Something To Think About …. ™ Houston tries to become the front door for U.S. By Tim Brady ©2008 Write Up the Road Publishing &Media All Rights Reserved It’s huge now, and may grow to be thousand-pound gorilla size within fifteen or so years. What is it? The port of Houston, which has ambitions to replace the west coast as the main door for all the consumer goods coming in daily from Asia. With the Panama Canal having tripled its portion of container shipments from Asia to nearly forty percent of its annual total, Houston is betting there’s steady growth...<< MORE >>

American Rig Radio's Tim Brady interviews Tennessee Department of Tourist Development's Commissioner Susan Whitaker on the impact of the 100 million dollar Discovery Park of America project, being built in Union City, TN, on the state of Tennessee and how trucking will benefit<< MORE >>

American Rig Radio's Trucking News Brake -- September 1, 2008 1pm Hurricane Gustav Update form the National Hurricane Center.<< MORE >>

Trucking News Brake-- September 1, 2008 7am Hurricane Gustav Update from the National Hurricane Center.<< MORE >>

American Rig Radio's Trucking News Brake -- August 31, 2008 10pm Hurricane Gustav update from NOAA and the National Hurricane Center.<< MORE >>

American Rig Radio's Trucking News Break - August 31, 2008 7pm Hurricane Gustav update from NOAA.<< MORE >>

American Rig Radio's Trucking News Brake - August 31, 2008 3pm Hurricane Gustav Update form NOAA<< MORE >>

Americn Rig Radio's Trucking News Brake- August 31, 2008 NOON Hurricane Gustav UpDate from NOAA<< MORE >>

Trucking News Brake from American Rig Radio Newsroom -- 8/30/2008 10:30 hours Hurricane Gustav Update from NOAA<< MORE >>

August 29, 2008 News in Review A News in Review reporter was at the 10th Anniversary of The Great American Trucking Show just completed in Dallas last week, walking the show floor with 600 exhibits and booths and an estimated 50,000 people attending. Probably the biggest highlight was the world premiere of “Drive and Deliver”... Next we’ll round up the news stories for you: a safety director was nailed for a false drivers’ logbook scam; so-called ‘market corrections’ are affecting the trucking industry; , a small motor carrier owner is making ‘home brew’ to run his truck; a look at 3rd Party logistics in China and an American firm buys into trucking there too; Two major players in the American Trucking Associations have signed letters of intent with the Port of Los Angeles; Japanese truck drivers staged a major protest over costs; Shipping Digest looked at the Transportation Security Administration as the office was looking at security in the trucking industry; and TransCore just launched a new system that could have quite an impact on those same security issues for the trucking industry. Lastly, we’ll answer the last Truckin’ Trivia question and give you another to think about. << MORE >>

August 15,2008 - News in Review Welcome to News in Review, brought to you by American Rig Radio. This week’s news roundup includes the trucking industry’s actual safety record; the Abilene, Texas online Reporter looked at ‘hot fuel,’ Britain’s shipping may have gone to the ducks, a blistering report from Nairobi, Kenya, on the state of trucking in that country, a Wall Street analyst upgrades the trucking industry, stats from the Energy Information Administration, an appellate judge in Arizona says the courts will review the suit against Swift Transportation, and “Drive and Deliver” premieres at GATS next week. We’ll have Truckin’ Trivia for you at the end of this podcast. Now to the news. << MORE >>

August 8, 2008 News in Review Welcome to News in Review, the news that’s here when you have some spare time—and you don’t have to put in any spare quarters. This week we’re checking a new ruling from the IRS; could changing from wood pallets to plastic make a difference; the Mexican Truck Pilot program has been extended for two years; the Roemer Report announces a great contest; some words with an old-time trucker; the suit filed in District Court intends to stall the new trucking plans for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; Southern shipping is growing like tall cotton; the FMCSA wants to make all driving portions of CDL tests across the nation in English only; and some trucking companies aren’t in Kansas anymore, Toto. << MORE >>

Get the Real B.S. (Business Smarts) In Trucking Join 23-year trucking veteran Tim Brady, now a consultant and columnist whodoes a weekly show on Sirius 147 Road Dog Trucking Radio's Loading Dock morning show and podcasts on his web site: www.writeuptheroad.com You won’t want to miss Tim’s Business Smarts roundtable, where you will get the Real B.S. on topics including: Fuel Surcharges - Asset Utilization - Rate-Setting Thursday, August 21st at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM and Friday, August 22nd at 10:00 AM All sessions will be held in Room D-175 at the Dallas Convention Center, Dallas Texas Roundtable sessions at GATS are sponsored by TruckersEdge.net, the load board for owner-operators, powered by the legendary DAT® Network. Learn more about TruckersEdge.net at GATS Booth 19165 Technorati Profile << MORE >>

