TRUCKER’S CONNECTION OCTOBER 2012

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Celadon offers excellent earnings when you’re on the road and 5 weeks of vacation to enjoy when you’re off the road.

Features

Departments

October 2012Vol ume 26

Issue 10

30

94

68

Goes Big!

Bill Mack’s Entertainment Beat My Steak Dinner with a Major Movie Star

Own Your Own RideAll about top companies and their lease purchasing programs.

The Connection MarketplaceFind items and services here geared towards making

life on the road easier, more enjoyable or more profitable.

38

TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 5Find your favorite magazines at TruckDriverMagazines.com

Featured on the Cover:Photo provided by

Bennett Motor Express

Featured on the Cover:

Heavy Hauling

Find us here:www.facebook.com/TruckersConnectionMagazine

Follow Megan on Twitter:@MegazineMegan

Viewpoint 13

Industry Update 22

Entertainment Beat 30

NASCAR News 52

Protect Yourself 60

Carrier Lane 76

Product Profile 86

Safety Tips 90

Connection Wordfind 98

THE TOTAL PACKAGE@ MARTEN TRANSPORT

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COPYRIGHT: ©2009 Trucker’s Connection, 3651 Peachtree Parkway Suite E-256 Suwanee, Georgia 30024. Trucker's Connection, Inc. is a subsidiary of Target Media Partners, Los Angeles, CA. The Publisher as sumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Re pro duc tion in whole or in part without written permis sion is prohibited. SUB SCRIP TIONS: The pub lish er reserves the right to accept or reject any subscriptions. Rates for individuals in the U.S.A.: $26.95 per year; Canada $45.00 per year; all other countries $90.00 per year payable in advance. POSTMASTER: Send ad dress changes to Trucker’s Con nec tion, 3651 Peachtree Parkway Suite E-256 Suwanee, Georgia 30024. POL I CY: All advertisements, and/or editorials are accepted and published by Trucker’s Connection on the rep-re sen ta tion that the advertiser, its advertising company, and/or the supplier of the editorials are authorized to publish the entire contents and subject matter there-of. The advertiser, its advertising company and/or the supplier of the editorial will defend, indemnify and hold Trucker’s Connection harmless from and against any loss, expense or other liability, resulting from any claims or suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism, copyright or trademark infringement and any other claims or suits that may rise out of publication of such advertisements and/or editorials. Press releases are expressly cov ered within the definition of editorials.

A Subsidiary of Target Media Partners

The NATSOFoundationMember of

NATSO, Inc.

Megan Cullingford-Hicks [email protected]

Amy Gaitan [email protected] O’Connell [email protected]

Bill Mack John Ewing Bob Hataway Cheryl Cheek Jennifer Hawks

Jamie Adcock [email protected] Hicks [email protected] McClendon [email protected] Larcinese [email protected]

Mark SchiffmacherSusan M. HumphrevilleEd Leader

5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy., Suite 103

Suwanee, Georgia 30024

Telephone: 678-325-1022 / Fax: 470-253-7086

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Chairman/CEOCFO

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TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 9Find your favorite magazines at TruckDriverMagazines.com

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I saw a license plate earlier today that read: LVSDOGS.

Dang it—that should be MINE, I thought. Because I most certainly do luv…er, love dogs.

Are you a dog person? Most truckers I’ve met in 18+ years of interacting with this unique breed of folks are indeed dog people. Many drivers try and bring their pooch on the road but even if they cannot or simply do not, they are still dog folks in their heart of hearts with a furry friend waiting for them at home. And I think being a lover of dogs (or really, animals) says so much about the character of a person.

Truckers are tied to their pets, often to a degree that it influences where they ultimately work. It’s why trucking companies that allow a pet companion will typically tout that as one of their greatest benefits. After all, dogs allevi-ate loneliness on the road, and they get drivers out of their rigs and walking, running, exercising in some way. They often double as security guards since would-be thieves and strangers will not usually gamble on approaching a truck with a dog inside who may or may not have any tolerance for unexpected

visitors encroaching on THEIR truck. They’re loyal to their masters and are the only species truly capable of uncon-ditional love.

The other day, my Sheltie DJ was on the bed next to me as I sat there and played a game with my son that involved me trying to snatch an item from his hand faster than he could

move it away. We were laughing about it all, as I was hopelessly

unsuccessful. Finally, Chase went to use his other hand to set something on the bed and as he did, DJ snapped at

him. I know my dog and he wouldn’t have actually

bitten Chase (or anyone) but it was his way of showing some pro-tectiveness over me to the person he thought might be out of line or get-ting too close. We laughed more but it reminded me again of what a joy my own dog brings to my life.

Do you travel with a pet? I’d love to hear from you. Send your story and photos to [email protected].

TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 13

ViewPointBy Megan Cullingford-Hicks

Dog People

Find your favorite magazines at TruckDriverMagazines.com

Like us! www.facebook.com/TruckersConnectionMagazineand follow me on twitter: @MagazineMegan

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David Oglesby, Jr“Flatbedisthehardestkindofworkintrucking.You’reinalltypesofweatherdoingalotofphysicallaborinordertomakesurethattheloadissecuredcorrectly.BTCseesthehardworkyouputinandrewardsyouforit,frompaytoincentivebonusestohomeeveryweekend.FlatbedworkpaysoffmoreatBuildersthananywhereelse.”

