Issuu

MAY/JUNE 2016

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FIRST FISH DOES THE FIRST CATCH TELL THE STORY?

MAINTENANCE MATTERS:

A/C CHECK-UP HOMER HOGG’S TIPS FOR A COOL SUMMER IN YOUR RIG

LeMONS 24 HOW MUCH FUN CAN YOU HAVE FOR $500?

The 2016

CITIZEN DRIVERS Read about this year’s honorees on page 11

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ELD 50 plug-in *Service plan required. TND ™ Tablet not included. May not work with some older Android products. Patent Pending. 2016 Rand McNally All rights reserved. Rand McNally and the Rand McNally globe design mark are registered trademarks and TND is a trademark of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally. ©2016

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M AY/J U N E 2 0 1 6

CONTENTS

MAINTENANCE MATTERS:

16 IT’S A/C CHECKUP TIME Stay Cool and Avoid Costly Failures 20 MORE THAN EVER BEFORE TA Truck Service Announced at MATS

COVER STORY:

PROUD PROFESSIONALS

Meet the 2016 Citizen Driver Honorees

RIP TIPS

STAYFIT SECTION:

22 WORD OF MOUTH Tips from Dentist at Iowa 80 OUT MY WINDSHIELD: 28 DON’T SWEAT JOB INTERVIEWS How to Stand Out from the Crowd

30 WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO EAT? Variety Key to Exceeding Your Expectations

$500 RACING

GEARBOX:

32 21st CENTURY MAINTENANCE Military Plug-and-Play Technology 35 WORDS TO LIVE BY Listen Up to Driver’s Soul Mate 42 TA & PETRO NEWS

18 FIRST FISH

LOCATION PROFILE

TA LINCOLN, ALABAMA MINIT MART® C-STORE ADDED Remodeling and Upgrades Improve Customer Experience.

RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

MAY/JUNE 2016 VOL. 53 NO. 3

ROADKING

Digital+

Wish you could access a digital version of RoadKing? You can! Wish you could access a story that appeared in an old issue of RoadKing from one, five, or even 10 years ago? You can! Just log onto RoadKing.com and check things out. The editorial content for every issue from September-October 2006 to the present is available under the PAST ISSUES header tab. A page-turning version including all editorial and advertising in the most recent issue is also available. You can sign up to receive the RoadKing e-Newsletter that will arrive in your inbox approximately every three weeks. You’ll find icons linking to RoadKing Facebook and Twitter posts. You can even submit a RoadKing story idea. For complete TravelCenters of America updates, please visit TA-Petro.com. You’ll also find icons linking you to TA-Petro Facebook and Twitter posts. As the RoadKing digital content continues to grow, you can keep pace with any or all of these digital media resources.

Simply provide the basic contact information. You don’t have to write anything. We’ll conduct the interview, obtain the photos, write the story, and provide a draft for your review and approval prior to publishing. The goal is to engage more drivers in sharing their stories with their peers. Your calls and inquires are welcome at any time. Thank you for helping us make RoadKing more informative and entertaining for you, the readers. Story leads should feature or at least involve the professional or personal lives of truck drivers.

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Editorial Contributors Paul Abelson Siphiwe Baleka David Kolman Tim O’Brien John Rondy Barry Gantenbein Art Directors Jason France Eric Valk Jay Blazek Distribution Manager Jim Johnson Publisher Mark Sell 262.544.6600 – Phone 414.254.2910 – Mobile Mark@HighVelocityCommunications.com Advertising Sales Curtis Costin 847.721.2316 Curtis@HighVelocityCommunications.com

Cover photo courtesy of IdeaMill

WELCOME Warren Eulgen Managing Editor 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central 262.544.6600 – Phone 414.688.8333 – Mobile Warren@HighVelocityCommunications.com

Managing Editor Warren Eulgen 262.544.6600 – Phone 414.688.8333 – Mobile Warren@HighVelocityCommunications.com

Mark Sell 262.544.6600 Mark@HighVelocityCommunications.com

STORY IDEAS

If you have a story lead that you feel would be appropriate for RoadKing, please call, send an e-mail, or drop a note to:

Editorial & Advertising Offices Travel Center Media LLC A Division of High Velocity Communications Inc. Suite D 1720 Dolphin Drive Waukesha, WI 53186-1489 262.544.6600 – Phone 262.544.9777 – Fax

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: • Community involvement • Volunteer activities • Coaching • Safety • Education and training • Acts of heroism • Adventure activities • Truck restorations • Hobby vehicles • Motorsports • Hobbies and collections • Musical talent • Personal accomplishments • Mentoring • Driver recruiting • Industry promotion • Innovations • Trucking organizations • Truck shows • Tips and suggestions • Other topics of your choice

Published by Travel Center Media LLC A Division of High Velocity Communications Inc. RoadKing (ISSN 1077-1581) is published six times a year on behalf of TravelCenters of America LLC by Travel Center Media LLC, a Division of High Velocity Communications Inc., Suite D, 1720 Dolphin Drive, Waukesha, WI 53186-1489, 262.544.6600. Subscription rates: $24/year U.S. residents. Road King is a registered trademark used under license by TravelCenters of America LLC, and all rights are reserved by TravelCenters of America LLC. All content including articles, editorial material and comments, opinion and statement of fact appearing in this publication represent the views of the respective authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher or TravelCenters of America LLC, nor do they carry the endorsement of TravelCenters of America LLC or its officers. Information published in RoadKing is gathered from various sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. The publication of any advertisements is not to be construed as an endorsement of the products or services offered, unless it is specifically stated in the ad that there is such approval or endorsement. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the managing editor. Letters, manuscripts, materials and photographs are welcomed, but the publisher cannot return unless sender provides a postage-paid, addressed, stamped envelope. Submission of letters implies the right to edit and publish in whole or in part. ©2016 TravelCenters of America LLC

UNLEASH CHICKEN S E I R F N E K C I H #C

At participating restaurants.

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Grilling Tips

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recipe for

RIGHTEOUS

ribs

From a Master

THIS RECIPE FROM WEBER’S REAL GRILLING, PACKS A ZING, thanks to a spicy rub applied to the ribs before grilling and a tangy homemade barbecue sauce. One caution: Don’t baste the ribs with the sauce too early, because the sugar in the cola sauce will burn and blacken the ribs. Wait until the last 15 minutes of cooking. 1. Make the sauce by warming the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, chili powder and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining ingredients, whisk them together and allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes. 2. Remove the thin membrane from the back of each rack of ribs by sliding a knife between the membrane and one of the bones. Gradually work the knife down the bone. Stretch the membrane to open up a flap; use a paper towel to get a good grip and peel the membrane off the ribs. This allows the seasonings to better penetrate the meat. Let the ribs stand at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. 3. To make the rub, mix the ingredients together in a small bowl. Season the ribs all over with the rub, pressing the spices into the meat.

FOR THE SAUCE: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 2/3 cup ketchup 1/3 cup cola 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon mesquite liquid smoke

FOR THE RUB: 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 rack baby back ribs, 1-1/2 to 2 pounds About 2 cups mesquite chips, soaked in water for an hour 8

MAY/JUNE 2016

RoadKing

4. Drain the mesquite chips and toss them onto the burning coals or into the smoking box of a gas grill. Grill the ribs over indirect low heat (about 300°F) until the meat is very tender, 1-1/2 to 2 hours. At 15 minutes before the ribs are done, brush occasionally with the sauce on both sides. 5. Transfer the ribs to a baking sheet and tightly cover with aluminum foil. Let rest for 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm. Makes four servings. Ribs should cook for the better part of an afternoon. Use indirect heat—stack coals around the sides of the grill and place an aluminum pan beneath the ribs to catch drippings and prevent ﬂare-ups.

Seasoning Options: Once the ribs are ﬁnished cooking, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil for a half hour and let them sit. Don’t worry— they won’t cool down. Instead, the moisture allows the meat to become even more tender and better absorb the barbecue sauce. For information on the book Weber’s Real Grilling, visit realgrilling.com. o

Congratulations 2016 Honorees! All professional truckers deserve recognition for driving the success of our country’s 30 million businesses and contributing to a better life for its 319 million citizens. Congratulations to all on a job well done! Bringing industry and national recognition to one of the best things about trucking—its professional drivers—is the simple goal of the Citizen Driver initiative. Our third annual class of Citizen Driver Honorees adds to the impressive list of those who are setting our industry’s standards for good citizenship, professionalism, safety, community involvement, health and wellness, and leadership. Citizen Driver is our way of shining a spotlight on the reallife, daily contributions of those who are leading the charge in propelling the industry’s image to new heights. Over time and combined with other image-enhancing programs, we hope Citizen Driver helps to elevate awareness and respect for the profession with the general public, increase the sense of community among drivers, and encourage those who are seeking a family-supporting career to take a closer look at opportunities. In preparation for selecting the Class of 2016, peers, families and friends nominated more than 100 drivers. Among 41 semi-finalists, four were teams. Seven Honorees including one husband-and-wife team were ultimately selected from 15 finalists. You can read the Honoree’s profiles and learn about their industry contributions on the following pages. Seven TA-Petro sites will officially bear the names of the 2016 Honorees as follows:

New 2016 Citizen Driver Site Names »» Petro Carl’s Corner Bill Ater, Jr. Stopping Center (TX) »» TA Nashville Candy Bass Travel Center (TN) »» TA Greenland Denis Litalien Travel Center (NH) »» TA Boise J.D. “Doc” Osburn Travel Center (ID) »» TA Southington Bill and Robyn Taylor Travel Center (CT) »» TA Greenwood Bill Underwood Travel Center (LA)

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»» TA Hebron Michael Eugene Zanella Travel Center (OH) Beginning on May 1 and concluding on September 30, 2016, please nominate drivers, who deserve consideration for the Citizen Driver Class of 2017. Additional information and nomination forms are available online at TA-Petro.com/ CitizenDriverAward. Thanks for your help identifying 2017 Citizen Driver candidates.

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2016

CITIZEN DRIVERS

PROUD

PROFESSIONALS MEET THE 2016 CITIZEN DRIVER HONOREES

EIGHT NEW 2016 CITIZEN DRIVER HONOREES bring the threeyear total to 21. Similar to those who walked the walk before them, members of the 2016 class take great pride in reaching out to others. While rolling up some impressive career statistics, they’ve distinguished themselves by consistently going above and beyond, both professionally and personally: • 279 years of service • 836,000 annual miles • 26,870,000 accident-free miles • Countless good deeds and awards More importantly, you’ll learn why the 2016 Citizen Drivers are so very deserving of these high honors when you meet them individually on the following pages.

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MAY/JUNE 2016

BILL ATER / ARLINGTON, TX ATER TRUCKING, INC. (LANDSTAR)

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MARY “CANDY” BASS / TEMPLE, TX TRANSPORT DESIGN, INC.

Bill Ater, Jr. grew up in trucking. He I’ve had learned from his dad, Bill, Sr., and is a good currently teaching his youngest son, Joshua, about what it takes to be a professional ride, no driver. “When I was little, my dad was regrets.” hauling mail from several small post offices. I loved riding along with him and was thrilled when he let me shift gears. Many a night I would fall asleep with my head on his lap, looking up at the dash lights. “I learned everything from my dad, God rest his soul. Just before he passed away at age 85 in February 2012, he was still able to run a load when one of his drivers failed to show up. He taught me much more than driving. I learned how to maintain and repair trucks, everything from lubrication to tires, brakes, even masking for the custom paint designs that differentiated his trucks. “Every year when I take my truck to school, I see it as an opportunity to teach the kids and even their teachers about driving safely in a truck and around the four-wheelers. Kids are thrilled to sit in the truck and check everything out. They’re able to see the visibility limitations every driver must handle. I know my message is being received when parents come back to me with stories about their kids telling them what they’re doing wrong around trucks. “I hope this Citizen Driver program inspires people to reach out to others. Whether I’m home or on the road, I try to do something nice for somebody at least once a day. If others would try that, they would find it quickly becomes a habit. I wish more drivers would embrace trucking as a career, not just a job. We need to bring young adults into the program sooner and train them better. It’s ridiculous that a driver under 21 can travel almost 900 miles across Texas from Texarkana to El Paso, but can’t drive 800 miles to Chicago. “If drivers are planning to provide for their families by making trucking a career, they’ll have to be at the top of their games every day. It takes hard work and dedication to be successful, but the rewards make it worthwhile. Whatever the future brings, I’ve had a good ride, no regrets.”

Mary “Candy” Bass has certainly made the most of her 41 years as a professional driver by creating a model for others to follow. From her countless volunteer activities to her willingness to help others no matter the time or cost, she’s an inspiration to all who meet her. Whether you’re a close friend or a complete stranger, Candy is never too busy to lend a hand or an ear. Candy’s entry into the profession was a bit unusual. When her husband decided I’m so he wanted to go back to trucking, she blessed wasn’t about to be left behind. Having learned to drive on a 5-speed, she needed being to take her driving test on a 5-speed. One a part was rented from U-Haul. After driving five of this blocks to the test site, she was ready to go. The 10-question written test was a snap. industry.” After completing the on-road-test, Candy was told she passed, but there was one little problem. The examiner said he could tell by the way she shifted that Candy was accustomed to a 13-speed. To which she replied, “You are so right!” Of course she had no idea what he was talking about. “I simply agreed, because he was going to give me my license.” Of all her many pursuits, Candy is most proud of her 10year involvement with Special Olympics and Trucker Buddy International. Candy’s buddies are Special Olympic athletes. Swimming is the Diggin’ Dolphins’ specialty. Based on her close association with the industry, she asked if she could bring the Dolphins into Trucker Buddies. Permission granted. While other Special Olympians are members, the Diggin’ Dolphins are the only ones not of school age. Some are 50 years old. “Overwhelmed and shocked were my reactions when I was notified about being named a 2016 Citizen Driver Honoree,” said Candy. I’m just a normal everyday driver. I’m so blessed being a part of this industry. I get to do what I want to do, going where I go, and getting paid to do it. I have enough money to do what I want. I enjoy being a giving person, and I like putting smiles on people’s faces. When I leave this earth, I want people to remember that I cared about them.” About that, there is no doubt.

