December 17, 2010
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Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips Email Newsletter
We share what we have learned about saving money on the road and ask professional truck drivers to do the same. In other words...  With your help, we're looking to expand our website to provide money saving information on lots of different topics -- information that provides tangible value to you and other professional drivers everywhere. No tip that you've used to save money on the road is inconsequential, so please feel free to submit your time-tested tips. Speaking of expanding, our HTML sitemap used to contain links to all pages on our site. However, we have so much content on our site that the list of links became awkward to handle. So, for your convenience and ours, we have chosen to make a number of specialty listings that have links to certain areas of our site:
Reviews Requested and Completed  We post and seek reviews of products, services, truck parts, and truck stops on our site. As a service to you, we have completed this review since our last newsletter: We've published many of our own reviews of truck stops on our site. But we sure need some other opinions. We make it easy for you to submit a truckstop review of your own through these forms on our site: Truckers' Savings Blog  Below are the "bloglets" (from newest to oldest) we have published on our Truckers' Savings Blog since our last email newsletter. They contain the titles and snippets of articles we have found online that concern truck drivers and money, such as:
(Please note: the list below contains no links to get further information. In order to get the links, either regularly visit our blog page or subscribe to our RSS news feed.) Pennsylvania no longer allows indemnity protection A new law that is days away from taking effect in Pennsylvania does away with indemnification clauses in motor carrier transportation contracts. Intended to level the playing field for trucking companies and professional drivers, shippers that improperly load product will be prevented from shifting liability. As of Dec. 19, contractual language to the contrary will be void. Joe Rajkovacz, OOIDA's director of regulatory affairs, said truckers welcome the news that the indemnity protection is now law in Pennsylvania. "This law is good for truckers. It stops the predatory practice of truckers being coerced into indemnifying shippers or receivers from their own negligence," he said. ... TravelCenters of America launches StayFit Driver Health & Wellness Program TravelCenters of America announces its new StayFit health & wellness initiative designed to help professional drivers make "better-for-you" choices about what to eat and exercise while on the road. The StayFit program launches January 1, 2011, just in time for New Year's Resolutions. "Drivers have asked ask us to help them be healthier and make better food choices." said Tom O'Brien, President and CEO of TravelCenters of America. "Our facilities have the room, the systems and the flexibility to offer a program like StayFit for the benefit of those drivers. Only full-service facilities like TA and Petro can offer a program with all the elements of StayFit. We do this because we listen, and respect the needs of our guests. We want them to live healthy lives doing what they love to do and keeping our country moving." The StayFit program includes elements for better living: ... Report: US Cargo Theft Rate Increases 28 Percent on Holidays FreightWatch International published its first Holiday Cargo Theft Report, reviewing cargo theft statistics from the seven major holidays in the United States. The report showed a 28 percent increase in cargo theft on a per-day basis compared with the other calendar days. "While it is common knowledge in the logistics security industry that cargo thieves do not take holidays, this report allows us to identify the actual impact," stated Dan Burges, Corporate Director of Global Intelligence. Shipments are at additional risk over long holiday weekends and thieves are particularly active over these periods for a variety of reasons, primarily because cargo is not in motion and is often left unguarded. ... Diesel fuel treatment The Super Duty Diesel Fuel Treatment, for use in long-haul applications, is designed to improve fuel mileage and engine performance. The treatment is formulated with engine detergents that remove gum, deposits and sludge buildup from injectors and fuel systems. The treatment also helps protect against corrosion and premature wear. ... SmartWay verified long-haul tires The GSL213 long-haul steer, the first GT tire to receive SmartWay verification from the EPA, has a pattern designed to resist irregular wear and extend mileage, the company says. ... Public cold to U.S. 460 toll talk in Virginia Virginia residents say they don't want a public-private toll road leading in and out of the Hampton Roads ports. According to media reports, the sentiment during a recent public hearing was overwhelmingly negative