Lew Dixon“Fullsecurementoftheaverageloadtakesaboutanhourandahalfofphysicalexertion.Thisisnotateamoperation,soyou’redoingallthisworkonyourownandit’suptoyoutomakesurethattheloadissecuredproperly.Flatbedissomeofthemostphysicalworkyouwilldointhetruckingindustry,butasaresult,you’llearnmorewithpay,incentiveplans,referralbonusesandtarppay.RewardsatBTCaresomeofthebestintheindustry.”

We’re hiring team drivers like Brian and Bruce. They’re brothers who have been working together since they were thirteen years old. They know a thing or two about working with family and maybe that’s why they choose to drive for us. Everyone says, “we treat our drivers like family,” but for us it’s more than just talk. We mean it. It’s how we’ve earned one of the highest driver retention rates in the industry. Sound good to you? This may be the start of a new career.

As brothers, they understand the importance of family.

We’re looking for team drivers.Brian and Bruce are True to Blue. To fi nd out how you can be a part of our family, go to www.true2blue.com/tc or call 866-703-2001.

We’re looking for drivers who feel the same way.

TCA ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS IN 2ND WEIGHT LOSS SHOWDOWN

The TCA’s first weight loss challenge (held earlier this year) helped individuals lose a combined

3,022 pounds, or 10 percent of their collective body weight. The event was such a success that TCA will host another.

Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown is a competition that challenges teams of drivers and staff from TCA-member truckload carriers to determine which individual and which company can achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss. The battle will last 10 weeks and will be managed for TCA by Lindora Clinics. Lindora coaches will contact each individual throughout the battle to provide nutrition education, help boost morale, discuss obstacles, and record weight loss.

Kathy Ayres, Lean for Life On-the-Road project manager for Lindora Clinic, said, “The Lindora team is really looking forward to the second Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown! After the amazing success of the first Showdown, and the synergy that was created with those teams, we are thrilled to have an opportunity to recreate the magic with this new group of Showdown contenders.”

The individual who loses the greatest percentage of weight will receive $2,500 and a trophy, provided once again by Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kansas.

Winners of the second Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown will be announced in mid-December. Company and individual winners will be honored in January 2013 at TCA’s Recruitment & Retention Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

TOLLING I-95 ‘JUST WRONG’ FOR VIRGINIA, SAYS ATA

The American Trucking Associations recently joined with dozens of other organizations and municipalities in urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to reject an application by the Commonwealth of Virginia to toll one of America’s most critical freight corridors.

Virginia’s application to toll I-95 will be bad, not just for trucking companies in the state of Virginia, but for truckers and consumers all across the United States who will bear the expense of increased transportation costs, stated an ATA news release.

“Tolls are taxes, plain and simple. Trucks, as well as cars, need to slow down to pay a toll – thus creating a natural chokepoint for congestion, contributing to increased fuel use

22 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION Hundreds of Jobs www.TruckJobSeekers.com

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and emissions,” said ATA President Bill Graves. “As Gov. McDonnell said, ‘If you don’t want to pay a toll, don’t use 95.’ Well, the Main Streets and Maple Avenues of Virginia were not designed for large trucks and the significant increases in traffic that come with diverting traffic off the Interstate highway system. Putting more vehicles on these secondary roads is a recipe for more accidents and increased maintenance costs for cities and counties across the state.”

Graves, the former of governor of Kansas, said while he sympathized with Virginia’s plight, tolls were not the answer.

“I understand, perhaps as well as anyone, the struggles states have in paying for infrastructure, but tolls are not the ‘conservative solution’ to the problem. At a time when many in this country are looking to limit the size of government creating an entire bureaucracy to collect a toll, a bureaucracy that then needs to be paid for from those same tolls, is just wrong,” he said.

CSA CARGO, HAZMAT CHANGES FINALIZED; FATIGUED DRIVING RENAMED

The Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration recently revealed the latest modifications to its Compliance, Safety, Accountability program, including previously announced changes regarding the scoring of cargo securement violations and the

creation of a hazardous materials BASIC.

Other changes include renaming the Fatigued Driving BASIC and removing points for speeding violations of 5 mph or less. The agency will also create an advisory panel of industry representatives to address CSA issues.

The changes are the latest round of improvements to the CSA program following public input, FMCSA said.

“CSA is raising the bar for truck and bus safety. Our preliminary data shows that fatalities involving commercial vehicles dropped 4.7 percent last year compared to 2010,” said FMCSA Administrator Ferro. “Still, on average, nearly 4,000 people die in large truck and bus crashes each year. That is why we are implementing these important changes to make CSA even more effective.”

Additionally, the agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee will name a subcommittee dedicated to CSA matters.


Industry Update

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I’ve been a movie buff all of my life. Some of my fondest memories are those very special Saturdays

when I was a youngster. My mother would drop my little brother and me off at the Texas Theater and the Liberty Theater in my hometown of Shamrock, Texas, for our weekly attendance at both of these wonderful establishments. I can still smell the heavenly aroma of the popcorn! It seems popcorn always had a better taste back then. As I remember, the cost for a big bag of well-buttered hot popcorn was 5 cents. The price for admission to both theaters was 10 cents.

We would normally make the Texas our first stop. This was where all of the Three Stooges comedy shorts were projected to the big screen. Larry, Curly and Moe, were our favorite film stars! After they gave us approximately 20 minutes of hilarious entertainment, one of our western heroes would gallop into action for about an hour, followed by a low-budget “feature” and a “serial.”

