Ask The Trucker "LIVE" w/Allen Smith: Recent Episodes

Aubrey Allen Smith

Welcome to Allen Smith's: Ask The Trucker "LIVE", the #1 Trucking Show on Blog Talk Radio. Focusing on Driver Health, Careers, Regulations and the Important Issues facing the Industry.

Friday 6PM et "TCGO is making a difference for trucking families battling grave situations"

AskTheTrucker Live will have an update for you regarding the Truckers Christmas Group, On our last show, "Truckers coming to aid of fellow truckers during TCGO Christmas campaign" we discussed how trucking musicians, industry leaders for trucking charities, and other advocates such as Bill Weaver, Paul Marhoeffer, Taylor Barker, Mandi Jo Pinhierio, Jason Henley, Tony Justice, Ken Freeman, Keith Sampson, and more are working with TCGO to raise awareness and funds for the 2019 TCGO campaign. This fundraising campaign literally "saves" the Christmas holiday for trucking families.

Tonight we will talk about the families and their needs. These are trucking families battling grave situations folks. We also want to give a shout out to those sponsoring families and to all those who have donated to the Truckers Christmas Group, coming to the aid of their fellow truckers in need.

Join Tom Kyrk and Donna Smith as they update on the progress and how YOU can help reach the $20,000.00 goal so all the nominated families can be aided. Let's not turn any of these wonderful families away.

Take the $5.00 donation challenge today and donate here. It's safe, easy, and it will help more than you know.

Call in number for the show 347-826-9170 to either listen in or be a part of the show.

Truckers coming to aid of fellow truckers during TCGO Christmas campaign

Saturday Nov 9th 6PM ET Call in number 347-826-9170

It's that time again! The Truckers Christmas Group Org (TCGO), in its 12 year, is continuing its commitment to help as many trucking families in need during the holiday season as they possibly can. This year has proven to be particularly challenging for many truckers and their families. Between layoffs, bankruptcies, illnesses, and other catastrophic occurrences, the need for funding is vital. Learn more HERE

Watch the Christmas Video- How the Truckers Saved Christmas-combined effort by Bill Weaver Music and TCGO

Music copyright Bill Weaver Music-Video Copyright Truckers Christmas Group.Org

This year, Trucking musicians, industry leaders for trucking charities, and other advocates such as Bill Weaver, Paul Marhoeffer, Taylor Barker, Mandi Jo Pinhierio, Jason Henley, Tony Justice, Ken Freeman, Keith Sampson, and more are working with TCGO to raise awareness and funds for the 2019 fundraising campaign. Press Release

JOIN US TONIGHT Tom Kyrk, TCGO PR Coordinator, co-hosts the show. Learn how you can help our nations truckers.in their time of most dire need.

Whether it be volunteering, sharing,a donation, sponsoring a family, or purchasing from the TCGO store, your commitment to help will be a blessing!.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

It’s not an easy task exploring the reasons for the decline of truckings’ "American Dream" for OTR drivers, company drivers and owner operators. We can make a list of everything wrong with trucking and how it affects truckers, but to pinpoint the problems in order to resolve them is much more difficult. It is a highly intricate and complicated web of obstacles, involving rules and regulations interwoven with industry practices, systems and schemes.

Although most of us weren’t a part of trucking prior to deregulation, most will agree that trucking and truck drivers played a major part of the American Dream during that time. Deregulation is not the sole reason for the decline of the American Dream, it has however, caused trucking to evolve into an industry of "them against us" but in order to fix something, we need to understand it.

We have the honor to have with us Steve Viscelli, sociologist and long time researcher of truck drivers and the trucking industry. His pursuit to find out why truckers work so hard and how long-haul trucking went from being one of the best, to one of the toughest blue-collar jobs in the U.S. led him to obtain his CDL and continue his research from behind the wheel. His research, along with his time Over the Road, resulted in his book, “The Big Rig - Trucking and the Decline of the American Dream”

Also with us will be our long time friend and fellow advocate Desiree Wood of Real Women In Trucking who will be sharing her present real-time experiences for those who may not be aware of what is currently happening within her organization.

Call in 347-826-9170

Saturday April 27th 6PM et Join us for an Open discussion concerning Underrides, addressing a most controversial issues among truckers, the Stop Underrides Act.

We will be taking calls. Call in 347-826-9170 Stop Underride Act Senate bill S.665 Stop Underrides Act House bill H.R. 1511

For 50 years the Federal Government has been discussing, & conducting studies regarding the need for Underride Guards on large trucks,

Written 50 Years ago in Federal Register “It is anticipated that the proposed Standard will be amended after technical studies have been completed, to extend the requirement for underride protection to the sides of large vehicles.”

We strive for facts& truth rather than talking points.Truckers have valid concerns about underrides and we want to address them. Proponents of underrides also have legitimate concerns for supporting the Stop Underrrides Act. Let's hear both sides.

Guests on the show: Jerry and Marianne Karth and Lois Durso advocates for Underrides and have lost loved ones due to Underride crashes.

These underride deaths were not the fault of either 4 wheeler. One was an improper truck lane change, the other was icy roads. Perry Ponder, inventor of AngelWing, engineer with an accident reconstruction engineering company Aaron Kiefer, forensic engineer & crash reconstructionist, inventor of SafetySkirt Andy Young, CDL holder and truck attorney

Saturday 2-9-19

6PM ET 347-826-9170

Tonight’s show will open up by discussing a few of the most recent court decisions which have made a profound impact on the side of drivers.

From the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision which ruled to exempt ALL transportation workers from the Federal Arbitration Act, to the most recent ruling from a district court judge in Arkansas, reaffirming that truck drivers need to be paid for every hour they spend in their trucks while they’re not sleeping, This ruling was based on Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division- Title 29 Section 785 Code of Regulations..

When it comes to drivers wages, there’s a misunderstanding between the FMCSA’s HOS rules and the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division’s laws. FMCSA rules were created for safety, not for determining wages. The 14 hour rule determines how many hours you may drive and work, The 16 hour rule determines how truckers are to be paid.

It is because truckers are paid by the mile,regulated by a clock, and enforced by an ELD, that this misperception has taken hold.

At a time when driver wage reform is at the forefront of many concerns, the courts have established a baseline of minimum wage and how drivers are to be paid using laws which have already been on the books but have been commonly overlooked.

Thursday 1-24-19 6PM ET 347-826-9170

Part 2 Join us tonight as we have a follow up show with trucker Dominic Oliveira and his Attorney from Public Justice, Jennifer Bennett. Dominic will review his lengthy legal ordeal with New Prime, Inc that ended up in the Supreme Court and Ms. Bennett will explain the legal timeline of events and arguments and how this decision will positively affect truckers in the future. Desiree Wood, who contributed in an Amicus brief, will co-host the show.

On 1-15-19 the U.S. Supreme court ruled that Transportation Independent Contractors were no longer held to the 1925 Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). In the past, only employees were exempt from forced arbitration. The decision was held by a unanimous 8-0 decision, with Justices Neil Gorsuch and Ruth Ginsberg strongly agreeing. (How many times in a lifetime will we see that?)

For years Carriers have misclassified truckers leased on to carriers as Independent Contractors( IC) for the purpose of having the trucker pay for all expenses while the carrier still asserts control over most aspects of how the IC does business, many times resulting in the IC earning little, sometime less than minimum wage, and worse yet, end up owing the carrier money. This misclassification had also forced IC’s into arbitration.

In March 2015 trucker Dominic Oliveira sued New Prime, Inc in a class-action suit claiming a Fair Labor Standards Act violation for failing to pay its apprentices lawful minimum wage. Prime claimed that he must go through arbitration, Attorney’s for Dominic said “No” and the rest is history

Truckers helping families in need during Christmas

Friday 6PM eastern

347-826-9170

Christmas time! A time of joy and celebration of the Lord's birth. A time when people look forward to family and friends, food, fun, and nostalgia.

But for many, this time of year can be difficult. Many have fallen on hard times. The good news though is that there are many truckers who have stepped up to do what they can do to help others in need out. One such group is the Truckers Christmas Group (TCGO)

TCG is a 501(c)(3) registered charity

The Truckers Christmas Group began in 2008 by Truckers who wanted to help Truckers and their families that have fallen on difficult times, The Christmas Group is a volunteer group who have raised $82,000 and helped 138 trucking families in need over the last 10 years.

Our guests tonight will be Idella Hansen, Mark Abraham, and possibly Greg Manchester ( Santa Clause) of TCGO

They will share with us the history and some heartwarming stories about people who have been helped during this blessed holiday becasue of folks just like you.

They'll also share how you can Nominate a Family to be helped. Purchasegifts from the TCG Store

or even Sponsor a Family

Donate to this worthy cause at the TCGO Donation Page.

With us tonight is professional driver Dominic Oliveira and attorney Jennifer Bennett. We will be discussing a case, Oliveira v. New Prime, Inc, that has been heard by the US Supreme Court and is waiting decision.

Depending on the outcome, this case could set an industry precedent for employers and owner operators

It is common for many trucking companies to classify employees as Independent Contractors.

These Independent Contractors pay for all expenses for the truck and many times end up owing the company money at the end of the week. They are under the control of the company and dispatch, thus really employees.

In March 2015, Dominic filed a lawsuit against Prime on behalf of himself and thousands of current and former Prime drivers who have been misclassified as independent contractors.

New Prime attempted to force Dominic into arbitration with the company, basing their argument on the Federal Arbitration Act of 1925, which requires those who signed an arbitration clause in their contract to enter arbitration rather than go to court.

Exemptions of arbitration in the FAA ".. excluding contracts of employment of seamen, railroad employees, or any other class of workers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce"

This brings up 2 issues with the lawsuit

Was Dominic misclassified as Independent Contractor?

If he was an Independent Contractor, would he be exempt form forced arbitration anyway?

October 3, 2018, U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument -New Prime Inc. v. Oliveira, No. 17-340.

Read transcripts and listen to oral arguments HERE

BTR Saturday Nov 10- "Trucking’s unspoken topic of Sexual harassment"

3PM ET Call in 347-826-9170

Donna Smith of AskTheTrucker and guest Co-Host Desiree Wood of RealWomenInTrucking lead the discussion

With so many intense topics within the trucking industry, there is one that seems to be kept more hush, the uncomfortable topic of Sexual harassment.

There are many reasons why people harass or intimidate others. Whether it be the need to show power, the ability to force what they want through blackmail, or just for narcissistic self gratification. Whatever the reason is, it’s wrong and the industry needs to create better policies to address it. Before we fix it, we have to acknowledge it

Here are some thoughts for topic:

Has the “industry proclaimed driver shortage” exacerbated the problem of sexual harassment?

Has the need to continually recruit new drivers to compensate for the driver churn contributed?

Has low CDL training standards contributed?

We are honored to have on the show tonight Joshua Friedman of Friedman & Houlding, one of the nations most recognized attorneys defending the rights of others in the area of sexual and racial harassment.

Super Lawyers 2014-2018

Best Attorneys in New York for 2009-2018

New York Magazine as one of “New York Area’s Top Attorneys

Mr. Friedman will be discussing his professional experience with sexual harassment victims and will discuss his ongoing case with CRST.

Attorney Joshua Friedman discusses CRST sexual harassment lawsuit

Denham Amendment defeated in FAA bill BUT it’s not over- ATA sends petition to FMCSA

ATA seeks FMCSA approval to Preempt state laws which protect trucker wages

After 3 years of numerous failed ATA attempts to override and preempt states labor laws which protect employees from wage abuse, the ATA has taken one more desperate attempt to Petition the FMCSA based on 49 U.S.C. § 31141 -stating that the State of California’s Meal and Rest Break rules are preempted by Federal law ( According to ATA Petition) ATA seeks FMCSA approval to Preempt state laws which presently protect trucker wages.

Tonight we’ll discuss what’s behind the ATA “Meal & Rest Break” Petition and discuss how it’s all connected to the recently failed attempt to include the Denham Amendment in the FAA bill.

It’s not just about Meal & REST Breaks…. It’s about Preempting Trucker Wages.

Call in to listen or to be a part of the show. 347-826-9170

AsktheTrucker "Live' Open Forum-ELD Exemptions and Federal Authority Provisions

Saturday June 2nd

6PM EST

Call in 347-826-9170

The discussions continue as truckers move full steam ahead addressing the 2 most pressing issues in the industry today. ELD mandate and the Federal Authority trucker wage provision.

The ELD Mandate Exemptions H.R. 5948

H.R.5948 - To exempt motor carriers that own or operate 10 or fewer commercial vehicles from the electronic logging device mandates, and for other purposes

The Anti-Trucker Wage legislation to be voted on in the Senate this month.

The Federal Authority provision known as the Denham Amendment or F4A , which if passed in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization bill and THUD bill ( they are currently in both House versions), would minimize and limit trucker wages by way of a New Federal Law

Stop the Full blown Attack on Driver Wages in FAA bill

Saturday 5-5-18 6PM eastern

Call in 347-826-9170

What does the ATA lobbied Denham Amendment have in common with truck driver wages? EVERYTHING! BY passing the Denham provision in the 2018 FAA ReAuthorization bill, it would be the most direct and egregious attack on driver wages ever. The Denham provision would allow the Federal government to Preempt all state labor laws which protect employees, ultimately creating new law regulatting wages of those involved in interstate commerce.

The Denham Amendment has been slipped in the FAA ReAuthorization bill and most drivers don't even know what the devastating long term effects could be on their wages.

Here is the simplified version of the effects of the Denham Amendment. Legally, drivers will only have to be paid for the miles they drive, no matter how many hours they work.

Here's how! "STOP anti-trucker wage DENHAM AMENDMENT in FAA Reauthorization Bill"

Denham Amendment is broken down and explained; Denham, For the 6th Time??? NO, It’s Time for Denham To “Hit the ROAD!!!

ATA’s Myths and Facts about Denham Amendment Busted

A lot of discussion concerning ELD’s has opened Pandora's box of trucker issues. Strong to ELD opposition has led to many other discussions affecting drivers.

Among them are the Hours of Service and the 14hour clock, Trucker Wages, Federal Preemption of States Rights.

ATA is at it again. Federal Preemption against Driver Wages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiTWNjG4_kU

Preemption failed to pass in the Omnibus bill, it was ATA's most recent of 5 Attempts since 2015. They are now attempting to include language in FAAAA Re-authorization bill

Preemption update against Trucker Wages -The fight to be paid for all time

U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX-36), attempted to relieve truckers from the negative effects of the ELD mandate which went into enforcement mode on April 1st. Babin Introduces Legislation to Improve Hours-of-Service Regulations The Responsible and Effective Standards for Truckers (REST) Act, legislation that would modernize hours of service regulations for truck drivers.

The REST Act would allow drivers to take one rest break per shift, for up to three consecutive hours. The single off-duty period would not be counted toward the driver’s 14-hour, on-duty allowance and would not extent the total, allowable drive limits. This leads us to the question, "Does Rest bill modify HOS to relieve drivers or allow them to now work a 17 hour day?"

To be a part of the show call 347-826-9170

The effects of ELD mandate on Trucker Health & Safety

4-5-18 Thursday 6PM et

347-826-9170

The ELD mandate is causing an uproar among the truck driving community, ELD's are designed to enforce the FMCSA Hours-of-Service rule by synchronizing a vehicle engine to automatically record a truckers' driving time.The purpose is to increase highway safety by ensuring drivers do not drive more than their 11 hour limit or work more than their 14 hours allowed.

Although the use of the ELD theoretically sounds like a great way to reduce driver fatigue, prevent employers from pushing their drivers to drive over their hours, prevent drivers from "cheating" on their log books ( to get more miles), and increase overall safety, there are MANY who disagree and believe the ELD mandate works in reverse and is actually detrimental to overall highway safety.

Tonight we'll address opposition to the ELD mandate and discuss why truckers are feeling rushed to beat the 14 hour clock and how it affecting their health and livelihood.

Our guest Carolyn O'byrne, author of Gut Instinct and founder of LifeCoachService.net, will help explain the health risks when people feel continually pressured to do their job well while trying to earn a decent living.

Call in to listen 347-826-9170

Call in to be a part of the show 347-826-9170 THEN press 1 on your keypad..

Sat 3-3-18 6PM ET Call in # 347-826-9170

On 12-12-17 U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) & Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Stop Underrides Act, S. 2219 legislation. Then U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) introduced the companion bill in the House, H.R. 4622

An ‘underride crash’ is when a car slides under the body of a large truck, such as a semi-trailer, during an accident. When these accidents happen, a car’s safety features are not able to protect passengers because most of the car slides under the trailer, and the truck crashes straight through the windows and into the passengers.

The bill was originally drafted by our guests tonight, Marianne Karth and Lois Durso. Both Marianne and Lois have lost children due to underride crashes. Marianne & husband Jerry lost their 2 daughters, AnnaLeah and Mary in 2013, and Lois lost her daughter Roya in 2004. The bill was originally called the Roya, AnnaLeah and Mary Comprehensive Underride Protection Act of 2017 or the RAMCUP Act of 2017—now known as STOP Underrides Act.

We'll discuss solutions which can prevent underride crashes accounting for at least 300+ deaths per year. Show will include discussions regarding rear & sideguards. Few people realize that the 1969 Federal Register recorded that the Department of Transportation intended, after further study, to extend underride protection to the sides of large trucks.

Discussion includes:Costs,added weight,decreased Insurance costs,Loading docks,Axle/Tandems, distracted driving.

For more info stopunderrides@gmail.com www.StopUnderRides.org

Surviving Flu Season over the road

Thursday 2/8/18 6PM et

347-826-9170

This years flu season is reported as one of the worst in years with many deaths even being reported.

