2011 April

26
Apr

Raising Awareness is Key to Truck Drivers Issues

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Raising Awareness is Key to Truck Drivers Issues

1st Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

Banner by: TheKeysTruckers.com

I often hear from truck drivers who refer to themselves as a “voice in the wilderness.” When you look at the general public as a whole, they have no clue about the struggles and governmental bureaucracy that drivers face on a daily basis.

During our most recent broadcast on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” while we were discussing crime against truckers, a listener from Pennsylvania called in who happened to be a law enforcement officer. He was totally shocked to discover that drivers were experiencing such crimes in their work place. Even as a police officer . . . he had no idea.

Be it the general public, a police officer or even the national news media, as professional truck drivers we cannot cast blame on those who have no understanding of what life on the road is all about. Like in the case of the Pennsylvania officer . . . the “outside world” is simply unaware.

Utilizing the tools to raise awareness of an issue can bring about valuable reform. In the political world, crimes against humanity can be hidden away for years until one day, one person steps forward with a blog post or YouTube video and suddenly brings awareness to the situation. If awareness is never built upon and given the opportunity to grow in numbers and strength, a particular issue can lie dormant for years.

As in the case of human trafficking, we have seen a surge of unity brought about by Chapter 61 Ministries and Truckers Against Trafficking, raising awareness of a serious issue that many truck drivers were blind to. The first step to unity and changing those issues that are destructive to a way of life . . . is raising awareness.

Somebody once told me that when the Great American Trucking Show was first launched in 1999, less than 1,000 people attended. I do not know if this is fact or rumor, but I do know that in 2010, GATS pulled in 46,732 visitors.

When the Mid-America Trucking Show came around in 1972, they saw a total attendance of 4,000 visitors. In March of 2011, MATS saw an attendance of 76,566 trucking enthusiasts. Through the years, these two shows continue to grow in numbers, all geared toward the overall trucking industry.

The 1st Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention can lead to the point where drivers are no longer a “voice in the wilderness.” As we have seen with the two major trucking shows in the country, what began with a few can grow into thousands, drawing attention and awareness through-out the national news media. Unlike trucking shows and expos, an Annual Truck Driver Convention will raise awareness to the professional truck driver.

For years, truckers have discussed among themselves the restrictions and regulations placed on them that further damage their livelihood. Talking among each other in truck stops, rest areas and at shippers and receivers warehouse docks, fails to bring public or media awareness to the issues.

A convention for truckers, growing in strength and numbers year after year, addressing issues and discussing solutions, will undoubtedly catch the attention of the trucking industry, media, and the general public, raising awareness and respect for the professional truck driver…a voice to be reckoned with.

As drivers join together, uniting to create awareness, there are many watching, wondering what the effects of 550 motivated and unified drivers can accomplish. They are wondering if their unity will catch the attention of those who never before listened… or even cared.

They are watching and wondering if our goal to unite and raise awareness regarding the industry issues will be successful. Without a doubt, I know they are watching, and although many are excited and enthused, there are also many who are intimidated by the possibilities and accomplishments that can be achieved from such an event and driver unity. This is an indicator that as drivers, we are on the right track.

Join us in October. Let’s make a statement. Let’s make a difference. Let’s make history . . . unite and be a part of the 1st Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention. ” Raising the Standards of the Trucking Industry”

Social Bookmarking

: chapter 61 ministries, GATS, Great American Trucking Show, MATS, Mid-America Trucking Show, social media convention, truck driver, truck driver convention, truckers against trafficking, trucking, trucking show, trucking social media, truth about trucking

Trucking Regulations Can Add to Driver Health Problems

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Trucking Regulations Can Add to Driver Health Problems

In today’s safety-conscious environment for the trucking industry, the professional truck driver is facing the possibilities of more regulations, all in the name of safety. Nobody will dispute the importance of safety, but a major aspect that is most often overlooked by these regulators is the effect these regulations can have on the overall health of the driver.

Truck driver health is an important issue that seldom receives the media attention that it deserves. We are all familiar with the health problems that many drivers face, all due to the trucking lifestyle.

When you dig a little deeper, you will discover that most of these health issues can be attributed to one single factor: stress. Dig even more, and you will find that truck driver health problems can be brought on by something as seemingly simple as a change or revision within a particular regulation.

