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Imagine visiting the dentist for what you think is a quick pain fix and ending up in a hospital emergency room?
Dr. Thomas Roemer, the dentist at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, has seen it too many times. His practice is 95% emergency, drop-in care, but too often it’s beyond any dental intervention.
“My biggest advice to truck drivers is to keep themselves out of a medical emergency by making sure a dental problem doesn’t turn into a medical problem…I’m not here to say to [most of my patients], ‘Hey, you need to get your teeth cleaned and examined.’ We’re beyond that. It’s a situation where they have to get some kind of care to try to stay out the medical emergency room. I know I keep saying ‘medical, but there’s a handful of guys over the years I’ve sent to the hospital because I can’t even […]
Jerr-Dan Corporation (Hagerstown, Maryland) recently sold its first rotator in the state of California to Frank Scotto Towing in Torrance, California. The sale of this 50/60 Ton, Tandem Steer JFB Rotator reinforces Jerr-Dan’s steady west coast expansion strategy.
“We are honored that Frank Scotto Towing and the Van Lingen Group would be the first to secure a Jerr-Dan rotator in California,” said Jeff Irr, senior director of marketing and sales, Jerr-Dan. “As we expand our presence and offerings on the West Coast, we continue to partner with our Jerr-Dan distributors to offer towers the solutions they need.”
Frank Scotto Towing is part of the Van Lingen Group of companies. As a third-generation family-owned and operated business, Van Lingen is southern Los Angeles’ most trusted name in towing and recovery. With four locations, Van Lingen is a leader in swift, efficient, one-call-and-done towing service for businesses and municipalities alike.
“We find the Jerr-Dan to be the best […]
Vehicles collide on a well-used stretch of highway; a single car goes off a back road in the middle of the night. Auto accidents happen every day, caused by weather or sudden mistakes, and scenes of inconvenience or tragic devastation are quickly encircled by police cruisers, fire engines, ambulances and, waiting nearby, a tow truck or two.
Like other first responders, tow operators are subjected to many of the shocking sights faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians, which is simply part of a job many of them continue to do despite the possibilities of mental and physical strain, but also risks to their financial health.
While emergency personnel who try to save lives and maintain order are certain to be paid, tow truck […]
An unprecedented run of orders for big rigs has pushed the backlog at truck factories to nine months, according to industry analysts, the largest since early 2006, when truckers stocked up to get vehicles in place before tougher environmental restrictions would take effect. Typically the backlog is about five months for the truck industry’s manufacturers, analysts said.
“It is longer than it should be,” said Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing for Volvo AB’s North America operation, where Class 8 truck orders this year soared to 25,000 from 11,000 during the first six months of 2017. “Of course we are not alone in this situation,” he said. “Everyone is in the same boat.”
North American freight-haulers […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted a waiver to allow drivers and carriers to mount a GPS on the windshield within the areas allowed for “vehicle safety technology” devices.
Traditional Trucking Corporation, in its application in March, stated 
GPS devices are “approximately the same size as the currently allowed ‘vehicle safety technologies’ mounted on the windshield” and added that the dash “is not suitable for mounting the fixture to hold the GPS unit” and the location of the unit if mounted on the dash is in the same area that safety technology is currently allowed.
The five-year waiver applies to any motor carrier mounting a GPS on the windshield. The waiver allows the mounting of GPS devices no more than four inches below the upper edge of the area swept by windshield wipers and no more than 7 inches above the lower edge swept by windshield wipers would […]
A process that could alter current hours of service regulations has officially begun. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced Tuesday it is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders on ways to overhaul hours regs, focusing on four key areas:
- Extending drivers’ 14-hour daily limit by two hours in the event of adverse conditions;
- Allowing drivers to split 10-hour off-duty periods into segments;
- Revising the 30-minute break requirement;
- Expanding hours limits for short-haul drivers.
The advance notice of proposed rulemaking poses no reforms for hours regs. Instead, it simply lists questions aimed at gathering input from drivers, owner-operators, carriers and other industry stakeholders.
The agency is set to publish the ANPRM within days and will accept comments via the regulations.gov rulemaking portal for 30 days after its publication.
“It’s time to have an honest conversation about hours of […]
I have talked about this subject before but I still get asked to name one thing that fleets should do to improve their fuel economy. That is a tough question. It depends, in part, on where the fleet is in its fuel efficiency journey. No matter what your current MPG is getting to the next level is something that needs to be approached from a variety of angles.
Obviously, it starts in the spec’ing process where fleets can choose a variety of products that will help them squeeze more miles from a gallon of diesel. Just to name a few they can consider automated manual transmissions, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic devices for the tractor, aerodynamic devices for the trailer, a variety of idle reduction solutions.
Once you have the tractor and trailer spec’d, the next step is […]
It wasn’t until I hit my mid-50s that having an exit strategy for my business even occurred to me. I saw the need to start tweaking my business plan to make the end come on my terms as much as possible.
And it’s good to think about planning for all the “exits” in our lives, not just retirement. Whether it’s closing a business, ending a relationship, estate planning or appointing the person who will be your medical power of attorney, planning makes our lives and the lives of our loved ones easier.
Frequent the truck stop Counters of Knowledge, and you’ll overhear too many truckers admit that they can never afford to retire, or that their plan is to exit when their life ends. It shouldn’t be a catastrophe that drives us into the exit lane. Taking the time to […]
Saudi Arabia — the world’s largest exporter of crude oil — curbed output last month, according to OPEC delegates, following signs that the kingdom couldn’t find enough buyers to justify elevated rates of production.
The fear is China friction related to higher tariffs will slow global economic growth and reduce fuel demand.
Article Courtesy of Transport Topics
“The Saudis are sending clear signals on their desired price range,” Mike Wittner, head of oil market research at Societe Generale SA, told Bloomberg News. “When the concern was prices getting too low, they unexpectedly trimmed output.”
Saudi Arabia — the world’s largest exporter of crude oil — curbed output last month, according to OPEC delegates, following signs that the kingdom couldn’t find enough buyers to justify elevated rates of production.
The fear is China friction related to higher tariffs will slow global economic growth and reduce fuel demand.
Article Courtesy of Transport Topics
Crude oil futures trading on the New York […]
With today marking four months since full enforcement of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate, a number of truck drivers still say there are problems with ELDs in use and the federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules that are their foundation.
