Trucker Dump - A Trucking Podcast

Tired truckers. Yep. That's what people want to talk about when a truck driver crashes into, and injures a celebrity. So today we discuss whether all truckers are driving tired, and if they are, why are they? What makes truckers tired? Links in todays show include: My Twitter account @ToddMcCann Rudolph Foods National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Contest info Steve Jobs audiobook Kevin McKague on Twitter, his blog about his bicycle adventures,, and his guest post on my site TD88: You Can't See America From The Trucker's Lounge. The news story about of the Walmart truck/Tracy Morgan crash. TD94: Understanding the New Hours-Of-Service Rules QuizUp (the game I mention playing) My username is ToddMcCann if you care to challenge. TD39: When Planners Don't Map showing Mr. Roper's commute from Jonesboro, Georgia to Smyrna, Delaware. An article that talks about Mr. Roper's commute. In the feedback section we hear from @raysunshine77, Ken, and Greg about TD101: Stupid Rules That Truckers Tolerate @raysunshine77 (Jean McHarry) also wrote a blog post for me called, TD68: This Is The Life. We All Have To Be Somewhere. This Is My Life. Shannon Holden @holden657 writes in to tell us about BigRoad, which is an app he uses to track his hour recap. Really gross sign in a truck stop bathroom (G Rated) TD74: Doing Dallas Top 10 Reasons For Parking In The Fuel Island Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

In today's episode, I bring the interview I did over at JobShadow.com into the Trucker Dump. And so I don't sound like a lunatic asking myself questions, I recruited my friend @alanqbristol to act as the interviewer. This interview describes what trucking is really like and I've gotten a lot of good feedback from the readers over there. Case in point: Kristine asks a question about women in trucking and team trucking in TD88: You Can't See America from the Trucker's Lounge and I follow up with her about the woman issue and we discuss pet and rider policies in TD89: Truckers with Sleep Apnea: How to Know If You Have It and What to Do About It. From TD93: The Driver's Seat Phenomenon, Paul asks whether an old accident will keep him out of trucking, Frank asks for company recommendations, and Shelley asks about communicating from the truck and she wonders if she can really learn to drive a truck in 15 days. In TD95: 4 Reasons That Trucker Might Be Tailgating You, CJ asks about having a felony and provides a couple of Web sites that list trucking companies who will hire felons. In the current feedback section, Joseph asks about age limits, Scott questions whether he can be a trucker with a bad back, Karrie asks how to "shadow" a trucker, Emily just wants to pat us truckers on the back, Denver wonders if there are jobs for truckers who don't want to be away from home long, and Billy gives a stiff warning to people considering truck driving as a career. I also show you how whistling makes you cool. Uh huh. Other links mentioned are @driverchrismc and his belittling me with his correction. Lastly, Eric Blacker a.k.a. @darkstaff has started a new project called Trucker's Paradigm. In this audio clip, he's calling for trucking stories and you're a big, fat liar if you say you don't have at least one good one. Here's the email and the Facebook and Twitter links. [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/TruckersParadigm https://twitter.com/truckerparadigm Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