It seemed the Texas was a little more uppity than the Liberty. They programmed the big movies made by MGM (Metro Goldwyn Mayer), Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Brothers, Columbia and Universal. The Liberty presented features produced by the smaller studios, such as PRC (Producers Releasing

Corporation), Monogram and Republic Pictures.

My personal favorite was Republic. This was the company that gave us those wonderful “cliffhanger” serials such as “Captain Marvel,” “Captain

Midnight,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Red Ryder” and countless other dandies that brought us back to our seats every week. If you are younger than 60, those titles may seem a little foreign to you.

After entering the field of broadcasting in the early 1950s, I had the opportunity to meet many movie stars. I will never forget the first one.

While working at radio station KWFT in Wichita Falls, Texas, Universal Pictures was promoting

Entertainment BeatBy Bill Mack

My Steak Dinner with a Major Movie Star

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one of their latest epics and decided to bring three of their most popular contracted stars into the city to grab some added attention. They included Jeff Chandler, Rock Hudson and a pretty little newcomer named Piper Laurie. The name of the movie was “Iron Man.” Chandler was the star. Hudson was just beginning his monumental career, but his name wasn’t yet important enough to receive top billing. He was given the No. 4 spot in the film’s cast listing. Poor little Piper wasn’t even in the picture. Obviously, she was the only Universal starlet who was available for the trip to Wichita Falls at the time. She had just completed her first important picture, co-starring with the very talented Donald O’Conner in a ditty titled “Francis Goes To The Races.” As you might possibly recall, “Francis” was a talking mule.

Since I was still 19 years old, about the same age as Piper—both of us single—Universal and KWFT thought it would add some publicity to the event by attaching Piper and me, the radio station’s only single disk jockey, for a date! Of course, I loved the idea.

When the big night arrived, I was ordered to dress in a rented tuxedo, while Piper was to be outfitted in a gorgeous white evening gown. She, along with Jeff and Rock, were provided with large suites in the gargantuan Kemp Hotel, Wichita Falls’ finest. It was decided that a

huge limousine would deliver me to the Kemp, where I would call for Miss Laurie and take her to one of the city’s oh-so-proper restaurants.

It was also decided that my very humble apartment—setting in a common area of the city, near the stockyards—wasn’t the place for a limo to pick up the kid in the tuxedo. Blaine Cornwell, my program director, hid me in his Chevy and hauled me to the elaborate home of the radio station’s owner, located near the Wichita Falls Country Club. It was pre-arranged for the press to shoot photos of me entering the limo. Then, they would follow the limousine to the Kemp Hotel, where a giant crowd was waiting to witness the cute young couple in action!

As I attempted to exit the huge vehicle, the driver growled, “No, Sir! Let me open the door!” As I recall, it was my first night in a tux or a limo!

After entering the hotel, I was guided to Piper Laurie’s suite, where I nervously knocked on the door. Within a matter of seconds, she opened it, gave me a huge smile, and


Entertainment Beat

“When the big night arrived, I was ordered to dress in a rented tuxedo, while Piper was to be outfitted in a gorgeous white evening gown.”

then planted a perfect Hollywood kiss on my mouth before shouting, “Glad to meet you, you handsome little Texan!” Then, she grabbed my arm, closed the door and grumbled, “Let’s go get some food! This girl is starved!”

We entered the limousine with hundreds of people screaming at us. I well remember it being a hot summer night. After seating ourselves in the limo, I followed Piper’s actions by waving at the crowd and smiling. After all, the press photographers were capturing every moment! As the driver pulled away from the curb, Piper said, “What do you folks eat down here in Texas?” I informed her we liked just about everything, especially steaks.

“Steaks, it’ll be. Driver, put this big car in high gear. I’m hungrier than the Jolly Green Giant!”

After arriving at the fancy restaurant, Universal’s security men guided us into the establishment, where we were seated at a candle lighted table. The waiter, also dressed in a tux, approached us with a smile. Piper looked at the menu and said, “Give me your best steak, over easy.Also give me a big glass of your best wine.”

Looking at me, she asked, “What are you havin’, Tex?”

“I’ll take th’ same,” I replied.As we sipped our wine, a small

orchestra was playing soothing music on a dimly lighted stage. Piper said, “Don’t ask me to dance, Tex. My feet are killin’ me! Matter of fact, I’m slippin’ these tight fittin’ shoes off while we eat.”

As I remember, the steaks were delicious, although the conversation was limited. Miss Laurie said, “You do the talking. I’ll do the eating.”

Finally, we were finishing our dessert as one of the Universal reps walked to the table, smiled, and informed us it was time to get back to the hotel. Piper needed her rest.

“Tomorrow’s a busy day,” he uttered.

As we returned to the hotel, there were still a few movie fans standing near the entrance. The limo driver helped us from the big car and I ushered Piper back to her suite. As I opened the door, she paused, gave me a beautiful smile, and planted another Hollywood kiss to my mouth. Then, she whispered, “I enjoyed being with you so much!” After gently patting my hand, she asked, “By the way, what is your name?”

“Bill. Bill Mack.”Before slowly closing the door to

her suite, she gave me another sultry smile and purred, “Goodnight, Bill. Catch me in the movies!”

My date with a gorgeous Hollywood star had ended.

