OTR Truckers Reaching Lawmakers Through Social Media

The Power of Social Media

For OTR Drivers and Lawmakers

Facebook

It used to be somewhat complicated and time consuming to try and communicate with lawmakers.  It's all well and good to encourage people to "voice your opinions and be heard" but in reality, it was a bit of a hassle.  The best way to communicate was and probably always will be through the written word.  But how many people have the time to sit down and craft a polished letter, and then, how can you be sure it will be read?

Twitter

Truckers who are concerned about current and pending trucking industry regulations should make it a priority to communicate with elected officials frequently.  It's critical to your livelihood that you be vigilant, constantly informed, and involved in what is going on at the federal, state and local levels of government.  You need to be informed of everything and anything that affects otr drivers nationwide.

There has never been a better and more convenient way for truckers to stay on top of regulations and very importantly, allow you to voice your opinions, ideas and thoughts.  In short, now there are much better ways for you TO BE HEARD: 

Be A Team Member With
OOIDA's Call To Action .....

OOIDA is helping truckers by making communication more manageable and to getting the word out on important trucking industry legislative issues.  Through the Internet, email and satellite radio, OOIDA can relay information quickly to truckers about important issues.  OOIDA taps its vast e-directory frequently for instant Call to Action blasts. 

OOIDA's Call to Action Team is on the pulse of hot issues being discussed in Washington, DC, in state legislatures, and in communities across the country.  To sign up as a Team Member with OOIDA Calls to Action, contact Angel Burnell at (800) 44-5791, ext 1600, or email angel_burnell@ooida.com.  Team members with email will receive the most current updates on critical issues.

More And More Government Officials Are
Using Social Media To Get Their Message Out ....

It has never been easier for truckers to let their lawmakers know about which issues you are concerned.  More and more federal, state and local officials are using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to connect with their voters and constituents.

In fact, congressional lawmakers make a point of communicating via social media.  To access a list compiled by Land Line of federal lawmakers on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, click here.

About 70 percent of governors have caught the social media wave and are using YouTube to get their messages out by video.  More than half of all governors use Flickr., and 49 or 50 governors are communicating via Facebook or Twitter, with the exception of Wyoming.  You can check this out for yourself by clicking here.

Both two big political parties are aggressively using social media, with Republicans and Democrats in all 50 states using Facebook and Twitter.   Interestingly, every state (with the exception of Louisiana), has multiple pages on both social media sites.  Approximately 12 states have at least 6 or more unique pages on each social media site, such as the Iowa House Democrats and Tennessee Senate Republicans.

So, if you are an otr trucker with concerns about what is going on within the trucking industry, there is nothing standing in your way of you letting government officials know your position.  Be proactive, these are exciting times and what you have to say matters.  Follow through on doing your part, encourage other truckers to do the same, and let your voice be heard ..... you can make a difference !  Ask yourself, what can I do today to make a difference?

Proud To Be A Trucker .....

Truck Drivers Take Their Profession Seriously

The Professional Trucker

The general public's perception of the typical otr trucker conjures up a vision of someone dressed in jeans with holes in the knees, t-shirt with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in the cuff, a scraggly 3-day growth on his face, someone who spits in public, curses in public and does other unattractive things in public.  They are perceived as uneducated, ill-spoken and without much of a vocabulary, and often look beaten up, worn out and tired. 

And to be honest, they often are worn out and tired.  But the majority don't fit the image I just outlined above and many of today's truckers are women.  They are very well spoken, mannerly, personable, and often college educated.    They are dedicated, friendly and helpful individuals.  They are hard-working people who miss their family and are often on the road for three weeks at a time.  They are respectful, law-abiding citizens who take their job and their profession seriously. 

Unfortunately, truckers are often unappreciated, and their job is looked down upon - but in reality, they are the backbone of our economy, delivering goods to all of us in cities across the U.S., and making our lives easier.  I can't imagine how our lives would change if trucking came to a halt.

Many years ago, 1986 to be exact, I was working in Memphis, Tn.  While on a highway, I witnessed an accident that looked really horrible.  It occurred on the other side of the embankment so I couldn't get there as I was going the opposite way.  The very first vehicle to stop and help was an otr trucker driving a truck for J. B. Hunt, which had a major terminal in Memphis.  He could have cruised right on by, staying on schedule and making his delivery on time, but instead, he chose to stop and help someone desperately in need.  I've seen that scenario several times over the years.  That is the American over the road trucker. 