In today's foray into the trucking world, we discuss stupid rules that shippers/receivers make to torment truckers. You'll learn what precautions these companies take to avoid accidents and I'll tear them into shreds for being too stinkin' paranoid. There are lots of fun links for you to click today. One you might even find yourself bookmarking. Well, if you're a dude anyway. LOL Click here to see all the pictures I mention. Photos provided by: Eric Blacker; who is @darkstaff on Twitter and darkstaff on Flickr. Hy Ryan from the Truckpreneur Web site. The crashing forklift photo is uncredited. Could not find original photographer. The ugly ones where done by me. Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, or FMCSA TD10: When Company Policy Overrides Common Sense America's Funniest Home Videos DOT (Department of Transportation) regulated rear bumper These are chock blocks. As if you care. TD11: The Insanity of Truck Idling Laws For you youngsters, here's the hottie known as Daisy Duke. My recent podcast/blog post about The Evil Overlord (my wife and ex co-driver) called TD100: What Makes The Evil Overlord… Evil? The Flash (that's the superhero, not a pervert's action) TD32: SLC to CYA explains ways for a trucker to cover their butt when it comes to loading. In case you're too young to know what Jared before Subway means. In the feedback section we hear from Jag who asks if an automatic or a manual transmission is more fuel efficient. Mary read my JobShadow.com interview and has some concerns about how women are treated in a man-centric industry. Greg writes in to add to the list of stuff that makes an awesome trucker. Love it! And lastly, Ken writes in to share a little bit about his life as a trucker. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Nearly every time I call my wife and ex-codriver "The Evil Overlord," someone accuses me of being an exaggerator. Well, this post ought to plug everyone's pieholes. Listen on to find out "What Makes The Evil Overlord… Evil?" In the feedback section we talk about the likelihood of a new driver getting a truck with an automatic transmission and we discuss if their is any way to get around the DOT's rules about driving with a disability. Links mentioned in the show: TD99: 4 Ways to Be an Awesome Trucker Trucking Santas Check out some pictures of The Evil Overlord, the cooler lid that "accidentally" fell on my head, our incest cat Hammy, and a text message that proves The Evil Overlord is in fact, evil. Videos and info for the movie Napoleon Dynamite and one of the characters named Lafawndah. Insane Clown Posse T-shirt In case you don't get the reference of "Say hello to my leeeetle friend!" TD33: Automatic or Manual Truck Transmission? And the 3 songs I referenced are: All Out of Love by Air Supply Tragedy by Bee Gees Joanna by Kool & the Gang The listeners I mention in the feedback section are: Eric @darkstaff Chris @DriverChrisMc Shannon @holden657 Alan @alanqbristol Here is the article about trucking with disabilities and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), who might be able to help disabled drivers work with the DOT on getting a driving job. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Here's an idea. How about we all strive to be better truckers this year? Not only can we improve the reputation of the trucking industry as a whole, but maybe we can make the world a happier place too. Today we talk about 4 broad topics that we can all work on. And you'll want to pay close attention as I teach you how to brush your teeth. Seriously. Links mentioned in the show include: Cool trucking stickers from Bruce Outridge Productions Some cool facts about the human stomach Article about the benefits of eliminating soda from your diet The Gorilla Workout App I've been using In case you're too young to know who Olive Oyl is My workout videos TD81: How to Do a Full-Body Workout Inside the Cab of a Semi Check out The Healthy Trucker Web site for all things trucker fitness YouTube video of a worm inside someone's intestines. Ewwww! A fun TED talk video on paper towel usage and a cool way to clean your hands (4:32) Just in case you didn't pass your driver's exam when you were 16, here's what a 3-point turn looks like. Proverbs 15:1 The wisdom of King Solomon In the feedback section @DriverChrisMc sends us a link to his lengthy comment on TD97: A Trucker's Worst Nemesis: Complacency. John writes in saying he enjoyed reading TD33: Automatic or Manual Truck Transmission?, but he was really wanting some advice about getting into the trucking industry. I pointed him to my JobShadow.com interview. WolverineTom read TD93: The Driver's Seat Phenomenon and shares a quick story about taking his young son on the road. JV tells us about his extremely practical use of TD81: Videos: How To Do a Full-Body Workout Inside the Cab of a Semi and Tom from the JESUS FREAK TRUCKER podcast says some kind words about the videos and the Trucker Dump podcast in general. Thanks Tom! Steve writes in with some follow-up from TD94: Understanding the New Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules about the special Texas HOS rules. Jeff writes in with support for TD76: The Spitting "Christian" Zealot. After reading TD27: Hauling Hazardous Materials, Marc has a question about his fire department's truck. Lastly, Leona inquires if there is a Web site devoted to traveling and site-seeing in a big rig. I told her such a site didn't exist. At least me and my adventurous friend Kevin from 18 Wheels and a 12-Speed Bike haven't heard of it. If you have, write in and I'll pass the word along. But if you're in a car, RoadTrippers.com is a good one! Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Everyone is stressed during the holidays, but truckers have an extra set of issues to worry about. Find out what they are in today's podcast. Links mentioned in the podcast are: Follow @DriverChrisMc on Twitter TD35: No Guarantees in Trucking A couple of short videos of my Roller Derby sister Email me at [email protected] Picture of a tiny cut in an airline Paul's truck weights website TD45: Riding Along With a Trucker TD68: This Is the Life. We All Have to Be Somewhere. This Is My life. Follow @raysunshine77 on Twitter Follow new listener Shannon @holden657 on Twitter We also talk about the Rudolph Foods promotion benefitting the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund and the Trucking Santas organization again (links below). Rudolph Foods links Rudolph Foods Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Rudolph Foods on Twitter Rudolph Foods on Facebook Rudolph Foods on Pinterest Rudolph Foods on YouTube Rudolph Foods on Instagram Trucking Santas links Trucking Santas website Trucking Santas Facebook site Follow Trucking Santas on Twitter Current open wish lists Go directly to the wish lists on Amazon Donate directly via YouCaring.com Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This is a short one due to the fact that the subject matter is time sensitive. Learn how you can help those less fortunate at Christmas and improve the image of truckers at the same time. Hurry and listen now! You've only got until December 6! But hey, even if you're listening to this long past then, go ahead and check it out. Trucking Santas does this every year, so just consider it an early jump on 2014… or 2015… or… Check out the Trucking Santas website or their Facebook site to learn more about what Trucking Santas does. You can also follow Trucking Santas on Twitter to keep track of how things are progressing. Please check out the people who benefit from Trucking Santas and the current open wish lists. Or you can also go directly to the wish lists on Amazon. If you aren't much of a shopper, you can donate directly through YouCaring.com. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