Visit Bill at BillMackCountry.com.


Entertainment Beat

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Feature Story

ave you ever driven down the interstate behind a flatbed carting an unusual form of cargo? Maybe it’s farm equipment, lumber, or housing materials. Often times, it’s military equipment, like jeeps, or even a tank. And if you’re driving anywhere near the NASA facilities in either Houston, Texas or Cape Canaveral, Florida, there’s a very good chance you have seen trucks transporting parts of the space shuttles that carry our nation’s astronauts into the deepest reaches of outer space.

Now, have you ever thought about driving one of the rigs transporting this unconventional freight?

Then you’re going to want to investigate heavy hauling transportation. But what is it?

By definition, heavy hauling is the transport of over-dimensional, often heavy materials from one point to another. Generally, heavy haul freight will require a state permit and specialized trailer in order to meet DOT regulations. The freight is open, and needs to be loaded onto each bed with machinery (meaning more hands-off work for the driver).

H

Heavy

TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 39

But there’s so much more to a career in this unique field in our industry. And the more you learn, the more you’re likely to realize it just might be the field for you.

The Challenges of speCialized hauling

Rob Simon is the Vice President of Heavy Haul at Bennett Motor Express, an international company. He says that specialized hauling “is an inadequate definition to describe this type of transport, as it more resembles transport engineering when you consider something that is too tall to fit under a highway overpass, takes up two or more lands of a two-lane highway, [and often] can exceed 250’ in length.”

That’s why, at Bennett, specialized hauling is categorized by shipment weight or dimensions that exceed predetermined measurements, as well as the skill level of the commercial vehicle operator who operates the equipment.

“The shipments transported by this fleet not only exceed regulatory compliance of what is considered legal

weight and dimensions,” Simon said, “they more often or not exceed 12’ in width, occupy the entire traffic lane, requiring escorts to provide traffic control increasing visibility and most important: highway safety.

“From transporting shipments exceeding the height of the overhead structures and wires that were built to go over the highways of North America to long combinations of vehicles that include tractor, jeep, trailer, boosters, dollies, push tractors, some of which are equipped with remote wireless steering on the trailing components, that combined can have a gross weight of 250 tons,” Simon continued.

It doesn’t sound easy. Drivers must be familiar with how to secure specialized freight, and keep it on the bed as it is being transported. Simon says that some of the challenges associated with the high-responsibility position include an intricate understanding of state-, city- or county-issued oversize permits, as well as the complexities of working with state transportation departments that, as Simon puts it, “are understaffed for today’s load volumes, further compounded with

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By Sean O’Connell

haulin’

a highway infrastructure that needs to be upgraded. Not to mention that these regulations change at every state line.”

For these (and various other reasons), Simon points out that the labor force to operate heavy-hauling equipment is “on average 55 years of age, and have a highly specialized level of training in the transport of these types of shipments -- most of which has been on the job training.”

Simon says that by looking forward in the years to come, he anticipates very limited training programs for new drivers, and very few drivers wanting to get in to this specialty.

Difficult, yes. Perks? Most Definitely

On the flip side, there are several perks to being a heavy- or specialized-haul driver. Duane Boswell, Vice President of Recruiting at TMC Transportation, says, “There’s less

waiting time in flatbed than any of the other types of carriage. Most of their freight, once they pick it up, actually goes to work sites. So you’re not sitting in lines at distribution warehouses waiting for stuff to be unloaded, typically. Drivers hate that waiting time, and flat-bed drivers experience a lot less of it.”

Mike Page Director of Recruiting at Bennett points out the financial rewards to specialized hauling, but says it’s actually not the highest priority for these types of drivers.

“[Instead,] it is the feeling of pride when the cargo is safely at destination, without incident during transport and reflects that he or she played a part in delivering space flight hardware, new medical diagnosis/research machinery, a piece of equipment that keeps a production facility working or a critical component that keeps the lights on in North America.”

What are some of the unique items companies have shipped using


Feature Story


Feature Story

specialized freight?Simon actually notes that most

special commodities transported are “under customer confidentiality contracts,” but adds that Bennett handles “almost anything that can be transported by truck, from airplane fuselages, parts for our space program, transformers, vessels, tanks, cranes, excavators, bull dozers, large buildings made of steel or concrete, jail cells, bridge panels … just about anything you can imagine.”

And Boswell adds, “Our drivers like hauling John Deere, the big, sexy kind of equipment. The big combines, sprayers and stuff like that.”

What Do these haulers think?

Speaking of the drivers, we wanted to hear directly from them about the challenges, perks and differences they see on a daily basis while driving heavy haulers. For that, we turned to Oscar Kleman, the VP of Driver Recruiting at Anderson Trucking Service, Inc., who polled his company’s drivers and came back with valuable responses.

When asked how heavy hauling is different from regular truck driving, the ATS drivers mentioned that they get more exercise that a normal driver; enjoy a different load everyday (and can appreciate a variety of loads); have no overnight loading and unloading; endure very little weekend work; and have found over the years that the money is better.

You’re ready to job into the field after hearing all of that, right? Hold on. We asked them about the challenges of heavy hauling, and they said it is difficult making sure they have the right equipment for each individual job; that trailers are secure and equipment is up to code; and that the freight is kept safe on the open trailer.

Finally, we asked the top drivers in this field what some of the rewards of the career might be, and they said they feel better, earn more money, and have a strong sense of achievement when they arrive safely at the consignee.

