  Truckers in particular are becoming more aware of the need to incorporate a healthier diet to their sedentary lifestyle.
It is the job of the truck stop to deliver these options in order to appeal to the broad customer base and their needs. By offering all these options  truck drivers and non-truck drivers alike will enjoy their time at your truck stop.

Showers

In addition to being a place to be able to relax and have a good meal after a long drive, good truck stops also offer a place to get clean after being cooped up for hours on end. Offering clean, convenient showers is a way to ensure the popularity of your truck stop.

Merchandise

When you are driving long distances in a vehicle that is too large to park in many store parking lots, it’s good to be able to get a bit of shopping in at a truck stop. Since truckers are on the road for weeks at a time, they are in particular need of locations which will offer  items such as electrical appliances, clothing, truck accessories,  and electronics. So, too, are toiletries that drivers may have forgotten or running low on.

 Repair and Maintenance

An important aspect for everyone is knowing that there is somewhere reliable and reputable to go to should your vehicle either break down or just need a new tire.  Even if only for light mechanical repair options or tire care, this can be a huge plus for your truck stop.

Banking

While it is not necessary, nor necessarily practical, to offer full banking services at your truck stop, it is important to offer some. An ATM and check cashing services will be appreciated by those who, due to the size of their rigs, cannot easily access such services at traditional banks. Offering WiFi is also valuable and even essential for those traveling on the road.

Safety and Security

Of course, one key component of any successful truck stop is safety. If travelers do not feel that your truck stop is safe, most will continue on down the road to one that seems safer.

Many times, truckers are prime targets for criminals.  A professional driver must feel safe at all times. Lighting in all areas of the parking lot is essential as well as cameras to record any foul play.

Another way to  address the issue of safety is to have a security guard patrol the parking lot.  Have the guard notice if a truck hasn’t moved in a few days and report it.  Sadly, many drivers have been found ill or even worse, deceased in their trucks.
Having all these safety precautions visible to the public will also serve as a visible reminder to potential visitors that their safety is your concern.

Safety helps to make your truck stop more attractive and appealing, and it encourages visitors to relax and spend a bit more time while at your  truck stop or travel plaza.

These are just a few tips for running a safe and successful truck stop. Keep your customers needs and priorities in mind and you will Enjoy Success.

 

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Strategies that target drivers serious health problems

Aug
19,
2019
0

August 13, 2019 – Press Release

Coach Carolyn’s Strategies Target the Trucking Industry’s Most Serious and Costly Problem, Truck Driver Health

Truck Driver Health

 

  • Driver retention is affected when drivers struggle to stay on the road or pass DOT due to health
  • As truck driver health continues to decline, the need for a solution

At the Great American Truck Show in Dallas, Texas, on August 22-24, 2019, Coach Carolyn debuts her driver-focused strategies as solutions to the crisis of truck driver health. She has been affiliated with the trucking industry for 20 years, which has given her the upper hand concerning on the road struggles. Her strategies target not only the individual driver but also trucking companies who continue to battle driver retention when employees do not pass DOT regulations due to health issues.

Carolyn realized the need to create informative and simple strategies that will improve the health and well-being of the individual drivers as well as assist trucking companies that want to increase retention which in turn improves their bottom line.

After the success of her driver-focused book, “Gut Instinct,” in 2016, she has been approached by numerous drivers for more. The recently completed strategies are:

  • Driven To Health, a systematic approach to gaining physical
  • Driven To Peace, an in-depth yet simplified journey through the process of emotional healing.
  • Driven To Stop, a step-by-step strategy to stop the use of tobacco for

These (Customizable) strategies will not only support driver retention but will be a solution for the many drivers who are ready to commit to a better lifestyle and quality of life.

Replacing drivers is expensive. Drivers who feel valued stay. Drivers that are in good health are more productive.

Never before in our history has the topic of better health been so popular. In 2017 Amazon bought the largest health food store in the world for 14 billion dollars. The proof is in the pudding. The trucking industry is behind. Why? Are our drivers less important? I think not! We wouldn’t have the products in the health food stores if it weren’t for these drivers.

“My heart is for the drivers,” continued Coach Carolyn, “The way I see it, is truck driver health is a win/win/win situation. Trucking companies improve driver retention, customers are more satisfied with happy drivers, and last but not least, drivers live better lives.”

Carolyn O’Byrne, CHT is the wife of a second-generation truck driver and works with drivers one on one, through her book, and through her online strategies focusing on their physical and emotional health.

For more information about her services and strategies, go here:
Website www.CoachCarolyn.Life

Email info@CoachCarolyn.Life

Social media @CoachCarolynLife

 

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RWIT ladies share more than just their career in trucking

Jul
23,
2019
0

The title says it all, RWIT ladies share more than just a career in trucking. One is a kidney transplant donor, the other is the kidney transplant receiver.