This has never been much of a honeymoon. After Fleetowner’s recent articles noted that large percentages of drivers and fleets don’t believe ELDs are good for the transportation industry or are making trucks safer, we got another big dose or three of feedback.
Despite the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) adjustment of more leeway in what can be counted as personal conveyance—a driving status that can allow a truck driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle outside of the HOS on-duty drive time constraints—scores of drivers say more must be done.
FMCSA helped with one big problem many truck drivers complained of: running out of available drive time while delivering or picking up a load and then […]
Cummins has instituted a voluntary recall of roughly 500,000 model-year 2010-2015 engines, according to an announcement from the U.S. EPA. The recall involves faulty emissions systems components that cause the engines to fall out of compliance with federal emissions regulations.
The trucks and engines under the voluntary recall have seen degradation of their selective catalytic reduction systems, according to financial reports issued by Cummins. SCR systems are the exhaust aftertreatment components that use diesel exhaust fluid to curb emissions of nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases. All manufacturers of engines for Class 8 trucks use SCR and DEF in their emissions-control systems. Engine makers adopted the technology in 2010 to meet that year’s emissions hurdles
In financial reports issued for the 2017 fiscal year and for the first quarter of 2018, Cummins noted that the EPA and the California Air Resources Board had pulled […]
Ever felt like your trucking business was careening down an ice-covered mountain in ‘Georgia overdrive’? (That’s in ‘neutral’ for the younger truckers out there.) Many of us have wondered, “What was I thinking when I bought this #%&! truck? Now what?”
Well, to make it to the bottom in one piece, you’ll need to run smart.
For the majority of truckers and small motor carriers, even as the rates have improved, costs are still increasing. We’re left wondering what catastrophe is around the next bend. How are the threatened tariffs with our nation’s trading partners going to impact the freight we haul? And how can we plan for it?
As any great football coach knows, when the team’s behind and the opposition is first and goal on the 10-yard-line, he must return to the basics to turn the game around. We need to do the same—return to the basics of trucking, the basics of how […]
Pilot Flying J and Love’s Travel Stops will be offering truckers free hot dogs Wednesday to celebrate National Hot Dog Day.
For PFJ, drivers will find an offer for a free hot dog or roller grill item in the myPilot mobile app on Wednesday, July 18.
Love’s is partnering with Schwab Meat Co. to give customers free hot dogs or roller grill items the same day by showing a barcode that will be found on the Love’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Article Courtesy OVERDRIVE
More than 3,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt tractors are being recalled over an issue with the anti-lock braking system dash warning light not working properly, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Paccar is recalling 3,043 trucks in which, in the event that the ABS loses battery and/or ignition power to the controller, the dash warning light for the ABS may not light up to warn the driver. NHTSA says a driver unknowingly operating a truck without the ABS functioning increases the risk of a crash.
Trucks affected by the recall include:
- 2015-2018 Kenworth T660
- 2015-2018 Kenworth T680
- 2015-2018 Kenworth T800
- 2015-2018 Kenworth T880
- 2015-2018 Kenworth W900
- 2017-2018 Peterbilt 567
- 2017-2018 Peterbilt 579
Paccar will begin notifying truck owners on July 24. Dealers will update the software in the cab control module free of […]
The Texas Department of Public Safety inspected 7,980 commercial motor vehicles during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s International Roadcheck 2018, placing nearly a quarter of those inspected out of service. Roadcheck was held June 5-7 nationwide. Results from the nationwide effort have not yet been announced.
A total of 1,975 commercial vehicles — about 24 percent of those inspected — were placed out of service for a variety of safety violations until appropriate repairs could be made, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Issues with brakes and defective tires were among the most common infractions that led to out of service violations.
Also during Roadcheck 2018, drivers were checked for compliance with state and federal laws. According to the DPS, 301 drivers were placed out of service for violations ranging from failure to have the proper type of driver license for the vehicle being driven to violations of hours-of-service requirements.
In all, Texas DPS troopers […]
Ron Echols is a “stringing driver,” hauling pipe for fracking operations in West Virginia. He carries it all — 40, 60 and 80-foot pipe — while living out of a motel room in the mountains away from his Ohio home. The job can be stressful at times, even dangerous, but he has help to cope with day-to-day pressures: meditation.
“It sort of resets me,” says Echols, who has been driving for 21 years, some of it over the road. “I find breathing meditation to be the simplest and most effective. I think there are benefits physically to it as well. If you concentrate on your breathing, you can’t focus on anything else.”
Echols doesn’t know any other drivers who mediate, and he suggests that the majority of truckers think meditation is “wacky, kooky stuff.” He adds that for the many drivers, meditation comes […]
Starting Sunday (July 15), as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week, July 15-21, law enforcement personnel will be on roadways throughout North America looking for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe driving behaviors. This weeklong safety initiative aims to call attention to driver behaviors, the main cause of crashes, and combat those behaviors through heightened traffic safety enforcement and education.
Examples of unsafe driver behaviors that law enforcement will be looking for throughout Operation Safe Driver Week are speeding, failure to use a seatbelt, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, improper lane change, etc. Enforcement personnel will identify drivers engaging in those dangerous driving behaviors on our roadways and issue warnings and/or citations.
In May 2018, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released […]
Truck drivers have a higher-than-average risk for diabetes, which affects over 30 million Americans. That’s largely because the sedentary nature of truck driving contributes to obesity and lack of physical activity, which increases the risk for Type 2 diabetes.
DIABETES TYPES. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, occurs when the body develops insulin resistance and is unable to use insulin properly. This causes an inability to regulate blood glucose levels properly, causing levels of blood glucose, or sugar, to rise too high.
Only about 5 percent of people who have diabetes have Type 1 diabetes, which is not as straightforward as Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes typically is diagnosed in children and young adults, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is considered to be caused by an immune reaction in which the body attacks itself. Family history and age are considered risk factors.
SYMPTOMS. Frequent thirst and excessive urination […]
Commercial vehicle inspectors will be out in force beginning Sept. 16 to conduct brake system inspections on large trucks and buses throughout the United States and Canada. The inspections will be part of the
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s “Brake Safety Week” Sept. 16-22, according to CVSA.
Inspectors will place out of service all CMVs with critical brake violations to call attention to the dangers of faulty brake systems.
During Brake Safety Week, inspectors primarily will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness.