The American Trucker - An Honorable Profession

The American truck driver is frequently 1,500 miles or more away from home and family, dealing with traffic, weather, and load schedules.  They often have job related health problems, suffer from lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, and worried about violating regulations often forced upon them by their employer.  They have to pass DOT, and maintaining an accurate logbook which is subject to review by various officials at almost any given time.  They are faced with road congestion and road construction which can cause delivery schedule problems.  And on top of all of this, let's not forget road rage exhibited by the general public towards truckers. 

Truckers are faced with anti-idling laws, disrespect from shippers, receivers and law enforcement.  They are subject to forced dispatch, poor miles, financial worries, and sometimes a $300 pay check for the week.  They are subject to unsafe parking areas, lack of parking areas, crime, truck stop beggars, racism, 14 hour plus work days and more regulations and incorrect DAC reports.

These are just some of the work related issues.  Let's add the personal sacrifices:  missed first steps, missed birthdays, proms, first dates, ball games, school plays, first tooth and first words, anniversaries and holidays.  This is not an easy life ....

So, let's try and set things straight.  Most of the general public, dispatchers and general trucking company employees, if forced into an 18-wheeler to live the life of a professional trucker, would wimper like a lost puppy, begging to come back home.  They don't stop to think that almost everything that is available to them is there because a truck driver made certain that it was.

Truck drivers keep America moving and provide us non-truckers with the comforts of life that we have come to expect and take for granted.  As a professional truck driver, you are the backbone of this country, maybe more than you and the general public realizes.

Truckers Are Crucial ... And Needed

Truckers are valuable ... they are important ... they are skilled ... they are intelligent ... they are significant ... they are crucial ... they are needed.  And they deserve to be respected for the contributions they make to America.

Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran driver, remind yourself that while you sometimes may feel that truck driving is an unappreciated job, yours is an honorable profession. You've gone through extensive training and hard work to get where you are.  You've had to pass many tests; physical, written, driving and skills.  You've learned the skills of driving, navigating and maneuvering a big rig.  You've learned the regulations of the industry, and how to maintain accurate records that will pass inspection.  You've learned what life is like on the road for long periods of time being away from your family.  You've learned a trade, and although others may say differently, you are highly skilled.  You've made a career of long haul driving, and you are now included among an elite group making a living in an honorable profession.

The First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention A Success !

The First Truckers Social Media Event
Draws An Attendance of 178

The most common statement made during the First Annual Truck Drivers Social Media Event was "the industry has needed this for a long time."

Held at the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, this past weekend, the one-day event had something for everyone.  Speakers Paul Taylor, trucking employment law attorney, and Rich Wilson, Regulatory and Compliance, speaking on driver legal issues and regulatory issues, respectively, imparted a great deal of helpful information for truckers.  Rich spoke at length about pending and current regulations, issues about which many drivers voiced considerable concern.   His presentation included details about how truckers can contact their government representatives, follow the status of pending regulations, and most importantly, how their voices can be heard. 

Eddie Gichuhi, founder of Trip Sheet Central, discussed how he has developed a proven framework that truck business owners can use to manage their business, and grow in strength and profit.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

James S. McCormack,
Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

I had the honor of talking about today's trucking industry climate and how it affects the careers of drivers at all levels.  Drivers must take it upon themselves to be informed and to know how to protect themselves against unscrupulous cdl training schools, cdl company paid programs and trucking companies in general.  Like any industry, there is good, bad and ugly ... through diligent research and professional advice, drivers can recognize and avoid 'the bad and the ugly'.   

The Convention was well received among drivers, driver supporters, sponsors, and guests.  This first annual event met and exceeded all expectations, with a final count of 178.  Many drivers began posting on Twitter the day of the Convention, sharing their experiences at this first annual convention, the objective of which was to unite, honor, inform, network, socialize, and give voice to the professional trucker. 

Many friends were made, others were strengthened, and there was a lot of idea-sharing and networking among everyone.  Of interest to just about everyone attending was learning more about the power of social media and knowing how to use social media to further the cause of the American trucker, beyond getting online and chatting with friends.    This topic was covered very well by Landon Middleton, expert on social media.

I have to mention that the casino itself was beautiful, high energy and busy.  I came in from the Atlanta area, a drive of almost 7 hours to what seemed to be the middle of nowhere.  But it was absolutely worth the drive.....

The meeting room was filled with high energy, the meals were excellent and hotel service superb.

The evening concluded with some of the best entertainment around as Tony Justice and his Nashville band cranked out hit after hit.  John DiBattista also opened up during dinner with a more mellow side, ending his set with his rendition of "Say A Prayer For Jason" from the Big Rigs music CD.