Two ladies of the REAL Women In Trucking (RWIT) organization lives will be changed forever, as one lady trucker, Elizabeth Sweet, is donating one of her kidneys to her “sister trucker”, Cheryl Lynn Iban-Bean.
Here’s the best part, Cheryl and Elizabeth were strangers when Ms. Sweet read that Cheryl was in dire need of a kidney transplant.

 

RWIT members share more than their career in trucking

Elizabeth Sweet (left) with Cheryl Lynn Ibana-Bean | Photo by Les Willis, Godspeed Expediters

PLEASE HELP THESE GALS… THEY NEED OUR Assistance
Elizabeth is doing the hard part- donating a kidney.  We can do the easy part- Make a small Donation to help them during their recovery and lost wages.

How we met Cheryl

Two years ago at the 1st Annual Queen of the Road Cruise, Allen and I had the pleasure of meeting one of the most kind and personable people we had ever met. She was Hawaii trucker Cheryl Bean, a nominee for the 2017 Queen of the Road Award, and winner of the 2018 Queen of the Road Award.  You never would have known that Cheryl was suffering from Lupus,  a life threatening autoimmune disease which attacks  body tissues. In Cheryl’s case it was attacking her kidneys.

Cheryl Ibana-Bean - 2018 recipient of RWIT’s “Queen of the Road” award

Cheryl Ibana-Bean – 2018 recipient of RWIT’s “Queen of the Road” award sponsored by RoadPro Brands

Here is an interview Allen had with Cheryl while we were on the Cruise where she discusses her life in Hawaii as a trucker as well a her struggle with Lupus.  At this time of the interview, Cheryl was on a kidney donor list in Hawaii and had been making several trips the hospital during flare ups and undergoing dialysis.

 

During all this time, Cheryl remained active in her Ladies of Hawaii Truckin’ Pages on Facebook. The Ladies of Hawaii is a non- profit organization to promote lady truckers and ladies in the trucking industry. The organization is very active in their selected charities: Lupus, Cancer and the Legacy of Life and often give back to their community through the “Benefiting Honolulu Habitat for Humanity.”

After Cheryl moved to Oklahoma, she was able to get on an Oklahoma donor list, increasing her chances for finding a donor.

It wasn’t until fellow trucker, Elizabeth Sweet, noticed the thread on  the Real Women in Trucking Facebook page that the story caught her eye about Hawaiian truck driver Cheryl Lynn Ibana-Bean, who was suffering from Lupus and needed a kidney to remain alive.

 “Seemed  simple to me,” Sweet would later tell writer, trucker, and folk singer Paul Marhoefer. “My blood type makes me a universal donor.”

Well Elizabeth, it may have seemed simple to you, but your decision to help a fellow human being is pretty awesome to us.  You are a hero to many and we are all so grateful to you for coming to the need of our dear friend Cheryl Bean.

We also want to thank another good friend, Les Willis Godspeed Expediters, LLC.  If anyone knows Les, you know he is one of those people who when he hears a call to help someone in need, he is one of the first ones there to step forward.  You’ve probably seen him at GATS where he oversees the schedule and coordination of all activities in the now famous GATS parking lot.

Elizabeth Sweet-Les Willis

Elizabeth Sweet and Les Willis of Godspeed Expediters

Les stepped up once again and sponsored the June trip of Ms. Sweet where she was flown out to the Nazih Zuhdi Organ Transplant Institute in Oklahoma City to undergo three days worth of bloodwork, ultrasounds and multiple evaluations by a team of physicians. As God would have it, Elizabeth is a perfect match. The 2 ladies are scheduled to have their surgery September 9, Lord willing.

If you would like to meet up with everyone; Cheryl, Elizabeth, Les, and the ladies at REALWomenInTrucking.org,  they’ll be at GATS August 22-24.  They’ll either be in the Truck Parking area for the St Christopher Fundraiser, the RWIT booth 1015, or just enjoying the show.

Here’s the Donation Page Again-  Let’s show them some Love

National Foundation for Transplants- Your Donation Can Make a Difference! Cheryl and Elizabeth

Donna Smith

 

 

 

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Truckers can enter to win All Expense Paid trip to Nashville from RoadPro

Jul
8,
2019
0

RoadPro Kicks Off the Ultimate Nashville Getaway Giveaway

RoadPro Nashville Giveaway

Palmyra, PA (July 2019) – RoadPro Family of Brands is pleased to announce
The Ultimate Nashville Getaway Giveaway specific to the professional truck driver.

