RoadKing Sept-Oct 2018

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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FLY

FISHING WINNER LEARNING THE BASICS

START YOUR BIZ TIPS FOR OWNEROPERATORS

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Honoring the Best Hard-Working Trucks & Drivers

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Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarkds of Sirius XM Radio Inc. All rights reserved. For complete offer details regarding the 3 months free offer please visit: www.siriusxm.com/nevermissabeat. ©2018 HERE. All rights reserved. This data includes information taken with permission from Canadian authorities, including ©Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, ©Queen’s Printer for Ontario. Traffic information provided by INRIX ©2018. All rights reserved by INRIX, Inc. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Android is a trademark of Google, Inc. ©2018 Rand McNally. All rights reserved. Rand McNally, the Rand McNally logo and the globe design SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 RoadKing mark are registered trademarks, and OverDryve is a trademark of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally. U.S. Patent Nos. 7,580,791 and 8,214,141

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

CONTENTS 7

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA HISTORY

Traveling Education Exhibit Supports Mission

8

LET’S GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD™

Clark Transfer Makes Wicked Moves

14 UTAH FLY FISHING WINNER

John Fletcher a Quick Study

MAINTENANCE MATTERS

Blower Motor Complexity in Computer Age

STAYFit®

A Shortcoming of Driver Training

18 COOL IT ON DOWN

20 WHAT ABOUT DRIVER HEALTH? 22 TRIBUTE TO TOUGHNESS

Work Trucks at Shell SuperRigs

TAKING HEALTHCARE TO THE CAB 28 FMCSA & DRUG SCREENING

Changes You Need to Know

30 TRUCK TO TABLE

22

COVER STORY: SHELL SUPERRIGS AT PETRO RAPHINE

Trucking Career Complements Poker Passion

32 MANY STILL IN THE HUNT

Last Two Events to Decide 2018 Challenge

OUT MY WINDSHIELD

Before Deciding, Address Key Considerations

36 READY TO BE AN OWNER-OPERATOR? 40 DRIVERS’ MARKETPLACE SERVES NEEDS

Products, Services & Job Listings for You

46 TA & PETRO NEWS

8

TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

14

FLY FISHING WINNER

49 ‘THANK YOU’

Two Words Everyone Appreciates

50 RAVE REVIEWS FOR IOWA 80 EXPANSION

New Food Court & Convenience Store

20

IMPORTANCE OF DRIVER HEALTH

32 RoadKing

TIGHT TA CHALLENGE BATTLE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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SUPPORT THE CAUSE

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$10 will be donated for each driver purchase of a Blue Elite headset.

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Because You Matter If only the general public knew how much professional truck drivers matter, they would be much more appreciative of your positive contributions to the quality of their daily lives and much more patient when sharing the highways and byways with you.

At TravelCenters of America, our 25,000-plus team members know and appreciate what drivers mean to our business, the overall economy and to our personal lives. While the September 9-15 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week serves as a focal point for demonstrating this appreciation, at our TA and Petro locations, the entire month of September is devoted to truck driver appreciation.

Going My Weigh?

Because You Matter is our chosen theme for 2018. More than just mere words, we seek to demonstrate this genuine concern in every interaction you have with our team members, not just during Truck Driver Appreciation Week or the month of September, but rather 24/7/365. Hopefully, you see that in the many positive ways our staff members treat you, in the services and amenities we provide, and in our concern for your health and wellbeing through increasing driver awareness and participation in the StayFit® lifestyle.

We’re closely aligned with many trucker benevolent organizations that we feel share our commitment to bettering truckers’ lives and demonstrating that every man, woman and child matter a great deal. Key among these organizations are the St. Christopher Fund, Trucker Buddy International, Truckers against Trafficking, Truckstop Ministries and Women In Trucking. They’re staffed by true Daymakers who perform acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.

The management team and staff members at each TA and Petro location have been busy planning their own unique driver appreciation celebrations, including special events, entertainment, prizes and giveaways that are sure to delight.

When you roll into any of our locations, you’ll find many pleasant surprises and specials in our restaurants, convenience stores and truck service bays. Starting on September 8, UltraONE members should check their email inboxes each evening throughout Appreciation Week for a series of exclusive offers that apply to the next day.

Although the scope of the celebrations will vary from location to location, you won’t want to miss out on any of the fun. Plan to stop often throughout September, as well as the year’s 11 other months. Because You Matter so much to us, the opportunity to serve you in multiple ways is greatly appreciated.

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Short Topic Updates

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 VOL. 55 NO. 5

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Listen to RoadKing?

Yes, you can listen to RoadKing on your smart phone. If your phone happens to be Bluetooth connected to speakers in your truck, voilà, you can drive and listen to an even better read. How does this work? Simple! A computerized, text-to-voice, female reader takes you through the entire issue just by clicking on the content to which you wish to listen. The easy-on-the-ears voice handles most words and phrases with ease but may have some trouble with acronyms such as FMSCA. Just go to RoadKing.com, click on View Digital Version of Current Issue. You can scroll across the issue covers dating back to the January-February 2017 issue, or you can scroll down through the digital story listings for the archived issue content going backwards. When you land on a story you wish to hear, click on the speaker icon for that story. You can also access scroll-down versions and share a story. Give it a listen; let the editor know what you think of these added capabilities.

Wheeler Movie Production Suspended

Thanks to those of you who have called the RoadKing office to inquire about your inability to access the Wheeler movie website. The error message you’re seeing confirms that the website has been taken down. As of this writing, we know that production of the Wheeler feature film has been suspended, pending the release of the additional funding required to complete the film.

Executive Producer Peter Weed expects that production will resume shortly, and the contest entry site will be back up and running. All entries received to date have been preserved. To check on movie and contest entry status, you may want to periodically check the www.PeterBuiltProductions.com website. Any pertinent updates will also be provided in the November-December 2018 issue of RoadKing.

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 Managing Editor Warren Eulgen 262.544.6600 – Phone 414.688.8333 – Mobile Warren@HighVelocityCommunications.com Editorial Contributors Siphiwe Baleka David Kolman Dr. John McElligott Homer Hogg Art Directors Helene Feider Jay Blazek Distribution Manager Jim Johnson Publisher Mark Sell 262.544.6600 – Phone 414.254.2910 – Mobile Mark@HighVelocityCommunications.com Advertising Sales Marketplace Advertising Mark Sell 262.544.6600 – Phone Mark@HighVelocityCommunications.com

Thanks for Supporting Advertisers

Thank you for supporting all of the RoadKing advertisers who help make it possible for you to pick up a free copy at any TA-Petro location. The well-known advertisers of products and services that you regularly utilize are featured towards the front of the magazine. Some smaller, perhaps lesser known advertisers are grouped together in the Drivers’ Marketplace section towards the back of each issue.

A good example is the Electro-Warmth/Breezeway Screens ad which appears below.

To view the other Drivers’ Marketplace advertisers, be sure to check out pages 40 to 45.

You’ll find a wide range of products, services and recruiting ads that will likely offer many messages that interest you. Thank you for reading RoadKing.

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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. ©2018 TravelCenters of America LLC

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Wreaths Across America History Lesson ARPIN AGENT SUPPORTS MISSION WITH TRAVELING EDUCATION EXHIBIT Wreaths Across A me r ic a—t he national nonprofit best known for the annual wreathlaying ceremonies that take place at Arlington National C emeter y a nd more than 1,400 veteran cemeteries across the country each December—has a simple mission: Remember, Honor and Teach. Don Queeney, owner of Virginia-based Hampton Roads Moving and Storage, an agent of Arpin Van Lines, is helping spread the word about the need for trucks and driver support in carrying out this mission.

Queeney has helped Wreaths Across America modify a 48-foot trailer to become a mobile educational exhibit—a traveling theater on wheels—that teaches the history and mission of Wreaths Across America, while inspiring the next generation of volunteers.

“The goal of the educational trailer is to keep the Wreaths Across America mission in front of as many people as possible,” said Queeney. “To Remember, Honor and Teach” about our veterans and remind them that freedom doesn’t come free.”

The Wreaths Across America educational trailer is a multimedia audio-visual experience, featuring a 22-person theater that tells the organization’s story. It is equipped with three touch screens used for finding nearby veteran cemeteries and learning how to be a sponsor, hauler and a volunteer. Storyboards trace major milestones in the growth of Wreaths Across America. A true marble headstone and live wreath from Maine are placed outside the trailer where visitors can take pictures.

“In taking the exhibit to communities, our goal is to be a catalyst for bringing active duty members of the military, veterans, civilians and children together to tell stories of service and sacrifice, while supporting the Remember, Honor and Teach mission,” said Renee Worcester, development and outreach director of Wreaths Across America.

Chevrolet donated the Silverado 3500 used to pull the trailer. The company also provided seed money for Wreaths Across America to buy the trailer and install the audio/visual components.

For the past few months, Queeney has been taking the trailer around the country to moving industry and trucking trade shows to recruit new haulers and volunteers for this year’s National Wreaths Across America Day on December 15.

“Volunteering for Wreaths Across America is very rewarding,” said Queeney.

“Every place we go, people are waving, beeping, coming over to say hello and thanking us.”

Next, he plans to visit schools to teach children about the importance of remembering and honoring veterans.

Queeney has helped equip the trailer with tables, chairs, coloring books, wreathmaking kits and even a Wreaths Across America-branded Lego set.

However, Queeney is close to retirement and is selling Hampton Roads Moving and Storage to his son, Chad. He is searching for several volunteers to assist with the trailer and continue its educational journey around the country. Queeney will stay involved as an advisor to his company and Wreaths Across America.

Arpin Van Lines has been involved in Wreaths Across America since 2013, with participation growing from one driver in the first year to 26 drivers in 2017. Volunteering for this cause has become a valued tradition among Arpin drivers, who use this occasion to pay their respects to the country’s fallen heroes.