News in Review August 1, 2008 Welcome to News in Review, a brief roundup of stories making an impact on the trucking industry. We’ll check the Roemer Report on who pays when a load of produce is contaminated; Jeff Berman of Logistics Management says it would take 200 billion dollars to completely change from oil to hydrogen fuel; the American Trucking Associations has filed a federal lawsuit to halt implementation of the Clean Trucks Act in Los Angeles and Long Beach ports; the planned two-week strike by truckies in Australia became only two and a half days and we’ll look at why and how; logistics experts in China are trying to figure out solutions to massive problems quickly; our transportation experts say a perfect storm is battering the trucking industry; Barbara Windsor, President and CEO of Hahn Transportation of New Market, Md., said the United States needs a comprehensive energy plan; we’ll also look at the last portion of Maverick USA’s CEO Steve Williams’ Congressional testimony, on productivity in the transportation sector, and once in a while you do get a perfect day. We’ll wrap with the Truckin’ Trivia questions. << MORE >>

July 24, 2008 News in Review Time for News in Review, so you don’t have to look through stacks of old newspapers to find out what’s going on in the trucking industry. We’ll check out what the credit managers across the US are groaning about; the results of Roadcheck 2008 according to the Roemer Report; have you met a Highway Angel?; you’ll recall Maverick USA’s CEO testified before Congress and made some very strong points which we continue to look at; Canada diagnoses the health of its trucking industry; the Cunningham Report is watching the Port of Los Angeles’ attempt to start training truck drivers; YRC North American Transportation is trying a new system called Velocity Network; the 2008 Expedite Expo is right around the corner; the Associated Press sounds the alarm on disabled drivers still steering trucks and busses; and the Fleet Owner online blog offers some thoughts on the AP report. << MORE >>

NEWS IN REVIEW Welcome to News in Review, which fits its news into your schedule. We’ll check on what Standard and Poor expects for the economy and the trucking industry; ethanol and biodiesel are in the middle of several skirmishes; the state of Maine and its senators have a proposal to help truckers with the high cost of fuel; can tires actually help reduce fuel consumption? ; the fourth part of testimony in front of Congress by Maverick’s CEO; and there’s a movement in Congress to stop the oil speculators. We’ll wrap up the news with your Truckin’ Trivia question for this week. << MORE >>

News in Review July 9th, 2008 Welcome to News in Review for American Rig Radio, which always gives you something to think about. This week we’ll check the Environment section of Maverick USA chairman and CEO Steve Williams’ report upon which he based his testimony to Congress; some of the changes independent truckers are having to make; big wheels meeting in New York City; could CH Robinson’s business plan spark ideas for your trucking company?; US News & World Report /Money & Business blog wonders about opportunity in a rough economy; and a school in Carlsbad, New Mexico figures there are going to be jobs in the trucking industry. << MORE >>

Welcome to News in Review, featured by American Rig Radio, providing you with articles and information so you have something to think about. This time, we’ll check on what Maverick USA chairman and CEO Steve Williams told Congress in testimony last week; how some farmers in the Brownsville, Texas area are coping with the fuel crisis; some thoughts from the president of the Truckload Carriers Association; the ATA says the tonnage index has crept up a tiny amount; a book that came out three years ago is making waves again; the trucking industry slump is affecting many other businesses; from Truck dot net online, the Eye-Catching Truck of the Month Feature Celebrates Its First Anniversary and the Roemer Report for July says America has got to start renewing its infrastructure – now. We’ll wrap with the Truckin’ Trivia feature. << MORE >>

