FYI: Books & Videos

* Grade Guide: If you’ve ever been surprised to meet a serious grade that wasn’t signposted, Richard Miller has something to offer. He’s an ex-trucker in Kansas, and after a scary runaway a few years ago-on a hill his maps didn’t show-he decided to help others avoid the same fate. Miller spent six months in his personal vehicle documenting as many grades as he could find. Then he published two guides-Mountain Directory West, and Mountain Directory East. Recently updated, the books provide in-depth information, with full-color relief maps, on more than 700 troublesome grades on U.S. highways.

Miller’s directories are full of good stuff that’ll help drivers make smart routing decisions and prepare them for danger spots-like length and severity, sharpness of curves, and location of escape ramps. It’s invaluable for rookie drivers and even old hands traveling into a mountainous area for the first time.

The Western directory is $14.95 US, the Eastern one is $12.95 US. And yes, he’s anxious to start work on a Canadian guide.

* Hot Dates: Shell’s Super Rigs Calendar Readers have been asking us how to get a copy of the 2001 Shell Super Rigs Calendar. It’s produced by Shell in the U.S. and the easiest way to get one is to visit the company’s trucking products Web site-www.rotella.com. At the bottom right corner of the opening page you’ll see a link to the calendar. Just punch that and follow directions to the order form. The calendar costs $14.95 US, plus $3 for shipping and handling. It’s a great Web site, by the way, full of product info and a place where you can also download some pretty cool “wallpaper” for your computer screen.

* A P&D Driver’s Safety Guide: The new “Route and Delivery Driver’s Safety Handbook” from J.J. Keller & Associates confronts the challenges these drivers face. The guide has 120-plus pages on topics like personal safety, safe vehicle operation, customer service, compliance, material handling, health, and security. Review quizzes at the end of each chapter help confirm drivers’ understanding of the material. Prices range from $2.95 US to $6.50, depending on how many you buy.