Posts belonging to Category Guest Bloggers

Trucking in Europe

I’d like to share my small story with you about how I got my view into trucking.

When I was old enough to understand that my uncle, who we had close contact with, was a trucker, I wanted to know more. This was around the early to mid 80′s.
I had always been interested in anything with an engine, anything from a moped puffing blue smoke to a big rig puffing black smoke.

My uncle drove all over Scandinavia, from the snowy North down to the sunnier continental Europe. Eventhough he doesen’t speak anything else but Finnish, he still managed to work things out when being out there. This was way before cellphones and internet, so all communication was done either over CB or if he used a phone along the way.
He once said, sometimes you get tired in your arms when you talk to someone and you don’t understand eachother with spoken language. So, wave and point. It worked, and still does today.

The company he drove for when I went along with him had installed phones in all rigs, which made things easier when getting orders and things of that nature.

Every chance I got, I went with him when he was scheduled on a run. By this time he was only doing domestic runs in Finland, running dairy products from a mid-western city down to the nations capital, Helsinki and any place in between, Tampere and Turku being two of them.

Sometimes my cousin came along and when uncle was loading the rig, me and my cousin played around with pallet jacks we found in the warehouse. Standing on them, riding around the warehouse. Dangerous – yes, could have been. Fun – definitely! Those times there was no one around, we had the whole hall for ourselves – big space to roam.

I listened to his stories and thought, ‘I want stories like that of my own’. Stories I can tell on when I get older. Stories like when we sometimes stopped at truckstops for coffee, he used to flirt with the waitresses. Something like, “how about you sit in my lap and we talk 2 words about the weather and 3 about romance”. Sounds a bit cheezy but, being a little boy back then, I liked the fact that he had the guts to say that. During summer we sometimes stopped to buy strawberries at stands along the way.

The vendors were often young women, so naturally my uncle put his charm face on and made up something witty when we walked over to the stand. And the strawberries were very good!

The truck I remember he had at that time was a Volvo FL12 with a one bunk sleeper. I don’t remember the amount of horsepower in it, but I could take a guess and say around 320.
We once had to take the truck to the shop when something broke down. I stood by listening when my uncle spoke to the mechanic… The mech said, “this is a good truck, isn’t it?”

To that my uncle said, -No, when you climb uphill with it, it starts asking which direction to go. Volvos have had some reputation to be lazy, that’s why they started using gear splitters.
Anyway, the mechanic then said, “Yeah, you’re right, it should be a Sisu. Which is a Finnish made truck. ” Uncle said, -No, it has to be a Scania, their V8′s have power.
So, there I got an idea which truck to look at. To this day I still prefer Scania over their main competitor, Volvo. It feels more like a truck while Volvo feels a bit more like a car.

I noticed he didn’t have blankets or pillows in the sleeper, so I once asked him why and he told me he didn’t have time to sleep, the truck has to roll. The times he stopped to rest, he just leaned over the steering wheel, took out the tachograph disc and took a nap sitting up. I guess that was not a good thing to see for a boy who’s taking his first bites of trucking. But it was reality.

I don’t think the graphs/logs were used back then for anything else than to see how much work the trucker had done so he/she could be paid accordingly.

350-400 hours a month was not unusual, and this was domestic in Finland, which is not a very large country. The union eventually made a surprise visit to the company and said that if the hours are not cut down for the drivers, they will close the business down. The hours were dropped and the company is still active today.
Today there are more rules and regulations and authorities make sure they are followed, placing us truckers under close scrutiny sometimes. That’s something all you truckers know.

There were unfortunate situations as well in his trucking. One of which I remember was that he broke his foot when he jumped out of the cab. Never jump! Not from the cab, off a flatbed, nothing.

One other was a when one of the rear, left side air ride bags blew and his trailer swerved over into oncoming traffic. The trailer hit a car there and two people in it lost their lives. There of course was an investigation into what had happened. A motorist that had been driving behind my uncle over a period of time told police that the rig had not swerved prior to this accident. So drunk driving (with breathalyzer) and sleeping behind the wheel could be ruled out. This was an unfortunate mechanical failure at the worst possible time.