Brake-related violations made up the largest percentage of out-of-service vehicle violations cited during last year’s International Roadcheck. Of the vehicles placed out of service, […]
A typical scenario is when a motorist pulls in a front of a truck without giving the trucker time to put two seconds between them. Feeling like they’re being tailgated, the car driver brake checks – stops their car in the middle of the highway – causing the trucker to slam on their brakes. The driver may hit the stopped car causing damage, or they may miss the car altogether but cause a multiple pile up behind the truck.
Although less common, trucks sometimes brake check each other with disastrous results as seen in the video below.
According to the poster, the following incident occurred on May 9, 2018, on I-294 in Chicago. The brake check caused a complete stop on the interstate. Although the brake-checked truck was able to stop, the stoppage caused a […]
Taking a vacation, or just getting away from the trucking rat race for a few days is something many small and micro-motor carrier owners place on the back burner because they either think they can’t afford it or that their business will go down the tubes if they take a week or two off. On the contrary, as far-fetched as this may seem, a vacation is easily possible with just a bit of proper planning and foresight.
Research shows Americans, not just trucking company owners, work more than anyone in the industrialized world. They take fewer vacation days, work longer hours, and retire later. Several different studies have shown that taking time away from the job has both physical and psychological health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.
With all that said, when you own a business, […]
An app touted as the “Uber for tow trucks” has raised $24 million in a new round of funding overnight as insurance companies look to capitalize on an idea that could change the entire industry.
Honk, a US-based start-up currently only operating in America, links tow truck associations with insurance companies to offer 24/7 roadside assistance controlled through a smartphone app.
Just like Uber, users can request a tow truck around the clock and have the nearest operator connected to them, provided they are interested in taking the job. Users can also rate a tow truck driver based on speed, customer service and pricing.
Honk offers services such as towing, changing tyres, delivering fuel and assisting with drivers who have been locked out of their vehicle.
The start-up aims to replace annual roadside-assistance membership programs many Americans […]
Whether you’re a fan of warm weather or you prefer to stay inside where it’s air-conditioned, you can’t deny that summer is HERE! Today is the first day of Summer and the temperatures have been soaring and the sun is blazing. And for tow truck drivers, the change in season means a new set of risks to look out for – roadwork, traffic, weather, sunlight, and heat, to name a few. So, how can a tow truck driver prepare for the new hazards and risks?
Check out the following summer tow truck driving tips.
1. Be mindful of construction and roadwork.
Summer is prime time for construction, which can mean closed lanes, delays, detours, and traffic. Be extra careful as you navigate through the work zones, which might resemble a maze of pylons more than a road. Pay attention to all road signs and obey them. Slow down, take it easy, and watch for construction […]
Georgia-based Car- Hauler owner-operator Eric Turner Sr. earned Best of Show at the 36th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs in Raphine, Va., this past weekend with his 2015 Peterbilt 389 and 2018 Wally-Mo car hauler.
For winning the competition, Turner took home $10,000 from Shell Rotella and $5,000 from Mac Trailer. Turner’s Pete also picked up the award for Best Interior at the show.
“It feels so good to win the best of show,” Turner said. “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 […]
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 22, 2017, contains numerous changes that will affect individuals, as well as businesses large and small. The new tax law has both good and bad news for company drivers but mostly good news for owner-operators and fleet operators.
Owner Operators – Sole Proprietors or S-Corporations
Self-employed individuals and companies will get the same deduction they have always had in the past. Owner-operators will still be able to take a per diem for meals and incidentals, just as they have in the past, since they are in business for themselves, and those costs are deductible business expenses. The new law also implements a 20 percent deduction on net business profits of Pass-Throughs which includes S corporation or sole proprietorship to non-corporate taxpayers, including trusts […]
Are you ready for the 2018 Florida Tow Show? The event is full of fantastic sunny weather, meeting new friends in the towing industry, and exciting new models of trucks, equipment, and showpiece rigs. Hotel rooms are selling out fast – there’s special “Tow Show” room rate pricing at great family friendly hotels like the Holiday Inn and the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. The show itself is at the Orlando Hilton – there are still a few rooms left, so hurry!
All the affiliated hotels are close enough to walk to the Hilton for the events. This is great, as you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather. Exhibits are open Friday, April […]
Most commercial drivers do not like the mention of DOT inspections, but it doesn’t have to be so hard if you know what’s expected of you. It is advisable to be conversant with the different requirements needed during the various levels of a DOT inspection. A DOT inspection is a routine annual checkup for all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) weighing over 10,000 pounds to ascertain their safety on the road.
Here is what all commercial drivers should know about a DOT inspection:
Have your paperwork ready
During a level 1 inspection, the driver should be ready for a full DOT inspection and hence have their paperwork near as well as set aside enough time […]
With the world’s seemingly unending obsession with technology automation, it should come as no surprise that companies are leading the trucking industry into the future with the development of self-driving technology. In the sweep of advancements that are changing the way we live, work, and play, the trucking industry won’t be left behind. So, how far away are we from self-driving trucks?
Experts are suggesting that self-driving trucks may surface even before self-driving taxis. And although it is predicted that we are at least a decade away from completely autonomous self-driving trucks, several companies have thrown their hat into the ring, and are investing billions of dollars to make this concept a reality.
Fire extinguishers are required by law on all trucks, truck tractors, and buses – except those in driveaway-towaway operations. Per the Code of Federal Regulations 393.95:
A power unit that is used to transport hazardous materials in a quantity that requires placarding (see 177.823) must be equipped with a fire extinguisher having an Underwriters’ Laboratories rating of 10 B:C or more.
A power unit that is not used to transport hazardous materials must be equipped with either:
- A fire extinguisher having an Underwriters’ Laboratories rating of 5 B:C or more
- Two fire extinguishers, each of which has an Underwriters’ Laboratories rating of 4 B:C or more
The fire extinguisher(s) must be filled and located so that it is readily available for use. The extinguisher(s) must be securely mounted to prevent sliding, rolling, or vertical movement relative to the motor vehicle.
Not only should you be carrying and mounting fire extinguishers as […]
OK, so how many of you are thinking about your fifth wheel right now? Probably not many, right? Well like everything else on your truck, it needs maintenance. Here’s a list to help you check your fifth wheel and make sure you’re good to go.
First, you’re going to need to clean the gunk off that fifth wheel. Some folks go so far as to steam clean it; others simply scrape and clean it with a brush and solvent. You should know that steam cleaning is recommended not only for the top plate, but the jaws and legs, as well.