Think it’s for you? Look into a career in heavy hauling today.

After 50 years in the business we don’t mind setting the record straight.

Despite the challenging times, Roehl Transport has continued to solidify its name in the industry as a leader in safety and dependability. Why? Because we believe in respect, integrity and empowering our drivers to succeed. That is the Power of Red.

• Industry leader in hometime flexibility

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To drive for the industry’s premier temperature control speciailist call 800-669-0322 or apply online at ShafferJobs.com. There are no shortcuts™

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Company drivers are in demand right now, so it’s a good thing Earl treats its drivers better than the rest. Henderson Trucking takes care of its drivers by offering new equipment, great miles, and consistent freight. We also provide excellent home time, great pay and the opportunity to work for a carrier that puts its drivers first.

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STEWART MORE FOCUSED ON TITLE HUNT THAN KENSETH

Tony Stewart was at Charlotte Motor Speedway recently as part of a sponsor promotion that involved him taking a spin in a World War II-era tank. As the NASCAR star stood next to the hulking green vehicle— adorned with a No. 14 on the turret, of course—he could think of only one thing that would make the experience better.

“It’s not going to be nearly as much fun without something to run over,” he said. Sure enough, a speedway public relations official was quick with something to offer -- a die-cast replica of Matt Kenseth’s race car.

Thanks but no thanks, the driver said.

Of course, it would have been understandable had Stewart taken him up on the gesture, and placed

that miniature No. 17 car under the tracks of the M-36 Jackson. Stewart and Kenseth engaged in a dramatic tussle at Bristol Motor Speedway, the incident beginning when the two vehicles crashed while racing for position, and ending when Stewart flung his helmet at Kenseth’s car. The reigning Sprint Cup champion followed up with harsh words, vowing to run over Kenseth at every opportunity he had for the remainder of the season.

But recently, tensions had relaxed considerably. Stewart said he and Kenseth hadn’t talked, and probably wouldn’t—but what happened at Bristol would probably be left behind them nonetheless.

“I can promise you, we’ll probably go back and race each other like we always do. When you’ve got 43 guys every week, or 42 guys and a girl depending on what week it is, and you’re all going for the same thing, you’re not always going to agree.

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You are going to disagree at times,” Stewart said. “This isn’t the first time something has happened like this, this isn’t the first time it’s happened with Matt and I. But it’s never really lingered on past whatever’s happened. We still both have teams that are capable of going out and winning the championship, so you can either spend your time worrying about him, or spend your time worrying about how to win a championship. I find it more productive to figure out how to win a championship. I’m pretty sure he’s thinking the same way.”

MARTIN TO RETURN AS HARVICK’S PIT CHIEF

Kevin Harvick had a new crew chief at Bristol Motor Speedway, and it was be a familiar face.

Gil Martin, who won eight races with Harvick in previous stints,

returned to the No. 29 pit box at Bristol, Richard Childress Racing has confirmed. Previously the team’s director of competition for the Nationwide Series, Martin replaces Shane Wilson, with whom Harvick has gone winless to this point in the season.

The move comes amid a sluggish season on the Sprint Cup tour for RCR, which has yet to win a race at NASCAR’s top level. After consecutive third-place finishes in final points over the past two seasons, Harvick currently stands eighth. He’s the only RCR driver with a realistic hope of qualifying for the Chase, given that teammates Paul Menard and Jeff Burton are 15th and 20th in the standings, respectively.

Martin and Harvick won three races together in 2010 and four more in 2011. The organization consolidated from four Cup entries to three for this season, leading RCR to shuffle its personnel after last season and move Wilson—who won two races with former RCR driver Clint Bowyer and had great success with Harvick in Nationwide—to the No. 29 car. The two got off to a promising start, but Harvick has finished inside the top 10 just once in his past eight races.

The change took effect at Bristol, where Harvick has one career victory, that coming with interim crew chief Scott Miller in spring 2005.


NASCAR News

AT THE END OF YOUR JOB SEARCH, IT COMES DOWN TO WHOSE CUSTOMERS ARE BETTER.

Great customers make for great business. At Gordon Trucking, we take great measures to choose customers that provide a successful business relationship. We work with Fortune 500 companies and operate on mostly drop and hook. A stable customer base means year-round freight for you.

To find out more about our steady freight call 800-508-1958 or visit us at www.teamgti.com.

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KENSETH MUM ON NEXT YEAR

Matt Kenseth isn’t exactly a man without a race team, but he still hasn’t announced his deal for next year.

It’s a poorly kept secret that Kenseth will be driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013, but sources have said Kenseth is embargoed contractually from announcing his new ride until a later date.

Asked about the possible timing of the announcement, Kenseth was typically circumspect.

“I would if I knew, but I don’t know,” Kenseth said.

But is the deal for next year still in place?

“I hope so,” Kenseth said with a laugh.


NASCAR News


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We’ve been focusing on the driver, and what you can do to manage your career

and to encourage you to document your files for future reference for dispute purposes.

This month’s column will address what drivers need to know about how their employment reports should be handled by an employer.

An employment report (commonly referred to in the trucking industry as a DAC report) or background check is really known as a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Federal Trade Commission is charged with enforcement of this Act, and has some good information on their Web site.

