The car was too close and Lewis was going too fast to be able to stop in time.  He knew the massive weight of his truck would crush the little car, and most likely the man inside. Using some quick thinking, Lewis jerked his steering wheel to the right and drove straight into a ditch. Fortunately, neither Lewis nor his truck were damaged, and the car drove away not knowing how close it had been to danger.

Highways across the nation are dotted with stories just like this one. The trucking industry is a place where drivers get the chance every day to show that there are still people out there care.Nicholas Lewis risked his life to save a driver who didn’t seem to pay him a single thought, and for that he has been named the Truckload Carriers Association’s newest Highway Angel.

The Highway Angel program is one where truck drivers like Lewis receive well-deserved recognition for their good deeds on the road. These deeds don’t always involve saving life,some of them are simple acts of kindness such as helping a stranded driver change a tire. However, each of these deeds did make a difference and each one of them deserve recognition.

Truck drivers often seem to get a bad reputation. Society sometimes looks down on them, not realizing the risks and sacrifices they make every day. The Highway Angel program is one which will show the public who truck drivers really are.

Any truck driver can be nominated for the program. Those nominated will receive a lapel pin, clothing patch and personalized certificate of appreciation as a Highway Angel.

If you notice a truck driver who displays an act of kindness that you feel goes above and beyond, you can nominate that driver by filling out the Highway Angel nomination form at https://www.truckload.org/index.asp?bid=34.

To read more about Nicholas Lewis and other Highway Angels, visit http://www.truckload.org/index.asp?sid=8.

When the need to eat fast food arises there are plenty of choices to be made on where to go and, once there, what to order. Many drive through restaurants these days offer a range of salads on their menus along with other healthy choices such as apple slices instead of French fries.  Eating fruits and vegetables is always a healthy choice, but the honest truth is that a salad doesn’t always cut it.

When you’ve been driving for hours on end and you feel faint from hunger, you want something solid. You want something you can really sink your teeth into and you want there to be a lot of it. So, when you are looking over the menu, intending to buy the whole shebang of burger, fries and a soda, it is important to be sure you know what you are ordering.

When eating fast food frequently, you should know the many items on a menu and what each of them really will do for you. Which selection on the menu has the most calories? Which one has the least? Which item will keep you full longer and which item will get your stomach rumbling again in a few hours?

To help you as a truck driver better understand what you are eating, we will be doing a number of Monthly Menu Management articles. These articles will provide a breakdown of a different fast food menu each month, including information such as the largest and smallest items on the menu and which items will keep you full longer. This Monthly Menu Management is simply for your information and is neither encouraging nor discouraging the purchase and consumption of fast food.

It’s time you understood what you are eating every day. Truck driving jobs are hard enough without having to count the calories on a fast food menu. Instead, take a break and we’ll do the counting.

As much as having more money in the system sounds good to those looking for the money, the trucking industry is concerned that this will raise the fuel rates due to inflation (the dollar is worth less because there is too much of a supply).  With the holidays coming right around the corner and thus creating higher rates in fuel due to demand, this makes even higher prices in fuel costs.

The trucking industry is doing well right now in this economy.  More drivers are needed to ship the product that needs to go out across the country.  The cost of the fuel will hurt the now growing freight industry, but with the emergence of new freight needed, drivers will still be needed.  The overhead of trucking companies will rise, but most companies will be fine.

Think about it.  More freight brings in more revenue for a company.  But in the new revenue are higher costs from more expensive drivers due to lack of drivers and higher cost of fuel due to inflation.  A company will still end up in the black on budgets.  Everyone still wins even with the negative of the economy, just less net on the books.  As the economy keeps growing, inflation will disappear and the future looks good for the trucking industry.

Glen Kedzie, a vice-president in the American Trucking Association, is quoted as saying, “We’ve been flatlined at 6 to 6.5 miles per gallon for years,” talking about a loaded tractor-trailer.

The article goes on to state:

“According to the trade group, that amounts to about 16 gallons of diesel fuel consumed per 100 miles traveled. Large tractor-trailers tend to be driven as much as 150,000 miles a year, making them ripe for improved efficiency.

“Tougher fuel-economy standards for heavy trucks, the White House plausibly argues, not only will help sustain trucking companies, but also will reduce the nation’s dependence on oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions tied to global warming.

The trucking association says the proposed standards can be achieved with current technology. That assessment should drive the program for greater truck fuel efficiency into high gear.”