Next you’re going to inspect the upper area and edges for any damage. This can simply be wear and tear, or something more excessive – like missing parts or cracks. You’re going to need […]
You know your company has the very best product and/or service in the industry; however, no one seems to know this but you. In this era of frenzied business competition, how do you make sure people know what you do for your customers? Of the many forms of advertising and marketing, only one can change how someone “feels” about your company. Only one speaks to people, because it’s by a real person. Your best salesperson should tell your story. You need your customers to share their stories – you need customer reviews, testimonials, and recommendations. With these references, you are now the star, instead of simply another player on the field.
There is no doubt that it can be difficult to get great customer reviews – if you simply sit back […]
As the deadline for truckers to switch from paper logs to electronic logging devices nears, the heated discussion about ELD Compliance between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and truckers continues.
With under 12 weeks to go until the deadline, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association is leading a coalition that is asking for the mandate to be delayed for two more years.The delay would occur as a result of passing the ELD Extension Act of 2017 (HR 3282).
OOIDA is calling for a delay in the implementation of the mandate due to concerns surrounding the reliability of self-certified ELDs, connectivity issues in rural areas, cyber-security vulnerabilities, and the availability of data for law enforcement.
OOIDA argues that the mandate can be delayed without any negative consequences as well due to the belief […]
For some of us, it sure doesn’t feel like summer is over – but it’s already here!
Here are a few autumn safety tips for preparing your truck(s) in advance of the cold weather:
Leaves on the Road
While the fall foliage is breathtaking enough to bring tourists out in droves, they’re sure to be a pain once they hit the pavement. Especially after it rains, they can stick to the pavement and cause slippery conditions. The leaves may not […]
Mention ELDs in any freight yard or truck stop and you are bound to hear to a wide array of opinions from those that praise them to those whose language is best left out of print. The fact is that they are with us to stay and thanks to some of the data mining experts at ‘Keep Truckin‘, you might find they are a more valuable asset than you would have ever believed.No one in the trucking industry, carrier or driver, benefits from time spent going through roadside inspections, especially, a time-consuming Level 1 inspections.
‘Keep Truckin’ has discovered by carefully studying information collected by their units that the risk of being subjected to this nuisance can be greatly reduced.
The company began by focusing on four key areas;
- Inspections by cargo types
- How violations vary state to state
- Most common types of violations
- Time period of inspections
A new coordinated, multi-disciplinary training program developed through the Second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) is available for all emergency responders and those supporting traffic incident management operations. This training puts police, firefighters, state and local departments of transportation, towing and recovery professionals, medical personnel, and other incident responders on the same page, leading to a safer, faster, integrated responder team.
Save Lives
– Faster incident response and clearance times result in fewer secondary crashes.
– Training results in less exposure of responder team to moving traffic during recovery.
Save Money
– Less congestion leads to fewer freight and travel delays in backups.
– Fewer secondary crashes save on insurance claims.
– Faster cleanups lead to cost savings for incident personnel.
Save Time
– Smarter response techniques cut congestion clearance time […]
According to a guidance issued in February by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Automatic Onboard Recording Devices can be used to remain compliant with the Electronic Logging Device mandate until December 16, 2019. The two-year extension is due to the “grandfather clause” that is included in the ELD mandate.
However, the grandfather clause comes with a couple stipulations:
• In order to qualify for the December 2019 extension, new commercial vehicles installed with an AOBRD must replace an old vehicle. If an older vehicle is not being replaced, the newer vehicle must be installed with an ELD instead.
• New vehicles purchased after December 18, 2017 must be installed with an ELD. After December 18, 2017, it does not matter if an old vehicle is being replaced.
AOBRDs Capable Of Reaching ELD […]
Renowned engine manufacturer, Cummins, has just released a new software platform entitled ZED Connect. While it is owned by Cummins, the engine manufacturer has decided to establish ZED Connect as a separate company. ZED Connect’s new app aims to function as an electronic logging device (ELD) that is fully compliant with the upcoming U.S. Department of Transportation ELD mandate, which states that all drivers must begin using electronic logging devices to track their hours of service on or before Dec. 18, 2017.
The platform also includes a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app that allows for “plug-and-play” functionality with a truck’s ECM system. This new platform targets small fleets and owner-operators. Using the ECM connection and the smartphone app, drivers and owner-operators are able to track hours of service. The service also offers […]
SmartLINQ is a factory installed diagnostic system in all new Peterbilt trucks – including all of the new Petes on our lot!! – and it is designed to help you stay on the road. SmartLINQ helps drivers, fleet owners, and vehicle service and maintenance coordinators by remotely keeping track of engine and aftertreatment diagnostic codes, notifying the appropriate parties of problems that need to be addressed, and instantly giving the driver an easy to understand alert with directions on how to proceed.
The online portal for SmartLINQ, through PACCAR, allows the fleet owner or truck maintenance person to view all of the fleet’s trucks color coded to show their current engine health, allows for customized notifications 24/7/365 of alerts from trucks, and tracks the vehicles through North America.
A new bill has been introduced to U.S. Congress that will seek to repeal the federal excise tax (FET), which is at present 12 percent. The FET on heavy duty trucks dates back to 1917 when it was introduced to defray the cost of World War I. The tax on new heavy duty trucks later grew from 3 percent in 1917 up to the 12 percent we see today.
The 12 percent FET on the purchase of heavy duty trucks is a burdensome tax – higher than taxes for all other vehicles, and when combined with recent federal emissions and fuel-economy mandates, can add up to thousands of extra dollars when purchasing a new truck. At its present 12 percent, the FET depresses heavy duty truck sales and, as a result, slows companies from replacing their old […]
Article by Hal Kresser, Principal at Hal Kresser Agency
“Tow Truck Market Gets Hit Hard as Carriers Exit Market.” This article appeared in The Insurance News Journal on February 6, 2017 and featured on the front cover. Simultaneously, it was posted in the Forums section of Tow 411, so it was written before February 6, 2017. Naturally, a front page article will get the attention and it did! That magazine is distributed to every insurance company in the country and most agencies. Within just a few weeks I heard from underwriters that they will have to tighten up their requirements and continue to raise rates due to claims. They were also apprehensive because many of their competitors were exiting the market. In their minds the only reason a competitor would exit the market is if they couldn’t make any money. […]
The hot weather that’s paired with the summer months adds more difficulty to the towing industry. Not only does the heat provide additional health risks for you, but also for your towing truck and for the vehicles of your customers. Here are some summer towing tips for avoiding heat illnesses and dealing with common summertime towing issues to help you ride out the heat waves.