Showcase for the selfless acts of the high-caliber individuals who drive the trucks delivering America’s daily needs. We are proud to recognize truckers and other trucking industry members who have saved lives, provided humanitarian aid, or community service to their fellow man. Presented by AmericanRigRadio.com Not Just a Witness Sometimes a life-changing incident takes place with few witnesses, let alone someone to help. On an April day last year, out in the lonely high desert country of New Mexico, an enraged man was trying to kill his pregnant girlfriend by running her down with his pickup truck. Against all odds, there were not only witnesses, but Good Samaritans to help. Ronnie Greene of Regina, New Mexico, and his co-driver were heading for Albuquerque, driving for A. Passmore & Sons. Near Española, on US 84, they saw a pregnant woman run over by a pickup truck. Greene, a former paramedic and firefighter, stopped his rig and ran to her, helping her get to her feet and start walking towards his truck. As Greene was talking to her, the pickup turned and headed back again, heading straight for the woman and him. Thinking quickly, Greene pushed her into the narrow space between his truck cab and the trailer, protecting her with his own body. Three more times the pickup, now a deadly weapon, came roaring towards them. On the last pass, the pickup driver hit… << MORE >>

News in Review June 26, 2008 Hello and welcome to News in Review, the quick report on what’s happening beyond the windshield for the trucking industry. On to the News in Review. This time we’ll look at how a vote by the Los Angeles City Council could affect the entire trucking industry, applications for help in reducing idling for Wisconsin drivers and small motor carriers available July 1, Montgomery County in Maryland is trying to move parked trucks out of the neighborhood, Fleet Owner magazine reports a major risk management insurance firm is starting a program that promises lower rates for safer fleets, opening more roads in North Carolina to 53 foot trailers met editorial opposition in The News and Observer of Raleigh; on the other coast, Cascade Sierra Solutions may have a way to help your truck get better fuel mileage, and finally, the July Roemer Report says the frustration with high diesel prices is truly world-wide. << MORE >>

News In Review June 19, 2008 Get your ears on for News in Review. This time we’ll check stories on supply and demand, Con-Way Freight is 25 years old, Layover.com reported an interesting statistic, the driver shortage isn’t over but fewer companies are actively recruiting, hybrid cars, yes; hybrid trucks, maybe; the strike in Spain makes labor problems plain; no more cats under the hood and the Aussies are striking – but announcing it ahead of time so consumers can stock up. Truckin' Trivia First, let’s take a quick side trip for the Truckin’ Trivia. ... << MORE >>

June 11, 2008 News in Review Hello from News in Review, the news roundup of what’s been happening while you’ve been driving a desk or a truck. We’ll look at what The New York Times had to say about the current stage of the trucking industry, the railroads say they’re helping shipping go green, Coates International is retrofitting trucks with new technology, two prestigious news sources looked at different sides of the drayage industry, and the truckers strike in Chile has ended. << MORE >>

Would you want to share road with these drivers? Alcohol and drug use resulted in the arrests of two truckers by Washington state troopers within 48 hours at the scale house near Ridgefield on northbound I-5. Michael Mengel was driving an overweight flatbed. When a commercial vehicle officer talked to the trucker, the officer smelled alcohol. Mengel denied drinking, but agreed to a breath test. After he blew into the tester, the machine registered alcohol in his system. In the suspected drug arrest, a trucker accused of using methamphetamines while driving was caught when a commercial vehicle officer noticed the pintle hitch was open…<< MORE >>

The Ordinary Day -- that Wasn’t It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon, not unusual for September, and Rick Tower of Yreka, California, was on his way home, hauling a load of wood chips east on Highway 96 near Horse Creek. Suddenly a westbound Lincoln Towncar fish-tailed on the wet, slick pavement and, for a few heart-stopping seconds, became airborne before it plunged into the swift current of the Klamath River. Tower pulled his Earl Bryant rig over to the side of the highway and stopped as quickly as possible. He leaped out of the cab, and started running across the highway to the river, yelling to the man who’d pulled over in his pickup behind the eighteen-wheeler to call for help. Tower scrambled down to the river as the heavy car, pushed by the rain-swollen river, slowly turned in the current and then started moving downstream, picking up speed.He could hear screams for help, so Tower jumped into the river and swam to the car. Inside, Dorothy Knudsen, eighty-two years old... << MORE >>

American Rig Radio's News in Review Welcome to News in Review. We try to keep an eye on the news so you have an ear for the latest developments. We’ll look at tough new air quality regulations in California; the latest trucking documentary is now on the road; Great Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown takes steps to help the hard-pressed English lorry drivers; an ATA exhibition which won’t be seen on the road in America, and even 30-million-year old water can be recycled.<< MORE >>

Welcome to News in Review, the headlines for the time you have to listen. We’ll be checking articles about why snoring may not be the only sleep disorder prevalent among truckers; the multiple winners at the Indy 500; a scam targeting Canadian trucking firms and our IRS; the Charleston Gazette published commentary from the president of the West Virginia Motor Truck Association; the Roemer Insurance Report outlines the FMCSA rules for new motor carriers; dedicated truck lanes across four states; help for Jevic drivers and personnel; and $11 for a gallon of diesel. << MORE >>