LOCATION: PETRO CARL’S CORNER BILL ATER, JR. STOPPING CENTER CITIZENSHIP: NAMED A 2016 LANDSTAR ROADSTAR, EARNED SIX LANDSTAR STARS OF QUALITY, ACTIVE CHURCH MEMBER, CO-FOUNDED BLENDED BLESSINGS; CLASS SAFETY: 2.5 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, LANDSTAR NO ZONE TRAILER INSTRUCTOR AND CERTIFIED BRAKE INSPECTOR COMMUNITY: 12X HURRICANE RELIEF VOLUNTEER, 18 WHEELS OF HOPE & OTHER CHARITY EVENTS, MISSION ARLINGTON HOMELESS SHELTER

LOCATION: TA NASHVILLE CANDY BASS TRAVEL CENTER SAFETY: 4.0 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, RECOGNITION FROM WOMEN IN TRUCKING AND MARTEN TRANSPORT; COMMUNITY: LIFETIME OOIDA MEMBER, TRUCKERS UNITED FOR CHARITIES, NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR TRUCKERS, SPECIAL OLYMPICS, AND TRUCKER BUDDY INTERNATIONAL; LEADERSHIP: HATS FOR HEROES FOUNDER

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2016

CITIZEN DRIVERS

DENIS LITALIEN / BIDDEFORD, ME

CLIFFORD W. PERHAM / SHAW’S SUPERMARKETS

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JON OSBURN / BOISE, ID OOIDA – THE SPIRIT TRUCK

If you’ve been professionally driving Give of trucks for 44 years, chances are you’d yourself in have as many good things to say about your career choice as Denis Litalien, and service to other people would be saying many good others.” things about you. However, that wouldn’t even be half of his story. Denis’ resume as an after-hours industry super advocate is much too long to be recapped here. “While much of my industry involvement is focused on the Maine Professional Drivers Association, I’m also engaged in related service and charitable activities across this beautiful state and beyond. I’ve learned something that everyone who wishes to make professional driving a true career choice needs to consider. Give of yourself in service to others. For any time and effort devoted to helping others, you’ll always receive something back in multiples.” Friend Robert “Truckin’ Bob” Cyr had this to say, “I’ve known Denis for a long time in several capacities. Examples of his ability to get folks involved with so many good causes and civic campaigns over the years are too numerous to mention. He is one of the most unselfish and humble individuals I’ve ever known. Denis has a contagious, lovable presence, and it is fitting that he would be recognized for all his humble acts of kindness, charity, patriotism and civic involvement.” “I wish every truck was equipped with glass sides,” said Denis. ”People would be amazed if they could see what’s inside. They’re just not aware of everything this industry hauls that they rely on to sustain their everyday lives and make them more comfortable and enjoyable. “I’m so pleased to see the Citizen Driver program gaining recognition throughout the industry. It needs all of the positive PR we can generate, individually and collectively. TA-Petro has approached this from an angle that no one else even considered. The fact that you can put a driver’s name on a building that is not attributable to a politician, a wealthy donor, or a historical figure, is beyond belief. This honor has really blown me away. It’s the pinnacle of my career!”

Though he didn’t always want to I firmly be a truck driver, Jon “Doc” Osburn knew at an early age that he wanted believe to help people. He did during 20 years I’m in a of military service, first as an Army rarified National Guard Combat Medic and then as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, crowd.” including three Vietnam tours. After a very successful stint with Mayflower, he organized and operated the M.E.R.V. (Medical Education and Resource Vehicle) for truckers. When funding dried up, he landed his current position with OOIDA as the driver and spokesperson for the “Spirit of the American Trucker” tour truck. “I’m very proud to represent an organization that serves 155,000 active members, and I do mean active,” said Jon. “We have about 50,000 more in Canada. That’s not counting those who are retired or semiretired. It’s really neat to be the truck driver out talking with truck drivers. People ask me all the time, ‘How did you get this job?’ I tell them that I was the lucky person who was in the wrong place at the right time.” In her letter of recommendation for this honor, Nikki Johnson of OOIDA Marketing offered some kind words. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Jon for the last four years. We speak to one another daily. We call Jon the ‘Skipper’ of our tour truck and display trailer. He is perfect for his position. Many OOIDA members stop in just to visit with Jon. I’m continually amazed at how many fellow truckers call upon him for advice or assistance. Whether expressing an idea, seeking health information, or just asking how to do something, they call Jon.” “Just to be nominated for the Citizen Driver Honor is very humbling,” said Jon. “All my life, I did what I felt good about, usually just helping less-fortunate people in need. I firmly believe I’m in a rarified crowd based on those nominated and honored in the past. This honor ranks right up there with other precious moments in my life. Falling in love with my wife, being present when my children were born, watching them graduate from high school and college, and becoming a grandfather for the first time.”

LOCATION: TA GREENLAND DENIS LITALIEN TRAVEL CENTER SAFETY: 3.0 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, ATA RECOGNITION, MAINE AND NATIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS, TCA HIGHWAY ANGEL COMMUNITY: TRUCKING FOR KIDS CONVOY, ST. JUDE’S TRUCK DRIVERS CHARITY CHALLENGE, AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION, UNITED WAY, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, NPTC HUMANITARIAN AWARD LEADERSHIP: CO-FOUNDED THE MAINE PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS ASSOCIATION AND TRUCKERS/TROOPERS PROGRAM, EMPLOYER VOLUNTEER SERVICE

LOCATION: TA BOISE J.D. “DOC” OSBURN TRAVEL CENTER SAFETY: 2.75 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, OOIDA RECOGNITION, 20 YEARS ACCIDENT-FREE, PARAMEDIC - EMS SUPERVISOR, MAYFLOWER DRIVER OF YEAR COMMUNITY: SPECIAL OLYMPICS, ST. CHRISTOPHER, ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, TRUCKSTOP MINISTRIES, MARY JOHNSTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND, NDPT CITIZENSHIP AWARD HEALTH & WELLNESS: INSTRUCTOR / TRAINER IN EMS, CPR, SEARCH & RESCUE, PARAMEDIC, EMT AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH

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RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

2016

CITIZEN DRIVERS

BILL & ROBYN TAYLOR / ENFIELD, CT

BILL UNDERWOOD / ALTA VISTA, KS

When it comes to community service, Bill and Robyn Taylor have forged a strong connection with the students in their local school districts. The Taylors’ dedication to sharing their experiences from the road is a shining example of how they go above and beyond in everything they do. It’s not a “I got into trucking because my mom told me ‘If I didn’t study in school, I’d end job. It’s a up driving a truck,’” said Bill. “Truth is, I lifestyle.” wanted to be a truck driver, a pilot or a train engineer. When I started driving 30 years ago, I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that I would meet so many wonderful people, and see the unbelievable sights Robyn and I have during the 17 years we’ve been team driving. The mantra, if you love what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life, is pretty darn close to being spot on. It’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle.” “We work with three schools in our hometown and one in nearby Windsor,” said Robyn. “We’re up to 18 classes. Every year, we talk about scaling back; instead, we wind up connecting with another class or two. We’ve become their roaming geography teachers, with a bit of history, too. It’s very gratifying seeing the kids’ reactions when we visit their schools with our truck. Assisting teachers is a very rewarding experience. I encourage others who love kids and the trucking industry to volunteer.” “When our truck was stolen in California, we had a dream catcher hanging in it,” said Bill. “The story spread. A school in Danbury sent a box filled with more than 30 dream catchers. The teacher invited us to visit with our truck after it was returned. While we talked with the principal inside for a few minutes, all of the students assembled around the truck. Much to our surprise, the kids presented us with posters and an envelope containing $425 raised by selling 25¢ bags of popcorn to help pay for the airfare to retrieve our truck.” “We’re firm believers in giving back to the industry and to our town and state, said Robyn. “ The famous John F. Kennedy ‘Ask not’ quote rings true with us. The only way we (all drivers) can elevate the image of our industry is by interacting with people, sharing our stories, showing them what we do.”

During his 53 years behind the I’m having wheel, including 18 pulling weekend a good life.” duty to make ends meet while in the Army, Bill Underwood demonstrated his affinity for working hard and lending a helping hand. Though well known to family and friends for a generous heart and selfless caring for anyone in need, Bill does not seek, nor want recognition. Though a somewhat reluctant nominee, Bill is very deserving of being recognized as a 2016 Citizen Driver Honoree. What happened at 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2015 is a prime example. Bill was updating his logbook at a Mississippi truck stop, when approached by a young woman asking for a ride to her home in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She said she was 19, her car was being towed, had no ID and no money, and just wanted a ride. Deciding he couldn’t just leave her in the middle of a truckers’ parking lot, Bill said he was heading towards Louisiana on I-20 and could take her as far as TA Greenwood. He knew the staff very well, was confident she would be safe, and they would help her. During the 200-mile trip, she alternated between sleeping and telling Bill three different versions of her story. At TA Greenwood, he bought her a hot breakfast and asked GM Dean Barnett to contact local authorities. When they arrived and she was questioned, it turned out she was only 14 and had run away from a youth detention center to which she was returned. Carrying the Underwood Farms banner, Bill, his brother and three other drivers run loads of kosher meat from Nebraska to Miami. “My drivers and I make it home every weekend,” said Bill. “I want them to have quality family time, the same as me. I really enjoy helping people, especially those who are down on their luck and unable to help themselves. “I’m having a good life, still enjoying what I do. I’ve been blessed with a great wife and eight wonderful children. By setting a good example for the younger ones, I hope they will help others and be productive. While many professional drivers already share similar values, hopefully a few at least will be motivated to answer a higher calling.”

LOCATION: TA SOUTHINGTON BILL & ROBYN TAYLOR TRAVEL CENTER SAFETY: 4.0 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, LANDSTAR SAFETY AWARDS COMMUNITY: FRIENDS OF EDUCATION AWARDS, TRUCKER BUDDY, WOMEN IN TRUCKING, CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION, AMERICAN LEGION, VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA AND 82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION LIFE MEMBER, OOIDA, TEAM RUN SMART, MAKE-A-WISH HEALTH & WELLNESS: EXERCISE AND NUTRITION ADVOCATES WHO RECENTLY COMBINED TO LOSE 50 POUNDS

LOCATION: TA GREENWOOD BILL UNDERWOOD TRAVEL CENTER SAFETY: 7.95 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, OOIDA MEMBER COMMUNITY: NUMEROUS HELPING-HAND STORIES INCLUDING MANY STRANGERS LEADERSHIP: A 21-YEAR CAREER AS ARMY HELICOPTER PILOT – VIETNAM VET, 52 AIR MEDALS INCLUDING DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS, INSTRUCTOR, FLEW DIGNITARIES SUCH AS WALTER MONDALE, MARGARET THATCHER, GOLDA MEIR, NUMEROUS GENERALS

LANDSTAR

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UNDERWOOD FARMS TRUCKING, LLC

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MICHAEL ZANELLA / COLUMBUS, OH PIZZA HUT

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Two popular idioms pretty much tell They’re the story of Michael Zanella and the clearly the Citizen Driver competition. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” and best of the “The third time’s a charm.” Although best.” a finalist in 2014 and again in 2015, Michael’s nominations ended short of the ultimate goal. Undaunted, Michael and his supporters tried again. Voilà, it’s now official, Michael Zanella is a 2016 Citizen Driver Honoree. For those who’ve tried unsuccessfully, the simple lesson is learning from the 21 honorees to date and trying again. Michael realized more than a solid safety record is needed as

the field of entries narrows. “The classes of the 2014 and 2015 had stupendous credentials,” said Michael. “All are great people and have outstanding records within the industry and in their communities. They’re clearly the best of the best. “Winning has to be the very pinnacle of the trucking profession. It certainly is for me. I’m happy, proud and humbled that I’m being inducted into what many are beginning to recognize as the ‘truck driver hall of fame.’ I’m just a hardworking, blue-collar guy, and I’m going to have my hometown truck stop named after me. How awesome is that? It’s the ultimate ‘Wow!’ factor. So many people helped me during my 25-year career, and I owe each one a big debt of gratitude. “When you consider that I’m the oldest of seven children, growing up in the coal fields of western Pennsylvania had its challenges for my parents and siblings. A solid work ethic was instilled in me from the time I started working at age 12. I learned quickly that you better be sure you’re doing your job right. I sincerely believe you don’t accomplish much in life without having goals and working to achieve them. “During my career, I’ve had over-the-road jobs that took me to all 48 contiguous states and some Canadian provinces. There’s such a wide range of scenic beauty, natural attractions and historical sites to see. I encourage drivers to plan their stops, so they can take some of it in. There are so many sights that those who work at the same location every day will likely never see.” LOCATION: TA HEBRON MICHAEL EUGENE ZANELLA TRAVEL CENTER SAFETY: 2.67 MILLION ACCIDENT-FREE MILES, OOIDA 24 YEARS SAFE DRIVING AWARD, PIZZA HUT MONTHLY MVP, PRO DRIVERS DRIVER OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY: LIFE MEMBER OF OOIDA AND DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, AMERICAN LEGION, VFW, MARINE CORP LEAGUE LEADERSHIP: KENTUCKY COLONEL, MASONIC EXCELLENCE AWARD AND CHAPTER LEADER & VOLUNTEER, 6-YEAR MARINE CORP ENLISTMENT (7 RECOGNITION AWARDS)