A trucker's greatest foe isn't always someone else. Quite often, it's our own arrogance. In today's podcast, I tell a story about getting a new truck and how it (and possibly my complacency) nearly put me in a real jam. In the introduction, I also talk about how you can win $1500 from Rudolph Foods. The first link is to the contest details and the rest are all related to the contest or Rudolph Foods. *Rudolph Foods is not a sponsor* Rudolph Foods Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Rudolph Foods on Twitter Rudolph Foods on Facebook Rudolph Foods on Pinterest Rudolph Foods on YouTube Rudolph Foods on Instagram I also mention Allison Sheridan's Nosillacast podcast and Dave Hamilton from the Mac Geek Gab podcast. Here are the pictures that I mention. In the feedback section, Valentin writes in with a cool product that can help you blindside back. We also hear from D.R. about TD77: Arguing E-logs and WolverineTom, who writes a funny comment about TD81, which was the one about my workout videos. To finish up, J.D. has a few thoughts on TD92: Honor Among Truckers and Brent pipes in on TD94: Understanding the New HOS Rules. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This show is all about you. I've gotten way more feedback than I can fit into future shows, so I've devoted this entire episode to getting your questions and comments answered. But just because there isn't any fresh and exciting new stuff from me doesn't mean that you can pass on this one. I've been known to goof when I answer these questions and I need you good folks to keep me in line. So snap-to and get ready to send in your corrections. The following links are referenced in the show: TD63: E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time? TD58: How Much Is Too Much? TD91: Bungling the 34-Hour Rule TD90: The New Web Site Is Finally Here. Try Not to Pee Yourself. TD18: Eddie Rabbitt Was Right TD33: Automatic or Manual Truck Transmission? TD66: Truckers Go Turtle Racing TD95: 4 Reasons That Trucker Might Be Tailgating You TD94: Understanding the New Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules TD88: You Can't See America from the Trucker's Lounge. A Guest Post by Kevin McKague TD54: Truckers Get Lost: The Do's and Don'ts of Giving Directions TD52: Non-Truckers: Don't Take It for Granted VideoDashCam.com Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

No one likes to see truckers tailgating cars; not even other truckers. But today I argue that there are times when a trucker has to tailgate. Find out what they are and learn a new phobia that I made up. There is also a reference to a short, but funny clip of The Big Bang Theory. I also refer to one of my favorite blog post/podcasts I've done called TD66: Truckers Go Turtle Racing. In the feedback section we hear from CJ, who left a question over at my JobShadow.com interview about the chances of getting hired when you have a felony, and Gregory, who asks about running slow and steady versus hard and quick. That comment can be found at TD63: Do E-logs Really Increase Driving Time? And lastly, I point you to a comment that was a bit too racy for the podcast, but can be seen in the comment section of TD76: The Spitting "Christian" Zealot. CJ was kind enough to provide two links to online forums that list trucking companies who are willing to hire felons. http://www.lifeasatrucker.com/trucking-job-for-felons.html http://www.smart-trucking-jobs.com/findatruckingjob.html Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

