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• Is safe speeding possible? 10/18 09:27am

• Jobs 11/06 03:13pm

• Nonpreventable accidents 10/18 09:27am

• Solar Power 10/21 04:50pm

• Training Mills for New Drivers 10/18 09:27am

Regarding the Drivers.com article: Stormin' Norman to address truckers I have something to add. First, it is common to assume the ATA consists of truckers--it does not. The American Trucking Association is comprised of the CEO's, Safety managers, etc of large corporations who happen to have trucking as their secondary business: their first order of business is profit, albeit small profit, in this industry. Therefore, these members are more inclined to promote the cheapest solution to the perceived problem rather than the common-sense solution which invariably means higher cost. Feedback they provide to Mineta, Chao and Cheney will, of economic necessity, be colored by what will not impact their profit margin negatively, rather than what would be the most sensible solution. As long as actual truckers are kept out of the discussion, it is easy to 'overlook' actual methods of solving problems within the industry....the chief problem is that freight rates do not cover the actual cost of moving freight and as long as there is no attempt to regulate this situation, nothing will get better.

The comments of Jim Johnson, President, OOIDA begin to tell the truth but stop short of making it clear what the actual problem is: in the face of increasingly stronger competition among carriers for available freight and the increased tendancy of major shippers to demand more and more for less and less, carriers are actively promoting the loss of their best, most experienced and usually highest-paid drivers. This is what has caused the 'driver shortage'--and it's no accident. The international forces of globalization are well-aware of what they are doing to our vital freight systems: their solution is to force these carriers to fire good drivers and hire bad drivers for a lower rate. They are willing to assist the carriers in lobbying Congress to increase alien worker visas to hire anyone who can pass the tests and is willing to work for a steadily falling wage. Any carrier who wishes to survive in this hostile economic environment quickly puts loyalty to their best, most trusted employees a distant second to reducing costs. We experienced drivers have known for years that it would take a disaster to bring to light the increasing problems in the transportation industry; that disaster has happened. Fortunately, or unfortunately, it didnt happen in the trucking industry-it happened in the airline industry. And, unfortunately, the same powerful forces that provided the opportunity for this disaster are being assisted in keeping their culpability hidden from the American people.

There are millions of us out here-company drivers who are not represented by unions, nor OOIDA, who are steadily dropping from the middle class to the low-income sector, helpless to stop the steady slide of our wages and jobs toward that bottomless pit called 'Free Trade'. It is NOT free in any sense of the word: it has destroyed the middle class in this country, and it has created a monster, which recently struck New York City. And all for profit by some big multi-national companies.

So, lets stop pussyfooting around the issue: it's time to stop protecting these big businesses, and time to stop letting them control our governmental policies. If security is REALLY the issue, lets slap enough reasonable regulation back on the transportation industry to see that they are not used and abused in this manner any longer. Lets see if these transnational giants can survive in a climate of actual competition, paying actual price for their shipping. If not, then perhaps they will find it necessary to move their factories back to the good old US of A-and put a lot of good, hard-working American truckers back to work at a wage they can feed their families with. That will improve security considerably.

Sincerely,
TruckinGal

I have been struggling with the decision to retire at 55 after 30 years service from the corporate rat race. What keeps me from doing it is the things everyone tells me, like they will run me until I drop, it is too dangerous, you will be bored, its a job for low lifes, etc. I am divorced & feel it would fit my lifestyle and alow me to live where I want to. Any positive advise?

Thanks.

frank 54: As a newbie you also have some advantages in that you don't have a long driving record doing one kind of driving. You can look around until you find the type of driving you prefer, such as OTR or local, or courier etc.

Don't listen to the people that argue it's a job for low lifes. Not only is that a stupid, classist argument that is meaningless when applied to you, but the industry has been drawing thousands of people from other professions in the last decade. Many, many drivers have college or university degrees, even graduate degrees. A new emphasis on skills and safety, combined with new technologies that allow more frequent contact with loved ones has encouraged new entrants to the profession.

Assuming you don't need a 100% full-time salary, then your options are unlimited, including the ability to choose jobs that allow you to drive as carefully and safely as you want without too much pressure. Just keep looking til you find the right fit.

I have a class a licence. I received 4 preventable accident in the last year. I cant receive a job due to the report on my dac report. Is there anything I can do to have this corrected.