To learn more about Wreaths Across America and/or volunteer to help this year, please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. o RoadKing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

7

‘ Let’s Get the Show on the Road ’ ™

Spotlighting Entertainment Industry Transportation & Logistics

In the highly specialized world of OTR transportation for show business, one company has been known for setting new standards since 1949. Clark Transfer has built and maintained a reputation for unparalleled reliability and quality of service. To learn more about the unique nature of this business, four professional drivers involved in moving the Broadway show, Wicked, from Toledo to Toronto shared their stories with RoadKing readers. As the final curtain closed, a fleet of 12 trucks was poised to be loaded for the 300-mile trip.

The day was Sunday, June 17, a scorcher in west suburban Toledo as the afternoon temperatures on the asphalt parking lot of the Stranahan Theater nudged against the century mark, with near-record humidity and dew points. Father’s Day matinee and evening performances were closing out a very successful 11day, 16-show run. Twelve empty trailers were silently awaiting the sequential arrival of their designated roll-on containers and carts, as 12 owner-operators and their tractors assembled, one by one, during the course of the afternoon.

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The core Wicked team, totaling approximately 120 specialized professionals including local labor, had the responsibility to breakdown the entire set, pack hundreds of containers and carts and load them into their respective trailers—all within a five-hour window. As the clock struck 10:00 p.m., more than a few team members probably downed at least a few swigs of the popular energy drink having a similar name. One by one, the trailers would be loaded and released to begin their north-of-the-border treks.

Gary Graff LEAD DRIVER CHESTERTON, IN

A

s the lead driver, Gary Graff is the onsite liaison with the Wicked team and keeps track of the dedicated Clark Transfer owneroperators, as well as the independents hired for this move. He’s been driving professionally for 25 years, all but the first two for Clark Transfer. When team drivers are required for longer hauls, his wife, Linda, or brother, Bob, answers the call. Gary’s depth of experience in the world of show business is self-evident.

“We’re not just hauling freight,” Gary said.

“Each one of the 12 trailers assigned to Wicked is transporting hundreds of thousands of dollars—some even a million—of equipment, staging, lighting, costumes, scenery, props and the like. A 13th trailer hauls Wicked merchandise. Over the course of my 10 years with Wicked, I’ve only missed two moves. It’s been an outstanding experience, one that I wouldn’t trade for any other driving job. When we arrive at the next venue, the staff and crew at the new host theater are happy to see us and ready to begin the unloading sequence.

Virtually 100% of our freight is no-touch.

“To speed the setup process, a second set of two advance trailers hauling duplicate staging and equipment leapfrogs ahead to the next venue on the schedule.

When these two trailers leave Toledo, for example, they’ll be heading to Detroit. The Wicked advance crew that handles these technical aspects of setup is also working one venue ahead of the primary Wicked team that will be in Toronto before Detroit.

With this approach, the show maintenance

crew has some added time to service the equipment and test the tracks for anything that moves and cables for anything that flies.

“At Clark Transfer, we take great pride in working as a team.

From our ownership to the management staff in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the drivers in the field, we’re focused on getting the show on the road. Crunch time for us involves loading in five hours or less from one venue, traveling to the next, and quickly unloading. Everything we do is geared to run like clockwork.

Minimizing that interval from move-out to move-in provides our customer with the setup time needed prior to raising the curtain on the opening performance at the new venue. By extension, our organization and teamwork contribute significantly to the teamwork required by the Wicked team. In that sense, we’re part of a well-oiled, finely tuned machine.

“One of the best parts about my role with Wicked is the downtime that I have, particularly when the show schedule keeps us at one venue for a shorter run, measured in days rather than multiple weeks. I’ve been able to see the sights and visit some tourist attractions, much as a vacationer would do. That’s a big plus compared to the daily deadline pressures of hauling freight. During longer Wicked runs, I may be assigned to drive for other Clark teams. Sometimes, we deliver new trailers for Great Dane when the drop point is along the way to reconnecting with a show that’s approaching its next move.”

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A

Jeff Seales ESPERANCE, NY

fter four years of hauling bulk petroleum and paper products for regional carriers, Jeff found a home when he connected with Clark Transfer in 1990. “I was assigned to Phantom of the Opera from 1991 through 2010,” said Jeff. “Three national tours, involving 69 cities and 189 moves enabled me to see most of the country. Now, I prefer to work closer to home, mostly in Washington D.C., Baltimore and New York City. There’s always something moving since these areas are blessed with many venues. New York alone has about 150 theaters. Many shows start out in the smaller venues before gaining notoriety and advancing to a national tour. Occasionally, I’m involved

D

riving professionally only eight years, Melodie launched her career with a major national carrier. That provided a wealth of experience and the credentials to advance her career. She signed on with Clark Transfer in November of 2013. “I’m primarily a spot driver right now, accepting assignments wherever needed for a run,” said Melodie. With no forced dispatch, I have the freedom to accept or reject opportunities. For example, I prefer not to take on New York City assignments. I just concluded a five-month run assigned to Sound of Music.

That’s the longest I’ve been with one show. I love opportunities to travel west and across Canada.

C Randall George HARRISBURG, PA

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“I enjoy going to different places, meeting the backstage show people, seeing different cities, dining in a variety of restaurants. Enjoying local foods. The work is fun, entertaining and educational. Our lead drivers have been great to work with, real gentlemen. They make our jobs easier; help us solve problems. Handle working with the stage crew. It’s great to be part of a fine-tuned operation that’s dedicated to meeting customer needs. I’m seeing more and more women out here now. Gary’s brother, Bob, has done some team fly-in trips with me.

I love being a Clark owner-operator, making good money; having plenty of work.”

onsidering he’s worked for Clark Transfer three different times and had a long break between stints behind the wheel, it’s clear that Randall George didn’t burn any bridges. With some early experience driving for a national van line, Randall bought his first truck and signed on with Clark in 1976.

He developed a favorable impression of the company over the course of nine years, moving Broadway shows, ballets, symphonies, musical entertainers and new car shows among other assignments.

After accepting a heavy haul job for two and a half years, he came back to Clark for another nine years in an office capacity. The lure of heavy haul took him back on the road for 11 years. In 2011, Randall came back to Clark as a driver. He’s driven for 26 of the 43 years that he’s maintained his CDL. He bought and paid for three trucks while driving for Clark, the latest being a 2013 Mack.

RoadKing

with other shows such as tonight’s Wicked move to Toronto.

“While the cargo we haul is critical to these shows, the driving part of this job is just driving. I like the people we work with, and I enjoyed working with my younger brother who formerly drove for Clark. The no-touch freight is great. I prefer being an owner operator. I can work as much as I wish. Dispatchers work with us to preplan our schedules. There’s no forced dispatch. When I need a break or want to be home for a family event, the discussion is a two-way street. There’s full understanding of the service we provide and sacrifices we make in meeting customers’ needs.

The ratio of work to money is good.”

Melodie Vobrak ERIE, PA

“I like being independent, running my own business, operating across 48 states and Canada,” Randall said. “I go wherever I’m needed. Things can change fast; sometimes you’re diverted. It’s all part of business and serving customer needs.

The pay is excellent, I’ve been treated very well, and I watch others do the loading and unloading 99% of the time. “Some Clark drivers have been here 20, 25, 30, even 40 years. You feel like part of a family; the headquarters staff accommodates our personal lives. We enjoy steady, year-round work. The company has been good to me. The work is interesting; the variety of things we do keeps us on our toes. I’m enjoying my time on the road. We respond to emergencies, roll with changes, and always have new challenges on the horizon. Clark Transfer provides a great opportunity for responsible owner-operators who share the company’s commitment to getting the show on the road.”

»»

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Clark Transfer Snapshot

C

lark Transfer has proudly served the entertainment industry since 1949, and is currently under the direction of second-generation owner, Norma Molitch Deull. The firm has grown and prospered serving a wide range of clients who are engaged in a variety of events including: »» Broadway shows »» Touring theatrical productions »» Ballet and opera companies »» Symphony orchestras »» Corporate roadshows »» Circuses »» Political and trade conventions »» Television and movie productions »» Popular musical acts and variety shows »» Large-scale special events and spectacles

Clark relies on its team of experienced drivers, specialized equipment and integrated support to guarantee that client moves go smoothly. Opportunities include single owner-operators, team drivers and part-time fly-in drivers who help keep things moving on longer hauls. Drivers are supported by the headquarters team, a network of agents, a crisis-tested 24/7 dispatch operation, and a sophisticated global tracking system. Whether by land, sea or air, Clark has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to serve client needs, backed by a willingness to go above and beyond to deliver the goods on time and in perfect condition. For almost 70 years, Clark has focused on an absolute commitment to excellence by doing one thing extremely well.

You can learn more at ClarkTransfer.com.

The Wicked Storyline

W

icked tells the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (whose name later changes to Glinda the Good), who struggle through opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, reactions to the Wizard’s corrupt government, and, ultimately... Elphaba’s public fall from grace.

From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, Wicked— the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today

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cheers as “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”

Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle.

Long before Dorothy arrives, there’s another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

The untold true story about the Witches of Oz transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story. It will send your spirits soaring to heights you’ll never forget. o

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UTAH FLY FISHING ADVENTURE JOHN FLETCHER PROVED TO BE A QUICK STUDY BY: BRIDGET FABEL, ROADKING OUTDOORS CONTRIBUTOR

“ I’m an avid outdoorsman, and trucking reduces my opportunities to get out. Fishing with Ms. Fabel would make up for a lot of what I miss.”

–John Fletcher, Pasadena, CA Professional Driver for System Transport, Cheney, WA

With the above words, John Fletcher punched his ticket to a one-day Utah Fly Fishing Adventure with Bridget Fabel. Special thanks to the hundreds of RoadKing readers who entered the contest sponsored by the publishers of TA-Petro’s RoadKing magazine and to the judges who considered dozens upon dozens of very compelling entries. With his truck secured at TA Tooele (I-80 west of Salt Lake City) under the watchful eyes of GM Arthur Lorton, John was transported down I-15 to south central Utah.

No winner could have been any more deserving than John Fletcher. He has a passion for the outdoors and appreciated the beautiful scenery, mountain lakes, and some precious time in nature, not to mention the colors of the fish he caught, the bright sunshine and the crystal clear blue skies. Although he’s very into fishing with a spinning rod, John had never fly 14

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fished before. Patient while learning a new, difficult sport, he proved to be a quick study.