Serious thought should be given by the FMCSA on the possible health risks that drivers may experience when a new regulation is being considered, such as the proposed hours of service (HOS) change. We are all well informed on the various categories of illnesses that the trucking lifestyle brings, but one really only needs to look at one single element, the stress factor.

Clinical research has shown that stress causes as much as sixty to ninety percent of all illnesses. The professional driver is already surrounded by a very stressful environment and perhaps the number one focus of any driver is finances. When regulations are imposed that can cut into the drivers’ ability to earn a living, financial stress and worry can lead to serious health complications.

Stress has been shown to be directly related to physical complications such as:

High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Sleep Disorders
Heart Disease
Eating Disorders
Obesity

Stress is also the determining factor in other health issues including : chronic unexplained pain, ulcers, heartburn, increased asthma attacks, migraines, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Autoimmune Diseases. Nearly all of the health complications that are seen in the professional trucker can be directly linked to stress, and women truck drivers are also not immune to its effects.

Stress in women can lead to health issues including:

Eating disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia which are 10 times more common in women than in men
Stomach ailments such as cramps, bloating, heartburn and IBS which can lead to weight loss or gain
Emotional conditions including depression which strikes women twice as often as their male counterparts
Sleep problems including insomnia
Difficulty in concentration
Lowered immune response

The effects of stress on women can have even further health complications such as changes in menstrual patterns, skin reactions including rashes and hives, infertility and even cancer of the breast and ovaries. An entire array of illnesses and health problems, many associated with the professional truck driver and all brought on by stress.

As I receive many emails from drivers who are concerned with the impending HOS rule change, I find that they all have one aspect in common . . . all are worried about the financial stress that the new regulation will place on them. Will they be able to get enough miles to pay their bills and support their loved ones? This is the common denominator that I am finding in the emails and phone calls received by long haul truckers across the country.

Trucking regulations that overlap others, such as the HOS rules, speed limiters and EOBR’s, can only enhance the level of stress in truck drivers who are already fighting against low miles and cheap freight. Regulations, even with good intentions, for many drivers will turn out adding to the already serious health issue that drivers’ face.

For the FMCSA, it can appear to only be a simple change or revision to the hours of service rule . . . for the professional truck driver, it can be a direct assault to their livelihood and one that could lead to further health problems all brought on by a scientifically proven killer called stress.

Social Bookmarking

: FMCSA, health, hos, HOS rule change, hours of service, stress, truck driver, truck driver health, trucking, trucking regulation, women stress

Truck Drivers Life Expectancy Rate – Where’s the Proof?

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Truck Drivers Life Expectancy Rate – Where’s the Proof?

For years, we have heard that truck drivers have a life expectancy rate that is ten to sixteen years shorter than the average person. The phrase, “studies have shown” is all across the internet and publications alike. The problem however, is the inability to locate the actual studies. The FMCSA, along with Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, have both stated that truckers live 16 years shorter than the average population.

Comments such as this are largely attributed to a “study” performed by Dr. Moore-Ede, a professor at Harvard Medical School for 23 years. The only problem is . . . Dr. Moore-Ede never performed such a study.

There have been other “studies” as well which have concluded that professional truck drivers suffer from various health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, low back pain and ulcers. There is no disputing the effects of a life in trucking and its toll it takes on the human body. However, there is no such study that I have ever been able to locate that specifically details any findings to conclude the lower life expectancy rate for truck drivers. Thankfully, that may be changing . . .

A $2.6-million study is being funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association over three years, and will be conducted by Michel Johnson, a New Brunswick professor. Johnson, who has stated, “Trucking companies are worried about losing experienced drivers in the prime of their life due to health problems”, will examine the health habits of 1,000 truck drivers in Atlantic Canada, and notes that it will be the largest study of its kind in the world. It is good to know that trucking companies are “worried” about us . . .

I have a problem with these so-called studies. It seems that the money involved always leads to the desired results wanted. We have seen doctored studies and results before in this country by the FMCSA such as the sleep apnea studies which we reported on in our Sleep Apnea Mandate post. Most recently, a report by Edgeworth Economics found that the FMCSA used questionable data in an attempt to justify its proposed changes to the HOS rules. In a report by Truckers News Magazine, an Edgeworth spokesperson stated, “Many of FMCSA’s new approaches rely on misapplication of available data, use outdated information or lack empirical support entirely.”