Let’s get back to the consumer report process. Before any employer may obtain a consumer report on a driver, the employer must provide a written, stand-alone document letting the driver know that the consumer report may be used as part of the hiring decision.

It’s important to note that this must be a stand-alone document and cannot be part of an employment application.

Next, the employer must obtain written (mail, computer, or other similar means) or verbal permission from the applicant to pull a consumer

report. This permission statement must also be clear as to whether future reports will be pulled during the driver’s employment. Prior to obtaining the report, the employer must certify to the consumer reporting agency (such as HireRight, Tenstreet, etc.) that the applicant has been notified of how the consumer report will be used, and that the employer has the applicant’s permission to obtain the report. They must also state that the report will only be used for the purposes intended and in full compliance with the FCRA and other federal/state equal opportunity requirements.

Once the employer obtains the report—and before they take an adverse employment action such as denying employment, re-assignment, or termination—the employer must provide the applicant or employee a copy of the consumer report used for the decision and a summary of


How is Your Report Being Handled?

Protect YourselfBy Victor Zimmerman

’


Protect Yourself

the applicant or employee’s rights to dispute the information contained therein. The intent here is to provide the applicant or employee an opportunity to review the consumer report and advise if the information is correct.

After the adverse action, the employer must notify the applicant or employee verbally, in writing, or electronically. Additionally, they must supply the consumer reporting agency’s name, address, and phone number; notice that the agency was not involved in the hiring or firing decision; and the applicant or employee’s right to obtain a free report within 60 days.

The employer must properly dispose of the consumer report by burning, pulverizing, or shredding the paper file. If electronic, they must destroy or erase the file in such a way that it cannot be read or reconstructed.

Next time you fill out an application, check the steps you experience in the process against these outlined above. Is the carrier following the rules?

For more information visit http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus08-us ing -consumer- repor t s -what -employers-need-know.

Phone: 800-494-7517Website: www.dacfix.com www.CSA2010fix.com Mailing address: 4516 Lovers Lane, Suite 399 Dallas, TX 75225

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Triple Crown is centered on the success of our owner operators with a unique freight model for our business that gets you back to your home terminal most nights. Enjoy the rewards of working with an innovative, growing carrier focused on you -- come to Triple Crown today!

Excellent Lease Purchase Programs

•Contracting with Triple Crown, should average you over $1.50 per mile!•You’ll start and end most days at your home terminal.•Triple Crown also offers lease purchase plans where your sign-on bonus can be your down payment.• Steady freight• Sign-on bonus (select locations/times)•Mechanical assistance & much more!

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One look tells you that Freymiller takes great pride in our fleet and even more in our people. Our 44-year history includes a rich heritage of strong, personal support and innovative programs. We are dedicated to helping

Company Drivers, Owner Operators and those seeking to attain their Own Authority by sharing our proven steadfast experience. Let us show you how to make success easy ... call us today to start your own legacy!

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E.W. Wylie has high miles with quality home time and great earnings – all we need is you! Plus, with our new pay plan, new drivers can earn up to 6 CPM more within 60 days.

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MAVERICK TRANSPORTATION A 2012 BEST OF BI EDITOR’S CHOICE HONOREE

IDG’s Computerworld named Maverick Transportation a Best of BI Editor’s Choice Awards honoree.

This awards program recognizes successful BI initiatives that drive business value.

“The Computerworld award is an acknowledgment of the commitment Maverick made across the organi-zation to the concept of aggregat-ing all of the data we have to help support our corporate objectives,” said Maverick’s VP of IT Wayne Brown. “It’s also great recognition for the members on the IT team that embraced and implemented the solu-tion from the ground up.”

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas and operating over 1,300 units, Maverick provides OTR and dedicated service to the flatbed, glass, and temperature controlled transportation markets throughout North America. To learn more, visit www.maverickusa.com.

POWERSOURCE RECOGNIZES TWO MILLION MILE DRIVER

Powersource Transportation, Inc. has recognized Jim Shank for running over two million accident-free miles.

“We want to congratulate Jim on

his impressive driving record and thank him for his loyal service to the company,” said Powersource President Skip Bakos. “Safety is our number-one concern at Powersource and we like to recognize the outstand-ing drivers like Jim who work hard to operate in a safe manner.”

“There’s not a big secret to running safe,” said Shank. “I just never get in a hurry and I always try to anticipate what the other guy might do.”

In recognition of this milestone, Powersource presented Shank with a certificate for a weekend getaway, a cash bonus, and a placard of recogni-tion for his truck.

For more information, contact Powersource at 800-368-8789 or visit www.powersourcetrans.com.

MELTON TRUCK LINES, INC. OFFERS TRAINING Melton Truck Lines launched a new Melton Refresher Training program geared to drivers with a Class CDL A with limited, local tractor/trailer, or older experience.

The company will pay $0.34-$0.41 cents per mile based on verifiable experience, which means that drivers could average $50,000 per year.

Melton conducts regular industry pay studies and subscribes to inde-pendent annual surveys. They are consistently positioned in the top

Carrier Lane

5% in total compensation among North American for-hire trucking companies. They measure themselves in every category–mileage pay, tarp pay, productivity, fuel bonus, extra pay for Hazmat and Canada loads, and the premiums drivers pay for insurance coverage. Recently, Melton increased their driver pay 1cent per mile across the board, implemented a CSA Bonus, and started a Road Recruiter Program to offer additional financial incentives.