There are three new Hours-of-Service rules that are going to hit truckers on July 1, 2013. Do you understand them? Well, I was lucky enough to be put on them a couple of weeks before the deadline (that's called sarcasm), so I can help you with that. There are some pictures of my e-log unit that you might want to look at to help you understand what the heck is going on. There are also references to two of my other podcasts/blog posts, TD91: Bungling the 34-Hour Rule and TD82: Are All These Changes Good for the Trucking Industry? The intro and feedback section of this episode has been highjacked by Chris. He wrote in with not one, but two corrections and a comment on TD93: The Driver's Seat Phenomenon. You can check out his website and he's @DriverChrisMc on Twitter and AppDOTNet. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Today's topic springs from something I mentioned in passing on the last podcast, called Honor Among Truckers. I've got some kind of weird fascination with understanding the obsession drivers have with their driver's seat. Since I'm so confused about this, I actually ask more questions than I provide answers. So have a listen and let me know why YOU spend so much time in the driver's seat. Also, since this subject is very broad, it's rather short. No worries though. I filled in the time with an extra long intro explaining why the podcast is out late. Because I know you were biting your nails about it and all. *smirk* As for the feedback section, I jump over to JobShadow.com and answer a few questions from people who read my interview over there. And by the way, my commenters over there seem pretty happy with how helpful my interview was, so if you're interested in becoming a truck driver, click on the link above, have a read, and ask me any questions you might have, just as Paul, Frank, and Shelley did. Paul asks how an accident will affect his job prospects, Frank asks for company recommendations, and Shelley writes in with concerns about her ability to learn to drive a truck. Other links mentioned in today's podcast are TD91 Bungling the 34-Hour Rule, Netflix, Playstation 3, and @darkstaff's Twitter page (for leaving a nice review of the show on iTunes). Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Ever heard of the concept of Honor Among Thieves? Well, there's something very similar in the trucking world. Today we discuss three specific areas where drivers trust each other beyond what common sense tells them they should. I also compare some 4-wheeler's driving to a scene from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. And I should warn you. Avoid this podcast at all costs if you don't want to hear me butcher a perfectly good Journey song. In the intro, I tackle a couple of administrative details concerning the Web site and I correct a goof I made multiple times in the last podcast called, Bungling the 34-Hour Rule. In the feedback section, Chris, Fargoguy, and smoothjazz share their thoughts on the blog post/podcasts called, The Spitting "Christian" Zealot, Arguing E-logs, and E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time? Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