What I probably liked the most when I was out there with him was the solitude while driving, especially at night when much else dies down except the rigs that keep this world turning. Add comradery among drivers to that and it’s all good. You have friends out there but still get to be alone with your thoughts and be somewhat independent in your work.
You “just” load – drive – unload, yet still, it makes a difference.

I stuck with this ever since and when the time came to “choose profession”, the choice was pretty easy. So, after finishing 9th grade I applied to an “upper secondary technical school” with the direction to road transport. This was an entry point into the business, my licence(s) was/were free and I got experience from school to do what I wanted and I got a job the same day I graduated. My uncle had a great impact on my choice of career and I have later told him that.

I’ve been driving for over 15 years now and have not felt the need to change profession. Truckers will always be needed! Without us, things stop moving.
The times I see him nowadays we can still discuss trucks and things around them. Talking about them with my cousin feels natural, he too started driving and is still active today, while uncle has retired.

Would like to finish off by saying, the times I’ve been nervous about backing a rig was when I ran Finland-Sweden. I had loaded up for my first trip from Finland and came to the harbor to take the 9 hour ferry ride over. I parked in line and there were a couple of rigs in front of me. Went into the office, reported my arrival and went back to my rig.

The ship finally came, they unloaded it and we started rolling. To my amazement the rigs in front turned around… We were going to back onboard! That’s when I got a little nervous…
The whole ship and other drivers are waiting for YOU! You have to fix it! Was a really sweaty feeling, but it worked, I got the rig in where it was supposed to.
I don’t know if that ship is still in use, it was the Finnlink company. The other big shipping companies, Viking Line and Tallink have RO-RO ships, roll on – roll off. So there’s no backing involved.

Thanks for reading and be safe out there on the road! I’m on Twitter under   Roni    twitter.com/sentenced1979 if you want to say hello.

Like Mr. Jerry Reed once said, “Chauffeur, so good”.

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Patriotic Truckers Jump at the Chance to Help Those in Need

 
I don’t think it is an overstatement to say that my peers in the trucking industry are some of the most caring, compassionate and altruistic people this country has to offer. When the going gets tough and one of the brethren is in a tight spot, truckers naturally rally together, pool their resources and offer much needed aid and assistance, often without any prompting whatsoever.
And it isn’t just truckers looking out for their own. The trucking community will bend over backwards for the good of the nation whenever there is a dire need. I’ve understood this for many years, because I’ve lived it and seen it firsthand.
A couple recent events have only served to underscore this truism and also help to generate some much-needed publicity for truckers across this great land. Slowly but surely, the country is waking up to the fact that the trucking community is full of good-natured altruists, always ready to lend a helping hand and help those in need.

 
This autumn, as the destructive Hurricane Sandy was blasting the eastern seaboard with howling winds and stinging rains of an intensity seldom seen before, the truck drivers of the United States of America sprang into action. We understood quickly that the people of the northeast would be in need and that our services could aid in their short-term survival and long-term recovery.
The enormity of the collective hearts of the trucking community was shown to have no bounds as trailers were lent, and time was devoted to assisting those in Sandy’s destructive path.

 
Here are a few specific examples to illustrate my point:
Food and clothing was collected and transported to coastal communities in New Jersey by a husband and wife owner/operator outfit.
Before the storm could even touch ground, thousands of dry goods, cleaning supplies, blankets and batteries were en route to Amityville, New York courtesy of a Louisiana truck owner.
Renowned charity United Way of New Jersey reported that several companies had donated trucking services to transport supplies up and down the coastline.

 
A trucking company out of Kansas City, Missouri jumped at the chance to donate their service to haul a massive load of children’s toys that were distributed to Sandy’s victims in the days after the storm passed.
Only a couple months later, truckers were getting headlines again for their generous nature. This time it was in support of one of the trucking industry’s closest allies, the United States Armed Forces. As men and women who traverse the Heartland of America and rely on the safety and security of our nation’s transportation infrastructure, we truckers are enthusiastic supporters of the men and women who come from that Heartland and risk their lives and well-being so that the open roads can remain safe for passage.
So for those familiar with the trucking community it was no surprise that we were particularly enthusiastic and motivated to aid in the pre-Christmas “Wreaths Across America” movement. On December 15 trucking professionals from across the nation donated their manpower and equipment to distribute over 600,000 fresh remembrance wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes at almost a thousand veterans cemeteries from coast to coast.