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MAY/JUNE 2016

M A I N T E N A N C E M AT T E R S BY: HOMER HOGG, TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER FOR TA-PETRO

It’s A/C Checkup Time Stay cool and avoid costly system failures

YOUR A/C SYSTEM I S OU T- OF - S IGH T AND TYPICALLY OUTOF-MIND during most winters until ambient temperatures rise. Don’t be disappointed when you move those controls to the blue or cold setting. Hopefully, the A/C compressor engages and the air streaming from the dash vents feels cold. Unfortunately, the compressor may not be up to the task, may not engage at all, or may deliver less than stellar results. To add insult to injury, an under-performing compressor is typically suffering a slow death from a lack of refrigerant that must be returned from the cold side of your A/C system. Focusing on a checkup and any critical maintenance now will help ensure a cold A/C system and long compressor life. Four important components or systems must be in good working order: the cabin filter, refrigerant level, condenser, and cab duct/blend air doors. Often, cabin filters are not adequately maintained, because they have no gauge and typically are not visible. You may not even know how and where to gain access. If a truck’s cabin filter is dirty, the A/C system will likely freeze up and prevent needed refrigerant from reaching the compressor. This quickly destroys the compressor and sends metal shavings throughout the system. At the start of a new A/C season, check your filter and replace it, if necessary. If you travel in dusty or dirty climates, your cabin filter needs service or replacement more often. Most of today’s trucks utilize R134a refrigerant. It has a very tiny molecular structure, which makes the modern A/C system more prone to leaks than 16

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decades-old systems. Consequently, the refrigerant charge must be monitored and maintained. Truck manufacturers have substantially reduced the amount of refrigerant, making even a small leak a potentially huge problem. Short term, it can sometimes be camouflaged by the improved performance provided by added refrigerant, causing a driver to overlook the risk of a freeze up. In fact, an A/C system that periodically freezes up is usually telling you that it needs to be checked for leaks, repaired and refilled properly—now! The condenser mounted in front of the radiator must be clean and the airflow must be able to hold a dollar bill in place against the front of the condenser. Insects, mud, pieces of plastic bags and any other airflow restrictions across the condenser must be removed. The condenser is a heat exchanger that must be able to remove the heat absorbed by the cold refrigerant as air circulates inside the cab of the truck, allowing the heat to escape into the atmosphere. When airflow is restricted, heat remains in the refrigerant and eventually reaches the compressor, resulting in its slow death. Use a mild cleaning agent such as Simple Green, and spray it off with a water hose. Even a small amount of dust, that is almost invisible to the eye, will reduce condenser efficiency. Finally, modern trucks have A/C systems controlled by one or more computers. One system that the computer(s) must control properly is the directional doors inside the dash and floor panels that direct the airflow to the designated location such as defrost, floor and the center ducts. These later model trucks use a blend-air system that enables the heater and air conditioner to run at the same time. Engineers design these systems to allow

a precise temperature to be achieved by blending hot and cold air, measuring the resulting temperature, and starting the cycle over again. A computer controls the blend-air door, thereby obtaining the desired cab comfort level. A door that is out of calibration may not respond to a command or may respond in an unacceptable manner. The good news is—most of the time—it is easy to recalibrate the door by following some simple steps. Check your operating manual or take your truck to a qualified technician for this important recalibration. So, remember to service that filter, have your refrigerant level checked, identify and repair leaks, clean the condenser, and recalibrate the blend-air doors. TA Service Centers have the equipment and expertise to help you with your 2016 A/C system checkup. It will keep you feeling cool for those long, hot summer days ahead. o

Homer Hogg’s Maintenance Matters airs on the Dave Nemo Show (Road Dog Trucking, SiriusXM 146), 8 a.m. ET, the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Homer Hogg, Technical Development Manager for TA and Petro, has worked as a truck technician for more than 30 years. He is ASE Master-Certified, a Daimler Certified Trainer, and a member of the Nashville Auto-Diesel College Hall of Fame.

Does the First Fish

TELL THE STORY? BY: JOE BUCHER, EAGLE RIVER, WISCONSIN

WHILE YOU’RE TRUCKIN’ ACROSS AMERICA THIS COMING WEEK AND DAYDREAMING ABOUT YOUR NEXT FISHING OUTING, PONDER THIS— why do you often catch the biggest fish on the first few casts at a good spot? Conversely, how many times have you cast a favorite big-fish hotspot and been both surprised and disappointed to find nothing but smaller fish? I have your answers! It all boils down to basic predator hierarchy, and it matters little what fish species you are after. Once you are keyed into this concept, you can quickly assess the potential of any given spot with just a few casts. Most of the best guides and tournament anglers know all about this theory, which I simply call “the lead fish principle.” Others might not call it by the same name, but they’re still playing the same game.

current concentrates the largest and the most active fish at the front edge of the structure. All fish species feel and sense current, no matter how strong or slight. They use it to their advantage while hunting for food. Baitfish use current to school tightly and gobble up plankton. Current pushes the plankton flows right to them, and because they are facing the current, they can most effectively consume it. Predatory fish face into current for the same reason. Only instead of gobbling plankton, they are ambushing prey. The underwater world of fish, for the most part, is very

How It Works Essentially, it all begins with visualizing the most dominant fish taking up the most opportune ambush position. In most cases, the biggest fish—on any given spot during a specific time period—faces into whatever current is available and swims forward until it reaches the front edge or head of the structure or cover. This current can be created by many forms including inside a river system or simply by wave action on a natural lake. In other words, 18

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Joe Bucher is a National Freshwater Fishing Hall Of Fame Legendary Angler and host of the popular TV series Fishing with Joe Bucher. He is also the author of six books, as well as a contributing writer for monthly fishing publications on a variety of subjects and gamefish species all over North America.

much like the Disney movie Nemo in the sense that bigger fish eat the smaller ones. Big predatory fish are aggressive, dominant critters that demand the best ambush spots. Therefore, active predator fish will slide up to the very front edge of the ambush and assume the role as the “lead fish.” None of the other fish get a first, or sometimes even second, shot at meals until the boss finishes breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Stay or Go? What’s also important to note is the lead fish—which is also the first fish that you are likely to catch— reveals who’s the boss at that time and place. In other words, if you catch a big one right off the bat, keep fishing! If a small fish strikes on your first cast, it is usually a bad sign. However, this scenario is bound to change throughout the day so you need to keep rechecking good spots to find out when the big fish are there. Other factors such as weather conditions, wind direction, solar heat, moon phases and time of day all are bound to have a bearing on who or what is active on the spot at any given moment. Essentially, this concept works no matter what the fish species. For example, if that first cast yields a small snake northern pike, or a little buck bass, it’s a good bet that the next fish caught

will be of equal size. In fact, the odds are against you catching anything of any size during that time period on that given spot. A lead fish of this caliber tips you off that there’s no big fish active on this particular spot at that time. In essence, this is a huge time saver. If you’re skeptical, make a few more casts to make sure. It’s a good bet all you’ll catch is another fish of similar size. Think about it: If a larger fish was active at that spot, would a smaller, lessdominant fish really have a chance to feed there? Don’t waste any more time at this spot. Move on. Head to greener pastures.

Works for Any Fish Like I said, it seems to matter little what species of gamefish we’re after. The same principle works for smallmouths, largemouths, walleyes, pike, and— above all—muskies. It even works on panfish. In fact, the bigger the fish and the higher it is on the food chain, the more this principle seems to come into play. It matters little where you fish, what you fish for, and what the spot looks like. If there are fish present, and there is current, you can predict the spot’s potential in a few casts. When you’re dealing with a fishery that harbors multiple predators, this knowledge also quickly tells you what species of fish are active. For example, on many of the waters I fish in the Great Lakes Region, there are at least three and sometimes four major gamefish predators competing inside the same ecosystem. While bass might be the

largest predator on many lakes of the south, they are apt to be a couple of notches down the food chain on any waters containing critters with big teeth. Generally, toothy fish are always the “top dogs.” This includes the presence of big, predatory, rough fish like gars and bowfins. On my home lakes in northern Wisconsin, any given main lake reef is bound to hold walleyes, largemouths and smallmouths, northern pike, and muskies. However, the time of day when each is active on this single food shelf might vary greatly. Pull up on that reef at first light and bass might be all over it. By mid-morning, a wolf pack of pike is bound to take it over. At any moment, a big muskie slides up on this reef, and every other species hunkers down. Then as nightfall approaches, a school of walleyes is bound to control the turf. So, that first cast not only tells you how big the predators are, but also what species is active.

So, there you have it! Day in and day out, you’re going to be surprised how accurate this lead fish principle is. You are now armed with a secret weapon that enables you to quickly assess the potential of any given spot not long after a few casts. o

For more information, visit: FishingwithJoeBucher.com RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

MORE! THE NEW “TA TRUCK SERVICE” WAS LAUNCHED at the TA and Petro Stopping Centers booth during the 2016 MidAmerica Trucking Show. TA Truck Service, Petro:Lube, RoadSquad™, RoadSquad Connect®, RoadSquad OnSite® and eShop® have continued to grow and offer a deeper range of technical expertise and services over the last few years, and they are now coming together under the single brand umbrella of “TA TRUCK SERVICE,” a name that customers have known for years and have associated with the best truck service on America’s highways. Available at TA and Petro locations, TA Truck Service offers professional drivers

and fleets MORE than ever before: MORE service bays, MORE technical expertise, and MORE maintenance solutions. “TA Truck Service is much MORE than just a new brand name and logo,” said Tom O’Brien, President and CEO of TravelCenters of America. “Our goal is to keep trucks and drivers rolling. The brand incorporates the best practices of the top truck repair brands in the industry including state-ofthe-art technical training, quality control programs utilizing Six Sigma processes, an

expanding scope of services, Freightliner and Western Star warranty determinations, a nationwide parts and service warranty, plus MORE efficient work order queuing for less complex repairs, which we call Rapid Repair. TA Truck Service is the one coast-to-coast provider drivers and fleets can trust wherever and whenever they need shop and/or emergency roadside services.” Learn MORE about the new TA Truck Service at TA-Petro.com. o

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MOUTH Dentist serves drivers’ needs at Iowa 80 TA Travel Center

Dr. Thomas Roemer, D.D.S.

“I figured I would give it a go here for a short period of time, and here we are 23 years later.” 22

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DR. THOMAS ROEMER’S BUSINESS IS A LOT LIKE PULLING TEETH. In fact, in many instances, it’s exactly that. But unlike the expression that suggests making someone do something against his or her will, his dental patients flock to him in droves. As a full-time dentist at the Iowa 80 TA Travel Center in Walcott, Roemer serves drivers’ emergency and non-emergency needs, at the world’s largest and arguably the busiest truckstop. It started in the early ‘90s, when the Davenport, Iowa-based dentist noticed that his Yellow Pages ad drew a high number of calls from truckers at the TA Travel Center. With an estimated 5,000-plus visitors a day at Iowa 80, Roemer saw an opportunity to serve a steady stream of walk-in traffic, and established a part-time dental office in 1993 in an underused workout room at the truckstop 20 minutes west of the Quad Cities. Unlike a traditional dental practice that establishes a regular clientele based on cleaning

teeth every six months, the majority of Roemer’s walk-ins are in misery, with unbearable tooth pain that requires immediate treatment. “We have people walking in holding their jaws in pain,” says the 55-year-old Roemer, whose wife assists him in his one-man practice. “The question that I hear most often from patients who walk in the door is, ‘Do you pull teeth?’” Initially, Roemer worked at the truck stop three halfdays a week, splitting time with his dental office in Davenport. But when it became apparent that I-80 was generating a much higher volume of patients, he took up full-time residence at Iowa 80 in 2003. “Originally, I figured I would give it a go here for a short period of time, and here we are 23 years later,” Roemer says. Nearly two years ago, Roemer moved his office down the hall to a larger space, which is updated with two dental chairs and newer equipment. Working with the same staff for 16 years— including his wife, Amy, a certified dental assistant—Roemer has set down roots in a most unlikely location. Many of the patients that Roemer treats are one time only—he never sees them again. “We cater primarily to over-the-road professionals,” says Roemer, whose practice is called Interstate Dental. “We are mostly a walk-in facility, and a majority of patients come to our office for emergency care. They are usually seeking some kind of treatment to relieve pain.”

In many instances, a trucker will have a loose tooth that could be easily self-extracted, but they come to the dentist for help instead. “It’s ironic that a good number of these truckers are big, strapping guys, yet they are so afraid to touch their aching tooth,” Roemer jokes. Many patients come in thinking a filling will relieve their pain, when in fact the severity of the problem is such that it’s too late for a simple “drill and fill,” Roemer says. The small dental office has no waiting room. If patients need to kill time prior to seeing Dr. Roemer, the 225-acre facility has plenty of diversions, including a movie theater, a 300-seat restaurant, a giant truck-gear showroom and a free truck museum. Roemer does retain a small core of regular patients from the local area, and also has repeat business from a small percentage of truckers who come for regular care. But the majority are walkins seeking immediate relief. Regular patients are asked to call 24 hours in advance, and walk-ins are treated first. “At this point, our location is pretty well known among overthe-road drivers,” Roemer says. “We don’t do any advertising, and all of our business is word-of-mouth, so to speak.” o To reach Interstate Dental, call 563-284-6161. The business is located 15 miles west of Davenport, Iowa on I-80 at Exit 284.

RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

How much fun can you have for $500?

Crazy about racing or just plain crazy? If you answered—Yes! or Yes!—the not-so-good old boys who run the 24 Hours of LeMons just might have an opportunity for you and your buddies to take a shot at some smalltime racing at a big-time venue near you. If you’re a racing purist, forget about it. If you’re just looking for some on-the-cheap racing entertainment, head straightaway to 24HoursofLeMons.com. 24

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THE 24 HOURS OF LeMONS gives everyone from novices to pros a chance to build and race a really low-budget, really crappy car, hopefully like you’ve never built before. Forget about that ’57 Mack dump truck sitting in your neighbor’s backyard—no trucks over 4,200 lb. Whether you’re an expert or a newbie, LeMons racing is all about really close-to-junk cars—you’re not a true gearhead if you don’t enjoy watching a rust-bucket ’69 Volvo 140 wagon dice with a one-time, gently rolled ’78 Pontiac LeMans barn-find. But remember, a crappy car will cause bodily harm as fast, if not faster, than an F1 ride. That’s why the bulk of your LeMons build is likely to center on mandatory safety improvements, and why safety stuff doesn’t count toward the $500 cost limit. It’s also the reason why every car goes through a stem-to-stern, pre-race tech inspection. LeMons inspectors are just waiting to bust you.

Safety First If you’re just starting out, the list of mandatory upgrades might seem intimidating, but remember that nobody expects you to

do it all by yourself. Just take it a step at a time; ask questions about things that confuse you; and you’ll see that it’s not all that hard. Set aside some time and money for high-quality, professional assistance on big stuff like the roll cage. Use common sense—if uncertain how to proceed, don’t wait until tech inspection to find out you guessed wrong. LeMons’ tech inspectors focus on several key areas: • Roll cage • Driver’s seat • Racing harness • Fire extinguisher • Fuel tank • Fuel system • Electrical cut-off switch • Race number

A LeMons build isn’t that different from the requirements of any other road racing series. Best of all, once you’ve done it, you’ll either be able to reuse the same car again and again, or knock out another one in a quarter of the time. Some LeMons machines have competed in eight or nine races without major updates. Apparently, some people just like the punishment. Give yourself plenty of time, familiarize yourself with the rules, and enlist expert help where needed. Next thing you know, you’ll be on the grid—and probably wondering why you didn’t just stick to gardening as a hobby. Dressing up like a real racecar driver is one of the best parts of a LeMons weekend—it’s a rare opportunity for some clown in a Gremlin to look more or less like Michael Schumacher. It also has the attractive side benefit of giving said clown a little bit of protection in the event of a crash or fire. Several key bits of race wear are required for every driver: • Helmet • Fire-resistant driving suit, gloves, and shoes • Fire-resistant underwear (where applicable) • Racing-grade neck support (per rules)

Some FAQs What the heck is this series all about? – Launched in 2006, it’s grown into a nationwide series of endurance races for cars that cost $500 or less. Say what? The 24 Hours RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

of LeMons is restricted to cars that were purchased, fixed up, and track-prepped for a total of $500 or less. At most venues, the schedule consists of tech inspection and track testing on Friday; long-endurancerace sessions on Saturday and Sunday; with breaks for eatin’, sleepin’, woundlickin’, and ego-fixin’ every night. What exactly is a $500 car? – A car that reaches the starting line for a grand total investment of $500, including purchase and preparation. The only things not included in that figure are approved safety equipment, brakes, and wheels/tires. Do $500 cars really exist? – Absolutely—for real examples, just look at the photos accompanying this story and the website gallery for more. Craigslist, local bulletin boards, and cruising through crummy neighborhoods are some of the best ways to find heaps that you can snatch from the jaws of the scrap-yard crusher. Is this, like, real racing? – Yeah, it’s real racing. That said, between the thick scrum of crap cans in front of you and a promoter adverse to long, flat-out straightaways, you’re not going to set any speed records. It’s kind of like driving a hot, noisy, uncomfortable, souped-up ‘50s wheel loader—for a really, really long time. What about bumpin’, draftin’ and all that good ol’ boy stuff? – Think genteel wine-n-cheese road racing (just kidding), not a NASCAR enduro. While some minor, incidental contact goes without saying, poor driving, lack of car control, intentional contact, chopping, slam-bang bumping, and road rage are subject to punishment by pit penalties, tarring and feathering (honest), and/or expulsion. 26

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How much to enter? – Entry fees are $600 per car and $150 per each driver. That fee covers registration, track time, paddock passes, safety crews, cheap sweatshopmade commemorative crap, and anything else the promoter comes up with. For $75, non-driving team members get all the same bennies except track time. Will my entry be accepted? – Maybe. Maybe not. Usually, more applications are received than each track can handle. Boring applications reduce your chances. Creative applications such as “Choose us, because we’ll wear beaver costumes in the paddock, and our car is entirely coated in birch bark,” give you much better odds. A catchy team name also helps. Examples: • Eyesore Racing • Flying Pigs Racing • Knoxvegas Lowballers • New York Rock Exchange • Petty Cash Racing • Risky Whiskey Racing

Are prizes awarded? – Absolutely. Over the course of the year, wins for marques, nationalities, all-girls teams, etc., and awarding the Harold Stassen Memorial Stick-to-itiveness Trophy, the Albert Gore, Jr. Carbon-Neutral Cup, and other such venerable honors are part of the shtick. Some teams even win cash. Warning: pocket-change prizes are typically paid in nickels. Can friends and I come and watch? – Absolutely! Spectators who aren’t driving or wrenching for a team can get all-access paddock passes at the gate--they’re $30 and good all weekend.

May 21-22 21-22

Thunderhill, CA Thunderhill, CA The Ridge Motorsports Park, WA Buttonwillow Raceway, CA Sonoma Raceway, CA

July 30-31 30-31 August 27-28 27-28 October 1-2 1-2 December 3-4

November 12-13

MSR Houston, TX

June 4-5 4-5

High Plains Raceway, CO Autobahn Country Club, IL Gingerman Raceway, MI

July 23-24 23-24 October 8-9 8-9

May 14-15 14-15

If you’re even remotely interested in learning more about this unabashed craziness, you’re not-so-well forewarned here and better advised to check out the wacky website at 24HoursofLeMons.com. Surprisingly, it’s quite sophisticated, yet easy to navigate including: rules, safety, costs, FAQs, forums, blogs, links, photo gallery, videos, social media connections, and more. o

2016

Remaining 2016 Schedule

August 13-14 13-14 October 22-23

New Jersey Motorsports Park, NJ Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, CT New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NH

September 17-18

Carolina Motorsports Park, SC

July 30 30

Plymouth, MI Seaside, CA

August 20 20

August 16-20 16-20

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OUT MY WINDSHIELD BY: DAVID A. KOLMAN, SENIOR EDITOR

Don’t Sweat That Job Interview How to stand out from the crowd

WHILE A JOB INTERVIEW CAN BE A NERVE-RACKING EXPERIENCE, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MANAGE THE STRESS. The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate to a prospective employer what type of person you are and what kind of employee you’d be if hired. The best way to reduce the pressure is to be well prepared for the job interview. Yet, lack of preparation is frequently the biggest mistake job seekers make. Preparation can make the difference between receiving a job offer and being rejected.

the compensation package. Do your homework online and talk with others about the company. ›› Being ready to answer any questions about your education, training, work experience, abilities, skills, any awards and recognition, and so forth. ›› Bringing along any necessary documentation and support materials.

Preparation Encompasses:

First Impressions

›› Knowing about the company you are applying to, its operations, the duties and responsibilities of the job and

No matter how good you look on paper, everything you do—from how you interact with the interviewer and any

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RoadKing

Following are some guidelines to help you standout from the crowd and get off to a good start.

others, to what you’re wearing, to your body language, to what you say or don’t say during the interview—is noted and considered in the evaluation process and the hiring decision. First impressions do count—a lot—because many inteviewers form an initial opinion about a prospective new hire within the first 5 to 30 seconds of their initial meeting, simply by noting appearance, posture and demeanor. On the day of your interview, dress for success. Take a few moments to assess yourself and analyze your image. What does your appearance say about you? Be on time. A late arrival is never a good way to start a job interview, which can already cause increased anxiety. Besides, running late causes unnecessary stress

and frustration, and those are not good things to take into an interview. Maintain a friendly, confident demeanor. Be able to thoughtfully and appropriately answer any questions with enthusiasm. Interviewers take notice of this “energy,” and that helps make a positive, lasting impression. The same goes for a job applicant who answers questions with very little detail, or in a monotone voice, or with a lack of emotion.

State Your Case Be prepared to make a convincing case demonstrating you are the best qualified to fill the position. Interview questions are typically designed to determine

a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities. Be prepared to talk about your experience and qualifications without a lot of stammering, pausing to recall, or going blank. Make sure you understand each question and ask for clarification if you don’t. When applicable, back up your statements with specific examples that demonstrate your strengths, experience and qualifications. Prepare a list that enables you to ask insightful questions and learn more about the company’s needs. This not only demonstrates that you understand the company and the job position, but it will help you drill down to see if the company, the job and advancement opportunities, and the compensation and benefits package meet your requirements.

Do… ›› make sure you have a professional-looking resume ›› clearly state your driving record and any awards, recognition you’ve received ›› invest time researching the company and preparing for the interview ›› dress appropriately and be neatly groomed ›› know how to get to the interview location and anticipate travel time, arriving at least 10 minutes early ›› turn off/silence mobile devices ›› be attentive, speak clearly and confidently ›› complete and bring all requested paperwork ›› maintain good eye contact and an upbeat, positive attitude ›› be certain your body language and the way you speak send a positive message ›› demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile in meeting the needs for on-time deliveries ›› make sure your answers are consistent when multiple interviewers compare their notes ›› ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question ›› thank the interviewer and follow up with a note of appreciation

Stay focused during the job interview. Do not let your mind wander. Pay attention to what is being said. Answer all questions with interest and details. Formulate your answers in ways to show that you have the qualifications, skills and desire to be the perfect candidate for the job. Realize that applicants who have been invited for an interview most likely have similar qualifications, skills and experience. The interviewers will probably hear many of the same answers to the questions they pose. An enthusiastic, upbeat attitude can be a difference maker in the final evaluation. To sum things up, when getting ready for a job interview, keep in mind these words of Confucius, “Success depends upon preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” o

DAVID KOLMAN’S INTERVIEW

DO’S & DON’TS: A CHECKLIST FOR SUCCESS

Don’t… ›› be late ›› dress too casually or too outlandishly ›› chew gum or tobacco, bring food or beverages into an interview ›› lie or make excuses (rather you should take responsibility for your decisions and actions) ›› answer every question with a simple “yes” or “no” ›› use rude, crude, offensive or demeaning language ›› speak negatively about your current or former employer, boss or coworkers ›› bring up personal or family problems ›› make negative statements about yourself or bring up voids in your background, stay focused on the positives

RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

What Would You

Like to Eat? Exceeding your expectations

AT TA-PETRO, OUR RESTAURANT TEAM TRIES TO PLACE THEMSELVES IN YOUR SHOES, realizing you may be on the road for weeks at a time, or perhaps even months. Think how boring it would be to eat at the same restaurant every day, maybe two or three times a day, for weeks on end. When it comes to dining for OTR drivers—full-service or quickservice—success is measured by one key word: VARIETY! When you arrive, we realize you may be in grab-n-go mode. Or you may have maxed out your service hours and have plenty of time to enjoy a selection from a wide variety of complete dinners, while your truck rests comfortably in a Reserve-It! parking space. Other drivers may fall somewhere between. Add drivers whose body clocks and meal times may be calibrated to driving at night when traffic volumes are lighter. 30

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Ready for You A restaurant staff of more than 6,000 is up to the task of serving each individual driver according to his or her wishes. There’s no formula or cookiecutter approach to serving your needs. Sure, The TA Country Pride and Petro Iron Skillet restaurants have some of your favorites wherever you stop, but each location has a significant degree of flexibility. If you want breakfast, it’s available 24/7/365. How about gumbo in New Orleans, or menudo in El Paso? Yes, they’re available. Seasonal, regional and even localized specialties are staples at the full-service restaurants. Hungry for fast food? Plenty of variety is also available. Burgers, chicken, pizza, subs, tacos, World Blends® coffee, ice cream, donuts, you name it. Chances are a given TA-Petro location has what you want. All provided through branded franchises that you know and trust. While others may affiliate with just a few brands, TA-Petro provides the variety you and other professional drivers appreciate. Whether traveling east, west, north or south, the next TA-Petro location down the road rarely has any duplication compared to the one in the rearview mirror. When it comes to really fast, the new Minit Marts and travel stores and fuel buildings are known for a great variety of grab-n-go food options, from roller grill specialties to freshly prepared salads and sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Check it out for yourself. If you haven’t clicked on the Refresh icon at the top of the TA-Petro.com home page, take a look. Drill down to the brand logos and menu options. You’re likely to see some brands and tasty delights that you didn’t know TA-Petro offered. Drivers, who want to eat healthy, perhaps on the road to losing 40 pounds, will find options at all locations to help them along their journeys. Those who have a hankering for a treat won’t be disappointed.