In today's episode, we discuss how the new 34-hour rule will affect truck drivers when it rears it's butt-ugly head this coming July. Merged into this story is a mystery solved. What could possibly make me, possibly the least adventurous trucker in the world, take a 1.2 mile walk to take his first-ever ride on a city bus? Click the play button and find out. Also, in the introduction I address some technical issues that have been discovered since the launch of the podcast. We have feedback from Rodger and Bill and I do my best to imitate Steve Irwin and Arnold. People and things mentioned are: @raysunshine77 @DriverChrisMc @w9xxx @kf7kwk How to subscribe to the blog/podcast Check out the Stitcher app Check out the TuneIn Radio app TD64: Truckers: Be Heard on the Proposed HOS Changes The FMCSA website The new Hours-Of-Service rules TD82: Are All These Changes Good for the Trucking Industry? Talent on Parade @kylemccluer Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Dude; this is one weird podcast episode. At least it is if you're not listening to it shortly after it was released. If you're a latecomer, you'll be wondering what all this talk is about a new Web site and podcast. But whether you're a current listener or not, you'll still learn why it took so long to go live with the new Web site. You'll learn what is involved in producing these podcasts and you'll get a taste of what it's like to move from a free web host like Wordpress.com to a self-hosted one. Other links briefly mentioned are HostGator, Hover.com, my lame YouTube channel, a wicked-cool app called TextExpander, and WooThemes. I also mention the Free Stuff page on AboutTruckDriving.com. In the feedback section, I discuss e-logs with an angry dude who calls himself angrytrucker and a reader named Charles, who I point to my blog post called, E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time? Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Apparently, the FMCSA is considering making Sleep Apnea testing mandatory for overweight truckers. Since statistics say that 73% of truckers are overweight, this could definitely be a problem for drivers. Doug Thomas, a freelance writer for The CPAP Shop helps us understand what Sleep Apnea is. There are also references to Kevin McKague's new travel blog called, Kevin's Untitled Travel Blog. As for feedback, Kevin points us to recent travels he's had at an abandoned turnpike and tunnel near Breezewood, PA and a bike ride to a New Hampshire beach, complete with Instagram pictures. Lisa writes in concerning The Spitting "Christian" Zealot podcast/blog and @DriverChrisMc writes in with an ever-so-mean slam about the Eddie Rabbitt Was Right podcast/blog. I retaliate by giving his blog a plug. That somehow doesn't seem fair. Lastly, I follow up with the last podcast's teaser concerning Kristine's comments on my JobShadow.com interview. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This episode tackles the question, "Is trucking really an adventure?" As you'll hear, that largely depends on the person behind the wheel. Since I get out of the truck and go exploring about as often as a TV evangelist refuses money, I figured I'd get avid trucker/explorer, Kevin McKague, a.k.a @KevinofMI, to explain how he manages to see more than just asphalt when he's out on the road. And in a rare treat, you get to hear his voice instead of mine. He mentions AllTrails.com as an excellent source of information. He cites some trails he frequents, including the Western Maryland Rail Trail. And he talks about places he's visited, including links to Modern Woodmen Park, a minor league ball park in Iowa, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Kevin is @KevinofMI on Twitter, and you can see his photos on Flickr, or on Instagram. Not long after he wrote this blog post, he also started a blog of his own, which is called Kevin's Untitled Travel Blog. We've got a whopper of a feedback section today. I get a few comments from the regulars and I answer some questions Kristine asked over on the interview I did on JobShadow.com. We discuss many concerns women have about getting into the trucking industry, including loading and unloading issues, how women drivers are treated, and whether she should find a team driver to make more money. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

In today's episode, guest poster Sam Fisher, who works for Teletrac, a GPS Fleet Tracking Solution, gives us some helpful tips on how to get good rest while sleeping in your truck. And of course, I can't keep my ginormous trap shut so I weigh in with some advice of my own, including things The Evil Overlord (the wife/ex-codriver) does to make things more comfortable in the truck. I also provide proof that The Evil Overlord... actually is. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

Okay, this gets a bit weird. This is the first of a series of guest posts that I used to build the new Web site and podcast, which, if you're listening to this, is already up and running. In today's post, Noble McIntyre, an Oklahoma attorney, tells you why it's bad to run your truck when it's over the legal weight limit, and I pipe in afterward with some thoughts of my own. There are links to a How Stuff Works article entitled, "How truck weigh stations work?", information on pavement maintenance, and braking for semi trucks. In my portion, I mention the "Trucking in the Northeast" podcast/blog post and my Twitter friend, @DriverChrisMc. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

In today's episode, I put the word out to help out some Twitter friends who got in a pickle due to some medical issues. And I tell you why you should help Lou and Heather, a.k.a @trkrsvoice. Heather's blog post called "Your Back Doesn't Always Have Your Back" explains the situation more fully. Her Web site is The Trucker's Voice. Her YouTube channel and a funny video is mentioned and so is Trucking Santas, an organization that Heather and Lou started to help less fortunate families at Christmas. In association with Trucking Santas, they both work with the United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland. There is a reference to a fundraising site, but the time limit has expired. However, if you still want to help, you can donate using PayPal to [email protected]. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This is another one that may not be relevant by the time you hear it as the applications for Payload were due on by May 18, 2012. I was simply putting the word out for truckers who might want to be on a TV show. But hey; once again, I know you won't want to miss out on my exquisite and charming humor. Yes? No? Anyway, the links to the Payload Web site that appear in the blog version are no longer relevant, so nothing to report there. In the intro though, I do rattle off a whole lot of stuff I've been up to. It may sound like a "look how great I am" beginning, but trust me, it's not. I thank Jason from TruckDriversNews.com for asking me to guest post for him. @Lisa_Nowak, who you heard all about on Episode 79 contacted me for some advice. I mention the interview I did on JobShadow.com and some of my articles being reposted on GoodMenProject.com. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Today I briefly talk about why I don't leave my truck to go exploring very often. There is a reference to Jake's Famous Crawfish in Downtown Portland, Oregon though. Because it was just that awesome. But really today's episode makes me reach down inside myself to see if I have an artsy-fartsy side. So basically, this is here to get @darkstaff, @alanqbristol, and @DriverChrisMc to quit bugging me about never taking any pictures. But again, this is an audio podcast, so you'll have to go to the Web site to watch the video and see the pictures I took of Carhenge, which is America's piss-poor attempt to copy Stonehenge. All the pictures were taken and edited with the totally awesome Camera+ - tap tap tap">Camera+ app and the video was taken with a Flip Mino HD camera. The music in the video is a song by Walking On Einstein, which just so happen to be the same guys who you hear every episode in the intro and outro. You can download and keep both songs for free if you want to hear the whole songs! Thanks for allowing this, cool rocker-dudes! In the feedback section I talk about you peeps leaving links within the comments section of the blog. This was brought on by commenter Sherry and the link she was referring to is an article called "HOS - They Must Think Drivers are Solar Powered." Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

