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After months of driving a truck, Doug Robinson began to notice that his clothes were getting tighter. Although he was previously overweight, he began to realize that spending as much as 11 hours driving his truck, not exercising and eating fast food frequently was not a good combination.

U.S. Xpress, his employer, participated in a weight-loss challenge which was sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association and Robinson decided that it was time to do something about his 321-pound frame and signed up for the challenge.

Up to this point, he is approximately 60 pounds away from his goal of losing 100 pounds. The refrigerator in his truck is stocked with vegetables, tuna and chicken and after carrying out the duties of his job, he either walks on the trails close to the rest stops or he walks in circles around his truck.

Robinson suffers from asthma and he is aware that the excess weight is bad for him. According to the 6 foot, 1 inch 30-year-old Philadelphian, as soon as he began to lose weight he immediately started getting a better sleep at nights.

From companies that offer CDL jobs embracing weight-loss and wellness programs to the installation of gyms at truck stops, there has been a in recent years to assist individuals who earn their living doing CDL jobs in getting into shape and improving their health.

Boyd Stephenson, who is the Director of HazMat Policy at the American Trucking Association, the largest trucking association in the industry, has stated that a number of companies that offer CDL jobs have begun to recognize that the truck drivers are in fact their best assets. He also pointed out that the bottom line of the company can benefit from healthier employees.

Additional incentives are there for truckers to get into shape and stay healthy; their CDL jobs could be dependent on their health.

A requirement of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has stipulated that truck drivers must pass a physical exam, every two years. The drivers are checked for conditions which might contribute to them becoming gradually or suddenly incapacitated while carrying out their CDL jobs. These conditions include respiratory disorders, high blood pressure and severe heart conditions.

Despite the fact that there is no weight restriction, individuals doing CDL jobs who have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and they are not undergoing any treatment will not receive a medical certificate. This condition, which is more popular among overweight individuals, results in daytime sleepiness and that could prove dangerous on long drives.

However, obstacles are there for individuals with trucking jobs who are aware of the need to be healthy. Other than being seated for several hours at a time, their eating options are typically limited to places that have parking lots that are big enough to provide accommodation for their tractor-trailers and these usually are truck stops, which are not historically known to have workout equipment or wholesome food. However, this is one of the things that the truck stop chains have been making attempts to change.

Two years ago, TravelCenters of America launched the StayFit program which includes setting up small gyms with free membership in the truck stops and offering half portions and healthier food options, building basketball courts at some of the locations an mapping walking routes close to the truck stops.

A spokesman of the TravelCenters has stated that this effort was put forth as a means of removing a lot of the barriers that stood in the way of the health of individuals with CDL jobs. He has also stated that the company has set up gyms in 42 of its locations and they plan to have all of their over 240 locations outfitted with gyms by the end of 2013. There has been evidence supporting that the gyms have been used in excess of 30,000 times.

Snap Fitness, a gym franchiser, has formed a partnership with Rolling Strong to provide wellness programs that are aimed at individuals who hold CDL jobs, to set up gyms at the Pilot Flying J locations. Opened in June in the south of Dallas, the first one is almost 1,000-square-foot and is in a stand-alone building that is filled with several machines and weights. So far, over 120 memberships have been bough for the gym.

In addition, a $30 monthly membership provides individuals who have CDL jobs with access to over 1,300 gyms under the Snap Fitness name and these locations have parking areas that are tractor trailer-friendly.

Pilot Flying J has plans to include a function on their smartphone app to assist truckers in identifying healthy food choices at fast food restaurants as well as their locations. It should be noted that a number of truck stops have adjusted their recipes to include healthier offering and provide oatmeal as a breakfast choice.

It has been highlighted by president of Rolling Strong, Bob Perry, that workers who have CDL jobs have been flocking to wellness screenings which his company has set up at truck stops all over the country.

Robinson, the trucker who is trying to lose weight, has stated that prior to becoming a part of the weight-loss challenge, he spent his evenings on the road talking on the telephone, checking Facebook and watching television. He was initially concerned about how he would be able to exercise; however, he decided that he has to develop the will power and get it done.

In 2011, over 11,500 of the 21,000 individuals with CDL jobs had consultations with wellness coaches; most of these employees were drivers.