Having the flu for anyone is a horrible experience, but when you're sick and over the road, it can be much worse. Being sick and stuck inside a "box" without many comforts of home can be for some unbearable. But there are things you can do to prepare, and not just prepare for when you do get the flu, but prepare so the chances of getting it will be much less. And if you do happen to come down with the flu, make sure your immune system is in tip top shape so your ability to fight it could make the experience much less horrific.

Tonight our co-host will be Carolyn O'Byrne of Life Coach Service. She will be sharing her extensive knowledge on natural prevention and remedies including ( but not limited to) vitamins, minerals, herbs, essential oils, and the prevention and healing abilities of whole food. Carolyn is well known throughout the trucking community for her book "Gut Instinct" where she educates people on the importance of their gut health and the relation it has to their immune system.

Call in to listen or be a part of the show 347-826-9170

Tax Reform and the American Trucker

Saturday 1-20-18

6PM ET Call in 347-826-9170

Join us and special guest Dennis Bridges, as we discuss Everything Truckers Need to know about the 2018 Tax reform bill. Dennis is a CPA, a best-selling author, and Executive Director of eTruckerTax. Mr. Bridges has been in practice for over 30 years, and for the past 25 years has specialized in assisting transportation professionals.

The long awaited tax reform bill was finally passed December 2017. Corporations will see huge decreases in their taxes reducing the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% and the standard deduction for ALL taxpayers will nearly double.

For many company truckers, all this may mean higher wages, by either paying less taxes ( being in lower bracket) or by receiving a raise from their employer. (Companies are getting a huge tax cut, they'll pass it on to their employers ??) Owner Operators are also expecting to see their bottom lines increase significantly.

Truckers have many questions however about the new bill, Among the most concerning, is the question about standard deductions.Although the standard deduction for all taxpayers nearly doubles (Single taxpayers, from $6,350 to $12,000. Married tax payers filing jointly, $12,700 to $24,000), under the new law, there will be no deduction allowed for work-related expenses for company drivers,or all other employees paid on a W-2. That includes company driver per diem deductions.

Owner Operators will also need to make sure they are set up properly in order to take advantage of tax cut bill's new 20 percent deduction on net business profits, known as “pass-through entities.”

Truck Stops and how they relate to Trucker Health

Thursday 1-11-18 6PM ET

347-826-9170

As we enter a New Year Truck Drivers continue to take their Health more seriously. For years, the long hours, sedentary lifestyle and poor choices have led to many chronic and even fatal health issues such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, arthritis, circulatory disease. Because of the stress of the job, high blood pressure is also common among drivers.

In the last few years, drivers are exercising more and making better food choices such as eating more fruits and vegetables, eating less fast type food, eating less processed foods, and even cooking in the truck.

One of the most common complaints some drivers have is the lack of healthy food choices at rest areas and truck stops. Over the last few years truck stops have acknowledged the issue of truck driver health, and have made positive changes at their travel plazas in order to help drivers accommodate their need to improve driver health. But is it enough?

Tonight our guest Carolyn O’Byrne of LifeCoachService.net and author of “Gut Instinct”, we’ll discuss the challenges of OTR driver health and how drivers are already facing these challenges and making positive changes. She'll be answering callers with their questions and suggestions on how everyone involved can improve the trucker health issue.

Since truck stops remain the most important daily stop for any truck driver, we’ll be discussing what some have done to help over the road drivers stay healthy and what more these travel plazas could do to help improve the OTR professional driver..

Call in number to listen or be part of the show. 347-826-9170

The Truckers Christmas Groupis once again ready to make Christmas 2017 a happy and less stressful one for truckers and their families.

As we talk about trucking issues and regulations, many say "Truckers should Unite"!

So many families are in need during the holiday season and helping our fellow truckers is a BIG chance for us all to do just that, UNITE to help our fellow truckers.

Join us Thursday Nov 30th 6PM et as we discuss how we can all help TCGO during Christmas by: Volunteering, Nominating families in need, donating money or donating items to the Christmas store. Our guests will be TCGO board member Idella Hansen and co-founder Greg Manchester.

TCGO began in 2008 by truckers who wanted to help truckers and their families who had fallen on bad times, which always seems to be worse during the holidays.

They are a a registered 501(c)3 non profit organization.

Almost all of us as truck drivers have seen those in need, and the TCGO and have worked to assure a few families have a brighter Christmas.

Over the last seven seasons The Truckers Christmas Group has helped 112 families with more than $66,000. Time is running out to get truckers the much needed relief during the Holidays For further information call 1-802-455-8246

You can enjoy the holidays and stay healthy! For the second half of the show we'll be talking to health enthusiast Carolyn O'Byrne of LifeCoachService,net.

Carolyn will be sharing her expertise about Christmas over the road and feeling good about yourself..

We'll open the forum with the ELD discussion. As the ELD mandate enforcement approaches Dec 18th, many drivers are becoming more angry and frustrated. Despite attempts by OOIDA to eliminate the mandate, or even members of Congress to delay the law, the mandate stands.

What are the gripes about ELD's? Is it privacy? Is it wages? Is it Parking? Is it Safety? Or is it the enforcement of Hours of Service, which many are opposed to?

Although many drivers support the use of Electronic Logs, it appears that many more do not.

On October 3rd, 2 organized groups, ELD or ME and Operation Black and Blue will start heading to Washington DC, to protest what they believe is an unfair overreach into their privacy and their wages.

GATS is for Truckers! Ask-a-Lawyer and MORE

6 PM et Call in 347-826-9170

The Great American Trucking Show (GATS) is right around the corner! GATS will be held Aug. 24-26 in Dallas, Texas, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

Join the discussion tonight as our guests Idella Hansen and Desiree Wood of RWIT share the highlights of the "Ask-A-Lawyer event at GATS"

Topics include: Wrongful termination,Discrimination,Harassment,Retaliation,Whistle blower protection,Lease Violations,DAC Reports,Employment labor,Sexual Harassment, Misclassification

A “Lady Truck Driver Forum Panel Discussion” sponsored by the “Truckers Justice Center” will be held on the main exhibit floor

Les WIllis of Godspeed Expediters will once again be in charge of the parking lot, aka the TA | Petro Truck Parking Community

Located at the Cotton Bowl’s Fair Park, the TA-Petro Truck Parking Community will provide truck drivers with free shuttles to and from the convention center, food vendors, showers, restrooms and more. truck service and repairs from TA-Petro, pet grooming, a pet parade, worship service on Sunday, and an auction to benefit truckersfinalmile.org.

THURSDAY 6PM ET 347-826-9170 Trucker Health at GATS- Rig without Cigs-MATS2GATS-GutHealth

Once against the Great American Trucking Show, #GATS, focuses on "the driver". A key element of the focus continues to be truck driver health. Along with the well know Health Pavilion which offer free screenings and mammograms for drivers, comes an emphasis to aid drivers with many of their health issues and difficulties, including, smoking, weight, physical fitness, emotional wellbeing, and the all-around importance of Gut Health.

Our first of 3 guests tonight is Julie Dillon, Communication and Wellness Manager at St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund / This year Julie brings to drivers the "Rigs Without Cigs" program offered to drivers and their families to help them kick the nicotine habit. So many drivers need help from the habit and addiction and St Chris is offering all kinds of help to them!

Pre-registration begins August 1st. - register online at Rigs without Cigs Registration.

Tom Kyrk of Road Tested Living is the Chairman of the MATS2GATS fitness challenge this year and will also be on stage at the Health Pavilion performing his popular cooking demos.

Carolyn O'Byrne of LifeCoachService.net makes her 3rd appearance. Carolyn is truckings' Live Coach and is the author of “Gut Instinct”. Carolyn will be unveiling “Gut Instinct” on Audio CD at GATS 2017. She'll also be presenting at the Health Pavilion

Julie, Tom and Carolyn continue to be a driving force at GATS when it comes to Truck Driver Health.

Open Forum- Vote NO! FAA Anti-Trucker bill and ELDs!!

Saturday 6PM ET

Call in 347-826-9170

Two major trucker issues right now affecting Trucker wages are:

1) the last minute FAA reauthorization amendments that the ATA has "urged" Lawmakers to slip in an aviation bill this week. The amendments are the Fisher Amendment and the Denham Amendment.

The ATA vowed last year that this was their MAIN priority. The reason? To keep drivers wages low. If the amendments are allowed in the FAA bill, it will ensure that drivers will only be paid piece work wages and nothing more. All detention time, waiting, paperwork, etc... will be expected to be done for free.

Read more Anti-Trucker wage language in 2 bills to ensure cheap labor and high profits

TO CALL NOW. WE ONLY HAVE A FEW DAYS TO STOP THIS!! 202-224-3121

Tell your Reps to SAY NO to FAA reauthorization bill’s Anti Trucker wage amendments Fisher Amendment in the Senate bill and Denham Amendment in the House bill (State preemption,meal & rest break Amendment)

2) ELD's--- The mandate for ELD's is Dec of this year, however the majority of truckers are against them.

Tony Justice and Scott Reed plan to call in and discuss their scheduled protest to Washington October 3-7. Read more about this and more in their group ELD or ME.

Lori Baker reaches the incarcerated and families through Mercy Heart

Thursday 6PM

Call in 347-826-9170

The Mercy Heart organization strives to help a part of American society that many may have dismissed. As we share our concerns about the health and wellbeing of truck drivers, there are truck drivers reaching out to those who many times are in even greater need, the families and those incarcerated.

Lori Baker joins us tonight to share her past struggles and experiences as a lady driver and her road-ministry work in relationship with Mercy Heart Organization of Texas.

Watch the video as Lori talks about Mercy Heart and how they work to help empower and restore families caught up in the crisis of incarceration.

Tom “Captain” Kyrk of Road Tested Living join us as he keeps us all up to date with this years Trucking Shows Health Fitness Challenges. We’ll get to hear this year's version of the MATS (Louisville, KY) to GATS ( TX (GATS) Fitness Challenge and we'll be discussing the history of the group, what to expect, how to Register and the changes for this year's challenge. Registration starts March 20th at MATS.

FaceBook Page MATS2GATS Fitness Challenge

This year's format will be a group fitness challenge with a goal of losing 2,000 combined pounds!

The great folks from Tough Tested ( TT)are helping to sponsor this year's contest as well as providing prizes and t-shirts for those involved. Carolyn O'Byrne of LIfeCoachService.net, John Reed Teddy the trainer, among others will be participating and giving advice and suggestions to those who want it.

Get motivated to make some changes in your life and start on the path to losing some weight and building some new friendships. We look forward to hearing you on the radio and seeing you in the contest

Mid-America Trucking show is March 23rd 24th & 25th. Stop by the Tough Tested booth to meet "Captain Kyrk", he will be there on the 23rd & 24th. In and out of the TT both will be Wendy Parker, music artist and truck driver Bill Weaver and Carolyn O'byrne.

Looking at Trucking from both sides

Friday 6PM ET

347-826-9170

AskTheTrucker “Live” Open Forum will take a look at both sides of the trucking industry, the professional driver side as well as the trucking association side.

Our guest for tonight is Joe Rajkovacz, Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications for the Western States Trucking Association.Prior to his present role at WSTA, Joe has been a company driver, small business owner operator, and Regulatory Affairs Specialist for OOIDA.

Mr. Rajkovacz will share his views for many of the issues which face the trucking industry associations and will also address professional driver concerns, including wages, ELDS, turnover, retention, and the twice defeated Denham Language which has threatened to override states’ rights. Had the Denham Language passed in the FAST ACT or the FAAAA reauthorization bill, the Federal Government would have preempted states rights to pay drivers for all time, including detention time and rest breaks.

Denham Language is anticiapted to be included in the up and coming THUD bill in 2017.

Callers are welcome to join in the conversation and discuss the topics with us.

347-826-9170

On January 31st 2017 Utah U.S. District Court judge, Judge Robert J. Shelby, granted certification to a nationwide class of truck drivers who allege fraud and other statutory claims against C.R. England.

The court issued this favorable ruling for truck drivers, certifying a class action in the C.R. England Student Driver- Truck Lease lawsuit.

Truck drivers allege claims of fraud, false advertising, and company unjust enrichment against C.R. England

For many professional drivers this was a step towards a huge victory against a practice which has been considered at best unethical and at worst a deceitful contract designed for driver failure and company profit.

Tonight our guest will be attorney Robert S Boulter who leads the case against the CR England trucking giant, representing thousands of drivers in this class action lawsuit.

Robert S. Boulter of Boulter Law is a State Bar of California board certified specialist in franchise law and distribution law. He dedicates himself to representing small businesses, franchisees, distributors, employees, investors, truckers, and consumers.

Mr Boulter litigates many types of cases including breach of contract, securities and securities fraud, civil racketeering, labor law, wage and hour law, franchise law, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, trade mark and trade secret infringement, restrictive covenants, broker and finder fee cases, interference with contract, and trade libel.

Saturday

6PM ET

Call in 347-826-9170

Trucking industry lobbyists (including ATA) have stated that they plan to target the new Republican control in Washington, D.C. to pass legislation which would negatively affect driver wages by preempting State Labor laws. This new legislation ( Such as Denham Amendment of 2015 which failed) would create law that would prevent drivers from ever being paid for all working time. (Detention, waiting, paperwork, etc…)

Since November 2015 the ATA and other organizations have been attempting to re-interpret the intended meaning of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A) in attempt to prevent drivers from being paid for anything other than the miles they drive.

The F4A was written to prohibit states from interfering with the regulations of freight rates in effort to deregulate the aviation and trucking industries.This legislation is NOT just an “intrastate driver” issue. If passed it would affect all drivers.

Our guest tonight is Craig Ackermann of Ackermann & Tilajef, P.C. Craig has been an employment lawyer for 19 years and has represented over 25,000 truck drivers.

Tonight he will explain the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A), and how amendments or altering of the F4A (which the Denham Amendment tried to do), would place the final nail in the coffin for drivers who want to be legally/ officially paid for all their working time. The industry itself has stated drivers work an additional 30-40 hours above their driving time.

For additional info please go to InfoGraphicSTOP New Legislation-Truck Driver Wages at Risk

Some of the most stressful words can many times be the words “HEALTH INSURANCE”

Although the Affordable Care Act has allowed millions more to have health insurance, the costs for others have sky rocketed, and many can not afford the premiums.

We now have a Republican President and Congress who has vowed to repeal the ACA, which is adding even more stress to many, mainly, what’s going to happen to the way we will be able to obtain health care coverage?

Many owner operators have been able to obtain their health insurance for subsidized low premiums, but others have been priced out and have decided to take the penalties for not having health insurance at all. Anyone who has ever been ill and has needed to be hospitalized knows this can be a huge risk

Tonight we will be discussing the many topics relating to Health Care, the Affordable Care Act, and alternatives options that will relieve you from government penalties.

Our guest tonight is Marc Ballard, Director of Business Development at Truckers Insurance Exchange. Marc will be addressing many of these concerns that we all have right now as we enter 2017. Marc’s 26 year experience has brought the Truckers Insurance Exchange (TIE) a NEW approach to providing compliant health insurance, personal insurance offers and trucker related services to owner operators, independent contractors and members of the National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT)

We’ll have a Q&A for all those who are looking for insight, advise, and alternative compliant options to the ACA

Thursday January 5, 2017

6PM ET

Call in # 347-826-9170

Have your questions ready!

Self Awareness: The Key to Well-Being

Here we are in the holiday season, a season like no other, which can bring and create more activities, spending, emotions, and indulgence...than any other!

So how does all this affect us during and even AFTER the season is over?

So many questions to be contemplated, mostly within ourselves, and as we know, it's not easy to be in touch or totally honest with oneself.

For many, the season brings joy, for others sadness or loneliness, and for others it can even bring guilt. So how do we prepare for this onslaught? How do we cope, and deal with these repercussions, if any?

Tonight we have a very special guest, Dana Gore, of I am My Imagination, to talk about many of our emotions and thought patterns which already exist, but seem to be magnified during the holiday season. The focus is on our well-being and self-awareness, including the battle within ourselves. Can we win the battle? We'll find out tonight as we explore a part of ourselves that we may not even know existed!

Dana is the author of the books "A Simple Guide to Exercise Safety (What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You)" and "Streetwise Philosophy (A Bullshit-Free Approach to Spiritual Maturity). Dana Gore is a health and fitness professional, wellness coach, and freelance writer. She brings guidance to the public about how to achieve optimal health in a safe and structured manner while inspiring her readers to seek self-awareness and inner peace as a means to well-being in all areas of life.

Thursday Dec.1,2016

6PM ET

Call in number 347-826-9170

You can listen through your phone or the internet!

AskTheTrucker "live' Thursday night health show Top 10 indigenous all-natural cures (you'll be surprised to hear what they are..... Are they legal?)

Thursday Nov 3

6PM ET

347-826-9170

Before World War II, there were few processed foods, no genetically modified organisms, no chemical pesticides, no over-the-counter medications loaded with artificial food dyes and heavy metal toxins, no artificial sweeteners, or fluoride in the tap water,

Very few Americans suffered from many of todays diseases and had much less of the modern day "chemical cures". What they DID have, were a lot more natural cures and not the side effects of todays pharmaceuticals.

So what did people use for natural cures?

Our guest tonight, Carolyn O'Byrne of Life Coach Service will join us as we talk about the Top 10 Indigenous all natural cures.... including Hemp Seed Oil, Cannabidiol (CBD), and Medicinal mushrooms:( Oh My)

Trucking Open Forum: Parking, Speed Limiters, Wages

Saturday 10-15-16 6PM ET

Join us as we discuss trucking's most pressing issues affecting professional truck drivers.

Just a few of the most controversial topics right now are: Truck Parking, Speed Limiters, ELD's, and Wages, but there are many more to address.

Tonight we open up the lines to discuss what is on YOUR mind about the issues affecting drivers and the trucking industry.