Safety Tips for You
Working out in the sun provides two big threats for truck towers: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is an illness that occurs through a combination of exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. While not as serious as heat stroke, failing to intervene may lead to more danger heat related illnesses. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Fainting
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
Heat Stroke
If heat exhaustion is left untreated, you may suffer a heat stroke. A heat stroke […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that starting on December 16, 2017, truck operators will be required to use electronic logging devices to record their duty status. This electronic logging device mandate was first published in the Federal Register in December of 2015, but the FMCSA opted to give operators and carriers time to comply.
Although drivers will not need to maintain paper logs after the mandate, supporting documentation will be required in order for their carriers to keep the records on file.
Why did the FMCSA pass this rule?
The FMCSA predicts that this new rule will save at least 26 lives and prevent 562 injuries in the industry every year. Due to the amount of time saved because of the decrease in paperwork, over $1 […]
Diesel Particulate Filters have been a key component of truck emissions systems since 2007. If your DPF’s are not maintained they can present problems along with engine issues. This may cause your engine to go into regeneration more times than it needs. As a result, your DPF can become clogged faster.
It’s nearly that time of year again, with the annual vehicle and driver “Roadcheck” event taking place throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 6 – 8.
Slow Down – Move Over (SDMO) – It’s the Law! Tragically, emergency responders are being struck and killed at traffic incidents in the U.S. on an average of five firefighters a year, one law enforcement officer a month, one tow truck operator a week and one road service person every three days!
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In our daily lives as fast paced human beings, it may be easy to slow down and reflect on the cycle of life and those who impact it.
Police say the big rig, carrying blank pennies and headed to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, slammed into a Jersey barrier, overturned and caught fire.
Images from Chopper 6 HD and the Action Cam showed tens of thousands of blank pennies covering the roadway.
According to recent claims Uber has begun its venture into the trucking world. Take our poll on this this story. Let us know how you feel autonomous big rigs will impact the industry.
You can also see our earlier story on Uber-like trucking companies and the headway they have made.
The ride-hailing network’s acquisition of Otto is the most recent indication of Uber’s ambitions for autonomous vehicles that cater to both consumers and businesses.
See the official story below.
You’re 25 miles out of the truck stop; settling into the long haul, and then the regen warning light comes on – again! You know you just did a parked regeneration to clear the diesel particulate filter yesterday, and you’ve been driving this rig at speed today, so shouldn’t the filter be clean? Well, probably not. Here’s why:
• Unless you’re running a disposable filter system, which are a must in the mining industry and some off-road equipment, the DPF is probably still clogged, but not with soot. The diesel particulate filter works by trapping soot and other particulates in a network of cells before releasing the smaller gasses through the pores in the filter structure (usually […]
Imagine working in an industry that makes the “Deadliest Catch” fishing industry seem like a cruise ship vacation. If you’re reading this, chances are good you already do. As a tow driver you work in an industry where you’re practically invisible – until it’s almost too late. In some states, you’re also invisible to the law telling people to slow down and move over when passing an incident or emergency on the highway.
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.
1. 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.
2. Keep tires of the same diameter together.
(New with new. Used with used). If not, you end up with one tire skipping […]
Consistent truck maintenance is very critical due to work loads and traveling long distances. Sometimes we are so focused on work and the job at hand that maintenance services are forgotten. The more work you have the busier you are and the less likely you are to get basic maintenance done because nothing seems wrong. Keeping your truck in tip top shape is better for your business and pockets. Check out these seven great reason below:
1. Save Money
Keeping up with maintenance cost but its actually save your money in the long haul. For example is your regularly keep up with your oil changes it keeps your engine performing properly. But if you refuse to get your oil changed you are at risk of having your engine blow out costing more money to repair […]
Have you ever had to power through a dangerous situation as a driver? Of course you have! Driving across state lines puts you in contact with different climates and extreme weather conditions. These often bring about obstacles like snow and extreme heat waves that can affect your car hauler. As a truck driver, you should always take preventative maintenance and care seriously. Maybe it’s the typical deer in the road or fallen tree. Whatever it is – most of us drivers still depend on the solid asphalt road or dirt roads to carry our ton-heavy rigs. So what happens when the obstacle between you and your load is a log? Check out just how determined this truck driver is to cross a river without a bridge. So, like all innovative drivers he creates a wooden bridge […]
Cargo theft is on the rise, and it’s everyone’s problem. Drivers are held primarily responsible, because they’re typically associated with the transport of the load. As a truck driver, you should know there are certain actions that keep you and your cargo safe:
Pick up in well-lit, secure areas
You already know to deliver and drop to secure areas, but picking up loads securely can be just as important. While we don’t often think of the customer as a threat, there are theft rings that specialize in calling for pick-ups at seemingly legitimate businesses, only to hi-jack a load when the driver gets to the location. Think of how many high-end cars you’ve had on that car hauler at one time. […]
On Feb. 16, at 4:25 p.m., agents watched a white semi-truck with “New Evolution Trucking” name on it enter the yard. The California Department of Justice’s Recycling Fraud Team conducted an investigation into a North Las Vegas storage yard.
During the investigation they watched the truck as it left at approximately 10:42 p.m. and called for assistance from California Highway Patrol. The driver took a route which would miss the Yermo California Department of Food and Agriculture border checkpoint in.
How do you get a boat out of your drive way without calling a tow man? Drive a Tesla apparently – Towing with a Tesla. The new Model X has a gross weight of 6,000 lbs, goes 0-60 in 3.2 seconds with a P90D modification. Tesla recommends this car to those in the market for an SUV with a need to tow. The model features a smooth interior with comfort designated seating and built in technology and medical grade HEPA filters for added safety.
Some of the biggest trucking stories and most impactful changes in the auto transport industry took off in 2015. From electronic logging mandates to self-driving trucks, scandals and more… It’s customary to round up the events and take a look back as we spring forward into the new year; enjoy these top picks. Let’s get our gears set for greatness in 2016!
This rigged up Freightliner mobile parts truck hits the pavement December 1st and will be fully stocked with the same great industry trusted brands we sell online. This mobile parts store is equipped with everything you need in the towing and auto transport industries.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. […]
Operation Safe Driver Week is set to kick off October 18-24, 2015. The campaign was first launched in 2007 with a focus on lowering and preventing the number of unsafe driving related injuries and deaths.