about the proposed new U.S. Route 460 that would link Petersburg and Suffolk, VA. Three companies - Multimodal Solutions LLC, 460 Partners Inc., and Cintra Infraestructuras of Spain are vying for the right to build, operate, maintain and collect tolls on the proposed 55-mile highway. Each company is seeking a long-term concession to collect tolls on the roadway for 75 to 99 years. Proposed toll rates on Route 460 could prove to be pricey for truckers. As Land Line reported online and in its December/January issue, one of the companies would charge truckers a flat rate of $75 for a full-length trip, while another would charge 14 to 18 cents per mile. The third company, Cintra, has not included truck tolls so far in its public materials. ... A new hybrid breakthrough? "With the cost of the battery remaining a principal hurdle, a dual battery system could bring these costs down and help accelerate the electric revolution for bus and delivery truck fleets representing hundreds of thousands of vehicles." -Lembit Salasoo, senior electrical engineer and principal investigator for GE Global Research's hybrid bus project. So late last week, GE rolled out what it dubs a potential "breakthrough" hybrid propulsion system that it thinks could help accelerate the electrification of bus fleets, delivery trucks and other larger, heavy-duty vehicle fleets. The key to this new hybrid package is what GE calls a "dual battery system" that pairs a high-energy density sodium battery with a high-power lithium battery. GE at least thinks a dual system with high power and high energy storage capacity could achieve the optimal electric driving range and acceleration requirements at a more practical size scale and cost for larger vehicles. ... GreenRoad adds idling-management solution According to GreenRoad, its GreenRoad 360 customers already see up to a 10% improvement in fuel economy and with a new idling performance solution from the company, those same customers could see an additional 2 to 5% improvement. The new idling-management capability identifies specific drivers, vehicles or trips that negatively impact fuel performance, the company said, automatically identifying idling activities that are exceptions to company policy based on pre-set thresholds. ... Truck fuel economy rule open for comment The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have officially published their joint proposal on regulating fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions for medium and heavy trucks. The docket is now open for comment by interested parties and stakeholders until Jan. 31. ... Winter Truck Driving Tips Old Man Winter is soon coming back, so it's important to prepare for the season's hazardous conditions and review some basic commercial truck driving winter safety tips. Remember, the three P's of safe winter driving are prepare for the trip, protect yourself and prevent crashes on the road. ... Study: Tough anti-cellphone rules reduce company crashes Companies that strictly enforce bans on cell phone use while driving among employee drivers have lower fleet crash rates that other firms with milder policies, according to a study conducted by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. The study -- covering 45 companies, 400,000 vehicles and 8 billion miles traveled -- found that companies with the lowest crash rates were most likely to have a total ban on talking and texting while behind the wheel and several were also more likely to terminate a driver for violating the policy. ... Cargo Theft Costing Consumers; Task Force Makes Arrests A state task force says thieves are making millions by stealing semis and the cargo they carry along local highways, but WFTV found out six members of a cargo theft ring were arrested. The cargo thefts make things more expensive for everyone, because the more they steal, the more it costs in insurance and that gets passed to you. Investigators said the cargo thieves go after everything... ... Espar heater rebates available from Thermo King Thermo King is offering rebates this fall for customers purchasing select Espar heaters from participating Thermo King dealers. Customers can qualify for rebates of up to $1,000 when they purchase qualifying quantities of select Espar heaters through Dec. 31, 2010. ... Yokohama Raising Tire Prices Yokohama Tire Corp. will increase prices on its light and medium commercial truck tires in the United States by 6 percent, effective January 1, 2011. ... New York will soon offer incentive to reduce idling A new law in New York allows truckers to avoid sacrificing payload for cab comfort. In addition, a U.S. Senate proposal is in the offing, which would compensate truckers for a portion of the purchase price of idle-reduction technologies. ... Trailer skirts: A proven fuel-saver ... In SAE track testing, Freight Wing found its older-style aluminum fairings with 16 inches of ground clearance yielded a 4% fuel savings while its new Aeroflex product that rides just eight inches off the ground delivers a 7% fuel savings. SAE-approved