Listen from your computer or call in from your phone. 347-826-9170

It’s been over 7 years since the focus of Americas truck parking shortage took center stage when New York truck driver Jason Rivenburg was murdered as he parked in an abandoned gas station. His widow, Hope Rivenburg,brought the truck parking crisis to the forefront, lobbying for the bill “Jason’s Law” ,which was eventually included in MAP-21.

The National Coalition on Truck Parking was created by the U.S. DOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to address the shortage of truck parking across the nation. From Jasons Law, to Map 21, to the National Truck Parking Coalition, many drivers are still struggling to find adequate truck parking.

The question is: “ What are the solutions to improve and increase truck parking.”

Tonight our guest is Nicole Katsikides, Deputy Director for the Maryland State Highway Administration Office of Planning and Preliminary Engineering. Nicole did much of the analytical work for the Jason’s Law Truck Parking Survey report, which led to the National Coalition for Truck Parking.

Also with us is Desiree Wood of Real Women in Trucking, who has worked side by side with Hope Rivenburg from the beginning of Jasons Law, to the 1st truck parking survey, and continues to be a voice at the Truck Parking Coalition meetings.

Join us as we dicuss how drivers can help in this issue such as contacting the State MPO's as well as in many other ways.

Call in number 347-826-9170

Uncovering the Health Benefits of Essential Oils

Thursday 6PM ET

347-826-9170

Essential Oils! They've enhanced lives for thousands of years, offering a variety of benefits from cosmetic and dietary purposes to spiritual and religious use. There are many TODAY who are achieving amazing results from the different uses of essential oils, including many of the wonderful health benefits.

As we learn the devastating effects of chemicals and toxins it's only logical that more and more people are searching for "natural" ways to address life's many challenging health issues.

Our guest is Vicki Simons, an Independent Distributor with Young Living Essential Oils, one of the most pure and trusted essential oils available today. Her website is HealedTrucker.com

Vicki has been researching essential oils and their benefits for some time now and she'll be sharing her knowledge with us on AskTheTrucker "Live' !!

Just a few of the topics will include:

What are essential oils? Do all essential oils come from plants? What benefits do essential oils provide? How are essential oils used? Are there differences between essential oils? The different ways you can use essential oils

You can find Vicki on Facebook, Team Simons, where she has live broadcasts and also answers questions

Call in to listen and/or join the conversation 347-826-9170

Or listen from your computer.

Speed Limiter Open Forum- The Pros and Cons

9-17-16

347-826-9170

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration & National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a notice of proposed rulemaking on Aug. 26,2016,seeking to mandate speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks

On Sept 7th The FMCSA Proposed Rule was open for comment Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Speed Limiting Devices https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FMCSA-2014-0083-0003

On 9/13/ Road Safe America released a press release “Drivers Urged to Fight Back Against Speeding Tractor-Trailers by Speaking Out” stating FMCSA & NHTSA have not gone far enough with their proposed rulemaking

Tonight’s Trucking Open Forum will begin with the discussion of speed limiters, specifically the pros and cons.

Will setting a limit to a trucks speed create safer roads, less crashes,& less fatalities? What do statistics suggest?

Is making all trucks the same speed, creating rolling road blocks, safe?

How will truck speed limiters affect auto vs truck speed variance?

What does the data indicate about safety & speed differentials on highways?

What about truck capacity, productivity, and the need for increased trucks on the road? How will more trucks on the road affect truck parking? What about Road rage?

Finally, how do speed limiters, HOS, ELD’s all work together to cause less safe roads? (hint:It has to do with wages)

Join in the converstion 347-826-9170

Xypper Freight- Transforming how independents,Shippers,and Brokers do business

Saturday August 27th 6PM ET

Call in 347-826-9170

Inviting all Owner Operators, Shippers, and Brokers to call in with your questions about XYPPER- The “Real Time” Freight Matching System!

One of the most challenging aspects for owner operators is being able to find good paying freight. There’s no shortage of load boards, but even these have their disadvantages, especially for the one truck independent.

Tonight we will introduce XYPPER, an app that is like no other when it comes to REAL TIME FREIGHT MATCHING. That’s because with XYPPER, the freight finds you, the Carrier.

Our guests will be the developers of Xypper, Val Lanzieri & Fabio Lanzieri as well as Developer Advisor Ray Gompf.

Watch video: Automatic Trucking Load Matching App for Carriers, Shippers, and Brokers http://truckingsocialmedia.com/1793-2/

BENEFITS of XYPPER Free of charge to sign in the systemEliminates the cost-time searching for loadsStreamlines transportation sourcing with automated truck capacity availability on lineLists detailed shipment information regarding access, pickup and delivery scheduleProvides enhanced accountability through detailed transaction historyOffers an integrated invoicing solution.Automated Invoicing and BOL SolutionsAllows for real time access matching loads with carriersRated Carriers Shippers and Brokers Drivers DOWNLOAD XYPPER

Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.xypper.xypper

iPhone https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/xypper/id927252276?mt=8

Shippers and brokers Sign up- http://www.xypper.com/

Health Pavilion at GATS 2016 focuses on Trucker Wellness

Thursday Aug 4th 6PM ET

347-826-9170

For the 2nd year in the row, the Trucking Solutions Group (TSG) joins truckings finest to bring quality health information, products, and services to professional drivers at the GATS Health and Wellnes Pavilion.

The Lanstar Health and Wellness Pavilion once again combines efforts and organized partnership with the Trucking Solutions Group and will prove to be even bigger and better than last years event!

Join us as we have as our special guest Rick Ash, Chairman of the Trucking Solutions Group, along with TSG member Les Willis of Godspeed Expediters, LLC.

The Great American Trucking Show ~AUGUST 25-27 ~2016 Dallas, Texas

TSG will be conducting their sixth annual blood drive in partnership with Carter Blood Care and their third annual bone marrow donor registry drive in partnership with Make It Happen USA.

New this year is sleep apnea screening with Dr. John McElligott and the St. Christopher Fund as well as DOT physicals for $59 being conducted by our new friends at AccuScreen.

Another favorite~ 5K road race out at the truck parking lot with free shuttle service to and from the convention center.

GATS Concert Featuring John Michael Montgomery with Tony Justice Opening Act

When: Friday | Aug 26 | 5:30 p.m. Where: Ballroom D

Open Forum- Vital Summer Health Tips for Truckers

Thursday 7/21/16 6PM ET

347-826-9170

The summer of 2016 is anticipated to reach record temperature highs all over the country, and with high temperatures are great health risks. Truckers are not exempt from the dangers and health risks of these elevated temps. Often drivers are so focused on either p/u or delivery, they ignore the warning signs of scorching temperatures.

Join us as we discuss the dangers and health risks for OTR drivers as well as what precautions they can do to prevent serious repercussions from heat exposure.

Also, we'll be announcing who won the Kindle Fire from Carolyn O'Byrne, "The Trucking Health Coach" of LifeCoachServices.net Carolyn is the author of the "hot off the press book. "Gut Instinct", which is quickly becoming a truckers "best seller"

Don't miss another AskTheTrucker "Live" Show Get text alerts to your phone

https://mobile-text-alerts.com/truckingradio

Truckers Gut Instinct

Thursday 6-23-16

6PM ET

347-826-9170

Professional truckers are pretty savvy over the road, but one thing they may not be up on is their "gut instinct".

Life Coach and truck driver advocate Carolyn O'Byrne of Life Coach Service will be joining us to explain how information in her new book "Gut Instinct" can positively change one's life, both physically and emotionally, all by just understanding how your "gut instinct" works.

Carolyn will also be sharing with us how we can enter the Life Coach Service contest drawing and win a Kindle Fire!

Be one of the first to download her new book.

We'll also be exploring what's going on at GATS this year and how drivers are playing a big part in this years Great American Truck Show!

Call in to be a part of the show 347-826-9170 or just listen in through your phone!

St Chris Driven to be Healthy Challenge 2 at GATS

Thursday

June 16th 6PM ET

347-826-9170

Once again Julie Dillon and the St Christopher Truckers Fund puts Trucker to the forefront as they bring the St. Christopher Fund 2nd Annual Driven to be Healthy Challenge. This is a 6-month challenge for ALL current CDL holders with 2 categories for both monthly and overall winners!

Registration will start on July 1st. The challenge kicks off at GATS (you do not have to be present) on August 25th in the GATS HealthPavilion.

You may register at the Driven To Be Healthy Page on truckersfund.org. Anyone preregistered for the health challenge will be automatically entered to win a SCF Blue Tiger headset to be given away at GATS!

The 2 grand prize winners will win a 3 day, 2 night trip! One of the trips is to Las Vegas and the other is a fishing trip in Minnesota!

So, If you are a current CDL holder, join us for the St. Christopher Fund 2nd Annual Driven to be Healthy Challenge. This is a 6-month challenge for ALL current CDL holders with 2 categories for both monthly and overall winners.

The challenge runs August 29, 2016 February 2017 . We will be kicking off the challenge at GATS in August.

The categories are Greatest % of Weight Loss and Most Active Minutes Walking/Running. You can join in at any time!

After registering, please join our Driven to be Healthy Facebook group to get weekly tips, see winners, and get up-to-date information.

If you have any questions, please contact Julie Dillon at julie@truckersfund.org.

Open Forum: Discussing Root causes of Low Truck Driver Wages?

Thursday 5-12-16

6PM ET 347-826-9170

As truckers continue to perform more work "for free, their wages decline, especially when taken into account that drivers are working more hours for either equal or less than their wages earned just a few years ago.

But what is REALLY contributing to the decline in wages? You would think if there was a legitimate Driver Shortage, wages would be rising? Jerry Fritts recently posted interesting article "Driver Productivity Increases as Wages Plummet"

Pat Hockaday from Truckers United has also been vocal on Radio and Social Media for many months now regarding “fair and living wages for truck drivers.”, and has been organizing a call for truckers to unite.... but where?

Jerry and Pat will be joining us with their thoughts… Let’s hear your thoughts!

6PM ET

347-826-9170

To be notified of alerts to ALL radio broadcasts you can sign up for Text Alerts to your phone.

Motivating Truckers to better health - Is it possible?

Thursday 6PM ET 347-826-9170

One of the biggest obstacles preventing professional truck drivers from jumping on the "be healthy" band wagon is becoming motivated! How do you change that? A good old fashion competition!

Drivers coninuously face the obstacles of OTR trucking, the sedentary lifestyle, long hours, lack of regular sleep patterns, poor food choices, and just a downright difficult lifestyle. Becoming healthier has been a challenge in itself, but fellow trucker and video master, James Crowley of Texomatic Pictures, has created a challenge to motivate others and help create a new mindset. It's called the MATS2GATS Fitness Challenge.

Learn how the combination of HEALTH + Comradery+ Challenge+ Truck Shows +Prizes = a new type of motivation for truckers to improve their lives. For those on Facebook here's the MATS2GATS Community Page

Call in and join the show and discover who else is a part of the challenge!

347-826-9170

Saturday 4-2-16 Trucking Open Forum: Feature Topic “Does increase trucker productivity LOWER Wages?”

Ongoing Truck Driver Issues continue as well as the discussions and ideas for solutions. As Drivers wait for the FMCSA ELD Final Rule to kick in 12-2017, many are concerned that their wages will be reduced. Theoretically, if you legally log your paper logs anyway, they should not, but why do some feel they will?

Recently OOIDA has filed their argument challenging the FMCSA’s ELD mandate stating that requiring electronic monitoring devices on commercial vehicles does not advance safety, is arbitrary and capricious and violates Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

But is there a way that ELD’s could be used to increase wages?

What about hours of service (HOS)? How are you logging your hours? How many hours to you log off duty? Are you really off duty?

Veteran truckers Jerry Fritts and Pat Hockaday of Truckers United join us to share their twist on these topics. These are a few of the topics, but as part of the open forum format, callers are welcome to call in as discussions are open to “anything trucking”

TO be a part of the show call 347-826-9170 and then click “1” on your keypad.

Another Rulemaking for truckers! On March 8th 2016 the FMCSA and FRA announced the following

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) request data and information concerning the prevalence of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among individuals occupying safety sensitive positions in highway and rail transportation, and on its potential consequences for the safety of rail and highway transportation.

Driver Fatigue- Is Sleep Apnea the culprit... or are there other causes?

So what does this mean for professional drivers?

Should drivers be even more concerned about screening criteria, testing, diagnosis and Costs? Our guest will be Elaine Papp of HealthandSafetyWorks.net

Elaine Papp, was the chief of FMCSA's Medical Programs Division and tonight she explains how Sleep Apnea guidance has evolved into an anticipated final rule, and what truckers will need to do in order to have their concerns heard AND considered before the Final Rule Making.

The (FMCSA) and (FRA) are seeking public input during the next 90 days on the impacts of screening, evaluating and treating rail workers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; Docket # FMCSA-2015-0419 public comments are due June 8th 2016 Join us !! Thursday March 24th 6PM ET 347-826-9170

Thursday March 9th 2016 347-826-9170

How to Defeat Challenges and Celebrate Victory for Better Trucker Health

More than most other professions, OTR drivers face numerous obstacles when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Their Irregular schedules, long hours, lack of physical activity, stress, and limited access to healthy foods on the road, make healthy living a challenge … to say the least!

This lifestyle, as well as this difficult nature of the their profession, has led to many health risks, including heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, fatigue.

Tonight however we celebrate victory for professional drivers who are seeking better health. Drivers are a witness that, no matter how big the challenge or how many obstacles, “where there is a will there is a way”

Join us and our guest Julie Dillon of the St Christopher Truckers Fund as she and drivers share the victories of OTR truckers who completed the six month long “Driven to be Healthy" challenge created by the St Chris Fund.

Calling in will be drivers who entered and completed the challenge and who are now quickly becoming an inspiration to other drivers

Join us as we hear how these truckers overcame the many obstacles of OTR trucking, and have not only lost weight, but have significantly increased their daily activity!

Drivers, YES YOU CAN!

Call in # 347-826-9170

press “1” on your keypad to join in the conversation

Is the ATA the voice for the Professional driver? 2-25-16 6PM ET 347-826-9170

We will be playing a recent radio interview of the Chairman of the ATA, Pat Thomas, who made the statement that the ATA is not only the voice of the trucking industry, but more importantly the voice to Congress and Lawmakers, as well as those in charge for regulations!!

Yes, regulations! You know the ones, Speed Limiters, ElD’s, heavier trucks....

A provision ( introduced in part by the ATA) is presently waiting to be approved in the FAA Reauthorization bill,. Slipped into the FAA bill is a provision hidden deep within affecting the U.S. trucking industry, specifically the way wages are paid to CDL drivers. Among those who have placed pressure on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to include this wage damaging provision are:

American Trucking Associations, the 50 ATA-affiliated state trucking associations, the National Private Truck Council, the Truckload Carriers Association and the Truck Renting and Leasing Association.

The ATA is desperately trying to get the truck driver wage provision in the FAA reauthorization bill!

Tonight we will discuss the deceiving tactics that are being used by the ATA to get professional drivers to agree with them,having Section 611 approved in the FAA bill. Read more

If you do not believe the ATA is your voice, then call your representative and tell them no to Section 611 in the FAA bill.

202-224-3121

Call in tonight and let us know who you believe the voice of the Professional Driver is!

join in the conversation 347-826-9170

Independent Truck drivers Injured on the Job! Are they covered for lost time, wages, and injury expenses?

Hundreds of thousands of Independents and Owner Operators have been misled into believing that Occupation Accident Insurance will cover them should they have an injury on the job. It’s not until they become injured do they discover their injury is either not covered at all, or the payout is far less than what had been discussed during their purchase.

Our popular guest within the truck driver community tonight is Trey Walker of Nobska Point Inusrance

A few months ago Trey was our guest on ,” Owner Operators CAN afford Private Health Insurance …” Since that show, numerous drivers have been able to either save thousands or finally be able to afford Insurance. These are just 2 of the emails we received after the last show with Mr Walker.

“Thanks for everything you guys are great. We now have insurance thanks to y’all.” Kenny Capell – Owner Operator

“I listened when Trey Walker talked and he is saving us $790 a month and we have better coverage with a lot less deductible. Thank You for having him as a guest!” Linda Caffee of the Trucking Solutions Group

Now Trey joins us again to explain the misconceptions and false security of purchasing Occupational Accident Insurance, especially when they could have paid much less for short term disability insurance which actually pays A LOT when drivers are injured… and that includes on or off the job!

Thursday

2-18-166PM ET

347-826-9170

Just as the Denham Amendment attempted, but failed, to prevent Fair wages for truckers in last years Highway Bill known as the FAST ACT, once again the large motor carriers (ATA) have managed to slip in the same exact provision into H.R. 4441, the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act, otherwise known as the FAA Reauthorization Bill.

The Act was introduced by the House of Representatives. The “AIRR” Act as it is called, is a bill designed to authorize aviation programs, but on pp 256-258, Title VI, Sec 611, labeled Federal Authority, the attack on driver wages was slipped in by these members of the U.S House of Transportation Committee.

Listen to our last show explaining the dangers of the Denham Amendment and read more via OOIDA's Fighting for Truckers page.

We believe this attack on wages exploits new CDL drivers. Attorney Christina Humphrey is our guest who will discuss Section A and B of the provisions within the FAA Reauthorization Bill.

347-826-9170 and press"1" to join the conversation.

“It’s all about Safety” These are the famous words you’ll hear whenever a call to action needs support, usually creating laws and regulations affecting professional CMV drivers.

Along with such calls for more laws will follow the lobbyisst in support, fitting their agendas.

Where is the call to action for ”Michaels Law Amendment” an Amendment to 18 U.S. Code 926A proposed by James Lamb of the SBTC? The proposed amendment, would expand the existing Federal “Interstate Transportation of Firearms” statute into a right-to-carry law for all Americans engaged in interstate commerce. According to the Department of Labor, one person is MURDERED in the transportation industry EVERY WEEK! Should the NRA be supporting this?