There is so much more than can be said about this first convention, such as the expensive and highly sought after gifts awarded to drivers.  A special award was given to Hope Jhlivenburg, widow of Jason Jhlivenburg, whose death has inspired many to fight for Jason's Law legislation.  And there was so much more .....

Plans are being made for next year's event which many are already looking forward to.  Sponsors are making a commitment to the 2012 convention.  Details for the 2012 Convention will be announced in June and will be available at the Truck Driver Social Media Convention website.

Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Say NO!

Just Say No

by Sandy Long

OTR Truck Driver

Truck drivers are some of the most dedicated workers in the world, they know the importance of the job they do.  They take pride in a job well done and making that delivery on time.  Companies have figured this out about drivers and use all sorts of psychological tricks to take advantage of the driver.  Drivers fall for it all of the time too, over and over.  I am guilty of falling for it also.

How many times have you overheard a tired driver with blood shot eyes say, "Man, I am so tired, but dispatch said the load is hot, so I gotta go."  Doesn't matter if there is two foot of snow on the ground or ice an inch thick, there is always some driver that 'just has to get going.'

Several years ago, I ran across Utah with a driver who had his wife and little girl on his truck with him.  You know how it is, when you see a ittle kid in the jump seat, you just have to say, "Hey, that sure is a cute co-driver ya got there."  When i asked if the ittle girl was enjoying her vacation on the truck with dad, he told me that she was never off the truck, as a matter of fact had been born in the truck five years prior in the sleeper, backed into a receiver's dock and how he had gone and loaded before taking mother and baby to the hospital to be checked out!  When I voiced my surprise at this, he simply said, "Dispatch said the load HAD to get picked up right away."

When working for a small company, the A/C went out in the truck one very hot and muggy July in Ohio.  I called the boss and told him of the problem, he stated that he just couldn't afford to have it fixed on the road, so would I bring it on into the yard in Missouri.  800 miles.  Of course, being the good company driver I am, and wanting to help the boss save money, I agreed.  Made it in, but I was one sick driver believe me.  I made the boss get me a motel at a Ramada Inn no less so I could rehydrate and cool down while the repairs were made.

There are regulations to protect a driver against a company pushing them beyond safe limits:

392.6  Schedules to conform with speed limits.

No motor carrier shall schedule a run nor permit nor require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle between points in such period of time as would necessitate the commercial motor vehicle being operated at speeds greater than those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.

[33 FR 19732, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 60 FR 38746, July 28, 1995].

392.3 Ill or fatigued operator.

No driver shall operate a motor vehicle, and a commercial motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver's ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.  However, in a case of grave emergency where the hazard to occupants of the commercial motor vehicle or other users of the highway would be increased by compliance with this section, the driver may continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle to the nearest place at which that hazard is removed. 

[35 FR 7800, May 21, 1970, as amended at 60FR 38746, July 28, 1995].

392.14 Hazardous conditions; extreme caution.

Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction.  Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist.  If conditions become sufficiently dangerous, the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued and shall not be resumed until the commercial motor vehicle can be safely operated.  Whenever compliance with the foregoing provisions of this rule increases hazard to passengers, the commercial motor vehicle may be operated to the nearest point at which the safety of passengers is assured.

[33 FR 19732, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 60 FR 38747, July 28, 1995].

We all know the HOS regulations and those too can be used to protect one's self from being pushed too far.

No load is worth your life or jeopardizing the equipment.  No one in your company is going to give you a medal for going that extra mile to make impossible deliveries or get through that bad weather.  If you wreck and are over hours, or have gone over too bad of roads, you will most likely get fired anyway, no matter that dispatch told you how "hot the load was" or "you have the hours to make it" even though you have been up for hours waiting to load.  Part of being a professional driver is knowing when to say 'NO' and protecting yourself, the truck and the load.

OTR Truckers Have Chance for National Exposure at First Annual Truck Driver Convention

First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

To Be Recorded and Covered by
BusinessWeek Magazine * Truckers News
Overdrive Magazine & More !

Allen & Donna Smith
First Annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention

A huge opportunity for all those within the trucking industry is taking place on October 15th in Tunica, MS, 25 miles from Memphis, TN.

Drivers and their supporters are uniting to share their stories, experiences, opinions, and their voices.

There has never been so many truck driver advocates, speakers, and supporters gathered together in one place before.

First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention:

People who are helping one another !
People supporting drivers and students !
People discussing the trial within the trucking industry and their SOLUTIONS
People standing up and desiring to be heard !