fuel testing methodology, such as that employed by FPInnovations during its well-known Energotests in Blainville, Que., has validated the fuel-saving claims of trailer skirt manufacturers. The 2008 version of Energotest found trailer skirt systems from Freight Wing and Transtex Composite provided 7.5% and 7.4% fuel savings respectively. But those track tests are conducted entirely at highway speeds and don't account for stop-and-go traffic or other low-speed situations. "A fleet that's doing local deliveries and never getting over 30 mph is not going to see the same results," Graham admits, noting most line-haul fleets will realize a 5-6% fuel savings overall. ... Compact APU offers closed-loop cooling option Willis Power Systems has introduced the Willie APU, which the company said features easy installation of a closed-loop cooling system on any commercial truck. The auxiliary power unit will initially be sold through The Larson Group as well as various Rush Truck Centers and Hunter Truck Sales locations. Lightweight and compact, Willis said the Willie offers 50% more engine power and twice the heating capacity of competitive units. It is both CARB- and EPA-compliant and is available in diesel or propane versions. ... Trucker To Trucker Special Road Service Offer From RoadsideMASTERS.com A new TruckerToTrucker.com special road service offer is now available for their membership. Finally, there is an end to on-the-road breakdown and service problems. Over the road truckers no longer need to sit by the roadside when help can be just a simple toll free call away with this Trucker To Trucker members-only special road service offer. The one-year program is just $299, a savings of $100! ... Using solar power to keep truck drivers cool A trio of companies has joined forces to develop a truck cabin air conditioning system that uses solar energy generated from panels on the trailer's roof area for its power. ... The "i-Cool Solar" system stores electricity via the photovoltaic panels in special on-board batteries and uses the stored energy to power the cabin air conditioner when the truck is idle. ... Virginia to open truck-only rest area Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Nov. 4 launched a new pilot program to provide additional truck parking along the Commonwealth's Interstates. For what McDonnell described as a "minimal cost to the Commonwealth," the program will use undeveloped properties owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation as truck-only rest areas. The American Trucking Associations and the Virginia Trucking Association applauded the program. ... The pilot period will last 90 days, followed by a 60-day evaluation period. The truck safety rest area will continue operations during the 60-day evaluation period. ... IdleAire changes name to IdleAIR IdleAIR, previously named IdleAire, provides electrification at 16 truck stops and plans to have the service at six additional locations. The Tennessee-based company is also offering special basic service at $1.25 an hour, plus local tax, at nine sites through Dec. 31. IdleAIR is available at truck stops in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. Soon, it will also be provided at Virginia and Pennsylvania locations, according to the company. ... How to: Beat Corrosion It's good old dirt, along with winter chemicals, that causes your tractor's beautiful finish to deteriorate. Periodic care can stop that process. Regular washing every two weeks and after a snowstorm is ideal. Have it cleaned professionally unless you can do a comparable job yourself. Also, cleaning off rust with sandpaper and repainting the spots, restoring the finish of aluminum components, and waxing key areas will guarantee a truck that will look young even when it's old. ... NNP program offers discounts to commercial transportation firms National Purchasing Partners (NPP), one of the nation's largest group purchasing organizations, has announced agreements that provide commercial transportation companies with significant discounts on products and services from Verizon Wireless, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, TalentWise and Staples. The program is available to NPP members involved in commercial trucking, container haulage, domestic courier services, taxi or limousine services or para-transit, according to Andrew Forrester, president. Membership in NPP is free; there is no cost to join or obligation to participate, he said. ... The forgotten fuel economy factor "The two main issues with fuel economy are idle time and how you drive the truck. Those are management issues, not engine design issues." - Tom Diefenbacker, director of diagnostics, electronic features, support for Navistar and former director of electronic products for Detroit Diesel Corp. ... Countless truck engineers from all the major OEMs - engine and truck makers alike - have told me (and continue to tell me) that all the design improvements they make to improve heavy truck fuel economy can be nullified simply by poor driving and operating habits: excessive engine idling, improper shifting, excessive road speed, hard braking and accelerating ... the list goes on. ... Canada Follows U.S. Lead on Fuel Efficiency Standards As expected, Canada has announced plans to follow the U.S. lead in developing Co2 emissions standards - fuel economy standards - for medium and heavy vehicles. ... Should You Buy Food with Cash or Plastic? New behavioral research finds that people who buy food with cash tend to make better choices than people who pay with credit and debit cards. ... Government to propose truck fuel efficiency rules ... Overall, the proposal is expected to seek reductions of 10 percent to 20 percent in fuel consumption and emissions based on the vehicle's size. Large tractor-trailers tend to be driven up to 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) a year, making them ripe for improved miles per gallon. ... Environmental groups have pointed to a National Academy of Sciences report this year that said the trucks could make broad improvements during the decade through existing technologies. The report found that using advanced diesel engines in tractor-trailers could reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent by 2020 while hybrid versions of garbage trucks and buses could see a 35 percent cut in fuel use by 2020. ... Inverter and shore power kit The Tundra inverter and shore power kit offers shore power and hotel load capabilities for the NITE no-idle systems. The shore power function allows drivers to connect their parked truck to grid electricity where available. It includes an extension cord and a switching box that automatically detects 110V AC power and provides vehicle with AC power and 12-volt DC power. ... Trailer aerodynamics package The Next Generation trailer aerodynamics system avoids sideskirts and reduces drag by managing airflow underneath and above the trailer. The system is compliant with the California Air Resources Board's greenhouse gas regulations and is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Program. The system is made of polyethylene plastic designed to withstand road debris, chemicals, ice and other abrasions. ... Freightliner calls efficiency trucking's watchword for the future ... [David Siler, general manager/central region for Freightliner Trucks at Integer Research's Diesel Emissions Conference & Diesel Exhaust Fluid Forum said that] ... Daimler is planning internally to improve the fuel efficiency of its Class 8 trucks 20% between now and 2020, with a five-year goal to boost freight efficiency by 33%. ... Lane departure warning helps avoid crashes: UofM Crash warning systems make drivers more aware of the traffic around them, maintains lane discipline and reduces the risk of accidents, according to results from a pilot project by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and Takata Corp. Using Takata's SafeTraK Lane Departure system, 38 percent of commercial drivers report that the system prevented them from potentially having a crash, and 83 percent said they would prefer a truck equipped with the integrated warning systems. ... Agencies eye national heavy truck fuel standards Proposed federal standards for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy for heavy-duty trucks announced Oct. 25 would reduce Co2 emissions and fuel consumption 20 percent by the 2018 model year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimate 7 percent to 20 percent fuel efficiency gains over model years beginning in 2014. At a press conference announcing the proposed standards, a senior EPA official said an owner-operator could pay for technology upgrades in a new heavy-duty truck within a year and save up to $74,000 over the truck's useful life. Lower-mileage trucks would require longer payback periods of up to four to five years. ... Truckers Fined for Violating Weight Limit ... The weight limit for the bridge is five tons. About a month ago, the weight limit was lowered from ten tons. In the meantime, police said, careless truck drivers who don't pay attention to detour and weight restriction signs are paying a hefty price. One truck driver said he didn't realize he was over five tons. His fine was $1,900. The driver of another tractor-trailer faces a $6,000 fine. ... Five Ways to Avoid ATM Fees Have you been dinged with an ATM fee recently? You're certainly not alone. According to the 2010 Checking Study, released by Bankrate.com this week, bank fees have risen to record numbers. Since 2009, ATM fees have increased by 5%, to an average $2.33 (an all-time high). And if you've ever used an out-of-network ATM, you know first-hand that you typically end up paying double: the ATM's fee, and then one from your bank. Those fees have also increased, by 7%, to $1.41. ... CTA handbook to help drivers maximize tax returns The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has published a new book that shows company drivers how to track their travel and meal expenses to maximize their tax returns. The CTA says that by taking advantage of the federal government's