With reports flying all over the place stating that truck drivers now have a life expectancy of 61 years . . . I just do not buy it. Logic tells us all that the lifestyle of the professional trucker is one of poor eating habits, lack of exercise and terrible sleep habits. The majority of health problems that truck drivers face are largely due to poor diet and the lack of proper rest and sleep.

Between the years of 1992 and 1996, nearly 3,000 truckers died due to work related issues. During this same time period, truck drivers experienced the most fatalities of all vocations, resulting in a recorded 12% of all work-related deaths. In 1995, U. S. truckers also experienced more non-fatal injuries than workers in any other occupation, a number reaching over 150,000.

If truck drivers are living shorter lives than others, is it because of health issues associated with the trucking lifestyle, or is it due more to the dangers and hazards of life on the road or a combination of the two? Hopefully, this new “study” will settle the truck driver life expectancy rate once and for all and will not doctor the numbers to satisfy desired results.

My next question would be, “What will the benefits be from this study?” In the past, when I have brought up the work-load placed on drivers, the response I received from some trucking companies have been, “Well, find another job.” If the study does prove for once and for all, that truck drivers live shorter lives, will the FMCSA place further regulations on companies and drivers for the sake of their health?

The lifestyle of the professional trucker is obviously the culprit for poor health, but will this new study change anything? Will truck stops change their menus toward a healthier food choice? Will companies stop pushing their drivers beyond human capabilities? How will the results of the study prevent truck drivers from receiving an average of five hours sleep per day? Will the results actually change the trucker’s lifestyle?

Of course drivers have health issues . . . look at the lifestyle, but these professionals have chosen the lifestyle and accept the complications in order to provide for their families. Health problems come with the job, but I for one, would like to finally see an actual study proving that their life expectancy is 16 years shorter than the average person. If so, and the study is completely unbiased and accurate, I will then like to see what the industry has in mind to improve the lifestyle of the professional trucker; or they can just send me the $2.6 million and I’ll provide the answers to the “study” in about ten minutes.

Social Bookmarking

: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association, FMCSA, life expectancy, sleep apnea, study, truck drivers

Trucking with 97,000 Pounds – Sit Down, Shut Up and Hold On!

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Trucking with 97,000 Pounds – Sit Down, Shut Up and Hold On!

runaway truck ramp

Having hauled household goods for most of my life, the maximum weight I averaged carrying was around 28,000 pounds, giving me a total gross weight of about 55,000 pounds. When my body could no longer handle the physical aspects of household moving, I transitioned over to the dry freight industry. I learned very quickly that there was a big difference between 55,000 and 80,000 pounds.

On my very first run in the freight hauling business, I found myself coming down the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, fully loaded with 80,000 and tires and brakes filling the air with white smoke. It was my first and only time to experience the “thrill” of utilizing a runaway truck ramp. That 25,000 pound difference led me into another world of OTR trucking.

As the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA), Bill S. 747 gains momentum, many wonder how an increase of 17,000 pounds will effect the push for many safety issues within the industry. During a time when the U. S. trucking industry is seeing an increase in the hiring of new, inexperienced drivers, many are showing concern for their safety, as well as the safety of the general motoring public.

At the time I had my thrill ride in Virginia, I had already been driving for 16 years. Veteran truck drivers with years of experience have also had their share of problems with heavy loads during increment weather and mountain driving. Sometimes, things out of the driver’s control can just happen. Be it a mechanical failure or unfamiliar terrain, even the most experienced driver can find him or herself in a dangerous situation.

With the market somewhat being flooded by new drivers right out of CDL training schools, the safety factor will have to be risen a notch or two. This is not to discredit the recent CDL graduate, but to place a stronger focus on the safety of drivers. Newcomers to the industry, if this new proposal takes place, should be allowed to operate the CMV for a lengthy period of time, building experience and the skills needed to operate a commercial motor vehicle, before being handed a 97,000 pound load, not to mention adjusting to a sixth axle which will have to be added to the rear of the 53 foot trailer. I would certainly estimate that only veteran, skilled drivers would be allowed to haul such loads if this bill passes.

On the other side of the story, many believe that raising the allowed truck weight to 97,000 pounds will actually increase safety for the industry.