The perfect June day started with a good breakfast at a small country-style cafe. After filling up, we headed out for John’s fly fishing adventure. We made the trek from a 6,000-ft. elevation to 11,300 feet! The adventurous drive is not long in distance, but the bumpy, rocky road creates about an hour of jolts and jars from bottom to top.

Fly Fishing 101 Upon arrival at a solitary, secret, alpine lake, John and I geared up the rods, reels, and flies and began the short hike to the lake. Catching fish on the fly really relies on a good cast. Alongside the lake, I taught John how to cast a fly rod, which is extremely difficult compared to any other form of

Fabel on the Fly

Want to follow Bridget on her next outdoor adventure? Look her up on Instagram: @bridget_fabel

fishing. I taught John the timing between bringing the rod to his shoulder, and smoothly casting the line forward into the lake. Most people tend to cast “too fast.” At first, that was the case for John. With a bit more practice, he really got the hang of it, and we were ready to bring his casts to the lake!

We started in a small bay filled with rocks and bugs, perfect fishing conditions! The first two or three casts that John made yielded big hits from arctic grayling! They came up to take his fly, but the timing of his hook set was just a hair off! After some fine tuning, John figured out the timing and landed his first fish on a fly rod. It was a beautiful arctic grayling.

Only native in the Arctic Circle, arctic grayling were introduced to Utah and some other western states within the past 50 years. They thrive better than any fish in the high alpine lakes. They’re perfect for enduring brutal, -20˚ F

winter cold at 11,000 feet. They are members of the whitefish family and have small, soft mouths. This makes the timing of hook set very important.

The Setup I set John up with a 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod and reel. The 9-5 is ideal for big lakes, and windy conditions. At high elevations, you can always count on at least some wind, and the heavier weight rod really helps haul your fly out a good distance in the wind. I tied on a 9-ft. 5x leader with an elk hair caddis fly attached. When targeting deeper waters, I tied on a caddis or midge pattern nymph, about 18 inches below the dry fly. I like doing this because it “doubles your chances” and if you miss a fish on the dry, it might come back for the nymph.

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Getting the Hang of It After some frustrating misses and walking to different “hot spots,” John started looking like a seasoned pro! With his hook set timing down, he was hooking grayling left and right. And one point, he landed one every cast, about five times in a row! The arctic grayling’s “sails” or dorsal fins are incredibly colorful. They show tinges of teal, pink, purple, blue, and silver. This particular alpine lake is dominated by grayling, but there are a few brook trout in the mix. John ended

HIRE BRIDGET AS YOUR GUIDE!

up catching a brook trout and a bunch of grayling! That’s an alpine lake “grand slam!”

After lunch, we headed down the mountain to a small stream.

This creek is difficult for casting, especially with heavy winds thrown into the mix. John caught native Colorado Cutthroat on Dry Flies. These Colorado cutthroat have bright red and gold accents along their spots. They’re native to a couple of western states and very special for most fly fishermen.

Bridget offers guiding service all across southern Utah. Clients can fly fish lakes, streams, and rivers in solitary mountain environments. Bridget guides clients on species such as tiger trout, Colorado Cutthroat, brook trout, Splake, brown trout, arctic grayling, and more. Bridget specializes in 5+ pound tiger trout and stillwater fly fishing. To book a trip or learn more, contact Bridget at fabelonthefly@gmail.com. Mention RoadKing in your email for a special offer!

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Congratulations John!

A Dream Come True Learning from a Pro

“The day went spectacularly,” said John. “Bridget is a real pro. She was really great, very patient, an excellent teacher. I learned that fly fishing is all about presentation to the fish. Casting requires finesse and a smooth stroke, not speed or power. Confidence comes with finding a rhythm. I learned very quickly about pointing the rod down, removing slack, being instinctively ready to set the hook when you see the flash of the fish. With eyes glued on the fly, concentration and reaction time are critical. I’ve already purchased my own fly rod and reel and had success following the tips learned from Bridget. Thanks to RoadKing and Bridget Fabel, this Utah fly fishing adventure was a dream come true.”

Love of Driving

“My love of driving got me into trucking, and it definitely keeps me motivated,” said John. “It was 2012 when I decided to attend a driving school. I learned what was needed to pass the test and obtain my CDL. The real training was provided by the professional driver trainers who I had the privilege of working with at some major national carriers. I had to take time off to assist with some family health issues before signing on with System Transport last December. They’re a first class outfit, and I enjoy driving mostly in the 11 western states.”

You deserve this! At System Transport, hard-working drivers like John Fletcher are part of the family.

Founded in 1972 by a third-generation driver with just one truck, System Transport is built on a foundation of mutual respect—for customers and drivers. Based in Cheney, Washington, the firm set out to meld the family business and time-honored traditions of the trucking industry with new ways of approaching supply chain logistics.

More than 45 years later, Systems Transport has grown to more than 800 trucks equipped with cutting-edge technology that helps drivers do their jobs efficiently and customers track loads accurately. The human touch is critical in providing drivers with the respect, compensation and home time they deserve, and ensuring customers’ loads are delivered on time and within budget throughout the lower 48 and Canada. From standard 48-ft. flatbeds to specialized trailers, the firm has a configuration to support any need.

Currently, some new 2019 Kenworth T-680s are being introduced into a late-model tractor fleet that averages 2.5 years old. You can learn more at SystemTrans.com/driving-jobs/drivesystem-transport-flatbed/. o

TA-Petro Has My Vote

“I fuel at TA-Petro when I can and prefer their driver amenities,” said John. “I can see why they dominate the annual Voted Best survey. The hot showers, water pressure and towels are great. They have more and better parking than others. And TA Truck Service, both in shop and during onroad emergencies, has been a big help to keeping my wheels turning.

Whether through RoadKing or how staff members treat us, TA-Petro’s everyday appreciation of drivers is greatly appreciated. General manager Arthur Lorton at TA Tooele, where I parked my truck, is an excellent example of the hospitality extended to drivers.”

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M A I N T E N A N C E M AT T E R S BY: HOMER HOGG, DIRECTOR, TECHNICAL SERVICE

Cool It On Down

ACTUATORS Temperature

In a continuing focus on air conditioning systems and what you can do to keep your cab comfortable in the late summer heat, understanding the complexity of your blower motor is very important. Not long ago, A/C systems were very simple, but like most systems on modern trucks, they have evolved to be computer controlled.

In order for your A/C to blow cold air, the fan must be performing properly.

Before computers found their way onto the modern truck, the blower motor system consisted of a power wire, ground wire, a few resistors for speed control, a switch and a thermal fuse to shut the system down in case too much heat was present in the resistors. It was relatively easy for technicians to learn how these systems worked and how to troubleshoot and repair them.

Blower Motor Complexity Today’s blower motor systems still have a power wire and a ground wire to turn the blower motor, but the controls and safety aspects have dramatically changed. Trucks now have pulse-withmodulated (PWM) signals coming from an A/C computer over to the blower motor that tells it how fast to turn. A PWM signal is simply voltage, but the voltage is cycling on and off multiple times each second. If you want the motor to turn faster, the signal will cycle the voltage on the signal wire more frequently in a second. Some trucks cycle the ground wire.

Both methods deliver the same result as you adjust fan speed.

On some trucks, another wire is added that runs from the blower motor to 18

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Defrost the A/C computer.

Duct Outlet Temp Floor This wire allows the Evap Temp Recirc computer to compare the signal that was CPC MCM Fan sent to the blower Blower Signal/Feedback motor versus the Blower Motor Outlet Temp response that came back. For example, CASCADIA the A/C computer Inputs, Controls, Cabin CAN may request that the and Outputs blower motor turn Temp Ambient Temp at 2,500 RPMs. The Actuator Refrig Pressure signal coming back Air Pressure Blower may report that the Signal/Feedback motor is only turning Blower Motor at 1,000 RPMs. This A/C Clutch will trigger a code and will likely cause the A/C computer to shut down your A/C qualified technician who understands compressor and your blower motor. The these new blower motor circuits and can complexity is a far cry from the former cool your cab and you back down in system controls. short order. TA Truck Service technicians Old methods like test lights are of no have the service equipment and training value for multiple reasons. Test lights required to help you diagnose and repair cannot understand PWM signals nor your A/C system. return signals. Test lights create a path in an electronic circuit that is not engineered to be there, which could result in too much electricity flowing down the circuit and computers not functioning properly.

Importance of Diagnostics With these new circuits, diagnostic computers must be connected to the truck, so a technician can see the type of information being sent and received on the computer screen. For example, most of these diagnostic computers can request that a blower motor turn at a certain speed and see if the blower motor complied. This method can help a technician determine if the truck’s A/C computer or the blower motor is at fault.

If you’re experiencing a problem with your A/C on a modern truck, take it to a

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

Outstanding Credentials Homer Hogg, Director, Technical Service for TA and Petro, has worked as a truck technician for more than 35 years. He is ASE Master-Certified, a Daimler Certified Trainer, and a member of the Nashville Auto-Diesel College Hall of Fame.

We’re making trucking great again, one job at a time.

The fastest way to connect quality truckers with the right jobs.

RoadKing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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TRUCK & TRAILER MAINTENANCE CRITICAL TO SUCCESS

What About Drivers?

BY: SIPHIWE BALEKA, FOUNDER, FITNESS TRUCKING

Imagine if America’s Space Agency, NASA, sent astronauts into outer space without specific training in the effects of zero gravity and without giving them space suits. That would be very bad for the astronauts and NASA as well.

But that’s exactly what many in the trucking industry are doing—sending good men and women into an environment, with well-known health risks without giving them any training or protection. Consider the environment of long-haul OTR drivers: »» Living in a box »» No access to a kitchen »» Food storage limitations »» Limited access to farmers’ markets »» Limited access to gyms Meanwhile, statistics for OTR drivers reveal that trucking is among the unhealthiest occupations in America. »» Highest rate of obesity, 69% »» Highest rate of metabolic syndrome »» Lowest life expectancy, 10-15 years less than the average North American male »» High number of premature fatalities To obtain a CDL, a driver must learn a lot of information about truck and trailer care and maintenance. Drivers are issued 20

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manuals containing rules and regulations published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Drivers must learn how to conduct a pre-trip inspection and operate the truck safely.