decision to increase the deductible amount for meals purchased while on the road, a company driver can significantly increase his or her tax return. ... Each book will last a driver one year. Companies are invited to pre-order by Nov. 30 to receive a 10% discount. ... EPA-DOT drop fuel efficiency axe ... During the press conference, however, NHTSA spokesman Ron Medford said linehaul truck operators would see "really quick payback on small investments." Without explaining how the figure was arrived at, he said truck operators would be investing some $5,900 in buying a compliant truck while saving as much as $74,000 at the pump over the vehicle's life. Washington does not have a sterling record in predicting the costs associated with mandates such as this one, it's worth noting. And in this case, the first-ever attempt to demand specific levels of truck efficiency, the EPA and NHTSA, by their own admission, are working on an assumption that it's possible. ... ATA supports fuel economy standards as preferred method of reducing carbon emissions ... ATA's new energy policy outlines a framework for evaluating carbon control initiatives and specifies that an effective carbon control program for the trucking industry must address the following provisions. * Produce cost-effective, verifiable carbon reductions * Ensure that revenue generated from motor carriers and other highway transportation consumers benefits highway users * Ensure that any increased costs are reasonable, predictable and do not increase the volatility of fuel prices * Avoid diesel fuel supply disruptions and ensure that only on-road diesel fuel that meets the ASTM standard for which trucks were designed to run on is sold in the marketplace * Maintain a level playing field among freight transportation modes, and * Provides incentives for improved fuel efficiency and availability of alternative technologies. ... Hybrid truck market energized: HTUF panelists ...Sam Snyder, chief engineer at FedEx, said the company is committed to continued exploration of hybrid or all-electric options, and has even made one of its 'stations' -- in the Bronx -- a "100 percent hybrid site." The company's purpose in all of this is partly to show leadership and a spirit of innovation, while also saving fuel -- 263,000 gal or almost a million liters since 2002 -- and chopping greenhouse gases. Under a new branding -- 'Earthsmart'-- Snyder said the company has committed to a 20 percent fuel efficiency gain by 2020, using 2005 as a baseline, but they're already at the 14.1 percent mark overall and at 42.1 percent for the 329 hybrid and electric trucks they run. ... Distracted driving: Much more than texting As part of the IVBSS program, participating drivers were videoed while behind the wheel to see what activities not directly related to the job of driving they engaged in, such as talking on a cell phone, eating, smoking or adjusting various in-cab devices. The resulting considerable list of the so-called "secondary tasks" recorded may be almost as useful as the testing of the safety systems themselves for what it reveals about work life on the road. ... Speed cited as No. 1 reason for crashes, not fatigue, report says Crash data from 2009 show the largest decrease in fatal truck crashes since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) started collecting data in 1975, according to a recent report. In 7.3 percent of crashes, speed was the top reason in 2009 (but down from 8.3 percent in 2007) the report found. Fatigue actually was ranked seventh in cause of accidents, following crashes caused by the driver overcorrecting (1.8 percent in 2009 and 1.6 percent in 2007), failure to obey traffic signs (2.0 percent in 2009 and 2.8 percent in 2007), failure to yield the right-of-way (3.5 percent in 2009 and 4.2 percent in 2007), inattention (5.7 percent in 2009 and 5.8 percent in 2007), and failure to keep in the proper lane, a factor in 6.5 percent of crashes in 2009, down from 11.6 percent in 2007. ... Wyoming seasonal speed limit will vary with conditions If you truck on Interstate 80 in Wyoming in the winter, you know that things can get treacherous real fast if there's a driving snowstorm. "When it's all horizontal and drifts, it kills the visibility, and we have a horrible time trying to keep people on the road," Wyoming DOT engineer Tim McGary told Land Line Now on Sirius XM. McGary says this winter, truckers on I-80 will no longer see that 65 mph seasonal speed limit between Laramie and Rawlins. Instead, the whole 52-mile stretch will have the electronic, variable speed limit signs that the DOT started installing last year. The variable signs allow the DOT to lower or raise the speed limit in 5 mph increments depending on the weather conditions. And McGary says they work. ... Before the seasonal speed limit or the variable speed signs were introduced, there were just over 400 crashes in one winter between Laramie and Rawlins. Last winter, with a combination of signs in place, there were 181 wrecks. Next-gen trailer aero device lighter, collapsible