With the American Trucking Association supporting President Obama’s administration on fuel regulations, the federal government has a much better chance of convincing the trucking industry that fuel rulings are a good direction for the United States and the freight industry as well. The article made some estimates.

Better gas mileage can be a huge windfall for drivers if freight rates stay the same. Check out CR England’s truck driving jobs with training if your looking for a new career in the industry.

http://toledoblade.com/article/20101030/OPINION02/101029522/-1/OPINION

Some see this as a wonderful step to better safety while others find it an attack on an already heavily burdened regulated industry.  Either way, it is here and the trucking industry is moving forward with this federal program.

The fear from the trucking industry is that we are moving into a new era of driver shortage and with more scrutiny, come fewer drivers wanting to be a part of the system.  The program is scaring off good drivers and the baby boomers are retiring, leaving students as the major source of drivers.  The turnover is costly and the training is as well.

On the flip side, more regulation is weeding out bad drivers and creating a safer road environment for all.  There was an article in NorthJersey.com called “New system has truckers worried about job security” by Meredith Mandell.  In this article, it explains the concerns the people have through this one interview: “There’s been an under reporting of data,” said Larry Simon, a Ridgewood-based lawyer who represents people injured in trucking accidents. The system, he said, will weed out an entity even more deadly than a drunken driver — a distracted one.  You can imagine the danger of a driver who is texting and using a laptop while they are driving an 80,000-pound vehicle at a fast speed,” he said.

There are both sides of the concerns, but both sides also realize that safety is the number one focus and the transportation industry is working hard to train drivers to drive safely.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/104134124_New_law_may_curb_truckers.html?c=y&page=2

The article uses Shore Tractor Trailer as an example for the need of drivers and the popularity of becoming a truck driver right now.  Since the beginning of the recession, they have been seeing people from all types of fields turning to truck driving as a career.

On the evening news, you see where people can’t find jobs anywhere and yet there is actually a shortage of drivers right now.  The trucking industry here in the United States are looking for qualified drivers and willing to pay money for good drivers.  They have product that needs to be shipped and can’t find enough truck drivers.  As more products are needed moving with the improved economy, more drivers are needed.  Baby boomers are retiring and the need is greater right now.

According to Shore Tractor Trailer, drivers start their careers “up to $50,000” yearly.  That’s better than starting figures with a bachelor’s degree.  Shore Tractor Trailer even states that seasoned drivers can earn at least $90,000.

For those that want to be home on weekends, truck driving jobs have changed in that regional runs are becoming more of the trend.  Drivers can be home more often than ever before.

http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2010/10/despite_recession_theres_still.html

Check out this article I found on helium.com called: “How to get hired for local truck driving jobs.” It’s very informative for those looking for dedicated runs.

A truck driver looking to get hired for a local truck driving job is usually in for some stiff competition because every truck driver would like a position that allows them to be home nightly. While there are usually always truck driving jobs available, most of these ore “over-the-road” positions which can require that a truck driver depart on trips that can traverse the country and last 5 to 14 days in duration. In order to get hired for local truck driving jobs an individual make be able to make themselves and their skills stand out from the pack of potential hires, showing a prospective employer that their abilities and experience are the clear choice for the success of both.

In most circumstances local truck driving jobs consist of what are typically known in the trucking industry as “pedal runs” or a number of frequent stops on a given day in the local community. These types of truck driving assignments require special skills that are not common to every truck driver which are learned and cultivated over years of driving. “Pedal runs” usually demand that a driver have an outstanding knowledge of the logistics of a given area, excellent customer service skills, the ability to drive safely in heavy traffic and be able to keep on a scheduled course of daily activities regardless of traffic issues. Additionally, a truck driver in these types of positions must be in good physical condition because there is usually a good bit of unloading that is done by hand. To get hired for local truck driving jobs an individual must be able to get the point across that they possess each of these skills to a potential employer quickly.??Whether a truck driver is dropping off an employment application or has been invited to an interview, it is imperative that they be prepared to get hired for local truck driving jobs. This means that the status of all professional driving licenses are in order, a resume complete with references has been created and a copy of the individual’s motor vehicle record has been obtained. These simple steps require a small amount of legwork for a job applicant but show an employer that a truck driver is on the ball, ready and eager to work and has nothing to hide from past employment experiences. When combined with a good ability to communicate as shown during the interview process, a candidate for a local truck driving job stands a great chance of quick success.