As noted in SC Digest :

“A 2009 study by the Wisconsin DOT study looked at truck-related accident data in the state during 2006. From that data, a reasonable estimate is that if a law like SETA had been in place in 2006, it would have prevented 90 truck-related accidents in the state that year. That follows actual data from the United Kingdom, which raised its gross vehicle weight limit to 97,000 pounds for six-axle vehicles in 2001. Since then, fatal truck-related accident rates have declined by 35%, as actual truck vehicle miles traveled declined substantially.”

So as the U. S. trucking industry takes its lead from the United Kingdom, perhaps American drivers can look forward to running less miles. This is a good thing for drivers?

If the GVW is raised to 97,000 pounds and inexperienced drivers are thrown behind the wheel of such loads, we may be hearing more of the phrase : “Sit down, shut up and hold on!

Social Bookmarking

: gross vehicle weight, GVW, raise truck weight, Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, Safety, SETA, trucking

Crime Against Truckers

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Crime Against Truckers

Recent news reports about truck drivers becoming victims of robbery in a Tennessee truck stop has once again raised the important issue of safe and secure parking for truckers. Crime against truckers have been on the rise in the past years and personal protection and safety is a major concern among many drivers.

Carolyn Magner

Carolyn Magner is Contributing Editor for Randall Reilly Publishing and is popularly known for her monthly column in Truckers News, “I’m Just Say’n”.

In the April 2011 issue of Truckers News Magazine, she reports on the growing problem of crime against truckers and what drivers can do to protect themselves.

As our special guest on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” talk radio, we will discuss the various options available to truckers security and self-protection and the precautions to take while living life on the road.

Join us “live” on Thursday, April 14th 2011 at 7 PM EST for : Crime Against Truckers — Protection on the Road.

Social Bookmarking

: Carolyn Magner, crime, protection, randall reilly publishing, security, truck drivers, truckers news, trucking, trucking talk radio

Problem Trucking Students Fall Prey to CDL School Greed

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Problem Trucking Students Fall Prey to CDL School Greed

By: Allen Smith

Many CDL truck driving schools continue to lure prospective students into class through the promises of big money and guaranteed employment. The fact is, many trucking companies are hiring new CDL school graduates and getting those unemployed from the recession back to work. That is a good thing.

The problem is that too many of these truck driver training schools are still taking anyone who walks through their door willing to pay the price . . . even when the school knows that their chances of being hired by any motor carrier is next to zero.

CDL students are going into debt for thousands of dollars for the prized Class A Commercial Driver License with the understanding that within a few weeks, they will be fully employed and on the road to earning $50,000 plus per year. Many are told the more realistic figure of $32,000 annual income, unaware of the dead end that lies ahead. Accepted by the CDL school, these are the students who have speeding tickets, DUI’s, accidents and even felonies on their records.

I recently received an email from a CDL graduate who has been unable to obtain employment from any trucking company throughout the United States. Having paid $6,000 for the commercial license, the school had informed him that the two DUI’s and the one felony on his record would be something that they could “work through.” Now, back in reality, his $6,000 CDL is totally useless.

Many of these CDL training schools are receiving governments grants, accepting students that most likely will not be candidates for the trucking industry. The National Commercial Drivers License Program Improvement Grant awards 25 million dollars to these schools.

Reference : Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) , Public Law 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 49 U.S.C 31311 and 31313.

If you are considering becoming a professional truck driver and attending the required CDL truck driver training school, remember one thing before you sign on the dotted line and hand over your money or sign the loan papers . . . the Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) has changed the hiring standards of the U. S. trucking industry. Too many CDL students are learning the hard way that the CSA has added serious complications in regards to their hiring chances.

Through the implementation of the CSA, motor carriers are practicing a much stricter hiring process, looking for drivers with the best and most flawless driving and history background. The Pre-Screen Employment Program (PSP) will provide the trucking company with a three year look-back of the driving record, showing any driving violations; furthermore, it will show a five year look-back of any motor vehicle crashes, relating to those drivers’ with experience. Independently, there will be a background check performed for other violations such as DWI, felonies or other such criminal convictions.

As a newcomer to the trucking industry, these students have no experience, therefore they will not have a three or five year history, but the company and their insurance carrier will still perform a background check. Any driving violations, along with any criminal data will be discovered. CDL schools know this, yet many will still accept these students in their training program. It is all about the money, regardless that the students will find themselves still unemployed with a worthless commercial driver license.