When asked what makes Melton special, July 2012 Melton Rookie of the Month Chad Bailey replied, “I love the way drivers are treated here. This is the best company I’ve ever worked for.”

Call Melton at 800-635-8669 to find out if they are right for you and your family.

PRIME DRIVER COMPETES AT USAT AGE GROUP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AGAIN

For the second time in two years, former Prime inc. lease operator Siphiwe Baleka competed in the USAT Age Group National Championships in Burlington, VT. Baleka, who is now the Driver Fitness Coach at Prime and competes for the Endurance Films Racing Team, finished 28th in the Men’s 40-44 Division of the Sprint Triathlon. His time of 1:09:13 was 207th fastest overall out of 1,024

competitors.The top 18 finishers in each

age group qualify for the World Championships. If athletes do not claim their team spots, it rolls down to 25th place. Adjusting for athletes who age up for the next year, Baleka finished 27th.

“I was very disappointed I didn’t qualify for the World Championships Team representing the United States in London next year. That was my goal and I didn’t make it. I make no excuses, however. I’m thankful that I am able to train in the fitness center at Prime headquarters and I would not have been able to swim if it weren’t for the trigger point therapy I received from Sierra Dove, the mas-sage therapist at Prime.”

CRETE INTRODUCES NEW PATRIOT FLEET

Crete Carrier officially welcomed five very special trucks into its newly launched Patriot Fleet. The new black International ProStar tractors differ from the other 6,000 company trucks in a significant way: they are proudly decorated with decals that honor the United States Armed Forces.

To learn more about Crete Carrier Corporation’s career opportunities for current and former military mem-bers, visit http://www.thepatriotfleet.com. You can also join the conver-sation on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/thepatriotfleet.


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Teletype Offers SmartTruckRoute Andriod App

Recognizing what the company called the specialized navigation needs of truck

drivers, TeleType pioneered the use of portable GPS for truck navigation beginning in 2008. Now the company has improved its SmartTruckRoute app to include voice turn-by-turn instructions, and added navigation panel information, according to company President Ed Friedman.

SmartTruckRoute is an Android application allowing commercial truckers to use the built-in GPS of the phone or tablet to create truck friendly routes with the added benefits of live map updates and live traffic.

The software takes into account commercial truck restrictions.SmartTruckRoute helps drivers avoid costly tickets and provides additional safety. With the addition of voice instructions the handset can be left in hands free mode when navigating.

TeleType is also planning to release the app for the iPhone and iPad, Friedman said.

Future add-on modules for Android and iOS will allow access to load board information to provide location based loads availability along a route or in a specific area simplifying the

process of locating available freight based on location in combination with truck-friendly routing.

KEY BENEFITS• Navigation of big rigs with the convenience of

using smartphones

• Routing considerations, including low bridge

heights and clearances, load limits, one-way road

designations, sharp turns, and allowances

• The latest truck specific maps and routes

• Voice turn-by-turn instructions

• Navigation panel with distance to turn, distance

to go, and time to destination.

• Dynamic routing based on size and weight of

vehicle, user definable truck specifications

• Hazmat restrictions support by class to avoid

tunnels and other restricted areas as appropriate

• Display of surrounding traffic and aerial views

at no additional charge

• Use the phone’s built-in speaker to speak the

destination address for safe and convenient

hands free operation

• Navigation does not interrupt other functions

of the phone therefore the driver can talk

simultaneously while navigating.

For further information contact TeleType at 800-717-4478 or 617-542-6220, or visit www.smarttruckroute.com.


Product Profile

Also acceptingapplications forCompany Driversand RecentDriving SchoolGraduatesAt TransAm Trucking, weare committed to givingyou better pay, excellenthome time and our respect.

Call now to find out how you can join our team.National Recruiting Office

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transam trucking is committed to your financial and personal success.

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TransAm Leasing, Inc. Has The Best Leasing Program In The IndustryOn average, transam trucking’s operators make $40,000 more than company drivers over a four-year period. You are paid 84¢ per mile loaded and empty with a 1¢ increase

annually up to 88¢, plus fuel surcharge and can also earn a quarterly bonus of 1¢ per mile.

Compare transam Leasing, Inc.’s program to any other program in the business and they just don’t measure up. transam Leasing, Inc.’s superior leasing package includes the following:

• affordable weekly lease payments• Bumper to bumper warranty

transam trucking offers their Independent contractors the following:

• Paid base plates and permits• Paid tolls• Paid reefer fuel• Paid trailer washouts• Paid trailer shags

TransAm Leasing, Inc. Has The Best Leasing Program In The IndustryOn average, operators make $40,000 more than company drivers over a four-year period. You are paid 84¢ per mile loaded and empty

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Avoiding a ‘War Zone’ on the Roads


Have you ever been a part of a multi-vehicle accident?

A lady driver from Murphysboro, IL was traveling south on I-75 headed toward Atlanta, GA. It was early in the morning, and she had hit several foggy stretches.

Suddenly she found herself in the midst of a heavy fog and all she could see were brake lights in front of her. She managed to get her unit stopped, however, she heard trucks crashing all around her as tractor-trailers were piling into each other.

When it cleared, it looked like a war zone. People were running all about. Cars, trucks and trailers were piled up. Fires were erupting, and there were screams coming from everywhere. She did what she could, however, 15 people lost their lives in the accidents and the fi res. More than 75 trucks were involved in accidents in the fog.