Truckers Must Take Care of Eyes Most of us are probably guilty of taking our eyesight for granted. A side from our required D.O.T. physicals, we probably don’t give it a second thought. But being truckers we should place a premium on eye care as vision is one of the most-used senses we rely upon in our occupation. No one is more aware of that than a former steel hauler who lost his eyesight in a motorcycle accident, which forced him to give up driving because he’s legally blind. But he still loves trucking, so he’s working in operations for a company in Pennsylvania. And has started an education program for the rest of us. Eyes on the Road was founded by Mark Harter to provide vision care information for truckers. Along with the Schepens Eye Research Institute, and the trucker’s web site www.truck << MORE >>

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration has issued a warning concerning the use of the anti smoking drug Chantix. The warning goes out to all commercial drivers’ license holders taking the drug and doctors providing medical examinations to truckers: don’t take the drug if you drive a commercial vehicle and do not qualify anyone currently using the medication for a CDL!<< MORE >>

You know, we truckers can tell you the quickest, safest route to go from any city to any destination nationwide without missing a highway number, exit number or total miles required. Now, what if all of us became as efficient in the business of trucking as we are at getting loads from point “A” to point “B”? Let’s start by planning our finances the same way we plan the route to pick up and deliver loads…. << MORE >>

Welcome to News in Review, your on the road briefing of what’s happening in the trucking world. This week we’ll look at the ATA’s new initiative, some good news down under for Australian truckies, truck tolls in Wyoming? the pilot program for Mexican trucks transporting goods is in mañana mode, last week’s news conference ignited a ‘bigger isn’t better’ flap, ExxonMobil outsources its driver recruitment, race car engineers are working on better mileage for big rigs, the lowly shipping container is what transformed world-wide trade, Jevic Transportation parks it for good, and Santa won’t get any of these cookies. << MORE >>

News in Review, sponsored this week by the Truckers’ Roundtable, held the first Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9:30 pm Central. Come join the crowd and drive your opinion home instead of your truck. Call 800-292-8072 to get the details and sign up. The week of May 11th is National Transportation week. Join us now as we check on IdleAire Technologies; what one penny can do to your fuel costs, the unusual market for used trucks, the squeeze on drivers at US seaports, Congressional testimony, a truck hijacking, wildcat strike and razorbacks on the road. << MORE >>

Welcome to American Rig Radio’s Truckers’ Roundtable where we discuss the issues and develop solutions to the concerns of drivers and small motor carriers across America. In this roundtable, we will be discussing “Where Have All The Drivers Gone.” We are joined by author/trucker Jeff Clark who wrote “We’re Dying Out Here – The Truth About The Trucker Shortage.” Also contributing will be an owner of a small motor carrier and truckers from across America. We will begin with an article I wrote which appeared in American Trucker Magazine last year….<< MORE >>

Psst! Hey, buddy, wanna know where there’s a parking space for tonight? Is it worth a twenty to ya? It’s getting almost that bad out on the road and the figures can show you why: both the F.M.C.S.A and the National Transportation Safety Board agree there’s a shortfall of nearly thirty thousand parking spaces for trucks each night. Half of all the private truck stops are filled, and eighty percent of the public rest areas across the nation are filled or in overflow nightly as well...<< MORE >>

It’s been twenty-five years since Goodyear started the Highway Hero Award to recognize uncommon valor shown by a truck driver. During that time, men and women truckers have been saluted for their bravery and concern for other human beings, rushing right into a life-threatening situation without thinking about the danger. << MORE >>

Welcome to News in Review on American Rig Radio. What’s in the works? We’ll tell you about one Senate bill you should keep an eye on; how the diesel prices are affecting small motor carriers in Connecticut, a recent study by Virginia Tech pinpoints the most dangerous hour in driving, clean trucks for the ports from Long Beach to Oakland, I-40 through Knoxville, Tennessee construction, and Willie’s Place goes wireless.<< MORE >>

Welcome to News in Review – we’ll check on an initiative to get new truck drivers; whether the cost of diesel fuel means shippers are rushing to use trains instead of trucks; a new woman president; hear NBC Nightly News’ take on rising fuel prices and what they mean to the average Joe and Mabel Consumer, and potholes, sleep apnea, getting the US out of debt, trucking school scams, and oh, by the way, did you have a nice Earthday? Hope so – because one of the top financial online journalists is predicting oil at $180 per barrel within the next two years.<< MORE >>