As motor carriers concern themselves with maintaining the best safety record and safety score possible, they also want to hire those drivers with excellent background checks . It is all about the CSA and the new age of trucking. A recent CDL graduate with an excellent MVR record etc., is just what the company is looking for; this type of new-hire will only add to the motor carrier’s safety rating because the graduate has no “history.”

Another problem many CDL graduates face, which I have discussed many times, is when they complete CDL training and fail to get started in a job immediately. Once CDL training is completed, there is no time to sit back with a “wait and see” attitude of which trucking company you want to work for.

James McCormack of Trucking Careers of America, a career advisory and job placement company, offers the following advise:

“When you graduate from a trucking school you have a short window to go into trucking. If you exceed that window you have to take a 40 hour refresher course . On the other hand, if you are out of school for 3 years and have never used your CDL, you will most likely be required to take the course all over again. If that’s the case, you have two options: go back to a school or go with a company sponsored program. If you choose to go with a company sponsored program there will be a contract involved.”

Major problems I am seeing from recent CDL graduates who are still jobless months after completing training, are (1) they have waited too long after graduating before accepting a job offer; (2) they failed to understand the complications and stricter hiring standards due to the CSA and (3) they have a poor driving record and/or criminal background and fell victim to a CDL training school that took their money anyway, knowing they would be non-hireable.

The U. S. trucking industry has changed. This is the first thing you must understand. The days of moving from job to job or buying a CDL from a CDL school mill and hitting the open road in the big rig are over, and they have been over for some time now. Experienced drivers, along with CDL recent graduates can no longer easily land a truck driving job with violations, accidents and felonies on their records. Even veteran truck drivers are falling prey to the money-making institution that the trucking industry has become.

Mr. McCormack recites another story in regards to a seasoned, experienced trucker:

“Here is an example of the mentality of the trucking industry — I talked to a CDL holder a while back that had 20 years OTR experience. In that 20 year period he worked for only 3 companies. He was an instructor at times, never had a ticket, accident, etc. He was also voted employee of the year on numerous occasions. It doesn’t get any better. The problem was it had been 5 years since he drove. Every company he tried to get hired by said no. He would have to go through full training again before they would consider him. As it turned out, I sent him to a company sponsored program, he fulfilled his contract and afterwards I sent him to (an area company). He’s now making the income he wanted with good home time.”

If a 20 year OTR trucking veteran has to go through this, then as a newcomer to the industry, imagine what kind of record and background history that the motor carrier will want from you. When the CDL school tells a student that prior violations will not be a factor in their hiring ability, they are not being honest and are only looking at pocketing the huge CDL training fee.

Stories of CDL school graduates having been victimized by truck driving schools are endless, and it appears to be getting worse; another recent graduate experienced the pitfall of choosing the wrong truck driving school . . . James McCormack explains:

“I just talked to a recent graduate from a school in New York. This graduate paid $9,800 for CDL training. He financed the loan with his mother as a co-signer. He and his mother were told they guaranteed job placement even though he had a criminal record. He’s now paying $112 a month for 10 years. He received his CDL, however there is one big problem!”

“He was charged with felony possession of cocaine in 5/08 and was convicted on 5/5/09. One year in jail, a drug rehab program and probation. He just finished his probation. Of course he can’t get a job, in addition, the school guarantees in writing they will find them a job – SURE ! This is another example of abuse in this industry. There is no way this school should have taken this student. In my opinion, this is financial greed.”

Use common sense. Trucking companies require professional, safe drivers and with the CSA, that statement has never been more true. If you have recent DUI’s, felonies, speeding tickets, accidents and simply a poor driving and safety record, even within the last several years, do yourself a favor . . . keep your money and look for another career.

Social Bookmarking

: cdl training, cdl truck driver training, cdl truck driving school, Commercial Drivers License Program Improvement Grant, CSA, James McCormack, SAFETEA-LU, truck driver PSP, trucking careers, trucking jobs

Suggestions due by April 13th for Surface Transportation Bill-Reauthorization

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Suggestions due by April 13th for Surface Transportation Bill-Reauthorization

Chairman John, J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN)

Today we spoke to the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, one of the subcommittees within the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over our nation’s highway, transit and highway safety programs, as well as the policy that governs how highway and transit projects are planned, approved and constructed.