Schools, training programs, computerbased training modules, online material, and a host of other resources are available to drivers. However, of the three main components—tractor, trailer, and driver— which one is the most important? The driver, of course!

Shortcomings of Driver Training Most drivers receive scant, if any, proper training about taking care of themselves while pursuing a career in the trucking industry. The topic is a lot more complicated than saying, “Eat right and exercise.” Frequently, drivers’ schedules are erratic. Sometimes, you’re driving during the day, sometimes driving at night, other times not driving at all.

Meanwhile, when a driver does sleep, often it is interrupted by appointment calls, having to pay a lumper, or walk

in your bills, various alarms, movement from getting loaded and unloaded, and most of all, having to go to the bathroom!

Most drivers are not educated about how the irregular hours, changing schedules, and interrupted sleep will disrupt their circadian rhythms.

What are Circadian Rhythms?

Your body is in constant communication with the environment. For example, when the sun sets and the light levels, atmospheric pressure, and temperature change, they send signals to your body that it also needs to change, to remain in harmony with the environment. These natural or “divine” instructions from the environment cause your body to secrete hormones like melatonin and serotonin that alter your body’s biochemistry.

These hormones make you feel relaxed and cause you to fall asleep. However, if you have a load that delivers early in the morning, and it is only midnight and you have two hundred more miles to drive, do you shut down? No. In fact, you do

whatever you can to ignore and override those signals telling you to sleep to be healthy! The more you do this, the more you disrupt the system for regulating your health! After a year, the circadian rhythm can become dysfunctional.

Add Impact of Hormones That’s just the beginning! The hormones that regulate metabolism are called serum leptin and ghrelin. These hormones are produced during sleep. Once your circadian rhythms become dysfunctional and you accumulate sleep deprivation, the production of serum leptin and ghrelin is disrupted, and your metabolism also becomes dysfunctional.

When that happens, the result is one of two things. You don’t receive the signal that you’re hungry, so you skip meals and only eat once or twice a day. That in turn causes the metabolism to be in the “off” mode, since it has no food to digest during

most of the day, and the body simply stores fat. Conversely, you don’t receive the signal you’re full, so you feel hungry all the time and eat to fight driver fatigue and consume excessive portions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This over eating is the result of hormones, not lack of will power or gluttony. In both cases, you can store fat and gain weight.

and keep it on, so your body burns fat while you’re driving. This is what I have been teaching drivers to do for the past five years. My training program is now being taught at carriers and school bus companies and hopefully, the industry will make it a requirement for obtaining a CDL, so that no driver is sent out like the astronaut without a space suit.

“ …take control of your metabolism, turn it on and keep it on, so your body burns fat while you’re driving.”

But did anyone tell you that within the first year of your driving career, both your circadian rhythms and metabolism would become dysfunctional? Did anyone provide education about what you can do to protect yourself?

Fortunately, you can manually take control of your metabolism, turn it on

CLEANING POWER THAT PACKS A PUNCH

To learn more about controlling your metabolism and keeping it functional during your driving career, get the book 4 Minute Fit. It was written to be the training manual for driver care. You can also watch informative instructional videos at TruckerTerritory.ProgressiveCommercial. com/truck-fit/. o

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RoadKing SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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TRIBUTE TO

TOUGHNESS HONORING THE BEST HARD-WORKING TRUCKS & DRIVERS The 36th annual Shell ROTELLA® SuperRigs® truck contest rolled into White’s Travel Center in Raphine, VA on June 14-16.

The three-day event is free and designed to be fun for truckers and their families, as well as spectators from surrounding communities, states and beyond. White’s is located just off Interstates 81 and 64 in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

“Shell ROTELLA SuperRigs contestants and attendees had the opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular looking work trucks on the road,” said Megan Pino, Global Brand Manager, Shell ROTELLA. “The trucks are a testament to the drivers who put in the hard work to make them a source of industry pride.”

SuperRigs Highlights The Shell ROTELLA SuperRigs competition is North America’s premier truck beauty contest for active working trucks. Hardworking owner-operators from across the United States and Canada compete annually for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. Twelve drivers and their trucks will be featured in the 2019 Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. In addition to the super rigs, following are some of the attractions that added to the spectator experience.

Starship Initiative Truck – Fresh from its California-to-Florida, cross-country run, this hyper-fuel-efficient Class 8, next-gen concept truck was designed to reduce the energy usage associated with the transportation of goods. Using technologies that are 22

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currently available today and furthering the conversations around the importance of reducing CO2 and the global energy challenge, the Starship Initiative is a demonstration of what’s possible to help reduce energy demand in freight transportation.

NHRA Star Matt Hagan – Virginia native Matt Hagan, a two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion, unveiled his latest funny car followed by a meet and greet on Thursday. He then headed south on I-81 with the ROTELLA-branded funny car to compete at Bristol Motor Speedway that same weekend.

Fireworks Display – Thursday evening festivities included a live concert featuring Jayne Denham, the SuperRigs lights competition, and an exciting fireworks display.

Truck Parade – On Friday, the SuperRigs truck parade proceeded from White’s Travel Center to historic downtown Lexington. Truckers staged their rigs, turned on their lights and pumped up the music; creating an epic street party for truckers and residents alike. A live concert featured trucker/ musician Tony Justice.

White’s Travel Center offers a variety of on-site amenities including a chrome shop, complete pharmacy, shopping, numerous restaurants and clean showers, as well as a small movie theatre, laundry services, and a shuttle. A Blue Beacon Truck Wash and CAT Scale are also available on-site. In conjunction with the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, the Medicine Shoppe conducted complimentary health checks throughout the three days of SuperRigs, while staff was in attendance.

The Best of the Best Best of Show

Best of Show ERIC TURNER, SR. Ellenwood, GA 2015 Peterbilt 389 2018 Wally-Mo 8-Car Hauler

PRIZE

$10,000

MMM

50,000

PLUS!

Place in Shell ROTELLA 2019 SuperRigs Calendar

Trucks entered in the Shell ROTELLA SuperRigs truck competition were judged by industry professionals who work for major trucking publications or broadcast companies. Judges scored the rigs on exterior appearance, design, detail/finish, originality and workmanship. In total, 24 working trucks received awards for categories such as Best of Show, Tractor, Tractor/ Trailer Combination and Classic.

Eric Turner, Sr. Wins Best of Show Eric Turner, Sr. of Ellenwood, GA captured Best of Show honors with his 2015 Peterbilt 389 with a 2018 Wally-Mo 8-car hauler. He was awarded $10,000 from Shell ROTELLA and $5,000 from MAC trailer. Turner also won for Best Interior.

“It feels so good to win the best of show,” said an emotional Eric Turner. “Like I said earlier when I was in the judging lane, when I was growing up, all my dad ever had on his tool box was a Shell ROTELLA calendar. And he always said, ‘son, one day, you’re going to be on that.’ I’ve never seen that vision, but I guess he’s seen it for me. My dad passed away last year. Thank you, Daddy.”

Many Other Winners All winners also received a case of Shell ROTELLA T4 15W-40 heavy-duty diesel engine oil and My Miles Matter (MMM) reward points. Major class and category winners in this year’s “Tribute to Toughness” competition included:

Best of Show 1st Runner-Up

Best of Show 2nd Runner-Up JAY BLACKBOURN

Fennimore, WI

2016 Peterbilt 389 | 2008 MAC LTT ATE 9700 PRIZE

$2,000

Best of Show 1st Runner-Up ANDREW GOOD

Caldwell, TX

1999 Peterbilt 379 PRIZE

$4,000

MMM

30,000

Best of Show 2nd Runner-Up

MMM

40,000

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The Best of the Best

1st Place Tractor Division + Best Engine + Best Theme

1st Place Tractor Division

ANDREW GOOD Bethel, PA 2016 Kenworth W900 PRIZE

$1,500

MMM

10,000 + 15,000 + 15,000

+ Best Engine + Best Theme

1st Place Tractor/Trailer Division

Working Truck Limited Mileage

Working Truck Limited Mileage KALEB HAMMETT Dodd City, TX 2017 Peterbilt 389

1st Place Tractor/ Trailer Division

PRIZE

$1,500

MMM

10,000

BRADLEE GARETSON Lake Mills, WI

1st Place Classic Division

2016 Peterbilt 389 | 2017 MAC PRIZE

$1,500

GERALD ARTHUR ASBURY

MMM

10,000

Sevierville, TN 1999 Kenworth W900L PRIZE

$1,500

MMM

Most HardWorking Trucker

10,000

WILLIAM WARNER Seneca Rocks, WV 1997 Peterbilt 379 PRIZE

$500

1st Place Classic Division Most HardWorking Trucker What Matters Is Inside JAMES A. RODGERS Pevely, MO 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | 2019 Utility

What Matters Is Inside 24

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

PRIZE

$500

RoadKing

MMM

10,000

MMM

10,000

People’s Choice

Show Truck

JOHN GEORGE

MICHAEL MANUEL

Fairfield, PA 1974 Dodge C950 Bighorn PRIZE

$250

People’s Choice

MMM

Front Royal, VA 2015 Peterbilt 389 PRIZE

10,000

$250

MMM

10,000

Show Truck

About White’s Petro Raphine

Best Lights + Best Chrome

Best Lights

RANDY MANNING Cross Junction, VA 2018 Kenworth W900L MMM

15,000 + 15,000

Best Chrome Best Interior ERIC TURNER, SR. Ellenwood, GA 2015 Peterbilt 389 2018 Wally-Mo 8-Car Hauler MMM

15,000

Best Interior 26

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PLUS!

Steering Wheel

Opened in 1970 as a 76 Truck Stop by Dave and Peggy White, White’s has ranked as one of the premier travel centers on the East coast for many years. Peggy ran the restaurant, while Dave ran the truck stop operations.