 
Hundreds of truckers were on hand as local organizers conducted wreath-laying ceremonies at each location, including the famed Arlington National Cemetery, where 34 truckloads of wreaths were transported by freedom-loving truckers to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice.
I hope you will keep these anecdotes in mind the next time someone questions the philanthropy and unselfishness of trucking professionals. For reasons that I can’t quite fathom, there are some circles that seem to be under the grotesque impression that truckers are averse to helping their fellow man out. Nothing could be further from the truth, and it was wonderful to see the above examples receive some positive publicity, so the rest of the nation could begin to learn what I already know:
Truckers are among the most generous, caring, patriotic folks in any walk of life.
Hank Barton is a second generation trucker-philosopher with a penchant for the written word. He enjoys blogging about long haul trucking, safe driving practices and life on the open road. He writes for E-Gears, an online CDL Test authority that specializes in a variety of study guides.

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Obtaining the Best Truck Insurance

When one owns a vehicle, it is important to also obtain insurance to protect one’s investment as well as to provide protection from possible risks associated with operating the vehicle. Certain types of vehicles are much more prone to causing or being involved in accidents. One of these vehicles would be a truck.

The insurance needed for a truck is rather similar to that of a car, unless the truck is used for business purposes.  When a consumer seeks insurance for their truck, they usually want to find the best coverage for the best price. Fortunately, in today’s internet age, this search is even simpler given the variety of tools found online.

Certain factors are taken into account when designing insurance policies, as well as determining the premiums. These factors can help serve as a guide when you’re shopping around to obtain the best possible truck insurance, van insurance or courier insurance and knowing them can help reduce the insurance premium. Certain insurance companies specialize in truck insurance. These companies are generally the best ones to deal with as they know the market well and are able to offer appealing premium rates.

Insurance companies do take into account the age of the vehicles. Unlike some other areas, when dealing with commercial trucks, age is not usually a concern. Typically trucks that are older have been better cared for. Rather than focusing on age, truck insurers look at the vehicle’s condition, which affects the insurance rate.  Placement of safety signs on larger trucks can also help to provide reduced insurance rates. This would include signs such as those that notify other drivers that the truck makes wide turns, as would signs providing a number for other vehicles to report driving concerns about the truck driver.

To check into types of truck insurance policies as well as obtaining insurance premium quotes, contact the insurance company, Staveley Head, to get more information.

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5 Things that Happen to Every Rookie Trucker

Commercial truck driving is not just a business it’s a lifestyle. First year drivers tend to find out very quickly if this is a life they can grow accustomed to or not. Being away from home for long periods of time, facing unknown areas every day, and dealing with the various mishaps of life on the road can weigh heavy on a new driver. The important thing to remember is trucking is like every other profession in that the first year is always the hardest. As a new driver you will find yourself in a variety of stressful situations. Remember your training; ask for help form fellow truckers if you need it. Someone has always been through it at some point. Here are five things every rookie driver should expect to deal with at least once in their first year out on the road.

#1 You Will Get Lost
Whether it’s because you followed outdated map of GPS directions or were forced to find an alternative route because of a traffic accident, you will get lost at least once. Communication is the most important thing here. If you are lost, ask your fellow drivers or your dispatch for directions to your destination. If there is an emergency and your radio is down, get to a phone and let someone know what is happening so that you can be properly assisted in getting back on the road. The worst thing a driver can do when lost is panic, that is when real problems start to happen.

#2 You Will Fall Behind Schedule
You will be late at least once and it might not even be your fault. Ships arrive late to docks, workers take their time unloading, car accidents stop traffic. The road can be more unpredictable than the sea sometimes but you will weather the storm. Get on the radio and let the powers-that-be know what the situation is. Everyone in transport is human and therefore has their own schedule and own mishaps. Keep a cool head and just try to get to your destination as quickly and safely as possible.

