Trucks and Truckers

November 1st, 2008

The Songs

Over the last decade, no one has better represented the working man on the radio than Trace Adkins. Here’s just a sampling of his lyrics:
I grew up on a working man's wage
Blood, sweat and tears on every dollar he made
For the little he earned there was so much he gave
And I hope I am worthy…

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November 1st, 2008

A Muscular Return

Welcome back Challenger

By Paul Abelson

I hated to give it back. I borrowed an orange 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 version from Dodge for a test drive. It’s a retro-look, thoroughly modern version of the two-door “Pony Car” sensation first introduced in 1970. The car definitely has some faults . . . but who cares? It’s low, and hard for an old-timer like me to get…

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November 1st, 2008

Color Me Safe

High visibility seat belts encourage truckers to buckle up

With safety belt use mandatory in most states and a federal requirement for commercial vehicle drivers, it’s surprising that so many truckers still refuse to buckle up. Many companies are taking steps to encourage use. Take the spread of bright orange or green high visibility seat belts. Available from Freightliner, Kenworth, Mack, Peterbilt, Sterling and Volvo, the colorful belts from…

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September 1st, 2008

Driving for Dummies?

When it comes to trucking technology, I've got control issues

by David A. Kolman, Senior Editor

TRUCKING WAS TRUCKING back when I began in the mid-1970s, and plenty of fun. Bouncing along the roadway, shifting through the gears, blowing smoke. Air conditioning was rolling down the windows and turning the dash-mounted fans to high. What trucker didn’t enjoy the “sweet” smell of diesel exhaust on a cool morning or evening? Back then, safely piloting a rig…

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September 1st, 2008

Have a Plan

Truckers who have done it share tips for running millions of miles without getting into an accident

By JIM KNEISZEL

IT TAKES 7-8 YEARS for a trucker to reach a million safe miles. Mike Crawford, a long-haul driver out of Springfield, Mo., breaks it down further, figuring he had to drive a minimum of 2,742 miles per week for 14 years to reach 2 million miles without an accident. That record is humbling and a source of pride for the…

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