He was known for his collection of antique guns and knives. White’s also sponsored Dave’s racing motorcycles. In 1999, Orchard Creek Plaza was built as a combination gift shop and convenience store, and a Burger King franchise was included.

Mrs. White passed away in November of 2001 and Mr. White passed in August of 2003, but not before expressing their satisfaction with the direction the truck stop was heading.

In 2010, White’s Truck Stop was purchased by Bobby Berkstresser and family. It was renamed White’s Travel Center. The facility has been upgraded during extensive remodels, including expanded truck parking with 200 additional spaces and the purchased of 190 acres for future expansion.

White’s became White’s Petro Stopping Center in July 2011, and one of the largest travel shops in the United States, sizing in at a whopping 25,000 square feet, was completed in 2014. Destination Station, the first pharmacy in a U.S. travel center, opened in 2015. Over the course of five years, White’s became the largest and busiest travel center on the East Coast.

For over 40 years, White’s has been known as a place where travelers always receive great meals and great service. Extending the legacy of Dave and Peggy White, many new projects are in the works, ensuring White’s remains one of America’s biggest and best truck stops.

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[ TA K I N G H E A LT H C A R E TO T H E C A B]

FMCSA & DRUG SCREENING CHANGES YOU NEED TO KNOW BY: DR. JOHN McELLIGOTT, DR. JOHN’S MEDICAL SOLUTIONS

As a Medical Review Officer (MRO), I must be certified by a recognized organization, the Medical Review Officer Certification Council (MROCC). All Department of Transportation Certified Medical Examiners (DOT-CME) may or may not be an MRO. However, if a DOT drug screen is done during your DOT exam or if you’re randomly tested, an MRO must review the test results.

In my practice, drug tests are read as negative, positive, or medically negative/ high risk. With a positive test result, prescription records are requested to determine if prescribed medications may have affected the test. It is important to know what medications are in play, how they are prescribed, and how they are taken (not everyone follows the instructions exactly as written—sound familiar?).

Test results are sent back to the MRO or the company’s Designated Employer Representative (DER) for record keeping and sometimes, enforcement of company policies. If you’re an owner-operator, you may receive the paperwork from the MRO. Drug tests are called a 5-panel, which later became a 7-panel, due to some psychedelic party drugs that are widely available (rarely found in truckers).

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Everyone is aware of the opioid epidemic that has spread across the country. Historically, truckers have been put on opiates by their doctors.

Increasingly, CMEs have seen drivers on large amounts of opiates for pain.

These synthetic medications are often prescribed by a provider (doctor) without consideration (or even the knowledge) of the fact that truckers are in safety-sensitive positions and could become impaired or addicted.

Changes to DOT Drug Screen Beginning January 1, 2018, semisynthetic opiates were added to the 5-7 panel DOT drug screen. These include OxyContin®, Percodan®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Dilaudid®, and Exalgo®. These opiates can be prescribed

legally, however, if you are taking any of the above drugs, you must have a letter from your personal doctor stating why you need this type of medication and that you’re able to safely drive an 80,000-lb. rig.

The new regulations state that you will no longer be tested for Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine, also called “MDE” (called “Eve” on t he st r eet s). Th i s i s a n amphetamine like ecstasy. However, 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), has been added to testing. This is a psychedelic drug of the amphetamine family that is mainly a recreational drug.

Also, the MRO now has the authority to test for the active ingredient in marijuana, THC-V. Sample analysis can differentiate if the THC is smoked or from Marinol, a cancer medicine.

Reasons Not to Certify a Driver Each CME has the authority to certify or not certify a driver based on his or her own evaluation. Personally, I will not certify drivers taking opiates for the following reasons: »» I nappropriate prescribing or over treating a condition that can be managed with safer medications or without medications, using timetested techniques.

cause severe anxiety and can diminish the ability to operate heavy equipment safely.

With a positive test result, prescription records are requested to determine if prescribed medications may have affected the test.

»» I ncapacitating side effects of opioids can lead to sudden hospitalizations.

»» S elf-detoxification is often associated with medication, most commonly a drug called benzodiazepines (sometimes acquired illegally). This drug is contraindicated to opiates and should not be taken at the same time because of the potential for fatal side effects. Death is not unusual due to a return to the original opiate dosage with a benzodiazepine still on board.

This is usually preceded by severe seizures.

»» Self-detoxification by a driver can

»» Increased risk of poor judgment.

»» A driver taking the narcotic may not be adhering to prescription directions (assuming so is “Dancing with the Devil”). »» O piates are medications that lower the pain threshold and require larger and larger dosages to control the condition, which can lead to very severe side effects and death.

Personally, for the seven reasons described above, I have not prescribed an opiate or benzodiazepine since 1992.

I see trauma and patients with pain on a daily basis and have been a non-narcotic

clinic for a long time. This was an easy policy decision based on seeing patients all over the country commit suicide after becoming addicted to hydrocodone.

I’m impressed to see the FMCSA paying attention to this epidemic, which does involve our most precious profession.

To learn more about Dr. John’s Medical Solutions, go to docjmd.com. o

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RoadKing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

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TRUCKING CAREER COMPLEMENTS POKER PASSION BY: SEAN CHAFFIN

Dustin Lindblad eases his big rig into the paved parking lot after a long day on the road. But he’s not here to drop off a load—that was an hour ago. Dustin parks his truck and slides down from the seat, several hundred dollars in his wallet for that night’s activities.

Not a golfer or a man who favors big purchases, Dustin’s primary pastime involves using his mind. He heads into the casino, walking past the craps tables and the twinkling lights of the slots. Dustin’s headed to the poker room. Hopefully another profitable night lies ahead before he rolls back out in the morning.

For this 39-year-old trucker and longtime owner-operator from Omaha, NE, his business fits perfectly with his love for poker—rolling across the country by day and battling it out in some Texas Hold’em by night.

THE POKER ROAD

To say Dustin is a poker junkie is an understatement. He began playing in 1998 while on a trip with some friends to Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

“I walked into our room and one of my friends was on the floor dealing Texas Hold’em hands to himself,” he says. “I asked him what he was doing, and that day changed the rest of my life.”

That passion for the game lines up perfectly with his life on the road. As an owner-operator, Dustin is his own boss and hauls agricultural products throughout the Midwest. When he finds a tournament series he wants to play, he books a load to that area and makes the delivery. He has a regular routine to satisfy his cardplaying fix.

That includes staying in the casino 30

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parking lot or a nearby truck stop in his rig, or the occasional free hotel room. He showers at truck stops, and his food is either comped at the casino, or he uses fuel loyalty points at truck stops, including TA-Petro’s UltraOne. “Basically, I get paid for going to the tournament location area,” he says. “I stay in my truck, which only costs me about $15 a night for fuel, and food is negligible.

The kicker is when I'm ready to go, I book a load going out of the same area and go out on the road until I find the next stop I want to play. It's perfect.”

When it comes to hitting the tables, Dustin has been mostly a cash game player during his poker life, but began playing tournaments the last few years. When at a cash table, he plays anywhere from smaller

stakes No Limit Hold’em up to games with $30-$60 limits. Even when playing cash games, booking loads following poker tournaments was necessary.

“I sort of followed the tournament circuit because wherever the tournaments are, the cash games are bigger and more available,” he says.

Dustin now plays about five major tournament stops a year and also plays some smaller casino-run tournaments.

He estimates his tournament winnings at about $20,000. His deepest run was a 3rd place finish in a decent-sized tournament at an Iowa casino in the early-2000s.

He’s also won several smaller buy-in tournaments at local casinos.

In a game where many players are jet-set, traveling the globe to play in

tournaments from Las Vegas to Monte Carlo to Macau, Dustin’s means of travel certainly stands out.

“There are so many advantages of playing poker with a trucking lifestyle,” he says. “Poker players by and large get any free stuff or take any angle we can, so naturally trucking is great. Most poker players don't know much about the trucking Industry, so they are surprised when I tell them how I travel.”

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Life as a trucker began inauspiciously for Dustin about 10 years ago. He and his cousin started off with a pair of $3,500 trucks and began building a business.

“We didn't even have any trailers,” he says. “We started off scratching and clawing for any bobtail work we could find.

Eventually after about a year, we had our own flatbeds and did mostly local work, but some over the road. As time went on, my cousin got bigger and put multiple trucks on the road.”

Dustin decided to stick to his own operation, preferring just one truck. He began hauling anhydrous ammonia, which is used as an agricultural fertilizer and industrial refrigerant, about seven years ago, and that’s still about 75 percent of his work today. That is unless he has some card playing on the agenda.

“I use other trailers when I find better freight, or I want to take a poker trip,” he says. “I can’t use my NH3 anhydrous ammonia trailer because the freight is never near anything poker-related, and we’re not supposed to leave hazardous material trailers unattended, unless the facility is fenced and locked.”

Pulling those trailers is a 1994 Kenworth W900L with one of the first E-Model 650-horse, 3406E Cat engines, running through an Eaton 18-speed, and 3:36 gears.

“My truck is a no-nonsense piece of machinery and one bad mamma-jamma,” Dustin says. “The truck is pretty much all original and still looks close to new.

Let’s just say, “It gets the job done.” It had a Platinum Precious Metals overhaul,

new 18-speed and new rears not too long ago. Basically, the whole drive train was redone.”

Married for 14 years, Dustin and his wife, Erin, have a 6-year old son, Cameron.

Trucking may run in the family as he‘s already able to tell the make and model of any semi on the road and what it’s hauling. The whole family recently hit the road together, traveling to Kansas City for one of the stops on the Heartland Poker Tour.

When not driving, Dustin admits he doesn’t have many interests outside of family and poker.

“That might seem shallow to others, but to me, those things fill my life and bring me a lot of joy,” he says. “I like to play with my son, party with my wife, and take her out to fancy dinners. She is an amazing woman who puts up with me being gone a lot, and she’s a super mom who works and home schools our son.”

Arranging loads as an owner-operator on a poker trip is pretty simple, Dustin says.