What the Future Holds “When it comes to dr iver food preferences, ‘the times are changing’ i s not a n u nder st atement,” sa id Mike Yager, Director of Operations.

“We’re in the business of delivering driver satisfaction with large doses of compassion and caring. We realize that what we offered yesterday may not be sufficient to please you tomorrow. We’re constantly evaluating full-service concepts, additional quick-service brands, new menu items, sources of fresh fruits, vegetables and other ingredients, cuts of meat, buffet and salad bar options, preparation techniques, and food presentation options. Listening to customer feedback, then researching, testing and evaluating options are a neverending process for the restaurant team. “C on s ider i n g t he complete universe of restaurants, not just truck stops, who goes to t he same leng t hs catering to customers’ preferences? Who do you know that offers a complete made-to-order menu, a full buffet, a ded icated sa lad ba r, anytime breakfast, and a whole lot more—every day? There are lots of things we do that you never see. For example, mashed potatoes are made from scratch, eggs are fresh, lettuce for salads and entrée meats are hand cut, and soups are made from scratch. Our goal is delivering an outstanding

experience every time you choose to dine with us. As guests in our home, we’re focused on meeting or exceeding your expectations in the hopes that your next meal stop will be at another TA-Petro location a few hundred miles down the road.” o

RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

G E AR B OX BY: PAUL ABELSON, CONSULTING TECHNICAL EDITOR

21 Century Maintenance st

Is Military Plug-and-Play Technology on the Horizon? A M A Z I NG PROGR E SS i n vehicle maintenance practices has already occurred, so far, in the 21st century. B y 2 0 0 0, what had b e e n done electromechanically was being recorded and tracked electronically. Data was gathered, but the ability to process it into useful information lagged behind. Back in 1965, Gordon E. Moore, founder of Fairchild Semiconductor, formulated what became known as Moore’s Law: the ability of a computer processor to process information would double every one to two years. That represents a 6,400-percent capability improvement in just the last 16 years. How has this altered our lives? Take cellular telephones for example. Early brick-style behemoths, once reserved for an elite few and aided by Moore’s Law, have become commonplace. Virtually everyone has one. These sophisticated devices have morphed into integrated 32

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RoadKing

information and entertainment systems, which, by t he way, also prov ide telephone communication. Consider the latest developments in vehicle technology. Autonomous vehicles make news almost every day. From experiments a decade ago, you’re now seeing trucks that know exactly where they are with pinpoint, threedimensional accuracy, and they have the ability to identify moving vehicles and pedestrians within their range of influence. Sensors in prototype trucks not only see and sense all the inputs we humans use to make driving decisions, sensors act on those inputs many times faster and are never distracted. I’m not making a case for autonomous or self-driving trucks. I believe we have many obstacles to overcome before they become practical. Technology aside, high public fear factors and low comfort levels are significant hurdles. But new

and ever-expanding data processing capabilities can and are being applied to vehicle maintenance right now.

Two Maintenance Types Consider the two types: preventive and immediate. “Preventive” is the act of treating a part such as a tire or a group of parts and consumables working together, such as a cooling system, to prevent anticipated failures. “Immediate” is the restoration of an unanticipated failure to proper operating condition. Preventive maintenance involves such tasks as adjusting SCA (supplemental coolant additives) levels in the coolant or changing oil and filters. Immediate maintenance is replacing a blown-out tire, or a cracked wheel, or a faulty brake drum. But thanks to computers, the processes of diagnosing problems and performing maintenance have changed.

An old rule of thumb said that 95 percent of road failures occurred w it h i n 10 0 feet of a pay phone. Remember payphones? Drivers would limp along to where it was convenient to call for assistance. Today, we have sensors in our trucks that tell us when tires are losing air, engines are running hot, or oil levels are low. Once, it was up to us to notice a problem and call ahead for maintenance before it became more serious. Today’s automated systems detect these problems, identify your GPS location, determine their degree of seriousness and notify either your dispatcher, and/or your preferred service provider. Appointments are made. You receive a message to head for the closest authorized repair facility, minimizing the probability of downtime. More than ever, TA Service Centers with their emergency capabilities are connected to many HowesRoadkingHalfPage_S16.pdf 1 2/4/16 3:21 customers for both preventive and immediate maintenance. If you drive

a Freightliner or Western Star, that may be particularly true.

Military Sets the Pace Computer analysis, global positioning and telemetrics all play key roles in keeping you on the road. But what will future maintenance look like? For a glimpse into the future of trucking, let’s look at the progress of military maintenance. If you think getting your truck back in operation quickly is critical, compare that to getting a tank or a fighter jet back into battle. Though you may not always think so, our armed forces lead the way in turnaround times. Assets are designed from the ground up for maintenance. Unlike many truck components buried under other parts that must be removed first, combat vehicles and modern aircraft have all critical parts accessible under individual panels. Using the plug-and-play concept, each of these modules performs a PM specific job. When a failure occurs as a result of enemy action or routine

maintenance is needed, the nearest repair facility is informed. By the time the asset arrives, parts, necessary tools and trained technicians are standing by to begin work. Modules are removed and replaced and the unit is quickly returned to service with minimal lost time. When extensive diagnosis or repair is needed, it is done at a specialized facility behind the lines. The objective is returning the asset to service without delay. This works with the military because all components, equipment and repair facilities have common ownership, but can it work in the private sector, in trucking? It can if common repair items, major components and key systems are leased to operators rather than being owned and assigned to specific trucks. They can be inventoried in emergency pools, to be used as needed, where and when needed. That sums up one observer’s thoughts on the future of truck maintenance. What do you think? o

You’ve Got to Get Meaner...

than the Deposits Constantly Attacking Your Engine.

Internal diesel injector deposits are a serious problem for trucks all year long. Clean them up with our new, stronger detergent package. Nothing protects your engine and boosts your power like Howes Meaner Power Kleaner. Grab a bottle today!

Howes Deluxe Long-Sleeve T-Shirt 1-800 GET HOWES (438-4693) • www.howeslube.com

when you purchase 3 bottles of Meaner Power Kleaner. Visit www.howeslube.com or call 1-800 GET HOWES Offer ends: 9/30/16, available while supplies last.

Words

to Live By Driver’s soul mate wants you to listen up

Planning for Life’s Unknowns Everyone’s situation is different, so you need to involve professionals in any healthcare and estate planning for you and your family. Items that should be included on your checklist are: »» REGULAR MEDICAL CHECKUPS »» REGULAR DENTAL CHECKUPS »» AN UP-TO-DATE WILL »» POSSIBLY A TRUST »» PARTICIPATION IN A 401(K) PLAN »» AN EMERGENCY SAVINGS ACCOUNT »» MORTGAGE INSURANCE »» OTHER LIFE INSURANCE TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY »» A GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY »» A MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING A COPY OF THE FIRST ANNUAL RoadKing Family in the mail last November, Sherri Holcombe of Beebe, Arkansas was motivated to place a call suggesting a story for a regular issue of RoadKing. Alternating between tears and laughter, Sherri recounted the story of meeting her husband, Stephen Craig Holcombe, Sr., their courtship, his 15-year career with Covenant Transportation Group, and his untimely passing while on the road in Texas during July 2015 at age 49. As a very caring person of deep faith, Sherri felt compelled to share her story, in hopes that other drivers and their families might benefit. The story of Steve and Sherri Holcombe could easily make an emotional big-screen love story. For now, a few glimpses will have to suffice. Sherri wants readers to know, while serving in the Army with distinction from 1987 to 1991 as a Specialist E4, Steve suffered significant injures as a result of falling from a Humvee during Operation Just Cause in Panama.

Perhaps Divine Intervention Fast forward to Steve coming into Sherri’s life just before Christmas 1998 via a dating website. Their first meeting involved sharing a two-hour meal and talking for another hour and a half. The next day, she told her friends at work about him, and they encouraged her to invite Steve to a company Christmas party that very evening. She called, his roommate tracked him down, and he magically appeared in a shirt and jeans. In a few private exchanges, friends told Sherri that she had just met her soul mate. To which Sherri replied, “No way! He can’t even dance.” She met his family on Christmas Eve, and Steve and Sherri spent Christmas Day together. Steve gave Sherri a stuffed Eeyore, his favorite Winnie the Pooh character, with the wish that it would always prompt thoughts of him when they were apart. They were married on May 1, 1999, the same date as her parents’ anniversary. In 2000, they decided to seek employment team

»» ENDURING POWER OF GUARDIANSHIP »» ADVANCE DIRECTIVES FOR HEALTHCARE »» SECURE AND ACCESSIBLE LOCATION FOR ALL IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

driving for Covenant. Steve completed his training, but Sherri dropped out due to illness; then rode along after her recovery.

Life Changes Not long after, Sherri confirmed that she was pregnant based on the results of an e.p.t. test kit picked up at a Walmart. Complications forced Sherri off the truck, but they were blessed with the arrival of a healthy son, Stephen, Jr. Sherri proclaimed, “She was having a Walmart baby.” She even picked up an Eeyore rattle. Steve held a variety of driving and other regional and local jobs over the years, but wound up back

»»

RoadKing

MAY/JUNE 2016

behind the wheel when the North Little Rock terminal closed. With roots established in Beebe, the Holcombes enjoyed a good life. Steve had some health issues. He had become diabetic and seemed to be more prone to strep and staph infections, possibly as a result of a troublesome tooth that may have released infectious toxins. Sherri had talked with Steve on the morning of July 13 during a routine trip to Houston. He complained about having a headache, but shrugged it off. However, when Sherri called that afternoon to check on him, Steve reported he had pulled over. He was wearing his earpiece and could hear her okay, but could not see and didn’t know where he was. Sherri thought it might be a diabetic st roke. She ca lled t he Covena nt dispatcher who pinged Steve’s truck and provided the police with his location near Henderson, Texas. Steve was transported some 30 miles to a

MAY/JUNE 2016

RoadKing

hospital in Tyler. Valuable time was lost. At 4:00 that afternoon, a nurse called to encourage Sherri to make the trip. She and her son packed hastily for the 300-mile, six-hour drive. By the grace of God, she arrived safely. By the next day, any ray of hope was fading. Steve had fallen into a coma and was only being kept alive by a machine. Sherri and other family members prayed for a miracle that never arrived. Having suffered a stroke that affected his brain stem and cerebellum, the decision was made on the afternoon of the 15th to remove life support. At 12:28 a.m. on July 16, Sherri was holding his hand when her soul mate took his last breath. A large crowd of family, friends and acquaintances came to pay their respects at Steve’s funeral. He was full military honors, and the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery became his final resting place. Sherri wants RoadKing readers to know that Steve was a wonderful husband, father, provider and human being. “People should also k now that

Covenant is a fantastic company,” said Sherri. “The management and staff were very supportive of Steve from day one. He gave 110 percent, and they reciprocated. When the terminal closed, they moved heaven and earth to keep Steve gainfully employed. I can only express my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone at Covenant for standing by Steve and our family, certainly with some of the big issues we faced, but also the little things that often go unnoticed. I’ve come to the realization that the present moment is all you ever have in life.”

Message Worth Sharing Zeroing in on the reason for Sherri’s call to RoadKing, Sherri has struggled personally and financially after the love of her life left this earth prematurely. She encourages those who read this article to focus on three areas: ›› Keep God first in your life. ›› Tend to your health, eat right, and exercise regularly. ›› Keep your financial and legal affairs up to date. o

Travel Store

SPECIALS

LIL’ TROOPS

$ 99 each

CLOUDZ Patriotic Neck Pillow

Military Thillers Audio Books

Waving Flag, We the People

$ 97*

1499

*Offer valid June 1 – June 30, 2016.

Stand Up for America Key Chain

The Pillars of Democracy

3 Aged Parchment Reproductions of the Documents that shaped our Nation • Declaration of Independence • Constitution of the U.S. • Bill of Rights All 3 documents in 1 tube for home, office, classroom

$ 97

The Waving Flag Electronic

$ 97

ASTATIC Stars and Stripes 636L Noise Canceling 4-Pin CB Microphone

3997*

*After $10 Mail-in Rebate.

Flag Flask

$ 97

IGLOO Patriot Cooler

2497

5-HOUR ENERGY Extra Strength Cherry

2/$598

Buy BIG & Save

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POP-TARTS

Assorted Snack Packs

BUY ONE

GET ONE

KETTLE CREEK Corn Pops, Cheese Puffs, Pretzel Sticks & Popcorn

FREE *

2/$3*

*Single purchase at regular retail.

GOOD HUMOR Giant Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich

BREYERS Ice Cream Pints

*Single purchase at regular retail.

2/$222*

2/$5*

Breakfast Sandwiches

KEEBLER Crackers Tray Pack Sale

$ 99/Tray

FRITOS, DORITOS & LAY’S

Assorted Varieties, 9.5 – 10.25 oz.

2/$7

Flavor of the Month

Chicken Biscuit, Ham, Egg & Cheese Croissant, Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Canadian Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

2/$333*

Sausage Biscuit

2/$222*

*Single purchase at regular retail.

Combo Offer! Any Roller Grill Item (Incl. Brats), 2.75 oz. Bag of Frito Lay Chips & 32 oz. Fountain Drink

$ 19*

*Single purchase at regular retail.