There are eleven carriers that took part in the first Trucking’s Weight Loss Showdown put on by the Truckload Carriers Association in the spring of 2012. Each carrier signed up 12 of their employees which included 6 office staff and 6 drivers. There will be a second showdown in the fall and the individual winner will receive $2,500, the same amount that was won by the spring winner.

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Cobra is giving professional drivers one more way to communicate safely and easily with the first-ever CB radio with Bluetooth technology – the new 29 LTD BT. The Bluetooth feature allows drivers a better way to have phone conversations on the road because calls from a mobile phone are synched with the CB radio. A noise canceling microphone allows calls to be heard loud and clear, even over a noisy engine. Incoming audio is routed through the radio’s 5-Watt CB speaker making it easy for the driver to hear the caller. The unit also provides one-touch Bluetooth operation, giving drivers the ability to stay focused on the road by answering and terminating calls with the push of one button. An auto-redial feature also allows for one-touch redialing of the last number called.

The new unit offers 4 Watts AM RF power output, the maximum amount of power allowed by law; Talk Back controls allowing drivers to adjust the desired amount of modulation talk back; a Blue Channel indicator displaying channel selection in cool blue illumination; and Delta Tune which is used to clarify incoming signals. The 29 LTD BT is redefining the CB radio!

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Truckers Truck Stops

Origins of Truck Stops in the United States of America

Truck stops are basically designated areas where truckers can go to find some of the most essential necessities of travel. In the United Kingdom, they are normally referred to as transport cafes. These act as filling stations for large trucks that travel over very long distances. The Truck stops started coming into existence at around 1940 when large truck businesses were flourishing.

As the need to transport more and more goods over long distances by road grew, it was necessary for transporters to have a way of filling up with diesel and getting some essentials including toilets where they could relieve themselves after long hours of driving. It was because of such needs that a few business minded individuals started up Truck stops that were mainly used to fill up trucks that had gone low on diesel. Diesel was very rare in normal gas stations and that is why this alternative proved to be very effective.

As years went by, the business became more and more popular and thus several Truck stops were built along the highways to offer convenience for Truckers. The truck stop has greatly changed since it first begun. There have been many improvements that have been done in order to accommodate even greater needs for those who may be traveling over long distances.

Improvements on Truck Stops

Some of the most notable improvements include restaurants and convenience stores. These improvements have ensured that Truckers do not have to pack so many things at the start of their travels. There are also other improvements that were introduced over the years. These may include; showers, video arcades, parking areas among several other things.

Today, Truck stops are almost like small towns where one can go when in need of just about anything. They have been designed to accommodate all types of vehicles including very large trucks. The fueling stations that are present are normally designed in such a way that they can be used by a large number of customers fast and thereby avoiding any issues of congestion although this has not been fully resolved in certain parts of the United States.

It is equally important to note that more and more Truck stops have embraced technological advancements that are aimed at making traveling even less frustrating and more enjoyable. Some of the most remarkable technologies that have been incorporated include; satellite radio stations, music & audio books, video games, truck heaters and auxiliary power units like idle air among others.

Advantages of Truck Stops

There are several advantages that can be associated with Truck stops and that is why they are very popular. One particular thing that can be said to be an advantage is that Truckers do not have to worry about running out of fuel along the road. All you have to do is go to the nearest Truck stop and fill up.

Another one of the things that can be said to be an advantage is that they offer food to those who are traveling over long distances. As was mentioned before, Truck stops normally have fast food joints that provide meals for those who have been on the road. They also offer facilities like showers and lodgings that can be used in case the Trucker needs to have some rest. The convenience stores also provide things like drugs that can be used if a person falls ill during the journey.

The next one of the advantages of Truck stops is that they provide security for those who may be traveling. If for example Truckers are on the road and the weather turns dangerous, Truck stops act as a great place to find refuge until the bad weather passes. This has over the years proved to be a very good thing since many accidents have been avoided.

Those who own large fleets of trucks may equally benefit if they consistently fill their trucks at the same Truck stop. The owners of Truck stops are normally more than willing to provide decent bonuses or discounts to those who consistently use their services. This ensures that both parties benefit from their mutual corporation.