A little computer sense, some patience, and a helper at home or in an office goes a long way. What advice does he have for other owner-operators?

“I guess the best thing would be to find something you enjoy—whether it be flat bedding, hopper, or livestock,” he says. “Make sure it’s something you really like doing and figure out the rest around that.

I’d rather haul something a little cheaper that I enjoy doing, rather than going for higher pay doing something I don't like.”

This Nebraskan not only loves hauling, but the poker -player fun it brings him while on the road.

“I have a very sincere passion for trucking and poker,” Dustin says.

Is the next poker trip already in the works? You can bet on it. o

SEAN CHAFFIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER IN CRANDALL, TEXAS. FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @POKERTRADITIONS. HE IS ALSO THE HOST OF THE TRUE GAMBLING STORIES PODCAST, AVAILABLE ON ITUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, TUNEIN RADIO, SPOTIFY, STITCHER, POKERNEWS.COM, HOLDEMRADIO.COM, AND OTHER PLATFORMS. PHOTO OF DUSTIN LINDBLAD PROVIDED COURTESY OF HAYLEY HOCHSTETLER.

RoadKing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

31

Many Still in the Hunt LAST TWO EVENTS TO DECIDE 2018 CHALLENGE With four events down and two to go, many participants in the 2018 TA Truck Service Challenge are solidly in contention for the big paydays that await the top-three point accumulators following the September 27 event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Cash prizes of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 are on the line. The competition is open to the professional truck drivers who haul the race cars for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and participating Champion Tire & Wheel drivers who haul tires, wheels and equipment for the race teams and for NASCAR. 32

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

RoadKing

The winners of the four events to date and $1,000 each are among those who have a legitimate shot at one of the big cash prizes. Following are the top-7 point accumulators and ties from the first four events:

FEBRUARY 22

APRIL 5

JUNE 21

JULY 12

DRIVER

CAR & TEAM

POINTS

Brendan Greene

No. 18 Kyle Busch

1,191

Eloy Trevino

No. 16 Ryan Reed

1,189

Barry Huston

No. 78 Martin Truex

1,188

Rick Hodges

No. 4 Kevin Harvick

1,187

Ken Pitcher

No. 19 Daniel Suarez

1,185

Rick Johnson

No. 12 Ryan Blaney

1,185

Tommy McCrimmon

No. 20 Erik Jones

1,184

DRIVER

CAR & TEAM

POINTS

Eric Burgoyne

Champion Tire

1,185

Ron Utter

No. 32 Matt DiBenedetto

1,185

Jeffrey Craven

No. 31 Ryan Newman

1,185

Tommy McCrimmon

No. 20 Erik Jones

1,182

Michael Williams

No. 2 Brad Keselowski

1,175

Chris Miko

No. 20 Erik Jones

1,170

Barry Huston

No. 78 Martin Truex

1,169

DRIVER

CAR & TEAM

POINTS

Jamie Price

No. 18 Kyle Busch

1,190

Ken Pitcher

No. 19 Daniel Suarez

1,188

Tommy McCrimmon

No. 20 Erik Jones

1,188

Brendan Greene

No. 18 Kyle Busch

1,184

Josh Collins

No. 11 Denny Hamlin

1,179

Stephen Church

No. 00 Cole Custer

1,176

Mark Hadley

Champion Tire

1,175

DRIVER

CAR & TEAM

POINTS

Josh Collins

No. 11 Denny Hamlin

1,195

Greg Sorber

No. 22 Joey Logano

1,193

Bob Decker

No. 34 Michael McDowell

1,191

Sonny Valles

Goodyear

1,188

Ken Pitcher

No. 19 Daniel Suarez

1,188

Ron Utter

No. 32 Matt DiBenedetto

1,188

Rick Johnson

No. #12 Ryan Blaney

1,185

O

nly the best five scores from the six events count in the point totals that will decide the championship and the two runners-up. This gives hauler drivers a bit of leeway should they have to meet unexpected team priorities on the Thursdays of the events. In some cases, drivers have already missed one of the first four events due to other commitments or personal priorities. The final two events that will decide the championship are Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 13 and Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 27. A championship recap will appear in the November-December RoadKing.

Many of these hauler drivers trade driving responsibilities each weekend, so as to lessen the impact of the time spent on the road. The driver who hauls the race car to the track frequently flies home with other team members following each race. The other driver who flew in with the Sunday pit stop and race crew will then drive the return trip. All have weekday duties at their race shops such as restocking the hauler with parts, supplies and groceries, shopping, cleaning and maintaining the hauler, and checking the onboard equipment. At the track, they also have other responsibilities, typically unloading, setting up the observation deck on top of the trailer, cooking and serving meals, restocking cold beverages, maintaining the hauler inside and out, and loading to head for home. Sometimes they help out on pit road running gasoline and race tires between pit stops. Team driving is used for any events that exceed 10 hours on the road.



RoadKing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

33

J

SONOMA WINNER

JAMIE PRICE

A

fter earning his CDL in 2008, Josh Collins hit the road with a trucking company in Mount Airy, North Carolina, his hometown. Like many others, including Jamie Price, he landed his first job hauling race trucks in the NASCAR Truck Series for the 2010 season. After establishing himself over the course of four years, he moved to Penske Racing as the hauler driver for the test teams. That led to a promotion driving the hauler for the No. 2 team.

During the 2016 season, an opportunity arose to drive for the Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team at Joe Gibbs Racing. In this era of partial primary sponsor commitments, FedEx is the only sponsor in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series to make the full commitment to the 36 points races plus the special events at Daytona and Charlotte. Josh and co-driver, Frank Hodel, split the No. 11 hauler driving duties.

Although he only drives about 25,000 miles annually,

34

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

RoadKing

arose to join Joe Gibbs Racing on the No. 18 car of Kyle Busch in 2011, the former team owner encouraged him to take the job.

Having more than paid his dues, Jamie was fulfilling his original dream of landing with an established Cup team capable of winning races and championships. During the course of the four years from 2011 through 2014, he won the truck driving challenge twice and finished third and second the other two years. Jamie estimates he’s won approximately $100,000.

“All of the hauler drivers take pride in their abilities,” said Jamie. “We really enjoy this forum for showcasing our talents.

The Sonoma event tested our skills in several areas including turning, parallel parking, blind side backing, depth perception and more. At any event, 20 guys are capable of winning. There’s no practicing, no second chances. You really have to be on your game to compete. We have some friendly competition within the JGR drivers, as well as all of the participants. Besides pocketing the money, all of us really enjoy the opportunity to talk smack for a few weeks between events. With special thanks to the sponsors, I can’t wait for the last two events and the opportunity to compete for one of the top prizes.”

»»

»»

amie was born and raised in Choteau, Montana, population approximately 1,700, about 20 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. A Wyotech grad, he set out to be a diesel mechanic.

Initially, he did some relief driving before driving full time in 1990 and buying a new truck in 1993. He married Wendy in 1996 and took on the responsibility of helping her raise three daughters.

Over the course of the next six years, Jamie left trucking for a job with a well-known agricultural giant. Attending an August Bristol night race changed everything. He and Wendy agreed that if one of them lost a job, they would move. It happened when his company shut down its Great Falls operation.

Having been bitten by the NASCAR bug, Jamie convinced Wendy and the family to head for Charlotte. With the help of a cousin who worked at Joe Gibbs, he secured a hauler driving job with a NASCAR Truck Series team five days after arriving. He bounced around for several years with different teams before landing a more secure driving job with an established team for 2006 and 2007. When that team folded, he found a 2008 position in the NASCAR second-tier series, which evolved into a Cup Series position for almost the next three years. When an opportunity

KENTUCKY WINNER

JOSH COLLINS

the best part about being a professional OTR truck driver is seeing the country. That is only topped by the front row seat he has for the 38 NASCAR race events at JGR. “All of us want to be part of a team that fields competitive race cars every week,” said Josh. “We want to see our drivers qualify up front, lead laps and compete for wins. Being one of the teams that qualifies for the 10-race playoffs gives us that extra boost to stay focused.”

Josh and his wife have a 10-year-old son and two-year-old daughter. “Whatever my son is into at the time—baseball, basketball, soccer or fishing—I like to do things with him,” said Josh. “Throughout NASCAR, there used to be crew chief and pit crew challenges. The TA Truck Service Challenge is the only one left. Special thanks to TA-Petro, Goodyear and Freightliner for sponsoring the 2018 Challenge. The opportunity to show off our knowledge and driving skills is greatly appreciated.” o

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

PART 1 of 2:

Understanding the Basics

Thinking About Becoming an Owner-Operator?

BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ADDRESS THESE KEY CONSIDERATIONS

HAVE YOU EVER CONTEMPLATED BECOMING AN OWNER-OPERATOR? This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Transitioning to owning-operating is more complex than you might think. Too many truckers get into the business of owner-operating without sufficient planning. That frequently leads to failure. However, with good preparation and organization, you can help set yourself up to thrive. Let me share with you some things that helped me be successful.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

RoadKing

Fundamentals

1

Do not make the move to owner-operating until you have had— at the very least three—but preferably five years of experience as a professional truck driver. You need to fully understand the trucking industry and enjoy being a professional driver.

2

Consider your personality, experience and knowledge to decide if you really want the responsibilities of being your own boss and running your own business. Being an owner-operator takes devotion, dedication, discipline, perseverance, financial planning and management, bookkeeping talent, disciplined decision-making and more. Do you have these qualities? Is your family behind your decision?

Being your own boss means that you’re not only responsible for getting the load picked up and delivered, but you now have all the back-office responsibilities of managing yourself along with your truck, insurance, expenses, truck payments, cash flow, etc.

3

How is your health? Do you have any health conditions that may get progressively worse over time, preventing you from obtaining a valid DOT medical card? If so, this could have serious consequences on your owner-operating business.

4

Realize that as an owner-operator, you need to: • Be a business person first—running a successful business is demanding and requires a considerable time commitment—and be a trucker second.

• Be able to deal with a maze of state and federal rules and regulations, which can be somewhat complex to understand and frequently change.

