Transportation Embarking on a new career as an O/O May 1, 2014 In my brief absence from these pages, I have been quite busy. Not my usual kind of busy, but busy expanding my knowledge of our industry. I have been doing it from the other side of the desk too, in a poacher-turned-gamekeeper kinda way.
Transportation Track the cost of risk to uncover rewards May 1, 2014 There is a price to pay for risk management. Every insurance premium or deductible will illustrate that point. But many fleets and owner/operators might be surprised to learn just how much the cost of risk extends beyond insurance claims alone.
Transportation Comparing mileage vs percentage pay May 1, 2014 How would you prefer to be paid? Higher is a given; not quite the answer I was looking for. For typical over-the-road drivers or owner/operators, the two most common methods are either mileage pay, or percentage pay.
Transportation Why it pays to know the net fuel price May 1, 2014 Truck owners will do anything to save a buck on fuel. But before you leave the spare tire at home, you should plot your fuel stops and find out what you really pay for diesel. It might change your approach to where you fill up your tanks.
Transportation New PC-11 engine oil category looms May 1, 2014 The development of a new heavy-duty engine oil category (HDEO) is an expensive undertaking, the cost of which is generally reflected in the price tag and passed along to end users. The good news about Proposed Category 11 (PC-11), set to roll...
Transportation The BIG Mid-America Trucking Show report May 1, 2014 Couldn’t make the Mid-America Trucking Show this year? That’s alright, we’ve got you covered. Our team of editors was on-hand, collecting information and checking out the new wares from all the OEMs and suppliers.
Transportation Sorry, what did you just say? May 1, 2014 Mercy sakes alive, how trucking’s vocabulary has changed. Think back to the ’70s and ’80s when CB slang was all the rage. They even made movies based just on the lingo. “10-4 good buddy, I’ve gotta get outta here,...
Transportation The Last Word: The LeBlanc brothers May 1, 2014 "I couldn’t really see myself doing anything else,” is a phrase one often hears after meeting someone who’s had the same career for his or her whole life.
Transportation SUICIDES BY TRUCK LEAVE MORE THAN ONE VICTIM April 29, 2014 The ominous e-mail arrived in my Inbox at 8:04 p.m. last Thursday. It read simply: “I saw this story on the Internet. Are there any other stories that Truck News has done on the topic of suicide by truck? I was the victim of such an act...
Sustainability CONFUSION OVER 6x2s April 29, 2014 I recently posted this interview with Joe ElBehairy, Meritor’s top engineer, about industry trends including the increasing popularity of 6x2 axles. The spec’ saves fleets about 400 lbs and the electronics available today will...
Business Management HIGHLAND O/Os IN EXCISE TAX REBATE DISPUTE TO GET PAID April 29, 2014 Here’s an update on one of the more interesting stories I’ve ever covered. First, some history. In 1998, Larry Babins, an astute trucking accountant, filed a claim on behalf of several trucking companies that argued diesel fuel...
Health & Safety WELLNESS ADVISOR: A NEW POSITION IN TRUCKING? April 29, 2014 If you’re active on Twitter, you’re likely following Jason Jannetta (formerly @urbanhauler, now @speedywellness). He posts fitness and diet advice for other professional drivers. Jason, till recently, drove for The Beer Store, but...