The program is spearheaded by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and state and local law enforcement.
According to the CSVA, 12,502 people were killed and more than 287,000 were injured in crashes involving at least one large truck or bus.
CLICK TO TWEET
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.
Every Labor Day, for the past three years, CargoNet has recorded a spike in freight thefts around Labor Day weekend. We all know that holidays are the most vulnerable times for those bloody bandits attempting to make a quick steal. So, what do you need to know to protect your precious merchandise from cargo theft?
Photo: Volvo Trucks
Uber-like mobile transport apps are getting bigger – literally! The San Francisco based transportation company has inspired many copycats with its peer-to-peer taxi like platform that connects local riders to drivers, and now has some companies shelling out millions to be coined Uber-for-trucking.
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 […]
It’s coming to a trucking business near you. You’ve felt it creeping up on you for any number of months, but now it seems like it’s right in your face. The economic upturn is going to make your life a wreck if you’re not prepared. So what’s the big deal about the economic upturn in the trucking industry? Remember those days when you had to cut back, and scrape for loads? Remember all the maintenance you had to let go until you could afford it, or the equipment you didn’t buy because it didn’t make sense at the time? You lost money then, and now you’ll lose more 
money if you’re not prepared to take advantage of the opportunities available. What’s going to hold you back? Unless […]
You’ve seen the videos and pictures on the web. You know it happens – just not to you. And this is exactly how it starts. Every day we see a video of a truck carrying a large load hitting a bridge, underpass or some other object of civil engineering. In fact, over 60 percent of states say that over-height accidents are considered a significant problem. The problem is so bad in the empire state that New York is installing “Over-Height Vehicle Detection Systems” to alleviate it. (You have to wait for troopers to guide you to another route if you’re over height, and that can’t be an enjoyable process.) So, how do these strikes happen so frequently when we all know to measure twice and plan the route accordingly? It’s all about safety culture and technology. Just like […]
Supreme Court Decision Now Protects Your Phone Information
We are a mobile society, and always have been. Moving about seems to be tied to our curiosity as a species. Moreover, when you travel as much as some of our readers, you’re probably going to want to take as much of your information with you as possible. It’s not only convenient, it now seems absolutely necessary. Previous to the Supreme Court’s decision, this might have posed a problem – if you’re a privacy advocate. With technology making huge amounts of information available, both the world’s and yours, privacy has become a sticking point for numerous organizations. Warrantless searches of phones had been quite common. The contents could be downloaded by a device in an officer’s car in a matter of moments – including calls, stored information and […]
It’s cold and absurdly early on this Las Vegas morning, but 30+ people couldn’t be happier. Not just because it’s Vegas, but because East Coast Truck and Trailer Sales is hosting their Richard Petty Driving Experience again. If you’ve never been, the Richard Petty Driving Experience is a thrill ride you control – starting at 100+ mph! Every year, the folks at ECTTS ask a number of their friends and customers to come out for the driving experience of a lifetime. This is a chance to drive a car as fast as you can – without any fear whatsoever of a ticket. In fact, the faster the better! So much so, we keep track of the stats. The day starts with a facility overview of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. There’s roughly 1,500 acres to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, […]
Every mile counts. As a hauler you probably hear and say that often. Miles are money, and when you can keep rolling, instead of paying for yet another oil drain – in money and downtime; those miles can pay for more of what you really want. So, how do you go about extending your rig’s oil life? If you’re like some, you keep idling to a bare minimum. Others depend on advanced formula oils, and expensive synthetics that extend the life of the oil with formulation and additives. While this works, to a certain degree, still others have found a way to keep from draining their oil unless absolutely necessary. The key to long oil life is an oil bypass filter. Oil bypass filters (OBF) are a proven way to keep your oil clean and dramatically reduce the wear on your engine. This isn’t new technology. Having been around for close to twenty years, this […]
Diverse groups stand up against longer, heavier trucks: Land Line Magazine
My comment on the above story link that was posted to the article comment section:
”I know most of the bridges in this country cannot take the weight of
heavier trucks. I read somewhere that in Ohio alone 1 of every 4
bridges is structurally deficient.”
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Wheel Straps
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Great prices at parts.ectts.com Wheel straps are perfect for carhaulers, autohaulers, car shippers, autotransports, car carriers, and Cottrell Trailer owners Wheel Straps are high quality
DOT Orders Demco Express to Shut Down – Truckinginfo.com
It says a lot about the carhauler and autohauler industry that not one autotransport company
has been shut down. So far the shutdowns, as you will see in the linked article have been:
Carhauler for Sale
- confined to general trucking companies
- companies with huge outrageous violations
Most carhaulers are very experienced and run their operations cleanly. So far so good…
DOT Orders Demco Express to Shut Down – Truckinginfo.com
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The inevitable has hit. I read in Transport Topics that 5 carriers are already talking about increasing wages. Hopefully this trend will spill over to Carhauler Fleets and Carhauler owner operators. The reasons are simple
- too few drivers
- too many requirements to be a driver
- too much time away from home
I bet this trend will continue since no one is doing anything to try to increase the driver pool. The question is, at what point will goods become so expensive due to market demand for drivers?
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Avoid Embarrassing Situations On The Road….Always have your height stick
Available here…CLICK HERE
I cannot even imagine what this is going to mean for carhaulers going in and out of the Northeast corridor. When you think of all the costs a carhauler already bears, adding $50 or $100 may make it an unprofitable for any carhauler traveling in this region. This might seem like a harsh conclusion, but the cost structure for any transportation professional is already under a lot of strain with expensive fuel and a weakened economy.
New Jersey Congressmen Call for Suspension in Toll Hikes – Truckinginfo.com
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Every Carhauler knows that a dollar saved is a dollar earned. Every Carhauler also knows that the price of fuel is outrageous. Every increase in the price of fuel reduces the profit of the Carhauler. I saw some great information in Truckinginfo.com about sites that can help you find funding for idle reduction.
There were a number of sites mentioned but here is the link to the one I found most helpful from the get go:
https://www.csswebform.org/WebForm/TSE_home.aspx
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Looking for a used carhauler? Visit North America’s largest carhauler dealership
https://ectts.com/view_haulers.php?CON=Used
this is a bridge…not a diving board for carhaulersThis post is not about carhaulers and bridges. It is about what will happen to carhaulers if heavier trucks are allowed on the roads. The simple fact that every carhauler owner must accept is:
Our roads and bridges cannot take it..