• Understand that when you go from being an employee to an owner-operator, you will be leaving company benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, investment opportunities, etc.

5

Decide what type of freight you want to haul and where you want to operate—locally, regionally or nationwide—and how much home time you want. Then, investigate those companies that specialize in the areas of your choice.

6

I advise leasing on with a company and holding off on obtaining your own authority and becoming an “independent” owner-operator, as this complicates things. Consider founding your own trucking company after you have learned the skills and techniques required for becoming a successful leased owner-operator.

Being an independent owner-operator does offer some advantages—such as choosing the loads and lanes that best suit you and not having to deal with company policies and politics, dispatcher favoritism, etc. But weigh this against the pluses of leasing your truck on with a carrier, including not needing to obtain your own operating authority; companypaid or reimbursed tolls; trailers and freight to haul; access to

company-provided fuel and credit card systems, advances and money transfer systems; business support; discounts on fuel, DEF, maintenance, parts and tires; etc.

7

Chose “the right” company to lease on with. Find out everything you can about the company, evaluate pay packages and extras. Talk with experienced owner-operators who are leased to companies you’re interested in, especially drivers who have been with those companies for several years.

Longevity provides a good indication that a given company is a good one to work for.

I recommend preparing a list of questions to make sure you don’t overlook anything important, and always ask the same questions. This apples-to-apples comparison provides a better analysis and more objective basis for decision making. Also, talk with recruiters at those trucking companies that interest you. Here again, ask each one the same questions. The more you know, the better your decisions.

When looking over a lease agreement, be certain it covers everything important and nothing that will make you sorry later.

Does the lease agreement spell out the requirements for you and for the company? Things like who pays for fuel, fuel taxes, permits, tolls, insurance, base plates, detention time, layover pay, empty miles, overweight trailer fines, etc. Is the method of compensation, settlement times, bonus opportunities, clearly spelled out?

One of the things I did that gave me a leg up as an owneroperator was to lease on with a trucking company that I had worked for many years as a driver. I was already familiar with its operations, policies and procedures.

8

Look for a carrier that offers support for its owner-operators.

For example, classes on how to operate profitability, one-onone consultations, online management resources, and continuing support to help assure a successful partnership. Does the carrier offer a sign-on bonus?

»»

RoadKing

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

37

BUY TRUCK

LEASE TRUCK

Buy or Lease?

LEASING An advantage of leasing is that it

Acquiring a truck that is well suited to its job is a major key to becoming a successful owner-operator. Should you purchase a new or used truck or lease one? Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Complicating the decision is the simple fact that there is no correct answer to the lease-or-purchase question. The decision depends on your specific situation and budget, as well as considerations regarding how long you plan to keep the truck, available financing options, your credit history, tax implications and benefits, etc. Regardless, know the requirements for what you will be hauling, necessary truck specifications, type of terrain, any unusual operating conditions, expectation for fuel economy, etc.

NEW TRUCK Buying new enables you to specify exactly what you want in a truck. Today’s new trucks come with comprehensive warranties, so repair costs will be minimal for the first few years.

USED TRUCK When considering a used truck, think about the specs as if it were a new truck. Do they fit the job your truck will do? Ask the seller about any remaining warranties or transferable warranties. Ask for the truck’s maintenance and repair history as well. Check with used truck valuation guides and truck auction sales to determine if the selling price is reasonable.

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly and take it for a test drive (at least 30 minutes) on several road types, with a loaded trailer, if possible. Listen and feel as you drive along at different speeds. I recommend having a certified truck technician give the used truck a thorough inspection. TA Truck Service recently launched its Certified Used Truck and Certified Used Trailer program. A DOT inspection and a series of additional tests focus on key operating systems and components.

TRAILER There are advantages and disadvantages to owning your own trailer.

One advantage is increased revenue. On the other hand, there is the expense for the trailer, plus increased maintenance and administrative costs.

38

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

RoadKing

With your own trailer, you could lose out on earning opportunities because you have to stay “hooked” to your trailer rather than handling drop and hooks.

Purchasing a specialty trailer, like a car hauler or oil tanker, can have its rewards as you can bring capacity and special services to a market that will pay extra for it. However, as that freight volume contracts seasonally or economically, you are tied to that industry segment due to your specialized trailer.

CAUTION Understand that when buying or leasing a vehicle, you’re buying more than a piece of equipment. You’re investing in your own business. Therefore, it is paramount that you make wise purchasing decisions.

Control your emotions. Too many buyers get caught up in the excitement of shopping for a vehicle and letting their emotions overrule logic. Seeing a vehicle spiffed out with lots of shiny accessories and a striking paint job can often cloud one’s good judgment. Maybe you should fine tune your business model and set a goal for adding these extras to your second truck. When you combine an aggressive salesperson and an overly optimistic, unprepared shopper, a deal is often made too quickly. Uninformed decisions usually prove costly because the buyer has the wrong vehicle for the job.

enables you to obtain a vehicle without the upfront costs and credit constraints of ownership. Plus, you can expense the cost of the vehicle monthly rather than carry its liability on your balance sheet.

An operating (full-service) lease is where the lessor provides the vehicle and handles the maintenance, taxes, permits, etc. You essentially pay rent for the use of the truck. When the lease is up, you return it to the lease company. You can, however, purchase the vehicle at a predetermined price. This residual value is agreed upon in the original lease document.

Some motor carriers offer truck leasing as well. Because their leasing arrangements can vary greatly, be sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Carriers also offer lease-purchase plans under which you can purchase a new or used truck from their fleet inventory. Here again, terms and conditions will vary.

Carefully go over the truck you intend to lease. Ask to see maintenance records and be sure all recalls have been addressed and any problems have been fixed. Check to see if warranties are offered. Ask how many times the truck has been leased. This will provide insight into both the quality of the truck and the lease-purchase program.

Remember, you’re buying an anticipated remaining life of the truck and possibly a trailer as measured in miles and years of service.

TELL US YOUR STORY Be sure to pick up a copy of the November-December RoadKing.

Part 2 will take you into the nitty gritty of starting and operating your own business.

If you’ve successfully launched your own business, please contact the RoadKing editor for the possibility of sharing your story with readers. See the contact information on page 6. Thank you!

%3*7&/ " .*--*0/ .*-&4

Or know someone else with the same impeccable safety record? Red Eye Radio wants to give those accident-free drivers a big thank you, on-air, right in front of America.

The Million Mile Club was created to recognize best of the best. It’s perks, prizes and recognition. For contest details or to find a Red Eye Radio station go to redeyeradioshow.com To submit an application online visit: redeyeradioshow.com

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SWEETEN the Season!

Great New Eateries Coming Soon Charley’s Philly Steaks TA Morris, Illinois I-80, Exit 112B

Historic Johnson’s Corner World Famous Cinnamon Rolls are available to order online at JohnsonsCorner.com. Original or flavored rolls ordered online by noon on weekdays are shipped the same day! It’s an excellent way to Sweeten the Holiday Season!

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On Friday, October 26, celebrate National Chicken Fried Steak Day at participating Iron Skillet restaurants. For $5.99, you can enjoy a chicken fried steak meal.

Charley’s Philly Steaks Petro Shorter, Alabama I-85, Exit 22 Fuddruckers TA Savannah, Georgia I-95, Exit 87

Tasty Fall 2018 Sweepsteaks

StayFit® Amenity Additions

Purchase and enjoy a qualifying steak entrée at participating TA and Petro Stopping Centers full-service restaurant between September 4 and October 31, and you’ll receive a scratch-off ticket.

Scratch and win a free beverage, a meal discount, or a $500 gift card.

You can also enter online for a chance to win $10,000.

»» 26 walking trails

Thank You Chaplain Joe The trucking industry lost a friend of Jesus and an inspiration to all when Chaplain Joe Hunter, the charismatic president and founder of Truckstop Ministries, Inc., passed away on July 26, 2018 at age 70. He achieved a monumental task by placing 74 chapel locations in 28 states since March of 1981. Please join in extending deepest sympathies to his wife, Jan, and the Hunter family. Watch for a special tribute to Chaplain Joe in the November-December RoadKing.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE LANSFORD

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»» 5 indoor fitness rooms »» 2 horseshoe pits »» 2 basketball courts »» 2 bean bag toss See detailed listing at ta-petro.com/amenities/stayfit.

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. September-October shows: »» September 6

»» October 4

»» September 20

»» October 18

Kickin’ the Tires Robert Armstrong, Regional Sales Manager for the TA Truck Service Commercial Tire Network, will be hosting Kickin’ the Tires with Dave Nemo on the second Thursday of every month at 8:00 a.m. EST. The show is on Road Dog Trucking Radio, SiriusXM 146. »» September 13

»» October 11

New Tire Leadership

And the Winner is…

Tire industry veteran Robert Eck has been named Vice President, TA Truck Service Commercial Tire Network. In his new role, Eck will provide leadership and oversight of daily operations, as well as formulate strategic plans for future growth of TravelCenters’ tire business including the newly acquired TA Commercial Tire Retread Center. Recently retired from The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Eck has 35 years of tire leadership experience in operations and business development.

Thanks to the professional drivers who completed a RoadKing readership survey at Iowa 80’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree on July 12, 13 and 14. The winner of the drawing for the GoPro Hero video camera package is David Buck, who resides in Springfield, Illinois and drives for Schneider National.

Congratulations David and thanks for reading RoadKing!

Professional Development Plus 30+ Educational Sessions, Peer-to-Peer Sharing

New Retread Center A r ecent ly opened Commercial Tire Network Retread Center in Bowling Green, Ohio is producing retread tires as part of the Goodyear Authorized Retread Network. Customerowned casings can be retreaded with premium performance Goodyear treads, a solution that significantly reduces cost-per-mile by lengthening tire life.

New Wide-Base Goodyear Tires The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company introduced two widebase tires that save fuel and help reduce downtime in long-haul applications. The Fuel Max SSD drive and Fuel Max SST trailer tires are SmartWay verified and feature Goodyear Fuel Max Technology, which incorporates fuel-saving compounds with advanced tire constructions and tread designs for low rolling resistance. Built into the tires during the manufacturing process, Goodyear DuraSeal Technology helps seal punctures up to ¼-inch diameter in the repairable area of the tread.