SPEAKERS:

Paul Taylor - Trucking Employment Law
Rich Wilson - Compliance and Regulations Specialist
Eddie Gichuhi - Owner Operator Business Management
James McCormack - CDL Training and Jobs Career Finder
Landon Middleton - The Power of Social Media

After the presentations, there will be an open forum for all those who have questions or statements.  They may present them to the audience and panel.

The entire event will be recorded and will be covered by BusinessWeek Magazine, Truckers News, and Overdrive Magazine (as well as a National Newspaper which hasn't been disclosed). 

Drivers finally will have the chance for national exposure to share your concerns with the general public.

There are 2 days left to RSVP to this event.

Unite ... Be honored ... Be heard !  Be a part of history.  Have a wonderful time networking and enjoying yourself too !

All meals are included as well as live entertainment in the evening.  Gift and cash prize drawings, and award presentations.  A full day and evening beginning at 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, October 15th, at the Gold Strike Hotel and Casino.

Please read this article by another truck driver advocate, Sandy Long.  It will make you realize how important this event is to you and others within the industry.

We look forward to meeting you there ... in 12 days !

Sometimes Less Is Indeed More...

Bigger is not always better ... sometimes a smaller trucking company is a better option over a bigger, more well known trucking company.  There are many trucking companies out thre that in comparison are smaller by nature - and prefer to remain that way.  They may be family owned, or run by a sole proprietor.  They stand apart from the mainstream.  They have their own way of operating, have their own set of hiring standards and can afford to be selective.  Many do not use the DAC Report of a potential driver as the last word, but rely more on their personal interview and interaction with that applicant before making a final decision.  QM83E7BBZ7GN

These companies generally have much less turn over, know all of their otr drivers', many by their first names, pay well, offer more home-time, and more miles.  Some offer select regional opportunies.  Some run in 48 states, with minimal runs in New York.

Some even offer a pet policy and rider policy and other perks.

But where are they and how does a driver learn more about these companies? 

Tell me more ...

One of the problems is that these companies keep a relatively low profile .... they don't spend a lot of money on advertising or marketing - they don't need to.  They  hire a few select recruiters and that's all they need.  They interview potential drivers personally by phone and are looking for a specific type of candidate, one who will fit in with their company and appreciate the opportunity.  Unlike many of the larger and more well-known trucking companies, these smaller companies are not interested in driver turn over.

Working with a smaller trucking company is a great opportunity.  This is a case where bigger is not always better, less is more, and so on .....

Trucking Careers of America prides itself in directing otr drivers to select, reputable trucking companies, including some of these smaller, less-known-but-better companies.

If you are an experienced otr driver with at least one year (12 months) of otr truck driving, and you are looking for a different company, consider this .... Sometimes Less Is indeed More....especially in the trucking industry.

All the best......

James S. McCormack

Trucking Careers of America

The First Annual Truckers' Convention-An Unforgettable Career Experience

Where Will You Be On Octber 15th?
If You Haven't Made Plans Yet To Be At
The First Annual Truck Drivers' Convention
Make Your Plans Now !

1st Annual Truck Driver Convention

This event is to honor the professional truck driver; the men and women who keep America moving and know what the real issues are that today's truck drivers face.  Whether you are a veteran driver or a recent CDL training school graduate, this event is for you.  A ground breaking event; this is the First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention at the Gold Strike Resort and Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, October 15th, 2011.  QM83E7BBZ7GN

A Working Convention ...
An Unparallelled Networking Opportunity ...

This will be a working convention between our nation's truck drivers, those involved with trucking, and for all who wish to work together towards making a positive impact.  Truckers will have the perfect opportunity to actively participate by sharing your thoughts, concerns, ideas and solutions to what you see as the most pressing issues facing today's American driver.



And a key benefit from this gathering is that everyone can then take what we have all shared, and through the tools of social media, your voices can and will be heard - everywhere.

This is the first of its kind event - a full day and evening from 8 AM - midnight is scheduled for everyone to meet and gather together in a common interest: open panel discussions, debates, question and answer sessions, strategizing, and learning from industry leaders and experts.  

Gold Strike Casino

There's a lot of fun stuff too, so let's not overlook the fine dining, entertainment and all that the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, has to offer us all.  But we'll get to that in a moment....

Speakers and Open Panel Discussions ... ask these industry experts your questions:

LEGAL:  Trucking Employment Law Paul Taylor (known as "the whistleblower") of Truckers Justice Center has helped thousands of drivers in many diverse situations.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT:  Eddie Gichuhi of Trip Sheet Central, a software engineer who decided to go OTR and then analyzed what owner Owner Operators needed to make their business successful, and then designed a program to do it !