Next, CRST refers to safety also in their request for exemption at the FMCSA. According to CRST, allowing CLP holders (Commercial Learners Permit) to drive team, with little or no OTR driving experience, U.S. highways would be safer and more productive. Read CRST Exemption Request here. Comments by 2/4/16.

Desiree Wood of RealWomenInTrucking did not agree and started a petition.."Stop Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from granting unsafe exemptions for truck driver trainees"

Both James Lamb and Desiree Wood will be our guests to discuss these 2 very Concerning Safety Issues affecting drivers and the nation.

Saturday 1-23-16

6PM ET

Call in number to listen 347-826-9170 and to be part of the QA

Alternative Health Remedies while OTR Trucking

Thursday 1/21/16

6PM ET

Call in # 347-826-9170

One of the biggest challenges that an OTR driverr can face is becoming ill while trucking. Many times you can be miles from the nearest drugstore or emergency facility. So what do you do?

Tonight we will discuss some of the best alternative remedies should you become sick over the road; from toothaches, migraines, cuts, colds, bronchitis, UTI’s, and so many other ailments that can occur.

Our guest Carolyn O’Byrne of LifeCoachService.net, will share her many years of APPLIED experience using alternatives to conventional medicine.

Join us and learn the essentials to carry on the truck should a health illness or an emergency arise. Every Trucker needs to listen to this show.

Call in and join in the conversation; Ask questions or share your ideas

347-826-9170 Then press “1” on your keypad

OPEN FORUM: 2016 Top concerns for professional drivers

It's 2016 and many of us are reflecting upon 2015 and so many of the events and issues which have taken place. There were many highlight topics for 2015, including one of the most controversial of the year, the FMCSA Final Rule for the ELD mandate. Why are so many professional drivers up in arms over this mandate? How does it negatively affect driver wages? And why do others say they can earn higher profits with an ELD?

As we open up 2016 on AskTheTrucker "Live" we're not only going to discuss YOUR concerns for this year, but those plans to address them. What are your top issues for 2016? Wages? HOS? Detention Pay? ELD's? Truck Parking? Regulations? EPA? But more importantly, what are your thoughts and ideas to confront those issues which seem to have a direct impact on the livlihood of professional truck drivers?

Join us as we enter 2016 on AskTheTrucker "Live" with our first broadcast of the New Year: Open Forum "2016 Top concerns for professional drivers."

6PM ET

Call-in number: 347-826-9170. Join the conversation by pressing "1" on your keypad at any time.

New Years Eve on AskTheTrucker 'Live' – 2015 Trucker Highlights and 2016 Goals with guest and Co-Host Pat Hockaday of TruckersUnited.org

Thursday Dec 31st 2015 6PM ET 347-826-9170

Join the excitement this New Years Eve as we countdown the 2015 Highlights and Feature 2016 concerns and goals for the Professional CDL driver.

2015 Highlights- the Transportation Bill was passed! Among a long list of inclusions were: CSA reform, drug testing reform, detention time study, and an insurance rule study.

Not included in the bill: No under 21 year old interstate truckers, or bigger/ heavier trucks, no Carrier Hiring Standards, the strike down of the Denham Amendment, which could have negatively affected CMV drivers wages.

One of the most controversial episodes for 2015 was the Tracey Morgan crash, which received national publicity and opened up a can of worms for many carriers and drivers, revealing clever attempts at manipulating trucking HOS. One of the biggest victories for drivers was Kenny Capell’s victory for the Obstruction of Justice “Right to Sleep” court case, led by SBTC chairman James Lamb.

The National Truck Parking Coalition was formed and has continued the task of addressing the 30 year old problem of truck parking shortages. FMCSA was busy also this 2015 as The ELD rule has become final, as was the Driver Coercion Rule.

Let’s not forget “the Right to Carry”, ’Mike Law’ for CDL drivers, which would grant a national gun permit.

As we move forward into 2016, there remain vital issues for drivers. Wages, HOS, Truck Parking, and ELD’s still remain high on the list of concerns.

Share YOUR TOP concerns as we enter 2016 and be a part of the entry for the free FalconEye Dashcam

Thursday 6PM ET 12/10/15 347-826-9170 Over the Road trucking during the holidays

Christmas and the holidays are a time of joy, laughter, family and friends, as well as plenty of good food and treats. Unfortunately, along with all the joy can be the addition of season stress, and for others, the holidays can even be just a pretty difficult time to endure.

But the professional CDL driver experiences a different type of holiday season, and along with that also comes a unique type of holiday stress, foreign to most of the general population.

Loneliness, isolation, and being away from loved ones are just a few things that drivers deal with, on top of their already demanding and hectic jobs.

Join us tonight as we have as our guest Carolyn O’Byrne of LifeCoachService.net, who has dealt with and helped hundreds of drivers with their different situations over the years, including the topic of spending holidays over the road.

We’ll be focusing on the unique circumstances that drivers face during the holiday season, including the joyous, not so joyous, and even downright stressful situations they must deal with as they experience “life over the road during the holidays”

How do you make it through the holiday season? Call in and be a part of the show and share your experiences and encouragement as an over the road truck driver during the holidays.

347-826-9170

Thursday 12-3-15 6PM "FMCSA Health Updates for CDL drivers"

With Truck Driver Health continuing to be a major concern among drivers and the rest of the trucking community, Elaine Papp of HealthadnSafetyWorks.net joins us once again to keep us up to date on what is coming down the pike with FMCSA rules and possible changes.

We'll be discussing the possibility of VA doctors being given the authority to perform CDL health physicals for U.S. Veterans who meet criteria for VA health care benefits, without having to be a part of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

We'll also be reviewing the rules for Insulin dependent diabetics and the progress on the NPRM regarding doing away with Insulin Exemptions for CDL drivers. FMCSA is proposing to permit drivers with stable, well-controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

Finally, what's happening with Sleep Apnea Ruling? What should we be expecting?

Be a part of the conversation by calling in 347-826-9170 to either listen or joining in with questions and comments.

Trucking Open Forum - Special Alert to discuss Transportation Bill Amendment

Special Show Alert Tuesday 11/17/15

6PM ET Call in 347-826-9170

The House Transportation bill has an amendment, which, if approved in the final version of the House and Senate Transportation bill, could be damaging regarding wages of professional drivers. It's called the Denham Amendment 114-21.

Last week the Truth About Trucking network set out an all out campaign to bring awareness to this harmful amendment.

Listen to Saturdays Denham Amendment segment on AskTheTrucker "Live' here

We have been joined by many, including TruckersUnited.org, the Professional Truckers Association Group, and thousands of drivers throughout the country. But still many are confused as to what the repercussions affecting drivers will be.

Today, OOIDA announced their strong opposition to the Denham Amendment sending a call to action to their members, claiming it would unravel mandated fair-pay for drivers and would empower large carriers to further reduce driver wages. THey also said that It would also gut the ability for states to address critical items like payment for detention time, safety training and medical examinations or other costs associated with licensing procedures.

Tonight we have an additional to our regularly scheduled show to discuss the Denham Amendment and further explain what it would mean to professional drivers if added to the final version of the Transportation bill.

Sat11-14-15 6PM ET 347-826-9170 2 crucial topics-professional drivers need to be aware Mikes Law- A gun law which would allow professional drivers to have a Federal Gun Permit, which would override state reciprocity laws, thus allowing legal gun carry in all 48 states.The Denham Amendment, which was slipped in to the House of Representatives Transportation Bill and could have detrimental repercussions on the wages of Professional Drivers. Our 1st guest will be James Lamb of the Small business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) who introduced Mikes Law in July of 2014, after the tragic death of professional driver Michael Boeglin was shot and killed while waiting to load.

Mike’s Law bill for Americans working in interstate commerce, protects and promotes the Second and Fourteenth Amendment Rights of Americans working in interstate commerce, allowing them to be able to carry firearms for self protection nationwide.

Our 2nd guest will be Aashish Desai of the Desai Law Firm. An attorney and advocate, Mr Desai represents thousands of truck drivers in wage disputes and will explain the repercussions of the Denham Amendment which crept into the U.S. House Transportation bill, passed Nov 4th.

The Denham Amendment, introduced by Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA), legislation which could substantially reduce the amount truckers are compensated for all time.

Thursday Nov 5th 6PM ET 347-826-9170 Owner Operators CAN Afford Private Health Insurance

The lifestyle of the professional driver has led to many illnesses over the years, no one disputes that.

A main concern and challenge for many drivers, and a major reason for not taking care of their health, is the exorbitant cost for Health Care Coverage. So what do they do? They go without.

Many Owner Operators have attempted to take advantage of tax credits, reduced cost health insurance, only to be misinformed and rejected, often told they did not qualify for a reduced rate, when in fact they most definitely did!

Tonight we will explain why this happens and how to avoid this path.

Our guest tonight, Trey Walker from Nobska Point Insurance will explain how Owner Operators CAN afford and obtain full Private Health Insurance with low deductibles and low co-pays, most often for under $100.00/month, This includes those who have been previously told that they did not qualify for a tax credit.

Mr Walker will also share with us how and why he has personally guided many drivers onto the correct path in order to obtain the affordable health care they need, without needing to go through the maze of the government website.

Unlike others, NobskaPoint Ins is unique to the trucking industry as they use their own software and are licensed in all 48 states. This means you are never directed to someone else and you always have customer service.

In other words, You start with Nobska Point Ins and end with Nobska Point Ins.

Thursday Oct 29th 6PM ET Sick or Hurt over the road -What do you do?

Professional Drivers face many obstacles, one of them being ill or injured while traveling far from home and even hundreds of miles from a care facility. What do they do?

FMCSA Introduces Driver Wellness Programs

Last month the FMCSA announced a joint meeting of its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) and Medical Review Board (MRB) Together, the MCSAC and MRB worked to identify concepts the Agency and stakeholders should consider in relation to the issue of health and wellness of drivers of commercial motor vehicles and the establishment of a driver wellness initiative, a non-regulatory public-private partnership of stakeholders to improve drivers' health

The FMCSA allowed public comments as well as written comments via the portal. Truth About Trucking/AskTheTrucker sent in their concerns regarding the agency’s involvement with Driver Wellness, stating they must understand the challenges that drivers face in order to accurately address and give suggestion to driver wellness.

One of the 6 major concerns mentioned in their submitted comment was “ What happened If a driver becomes ill while over the road”

Tonight Donna Smith of Truck Driver Health and her co-host Tom Kyrk of Road Tested Living will discuss this challenge and the available options drivers have.

We want to know! What you do if you become sick or injured while driving OTR.

To ask a question or make a comment call in!!

347-826-9170 then press “1” on your keypad.

Saruday 10-17-15 6PM ET 347-826-9170

AskTheTrucker 'Live' opens its lines to the trucking community to discuss industry topics on your mind. We’ll open up with the “Perception of the driver shortage” and if there is really one.

The ATA Truck Driver Shortage Report recently state that carriers feel there is a shortage of quality drivers, or in other words, hirable drivers.

Drivers are saying there’s just a shortage of drivers who are willing to work for low wages. Who is right? And what is that definition of a “quality driver”? You’ll be surprised to learn how carriers determine what a quality driver is.

Other topics include wages, regulations, jobs, health, lifestyle, and ANYTHING “trucking”

Call in to listen through your phone or via the show page.

347-826-9170

To be a part of the show, click 1 in your keypad after dialing in.

To received text alert show reminders click on the link

https://mobile-text-alerts.com/truckingradio

Saturday 10-3-15 6pm ET-

Join us with our guest and co-host, Tom Kyrk of Road Tested Living as we discuss the hottest topics on AskTheTrucker “Live’ Truck Driver Health Open Forum.

Professional drivers are more aware of the dangers of their compromised food supply, the increase in illnesses such as diagnosed diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and increased autoimmune disease.

Because of awareness, truckers are now more concerned and actively involved by taking proactive measures to improve their health.

You know who else has announced they are going to become proactively involved with driver health? The FMCSA. On September 21st and 22nd FMCSA's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Council ( MCSAC) and the Medical Review Board (MRB) opened up discussion regarding the Health and Wellness of the professional Driver.

Tonight we will discuss this newly announced involved by the FMCSA and determine if becoming involved with truck driver health and wellness is for the earnest regard of the professional driver? Or.... is it to become just one more way the government will become even more involved with driver lives.

We’ll also be discussing , unsafe cookware to avoid in your truck, what kind of diet programs to stay away from, and the new craze on “salts” is there any really any differences?

Be a part of the show tonight. Call in number is 347-826-9170

The most important job for any broker, trucking owner-operator or small fleet owner is finding the best-paying freight loads to haul. For many, this task is the most difficult part of owning a trucking company.

Many drivers believe that being an independent is the way to be more successful within the trucking industry and many are successful doing so. However, along with this decision comes many responsibilities, one of those being the ability to find and choose profitable loads.

There are many reasons why those within the trucking industry begin a Freight Broker Training course:

Dispatchers have found that the course can broaden their careers. Others love truck driving or owning their own trucking company and want to learn more about the business mechanics of the industry and being able to increase their profits. For those drivers leaving the industry due to retirement or health issues, etc., still wish to remain active within the industry and choose to learn a newer aspect of the field.

This evening we will discuss how Freight Broker Training can benefit those within the trucking industry with our special guest, Jeff Roach of Brooke Transportation Training.

Video Testimonial

To be a part of the program, press "1" on the keypad at anytime. Come join the conversation: 347-826-9170.

On September 21 and 22, the FMCSA will have a joint meeting with the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) and Medical Review Board (MRB) and will discuss the concepts and initiatives of the Health and Wellness of CMV drivers.

Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee and Medical Review Board Public Meetings

What will this mean to professional drivers and the trucking industry? What is the purpose of this meeting? Will discussions lead to more regulations?

As the continued concern for driver health escalates, including from drivers themselves, what should we expect from the FMCSA joint meeting regarding the health and wellness for CMV drivers?

Our guest tonight will be Elaine Papp, who is no stranger to FMCSA operations. Ms. Papp retired earlier this year as the FMCSA's Division Chief for the Office of Medical Programs.

Elaine now has the consulting website, HealthAndSafetyWorks.net, which is a transportation and occupational health consulting company promoting health and safety on the road and in the workplace.

Join us as we get the inside look of what to expect from the MCSAC and MRB as they discuss the concepts and initiatives, addressing the Health and Wellness of CMV driver wellness.

To listen from your phone or to call in with comments and questions: 347-826-9170

Thursday 6PM ET Trucking Open Forum Tonight we take a look at the vast movement and initiative taking place within the trucking industry, as we open the lines to the Trucking Health Forum. As more and more social media groups are embracing better health for truck drivers, questions continue to arise to better understand health importance as well as how to apply this new way of living to the trucking lifestyle.

Join host Donna Smith of Trucking Social Media and our special guest Carolyn O'Byrne of Life Coach service as she shares her professional advice, tips and encouragement with all of us.

We invite everyone to also be a part of the show adding their own input and advice to the conversation. Social Media groups are welcome! Call in # 347-826-9170

Tune in "Live" from the 2015 Great American Trucking Show as co-host Donna Smith, representing Trucking Social Media at GATS this year, brings us the highlights from the LANDSTAR "Fit for the Road" Health and Wellness Pavilion.

Call-in guests include: Carolyn O'Byrne from Life Coach Service, TruckerPath: the popular mobile app for drivers. Also, Urgent Care Travel, Tough Tested, Trucking Solutions Group, Desiree Wood, Tony Justice and the list keeps growing!

Saturday, August 29th: 2 PM Eastern Time.

Saturday August 22nd 2015 6PM ET

Tonight is a very solemn topic for truckers, Suicide by Truck, discussing the horrible incidents of pedestrians and four-wheelers, who choose speeding trucks as an instrument of their suicide Although the subject matter is not uncommon among veteran drivers, it's not often a preferred topic of discussion in the chat rooms.

A truck driver whose truck has been randomly chosen as the means to anothers' end, may silently struggle for years with the horrific guilt and graphic memories of the incident.

Our guest tonight on AskTheTrucker Live is Carolyn Magner Mason, special contributor for Overdrive Magazine. Carolyn has recently written the eerily popular “Suicide by Truck” 4 part series for Overdrive Magazine.

Video of 'Suicide by truck' on I-35E in Texas caught on owner-operator's dashcam.

Call in tonight and share your thoughts about this topic, whether it be an opinion, or your own personal experience or even near experience of "Suicide by Truck".

347-826-9170

Join us Saturday 8/8/15 6PM ET as we unveil some of the best highlights going on at the Great American Trucking Show going on in Dallas Texas Aug 27-29 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

This years Truck Show displays much of its focus where it should be, around the professional driver!

Here are few of our scheduled guests who will be calling in to share their highlights with us;

Rick Ash, chairman of the Trucking Solutions Group (TSG), who leads the charge over at the Landstar Fit for the Road Health Pavilion. Listen to the details of the FREE Health Screening offered to drivers. Read more

Also scheduled from TSG is Linda Caffee, owner operator with Landstar, and Les Willis, Owner of God Speed Expeditors. Tom Kyrk, founder of Road Tested Living will also share his extensive involvement.

We are thrilled to also have on the show this year, Julie Dillon, of The Saint Christopher Fund who will discuss the “Driven to be Healthy Challenge” This is a 6-month challenge with 2 categories for both monthly and overall winners. The challenge runs August 27 – February 27 and it will all begin at #GATS.

If you’re directly involved with GATS this year and would like to share your participation details with us, we invite you to join in on the conversation. 347-826-9170

Thursday 7/30/15 6PM ET “Drivers under stress”

This weeks Truck Driver Health series addresses drivers under stress. Continued discussions on health leads us down another path this week, emotional difficulty and how it affects each person.