There are a lot of changes going on in the trucking industry right now. There are new Hours-of-Service rules lurking, new texting and cell phone laws, the CSA, and of course, the cursed electronic logs. So how are they going to affect things? I give my predictions in today's podcast, including saying something that just plain hurt to say out loud. I'd like to thank @TameraGeorge1 for sending me a link to an article that helped explain one of the new HOS rules. I also reference a story from my podcast/blog post called "The CSA (Crappy Sucky Administration). Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Okay. First, I'm guessing that you're wondering why anyone would want to work out inside their truck. All will be explained in the videos. Yes, I said videos. Two of them. You may have also noticed that this is an audio podcast. That means you'll have to go to AboutTruckDriving.com to watch both videos. Of course, they aren't going to do you a lick of good if all you do is look at them. There are also references to the FAIL Blog, the Men's Health article this workout is based on, and Dumbbell-Exercises.com, a site that shows how to do dumbbell exercises with proper form and technique. And for those of you afraid of burning your eyes out; no worries. I'm wearing a shirt throughout both videos. You are most welcome. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas! Oh boy. After you listen to today's podcast, you'll likely never think of this classic verse in the same way again. My Christmas gift to you is that you don't have to listen to me for very long. There isn't even any feedback. So… what did you get me? Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

Trying something a bit different in today's episode. First, I introduce you to the first two books in Lisa's Full Throttle series, and then I give a brief review of the first book. You can purchase or learn more about Running Wide Open on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords. The second book, Getting Sideways, can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Lisa has a butt-load of contacts, such as Twitter (@Lisa_Nowak), Facebook, Google+, her blog, or you can subscribe to her newsletter. And we've just set a new world record for "links within a podcast's show notes." Wow. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Happy Thanksgiving to all my listeners who are citizens of these here United States of America! As for the rest of you, I hereby give you permission to "borrow" our holiday so you can stuff your face too. In today's podcast, I give you a list of things that this truck driver is thankful for. Of course, I don't know the definition of sincerity, so it naturally comes off with just a taaaaad bit of sarcasm. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This could possibly be the last of my pondering's on electronic logs. Why? Because arguing against e-logs has a massive potential to drop the proverbial brick on your foot. Listen on to find out what I mean. I start the podcast by giving a brief summary of some of my past e-log episodes, including Fear and Loathing of Electronic Logs, E-logs: My First Impression, and E-logs: Do They Really Increase Driving Time?. In the feedback section, I mention the Good Men Project Web site, where some of my articles are cross-posted. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Here we go again. Off on a rat hole that has only one tiny morsel of a trucking tip in it. It's a good one though. Surrounding that tip I tell the story of meeting Bruiser, one of my fellow company drivers, and the zealousness that ensued. This is not a preachy lecture. I actually address how true Christians are supposed to treat those outside the faith. These are simply things I learned from the two Christian podcasts I listen to, which are Walk in the Word and Living on the Edge, and reading the Bible myself. Suffice it to say, the "Christian" group that is always making the news is "doing it wrong." Unless, of course, their Bible is conveniently missing a bunch of pages. There are too many links to Bible verses to mention here, so go to the blog post for that. There is also an article about single parent family statistics and the greater risks that women face after an abortion. Links in the feedback section include Eric's Flickr page, a video by Trucker Steve, and a story I told on Google+ about a run-in with a police officer in Denver. And no matter what you think it is, I guarantee that you're wrong. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Today I go soul searching. Am I a "trucker" just because I drive a truck, or is there more to it? Or does it even matter? I once again mention @alanqbristol and what we've talked about when we've met in person. As soon as you listen to this one, I'd sure appreciate you writing in and sharing your thoughts on what makes a trucker a trucker. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