It is unlikely that every road, bridge, or overpass can be inspected and fixed and then inspected again in the next 5 to 10 years. This really is not a choice. Going over a bridge should not be a death lottery for carhaulers and carhauler trailers around the nation
for more information click here ———————————————————— Visit North America’s LARGEST carhauler dealership
Open publication – Free publishing – More autohauler
Visit North America’s LARGEST carhauler dealership
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Want to learn about carhauler issues, news, […]
Safety Legislation Newsletter:
Excellent read for autohauling, carhauling, Cottrell, and Autotransport information. This issue includes
Safety legislation: Definitely pertinent to today’s carhauler as safety has to be priority #!
Straps versus chains: Carhaulers are required by manufacturers to have strap units but what do you do if you have a chain unit trailer? Good information on what to do.
Will reducing the speed limit of your Carhauler be beneficial? opinions vary but
some trucking companies are going to this option
LOOKING FOR A GREAT PRICE ON A HEIGHT STICK
Safety Legislation Newsletter PDF
From Truckinginfo.com
January 2012
Image by TruckPR via FlickrClean Energy Fuels Corp. unveiled the route plan for the first phase of 150 new LNG fueling stations along what it’s calling “America’s Natural Gas Highway.”
The company already has identified 98 locations and anticipates having 70 stations open by the end of 2012.
Due to an agreement with Pilot Flying J, many of the fueling stations will be co-located at Pilot travel centers.
Major highway segments planned for early opening include those linking:
* San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside and Las Vegas;
* the Texas Triangle (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas/Ft. Worth);
* Los Angeles and Dallas;
* Houston and Chicago;
* Chicago and Atlanta;
To read the full article CLICK HERE
Related articles
- Routes Revealed for Natural Gas Highway (environmentalleader.com)
- Natural Gas Prices (myfoxny.com)
- Natural gas price plunge aids families, businesses (sfgate.com)
- Natural gas price plunge aids families, […]
748 x 268 – Truck of the Month – 6513- JAN 2012
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US Fuel Prices May Be Volatile After Northeast US Refinery Closures
Related articles
- Sunoco to Idle Main Processing Units at Marcus Hook Refinery (gloucestercitynews.net)
- Op Ed: Save Sunoco Refineries? Get Pols Out Of The Way (gloucestercitynews.net)
- Sunoco to sell refineries (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Navistar Says SCR Systems Can Be Defeated
By Light Medium Truck
Navistar Inc. recently attacked competitors’ 2010 selective catalytic control engines on two fronts, telling environmental regulators that pollution controls on the engines could be easily defeated, and telling fleet managers that every gallon of diesel fuel an SCR engine saves will come at the cost of at least that much diesel exhaust fluid consumed.
pulled from Toronto Sun
July 21,2010
A Kitchener truck driver is facing a careless driving charge but on the bright side, his tooth doesn’t hurt anymore.
Lambton County OPP say they stopped a big rig driver doing some driving dentistry along Hwy. 402 on Wednesday.
Const. John Reurink told the Sun Saturday it’s the first time he’s ever heard of a driver being pulled over performing dental surgery.
“I’ve never heard of this sort of thing occurring before,” Reurink said, adding he has stopped drivers doing their make-up, reading a map or talking on a cellphone. “Somebody doing an amateur tooth pulling? That’s a first.”
Reurink said it all started June 30 when an officer was on Hwy. 402 in Warwick Township, near Sarnia, and a passing driver pointed him to a tractor trailer being driven “all over the road.”
The officer found the eastbound rig and […]
Tips for towing, from hidden fees to costly considerations
Posted: 11:00 PM May 19, 2010
Reporter: Heather Haley
From VolunteerTV.com in Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) — It’s something you may not think about, until your family is stranded on the side of the road. Knowing who to call for a tow, when your vehicle stops, can be a tough decision. It’s actually important that you know before your car breaks down, because you can’t be sure if the company that is coming to your aid is a reputable business.It’s the end of a long day at work, and you just want to get home, but your car has a different idea. Mario Pac said, “My friend was driving my car, and it just broke down.” Stranded in a parking lot, Mario called AAA, and Tony Nelson with Moneymaker Wrecker Services, helped him on his way again. Tony says, “I’ll give them a rough […]
Local tow truck company goes “green”
New environmental rules to be implemented starting next year
By Brenda Gazzar, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/16/2010 07:36:17 PM PDT
Jan’s Towing heavy duty towing specialist Steve Coffee, from left, president Jan Qualkenbush and driver supervisor D. J. Johnston with a Kenworth 40 ton heavy recovery tow truck that has been retrofitted with a particulate filtering system making it an “eco friendly” diesel at his Azusa towing company May 12, 2010. About 75 per cent of Jan’s Towing trucks are environmentally safe diesel engines that are already complying with future air quality requirements. (SGVN/Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb)Like other service shops around the nation, Jan Qualkenbush’s towing business suffered a blow during the recession, bringing his profits down at least 15 percent and causing him to reduce his fleet of […]
State Journal Posted: Monday, May 10, 2010 3:48 pm
Name: Simon Birch
Age: 45
Occupation: Co-owner of Liberty Towing Service, Madison
Web: http://www.libertytowing.us/
Number of years on the job: 29
Ever since I was 12 years old in my native Coventry, England, I knew this was what I wanted to do.My friend, Harvey Wasson, owned a towing service there, and he let me ride with him. Harvey worked round-the-clock and built a large business. He taught me how to run a towing business and to provide excellent customer service. I came to Madison in 1991 to work for a towing company. In 1989, I read an article in American Towman magazine about the business and wrote a letter to the owner telling him that I’d like to work for […]
Federal Signal Bulb Selection Chart
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Tow truck driver hurt post-storm
from CBC News
April 30,2010
A tow truck driver, trying to clear a crash after a major snowstorm in southern Alberta, was seriously hurt when a car struck him. The tow truck driver was on Highway 22, south of Cremona, when a southbound Volkswagen Jetta hit him on Thursday afternoon. The Jetta’s driver then left the scene in another vehicle, said police. Didsbury police said weather was no longer a factor at the time of the collision. The tow truck driver was taken to the Foothills hospital with serious injuries. He is in stable condition.Charges are pending against a man, 48, who is in custody. Power still out About 1,000 homes are still in the dark in southern Alberta after more than 15 centimetres of snow fell in some areas between Wednesday and Thursday.Electricity provider, Fortis Alberta, has 300 workers restoring power […]
Blue, red and amber lights mean slow down and move over Law changes in effect today
From The Eagle Tribune 2008
By Jarret Bencks
When emergency vehicles arrive at an accident, safety officials said vehicles with lights that aren’t red or blue don’t get the same level of respect from motorists — and it puts workers in danger.