BLUE TIGER Elite Blue St. Christopher Headset

11997

COBRA 1500 Watt Power Inverter

COBRA 2500 Watt Power Inverter

CPI 1590

ROADKING Chrome Noise Canceling 4-Pin CB Microphone

COBRA 29 LTD

99*

CPI 2590

13997*

24997*

*After $20 Mail-in Rebate.

Breezeway Screens

*After $20 Mail-in Rebate.

At participating locations.

97*

Truck Screen #3

2497

*After $10 Mail-in Rebate.

New Item

Truck Window Screen 2pk Regular

2997

Truck Screen

NAXA 19" LED TV DVD Combo

4497

99*

*After $30 Mail-in Rebate.

COBRA Dash Cam with Bluetooth®

Safety First

NAXA 16" LED TV DVD Combo

CDR855BT

149

2pk Full

14997

13999*

*After $30 Mail-in Rebate. While supplies last.

MIDLAND Emergency Crank Radio

5997

KOOLATRON 18qt Compact Cooler

97*

*After $10 Mail-in Rebate.

IGLOO 26qt Iceless Cooler

MIDLAND Emergency Portable Weather Radio

4497

24" Push Brooms

MIDLAND Emergency Two-Way Radios

1997

Prices shown effective May 1 – June 30, 2016 at participating TA and Petro locations. Sorry, no rain checks. Prices listed in U.S. funds. Images may vary from actual product. Extended Service Plans only available at participating TA and Petro locations. Advertised beverage pricing does not include taxes or applicable deposits.

Mace Pepper Spray Pocket Size

2/$30

RoadKing

*Results based on TA & Petro survey

MAY/JUNE of professional 2016 truck drivers. 41

Blue Tiger Teams Up with St. Christopher

KIDS EAT FREE Everyday May 15 thru Labor Day

Starting May 1, for every Blue Tiger Elite Blue headset you purchase, $10 will be donated to the St. Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund. For $119.97, you’ll have a great Bluetooth 4.0 headset for crisp, clear communication. The special St. Christopher identification and the distinctive blue color will tell the world you’re helping support drivers whose medical problems have led to financial hardships. To learn more, see page 40, stop at any TA-Petro location or visit BlueTigerUSA.com.

One free kid’s meal from the kid’s menu with the purchase of an adult entree. Kids 10 and under. Dine in only. For a limited time. At participating locations

Kids Eat FREE!

May 15 - September 5, 2016

New Quick Service Restaurants

Ready to Take Your Order CHARLEYS PHILLY STEAKS® Wilmington, IL Located at I-55, Exit 240 (West. Lorenzo Rd.)

Kids joining you on the road this summer? From May 15 – September 5, 2016, TA Country Pride® and Petro Iron Skillet® full-service restaurants will give children, age 10 and under, a free meal from the kid’s menu, with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Better than Ever Oil Change Bucks! Plan your preventive maintenance and save, save, save! UltraONE® members earn a $25 Oil Change Bucks Certificate for each of the first three oil changes and a $100 Oil Change Bucks Certificate on the fourth oil change. Make it a Full Synthetic Oil Change and DOUBLE your savings—$50 on each of the first three and $200 on every fourth oil change. This offer is effective March 1 through December 31, 2016. Don’t forget to opt into promotions and include your email address on your UltraONE account to receive special offers just for you and information about Oil Change Bucks expirations.

Captain Cool Saves the Day!

Just in Time for Summer When the summer heat is on, stop in at participating TA and Petro Stopping Centers locations and grab a Cool Cup® fountain drink! It helps keep your beverage colder, longer, so you can fully enjoy it during the long haul ahead! 42

MAY/JUNE 2016

RoadKing

DUNKIN’ DONUTS® Wells, NV Located at I-80, Exit 352A (Hwy. 93) (6th St.)

New Nationwide Location & Amenities Guide Available Pick up your FREE 2016 Location & Amenities Guide at any participating TA and Petro Stopping Centers location. The 60-page pocket guide now includes a map for each state containing numbered reference to the corresponding locations. At-a-glance amenities listings include restaurant logos and important information for all locations.

Mark Your Calendar! Homer Hogg will be hosting Maintenance Matters with Dave Nemo every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 8:00 a.m. EST. The show is on Road Dog Trucking Radio, SiriusXM 146. May and June shows: »» May 5th »» May 19th »» June 2nd »» June 16th

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

162

B,T

255

B,T,H

•

6319

•

0778

125

•

0723

151

175

234

115

Full Service Restaurant

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

Truck Service Bays

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

312

Chapels

Private Showers

Name/Interstate/Phone

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

Parking Spaces

LOCATIONS & AMENITIES GUIDE ALABAMA Hanceville Gadsden Lincoln McCalla Grand Bay Montgomery Shorter Cottondale

Petro Dodge City I-65, Exit 299, (256) 287-1299 Petro Gadsden I-59, Exit 181, (256) 413-7135 TA Lincoln I-20, Exit 168, (205) 763-2771 Petro Bucksville I-20/I-59, Exit 100, (205) 477-9178 TA Mobile I-10, Exit 4, (251) 865-6175 TA Montgomery I-65, Exit 168, (334) 288-3700 Petro Shorter I-85, Exit 22, (334) 727-3354 TA Tuscaloosa I-20/I-59, Exit 77, (205) 554-0215

6397

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6352 6260

6348

•

5005

•

6306

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•

5002

6246

0439

205

•

6315

407

B,W,T

•

6225

229

•

6226

250

•

6326

292

6224

170

F,W

5006

280

T,H

•

6311

303

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•

6227

170

B,T

205

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5050

254

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5051

120

415

6 B,F,W,T,H •

ARIZONA Casa Grande Eloy Holbrook Kingman Kingman Tonopah Willcox

Petro Eloy I-10, Exit 200, (520) 836-3983 TA Eloy I-10, Exit 203, (520) 466-7363 TA Holbrook I-40, Exit 283, (928) 524-3006 TA Kingman I-40, Exit 48, (928) 753-7600 Petro Kingman I-40, Exit 66, (928) 681-5246 TA Tonopah I-10, Exit 103, (623) 386-6443 TA Willcox I-10, Exit 340, (520) 384-5311

ARKANSAS North Little Rock Prescott Earle West Memphis

Petro North Little Rock I-40, Exit 161, (501) 945-3206 TA Prescott I-30, Exit 44, (870) 887-8900 TA Earle I-40, Exit 260, (870) 657-2105 Petro West Memphis Jerry Fritts Jr. Stopping Center*

I-40, Exit 280/I-55 Exit 4, (870) 702-5540

CALIFORNIA Barstow Buttonwillow Coachella Corning Corning Lebec

TA Barstow I-15, Exit 178, (760) 253-2922 TA Buttonwillow I-5, Exit 257, (661) 764-5266 TA Coachella I-10, Exit 146, (760) 342-6200 TA Corning I-5N, Exit 630, (530) 824-4646 Petro Corning I-5, Exit 630, (530) 824-4685 Petro Wheeler Ridge I-5, Exit 219 A/B, (661) 663-4341

0429

6309 6327

AVAILABLE AT ALL PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

LAUNDRY FACILITY

PET AREA

CK STO RU

Restaurants with a dark gray background offer courtesy WiFi.

From Pegasus TransTech

NNIN

Visit ta-petro.com for the most current listings. * To help ensure that our valued customers have a place to park, TA and Petro have implemented a Preferred Parking program at these sites. At Preferred Parking locations, you receive up to 24 hours of free parking when you make a minimum purchase of 50 gallons of fuel or spend a minimum of $20 in the store, restaurant or service area. Without a minimum purchase, the first two hours of parking are free; thereafter, there is a daily parking fee. ** Please see TA website for complete listing of services at each location. Freightliner and Western Star ServicePoint not available at Texas locations.

LOCATIONS & AMENITIES GUIDE

Santa Nella Santa Nella Arvin

559

B,L

F,W

• M,T

5007

549

W,T

•

0417

196

F,T

•

0433

216

B,L

•

0431

124

F,W

•

6346

221

224

110

104

163

W,T

75 7

W,T

0115

145 10

5079

240 10

•

5009

F,T

•

6247

137

F,T

•

6248

123

B,T,H

•

0605

270 13

F,W,T

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6323

F,T

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5084

162

6 B,F,W,T,H

170

•

411

B,F,T

•

107

F,T,H

221

F,T,H

• C,T

6377

212

W,T

•

5071

•

0677

108

136

F,T

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

Full Service Restaurant

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

102

Chapels

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

Redding

Truck Service Bays

Ontario

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

Ontario

Private Showers

Livingston

Parking Spaces

Name/Interstate/Phone

TA Livingston SR 99, Exit 203, (209) 394-4418 Petro Ontario Shawn Hubbard Stopping Center* I-10, Exit 57, (909) 390-7800 TA Ontario* I-10, Exit 57, (909) 390-2525 TA Redding I-5, Exit 673, (530) 221-4760 TA Santa Nella I-5, Exit 407, (209) 826-0741 Petro Santa Nella Hwy 152, Exit Hwy 33, (209) 827-8025 TA Wheeler Ridge I-5, Exit 219 A/B, (661) 858-2804

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

6170

Black Bear Diner

6239

COLORADO Commerce City Grand Junction Johnstown Limon Wheat Ridge

TA Commerce City Rick Ash Travel Center I-70/I-270, Exit 278, (303) 286-0123 TA Grand Junction I-70, Exit 26 (970) 243-7401 Petro Johnson’s Corner I-25, Exit 254, (970) 667-2069 TA Limon I-70, Exit 359, (719) 775-2811 TA Wheat Ridge I-70, Exit 266, (303) 423-8250

•

5070 6264 6399 6228

• M,T

0432

CONNECTICUT Branford Milldale Willington

TA New Haven I-95, Exit 56, (203) 481-0301 TA Southington Bill and Robyn Taylor Travel Center I-84, Exit 28, (860) 621-0106 TA Willington* Robert Fernald Travel Center I-84, Exit 71, (860) 684-0499

FLORIDA Baldwin Jacksonville Marianna Reddick Seffner Vero Beach Wildwood

TA Baldwin

I-10, Exit 343, (904) 266-4281 TA Jacksonville South I-95, Exit 329, (904) 829-3946 TA Marianna I-10, Exit 142, (850) 526-3303 Petro Ocala I-75, Exit 368, (352) 591-1881 TA Tampa* I-4, Exit 10, (813) 262-1560 TA Vero Beach I-95, Exit 147, (772) 562-1791 TA Wildwood I-75, Exit 329, (352) 748-2501

0672 0656

GEORGIA Atlanta Brunswick Carnesville Cartersville Commerce Jackson Kingsland Lake Park

Petro Atlanta* I-285, Exit 12, (404) 794-7772 TA Brunswick I-95, Exit 29, (912) 279-3386 Petro Carnesville I-85, Exit 160, (706) 335-1984 TA Cartersville I-75, Exit 296, (770) 607-8885 TA Commerce I-85, Exit 149, (706) 335-5198 TA Atlanta South I-75, Exit 201, (770) 775-2076 Petro Kingsland I-95, Exit 3, (912) 882-3111 TA Lake Park I-75, Exit 2, (229) 559-5113

6322

6258

• M,T •

Atlanta South Family Restaurant

0675 6344 6249

Visit ta-petro.com for the most current listings.

W,T,H

222

171

F,W

5053

160

W,T

0322

215

137

B,W

212

B,W

•

6321

W,T,H

•

0342

190

292

•

6236

162

•

0319

400

•

229

F,W

6402

100

6257

133

200

102

405

F,T

318

150

132

W,T,H

6379

252

6219

212

F,T

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

Full Service Restaurant

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

Truck Service Bays

149

Chapels

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

Richmond Hill

Private Showers

Madison

Parking Spaces

Name/Interstate/Phone

TA Madison I-20, Exit 114, (706) 342-4176 TA Savannah I-95, Exit 87, (912) 756-3381

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

0676

•

0604

IDAHO Boise

TA Boise J.D. “Doc” Osburn Travel Center

I-84, Exit 54, (208) 344-1091

ILLINOIS Bloomington Russell Effingham Effingham Hampshire Monee Morris Mt. Vernon Rochelle Troy NEW

Wilmington

TA Bloomington Gary Buchs Travel Center I-55/I-74/I-39, Exit 160, (309) 827-4676 TA Chicago North I-94, Exit 1/1A, (847) 395-5580 TA Effingham I-57/I-70, Exit 160, (217) 347-7183 Petro Effingham I-70/I-57, Exit 159, (217) 347-0480 TA Elgin I-90, Exit 42, (847) 683-4550 Petro Monee I-57, Exit 335, (708) 534-0400 TA Morris I-80, Exit 112B, (815) 942-5690 TA Mt. Vernon I-57/I-64, MM95, (618) 244-4242 Petro Rochelle I-39, Exit 99, (815) 562-3716 TA Troy I-55/I-70, Exit 18, (618) 667-9931 Petro Wilmington I-55, Exit 240, (779) 232-7975

•

5012 5001

6367

6359 5199

INDIANA Clayton DeMotte Fremont Brazil Gary Gary Gaston Greensburg Lake Station Porter Porter Remington Seymour Whitestown