There are many drivers who have had or are having emotional difficulty while driving professionally. What do they do? Who do they turn to? Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Tonight as our guest we have professional driver and driver advocate Toby Bogard. Many know Toby for his nutritional insight and exercise videos, including his latest one Truckers Workout

Toby will share with us his own recent trials and where he reached out for help as well as how he came out victoriously, stronger than ever and now continuing his goals to help others.

Join us as we discuss the many difficulties that so many drivers go through, as well as the light at the end of the tunnel.

Call in # to listen to show via phone or to join in 347-826-9170

Saturday Night Trucking Open Forum on AskTheTrucker 'Live'

Saturday 7-18-15 6PM ET

Tonight we have our "Open Forum Round Table" discussions, opening the lines for all those who wish to voice about issue, concerns, or just anything trucking related.

Trucking topics for the show are open for discussion, including ( but not limited to): Senate bills including "drivers paid for all time", the call for double the liability insurance, bringing in teenage CDL drivers, using hair for drug testing, allowing longer/heavier trucks, deadlines for rules on ELDs rule and the call for a proposed rule for speed limiters, removing CSA scores from public view, and whatever else is on your mind…. Like categorizing drivers as UNSKILLED labor ( no overtime pay!)

To listen in or to be a part of the discussion, call in 347-826-9170

To join in.... Press 1 on your keypad

Truckers and their "Gut" reactions to health

Thursday July 9th, 2015, 6PM ET 347-826-9170

The quest for better health continues for many drivers, whether they are seeking better health, have a desire to lose weight, or both.

Over the road professional drivers face many challenges and setbacks as they strive to meet their goals, sometimes needing support along the way.

Our guest Carolyn O'Byrne of LifeCaochService.net, no stranger to the trucking industry, has supported many struggling drivers and their families along the way. One of her areas of expertise is health, and tonight we will discuss the correlation between "Gut Health" and overall wellbeing . Some of the topics to be discussed are:

How our dietary habits affect our digestive health, including:

The ratio of good and bad bacteria, the adequate amount of HCL( hydrochloric acid), our mental state, and more

How does our gut affect our immune response to disease?

Why is your gut called "the second brain"

What is a "leaky gut" and how do we get it? What problems does it cause?

Do Genetically Modified Food affect our Gut Health and lead to other problems?

Join us at 6PM as we address the importance of digestive health as it relates to Overall Health

Overcoming the top challenges affecting OTR Truck Driver Health

Thursday 7-2-15 6PM ET

347-826-9170

Bob Perry, President and founder of Rolling Strong, will join us and discuss the major challenges faced by professional drivers, challenges which if left unaddressed, can drastically affect a truckers’ health and quality of life.

Tonight’s show will shed light and hope for all those who are truly looking for real life practical answers to the difficult challenges they face in OTR trucking.

NOTE: Being an OTR driver is like no other career and the challenges that truck drivers face, including staying healthy, are also unique.

Because of the OTR driver lifestyle, many common health issues are typical, and if not addressed, can shorten ones career and even their life.

Join us as we discuss OTR driver lifestyle, challenges, health related problems, and most importantly, the solutions to “overcome”

Call in # 347-826-9170

Press “1” on your keypad to talk to the host

Saturday June 27th 6:30 PM ET

347-826-9170

The FMCSA has posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Qualifications of Drivers; Diabetes Standard, proposing to do away with the Diabetes Exemption Program. Although there are many drivers who feel this is a long overdue rule, others are concerned that the rule (the way it is written) would compromise the safety of the driver and the highways.

Dr Randolph Rosarion, certified medical examiner in the US DOT FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) and Elaine Papp, board certified occupational health nurse and founder of Health and Safety Works, LLC, will be our special guests as they discuss the complex and unseen details of insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus and how it relates to the NPR and the professional driver.

Qualifications of Drivers; Diabetes Standard Summary -

FMCSA proposes to permit drivers with stable, well-controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) to be qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Currently, drivers with ITDM are prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtain an exemption from FMCSA.

Have questions about your Diabetes or the Proposed Rule?

Call in # 347-826-9170 Then click "1" on your keypad to join in the conversation

"Truck Driver Health- The "best" health program for you is.... "

Thursday 6PM ET 347-826-917

As move forward with Driver Health discussions we realize more and more that there is no "one size fits all health program" . If you believe there is, you're setting yourself up for failure.

We can take in all the information we want, but the bottom line is we need to apply knowledge to our lives, and what works for John, may not work for Mary, and yet John and Mary are BOTH improving their health. How could that be?

Although than most people concerned about health will agree to avoid: processed foods, trans fats, GMO's, sugar, soda ,artificial ingredients and chemicals, pesticides, herbicides..... AND to increase organic food, water consumption, exercise,.... There still needs to be that all important consideration of the Person making the change.

So what diet is best? Here's a few choices : Paleo Diet, Vegan Diet, Vegetarian Diet, Raw Diet, Zone Diet, Atkins Diet... and the list goes on.

Join us tonight as Donna Smith of Trucking Social Media and Tom Kyrk of Road Tested Living discuss the absolute BEST health program for YOU... Call us and share how you either have achieved, or are in the process of achieving your goal towards PERSONALIZED optimal health.

Haven't Decided which health program is best for you?

We hope by the time the show is over tonight...... YOU"LL KNOW.

CALL IN 347-826-9170 and share your thoughts, knowledge, and testimony with us!

Saturday 6PM ET: "STAA whistleblower protection - Harmful information on DAC Reports."

Many drivers have experienced, or are at least familiar with employer retaliation via wrongful and harmful information reported to authorized agencies. It's not an exaggeration to say that many careers have been ruined by these unlawful acts. The most common of all is the infamous DAC report.

Our guests Paul Taylor of Truckers Justice Center and Jon Stanek of Stanek Law Office and Fix My DAC Report will discuss common retaliation incidents against professional drivers as well as remedies which drivers can apply to rid themselves of wrongful and deliberate allegations. Paul and Jon specialize in Trucker cases and have extensive experience in the courtroom and are dedicated to Trucking Emplyment Law, harassment, discrimination, credit reporting errors, wrongful termination, truck lease disputes,wage disputs...and more

Topics to be included in tonight's Discussion Using STAA whistleblower protections to remove harmful information from DAC Reports Unauthorized pulls of DAC ReportsAbandonment and co. policy violation notations on DAC ReportsThe Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Understanding your rightsInvestigation and Reinvestigation process; The No Parroting RuleUnderstanding Damages made- The difference between Negligent vs. Willful Have you had an experience with retaliation? Did it go on your DAC report and cause extensive problems? Have questions? Paul and Jon will be taking your calls.

347-826-9170: Press "1" on your KeyPad at anytime to join the conversation.

Thursday May 28th, 2015 A vital part of anyone’s healthcare is the ability to communicate with a certified medical doctor when a health problem arises. For truckers, this issue is most difficult, as they are most of the time far away from their primary care physician and on route to either pick up or deliver a load.

Most drivers get paid by the mile and do not get paid "sick time" to even go to a doctor. To make matters worse, many are without medical insurance. All too often, a truck driver will ignore an illness or symptoms, hoping it "goes away". Unfortunately this can often lead to a serious outcome for the driver.

Teladoc® and DocOnCall24/7 have a service designed and available for the professional truck driver which allows truckers to access a certified medical doctor 24/7 and 365 days of the year. Communication between you and the Doctor can be done by phone, video or email.

Join us as our DocOnCall247 guest discusses the many benefits of this vital membership. Telemedicine is a relatively new kind of medical service and there are many who are unfamiliar. We will be taking callers questions via call-in number: 347-826-9170. Press "1" on your keypad at anytime to join the conversation.

AVAILABLE NOW for all. FREE Prescription Discount Cards for the iPhone and Android smartphones. Use the Group: NBRx9848A for discounts at all major pharmacies,lowest cost for the medication, and find nearest pharmacy. AndroidiPhone

Thursday 5-21-15 6PM ET Tonight we are going to combine 2 of the hottest issues in Trucking; Truck Driver Health and Trucker Wages.

We all know that the Trucker Lifestyle drastically affects their Health, but what about how drivers are paid? Could that be weighing in on driver health also? Our guest tonight believes it does.

Our guest will be Pat Hockaday from TruckersUnited.org. Mr Hockaday is known for JoJo's Paper, an all-out crusade to change the way drivers are paid.

Pat will share some of his thoughts and solutions about driver wages, as well as discuss how trucking and the present trucker wage formula affects driver health.

Join in on the conversation by calling in 347-826-9170 and Press 1 on your keypad to let us know you would like to make a comment or ask a question.

Professional driver, health advocate and recent Travel Centers of America Citizen Driver Award recipient, Rick Ash, joins us to share how he applies healthy living to his life as a Professional driver.

The show will include how important it is to obtain correct, valid, and factual material when searching for beneficial overall health resources.

Rick will share a few of the books and resources that have helped him over the years. We’ll also review some of the best online resources for trusted information.

As creatures of habit, another topic we’ll include is one of the most difficult challenges for all of us, “How do we change the way we are used to eating”

Also, Rick will share some of what the Trucking Solutions Group will be providing for the trucking community at the Health Pavilion they are putting together at GATS

We invite all to call in who can offer their own experiences and resources as well as those who have questions.

Call in # 347-826-9170 Press “1” on your keyboard to be a part of the show

Kylla Lanier, Deputy Director of Truckers Against Trafficking will join us as our special guest to discuss the continual efforts of the organization in their drive throughout the trucking industry to combat domestic sex trafficking.

Discussion will include their first-of-its-kind mobile exhibit, known as The Freedom Drivers Project which provides an insight look into human trafficking as well as offering educational information for trucking professionals and the general public as well.

We will also cover the recent story of a young lady kidnapped out of Iowa and was rescued after Conway Truckload driver, Kevin Kimmel "made the call" which also led to the arrest of her traffickers. The action taken by Mr. Kimmel was recognized on April 3, 2015 when Truckers Against Trafficking presented the driver with their 2015 Harriet Tubman Award.

Truckers Against Trafficking also received the Suzanne McDaniel Memorial Award for Public Awareness as part of the annual Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus Awards on April 22 at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Representatives from ATA, TCA, NATSO and OOIDA were in attendance.

Mrs. Lanier will share the organization's plan for an upcoming new training DVD, more in-depth educational and training portals and much more offered by the 501(c)3 organization.

Call-in number: 347-826-9170. To join the conversation, press "1" on your keypad at any time.

Thursday 4/16/15 6PM ET Healing your body naturally- Is it possible?

Our series on health continues as we discuss the main precursor of most of modern day disease. Also, how we can prevent disease and heal our bodies naturally from the diseases we already have? Is it possible?

A controversial topic. Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, is a medical philosophy and practice based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself. Homeopathy is making a big comeback, but why? Are the side affects of drugs worse than the disease, making homeopathic medicine a more appealing alternative?

We will discuss the importance of whole foods and their medicinal properties along with the foods which are causing the rapid rise in diseases such as: cancer, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune, and others.

If you would like to be a part of tonight’s show offering information or your own testimony regarding healing your body naturally, please call in 347-826-9170. Press 1 on your keypad.

NOTE - The first 4 minutes of Donna's intro experienced technical problems, but then was corrected. Edited show uploaded at 2230 hours and should be in place by 2330.

Saturday 4-11-15 6PM ET : A hot topic for many within the trucking industry- theFMCSA.

To say the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been under criticism and dissecting scrutiny is an understatement. Whether you are a company driver, owner operator, carrier, broker, organization, trade group, or Government Accountability Office, chances are you have found yourself fuming one time or another about an action FMCSA has either taken or proposed to take.

We open up with Tom Byerley of UrTruckBroker.com. Tom is a 44 year trucking veteran with over 4 million safe miles. Owner Operator turned freight broker, Tom shares his concerns with us tonight regarding the FMCSA’s CSA program scores and the affects they are making on the industry.

From there we will lead into other areas which are seriously affecting the trucking industry, including how those acting as “brokers” are avoiding the $75,000 bond designed to protect carriers from broker fraud.

Join us and share your views, insights and opinions. Let’s talk about it. Call in number: 347-826-9170.

Call in to listen or to be a part of the show, press “1” on your keypad at anytime.

The onward movement towards improving health within the trucking industry continues. The Mid America Truck Show was the most recent example of the healthy awareness campaign as many within the industry came together to become educated and join forces to encourage others regarding solutions for healthier lifestyles.

Our continued series of health shows will include tonight the topic of GMO's ( genetically modified organisms). This is a topic which is causing concern as well as confusion. On this episode we want to cover the definitions of GMO, what constitutes a GMO, what are the health affects of GMO's, and how can we avoid them.

The term "eat organic" is many times associated when discussing eating healthy, including avoiding the harmful affects of genetically modified food, but often the term organic is also confusing. What constitutes "organic"?

Call in tonight 4/2/15 6PM ET and become a part of the show.

Dial # 347-826-9170 and then press "1" on your keypad to notify us that you want to join in the conversation.

Want to know what's going at MATS 2015? Join us and find out!

Thursday night 6PM ET as those experiencing the excitement call in and share the highlights with us all.

Who's calling in? Health groups, Vendors, Attendees, Truck lovers, and Entertainers, will be sharing Live from the Mid-America Trucking Show and bringing their enthusiasm to us.

Call in number: 347-826-9170. To join in the conversation and be a part of the show, just press the #1 key at any time.

Our special guests will be certified DOT Medical Examiner, Dr. Randolph Rosarian and Elaine Papp, former Division Chief of the Office of Medical Programs at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

They will be answering questions from many within trucking who are concerned about the causes and affects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Among those most concerned are professional CDL Holders who are required to pass the DOT physical exam in order to retain their license.

Concerns include: How to prepare for the DOT physical. What are the dangers of having OSA? Are there any rules presently in place by FMCSA regarding OSA? What does Congress say about CDL drivers and OSA? What regulations or guidelines can be anticipated by FMCSA? What criteria/symptoms requires a driver to have a sleep test and what does a professional driver do if diagnosed with OSA? Can you be terminated for being diagnosed with OSA?

Discussion will also include what treatments are available and accepted for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and ways to pay for

testing.

As always, lines will be open for questions via: 347-826-9170. If you would like to join in the conversation, press 1 at anytime.

Ask The Trucker "LIVE" continues with Part 2 of our truck driver health series describing 5 Basic Steps that drivers can take in order to change their health and life for the better.

We will also be sharing some of the groups who will be attending the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) and who have proven programs which can aid and support drivers in their journey to better health and quality of life.

Call-in number: 347-826-9170 - Come join the conversation.

We will be starting a series of Health Shows on AskTheTrucker "LIVE" addressing the health concerns of the professional truck driver. Health becomes not just an issue for a driver’s profession and career, but a serious concern for life and the quality of life.

Many drivers are plagued with health issues such as obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure, arthritis, and others, including autoimmune diseases which are on an upward climb nationwide.

Join us as we discuss a few of the organizations and driver groups who we have aligned with within the industry, what they are doing to address driver health concerns, and how they are reaching out to drivers to offer help and support.

Read more via: Driver health info and support for concerned truckers.

Are you concerned about driver health or are you addressing your own or lending help to others? Come join the conversation!

Our opening topic for the show will be, "Does law enforcement have the right to wake up drivers while they are on their federally mandated 10 hour break?

Kenny Capell will be checking in with us to share his experience. Kenny was arrested last year forObstruction of Justice while on his mandatory 10 hour break, and after nearly one year, the case was just dismissed as of Feb. 6th, 2015. Is this a victory for truckers in general as they face other challenges in maintaining HOS compliance?

Join us as we review the almost year long journey, including the 'Request for ‘Pattern and Practices’ Investigation of Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division;Civil Application Pursuant to Title 42,U.S.C.,Section14141" by James Lamb of SBTC.

If time allows, we will continue discussion on the importance of truck driver health. Do you believe that more truckers are making a stand for their health and well-being?

Also, what about the continuous and ongoing surge for more regulations or the driver recruitment and retention issue? We'll try to get to this topic as well . . . It's anything "TRUCKING" on our OPEN FORUM broadcast.

Why not call in and join the conversation? 347-826-9170.

Tax season is here and we are joined by our special guest, Todd Amen, Founder and CEO of ATBS. Since 1998, ATBS has helped over 100,000 independent contractors and owner-operators through their expert tax advise. Todd will be providing answers to top Owner Operator tax questions, including finding deductions that many do not know about or perhaps often overlook.

As a leader in the trucking tax service industry and offering products and services for Independent Contractors and Owner-Operators, a primary goal for ATBS is optimizing owner operator's financial success through their accounting and tax preparation and resolutions services.

Topics will expand on many, including, overlooked deductions, quarterly taxes, maintaining proper documents and understanding per diem.

Mr. Amen will take your questions as well via our call-in number: 347-826-9170 and join us in our chat room as we will be posting downloadable tax documents for your convenience as well.

Many professional drivers have goals of purchasing a truck and operating their own business as an owner operator. Often, lack of financial resources or credit availability prevent many from moving forward. Regardless of these challenges, drivers will search for other means to obtain the finances needed in order to achieve their goals, some making decisions which will later prove to be detrimental to their careers.

Joe Hoovestol is the General Manager of Lone Mountain Truck Leasing and joins us as our guest to discuss the various choices available (good and bad) for those considering becoming an owner operator. Mr. Hoovestol will explain those variables which can determine if a driver is an eligible candidate to be a successful owner operator. We will also expand on those signs a driver needs to be aware of in order to spot a predatory lender, as well as vital information to understand before signing documents for truck leases, financial loans or purchases .