One of the Committee’s highest priorities in the 112th Congress is enacting a fiscally responsible long-term surface transportation law that includes funding and policy for the federal highway, transit and highway safety programs.

We had called to inquire about the new Transportation Bill and were told that we have until April 13^th to offer our comments, suggestions, ideas and opinions for the new Highway Bill. Congressman John Mica, chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee is anxious to have a new bill and the committees are seeking input from everyone.

Highways and Transit Subcommittee John J. Duncan, Jr. (TN), Chairman
Peter A. DeFazio (OR), Ranking Member

This is our chance to contribute regarding areas of importance within the trucking industry, including Jason’s Law and the need for more truck parking — Highways and Transit.

Your suggestions need to be submitted by email, as there is no public website. I was asked not to post the email address, however, if you would like to have it, please send us an email at info@truthabouttrucking.com and put in the subject line: Highway Bill.

You can also call the Highways and Transit Subcommittee, ask for Geoffrey, and request the email address to submit your suggestions. The phone number is: 202-225-6715.

Hearing Testimony

Hearings

You can view the various subcommittees and Witness Testimonies which may affect our new Transportation Bill:

Improving and Reforming the Nation’s Surface Transportation Programs

Social Bookmarking

: highway bill, highways and transit, Jason’s law- H.R.2156 S971, John J Duncan, John Mica, Surface Transportation bill, transportation and infrastructure

Rest Area Commercialization – Fighting the Myth

Posted by askthetrucker Comments Off on Rest Area Commercialization – Fighting the Myth

by Andy Warcaba

A famous old time song begins with “it’s still the same old story…” Each time rest area commercialization is brought up, the off-road advocacy groups site the results of a study prepared by a group out of Maryland that purports to indicate that mayhem will occur if rest areas are permitted to be commercialized because most of the off-road food and fuel providers will be driven out of business.

Let’s think about that for a moment. If the services currently provided by the off-road food and fuel operators were meeting all of the needs and desires of the motoring public, why would they be driven out of business by a competitive commercial rest area? The reality is that at some interchanges, it could cost a motorist up to 30-40 minutes to exit the interstate, purchase their product/service, satisfy their personal needs and re-enter the interstate just because of traffic congestion. How most of those sales being generated at a major interchange site along the interstate highway could be lost to a single rest area is beyond comprehension. No rest area in North America has the land mass available to absorb a major interchange and all of its amenities. In my opinion, the tactic of claiming extinction will occur to off-road food and fuel operators just does not measure up.

I believe that the case can be made that, in many instances, the off-highway commercial facilities provided by the private sector do not replicate all of the design, safety, quality and maintenance amenities that the traveling public has come to expect and that the DOT’s are duty-bound to sustain as part of their rest area operations, e.g., expanded restroom facilities, clean sanitary facilities, sense of calmness, ease of ingress/egress, expanded parking, and tourist information. This statement can be supported by the fact that nationally tens of millions of motorists stop at these non-commercial rest areas even though these facilities do not offer fuel and the expanded array of food and beverage choices. The high usage of these rest areas requires the individual state DOT’s to expend millions of dollars annually for operations and maintenance costs. The DOT’s do not have a means to be reimbursed for their costs of continuing their rest area operations. As the cost of building, operating and maintaining rest areas continues to escalate, the resources available to the State Department’s of Transportation have declined in the face of competing priorities.

It is unclear to me why the off-road advocacy groups fight the rest area initiative rather than embrace it and shift their efforts to join in with the legislators to figure out how to make it work! There is a market and the private sector interests are being denied of this opportunity.

Social Bookmarking

: closed rest areas, rest area commercialization, rest areas, truck parking, truck stops

Archive for April, 2011

Raising Awareness is Key to Truck Drivers Issues

Related posts

Trucking Regulations Can Add to Driver Health Problems

Related posts

Truck Drivers Life Expectancy Rate – Where’s the Proof?

Related posts

Trucking with 97,000 Pounds – Sit Down, Shut Up and Hold On!

Related posts

Crime Against Truckers

Related posts

Problem Trucking Students Fall Prey to CDL School Greed

Related posts

Suggestions due by April 13th for Surface Transportation Bill-Reauthorization

Related posts

Rest Area Commercialization – Fighting the Myth

Related posts

Category

Archives

Recent Comments