TA Clayton I-70, Exit 59, (317) 539-6515 TA DeMotte I-65, Exit 230, (219) 987-7520 Petro Angola I-69, Exit 157/357, (260) 495-2523 Petro Brazil I-70, Exit 23, (812) 446-2296 Petro Gary I-80/I-94, Exit 9, (219) 884-1133 TA Gary I-80/I-94, Exit 6, (219) 845-3721 Petro Gaston I-69, Exit 245, (765) 358-3326 Petro Greensburg I-74, Exit 143, (812) 663-2333 TA Lake Station I-80/I-94, Exit 15B, (219) 962-6552 TA Porter I-94, Exit 22B, (219) 926-8566 TA Porter South I-94, Exit 22B, (219) 926-4871 Petro Remington I-65, Exit 201, (219) 261-2172 TA Seymour I-65, Exit 50, (812) 522-6622 TA Whitestown I-65, Exit 130, (317) 769-3291

W,T,H

250

6241

•

6345 6376

•

6369 5013

•

6380

6220

6250

150

6382

184

5014

169

F,W

900

•

0306

IOWA Brooklyn Council Bluffs Walcott

TA Brooklyn I-80, Exit 197, (641) 522-4569 TA Council Bluffs I-80, Exit 3, (712) 366-2217 TA Walcott I-80, Exit 284, (563) 284-6961

6254 0528

• C,D

5015

LOCATIONS & AMENITIES GUIDE

Full Service Restaurant

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

226

150

5091

W,O

6366

123

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

Chapels

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

Private Showers

140

Truck Service Bays

Parking Spaces

Name/Interstate/Phone

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

KANSAS Colby Lebo Oakley Salina

Petro Colby I-70, Exit 53, (785) 460-0044 TA Beto Junction I-35, Exit 155, (620) 256-6311 TA Oakley I-70, Exit 76, (785) 672-4111 Petro Salina I-70, Exit 252, (785) 825-7723

6386

•

6252

KENTUCKY Florence Franklin Glendale Walton

TA Florence I-75, Exit 181, (859) 371-7166 Petro Franklin Stand Alone Shop I-65, Exit 6, (270) 586-0877 Petro Glendale I-65, Exit 86, (270) 369-6840 TA Walton I-75/I-71, Exit 175, (859) 485-4111

•

6347

5 263

127

200

177

128

5072

•

6330

•

5017

LOUISIANA Egan Hammond Greenwood Lafayette Slidell Shreveport Tallulah

Petro Egan I-10, Exit 76, (337) 783-0424 Petro Hammond I-12, Exit 40, (985) 542-4981 TA Greenwood Bill Underwood Travel Center

I-20, Exit 5, (318) 938-5411 TA Lafayette I-10, Exit 101, (337) 237-0176 TA Slidell I-10, Exit 266, (985) 643-9974 Petro Shreveport I-20, Exit 8, (318) 686-6111 TA Tallulah I-20, Exit 171, (318) 574-5900

W,T

6343

W,T,H

6310

W,T

•

6237

B,L

•

0770

159

218

135

0785

0725

•

6308

MARYLAND Baltimore Jessup Elkton

TA Baltimore* I-95, Exit 57, (410) 633-4611 TA Baltimore South* I-95, Exit 41A, (410) 799-3835 TA Elkton I-95, Exit 109B, (410) 398-7000

181

B,T

6216

436

F,T,H

5018

151

W,T,H

•

0214

TA Ann Arbor I-94, Exit 167, (734) 426-3951

203

•

0312

157

W,T

156

0304

155

W,T

0384

W,H

6243

305

•

6398

150

•

6389

•

0510

194

•

6328

•

0756

MICHIGAN Dexter Battle Creek Monroe Bridgeport Sawyer Tekonsha

TA Battle Creek I-94, Exit 104, (269) 965-7721 TA Monroe I-75, Exit 15, (734) 384-7952 TA Saginaw I-75, Exit 144, (989) 777-7650 TA Sawyer I-94, Exit 12, (269) 426-4884 TA Tekonsha I-69, Exit 25, (517) 767-4135

6242

•

5019

MINNESOTA Albert Lea Clearwater Rogers

Petro Albert Lea I-90/I-35, Exit 11, (507) 373-4200 Petro Clearwater I-94, Exit 178, (320) 558-2261 TA Rogers I-94, Exit 207, (763) 428-2277

MISSISSIPPI Jackson Meridian

Petro Jackson I-20/I-55, Exit 45/45A, (601) 292-0940 TA Meridian I-20, Exit 160, (601) 483-7611

Visit ta-petro.com for the most current listings.

5020

•

0315

Private Showers

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

Truck Service Bays

146

450

235

114

150

•

118

•

305

TA Strafford I-44, Exit 88, (417) 736-2161

130

Laurel

TA Laurel I-90, Exit 437, (406) 628-4324

Missoula

TA Missoula I-90, Exit 96, (406) 549-2327

210

6256

F,W,H

0512

W,T

•

0502

W,T

•

6362

Name/Interstate/Phone

Access

Parking Spaces

Full Service Restaurant

•

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Chapels

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

Quick Service Restaurants

MISSOURI Concordia Foristell Joplin Kingdom City Matthews Mt. Vernon Oak Grove Oak Grove Strafford

TA Concordia I-70, Exit 58, (660) 463-2001 TA Foristell I-70, Exit 203, (636) 673-2295 Petro Joplin I-44, Exit 4, (417) 624-3400 Petro Kingdom City I-70, Exit 148, (573) 642-0676 TA Matthews I-55, Exit 58, (573) 471-8644 TA Mt. Vernon I-44, Exit 46, (417) 466-9230 TA Oak Grove Sandy Long Travel Center I-70, Exit 28, (816) 690-4115 Petro Oak Grove I-70, Exit 28, (816) 690-4455

6354

•

6318 0701 5021

46 Diner

0317 ®

•

88 Diner

6370 0310

MONTANA

Café

6261

NEBRASKA Alda Ogallala York

TA Grand Island 82 I-80, Exit 305, (308) 382-5902 TA Ogallala 94 I-80, Exit 126, (308) 284-3667 Petro York Charley Endorf Stopping Center 250 I-80, Exit 353, (402) 362-1776

NEVADA Las Vegas

TA Las Vegas I-15, Exit 33, (702) 361-1176

144

F,W

• C,D

0421

Las Vegas

Petro North Las Vegas Linda and Bob Caffee Stopping Center I-15, Exit 54, (702) 632-2640

207

W,T

•

6331

Mill City

TA Mill City I-80, Exit 151(W)/149(E), (775) 538-7311

152

B,W

•

5058

Sparks

TA Sparks I-80, Exit 19, (775) 359-0550

200

W,T

Sparks

Petro Sparks I-80, Exit 21, (775) 355-8888

400

F,W

Wells

Petro Wells I-80, Exit 352A, (775) 752-2000

250

122

490

172

0428

•

6338 6392

NEW HAMPSHIRE Greenland

TA Greenland Denis Litalien Travel Center

I-95, Exit 3 (N); 3B (S), (603) 436-3636

B,T

•

6211

•

0212

B,F,T,H

• M,T

6314

175

W,T

•

6218

150

F,W

•

0424

NEW JERSEY Bloomsbury Bordentown Columbia Paulsboro

TA Bloomsbury I-78, Exit 7, (908) 479-4136 Petro Bordentown* I-295, Exit 57; Tpike Exit 7, (609) 298-6070 TA Columbia Norman Knight Travel Center I-80, Exit 4, (908) 496-4124 TA Paulsboro I-295, Exit 18, (856) 423-5500

5022

NEW MEXICO Albuquerque

TA Albuquerque I-25, Exit 225(N), 227(S); I-40, Exit 159A(E), 159D(W), (505) 884-1066

LOCATIONS & AMENITIES GUIDE

Santa Rosa

B,W,H

•

5024

201

•

5003

200

B,W,O,T

•

6313

245

B,W,T

6229

116

B,W

5004

125

F,W,T

6207

102

B,T,H

6208

121

6209

188

6210

132

191

6371

106

B,W

6221

173

•

5025

350

•

5026

285

•

6329

139

195

W,T

198

323

B,F

130

B,T,H

144

0187

158

0189

237

B,W

•

5030

185

•

0118

110

197

F,W

250

5 B,F,W,T,H

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

Full Service Restaurant

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

150

Chapels

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

Moriarty

Truck Service Bays

Milan

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

Las Cruces

Private Showers

Gallup

Petro Deming I-10, Exit 68, (575) 546-7070 TA Gallup I-40, Exit 16, (505) 863-6801 TA Las Cruces I-10, Exit 139, (575) 527-7400 Petro Milan I-40, Exit 79, (505) 285-6648 TA Moriarty I-40, Exit 194, (505) 832-4421 TA Santa Rosa I-40, Exit 277, (575) 472-3432

Parking Spaces

Name/Interstate/Phone

Deming

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

6385

NEW YORK Binghamton Dansville Fultonville Montgomery Corfu Waterloo

TA Binghamton I-81, Exit 2W(N), Exit 3(S), (607) 775-3500 TA Dansville I-390, Exit 5, (585) 335-6023 TA Fultonville I-90, Exit 28, (518) 853-3411 TA Maybrook I-84, Exit 5, (845) 457-3163 TA Pembroke I-90, Exit 48A, (585) 599-4577 Petro Waterloo I-90, Exit 41, (315) 220-6550

•

0102

NORTH CAROLINA Candler Whitsett Kenly Mebane Mocksville

TA Candler I-40, Exit 37, (828) 665-1156 TA Greensboro I-85/I-40, Exit 138, (336) 449-6060 Petro Kenly I-95, Exit 106, (919) 284-5121 Petro Mebane I-40/85, Exit 157, (919) 304-7474 TA Mocksville I-40, Exit 170, (336) 751-3815

6251

NORTH DAKOTA Alexander Fargo

Wild Bison Travel Center US Hwy 85 & SR 68, (701) 828-3352 Petro Fargo I-94, Exit 348, (701) 282-8105

6259

•

Dolly Down

6361

OHIO North Canton Eaton Girard Hebron Jeffersonville Kingsville Seville London Napoleon New Paris North Baltimore

TA North Canton I-77, Exit 111, (330) 494-7507 TA Dayton I-70, Exit 10, (937) 456-5521 Petro Girard I-80, Exit 226, (330) 505-3700 TA Hebron Michael Eugene Zanella Travel Center

I-70, Exit 126, (740) 467-2900 TA Jeffersonville I-71, Exit 65, (740) 948-2365 TA Kingsville I-90, Exit 235, (440) 224-2035 TA Lodi I-71, Exit 209, (330) 769-2053 TA London I-70, Exit 79, (740) 852-3810 Petro Napoleon SRs 6 & 24, Exit 41, (419) 599-3835 Petro New Paris I-70, Exit 156B, (937) 437-8593 Petro North Baltimore I-75, Exit 167, (419) 257-3744

0104

•

5028 T

•

6320 0186

6388

•

6357

•

6325

Visit ta-petro.com for the most current listings.

•

6317

177

W,T

•

0178

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

Chapels

Full Service Restaurant

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Truck Service Bays

375

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

I-80/I-90, Exit 71; I-280, Exit 1A, (419) 837-5017

Private Showers

Perrysburg

Petro Perrysburg I-80, Exit 71/I-280, Exit 1B, (419) 837-9725 TA Toledo

Parking Spaces

Name/Interstate/Phone

Perrysburg

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

Wapakoneta

TA Wapakoneta I-75, Exit 111, (419) 738-2550

140

Youngstown

TA Youngstown I-80, Exit 223A, (330) 793-4426

161

B,W

175

F,W

•

5032

101

F,W

•

0709

280

•

6316

101

160

123

•

6324

275

F,W

•

0435

TA Troutdale I-84, Exit 17, (503) 666-1588

240

•

5060

Harrisville

TA Barkeyville I-80, Exit 29, (814) 786-7988

112

Bloomsburg

TA Bloomsburg I-80, Exit 232, (570) 784-9400

190

200

221

B,T

380

W,T,H

•

6336

The Hub Room

5082 0120

OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Oklahoma City Sayre

TA Oklahoma City East I-40, Exit 142, (405) 787-7411 TA Oklahoma City West I-40, Exit 140, (405) 324-5376 Petro Oklahoma City I-40E/I35, Exit 127/I-40W, Exit 154, (405) 228-7040

TA Sayre I-40, Exit 26, (580) 928-5571

5074

OREGON Coburg Phoenix Aurora Troutdale

TA Coburg I-5, Exit 199, (541) 868-2880 Petro Phoenix I-5, Exit 24, (541) 535-3372 TA Aurora I-5, Exit 278, (503) 678-2111

Coburg Crossing Cafe

5033

PENNSYLVANIA

Breezewood Brookville Carlisle

TA Breezewood I-76, Exit 161/I-70, Exit US 30, (814) 735-2011

TA Brookville I-80, Exit 78, (814) 849-3051 Petro Carlisle I-81, Exit 52/I-76, Exit 226, (717) 249-1919

5034 F,W,H

•

6212

T Gateway Restaurant

5035 5036

Du Pont

Petro Scranton I-81, Exit 178B, (570) 654-5111

428

B,T,H

• C,T

6378

Greencastle

TA Greencastle I-81, Exit 5, (717) 597-7762

190

F,W,T,H

•

6213

Erie

TA Harborcreek I-90, Exit 35, (814) 899-1919

266

B,W,T

•

6215

Harrisburg

TA Harrisburg I-81, Exit 77, (717) 652-4556

178

T,H

•

5037

Lamar

TA Lamar I-80, Exit 173, (570) 726-4996

168

W,T,H

•

5038

Milesburg

TA Milesburg I-80, Exit 158, (814) 355-7561

122

TA West Greenwich I-95, Exit 5B, (401) 397-7774

180

6253

6262

210

187

6214

RHODE ISLAND West Greenwich

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia Florence Florence Manning Duncan

