The House of Representatives has failed to pass the Highway Bill since it first announced its Thanksgiving plans of delivery. Without much shock, to the general public, this would make for the 36th straight short-term patch to the Highway Trust Fund. The patch will extend funding through December 4th as Congress continues to work out the compromise bill.

Previously the House successfully passed the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act on November 5th while the Senate passed its version which lacked the needed funded for six years.

The House approved the Drive Act with a spending budget of up to $261 billion on highways and $55 billion on transit over six years. The qualm with this is that the legislation includes just enough money to pay for the first three months.

“I am very pleased, that after ten years of short-term band-aids and extensions, the House finally passed a bipartisan, six-year transportation bill,” said Rep. [...]

Is Your Diesel Truck Ready For The Cold?
Follow these essential winterization tips for a profitable season
By: Nia Joseph

1. Top It Off
   The most basic maintenance step for any vehicle is an oil change. In diesel trucks, you benefit by following the manufacturer recommended change times. Diesel fuel contains paraffin, which causes it to gel up as it gets cooler. Using anti-gelling additives will help to counteract this.
2. Engine
   Diesel engines are much harder to start in the winter because they require higher cylinder temperatures than gasoline powered engines. You can use a block heater to regulate engine temperature, such as the battery powered no idle Nite Phoenix system offered at East Coast Truck and Trailer Sales. Check all intake pre-heats [...]

 

Driver retention is on the forefront of every company’s agenda these days, especially with a 97% annual turnover rate. Often drivers’ complaints of feeling like just a number and working conditions go unheard.

 

Amazing Need-to-Know Detailing Practices

Every dedicated truck driver knows and feels the love that I am about to express. This is not just a truck you say. Maybe you have a nickname for your truck; Mickey the Hi-Roller, Cab-Stabber or Buddy. For many truckers this is the lovable machine they wake up to at the crack of diesel dawn.

We know tires are expensive. We also know most drivers mean to keep up with their tire maintenance programs, but driving often gets in the way. Until you drop a tread, or pick-up a bolt, it’s easy to forget about your tires. Problem is, tires are very unforgiving, and will eat up your profits any chance they get. Don’t let them. Here’s how. Any tire showing damage is trying to tell you something. You might need an alignment if you see certain patterns, so knowing which tire patterns to look for helps you identify the problem. Tire sites usually have a chart on types of damage to expect with each problem. Keep tires of the same diameter together (New with new. Used with used). If not, you end up with one tire skipping and scraping the road because it isn’t the [...]