Posted on Tue, Jul 06, 2010 @ 10:33 AM
Have you ever wondered why as you pass by someone that you don't know, why that person said hello or just smiled and nodded? Maybe they felt like being nice, or they thought you could just use a friendly gesture to brighten your day. Some of us may find this annoying at times, but then other times it truly has made our day that much better. Just because someone has made you upset at work or home doesn't mean you should take it out on a stranger by giving them an attitude. A genuine "hello" or friendly wave may even make you feel better about your day or yourself.
We have all had days where we just don't want to be bothered, which is fine. Just remember that even if we are a having a bad day, it doesn't mean we should make someone else's day any worse. So think about this, the next time you are at the truck stop or at your terminal dropping off paperwork, say "hello" or smile at someone just because you can. They in turn may pass it on.
Posted by Janet Starcevic- Payroll, ADS Logistics
Posted on Mon, May 24, 2010 @ 11:41 AM
Many people believe that truck drivers have one simple job - drive a truck. But one family from Ohio knows that one particular truck driver is much more than that, he's their hero.
Pam Carter and her daughter Vicki, were on their way to pick up husband and father Air Force Capt. Ryan Carter in Texas, when their car ran off the road and hit a sign. Pam was alright, but her daughter was not breathing. Pam desperately tried to flag someone down, but only truck driver Dave Nelson stopped. With permission from Pam, Nelson pulled Vicki from the car and performed CPR until EMT's arrived. Nelson engaged Pam in conversation in an attempt to keep her calm, and learned that like his own daughter, Vicki had a heart murmur.
"It was so amazing to see this big trucker hold my little girl and do CPR. He kept me calm the whole time and the kindness he showed me really kept me together," said Pam.
Meanwhile in Texas, Capt Carter was excited to see his family after completing two long tours of duty in Iraq. Upon learning of the accident, he flew to Birmingham, AL where Vicki was in the hospital. A member of the rescue squad told the anxious father that had it not been for Nelson, the outcome could have been very different.
Had Dave Nelson's original route not been changed, this unusual set of circumstances would never have occurred. Nelson renews his CPR certification annually just in case of emergencies with his wife who has cancer. Both the Nelson and Carter families keep in constant contact and are even planning a family trip together this summer to Disney World in Florida.
While most people's image of a truck driver will probably never change from the image of a "I only drink coffee and sit at truck stops" hauler, that is an image that has most likely been wiped from the Carter family perspective.
Posted by Janet Starcevic- Payroll, ADS Logistics
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Posted on Thu, Apr 01, 2010 @ 01:09 PM
As we approach the time of the year when school is about to finish up and summer vacations begin, most of us will begin to plan for our summer vacations. That means there will be an influx of motorists vying for a spot on the road. As professional truck drivers, you are very aware of that fact. Although that doesn't mean that once you come out of your rig, you will remember what it's like to travel with your family in your "civilian" vehicle.
The American Road Team Captains, chosen by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), have come up with some tips to help make our travels for work and pleasure both a bit safer.
Here are just a few of the numerous ideas that can make traveling less stressful:
1) Map out your route: Know where you're going, where the exits are and be observant of the rest areas. Also have an alternate route planned just in case of construction.
2) Have a summer driving kit handy: The kit could include extra water, activities for the kids and extra snacks. You never know when you may be stranded.
3) Watch your speed: With the roads being even more congested, it's always good idea to obey the speed limits, especially in construction zones.
4) Don't use your cell phone while driving: All of us have multi-tasked at one time or another, driving shouldn't be one of those times. If even for a brief moment you look away from the road, someone could cut you off and cause an accident. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your eyes on the road.
5) Safety First: BUCKLE UP! And make sure all infant and toddler seats are properly installed and secured.
6) Trucking friends: Never follow a truck too closely because if you can't see them in their mirror, they can't see you in your car. Even though you have a much smaller vehicle and believe you can squeeze in, the truck you're trying to cut off can't stop on a dime.
Coming off the road for vacation can be a stressful time and a vacation with the family should provide a relaxing, enjoyable environment. Make the most of it by doing what you do everyday you drive your truck: be safe, be aware, and have a good time. Remembering to take your time to be safe could save the lives of your family and someone else's.
Posted by Janet Starcevic with help from Eric Reller of the ATA.
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Posted on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 01:09 PM
What could adding Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) equipment to your trucks do for your company?
First of all, it could increase your fuel mileage up to 9% or 1.8 mpg. In today's economy that can make a huge difference. And what about breathing cleaner air? The EPA now requires all medium and heavy duty vehicles to burn cleaner by 83% over 2007 figures. Having the SCR placed in all trucks may also increase the productivity of most trucking companies, which will then increase their bottom dollar.
With the ever-fluctuating prices of diesel fuel, adding equipment that can increase mileage seems like a no-brainer. However, adding this equipment does come at a price. On average, the SCR equipment will cost $3,000 for light duty trucks and up to $10,000 for heavy duty trucks. This may be a minimal price to pay depending on the size of the fleet and the amount of product that is hauled. No matter how one looks at it, everything positive comes at a price.
Having so many rule changes for truckers coming during 2010, it should be no surprise that the EPA wouldn't be left out. They anticipate that SCR will reduce NOx output to near zero. SCR is one of the only emissions reduction technologies that is as good for business as it is for the environment, and the reach of SCR is broad.
The goal of most any business is to make a profit. According to EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, "American drivers are increasingly looking for cars/trucks that burn cleaner, burn less gas and won't burn a hole in their wallets."
So far the biggest problem has been finding the proper space required to accommodate the equipment, as it will require several cubic feet. This is a big issue for some upfitters who want open areas behind the truck cabs and along the frames as not to interfere with mounting the bodies.
When it comes to making the decision on whether or not to add the SCR equipment to the current truck models that are already out on the road, it's all a matter of opinion. If I were to have that choice, at all costs not detrimental to the company, my option would be to add the fuel saving, production increasing, money making SCR equipment.
Article written by Janet Starcevic
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