TA Columbia North I-20, Exit 71, (803) 786-7680 TA Florence I-95, Exit 164, (843) 292-0386 Petro Florence I-95, Exit 169, (843) 669-5736 TA Manning Jimmy Ardis Travel Center I-95, Exit 119, (803) 473-2568 TA Spartanburg I-85, Exit 63, (864) 433-0711

•

5195

•

6393

F,W

•

0213

W,T

•

5039

LOCATIONS & AMENITIES GUIDE

Truck Service Bays

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

Chapels

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

122

B,W,T

•

Denmark

TA Denmark I-40, Exit 68, (731) 424-5591

B,T

•

6245

Franklin

TA Franklin I-65, Exit 61, (615) 794-8406

•

0706

Greeneville

TA Greeneville I-81, Exit 36, (423) 234-4451

140

Kingston Springs

Petro Kingston Springs I-40, Exit 188, (615) 952-3208

6349

Knoxville

TA Knoxville I-40/I-75, Exit 374, (865) 966-6781

131

O,T,H

5040

Knoxville

TA Knoxville West I-40/I-75, Exit 369, (865) 531-7676

176

•

0755

Knoxville

Petro Knoxville I-40/I-75, Exit 369, (865) 693-6542

250

W,T,H

•

6312

167

F,B,T

•

W,T

Quick Service Restaurants

Access

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

TA Antioch I-24, Exit 62, (615) 641-6731

Full Service Restaurant

Private Showers

Antioch

Name/Interstate/Phone

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Parking Spaces

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

TENNESSEE

Nashville Pioneer

TA Nashville Candy Bass Travel Center

I-24, Exit 48, (615) 244-3682 TA Caryville I-75, Exit 141, (423) 566-9900

0768

Davy Crockett

6201

5041

6255

TEXAS Amarillo

TA Amarillo I-40, Exit 74, (806) 342-3080

185

Amarillo

Petro Amarillo I-40, Exit 75, (806) 372-4899

280

Baytown

TA Baytown I-10, Exit 789, (281) 424-7772

173

B,L

W,T,H

Beaumont

Petro Beaumont I-10, Exit 848, (409) 842-9600

275

W,T,H

Big Spring

TA Big Spring I-20, Exit 177, (432) 264-4444

108

Canutillo

Petro Vinton I-10, Exit 2, (915) 886-5761

Dallas

TA Dallas South* I-20, Exit 472, (469) 941-3150

136

B,L

Denton

TA Denton I-35, Exit 471, (940) 383-1458

180

Edinburg

TA Edinburg Hwy. 281, Exit FM2812, (956) 383-0788

105

B,O

El Paso

Petro El Paso I-10, Exit 37, (915) 790-4529

290

Ganado

TA Ganado Hwy 59, Exit 522E, (361) 771-3504

104

6231

201

6333

109

W,T

6340

336

B,F

•

6153

220

•

6232

Hillsboro Hillsboro Laredo New Braunfels

TA Hillsboro I-35, Exit 370, (254) 283-6556 Petro Carl’s Corner Bill Ater Jr. Stopping Center I-35E, Exit 374, (254) 714-3000 TA Laredo Henry Albert Travel Center I-35, Exit 13, (956) 724-2016 TA New Braunfels I-35, Exit 193, (830) 608-9395

•

5073

•

6307 5044

C,T

•

6304 6230 6350 5078

F Bonnie’s Kitchen

0769 5085

•

6301

Pearsall

Petro Pearsall I-35, Exit 101, (830) 334-8222

175

B,T,H

6394

Rockwall

TA Rockwall I-30, Exit 68, (972) 722-7450

100

W,T,H

0729

258

B,L

B,T,H

5076

250

B,T,H

San Antonio San Antonio

TA San Antonio I-10, Exit 583, (210) 310-0145 Petro San Antonio Micheal Sheeds Stopping Center I-10, Exit 581, (210) 661-9416

•

6305

Visit ta-petro.com for the most current listings.

Full Service Restaurant

Verizon Wireless UltraMobile Premium Retailer

Clinics M=Medical, D=Dental C=Chiro., T=Drug Testing**

Sweetwater

TA Sweetwater I-20, Exit 242, (325) 235-8488

110

Terrell

TA Terrell I-20, Exit 503, (972) 563-6939

300

•

Weatherford

Petro Weatherford I-20, Exit 409, (817) 599-9411

275

•

Parowan

TA Parowan I-15, Exit 78, (435) 477-3311

W,T,H

Tooele

TA Tooele I-80, Exit 99, (801) 250-8585

191

3 B,F,W,T,H

0425

183

5045

270

Access

DEF: B=Bulk, L=LNG

Name/Interstate/Phone

Chapels

Private Showers

Sealy

TA Bernardo I-10, Exit 709, (979) 732-2986

Truck Service Bays

Parking Spaces

F=Fitness Room, W=Walking Trail B=Basketball Court, O=Outdoor, T=Bean Bag Toss, H=Horseshoes

YOU BREAK DOWN. WE SHOW UP. 1-800-824-SHOP (7467)

Quick Service Restaurants

6265 Family Restaurant

0713 6233 6302

UTAH

5064

VIRGINIA Ashland Glade Spring

TA Ashland I-95, Exit 92, (804) 798-6011 Petro Glade Spring I-81, Exit 29, (276) 429-6000

W,T,H

6372

Lexington

TA Lexington I-81/I-64, Exit 195, (540) 463-3478

250

Raphine

Petro Raphine I-81/I-64, Exit 205, (540) 377-2111

500

Ashland

TA Richmond I-95, Exit 89, (804) 798-6021

317

W,T

114

•

0217

Wytheville

TA Wytheville I-77, Exit 41; I-81, Exit 72, (276) 228-8676

Berky’s Restaurant

6202 6396

M,T

0210

WASHINGTON North Bend

TA Seattle East I-90, Exit 34, (425) 888-1119

140

•

5087

Spokane

Petro Spokane I-90, Exit 272, (509) 842-1100

200

•

6339

Hurricane

TA Hurricane I-64, Exit 39, (304) 757-7600

B,W,T

•

0198

Valley Grove

TA Wheeling I-70, Exit 11, (304) 547-1521

200

4 B,F,W,T,H

•

5047

Hudson

TA Hudson I-94, Exit 4, (715) 386-5835

•

0504

Janesville

TA Janesville I-90/I-39, Exit 171-B, (608) 752-8700

118

•

300

•

Petro Racine I-94, Exit 333, (262) 884-7500

185

•

Burns

TA Cheyenne I-80, Exit 377, (307) 547-3557

140

F,W

•

5065

Ft. Bridger

TA Ft. Bridger I-80, Exit 30, (307) 782-3846

165

F,W,T

•

5067

Laramie

Petro Laramie I-80, Exit 310, (307) 745-6480

236

•

6303

Rawlins

TA Rawlins I-80, Exit 214, (307) 324-8722

188

•

6234

TA Woodstock Prov Hwy. 401, Exit 230, (519) 421-3144

222

WEST VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

DeForest Portage Sturtevant

TA Madison I-90/I-94/I-39, Exit 132, (608) 249-9000

Petro Portage I-90/I-94/I-39, Exit 108A, (608) 742-6551

5048 307 ®

6353 6368

WYOMING

CANADA Woodstock

•

5086

* To help ensure that our valued customers have a place to park, TA and Petro have implemented a Preferred Parking program at these sites. At Preferred Parking locations, you receive up to 24 hours of free parking when you make a minimum purchase of 50 gallons of fuel or spend a minimum of $20 in the store, restaurant or service area. Without a minimum purchase, the first two hours of parking are free; thereafter, there is a daily parking fee. ** Please see TA website for complete listing of services at each location. Freightliner and Western Star ServicePoint not available at Texas locations.

Refuel. Refresh. Reconnect. Courtesy Wi-Fi Located in Almost 50 Locations Inside the Full-Service Restaurant. Now at These Participating Locations TA Amarillo TA Barkeyville TA Binghamton TA Bloomsbury TA Brookville TA Brunswick TA Cheyenne TA Dansville TA Dayton TA Denton

TA Effingham TA Gary TA Greencastle TA Greensboro TA Harborcreek TA Hillsboro TA Jeffersonville TA Kingsville TA Lodi TA London

TA Manning TA Marianna TA Maybrook TA Whitestown TA North Canton TA Oklahoma City East TA Rawlins TA Savannah TA Southington

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Join us for your favorite homestyle meals with a side of Wi-Fi!

Mmmm.

Tastes like Courtesy Wi-Fi!

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PROFILE TA LINCOLN, ALABAMA

Minit Mart C-Store Added ®

Remodeling & Upgrades Improve Customer Experience

WHEN TRAVELCENTERS OF AMERICA ACQUIRED THE LINCOLN, ALABAMA LOCATION AT I-20, EXIT 168 IN DECEMBER 2014, it was destined for some upgrades to improve the experience for professional drivers. While still a work in process, two major improvements are delivering on the commitment to elevate the standards for this important location along the welltraveled Atlanta-Birmingham corridor, and a third improvement is well underway. At the time, Tom O’Brien, President and CEO of TravelCenters said, “We’re happy to bring professional drivers another fullservice TA travel center along I-20. We continue to look for additional network locations that have the space and potential for offering drivers a wide variety of amenities and services.” A popular Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen quick-service restaurant that opened in July 2015 anchors one end of the building. An upgraded Minit Mart® convenience store 56

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just opened in March 2016 replaces the former travel store and occupies the other end. New signage along state highway 77 and across the front of the building utilizes the familiar blue and red color scheme. The new restaurant serves the prominent southern-style cooking that has made Popeyes famous. Guests can choose from any of the full menu options including chicken and shrimp meals and sandwiches, signature side dishes, and sauces and desserts. The restaurant dining room has seating for 48 people and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Famous Minit Mart Variety Inside the Minit Mart convenience store, customers experience a friendly and welcoming team. The store is fully stocked with beverages, personal pizzas, fresh Grab N’ Go items including better-foryou snack choices, and O’Deli’s biscuits, subs and sandwiches. Drivers can be sure

to ‘revive their drives’ with a Cool Cup® fountain beverage or a piping hot cup of Minit Mart’s private-label World Blends® Coffee made from quality whole beans, freshly ground just prior to brewing for the freshest roast in town. The Lincoln location also offers a variety of other full-service professional driver amenities including Wi-Fi, a Cat® truck scale, 75 truck parking spaces, ATM, and check cashing services. Western Union and TripPak/Transflo Express services were also added. Four showers on a fully automated system, a laundry room, and the cleanest restrooms on the highway are also available. Presently under construction, a new TA Service Center is scheduled to open later this year. Next time your travels take you to the Lincoln, Alabama area, be sure to check out the upgraded TA location. Plan to stay awhile and enjoy its many amenities and driver conveniences. o

TA LINCOLN, ALABAMA Where: I-20, Exit 168 Phone: 205.763.2771 Fax: 205.763.2774 Truck Parking Spaces: 75 Private Showers: 4 Truck Service Bays: Under Construction Diesel Refueling Lanes: 7 Restaurant: Popeyes速 Louisiana Kitchen

FROM LEFT: HEATHER HURST, FRANKLIN FARMER, WILLIE WILLIAMS, CHERYL CAPPULA, BRITTANY CAMPBELL, NATHAN PILKINGTON, AND JENNIFER MONTGOMERY

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Talladega

CONNECTION Named for Major General Benjamin Lincoln, who served in the American Army during the Revolutionary War, the city of Lincoln has approximately 6,300 residents. The population swells by more than 150,000 during two NASCAR race weekends each year. The gates to Talladega Superspeedway and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame are located just two miles away in Lincoln. With specialized vendors of racing collectibles and apparel occupying the front lot, the TA travel center takes on a race weekend atmosphere two times each year. A former Miller LiteÂŽ No. 2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series show car is displayed on a corner of the property along highway 77. This year, the staff will welcome visitors for the GEICO 500 on May 1 and the Alabama 500 on October 23. Lincoln is also home to a Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) plant employing more than 4,000 people. It builds vehicles for Honda sales in North America. HMA is the first Honda factory to have both engine die-casting and machining on site, as well as vehicle assembly, under the same roof. HMA is the sole manufacturer of the Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Ridgeline and the Acura MDX. At the 500-acre CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park, visitors experience the most advanced public marksmanship facility in the United States. It blends traditional marksmanship with cutting-edge technologies for high-powered rifles, pistols and shotguns. The focus is promoting firearm safety and competitive marksmanship for young and old alike. Other nearby attractions include the Top Trails Outdoor Recreation Park, Cheaha Mountain at Alabama State Park, Lake Logan Martin, DeSoto Caverns, Noccalula Falls, and Horseshoe Bend National Park. These are only some of the highlights that will make your visit to Lincoln truly memorable. Catering to a variety of personal interests, itâ€™s well worth your time to take in some of the area attractions. o 58

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TIRES THAT CUT COSTS AT THE PUMP Fuel saving Continental tires are now available right when you need them. Visit your favorite TA Truck Service location and ask for low rolling resistance Continental truck tires, including the new Conti EcoPlus HS3 steer tire. Now, lowering your fuel costs and pumping up your savings are as simple as choosing Continental truck tires, available at TA Truck Service locations nationwide.

Conti EcoPlus HS3

HDL2

Conti EcoPlus HT3