Your efforts will seem so little, but everything you can do, helps to avoid further injury.

That’s the way I see it. Bob Hataway heads up TransAlive USA,

Inc., an organization dedicated to helping truckers when they have accidents away from home. More information is available by calling 800-USA-HURT. www.transalive.com

What you can do:

1. Be sure your unit is out of the way of creating further injury. While helping, you could be cre-ating a hazard.

2. Use your cell phone to call 911. Do not assume 911 has already been called. Use your CB radio to let others know what is happening. Notify your com-pany so they can put out alert notifi cations.

3. Then render assistance as you are trained. Try to make people comfortable, but leave the major medical techniques for the experts.

Safety TipsBy Bob Hataway

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superior truck maintenance; knowing that his truck is well maintained allows him to focus on what is most important: keeping customers satisfi ed. “Con-way has some of the best maintained equipment in the industry, and a driver can feel proud when he is in a Con-way vehicle. I hear from other drivers that this isn’t true for all companies,” said Alvin. “If a driver believes there is an issue with his truck, Con-way doesn’t question his judgment or suggest that he let it go; they address the problem right away so it won’t get worse over time. This keeps drivers like me on the road.”

Alvin shares his enthusiasm for professional driving in general, and Con-way Truckload in particular, with other drivers as a driver recruiter, a role which allows him to mentor and act as a resource for Con-way drivers who are just starting out. “Everyone was new once, and working as a driver recruiter lets me give back. I answer questions and help new drivers navigate through Con-way’s processes,” Alvin said. “I like meeting new people and seeing them succeed, and I still stay in close contact with the drivers I’ve mentored in the past.”

Of course, Alvin’s time at home is equally important, and he always looks forward to being with his family and friends on the U.S. Gulf Coast, in Mississippi and Louisiana, where the “people, weather, and cuisine are unrivaled.” Alvin especially loves spending time with his 12-year-old daughter and seven- and three-year-old sons, who look forward to doing all sorts of fun things when their dad is home — and often angle to get a seat behind the wheel of dad’s truck, just like Alvin did. “Maybe they will be part of yet another generation of professional Joiner drivers,” Alvin said, “and maybe they will fi nd a place at Con-way too.”

Drivers interested in joining the Con-way Truckload team should visit www.true2blue.com/adv, www.facebook.com/CareersatConway or call 866-740-6073.

Alvin Joiner III was about fi ve years old the fi rst time he remembers sitting behind the wheel of a truck, although he may have been even younger than that. Alvin was practically born in the driver’s seat; his father, and his grandfather before him, drove logging trucks for a living — his father for 35 years. Alvin himself has been driving professionally for seven years, the last two for Con-way Truckload. “I always knew I would become a professional driver,” Alvin said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

For Alvin, driving professionally means the freedom and fl exibility to do the job his way. “The customers’ needs always come fi rst,” Alvin said, “but beyond that, the driver is in control. I appreciate having so much independence, that any decisions are mine to make, and that I work for a company that respects my skills and has confi dence in my ability to get the job done.”

While Alvin began driving for a different trucking company, a driving career at Con-way Truckload was always in his sights. Not surprisingly, Alvin has family members who drive for Con-way too, some of them cousins he used to play “trucks” with when he was a child. “Con-way has an excellent reputation among drivers, as well as a long history and a code of ethics, which was very important to me when I was deciding where I wanted to work,” Alvin said. “It also helps that at Con-way, drivers are paid well for the work they do.”

As someone who loves trucks, Alvin especially appreciates Con-way Truckload’s commitment to

Driving Is in His BloodFamily History and a Passion for Trucks Led Alvin Joiner III to His Ideal Career

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100 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION

Ad IndexAnderson Trucking Services . . . . . . . . . . . 28, 43Barr-Nunn Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Bennett International Group . . . . . . . . . . . 41, 72Boyd Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12BTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Cal Ark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . InsertCeladon . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4, Insert, Back CoverCentral Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . InsertCentury Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Clark and Reid Executive Relocation . . . . . . . 62Coast to Coast Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Con-way Truckload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21, 96Cowan Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58CRST Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73CRST Van Expedited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29CSAfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Dacfix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95Dart Transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11, 92Davis Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Davis Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91Decker Truck Line, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Earl Henderson Trucking Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51EW Wylie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Express-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Freymiller, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Gordon Trucking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Heartland Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15Hill Brothers Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Hirschbach Motor Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64Hunt Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Interstate Trucker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94J .S . Helwig & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Jacobson Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35John Christner Trucking, Inc . . . . . . . . . . 63, 101 K&B Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7Keen Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17Kennesaw Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83KLLM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . InsertKnight Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Logix Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49, 80Marten Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Maverick Transportation LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Melton Truck Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Mercer Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Minstar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Nu-Way Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Ozark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23P&S Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Paschall Truck Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16PI&I Motor Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Powersource Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Prime,Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . InsertRed Eye Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88Reliable Carriers, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Roehl Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Shaffer Trucking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Smith Transport, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Southern Refrigerated Transport . . . . . . . . . . 69Specialized Transportation Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81Swift Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85Tango Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Tennessee Steel Haulers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59The Company Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94TMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79Trans Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89Transport America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Transport Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58TravelCenters of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82Triple Crown Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Triple D Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Truckers Helper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94TruckJobSeekers .com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84Tyson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37US Xpress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53USA Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Western Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Zeitner & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

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TRUCKER’S CONNECTION OCTOBER 2012