http://www.helium.com/items/1970629-how-to-get-hired-for-local-truck-driving-jobs

http://www.truckingjobsblog.com/truck-driving-is-safer-year-after-year

During the three months that he was at school and away from his family he stayed busy and kept in contact.  As he started out on the road he would call home and tell his loved ones about all of the amazing places that he had read about and was now receiving the opportunity to see. It was truly a dream career and Tony continually expressed his love for driving.  After going through school Tony worked for a company as an evaluator of their drivers. He was dedicated to his work and expected the best from all drivers on the road.  Although Tony was thriving and growing, his career was sadly cut short.

Tragedy struck on July 14, 2007 when Tony was killed in a trucking accident. While driving his truck a car crossed a median and in order to avoid hitting the car Tony veered off the bridge and was killed. Tony gave his life in order to save another and for that he died a hero.  His wife is grateful that he passed away doing what he loved.  His passion for driving became his way of life and his dedication to excellence was evident.  Tony’s wife says that she was never worried about him on the road because she knew that he had received the best training at C.R. England.  Tony was proud to be a driver and loved every minute of his work.  He is a great example to all as a driver who worked with dedication and committed his whole heart to the job.  He will always be remembered for the positive impact that he left on the driving industry.

In August of 1999 Rocky decided to make a career change.  He took a step into the trucking world by attending CR England’s Truck Driving School in Spartanburg, North Carolina.  He started off strong in the business by committing to his learning and graduating at the top of his driving class.  After completing his schooling, Rocky stayed on as a solo company driver for two years.  He used this time to learn all that he could about the logistics of the company and how to gain and perfect the tools of becoming an effective yet safe driver.

As he acquired experience on the road, Rocky made the decision to become a driving trainer for CR England.  He wanted to share his knowledge of the importance of safe driving and adhering to the rules of the road.  Through two years of solo driving experience Rocky had seen all sorts of accidents, bad decisions, and lack of attention to the road.  He wanted to use his background and make a difference by bringing a focus back to safe driving.  He feels that by training more alert drivers the trucking community will have the ability to create safe roads conditions for all.

Rocky learned that his wife was expecting a baby boy on the day of his graduation from trainer school.  His family continued to grow and support him as he added to the success of his career.  In the course of his employment at CR England he has received numerous awards and recognitions for his dedication to the job.  Some of these include receiving driver of the month on three different occasions, getting his “Million Mile Perfect Safe Driving Award”, and earning several ATA patches, pins, a CR England driving jacket and his master’s driver ring.  In 2006 Rocky decided to make a change and enter the lease program.  This decision benefited him greatly and has been yet another stage in his driving success.

He believes that the standards of  CR England have helped him to become a safe driver and that the company as a whole has contributed to the level of his success.  He lives by the belief that “to know safety is to know peace of mind” and that working with CR England has created that peace of mind.  He has commented on the great quality of the staff and that as an employee he felt like he was treated like family.  CR England was always helpful and supportive and consistently created opportunities to advance within the company.  He believes that all of the opportunities are provided and it is up to each person to find the determination and hard work to achieve their potential.  Along with the support of the company Rocky says that his motivation while on the road is his family.  They have always been patient, supportive and have stood behind him in all of his endeavors. Rocky’s story is an inspiring one. The passion he has for his career paves the way for the success he has experienced in his life.  After almost eleven years of employment at CR England, Rocky thanks the company for giving him such a wonderful career opportunity.  He no doubt has a bright future ahead of him as he continues to build on his rising career.

I found a great list of “do’s” for precaution from an article on jobmonkey.com.  Check it out!

• “Stay away from remote rest areas, especially at night
• Keep the doors of your rig locked at all times
• Never advertise that you’re traveling alone, even on the radio
• Stay off back roads or short cuts
• Try parking close to the main door of any truck stops you’re at
• ALWAYS carry a cell phone with you”

Another great idea found is to put a flannel shirt on the backrest of the passenger seat, making the thought that you have a big husky (and mean looking) passenger with you.  I thought that was a very creative idea.  Keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings is another wonderful thought.

Trucking is a wonderful lifestyle for people who love to travel and see the country.  Just be careful so that you don’t need to have anything bad happen to you.

http://www.jobmonkey.com/truckdriving/women-in-trucking.html

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=65490461&blogId=416202996