The TrailerTail 2011 aerodynamic trailer fairing has shown up to a 6.6% improvement in fuel efficiency in third-party tests, according to the manufacturer ATDynamics. ... the next-generation design of its device incorporates thermoplastic composite materials for lighter weight and a collapsible design that eases trailer access, according to the company. ... Mesilla Valley Transportation ... plans on retrofitting 3,500 units with the new TrailerTail model, a move it estimates will reduce its diesel consumption by 1 million gals. a year, according to ATDynamics. "Rear air drag reduction is increasingly recognized as the largest cost saving opportunity for fleets to increase fuel efficiency," said CEO Andrew F. Smith. "When combined with side skirts and other aerodynamic modifications, trailer aerodynamics equipment can deliver over 12% fuel economy improvement to trucking fleets." Survey asks truckers’ opinion of tolls ... Survey takers are asked about company size, type of operation, trip routing, toll payment and reimbursement. Participants are then asked to agree or disagree with statements regarding tolling, such as "toll roads are expensive" and "toll roads generally have less traffic than non-tolled alternatives." ... New Jersey snow-free vehicle mandate now in effect The forecast in New Jersey does not show a chance of wintry precipitation anytime soon, but when it does, drivers who fail to clear snow and ice off their vehicles could face fines. The rule applies to commercial and non-commercial vehicles. ... Effective Wednesday, Oct. 20, drivers are responsible for making "all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice or snow" from the hood, trunk and roof of the motor vehicle, truck cab, trailer or intermodal freight container. Violators would face fines between $25 and $75. No points would be assessed against the driver's license. If a piece of ice falls from a vehicle and causes injury or property damage, car drivers face fines between $200 and $1,000, while truck drivers could be fined $500 to $1,500. Subscribe to our Truckers' Savings Blog to receive these bloglets -- with the links -- as they are sent. If you have news about how professional truck drivers can save money (directly or indirectly) please submit it for publication on our Truckers Savings News page. New and Updated Money Saving Resources on our Website  These are the articles we have published (besides the reviews above) since our last email newsletter. The Best Flashlight: How to Buy One that Meets Your Needs There are many different flashlights on the market. How do you find the best flashlight to meet your needs? Read our tips... Beef Stroganoff: An Easy Recipe to Prepare in Your Truck Mike Simons shows how to make an easy beef stroganoff with just a few simple ingredients and a few cooking items. Applying for Driving Jobs Online? Beware These Warning Signs! There are lots of websites advertising truck driving jobs. Before you submit your personal info online, watch out for these warning signs... Buying a Thermoelectric Cooler? Here's What You Need to Know... Before you buy a thermoelectric cooler, you need to know some things. Our experience with this cooling device may help you... A First Aid Kit For Your Truck: Tips on a Do-It-Yourself Version Versus Commercial Versions There are many commercial first aid kits for sale that range in size and cost. Can you make a do-it-yourself first aid kit and save? Peach Crisp is a Wonderful Warm Dessert You Can Make in Your Truck Just because you drive a truck doesn't mean you can't enjoy wonderful warm desserts like peach crisp. Now you can make it in a crock pot... Ice Vending Machines Deliver Bagged or Bulk Ice Less Expensively Than Packaged Ice If you keep your cold food on ice in your truck, ice vending machines can help you buy it less expensively than in pre-bagged packages. Easy Beef Stew: How to Satisfy a Meat and Potatoes Appetite Using our step-by-step process, you can make beef stew with meat and potatoes easily in your truck or home. What a delicious and satisfying meal... Updated Content Questions to Ask Recruiters Who Recruit Truck Drivers for Trucking Companies Failure to ask trucking companies' recruiters enough of the right questions ahead of time can cost you money down the road. Learn what to ask any trucking company recruiter.
We look forward to having your input because our website is designed to help truck drivers save money. Social Networking
Besides the Truck Drivers Money Saving Tip or Truck Drivers Money Saving Inquiry we publish through our Twitter account each weekday, we have posted our first Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips Video on YouTube on
You will now see that we have updated the list of social networking buttons at the top of the left-hand column of our website to include the link to our YouTube channel. We wish you safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road -- as well as a very blessed Christmas and prosperous New Year. Best regards,
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