Trucking Answers

In a puzzle completing episode I talk about getting somewhere and there were no docks available and yet I was able to drop my trailer in a door?  How did I do it?  I solved a problem for them which also solved a problem for me.  Be willing to solve problems wherever you go.  Also, a quote from noted truck driver President Joe Biden. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In this interstellar episode I discuss the exact time of day to check your oil.  It is not when you think!  Also, running your headlights during the day is actually less safe than having them off.  I explain.  The Cruz trial verdict is out and I talk about it and why the juror is an idiot.  Did you know you have a customer score at the dealership?  I will tell you about it.  Also, a Reason we do n...

In this hair-raising episode I discuss Werner Enterprises buying Baylor Trucking.  Werner says nothing will change at Baylor.  We will see.  Is using hair for drug testing discrimination?  Should it be done?  A Reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In a crime free episode I discuss a little about what is happening in society.  It isn’t just trucking.  Joy Reid is an idiot and thinks only certain people commit crimes.  That is not the case.  The mayor of NYC is going to house illegals on cruise ships that will dock there.  Isn’t that nice?  Don’t you wish you could live on a cruise ship?  Around this time in 1972 a scab truc...

In this pumpkin spice flavored episode I discuss Werner and Kodiak and the pact they have to move freight without drivers.  They start their first lane soon and it will be working the exact way I said so I believe that they listen to the podcast.  I-80 in Illinois will be under construction near Minooka until 2027.  Are you ready for that?  The Natural Propane Gas Association wants to be able to w...

In a mind-bending episode I discuss the problems in trucking right now and some fixes for those problems.  They are in no particular order.  The last episode we discussed the best of trucking so this is the flip-flop of that.  What are your thoughts of that? Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com LaunchwithMark. Com

In a terrestrial based episode I discuss the reasons trucking is still a great career choice and why you should choose it right now!  Also, I went to SAIA as they were having a hiring event.  This is what I found out.  You can make just as much being home daily as you can living in a truck on the road. LaunchwithMark. Com Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In this Kansas-inspired episode I discuss the recent news of NyQuil Chicken as well as some actual trucking news like electronic monitoring of commercial vehicles.  A reason we are not on Mars as well. LaunchwithMark.com Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In a cross-country episode I discuss 5 things that I think have made trucking either better or easier in the last 34 years.  I use 34 years because that is how long I have been trucking.  Trucking is a great career, it still pays the bills and keeps the lights on here at Trucking Answers.  In a future episode I will discuss the 5 things that have hurt trucking in the last 34 years.  Also, ripped f...

In an electrifying episode I discuss an incident at my work talking to another driver.  Should you get a paycheck that is based on how much your bills are that month?  That is what some people think but I don’t.  Companies need to compensate you for the things they ask you to do for them no matter if your car payment is $900 or you drive a Yugo to work.  Don’t fall in to the trap of th...

In this Emilia Earhart special I discuss the FMCSA Women of Trucking panel that consists mainly of women who don’t drive.  This panel will advise the FMCSA about how to get and keep women in trucking.  Brilliant.  Of course there is a member from the FMCSA, naturally.  I talk about the car I have had the longest.  How long do you keep a car?  The weather on Mars and a reason we do not live o...

In a Red Sovine classic I discuss if in fact truck parking should be provided by the government.  This stems from the city of New York towing and ticketing trucks for parking overnight in residential areas. TANY says that there is not enough parking and the government needs to step up and do something.  I say that they are doing something, they are removing trucks from residential areas where they...

In this Pamtastic episode I talk about PAM Transport and the fact that they are settling yet ANOTHER class action for the same reasons they always do.  People, please do not even consider working at PAM Transport and do not use Driver Solutions for any reason!  That is my opinion, anyway.  I talk about the lowest priced car I ever bought.  I go over a new service for people looking to get their CD...

In this implanted episode I discuss the closing of Colonial Freight.  They opened in 1943 and will be closed in a week.  Wow.  Always be ready to move on to a new place!  This is a problem for lease purchase drivers as well.  US Xpress announces more layoffs and I put them on death watch.  We will see what happens.  When other large companies are announcing record profits US Xpress announces layof...

In this electrifying episode I discuss how much energy a Tesla semi uses and what it costs.  Are we ready to use electric trucks to haul goods in the United States yet?  I name 3 of the cars I used to have that I wish I would have kept.  Do you have any cars you wish you still had?  A reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In this best of Sturgis episode I discuss the recent picket line at the ports in Boston and explain exactly why people sit and are not paid for it.  Celedon execs are spared prosecution, is anyone surprised by this?  Walmart is rolling out a 60 foot multi-temp trailer for use in Canada.  Will drivers be paid extra to haul it?  Harley-Davidson faces a lawsuit over warranty issues and who has to do...

In a Peterson Automotive Museum masterpiece I discuss the recent court ruling basically saying a driver who leased a truck from Schneider is actually an employee.  Also, GM ups the game on subscriptions for cars.  A Reason we are not on Mars.   Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In the Steering Wheel Haul of Fame episode I discuss the production and safety bonuses that some trucking companies put out.  Many of them are not fair in the fact that they give a bonus on something you have no control over.  Can you control how many miles the company gives you?  Do you control if another driver has an accident?  No, so there should be no bonus for that.  A bonus for you should b...

In this gastronomical delight I discuss the turnover rate at Variant Trucking who is part of US Xpress.  What the heck?  Also, some advice as we discuss 396.11.  What it means to you and the motor carrier.  The STAA Whistleblower act comes in to play here as well.  How can you get your equipment fixed?  Can you be forced to run over hours?  A Reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation....

This world beating episode is chock full of items.  I recount some of the things going on and ask people to stand up for something.  The AB5 protesters went home with their tail between their legs and I am disappointed for sure.  They had the ports shut down, what happened?  If you are going to make a change you are going to have to ruffle some feathers.  The court told them to stop.  Who cares? ...

In an Earth shattering episode I discuss why there might not be as many episodes as there have been lately.  Also, some automotive news.  Ford wants to test a vehicle with no controls on public roads.  A Reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation. Com

In a McDonaldland Playplace filled lunch break I talk about a McDonald’s manager who is mad that no one shows up.  Same problem in trucking.  Also, CRST suffers a setback in a case that has been going on for 5 years.  The Department of Justice has issued a letter saying that in their opinion what CRST is doing is per se illegal.  What CRST trucking does is basically black ball drivers out of...

In a mile marker extravaganza I discuss mileage pay vs hourly pay.  I will tell you why being paid by the hour plus overtime is the only way to get fairly compensated if you are an employee.  Over the years truck drivers have been conditioned to accept mileage pay as a way of life but you don’t have to.  I dispel the myth that people paid by the hour are lazy.  It amazes me that when people...

In a Peterson Automotive Museum worthy restoration we discuss the recent robbery of jewelry from a Brink’s truck in California.  I don’t know if they were wearing a mask but I sure hope so.  Better to be safe than sorry when robbing a truck.  Also, cars are cute but you shouldn’t be in charge of buying one if you think that.  One owner means nothing when buying a used car.  A rea...

In an I Want My MTV spectacular I discuss marriage equality!  Brilliant.  The American Trucking Association has a Women in Motion thing going.  Why is that not a good idea?  Discrimination.  Is old school trucking better?  Yes and no for sure.  The Driveri driver cam is here from Netradyne and it is going to give you a gold star.  SERIOUSLY.  You will coached BY THE CAMERA.  No wonder drivers are...