I have a class A license, I have 12 points on my
record no accidents, just tickets for speeding
and traveling in the 3rd lane. Question, how can
I get these points reduced, so I can go back to
work driving a truck. Tickets have been paid.
No company will hire me with 12 points, should I
go back to school or take a drivers defense class.

Hello
I was assisted by a CDL driver from California in Aurora Colorado at a Flying J. Does anyone know how to locate someone? He was from California, I believe around Sacramento. I dont know what outfit he worked for, but it was a US Mail hauler out of San Francisco I believe. His name is James Cameron and CB handle is The Highlander as he lived in the high mountains of northern California. Can ANYONE help me?
ellen.henry@fmcti.com I have tried the DMV and all that in California but to no avail.

I am buying a truck and 3 car hauler. I have millions of questions. I live in Michigan and would be hauling internet bought cars form Florida and anywhere east of the Mississippi.
What if any help or advice can you offer me?
What license do I need?

Todd,

A good place to go for information aobut licening is our section on Licensing organizations.

In particular, you migh try the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administration Web site re info on commercial drivers licensing. This is at AAMVA Commercial Driver Licensing

(I am an independent inventor in Japan. I have invented a new seat (or a mat) which can remove low back pains. So that my seat can prevent low back pains during a long truck(motorcoach)-life. Furthermore, my seat or mat can improve the non-commercial driver's car-life.
I have been using my proto-type seat before nearly two years ago, and very enjoying my car-life. I believe my seat can reduce driving fatigue in less than ten percent of a conventional seat.
I want to evaluate a merit of my invention. Could you advise me a proper person to contact with me ? )
I sent to DOT the above message by e-mail.
But a next answer returned.
(I'm sorry, the Dept of Transportation has no authority or knowledge to assess or fund something like you propose. It is not directly related to reducing crashes. We also have no authority to fund the evaluation of proprietary inventions in general.)

I think a seat structure is most directly related to reducing crashes. Because a proper seat reduces naturally low back pains and fatigue. What system is the best to fund the evaluation of proprietary inventions in a seat structure of a truck or a motorcoach ?

if anyone can tell me the number of accidents that were caused by cellphones between 2000-2003 please sent it to me!!!


e_edge75@hotmail.com

Sam,

depends on where you are talking about. There's a couple of good links in our Drivers.com section on distractions (http://www.drivers.com/Top_Driving_Distractions.html)
In particular, you might try the NHTSA paper on distracton research. Also try

www.ctia.org

they have a section on research and statistics.

Hi my nane is shawne and i looking in to a distibuting buissness of auto detail products.
I would get a box van @26k gvw. my question is about a hazmat licence. I live in california and
as I understand any hazmat over 500lbs a licence is needed. Does it matter if the amounts are in 16oz spray can, 1gal, 5gal, or 55gal containers?

Dear Shawne,

There are exemption for the transportation of up to 5 gallons or 50 lbs. of hazardous waste or 2.2 lbs of extremely hazardous when being transported there are 9 different classes with 6.2 divisions for more information contact your local DMV that tests the commerical drivers in that area so you know anything being transported MUST have proper placards and be inspected should you be stopped by DOT. Thanks for asking
you can call the CDL Offices in your area the list is on page 5 of the commerical driver handbook.
D.Carr

I am buying a truck and 3 car hauler. I have lots of questions. I live in Indiana and would be hauling internet bought cars off central dispatch or possibly working locally for insurance companies, ect...
What if any help or advice can you offer me?
What license do I need?

Haptic Feedback

I am doing some research, and would appreciate any feedback you can give!

My question:
Symbolic cues such as road signs and traffic lights relying on cultural conventions seem relatively ineffective in heighting a driver's awareness of risk. Therefore how can motorists' response to risk and danger be altered or heightened through physical feedback?

The area I will explore will be based around three systems, from which a driver can receive feedback that they are at risk before the risk occurs.

My design proposal:
Design interventions which stimulate a feeling of vulnerability or guilt in the context of irresponsible driving.

I have a new job, and these guys are a little shaky, I know accidents happen, but when they do, I have never seen the driver pay out of pocket for them, even if it was their own fault. These guys are getting pay from some of the drivers who where involved in accidents. What are the laws concerning this?

Hi. I have purchased a truck and three-car hauler. Where or how do I look for companies that need my services. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Linda

Hi I just bought a 4 car hauler how do i start a business? California