In today's podcast I discuss the city of Dallas and what it's like to spend the night at a truck stop in any urban area; where parking issues, junkies, and lot lizards abound. What? Don't know what a lot lizard is? Guess you better get to listening then. I also get nostalgic about Dallas as I talk about my early married life with The Evil Overlord, including our elopement, Metallica's skyscraper rooftop house, and someone's first visit to a gay bar. And for some odd reason, I link to Jeff Gordon, who as far as I know has nothing to do with gay bars. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Welcome to the pity party. At least it starts out like that anyway. Things turn in the end. And it has nothing to with the fact that I'm an old dude. Also, for some strange reason I refer to a Pantera concert, Dilbert, and why an old movie about giant boobs always confuses me. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This podcast is all about the lengths a trucker has to go through to obtain peace and quiet (well, relatively anyway) inside the cab of the truck. As if the title didn't already make that abundantly clear. This one was brought about by circumstances that started with the last podcast/blog called "Hell Week 2: The Sequel." Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

We start out today's podcast by mentioning Twitter friend, @darkstaff, since for some odd reason he was looking forward to my rant about a horrible week I recently had while out on the road. The weirdo. And since this is titled as a sequel, I naturally refer back to the original "Hell Week" podcast/blog. Also mentioned is the last podcast/blog "Post-Hell. Pre-Hell." and one of the best things about Colorado, Twitter friend @alanqbristol. And since 7 days isn't enough to rant about, I throw in an extra day to boot. Lucky you. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

No, it isn't Backwards Day. I typed that correctly. You'll see what I mean if you listen to the ENTIRE podcast. This is really nothing more than an update on my family who were victims of the recent Joplin Missouri tornado. But thanks to certain circumstances and a story of Uncle Todd, his nephews, and an extremely powerful water hose, this podcast should put a smile on your face. And oh yea, it's got absolutely Jack Squat about anything pertaining to trucking. Cuz that's how I roll sometimes. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

In today's podcast we try to understand the purpose of the CSA, the latest and greatest *NOT* endeavor to raise safety standards in the trucking industry. You know… because that's necessary when truck accidents are at a 60 year low. *eye roll* And since I'm often wrong about junk, my Twitter friend @MightyDeno straightens me out on a point. And since Jean McHarry (the author of the last podcast/blog) hasn't received enough stalkers yet, here's her information again. Facebook, @raysunshine on Twitter., and her email is [email protected]. Now get to stalking. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This first-ever guest blog/podcast expands on the subject of the podcast/blog called "Riding Along with a Trucker," which was about riding with a trucker, but not actually driving. That's the one that @luv18wheels helped me with. Since I've never been in this position, I called in some additional outside help from the infamous @raysunshine on Twitter. Other links for Jean are Facebook or you can contact her at [email protected] if you have questions for her. And for the record, I asked her to record her voice reading her post but the big wuss wanted no part of it. Chicken! LOL Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Yep. That's right. Today we talk about the many sexual temptations you'll face as a driver and how the smut vendors are targeting truckers. This is NOT a diatribe again porn. This is America and you have the right to fill your brain (and your hand) with whatever you want. This is simply a warning for those of you who are considering truck driving as a career. Or I suppose if you're pro-smut, it's an offer you can't refuse. Mentioned in the podcast are the Las Vega billboards seeking porno "actors." Yes, really. This blog post was also used over at the Good Men Project Web site to much different results than on my own Web site. Check out the comment firestorm from that one if you've got a day-and-a-half to burn. LOL Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Every driver, whether auto or big rig, has experienced turtle racing at some point. But perhaps you didn't know what to call it. Today I tell you something that might help you be a bit less frustrated when it comes to truckers. Surely you could benefit from lowering your road rage level… yes? Find out what turtle racing is and how best to avoid it for the sanity of us all. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Well, I did it again. Find out how I keep messing up on my stinkin' e-logs and why I wouldn't have to worry about it if they were set up right (in my humble opinion) in the first place. You'll learn how e-logs vary from company to company and what kinds of questions you need to ask a carrier before you choose to work for them. I reference the "E-logs: A Second Look" podcast/blog in case you missed that one. You wouldn't have dared though… would you? I also mention the FMCSA's Hours-Of-Service commenting Web site, which is totally useless to you if you're listening to this after May 23, 2011. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