#3 You Will Sorely Miss Loved Ones
Few people other than those in the military spend more time away from their families than truckers. Being on the road, alone, and far away from home can be the hardest thing in the world during that first year. Every trucker has their way of coping with it. Develop a routine check-in with your loved ones. Find a hobby to engage in to take your mind off of longing for home. Think about investing a in a lap top and video chatting the family when you are at a truck stop, refueling or just in the midst of a long wait for a load.

#4 Your Truck Will Have a Mishap
Your truck is your business, and every business has something go wrong once in a while. Whether it’s an engine problem, a light out, a window shattered, or a flat tire, GET IT TAKEN CARE OF IMMEDIATELY. Some rookie truckers out there think if their truck is running it’s running good and let the ear piercing screech under the hood go unaddressed for another hundred miles. As a trucker you are out of business without your truck. Constantly check out the tire pressure, the belts under the hood, etc. If you have a minor problem and are only a few miles away from your destination, get your load there and then see what’s going on. Again, judgment is the defining quality of a good trucker.

#5 You Will Drive Short On Sleep
No matter the weather or the traffic the most dangerous time to drive is when you are far behind on sleep. Keeping up with the schedule can be rough which is why it is important to sleep whenever you have downtime. If manage to catch yourself drifting off at the wheel, get some coffee or get some sleep. Either way, get off the road and address this problem immediately. No load is worth your life or a stranger’s in the lane next to you. Keep your rest up, try to sleep even if you think you’re not tired because at some point you will be driving through the night to try and make delivery on time.
Mark Kinsel is the President of Driver Solutions and for the past 19 years has passionately shared his knowledge and experience to help young truckers find their way. When he isn’t showing a trainee the ropes of the road he writes for Great CDL Training, a national leader in commercial truck driver training.

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Guest Blogger how to pick your first truck

How to Choose Your First Truck

Years ago, the process of buying the right truck was fairly easy. There was a limited choice of manufacturers and options. However, a spike in demand for light, medium and heavy duty trucks drew several new manufacturers into the market. Their entrance has resulted in an explosion of new truck types, models and options.

Many car manufacturers have added light and medium duty trucks to their vehicle line up. Performance, technology and comfort features once only available in automobiles are now found in trucks.

The best advice for choosing the right truck is to have a crystal clear understanding of its purpose, expected driving conditions, required options and the available budget. Investing the time to carefully think this through will shorten the selection process and yield the best outcome. Having a thorough plan will help narrow down the choices and stay on budget.

What Is The Purpose For Buying This Vehicle?

This may sound like a trivial question, but it’s very important to think through the answer. There are many reasons to buy a truck. Some are on the practical side, and some aren’t. The important point is to know what you want the truck to do.

Some people just like the idea of owning a truck. A few view them as a status symbol. Most just want to put them to work around the house, the office, or on a job site.

Pickup trucks are often selected as a substitute for an SUV. In fact, pickups and SUV’s are now fairly comparable in terms of their features and even their pricing. Today, it’s not uncommon to find trucks equipped with heated leather seats, remote controlled mirrors, back up sensors, cruise control, advanced sound systems, Internet access, laptop and cellphone integration, and GPS navigation systems with SiriusXM and LCD vehicle control displays.

Most people look to trucks primarily for their carrying and towing capabilities. They need their truck to haul heavy, oversized items. They need a vehicle that can safely and efficiently carry and tow hundreds of pounds. They also need the vehicle to withstand tough driving and environmental conditions often found on the road and around construction sites. Knowing the exact carrying and towing requirements is the pivotal decision with the selection of a truck.

Once the purpose for buying a truck is established, it clarifies which options are required to serve that purpose.

What Options Are Required?

Depending on the carrying and towing requirements, the truck model type could be light, mid-sized or heavy duty. The bed capacity could be short or long.

The trucks’ cab could be standard or extended depending on seating needs.

The choice of the engine is decided by the preference of fuel source (e.g. gasoline, diesel, biofuels or hybrid) and desired fuel efficiency.

The Budget?

New, light to medium duty truck for sale prices, start at $20,000 and can exceed $80,000. Having a firm price target helps to narrow down the choice of models and options.

Brenda Panin

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