CAREER PLANNING AND TRUCKING JOBS:  James McCormack of Trucking Careers of America, the "trucking job wizard" who has helped thousands of drivers find employment, and matching them with the "right" CDL school or trucking company.  James is an advocate for career planning being a definite advantage and almost a necessity for a successful professional driving career in today's trucking climate.

REGULATORY:  Richard Wilson, Regulatory Manager of TransProducts, a regulatory specialist who has helped drivers and carriers understand the new government regulations, petitions and proposals being introduced and how they can effect you; CSA, your PSP report, EOBR's, speed limiters, HOS, OBMS, and more. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:  Landon Middleton, famous throughout the social media world, teaching people how to spread their message to thousands of others.

Fun Stuff ... Live Entertainment ... Great Music ... Food



Jan and Jim McCarter-KeysTruckers



Jan McCarter of the KeysTruckers, John DiBattista and Tony Justice will all be entertaining us with great live music performed by excellent well-known musicians.  Jan McCarter is a songwriter and recording artist for Truckers Tracks and her cds are available in truck stops and other locations all across America.  Jim McCarter is well known among the Trucking Social Media and is known all over the Internet for his offbeat and humorous character "Bobby Boofay".

Get ready to rock with Truckers Tracks band with Johnny Neel.  As a Grammy award nominee recognized in the music world for his work with the Allman Brothers Band, Lonnie Mack and Gov't Mule, among others, Johnny Neel is an accomplished songwriter whose tunes have been recorded by many well known artists, among them the Allman Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys and Travis Tritt. 

And now for the food and some other goodies:

• Full Breakfast Buffet
• Full Dinner Buffet
• $6,250 in Driver CASH Give-A-Ways

Allen and Donna Smith

Says Allen Smith of Truth About Trucking and AskTheTrucker.com, who together with his wife Donna, have put this major event together,  "As far as I can remember, there has never been an event specifically for truck drivers and those supporting them to gather, unite, have fun, and BE HEARD!  Yes, there are truck shows (and they're fun) and trucking expos (which I've presented at myself), but NEVER a full day and evening of organized speakers addressing all your concerns combined with extensive buffets, awards, cash give aways, and live  entertainment!  NEVER!  In other words, Donna and I are putting on an event that people have many times spoken about, and even wished for, but has never happened."

All Of This For Only $89.00 Per Person

Reservations must be received no later than Wednesday, October 5th, 2011.  Seating is limited and only 550 seats were originally available. 

Plan on attending; this convention is for you - the professional truck driver - and for industry supporters.  Share conversations and exchange ideas with other truckers and industry experts, and experience an unparallelled networking opportunity.

Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and Fully Paid CDL Training at Trainco Truck Driving Schools

Great News for Veterans Who Have Been Waiting
To Get Their CDL Class A License Training Costs
Fully Funded At An Independent CDL
Truck Driver Training School !

If you are a veteran who has been waiting for just the right time to get your CDL Class A license and begin your career as a professional otr truck driver, Trainco Truck Driving Schools has some great news for you !

Effective October 1, 2011, The Veteran Administration's just-revised "Post-9/11 G.I. Bill" will provide full funding for training costs for those military men and women who have served three years or more.  This is so important and such great news, it bears repeating:  if you are a veteran who has served three years or more, and you have been considering a career as an otr trucker, the Veteran's Administration, through its revised Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, will fund the full costs of your CDL training. 

The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill gives veterans the opportunity to get government paid cdl training through an independent cdl training school rather than through a company sponsored cdl training program which has contract obligations and other restrictions.  

What Does This Mean To You?

Essentially, your entire training is paid for at Trainco's Perrysburg, Ohio and Findlay, Ohio campuses !  And making this even better, additional costs, such as short-term housing, gas and food allowance, may be partially or even completely covered. 

Even those veterans with less than three years of service will see a significant increase in the funding of their training compared to what was previously offered through the government's G.I. Bill.

"If you are a veteran from farther back, we're just as grateful for your service - and want you to know you may still be eligible for benefit programs" says Blackie Blackwell, Sales Manager at the Perrysburg, Ohio Trainco Truck Driving School Campus.  "We'll fill you in on our numerous training options and campuses, get you settled into our outstanding housing facilities for those involved in "Train & Stay" programs, and put you on the road to your new career in next to no time."

He adds, "Thanks for the freedoms your service has granted us.  Allow us the chance to serve you in return!"

Department of Veterans Affairs



Find out what funding assistance may be available by going online at http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application and then phone Trainco at (419) 837-5730.  For further information about Trainco's programs, locations and contact information, please visit Trainco Inc.