Plan now to attend the 2018 Accelerate! Conference & Expo sponsored by Women In Trucking, November 12-14, in Dallas.

The three-day event will be packed with relevant information and best practices that will generate results for your career and your company. You can learn more and register at WomenInTrucking.org/2018-conference-registration.

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Truck Gifted to Veteran In cooperation with St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (SCF), long-time affiliate Progressive Commercial gifted a fully updated 2015 Freightliner Cascadia to James Rogers, a deserving military veteran. He served 11 years in the Army, including tours in Afghanistan and Korea. Progressive’s Keys to Progress program enabled Rogers to join the ranks of owner-operators. “It was an honor to serve my country in the Army, and now I get to serve my country again through my own trucking business,” said Rogers. Shannon Currier, SCF Director of Philanthropy and Development, participated in the truck presentation.

New Roadmaster Tire Sizes Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has added new sizes to its popular Roadmaster RM272™ tire line, which is engineered to withstand the demands of drop deck and spread axle trailers.

The tire is now available in sizes 295/75R22.5 LR H, 11R22.5 LR H and 11R24.5 LR H. Backed by a six-year, two-retread warranty, the RM272 features a premium, high-scrub tread compound that provides improved tread wear and solid, longlasting protection against cutting and chipping in spread axle trailer applications.

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Free TMAF Resources Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) offers a full range of free marketing and educational materials through its website, including posters, videos, shareable images, campaign materials and sample radio advertisements. Other promotional materials including social media content, display banners, truck wraps and more are available at TruckingMovesAmerica.com/resources/.

Landstar Truck Winner

LED Headlights on the Way

Landstar Million Mile Safe Driver David Zelsdorf of Albertville, Alabama was the lucky winner of a 2019 Western Star 5700XE tractor spec’d with a Detroit DD15®, 14.8L engine and a Detroit DT12™ automated manual transmission. At its Annual BCO AllStar Celebration, Landstar gives away a new truck, including all registration fees and taxes, to one of its Million Mile and Roadstar® safe truck owner-operators. Congratulations David!

Driving at night and in bad weather is about to become significantly safer as most class 7 and 8 truck manufacturers are making the switch to LED headlights, beginning with 2019 models.

Although most trucks come with halogen or highintensity discharge (HID) headlamps, the declining cost of LEDs and a host of safety, maintenance, and operational benefits have made it possible to install LEDs as standard.

However, instead of relying on LED technology adapted from the automotive sector—which may not always be suitable for over-the-road trucks—OEMs are partnering with lighting manufacturers such as Grote that specialize in commercial truck applications. Based on key technology improvements and the price of LEDs dropping, manufacturers are ready to make the switch.

Nominate a Citizen Driver If you’ve been thinking of nominating someone for consideration as a 2019 Citizen Driver, now is the time to act. Nominations close Sunday, September 30, 2018. Don’t wait until the last day. Do it now! You can review the entry form and all details relative to submitting a 2019 Citizen Driver nomination at TA-Petro.com/CitizenDriver/Nominate-a-Driver/.

Win a Sure Shim 2-Pack To help you hold pig tail plugs securely and avoid wobble, wear and trailer light malfunctions, you can win one of six Sure Shim™ 2-Packs by sending an email to Warren@HighVelocityCommunications.com.

On the subject line, enter Win a Sure Shim 2-Pack. To facilitate verification of the six winners, please include your name and mobile phone number in your email. No calls please. Entries must be received by 11:59 P.M. on October 31, 2018. To see a video demo and learn more about the benefits of Sure Shim pigtail plug/receptacle safety shims, visit SureShim.com/product/.

The six winners of a Sure Shim 2-Pack will be announced in the RoadKing January-February 2019 issue News pages. Good Luck!

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‘Thank You’ TWO WORDS EVERYONE APPRECIATES BY: BILL TERRY, PROFESSIONAL DRIVER, DICK LAVY TRUCKING

Look back to the time when you were a young child living at home, or if you can’t remember and you have children, look back to when they were young, perhaps 5- to 10-years-old. Then, think about a time when you gave them a chore to, perhaps clean their rooms or take out the garbage. What was said to you or what did you say when the chore was finished?

Chances are, it was, “Thank You.” Do you remember how you felt when you heard those words? Or, did you notice the look on your children’s faces when you said that to them? Chances are a smile appeared.

When I heard those words, I know I felt good. My mom or dad appreciated the job I had done. But why say them? I was just doing what was expected of me.

Fast Forward to Today The trucking industry has some major challenges to overcome such as the cost of fuel, equipment cost, driver shortages, HOS regulations, etc. One of the biggest, and one that really shocks me, is driver turnover. It’s not uncommon for annual turnover to exceed 100%. That just amazes me. Why are so many drivers constantly changing companies? You see the ads, good pay, good miles, good home time.

If a company is providing all of the “basic needs,” why are drivers quitting?

Maybe, just maybe, drivers are looking for companies that appreciate what they do. Think about it. When was the last time your dispatcher, or planner, or team leader, actually called you and said, “Thank you for doing that load? I know you had to drive

through bad weather, or I know you didn’t get a lot of extra time, but you delivered the load on time, and I appreciate that.” Has it happened lately? Has it ever happened? I can tell you it’s the exception rather than the rule. Wouldn’t it be nice, if someone noticed how well we’re doing our jobs?

the last time you thanked one of these coworkers? Think about it; we need all of them to do our jobs well Others we as drivers probably don’t thank enough are customers. Without them, we wouldn’t have jobs. But I know what you’re thinking. “I as a driver don’t

“ Even though a ‘thank you’ isn’t necessary, it’s always appreciated, whether giving or receiving.”

For drivers, the sad part is, we are just as guilty. Our dispatchers, planners, team leaders have a lot to do to keep us rolling. They may be working with 60, 70, 80 or more drivers. They have to listen to our gripes, our complaining, our “I don’t wants,” or “I need to be homes,” and still get the loads covered. When was the last time you, as a driver, after having a good week, after getting a nice paycheck, after getting home for your child’s game, graduation or birthday, did you call someone and say, “thank you?” Yes, they are just “doing their jobs,” but they need to know we appreciate the jobs they’re doing and how their efforts impact us.

There are other groups that I think are sadly overlooked when it comes to being thanked. What about all the office people that take care of us? The HR people, the safety staff, the payroll people, the accounts payable and receivable people?

What about all the mechanics who keep our equipment running? When was

see the people that contract the carriers, so how would I thank our customers?

What about the people in shipping and receiving? What about the forklift operators who load or unload you? They have a direct impact on how easy or hard your job is.

At my company, Dick Lavy Trucking, we’re lucky. Mr. Lavy keeps us well supplied with ink pens and baseball caps that drivers can give customers who take good care of us. Every time, I receive that same smile your child or grandchild gives you when you say, “thank you.”

I’ve had many people thank me for my service after 23 years in the Army.

Even though it was an honor to serve and ‘thank yous’ aren’t needed, they’re always appreciated. As a truck driver I feel the same way. I’m still serving my country.

Without us, people would have nothing.

We pick up and deliver almost everything people need to live. Even though a ‘thank you’ isn’t necessary, it’s always appreciated, whether giving or receiving.

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PROFILE Walcott, Iowa

Rave Reviews for Iowa 80 Expansion The first two phases of the muchanticipated expansion and remodel of the Iowa 80 truck stop main building are complete and ready to add to the world’s largest truck stop’s reputation for outstanding hospitality and customer service. The 23,000 sq. ft. added to the existing 100,000 sq. ft. of floor space is a sight to behold.

The addition is home to a stunning food court that is spacious, well-lighted and seats more than 300 guests, while serving anyone’s tastes. You can choose from Caribou Coffee-Einstein Bros.

Bagels, Dairy Queen-Orange Julius, Pizza Hut Express, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s. New food preparation areas and equipment were installed throughout. A game room with the latest skills challenges, interactive technologies and graphics has proven popular, whether young or not-so-young.

The welcoming environment of the new convenience store offers an expanded 50

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merchandise selection that’s too broad to describe here. You’ll have to see it to believe it. A great selection of Grab-n-Go food items is one outstanding example.

Convenient checkout locations can handle the largest crowds at the busiest times of day. Everything is well organized, attractively presented and easy to access.

Access & Parking When the third phase of the expansion is completed later this year, you’ll see a model for navigating and parking

configuration that you’ll truly appreciate.

Access to all of the 900-plus diagonal parking spaces will feature left-angle pullin and right-angle pull-out. When you arrive at Iowa 80, a beautiful new arch and Main Street USA boulevard will welcome you at the truck entrance and lead you to the diesel islands, TA Truck Service center, Truckomat truck wash and parking. The extra-wide roadway includes curbs, lighting and easily followed directional signage. With parking spaces given up due to the reconfiguration and the addition of even more parking spaces in the southeast portion of the lot, more than 900 truck parking spaces will be retained with the likelihood of adding more.

Whether you’re only stopping for fuel, a bite to eat and/or a personal break or you’re staying for a 10-hour shutdown or a 34-hour reset, be sure to check out the expanded facilities and new amenities at the TA Iowa 80 truck stop.

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AMENITIES Where: I-80, Exit 284 Phone: 563.284.6961 Fax: 563.468.5520 Access Number: 5015 Truck Parking Spaces: 900 Private Showers: 24 Washers & Dryers: 16 Diesel Refueling Lanes: 16 w/DEF Truck Service Bays: 7 - 24/7/365 RoadSquad Assistance: 24/7/365 Truckomat Truck Wash: 3 Bays Dogomat Pet Wash Restaurants: Iowa 80 Kitchen, Caribou Coffee-Einstein Bros. Bagels, Dairy Queen-Orange Julius, Pizza Hut Express, Taco Bell and Wendy’s STAYFit ® Fitness Room & Walking Trails Super Truck Showroom Huge Convenience Store & Gift Shop Iowa 80 Trucking Museum Home of Walcott Truckers Jamboree RoadKing

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