If you're reading this right now, it's too late to make your voice be heard on this subject. But never-you-fear, there is still a reason to suffer your way through today's podcast. You see, the FMCSA gave a place to voice our opinion on the new HOS rules and I share my comments with you. That means you'll hear my opinions on the new HOS rules that are going into effect on July 1, 2013. And you wouldn't want to miss out on that, would you? Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

We all know that electronic logs are being implemented to try to keep truckers from cheating on their paper logs. To try to convince us drivers how "great" these e-logs are, most every company tells them that e-logs will save them time and therefore, give them more miles and money. So is this true? We answer this question in today's podcast… well sort of. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Well, it finally happened; I was going to run out of time on my e-logs before I got to my destination. What would happen? Find out in today's podcast. But before that happens, I tell you a few examples of how e-logs are affecting my efficiency and performance as a driver. There are links to my first two podcasts/blog posts on e-logs, "Fear and Loathing of Electronic Logs" and "E-logs: My First Impression," and three of my Twitter buds are mentioned, @Dean0806, @DroidTrucker, and @darkstaff. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Today's podcast is brought to you by a bone-headed rookie mistake that I made the first day I had my electronic logs. I tell you that story and how e-logs affected the situation. I also tell you what happened during my e-log training session. Good times. Uh-huh. If you missed the first installment about my "Fear and Loathing of Electronic Logs," you may want to check that out before you meander into this one. And once again, @Dean0806, a.k.a. Dean Vader gets another mention for his helping me understand e-logs. There will be a couple of videos of different e-log units if I can remember to post them. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

This one was prompted by a run-in with a police officer who can only be described as a giant jerk. Well, that is without having to put the "Explicit" tag on the show. In order to explain why I ended up in this predicament, I briefly explain how the 70-hour rule and the 34-hour restart rules work. You'll learn what double-booking is, and we'll wind it up by explaining how all these factions work against each other. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Are you ready for another story? Well, I picked up one of my stranded fellow company drivers the other day and it prompted me to cover this topic. So if truckers are on the road all the time, should they own a home? What do most truckers do? Find out in today's podcast. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

I've been pretty darn frustrated with some of the changes that have been happening at my company. In today's podcast, I share those concerns through a letter that I wrote to the safety director at my company. The names have been changed to protect the innocent… and my job. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein.

Hang on as we discuss the dispatch process and I go on a mini-rant about "verbal" dispatches. In the end you'll hear what makes a good dispatcher and how to kill a bad one if it becomes necessary. In the feedback section, I mention @darkstaff's Tumblr page. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Welcome to another whine-fest. Boy, do I have to be careful with the way I have to say things today. In the course of the podcast, I happen to mention Twitter friends, @Dean0806 and @raysunshine77, the "Sucking It Up" podcast/blog, TruckDriversNews.com, and believe it or not, Sesame Street. Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?

Electronic On-Board Recorders, or EOBR's are to the trucking industry what the Black Box is to the airlines. So why are so many drivers ticked off about them? Is there anything to fear? Find out in today's podcast. Links mentioned in the podcast are: An OOIDA article on the myth of "driver fatigue" The "Truckers Get Lost" podcast/blog" Wikipedia's explanation of EOBR's An article from TheTrucker.com about making EOBR's mandatory The "Fear and Loathing of Electronic Logs" podcast/blog Got a second to Rate and/or Review the podcast? Download the intro/outro songs for free! courtesy of Walking On Einstein. Mystery Feedback Song - Only a cheater would click this before listening to the podcast! You aren't a cheater, are you?