Among the two most discussed topics within the trucking industry, specifically among truck drivers, are the HOS and ELD regulations. There are a list of reasons why professional drivers have fought long and hard against ELD's, (EOBR's), but most likely, the final FMCSA rule is right around the corner and so are the additional costs for owner operators and fleets.

This program will focus on some of the challenges of ELD's, including costs, with our special guest, Cory Hunt, CEO and Founder of Pivot Technology Resources, a premier source for new and used mobile communications and asset tracking equipment.

Discussion will include how Independents, Owner- Operators and Fleet Owners can reduce their costs through the services of Pivot Technology Resources which continues to provide solutions to the trucking industry's most pressing issues such as the electronic on-board recorders.

Comments and Questions? Come join the conversation: 347-826-9170

Truck drivers have been saying for years that, "We need more truck parking" but it seems that it took an article in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) to get the much needed attention of the general public.

Join us with our special guest Dave Della Maggiore, a 20 year veteran driver as he shares his interview by WSJ journalist Betsy Morris from the report entitled: Too Many Trucks,Too Little Parking. Dave will also share his thoughts about the trip with WSJ photographers and his encounter with a tired trucker at a truck stop in Clines Corners, New Mexico.

Dave and fiancée, Robin, run their active Facebook group, Give Truckers Room, educating drivers of passenger vehicles how to drive safely around semi trucks.

Also joining us will be Nicholas Carretta, President and CEO of UltraShipTMS which specializes in transportation and technology solutions. UltraShipTMS quickly responded to the WSJ article and addressed the serious parking shortage in their own article, “Use YMS to Combat Truck Parking Crisis" which stated:

"Keeping drivers off of public streets, freeway ramps and vulnerable, remote parking places like abandoned lots is a laudable goal. It is also one that logistics as an industry is going to be forced to address."

Mr. Carretta will discuss the UltraYMS tool, allowing the logistics sector to take an active and responsible part in the truck parking shortage solution.

Our special guest is Brian Carlson of the Drive for Freedom (DFF) Organization, a non-profit advocacy organization under section 501(c)(3.

Brian and the DFF take driver image seriously, believing that one must take responsibility and lead by example if professional drivers are going to be able to accomplish positive change for their industry.

As DFF states on their website, “Our aim is to highlight the importance of Professional Drivers, taking full responsibility for the direction of our industry" and as part of an industry drive, DFF has created the“Drive It Right or Park It” Campaign.

Join the discussion and share your thoughts as we discuss how driver image affects perception and the outcome of many of the troubling issues which drivers face today such as: wages, safety, classification, truck parking, respect and regulations.

6 PM ET: Call-in number: 347-826-9170

Welcome to the 2015 Trucking Open Forum with Allen Smith of AskTheTrucker. Come join the show as we kick off the new year discussing expectations for "Trucking 2015."

For our broadcast, we ask the question: What do you believe is in store for the professional truck driver for 2015? What will be the major focus? Wages, Driver Image, Driver health, Regulations?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts as we focus on what drivers consider will be the primary direction for trucking in 2015 and the industry's most important issues.

Join us for our New Years Eve special broadcast as we recap 2014 with George and Wendy Parker of The George and Wendy Show!

George is an owner/operator, hauling dry van and his wife Wendy rides shotgun while writing about the unique lifestyle of an over the road trucking family. Her articles cover everything from health and education issues to the hilarious perils of using public restrooms with automatic sinks. Follow along with them on The George and Wendy Show Blog as they travel the country and share their thoughts, experiences and adventures in this crazy industry we call trucking.

We will discuss the highlights of the passing year in trucking and share the most memorable and thankful moments of 2014 as we all prepare to bring in the 2015 New Year. What are your most memorable moments from 2014? Call in and come join the conversation as our special guests will also be celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary on Truth About Trucking "LIVE."

We will also be announcing the winners of the North American Trucking Alerts Prize Drawings. Anyone who signed up for the one year FREE NATA membership by 12/30/14 at 12:00 noon are entered into the giveaway, sponsored by our friends at Cobra Electronics. The prizes are a: Cobra 29 LX BT CB Radio and a Cobra CDR 840 Drive HD Dash Cam.

Come join the conversation via: 347-826-9170 and then get on out there and ring in the New Year!

In the early morning hours of September 3, 2006, professional truck driver Randy Tomblin pulled his rig over on the side of I-64 near Huntington, West Virginia. Randy was responding to a lady waving on the side of the interstate, apparently with a flat tire. The time was about 3:00 A.M.

Having always been a good samaritan, Tomblin thought to himself that there was no way he was going to let a women change a tire alone and in the dark. As he walked pass the auto, a male suddenly appeared, hitting Tomblin over the head with what police believed to be a .380-caliber handgun.

Tomblin would be robbed of $200 and as he attempted to rise to his feet, the man fired one bullet that lodged between his lower back and pelvis and which still remains there today. The shooting would cause Randy to spend four months in a wheelchair and unable to work for eleven months.

As a professional driver for 39 years, Randy Tomblin joins us as our special guest to share his story and to discuss his views on Mike's Law - a proposed Bill to Congress by the Small Business in Transportation Coalition which if signed into law, would allow U.S. citizens engaged in interstate commerce to carry a concealed weapon throughout all states, thus not being held to the current reciprocity laws.

The legislative draft entitled Sec. 9999 “Americans Working in Interstate Commerce Protection Act of 2014” is named for trucker, Mike Boeglin who was fatally shot in June of this year in Detroit, Michigan. As of the time of this writing, the petition has received 8,388 signatures.

Join us with our special guest, Randy Tomblin as he shares his story, the thoughts on why Congress should pass Mike's Law and the ongoing problems still faced today from that one moment in time back in 2006.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced its intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking (RegNeg) committee to negotiate and develop proposed regulations to implement Section 32304 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This section is concerning establishing minimum industry training requirement standards for entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles, an issue that has been ongoing for decades.

A Proposed Rule document has been issued by the FMCSA with the intent to establish the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC) and is currently asking for solicitation of applications and nominations for committee membership. The final date to comment is set for January 9, 2015.

Our guest this evening is Richard Wilson, President and CEO of TCRG Consulting and Regulation. Mr. Wilson also serves on the Advisory Council as the Regulation and Compliance Representative for NATA: North American Trucking Alerts.

NATA will be nominating Mr. Wilson to the FMCSA committee based on his broad and extensive background within the industry, his active involvement in D.C., and his proven track record with concerns for safety and truck drivers' rights.

Discussion will focus on the critical need for CDL training standards as well as the goals of NATA as it continues its positive movement in gathering professional truck drivers and trucking industry leaders together to resolve the many issues that everyone within the industry is facing.

Join the conversation!

The North American Trucking Alerts website is now "Live" and accepting memberships. Check out who has already joined and are writing in the NATA forum.

Our open forum is just that, "open" to what is on your mind as it relates to drivers and the trucking industry: from the latest CDL exemption request by CR England to FMCSA requesting that those with a CDL learner's permit be allowed to drive solo, to cameras facing inside the truck (yes, they are watching)!

FMCSA’s promise to provide clarification on the topic of sleep apnea testing for truck drivers? Have a topic you want to discuss? Call-in number: 347-826-9170

Never miss a show! Sign up for TEXT alerts to your phone for Truth About Trucking "Live" broadcasts via: https://mobile-text-alerts.com/truckingradio or just text the word truckingradio to 781-728-9542.

Come join the conversation!

It is a Friday Night Special Open Forum Round Table discussion where everyone has the chance to share "What is on your mind?" as it relates to professional drivers and the trucking industry. There is always plenty of topics to choose from, such as driverless trucks or the lastest FMCSA “research” report suggesting that Electronic Logging Devices (ELD’s) are not being used toward driver harassment.

What are your thoughts? Is the 232 page report accurate after surveying 628 truck drivers out of the 3.5 million in the United States? Does this "final" study mean that "some" harassment is OK, but just not too much of it?

Or how about that weather out there where you are? Are you still truckin’ through 90" of snow!?! Another Open Forum which means it's your show, so where will you take us?

Call-in number is 347-826-9170 . . . come join the conversation!

What are the major concerns for professional truck drivers this week? A Sleep Apnea Rule that may be getting closer to being implemented? Are CDL Entry Level Training Standards soon to be in place, finally?HOS rules? Is the 14 hour rule the "Root of all Evil?"Liability Insurance increase to $4 million for motor carriers?Mike's Law for the Federal Concealed Firearms Business Carry Permit? Join us for our Trucking Round Table discussion with what is on your mind as it relates to the industry and drivers. The North American Trucking Alerts website is very close to launch date and we will have a chance to meet a few of the contributors to the site as they explain how they will be a part of NATA's Awareness, Accountability, and Action.

Come join the conversation on Blog Talk Radio: The largest radio social network in the world. Call-in number: 347-826-9170.

Trucking has many challenges, including the very difficult situations of when a driver becomes injured on the job. Join us as Rod Rehm of Trucker Lawyers shares his 30 years of experience helping truckers through such times of legal issues. Mr. Rehm's law firm is one of a select few which is A-Rated recognized by Martindale-Hubbell in the field of workers' compensation and personal injury.

Discussion will include personal treatment issues, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act Protections and your legal rights as a professional CDL truck driver. Have a situation you are currently facing and not sure of what to do? Mr. Rehm is here to take your calls and anwer any questions you may have concerning these area of laws.

Call-in number: 347-826-9170. Come join the conversation.

Open Forum on Truth About Trucking 'Live' We'll open it up tonight and discuss the update on the Truckers "Right to Carry" in all 48 states. The Bill titled "Mike's Law", is now in the House and the Senate and is named after murdered trucker: Michael Boeglin. To help pass Mike's Law, you can sign the petition: http://www.interstaterighttocarry.org

Additional topic for our program is one of three scheduled callers from trainer, Terry Sutton, who is training one of 40 deaf truckers in the country.

Have a topic to discuss? Call in number to listen or to be a part of the discussion: 347-826-9170.

If you would like to sign up for a TEXT alert notification to your phone for our Truth About Trucking "Live" broadcasts, Sign up via: https://mobile-text-alerts.com/truckingradio or you can text the word truckingradio to: 781-728-9542.

Come join the conversation!

On August 19, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it will accept input from stakeholders to determine a possible rulemaking for entry-level truck driver training. After years of failing to implement a final rule which would establish such criteria, the FMCSA is considering using a negotiated rulemaking, known as RegNeg.

Under RegNeg, outside agency representatives would consult among each other in order to develop the proposed rule, taking the responsibility away from the FMCSA. In Canada, a task force is working toward establishing criteria for entry-level drivers, as well as hoping to have the Canadian government classify truck driving as a "skilled" profession.

Furthermore, the Canadian Trucking Alliance has admitted that the primary causes for a driver shortage are driver wages, quality of life, qualifications and demographics.

Join us as we look at the very different approach by the U.S. and Canada as it relates to driver training and recognizing the importance of the professional driver. Just one topic for our "Open Forum."

What's your topic? Come join the conversation!

Kevin Reid is the Founder and CEO of the National Minority Trucking Association with over 21 years of sales, marketing and executive management experience within the transportation industry. The NMTA provides education, resources and strong representation to all truckers across North America, with its founding focus based on the representation and educating of minorities within the industry.

Mr. Reid began his transportation career in sales and marketing for an Atlanta based courier company before launching Universal Courier where he served as CEO. He then began serving as a go-to consultant for minority start-up trucking firms. Later he would become the co-founder of an Atlanta based intermodal trucking company where he served as Sr. Vice President. While serving in various industry positions, he was motivated to launch the NMTA as he discovered a void in the representation of minorities in the trucking and transportation industry.

The NMTA offers many services and benefits such as education, training and consulation, all aimed in assisting truck drivers to succeed in their chosen profession. In addition to their strong representation, NMTA is constantly working to provide new benefits and services that will aid their members. These services and programs are designed to provide big fleet purchasing power to the independent professional trucker. Regardless of whether one is an owner-operator with their own authority or leased, or a company driver, the NMTA offers access to important benefits ranging from business operation, employment assistance and IRS Filings starting as low as $9.95 per single vehicle.

Kevin Reid joins us as our special guest to further discuss the continual vision of the NMTA and to share some startling facts about the minority population within the trucking industry.

It is Open Forum for this broadcast of Truth About Trucking "LIVE" as Donna and I will share about the recent Industry at Sea 2014 event and any trucking-related topic that comes to mind!

We will also touch on the SBTC's recent Police Misconduct Complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of fellow truck driver: Kenny Capell.

How about National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, beginning Monday, September 15? Your thoughts on this event? Is one week out of the year enough and what do you think the industry as a whole should be doing, relating to the appreciation of truckers?

Have a topic you would like to discuss? Join us as we open up the phone lines where our callers decide the topics for discussion. Have a new website, business or service to share with our listeners? Call in and tell us all about it.

Call-in number: 347-826-9170 ... come join the conversation!

Topics are open but we will be including discussions on accountability for the qualified driver shortage, why new drivers are not entering the trucking industry, and more importantly, why are they not staying? And Finally, is there a correlation between driver wages and safety?

Call in number to be a part of the show: 347-826-9170

Be a part of the chat room by opening a blog talk radio account. We will be giving away Tony Justice CD’s in the chat room!

Can’t make it to GATS this year? No problem, Truth About Trucking "Live" is bringing it to you!

Among some of our scheduled callers tonight are singer songwriter and Emcee of the Overdrive-Red Eye Radio Trucker Talent Search, Tony Justice; Finalist of Overdrive-Red Eye Radio Trucker Talent Search, Brad James; Country recording artist and Highway Angel program spokesperson Lindsay Lawler; Overdrive’s 2014 Most Beautiful winner,Emily Weymouth and Kylla Leeburg, Deputy Director at Truckers Against Trafficking.

Others expected to call in, sharing the GATS 2014 experience are: Tom Kyrk of the Trucking Solutions Group, Christina Schnese of Make It Happen USA, James Lamb of SBTC, Dr. Pamela Thomas for the Truckers Rolling Against Hep-C Campaign, and whoever gets pulled into the show as they walk by!

Come join the conversation as Truth About Trucking "LIVE" takes you "inside" GATS 2014 with some of the biggest names in Trucking Social Media.

Discussion will include the paradox between Hours of Service, Truck Driver Fatigue, and waking up of professional drivers by law enforcement during their FMCSA mandatory 10 hour break period.

As The FMCSA continues to strive for greater highway safety within the trucking industry, many times by the addition of new rules and regulations, the main focus in combating truck driver fatigue should be allowing drivers to sleep when tired. According to the 2013 Truck Parking Survey results, drivers reported that their rest was being interrupted by state law officials on a regular basis.

Our guests are Kenny Capell, and Martin Hill, founder of the Don't Wake Me Up Organization. Having been awaken from the sleeper berth at a Georgia scale by LE officials demanding to see his ID, Mr. Capell stood by the 4th Amendment,and refused. Filing a 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 Federal Civil Rights lawsuit against the troopers, he has a court date set for August 11th, 2014.

Mr. Capell and Mr. Hill will share the full story and why they believe it to be a direct violation of trucker's rights.

As professional truck drivers make their way across the country, their job calls for them to work in every high crime area in the United States. Major cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Baltimore, Oakland, the boroughs of New York City and everywhere in-between, truckers can find themselves in serious and dangerous situations.

With the trucking industry operating 24/7 with scheduled pickups and deliveries at any given time of the day or night, these men and women of the highway face many areas of criminal activity and can often be the targeted victim as well. Even though there is no Federal Law that prohibits truck drivers from the legal right to carry a firearm for protection, individual motor carrier rules may do so.

In 2012, Detroit city alone was home to 386 murders and 15,009 violent crimes as this is one of many major freight hubs where truckers must conduct business to keep America moving. Furthermore, rise in crime has fast been expanding outside of the typical major city areas such as states in the South and Midwest.

The reality of trucking is that it can be a dangerous job and the inability for the driver to carry protection due to company rules and regulations can only add to the situation. Even with a legal state permit, drivers can find themselves in trouble if the transporting of the firearm is not in accordance with Federal Law 18 U.S. Code § 926A.

Also, not every State recognizes an individual's State CCW. For example, only 34 states currently recognize a concealed weapon permit from the state of Florida; another aspect that could cause trouble for the driver entering such a state as New Jersey. It varies from state to state even more, as for example, only 18 states will recognize a permit from the state of Illinois.

Where do truckers stand on their ability to carry for their own personal protection? Call-in number: 347-826-9170

With the shortage of safe and secure parking for our nation's truck drivers back in the news, join us as we discuss the dangers drivers face every day because of the lack of safe truck parking availability.

Who is responsible for putting drivers at added risk? Where are the most difficult areas to find truck parking? How are regulations adding to the already dangerous parking situations? Who doesn't want to see more available truck parking?

Our guests include Hope Rivenburg of Jason's Law, Desiree Wood of Real Women in Trucking and our special guests, Ashley Boeglin and David Clark, wife and father-in-law of Michael Boeglin.

We will also review some startling results of the 2013 National Truck Parking Survey led by Hope and the detailed data analysis performed by Ms. Wood.

Join us for this very important broadcast.

For our show this evening it is Open Forum to "Anything Trucking".

From Truck Driver Health, Sleep Apnea, Improving Driver Image, Truck Idling, Not allowed to park at shippers and receivers, The 14 hour clock, the FMCSA, Detention Time, Wages, Fuel Taxes, Best Trucking Event/Show, Are Truckers Safe Drivers? CSA scores, truckers and brokers . . .

Just a few topics to start with, but all Trucking Topics are open for discussion...

We will also have a special announcement to make during the broadcast ...

Join the Chat Room for our free Tony Justice Music CD Giveaway. So far 6 CD's have been given away via the chat room.

6PM ET

Call in number: 347-826-9170

Truth About Trucking’s Open Forum let’s you pick the topics, and there is no shortage of topics to go around this week.