How Truckers can Locate Truck Stops

While it may seem like a very difficult thing, locating “good” Truck stops is not as hard as most people think. This is because the owners of the Truck stops have thought of several ways to ensure that people know exactly where they are.

One of the things that Truckers can do in order to locate a Truck stop is to watch out for large billboards or sign posts along the roadside. Most Truck stops will have very large signs that indicate the exact location where they are. It is therefore true to say that one can easily find a great Truck Stop by keeping a keen eye on billboards or sign posts that are placed along the highway.

Another one of the things that Truckers can do in order to locate a Truck stop is to carefully study the Atlas. There are normally several markings that are deliberately placed on the Atlas to indicate the exact location that the Truck stops are situated at. Atlases can be found in almost all the convenience stores that have been built in the Truck stops.

Another effective way of finding a great Truck stop is by simply asking those people who are within the vicinity. Truck stops are very notable and thus anyone who has been in any area near them will be able to give accurate directions to whoever may be in need. In addition to that, there are certain vehicles or trucks that have elaborate navigation systems which can be used to identify Truck stops.

Truck stops are open to all Truckers that are traveling on the open road and it is therefore true that anyone can go to any Truck stop. It is however more advisable for Truckers to use certain Truck stops consistently in order to fully enjoy some of the advantages that were mentioned earlier.

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No truck parking sign in a huge empty parking lot!  Wow why would that be there?  ”There is a big truck parking shortage in the USA”, and “it’s” getting worse.  “The federal government requires us to take a break”,  but does not provide enough parking!  “Shit happens”  so we can’t always find a proper place to sleep.  For instance i planned on parking at the truck stop, but you delayed unloading me.  “Now im out of driving hours allowed by law”, and you will not allow to park in your empty lot!  “So you expect me to break the law”, and drive to a truck stop that probably has no parking spot’s left!  Then what about the safety of your family?  Do you want a sleepy truck driver roaming around looking for a place to sleep? We need more parking,  and business needs to be more understanding!  What do you think about this?  Leave your comments below this post.  Gonzotrucker

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“A truckers job”

 Entail’s driving  long hours away from home a lot”.  Dealing with traffic and all types of weather conditions.  Sitting long hours at a loading dock waiting to be loaded and unloaded!  “A trucker’s job”   eating junk food because you have no time to sit down and eat a proper meal.  “Dealing with the dispatcher’s and freight broker’s who only care about making money for them self”,  or their  company. 

“A trucker’s job”  finding a place to park and sleep when there is very little parking and they have been driving for 11 hours already, and you just want to “sleep”!!.  Getting that call something is wrong at home and your 40 hours away at the time!  Delivering your load then going to the truck stop to wait on your next dispatch that will come two days later.  “Breaking down on the side of the road and waiting three hours for a repair truck.”  that will take another hour to fix a flat, then you still have to drive ( ten ) hours more because the breakdown happened at the begining of your trip.  “A trucker’s job”   finding a place to sleep after hours of searching!  Only to be woken up by a security officer telling you to move or get a “ticket”.

  Getting pulled into a weigh station or “department of transportation checkpoint”,  and spending two hours getting drilled and inspected.  Then getting a ticket for a log book violation that happened over a week ago!!  “A trucker’s job”  now you have a load and no empty trailer to go and get it so you spend all day bob tailing around looking for one!!.  Then wow i found an empty trailer now i will do a pre trip inspection on it and go?  Shit on the pre trip you discover the trailer has a flat tire ah!.  Getting lost even if you have a GPS unit it does not always work ho ho keep an atlas always in the truck.  Ever try to turn  ”around a 60′ foot tractor trailer on a city street?  

When you realize you’re going the wrong way?  Or there is a low bridge ahead?  Driving in a blinding snow storm, ice storm, or monsoon type rains?  With all the cars around you doing dumb maneuvers trying to get run over.    “A trucker’s job”  after waiting six hours for a load now you get one and then you have to go get loaded two hours then drive eleven more hours to get to your destination only to be told we “can’t unload you until tomorrow”  and you can’t park here!!!   Still want   “a truckers job” ?.    GONZOTRUCKER

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