Drivers can enter to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to Nashville including:
round trip airfare, a 2- night, 3 day stay at the Opryland Resort, tickets to the Grand Ole Opry for a Saturday night show and $250 to spend at the Opryland Hotel Restaurants.

The winner will also be treated to a backstage tour of the Opry hosted by Marcia Campbell, host of WSM’s All-Nighter, where they will have the opportunity to take photos and meet the stars of the show.

Entries will be accepted at NashGiveaway.com now until August 21st.
RoadPro will announce the winner at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas on August 23rd.

GATS will be held Aug 22-24 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Those interested in attending GATS can register for free online here.

Nashville Getaway from RoadPro Brands

Road Pro has supported numerous charities including St. Christopher Fund, American Cancer Society. Special Olympics, and the Make a Wish, where they are the presenting sponsor.
RoadPro has also been a strong supporter of Women Truckers and has been the “Queen of the Road” Sponsor for the last 2 years for the organization Real Women in Trucking’s annual event.

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Driver who refused to drive in hazardous weather wins OSHA STAA case

Jul
5,
2019
0

Driver who refused to drive in hazardous weather wins OSHA STAA case

For many years now attorney Paul Taylor of Truckers Justice Center has been standing up for truckers and their rights.  Mr. Taylor won his most recent case for his client Clint Collins. Mr. Collins refused to drive in hazardous weather and got fired for it.  OSHA found the firing violated the STAA and ordered Freight Rite to offer Collins reinstatement without retaliation and awarded the following:

  1. Back pay:  $32,660.40 with interest;
  2. Emotional pain and suffering: $50,000;
  3. Punitive Damages:  $100,000;
  4. Attorney Fees:  $5,871.85
Paul Taylor at Ask-A-Lawyer event at GATS

Paul Taylor at Ask-A-Lawyer event at GATS

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ordered Freight Rite Inc. – based in Florence, Kentucky – to reinstate a truck driver terminated after he refused to operate a commercial motor vehicle in hazardous road conditions caused by inclement winter weather.

U.S. Department of Labor Orders Kentucky Trucking Company To Reinstate Driver Who Refused To Operate Vehicle During Inclement Weather

“Forcing drivers to operate a commercial motor vehicle during inclement weather places their lives and the lives of others at risk,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer, in Atlanta, Georgia. “This order underscores the agency’s commitment to protect workers who exercise their right to ensure the safety of themselves and the general public.”

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of STAA and 21 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, motor vehicle safety, healthcare reform, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, and securities laws. For more information on whistleblower protections, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

Mr Taylor has one many cases for truckers and has been a speaker at many events, including ( but not limited to)

1st and 2nd annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention,
The 2017 “AskALawyer” event at GATS hosted by Real Women in Trucking (RWIT)
the “Hot Legal Topics for Truck Drivers” at GATS, also hosted by RWIT.
Videos for both events on TruckingSocialMedia

What every truck driver should know Part 1- First introduced at the 2011 Trucking Social Media Convention. This video appeared to kick off his own series of videos to help drivers understand the laws which protect them.

His active YourTube Channel offers drivers advice on many topics by creating short videos, answering some of truckers most common ( and not so common) questions.

Paul has been a guest on our internet radio show, AskTheTrucker “Live’, a few times, offering legal advice to professional drivers,

Truckers Justice Center is also active on FaceBook and Twitter

Paul O. Taylor- Truckers Justice Center
Attorney
Direct Dial (651) 454-5800

Taylor & Associates, Ltd. – Truckers Justice Center
5100 Edina Industrial Boulevard, Suite 230
Edina,MN 55439

 

 

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Decisions for Long Haul Truckers

Jun
27,
2019
1

Perhaps you currently drive a big rig for a company and want total freedom to transport loads when and where you want. Or, you recently received your Class A CDL license and are anxious to make your first run. Regardless of which applies, a lot of careful planning and thought goes into the decision to either remain as a company driver or start your own business in long haul trucking.

OTR Truckers

Lease/Buy

If you are considering being a successful owner operator, the first thing to consider is whether you want to have your own authority or lease on to a carrier. Will you be buying your truck outright or leasing it? Since big rigs can cost upwards of $100,000 or more depending on the age, make and model, if you have limited funds, leasing a truck may end up as the better option, but you have to be careful. However, if you planned ahead and have a nest egg secure for this venture, then owning your rig outright may prove to give you more flexibility and work in your favor, including additional tax deductions.  Set up an LLC for your company, an S-Corp is a beneficial way to set yourself up as. It will also help to have a professional help you with your bookkeeping.
One thing to make sure, do not get into a Lease Purchase agreement with a carrier. Many drivers have lose everything to many of these carrier lease agreements. The only company we have recommended for 10 years is Lone Mountain Truck Leasing. There are no hidden fees, tricks, or surprises. When you make the last payment, you own the truck. You can also purchase outright from them with a small down payment.
If you’re getting your own loads, we recommend either the Xypper App or MyRiteLoad as an addition to loadboards.