In the past few weeks hot topics include: Amendment for the 34 hour Restart provision, followed by FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro’s infamous blog post, Maxim Magazine “serial killer” ad targeted towards truck drivers, OOIDA’s call for Anne Ferro’s resignation and the tragic Walmart accident resulting in death and injury, ultimately calling for more driver regulations from safety advocates, celebrities, government officials, and the media.

Have something to say or further add to the topics of discussion? Join us 6PM ET and Join the Chat Room on your smart phone or computer.

We will be giving away 2 Tony Justice CD’s and 2 Essante Organics gifts in the Chat Room as well.

You can also listen through your phone by calling in to the show via: 347-826-9170.

Featured Musical Artist: Brad James - "DETENTION TIME"

Come join the conversation!

For the month of JUNE, Truth About Trucking "Live" Radio will be dedicated to Truck Driver Health concerns including obstacles and challenges that drivers face on a daily basis. For our first part of our series, we will address the serious state of truck driver health, including the illnesses drivers face, the choices they have made in the past and the viable decisions they are now making: Real life solutions for a better quality of life.

Our speical guests are three professional truck drivers who will share their testimonials and explain how they have changed their lives and also how they are mentoring and encouraging other drivers to change theirs as well. Their continual research for better health has created a wealth of knowledge among them which they will share as we kick off our first part of our Truck Driver Health series.

Donna will also share some of her insight she has learned and applied on living a healthier lifestyle, once finally diagnosed with Crohn's Disease.

Our special driver guests include: Mike Adams of Truckin Fitness, Tom Kyrk of Trucking Solutions Group and Road Tested Living and Rich Chelson of Essante Organics.

Join us as we address the causes of many driver illnesses, including: obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, joint pain, digestive and many others for this SPECIAL Truck Driver Health Series.

Regulations, Fuel Cost, EPA, Carbon Footprint, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Engine Maintenance Cost, Oil Lubricity, CARB, DEF.... What does it all mean to the owner operator and fleets? In one simple word...money.

Whether they are spending it or saving it, how much do you have to spend in order to eventually save? There are many products on the market designed to reduce operating costs. The question most will ask themselves is which products will ensure profits and yet meet or exceed government standards?

Join us with our special guest, Anthony Evans, Founder and COO of Onboard Oil Tech as we discuss the challenges modern day owner operators and fleets face as they maintain their bottom line while upholding regulation mandates and requirements.

Can a “New Deal” of Broker Transparency solve related problems in the trucking industry such as low profits and wages and reduce fraud? Did the $75,000 bond increase, intended to reduce broker fraud, actually hurt owner operators and small business and If so, how?

Did the bond help reduce broker fraud at all? Learn who is the first broker to embrace the idea of rate transparency: join us as we discuss “Broker Fraud and the fight for Transparency” as James Lamb,CEO of DOTAuthority.com; President, AIPBA and General Manager of 12PL, returns as our special guest to continue the discussion and explain solutions.

We welcome those who oppose “Broker Rate Transparency” or have questions, to feel free to post them below on the comment section or call in to share your views as well: 347-826-9170.

On May 21st, 2014 all Interstate Commercial Drivers and Motor Carriers will be required to begin using an examiner listed in the National Registry Of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) to obtain or renew their Medical Examiner's Certificate.

As a new program from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it will require all physicans who perform physical examinations on CDL drivers to be trained and certified on the FMCSA standards, guidelines and regulations according to 49 CFR §391.41 (Physical Qualifications for Drivers).

The requirements are found in part §391.41 and §391.43 and the FMCSA has stated that they are on target for reaching its goal of 40,000 Certified Medical Examiners (CME) by the compliance date.

Elaine M. Papp, RN, MSN, COHN-S CM, Division Chief for the FMCSA Office of Medical Programs joins us as our special guest to discuss what the new program will mean for CDL drivers and motor carriers.

Henry Albert is the owner of Albert Transport, Inc. out of North Carolina and has been in trucking for 30 years. Jimmy Nevarez is President of Angus Transportation, Inc. of California, with 11 years within the industry and is a Magna Cum Laude honors graduate of DeVry University in Pomona, CA with a bachelor's of science in business administration.

They both are members of Freightliner's Team Run Smart, providing real-world advice about the trucking industry based on their professional expertise.

Mr. Albert will share his thoughts on such topics as: fuel savings, modern-day trucking technology and advancement and industry regulations.

As a driver of a CNG truck, Mr. Nevarez will discuss various issues such as: CNG operations, fuel mileage, safety and the future of compressed natural gas vehicles.

Join the conversation as we take a look at how trucking technology can pave the way to advancement in many areas of the industry which can lead to "Running Smarter."

The President of the Association of Independent Property Brokers and Agents (AIPBA) took a bold new step at the recent Mid-America Trucking Show toward transparency in broker-trucker relations, addressing numerous industry problems such as e-logs, driver harassment, driver pay and ethics in the transportation industry.

James Lamb has introduced the Small Business in Transportation Coalition to the trucking industry, which encourages the formation of new partnerships between truckers and brokers as members of the same small business supply chain team.

Mr. Lamb is stating that transparency should be voluntary and left to market

forces to embrace the new paradigm. He is willing to lead by example as serving as the General Manager of the newly formed brokerage firm: 12PL, as he continues to work toward building support for small business in transportation.

As President also of DOT Authority, Mr. Lamb joins us as our special guest to discuss the "New Deal" and his push for small brokers to be more transparent in their businesses with truck drivers, as well as designing the trucking coalition in order to raise driver pay and improve safety compliance.

Our first show post MATS and a lot went on there, and it was not just about "pretty trucks." There is also a great deal of news within trucking and it is affecting drivers in a big way:

ELD's (EOBR's), New Entrant Testing, Increased Fuel Efficiency, and the infamous truck driver shortage!

Tonight we'll talk about it all (time permitting), so call in and let's hear your voice to the topics on our Open Forum broadcast.

Call In Number: 347-826-9170.

The battle is over and the Affordable Care Act is indeed law. Now what? How will it affect those within the trucking industry? Many are faced with this question and will need to understand in order to make an informed decision prior to the March 31st deadline.

Owner operators, company drivers, and trucking companies (who will be mandated in 2015 to provide coverage) will all need to know their options. Motor carriers, depending on the number of employees, will be required to offer health insurance.

What about cost, is it affordable? What other options do we have? What happens if you refuse coverage? How do you Calculate your AGI to see if you're eligible? What is the “On Exchange” and “Off Exchange?" What happens if carriers do not offer coverage to their employees? What will happen to those employees whose coverage is dropped by the employer?

Even for those who disagree with the act, knowing the facts will help to comprehend how this law will impact you, your family, and even you career.

Regardless of how one feels about the Health Law, it is one's responsibility to make educated choices based on information from those who provide insurance for the health industry and actually have knowledge of the trucking industry.

Tom Smith of CDL Consultant joins us as our special guest to share his knowledge and expertise in this serious and important decision-making.

Are you ready to talk trucking? Some of the hottest topics such as Truck Driver Health, Fuel Efficiency technology and research, Forced Dispatch and CDL Training Standards are all on the table for our open forum, or whatever is on your mind to discuss.

In addition, the FMCSA has published a notice requesting comments as it relates to CDL Training, so join us "LIVE" as we open up the lines to talk about anything trucking.

What's on your mind?

Join us for our Open Forum as we focus on President Obama's order for the DOT and EPA to develop and issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) by March 2015 to increase fuel efficiency standards for big trucks, while also calling for technological innovations and alternate fuels.

Joining us will be Mr. Samuel Burlum, CEO/President/Chairman ofExtreme Energy Solutions and Mr. Anthony Evans, Founder/COO of Onboard Oil Tech.

What will this new order mean for Owner Operators? Will they be able to meet the financial obligations? How can truck drivers influence the NPRM and can Owner Operators, fleets, meet the standards now?

Come join the conversation as our guests share their insight into how meeting higher fuel efficiency standards will have an impact on the future of trucking.

It's your chance to speak up and share your thoughts about trucking: Regulations, Sleep Apnea, CSA ( including the recent report by GAO ) The Highway Bill, Driver Pay, Driver Health, Recruiting Tactics, Whistleblowing, or even the infamous Truck Driver Shortage.

Richard Wilson from TCRG consulting attended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) meeting. Feb 10-12th in in Alexandria, Va.

Richard is known for actively addressing government issues that affect professional drivers and the trucking industry. He'll be joining us tonight as he shares what drivers can expect from FMCSA in 2014.

Whatever it is....let's talk about it. Come join the conversation . . .

James Lamb is President of the Association of Independent Property Brokers and Agents (AIPBA) and a former New York State Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Investigator.

Included in the Highway Bill, known as MAP-21 that was passed in 2012, is the act to raise the broker bond to $75,000. James Lamb has been fighting the act since day one.

Mr. Lamb submitted a 10-page exemption request to the FMCSA that would relieve all property brokers and freight forwarders from the $75,000 bond provision within the trucking industry.

The FMCSA accepted comments to the request which recently ended on January 26, 2014 and the AIPBA continues its work to have the bond repealed. Will the FMCSA override the requirement in accordance with their lawful exemption authority duly granted to them by Congress?

Mr. Lamb joins us as our special guest to share their accomplishments and to bring us all up-to-date on the broker bond issue.

Open forum on Truth About Trucking "LIVE".

Diana Kerekes is a Master Life, Business and Success Coach and has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years. As a visiting nurse for many of those years, she understands the impact and the consequences of a patient not being able to reach a doctor when needed. As the daughter of a former 25 year trucker, she knew there had to be a better way for professional truckers to reach medical assistance while living life on the road.

While working to make people understand the importance of preventive medicine, her work also consists of helping truck drivers realize that they can receive medical help, 24/7, even when out on the road, all through the magic of technology: Call a doc anytime.

Through Call a Doc Anytime, truckers are able to "see" their doctors through several devices, including, web cam, phone, video or mobile application.

Diana Kerekes joins us as our special guest to discuss the many benefits of Call a Doc Anytime, a breakthrough service that brings the doctor to the trucker.

Allen and Donna are back with their "OPEN FORUM" broadcast where any topic related to trucking and the professional truck driver is discussed. Come join the conversation!

Our edited version of our most recent broadcast featuring our interview (only) with John Ratzenberger as our special guest, discussing his promotion for his upcoming newest TV series: John Ratzenberger's American Made through Fund Anything. Catch the inteview on YouTube! Closing Song: "Big John's Coming to Town" by: AllenAyersProductions.

John Ratzenberger is a multi-Emmy-nominated actor and accomplished screenwriter, director, producer and author, best known for playing mail carrier Cliff Clavin on the long-running NBC sitcom “Cheers.” What many may not know, is that his father was a truck driver, giving John a deep respect and admiration for truckers and the job they do. On October 21, 2013, John launched a crowd source campaign with Donald Trump's FundAnything.com for his new television series John Ratzenberger’s American Made, where he will tour the country and spotlight some of the best American made products and manufacturers. Mr. Ratzenberger stops by to share some of his time with us to discuss his new series and how you can be a part of his campaign sharing of Fund Anything/American Made, win prizes and even appear on the show! Individuals can also see these companies and industry groups on the TV series Facebook page. Come join the conversation!

Richard Wilson of TCRG Consulting joins us for this open discussion on the most pressing topics and issues within the U.S. trucking industry. One of our most popular shows, the "Open Forum" is where we open up the mic to you, the professional truck driver and you decide where the conversation leads:

What will the affects be for Sleep Apnea and other sleep disorders since the President recently signed into Law legislation for FMCSA rulemaking (rather than guidance). Will it ensure Federal Standards for governing screening, testing, or treatment of individuals operating commercial motor vehicles ?

Has anything positive come out of the recent trucker “Ride for the Constitution”? Will this create a movement for truckers to be more proactive?

Detention Pay anyone? Is that something we’ve given up on?

How about CDL training standards, where have those talks gone?

Trucking topics? Come join the conversation!

Whatever happened to Legislation H.R. 756 pertaining to truck drivers' detention pay? 49 USC § 14103 states: "Whenever a shipper or receiver of property requires that any person who owns or operates a motor vehicle transporting property in interstate commerce be assisted in the loading or unloading of such vehicle, the shipper or receiver shall be responsible for providing such assistance or shall compensate the owner or operator for all costs associated with securing and compensating the person or persons providing such assistance." This section of the United States Code also was to be amended with the following: "Prohibits a shipper or receiver from detaining a person that operates a commercial motor vehicle without providing compensation for time detained beyond the maximum number of hours that the Secretary determines, by regulation." Sent to the House in February of 2011, a required study on detention time appears to have never been carried out and many motor carriers continue to save millions of dollars in wages every year off of the working trucker. Come join the discussion! What do you want to talk about?

For years truckers have been talking about a shutdown in attempts to display their grievances: Low pay, high fuel prices, CSA, EOBR’s, cross border trucking, detention pay,categorized as unskilled labor, the need for truck driver training standards, and continued increase in regulations. Now drivers are faced with a different situation, not a “shutdown”, but rather a convoy to Washington on October 11th - 13th.. The question is: Why? To display grievance within the trucking industry or to protest government corruption? Truckers Ride for the Constitution is calling on a GENERAL STRIKE, asking all Americans to join the trucker convoy and stand with truckers by “doing nothing” no commerce, no banking, no shopping. Will such a display help or hurt truckers? For years truckers have been trying to create awareness and get the support and empathy of the American people, but will this convoy create the kind of attention that they have sought so long for? Although such a strike is unlikely and the ride is now focused on political motives, join us as we discuss what may really be going on as truckers plan for a ride on Washington.

The challenges the trucking lifestyle presents to it's drivers are many. One of the largest of those challenges is staying healthy. The incident led Toby Bogard to create The 1,000,000 Pound Challenge, partnering with some great companies to offer some incredible prizes to the top three winners including: Grand Prize: 5 day/4 night vacation to the Solmar Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, courtesy of: gocdljobs. Toby Bogard joins us to discuss all the details . . .

The U.S. trucking industry is currently debating the pros and cons of mobile communication platforms as it relates to Company-Owned Personally Enabled devices (COPE) or to rely on the Bring Your Own Device platform, simply known as BYOD. Christian Schenk is Senior Vice President of product strategy and market growth for XRS Corporation, specializing in helping private and for-hire fleets use driver and vehicle data to improve every aspect of their operations. Mr. Schenk points out that mobile technology (BYOD) over traditional, bulky "onboard computers," is already here as nearly 90% of truck drivers currently have personal mobile devices in use. XRS is able to support more than 100 mobile devices within its portfolio, on four networks across the United States and Canada. Mr. Schenk joins us as our special guest to further discuss the XRS Mobile Communication platform, the facts behind the BYOD technology and why their platform is considered to be revolutionizing the industry.

Join Allen and Donna for another broadcast of "Open Forum" as the lines are open for discussions in all things trucking.

Singer/Songwriter, Nascar enthusiast, and professional truck driver Tony Justice of Tony Justice Music joins us as he updates us on his exploding career in the music industry. Tony’s latest CD, On the Road is sold at all Major Truck Plazas: Pilot/Fling J, T/A Petro, Wilco Hess, and Loves. Along with being featured in numerous magazines, he performed for the 2012 Hollywood Pre-Grammy Awards Party and engages in numerous radio guests appearances. Tony continues his music career while professionaly driving, performing and signing autographs at most of the largest truck shows across the country. We will discuss his newest upcoming album, "Apple Pie Moonshine" and he will bring us up-to-date on his recent Nashville trip, as well as other factors within his musical career, such as sharing the story on the T/A Truck Stop's newest menu item: the "Justice Burger!" Be the 5th caller into the show, and WIN an autographed copy of Tony's "On The Road" CD. Come join the converstation!

Attorney Rod Rehm founded Trucker Lawyers in 1998 but has been representing truckers for over 30 years. He has practiced workers’ compensation and personal injury law for over 40 years. His practice is with Rehm, Bennett & Moore, Attorneys at Law, P.C., L.L.O., in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska and in addition to workers’ compensation and personal injury, Rehm, Bennett & Moore attorneys also practice in the areas of trucking accidents, employment law, and Social Security Disability law. His law firm also often helps truckers nationwide through referrals to attorneys in their own state due to differences in state laws. Mr. Rehm joins us as our special guest and to take your calls as we discuss this specialized area of law and what you need to know as a professional truck driver.

Industry "experts" say that 100,000 new drivers are needed yearly to offset the truck driver shortage problem. As the new hours of service rule kicks in, motor carriers continue to have a difficult time finding new hires with the main reason being the description, low pay and lifestyle of the profession. Truck driver turnover rate held at 90% in the fourth-quarter of 2012 as recruiters report the difficulty on finding those willing to do the OTR job. In 2012, the average age for the professional trucker was 48, with 21% of CMV drivers being 55-65 years of age. New HOS rules, the CSA and continual regulations hiting the industry are being noticed by even would-be hires and they are not taking the jobs, even during a time of high unemployment. Just one topic we will touch on during this episode of "Open Lines" as well as topics you choose to discuss. Come join the conversation . . .

Allen and Donna opens up the lines once again on the Trucking Open Forum to let the callers decide on what trucking-related topic to discuss. Come join the conversation as we dedicate this show to Fred "The American Driver" Schaffner . . .

It's open forum on Truth About Trucking "LIVE" to discuss anything trucking: truck parking issue? Coon Rapids, Minnesota? New HOS rules? Pick the topic . . . what's on your mind?

Between June 4th-6th 2013, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will be conducting its annual roadcheck with 10,000 inspectors across the United States. Inspectors will be paying special attention to possible HOS and Vehicle Safety violations pertaining to the FMCSA's Compliance, Safety and Accountability Program (CSA). Regulatory expert, Richard Wilson of Trans Products Tran Services joins us as our guest to discuss the 2013 CVSA Roadcheck and what professional CMV drivers can do to improve their chances of passing.