Guess how much it costs to build one new mile of highway these days? Thirty million dollars. Quite a price tag. The US Department of Transportation figures highway construction costs have gone up thirty-one per cent in only three years, between 2002 and 2005. By 2009, the highway trust fund won’t have enough money left to meet its current obligations, let alone new ones….<< MORE >>

It’s a thirty-year argument; not a war, but the lines are drawn just about as firmly. The chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, Mark Rosenker, says electronic on-board recorders must be installed in trucks to be sure truck drivers are complying with the new hours of service rules.<< MORE >>

Welcome to American Rig Radio’s 'News in Review.' We’ll check out a documentary that’ll be released this summer, one of the reasons for the memorable customer service at some help desks, the possible ban on trucks on a Montana highway, Kenworth’s worker layoff, Mack Truck’s Titan, a brief touch on the economy and the proposed fuel protest in Washington, DC, towards the end of April. We’ll wrap up with what a brand-new, soon-to-be CDLholder has to say about our industry. << MORE >>

Time for News in Review once more, and we’re here as usual to take a look at some of the headlines and stories on both sides of the inevitable debates. The call to park your truck that went out on April first was followed by some, ignored by others and ridiculed by a few. Many people had an opinion about the proposed work slowdown, but few seemed to made the effort to find the facts. << MORE >>

The weather that early morning was a little cool, starting to drizzle, with a very light fog. Forebush was in farming country, near the intersection of a county road and the 2-lane state highway he was traveling. He noticed a mature cornfield on the road’s left side, corn stalks 6 - 7 feet tall, and the flicker of lights between the stalks told him there was another vehicle also traveling towards the intersection. Then - << MORE >>

Are you asking yourself if you can really make a profit in trucking today, especially with fuel going up again and the freight still not recovering like it should? That’s the sixty-thousand dollar question for most drivers on the road. Here's something to think about... << MORE >>

We’ll check out several stories on the eight-hundred pound gorilla who won’t go away – that’s referring to diesel prices which continue increasing - plus a quick look at a lifetime achievement award presented at the just-completed Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, more views on electronic log book systems and a new type of truckers’ health clinic.<< MORE >>

Ever wonder why your shippers want every single delivery to be yesterday? Or maybe you’ve been rushed away from a factory, and not allowed time to check your pad-wrap and straps once more, only to drive past more trucks waiting to get in to load? Well, you can blame success. And something called ‘supply chain speed.’ Think back … << MORE >>

You’ve gotten your own truck and you’re up and running. But - somehow it’s not what you expected. What’s missing? Your three money goals? A surprising number of owner/operators never set an income bull’s-eye at which to take aim. So do some soul-searching… << MORE >>

March 24, 2008 News in Review will provide a quick audio update of important trucking news of the week. The News will be updated on Monday so you can start out each week being informed about what's happen in the trucking industry.<< MORE >>

American Rig Radio presents its monthly truckers round table discussion. The round table is recorded on the first Wednesday of each month. We cover topics which are of concern to truckers and trucking companies. American Rig Radio’s Truckers’ Round Table,” giving truckers and trucking company personnel a national forum to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry today. << MORE >>

To launch the American Rig Radio’s Awesome Trucker Program, look no further than Charlie Daniels. Now you may be scratching your head and wondering, “Is he a trucker?” Well, look at this: Charlie logs nearly 100,000 miles a year and lives in his vehicle for most of those days and miles. Uh huh. He’s also the voice of Sirius ‘Road Dog’ Trucking Radio, and now National Bankers Trust Truckers’ Advocate for ethical, reasonable and sound financial services for truck drivers and small motor carriers. So American Rig Radio had Tim Brady interview Country Music Legend Charlie Daniels earlier this year as the first Honorary Awesome Trucker. << MORE >>

Have you ever stopped for fuel or a quick bite, and as you were walking through the parking lot, a stranger wanting cash for gas to get to his father’s funeral, to the next job, or just to get home approaches you? Maybe he’s offering to polish your tanks and wheels, but really what he want is to relieve you of your cash. If outside in the parking lot was the only place where people try to take truckers’ hard - earned cash, truckers could handle it.<< MORE >>

If you’ve been driving around New York lately, you may be asking yourself, “how much is too much security, really?”<< MORE >>