Marketing

The trucking business is no different than any other business. In order to be successful and enjoy living a comfortable lifestyle, you need to make money. As a sole proprietor, the burden of marketing yousrelf and your business lies squarely on your shoulders. The good news is that there are several ways to gain name recognition and acquire contracts for jobs. 
The first thing that will help is a website or blog that gives potential customers background information about you, your personal history, your goals, and the types of services you offer. After that, the best way to increase your business is a clean driving record ( which includes CSA scores) and your customer service.

It’s also important to set up a booth or a tent such as those provided by Ins’TenT Industries to attract people and promote your business. Many people promote their business at trade shows, such as GATS, which is right around the corner this August.
You should also have a presence on social media sites such as LinkedIn,Twitter, and Facebook, to get your name out there to a large audience.  Have business cards made with your website, name, and contact info,

Lifestyle

For many getting into their semi-truck and driving halfway across the states is a thrill. It gives them an opportunity to see the country and visit many different places they would otherwise not see. However, driving a big rig across the states consumes a lot of time and puts you behind the wheel long hours, and sometimes in extreme weather conditions in order to meet deadlines and make money to live well. Remember, most company drivers are paid by the mile and are exempt from the FLSA overtime. As a result, you might be away from home for weeks at a time if you choose an over-the-road career. If you have a family, this may not be something appealing to you. Another thing to consider is your health. Since time is money, many drivers of big rigs eat, shower and fuel up at designated truck stops. Unfortunately, the food provided is not always the healthiest. Thankfully, there are ways to promote a healthy diet by stopping at a local grocery store and stocking up on fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Big rigs have cabins that contain a fridge and ample storage space to hold your supplies, even a portable grill.

Staying in Motion

The life of an long-haul truck driver is mostly sedentary, and this in itself can cause major health problems. A good solution is to work in exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy, your muscles lean and your weight under control. Use the storage space not only to meet your food needs but also for exercise equipment. Folding bikes and weight take up just a small amount of space, and can prove instrumental in your overall health and well being.

Quality Over-the-road truck drivers are in demand. The money can be good if you work for a “good” company or have a good business sense, however, you will drive long hours and spend a fair amount of time away from home. Deciding whether to become an owner/operator of a big-rig has both pros and cons. Weigh each of them carefully and then discuss it with your family, before making your final decision.

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Cut Through Fog With Good LED Marker Lights

May
15,
2019
1
iowa 80 fog light

Cut Through Fog With Good LED Marker Lights

Marker lights on your truck keep you and others on the road safe. Semi-trucks are some of the largest occupants of the road and because of this, drivers need to be able to easily see where the edges of their vehicle are. Similarly, other motorists need to be able to see them.
LED marker lights are the superior choice for semi-truck illumination, especially in heavy weather such as fog.

The Challenge of Fog

In many cases, your truck’s powerful headlights are enough to help you see where your vehicle is and to maneuver accordingly. The difficulty fog poses is that it reflects the light back at you. This can make seeing anything challenging. Fortunately, the right LED marker lights can help solve this.

LED: The Trucker’s Answer to Fog

Good quality LED marker lights do an excellent job of cutting through the fog. You can easily see the light illuminate above you to check clearance and along the side, so you can always keep an eye on your truck’s position. Furthermore, they are easily seen by others on the road. That way you can be confident you aren’t going to surprise any other motorists in the fog.

These are some top choices for marker lights:

  • Millennium 1 Marker Lights: These high-quality LED lights are sealed and watertight. They look great and are easy-to-install.
  • Magnum 1 Marker Light With Double Bullet Plug: Give your truck a sleek look. These powerfully styled lights feature a double bullet plug.
  • Peterbilt Style LED Clearance Marker Light: These clearance lights offer a familiar style. They will cut through the fog and help you see what’s above you.

Illuminate Your Truck

The right marker lights for your truck make driving safer for you and others on the road. Fitting yourself out with Iowa 80 semi truck accessories including lights and other items will help you have a safe, comfortable and efficient trucking experience.

FMCSA Part 393 Section § 393.24: Requirements for head lamps, auxiliary driving lamps and front fog lamps. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.24

Here’s the law, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Section 392.14):

There’s a duty of “extreme caution” on truck drivers of commercial motor vehicles whenever any conditions negatively affect visibility or traction.  This includes rain, snow, fog, ice, smoke and other conditions.



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