“It’s unnerving when someone blows by you at 70 mph,” said Bill Boynton, spokesman for the Department of Transportation, whose vehicles have amber lights. “We’ve had a few instances where people have had to jump over guardrails just to get out of the way.”
Beginning today, changes to the state’s Move Over Law will clearly include tow trucks and DOT vehicles as emergency vehicles. Drivers will be required to slow down and make room for those vehicles at roadside […]
Car Being Towed Catches Fire On I-95
Tow Truck Driver Escapes Unharmed
POSTED: 9:18 am EDT April 28, 2010
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A tow truck driver escaped unharmed after the car he was towing caught fire early Wednesday morning.
The fire started about 1 a.m. along southbound Interstate 95 near Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard.
WPBF 25 News was first at the scene when firefighters were extinguishing the flames.
The tow truck driver told WPBF 25 News he was towing a car that had been involved in a fire when he saw smoke. He stopped to lower the car from his truck when it burst into flames. No One was injured
Moreno Valley tow truck operators could get rotation system
By LAURIE LUCAS
The Press-Enterprise
Tow truck drivers in Moreno Valley may finally get an official rotation system.
Under the proposed city-wide fee schedule for fiscal year 2010-11, tow truck operators would pay an application fee of $2,828 for a five-year contract and post a $5,000 deposit to cover administrative costs. Owners of towed cars would have to pay $74 to recover their vehicles.
The City Council is expected to vote on the fee schedule tonight after a public hearing , which starts at 6:30 p.m. State law requires that municipalities can only charge fees to recover costs, not to make profits.
Moreno Valley has an ordinance that’s languished on the books for more than a decade involving towing service rotation, said Rick Hartmann, the interim assistant city manager.
Most California cities and counties have a rotation set up with area operators so that business […]
Parma gives break on towing fee to crime victims
By Bob Sandrick, Sun News
April 25, 2010, 11:10AM
Victims of crimes like automobile theft will no longer have to pay city towing fees under an ordinance Parma City Council approved Monday.
Under the previous code, the city charged a $25 fee for each car it towed. From now on, the city will waive the fee for crime victims.
Safety Director Greg Baeppler said the ordinance was recommended to council by the city’s Law Department and Police Chief Daniel Hoffman.
by Brandon Foster-Gray
Posted on April 13, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Updated Tuesday, Apr 13 at 10:15 PM
CHESAPEAKE-A tow truck driver who crashed into a pool and leisure supply store Tuesday evening has died.The crash happened shortly after 7 p.m., at East Coast Leisure, located at 3269 Western Branch Boulevard. According to police spokesperson Dorienne Boykin, the driver, 48-year-old Durward Whitehead, Sr. of Elizabeth City, N.C., was driving the tow truck, when a medical emergency caused him to lose control and crash into the store.The store was closed at the time of the crash.Whitehead was taken to Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, where he died. Boykin does not know whether Whitehead died as a result of his medical condition or injuries suffered.
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Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Whitehead.
-East Coast Truck & Trailer
1 person hurt as train pulling safety caboose collides with tow truck in Jacksonville
from the Florida Sun Times April 2010
Posted: April 8, 2010 – 1:50pm
A train engine pulling a caboose used to promote railroad crossing safety collided with a tow truck in North Jacksonville this afternoon, injuring the tow truck driver, police and fire officials said. The accident occurred about 1:15 p.m. in the 9200 block of North Main Street across from the Preferred Materials concrete plant. A tow truck from Abe’s Wrecker Service was leaving a junkyard and crossing a train track when it was struck by the northbound engine and caboose, said Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Lt. Allen Eason. There was no crossing arm at the site, but there was a sign warning motorists about the track. Eason said the tow truck driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The man, taken to Shands Jacksonville hospital, has not […]
Published: Thursday, 1 Apr 2010
1:26 PM ET Text Size By: Brooke Sopelsa
By: Brooke Sopelsa
Writer/Producer, CNBC.com
The automotive sector was handed major setbacks during the recession, but Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation, said the industry is in store for a “Fat V” recovery.“We plunged from 16 million (vehicles sold) down to 10 million in two years, and it’s going to take us about four years to get back to 16 million,” Jackson explained.Jackson, who runs the largest chain of auto dealerships in the United States, added that March was an “excellent month” at the retail level.“I think March is going to break through 12 million units,” he said.He noted that 12 million is still a “depression-level number” but said the rise from last year’s sales is a confirmation of the recovery. He also said incentives would enhance March’s sales results. More Good News? 
LOUISVILLE, Ky. Daimler Trucks chief Andreas Renschler said Thursday that his company is readying the largest introduction of new vehicles in its history. At a press event at the Mid-America Trucking Show here, Renschler said Daimler Trucks over the next four years plans to spend 2 billion euros, about $2.65 billion, on the biggest product launch in our history.While he acknowledged that the global truck market is still facing headwinds, Daimler believes in reinvesting into its product lines.We have the pedal on the metal, he said.Daimler Trucks North America President Martin Daum told Transport Topics that the product plan focuses on improving fuel efficiency of its diesel engines and expanding use of compressed natural gas and liquid natural gas engines. Daum said DTNA has received close to 7,000 orders from more than 700 customers for new Class 6- 8 trucks that feature selective catalytic reduction […]
I saw this article from BNET. Everyone wants the benefit of what tow truck drivers provide, but cant offer a simple courtesy for doing it!
EDITORIAL: Treat tow truck drivers with respect
Brandon Sun, The, Feb 12, 2010
12Next ..It shouldn’t require a public plea from a Brandon tow truck company to get motorists to slow down when they see a pair of flashing lights on the side of the road.
Taking your foot off the gas and steering clear of a stopped vehicle is something all of us learn in our teen years during driver training as we attempt to obtain our licence in the first place.
But as the Sun reported on Thursday, two dangerous collisions with Wheat City Towing trucks caused by inattentive motorists this winter have company manager Kevin Ouellet worried for his drivers’ safety.
In the first case, a nighttime driver lost control on a slippery road while steering […]
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