Samuel Burlum shares his most recent three-part series, "The War on Trucking" as we take a look inside the "war" that he believes is being waged on the American truck driver: Part I - Emissions Compliance Part II- 'Drivers Unwanted' Part III - The Battlegrounds He is the CEO/President/Chairman of Extreme Energy Solutions and has been interviewed on radio and television. He was an invited speaker for the World Green Energy Symposium in Washington, DC and was the recipient of the 2013 WGES NOVA Award at Hunter College in New York City. Mr. Burlum joins us as our special guest as we breakdown all three segments of the series and what he sees as being the future for the professional truck driver.

Trucking employment law attorney, Paul Taylor joins us as our special guest to further discuss the legal rights of professional truck drivers.

Topics will include drivers' rights under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act as it relates to prohibiting motor carriers from retaliating against commercial drivers for filing complaints regarding violations of the commercial vehicle safety regulations. We will also discuss recent cases and various legal concerns such as if law enforcement officers have the right to search the sleeper of the CMV.

Mr. Taylor specializes in the following areas of trucking law: refusal to drive, commercial truck lease disputes, drug and alcohol testing and the DAC report.

His practice is with the Law Office of Taylor & Associates, Ltd., in Burnsville, Minnesota through the Truckers Justice Center which focuses its legal practice on employment law for commercial truck drivers across the nation.

Closing Song: When the Big Rig's Don't Roll by Allen & Ayers Productions.

Recent trucking news and discussions have focused on truck parking issues, driver safety, cdl training, truck driver pay and jobs. We open up the lines for our Trucking Open Forum to discuss anything trucking, where you decide the topic. Come join the conversation! Closing song: Peterbilt 379 by Tony Justice

Professional CMV drivers were earning more money in 1980 than they are today and they have seen truck driver wages fall by 40% during the past 33 years. With no adjustment for inflation or other such economic factors, and by figuring in total number of hours worked per week, the majority of drivers end up earning an hourly wage that is far below the minimum wage. Jeff Barker is an 18 year OTR veteran with over two million miles. A former heavy truck and transport refrigeration mechanic and truck owner-operator, he began writing for Land Line Magazine in 2005 and is founder of the Ride and Roll Program, a driver health and wellness plan. Joining us as our guest, Jeff will discuss the post 1980 deregulation effects, the public image of the American trucker, why truck driver pay has not significantly increased over the past three decades and what he sees as the root causes and solutions to these problems. Closing song: "Down the Road" by Rob Anthony.

Marc Mayfield spent 10 years trucking over-the-road, logging 1.2 million miles and is the author of"In The Driver's Seat: Interstate Trucking - A Journey." Featured in Overdrive Magazine by Senior Editor, Todd Dills, the book chronicles his life on the road from 1991 to 2001, with his goal being to provide the public and main stream media with a true picture of the long-haul trucker and the sacrifices they make to keep America moving. A straight-forward and honest insight into the world of OTR trucking, Marc joins us as our special guest to discuss his book, his triumps and tragedies while on the road, his thoughts on the industry today and the advise he would give to newcomers just starting out. In the Driver’s Seat: Interstate Trucking – a Journey. - See more at: http://www.overdriveonline.com/long-haul-literary-former-owner-operators-new-book/#sthash.HTl8cHgX.dpufIn the Driver’s Seat: Interstate Trucking – a Journey. - See more at: http://www.overdriveonline.com/long-haul-literary-former-owner-operators-new-book/#sthash.HTl8cHgX.dpuf

Compliance for the new hours of service rule takes effect July 1, 2013; the FMCSA MCSAC meeting on safety accountability via the CSA; the CRST sexual harrassment case settling for a mere $50,000; truck driver pay or just trucking across America the Beautiful. We open up the phone lines in our Trucking Open Forum show to talk about whatever trucking issues are on your mind. So . . . what do you want to talk about?

With the rising cost of fuel prices and over-regulation, many truck driving veterans are calling it quits and leaving their trucks behind. Other issues such as medical problems or simply reaching retirement age will cause thousands more to depart from their driving careers. These are just a few reasons why drivers will leave the vocation but for many, will look for a way to remain active within the transportation business. What has proven to be an entrepreneurial opportunity for those willing to work, is that of a freight broker or logistics agent. Reports show that the average annual income for full-time freight brokers is currently estimated to be between $40,000 and $150,000. Joining us will be Jack Martin, Agent Recruiter for GRD Freight Express and recognized as one of the leading logistics consultant. Also we will talk with Joel Glenny, Agent Trainer and Coordinator for GRD Logistics Training based out of Baker, Florida which consists of a team of personnel who have a combined trucking industry experience of over 60 years. We will discuss the real facts of building your own successful freight broker business or becoming a broker agent and how GRD Logistics Training can help you succeed. - GRD SPECIAL OFFER AT END OF SHOW.

Co-host Donna Smith welcomes Contech Composites founder, Kevin Hodge to the program to discuss the many aspects involved in the increase of modern day diseases, affecting millions of Americans and threatening their livelihood. Topics will include: GMO’s, is the FDA helping? Where are our seeds coming from? The buyout of agriculture lands, and what is wrong with the American diet? Focus will also be placed on many of the causes, how to prevent disease and the cure for such issues. A few solutions discussed will include: What should we be eating to cure and prevent these types of diseases? What is Hydro Aquaponics and how can they help? And how truck stops could use small agriculture to offset costs of shipping and serve customers fresh, organic produce providing truckers with better health.

Serious accidents can occur when truck drivers experience a failure with the air brakes. Many drivers have been cited for failing to inspect the brakes properly or for driver fatigue. But what if it had nothing to do with inspection or fatigue, but instead, a long over-looked problem with defective brake parts? The NHTSA first began a recall of treadle valves in the 1970's, with the most recent recall as early as August, 2012. Many believe that this is a serious safety issue that could be the actual cause for many accidents that are ultimately blamed on the driver. Our guest, Allan Powell has over 30 years as a professional truck driver and is a consumer advocate for the prevention of truck accidents as he believes that many within the industry are unaware of the hidden dangers of treadle valve corrosion. Through his work, the CVSA released the 2012-2 Inspection Bulletin. Also joining us is Rickey Gooch, managing partner of Legal Benefits Group, as we discuss the E6 and E10 treadle valves, how this potential hidden danger can affect the driver and carrier, why this issue is even a greater threat today and why no serious industry study is being done to investigate the problem.

For our final show of 2012, we continue our series on truck driver health with our special guest,Laura Anne Kilpatrick, a professional driver and founder of the American Truck Drivers Diabetes Association. As a truck driver with Type 2 diabetes, Laura realized that many in the medical profession did not understand the trucking lifestyle and she had to learn on her own how to successfully manage the disease while living life on the road. She founded the ATDDA in order to provide education, encouragement and support for those fellow drivers who may still be struggling in managing their diabetes with their driving career. She was first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1987 at the age of 19 and has been truck driving since 1998. Having studied diabetes and nutrition indepth since the early 1990's, she also shares her experiences with other truckers through her blog: 18 Wheelin' with Diabetes. Discussion will include the different types and causes of diabetes, treatment, diabetes myths, the importance of nutrition, reducing carbohydrates and diabetes management.

Due to the poor diet lifestyle of truck drivers, autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes are on the rise and there is evidence showing a link between GMOs and the increase of autoimmune diseases including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, leaky gut, lupus, cancer, heart disease and inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory diseases. GMOs are now used in soy, corn, beets, cotton, alfalfa and 70% of processed foods, introduced to our food chain by the chemical company, Monsanto. World -renowned, Dr. Howard Fisher joins us as our expert guest to discuss these serious health issues. Also joining us is Renee French who will share her life changing story to a road of better health. Co-host Donna Smith will also share her own personal knowledge and experience of the dangers of GMOs and how she has proven many doctors wrong by overcoming the effects of crohn's disease through diet modification. We will discuss the evidence and solutions to this growing health epidemic including research showing the benefits of the Moringa tree.

XRS Corporation is a leading expert in trucking fleet performance management. According to XRS (Xata Road Science), mobile devices are already commonly used by almost 90 percent of truck drivers. As the mobile revolution continues to expand, the company believes that the days of expensive, hard-wired, on-board installations such as the EOBR are over and the future of fleet optimization technology is mobile. Joining us from XRS Corporation are Christian Schenk, vice president of market development and product marketing and Megan Derkey, marketing communications manager. We will discuss their newest mobile technology, the future of EOBR's (Electronic Onboard Recorders) and hear their answers to the questions of most concern by the professional trucker.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently incorporated major changes to the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program, of which, most changes will take effect, December, 2012. Included among the changes was the renaming of the Fatigued Driving BASIC to the HOS Compliance BASIC. This change will reflect that the category measures everything from on-duty violations to paperwork violations. Under the newly named Basic, a truck driver could obtain as many as 24 violation points for simply writing the wrong date on his or her logs, thus resulting in unfair categories. By changing the Driver Fatigue Basic to the Hours of Service Basic, manual form and manner violations will count against a carrier and driver, while allowing data to be gathered to show where electronics will eliminate violations. FMCSA regulations expert, Richard Wilson joins us to discuss the changes to the CSA 7 Basics and why he believes that it is being done in order to achieve mandatory EOBR regulations.

Starting your own trucking business takes experience, planning and knowledge, as well as using all the tools available to increase your chances for success. Eddie Gichuhi is a former long-haul trucker and founder of Trip Sheet Central, a web-based truck-business management company designed specifically for truck carrier operations. As our special guest, Eddie will discuss the vital aspects of running your own trucking business including: basic preparation, organizational setup, financial planning, operating plan, marketing planning, research and development, growth plan and exit planning. If you are considering becoming a first-time owner operator or wanting to know how you can increase your profits with your current operation, you will not want to miss this show.

With 15 years of truck driving experience, Mike and Vicki Simons share real world tips on how to save money as a professional truck driver through their website: Truck Drivers Money Saving Tips. By developing their site, they share the strategies they have learned through the years, while giving other drivers the opportunity to share their own money saving tips as well. As Vicki explains: "We reveal our own successes and "bone-headed mistakes." Although we may address similar topics that other writers have addressed, our perspective is always about the financial impact and how drivers can save money." Along with their money saving tips for truck drivers, they are also active in writing their own personal reviews on truck driver related topics such as: products, services, truck parts and truck stops. With hundreds of articles grouped in major categories, their expertise in saving money is helping countless drivers to keep more of their hard-earned money. Have money saving tips you want to share? Come join the conversation with our special guests, Mike and Vicki Simons.

New York Congressman, Paul Tonko returns as our special guest to explain the details concerning the funding for additional truck parking areas as described within the Transportation Bill, per Jason's Law. MAP-21 also describes the shortage of safe truck parking for commercial truck drivers as a national priority and identifies projects that will be eligible for funding. Section 1401 of MAP-21, entitled Jason’s Law, is named after Jason Rivenburg, a Schoharie, New York, truck driver, who lost his life on March 5th, 2009 when he parked in an abandoned gas station to wait for a load delivery. How is the money disbursed and how do states go about applying for the funds? Congressman Tonko will answer these questions and more as we provide an important update to Jason's Law.

Idle reduction technology is the wave of the future for the trucking industry and our line-up of guests are all experts in the field. Joining us are: Rick Shaff - Director of Sales - Hodyon Dynasys APU Roger Southall - Sales Manager - AireDock Ethan Garber - CEO - IdleAir Andy Warcaba - President - Andrew J. Warcaba & Associates, Inc. The EPA's SmartWay Program Idle reduction technologies include: Onboard Idle Reduction Equipment and Truck Stop Electrification. We will discuss both technologies and hear how working together in the trucking industry can bring about a resolution for both motor carrier and professional truck driver.

As the "Voice of the American Trucker" for 50-plus-years, Overdrive Magazine will be joining forces with sister publication Truckers News and quarterly Overdrive spinoff, Custom Rigs, beginning August, 2012. Senior Editor, Todd Dills, asked readers what they believed to be the top trucking challenges faced by owner operators. Heading at the top of the "challenges list" included: fuel prices, EOBR's, Hours of Service, uncompensated detention time and freight rates. Todd Dills joins us to discuss his report, along with truck drivers': small-fleet owner, Tom Blake, and Jeff Clark of Trucking Solutions Group who were two of the primary sources for his report in the August issue of Overdrive Magazine. Mr. Dills is also host of the Channel 19 Blog where he will be sharing more reports on these issues in the August edition of Overdrive Magazine.

Co-host, Donna Smith will be joining Allen via landline as she reports "live" from Harrah's Kansas City as she tours the resort, giving us an inside look into the upcoming 2nd Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention. Joining us from Harrah's as well, will be Kari Fisher of the Missing Truck Driver Alert Network and Dan Harman of KC Trucker, who will be officiating the "Pride in your Ride" contest during the event in October. Fun show . . . come join the conversation.

We open up our mic once again for our Trucking Roundtable Open Forum discussion. Join us "Live" to ask questions or comment on whatever trucking topic is of interest to you. Allen gets the conversation going by asking the question: "Are truck drivers manipulated by scare tactics?" Opening topic: Mexico Cross Border Trucking Program. With past trucking news stories of how the United States will be bombarded with thousands of Mexican trucks, only four Mexico based trucking companies have received FMCSA active operating authority since the pilot program's conception, with only 16 others currently in pending status. The four active Mexican companies will flood the U. S. trucking industry operations with a whopping 4 trucks and 5 drivers. Something on your mind? Let's talk.

The Safety Measurement System within the FMCSA's CSA is currently designed to not distinguish State-reported crash data of Commerical Motor Vehicles based on whether they are the responsibility or fault of the carrier or truck driver. If a professional driver is sitting at a red light and another vehicle runs into the back of the rig, because a CMV is involved, safety violation points will go against the driver's PSP. Allen and Donna opens the mic to discuss whatever trucking isssue comes to mind on the Trucking Roundtable Open Forum. CSA, EOBR's, truck driver wages, CDL training, life on the road? Come join the conversation.

Former Orange County, Florida mayoral candidate, transportation activist and founder of the American Statesman Organization, SallyBaptiste returns as our guest to discuss the recent legislation passed to add more toll roads to the state of Florida. Known for being less about "talk" and more about "action", Sally believes this to be the highest tax and cost of living increase in Florida's history and is leading the way for filing a lawsuit against the State in order to block the action that she describes as being "grossly against the best interest of the people of Florida" as well as adding further financial strain on driver owner operators and the state trucking industry. We will discuss her options to the Florida Transportation Commission to improve Florida transportation without excessive taxation, her lawsuit against the State of Florida, what she means by "Sustainable Development." and more on her comment, "If enough Florida truckers get on board, we can make a major statement nationwide." Sally Baptiste is also host of the internet talk radio program, American Statesman.

Throughout a 20-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television producer, Pam Whitfield produced programs including medical and science documentaries for CBS, ABC and PBS. She is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) with a Master's degree in Nutrition Dietetics. Don Jacobson has been involved in the materials handling industry for over 20 years and is the author of four books and has also penned articles for Transport Topics, Outside, Boy's Life and Adventure West magazines. Together they work with Over The Road truck drivers and have authored the first health and nutrition book focused specifically on the OTR Lifestyle: Roadcooking: A long haul driver's guide to healthy eating. They also appear regularly on Sirius/XM 106, The Lockridge Report. They join us as our special guests to discuss their use of trucking social media and how they are helping truck drivers to decrease their bad food habits in order to increase their quality of life. ** As a special promotion for our show, you can save 15% on any book order by using the promo code: "Truth."

We continue our series talking with current, professional truck drivers who are active in trucking social media and industry issues. Our guests: Kari Fisher uses trucking social media to share news regarding the industry and is founder of the Missing Truck Driver Alert Network. Jason Haggard is a veteran driver with 18 years as an owner-operator with over 1 million safe miles. He utilizes social media as a way to share crucial trucking issues and encourages other professional truck drivers to become involved with industry issues and discussions. We will also discuss the public image of truck drivers and how this perception can be changed through the use of social media.

In this first of a new series, we talk with current, professional truck drivers who are active in trucking social media and industry issues. Sandy Long began her driving career in 1972 and is author of Street Smarts and Arriving Alive in which she shares her expertise to help others in the area of maintaining personal safety while living life on the road. She is highly active in issues where she shares her voice through her trucking blog, Just a Lady Driver. As a published poet and freelance writer for six International websites and the Canadian Trucking Magazine, we will discuss major issues within the industry such as EOBR's, sleep apnea and truck driver fatigue, all from the view of a lady trucker with 40 years of driving experience.

Considering professional truck driving as a career begins with choosing the best CDL truck driver training school. The wrong decision can ruin your career before it even begins. Ken Howell is the founder and President of Trainco Truck Driving Schools. Highly reputable and recognized as one of the best CDL training facilities in the country, Trainco works in partnership with Owens Community College and currently operates six locations throughout Ohio and Michigan. Considering a career in commercial truck driving? Want answers to your questions? Ken Howell joins us as our special guest to discuss this make-or-break career decision. We will be giving away a COBRA 29 LX CB Radio during the show, courtesy of COBRA Electronics. Tune in to learn how you can win. SHOW NOTES: Congratulations to "Lee F." - winner of the Cobra 29 LX give-away!

Latin America News Media describes the Mexican Judicial System as a system in crisis, estimating that as many as 96,000 people are being illegally detained in Mexican prisons. Jabin Bogan, a truck driver with Demco Transportation, took a wrong turn and accidently crossed over the border into Mexico when he was unable to turn around on the bridge. Carrying a legally documented semi trailer load of ammunition, he is being held by Mexican authorities, facing up to 30 years in jail. Mexican officials never asked to see the bill of lading or any paperwork and they immediately reported it as the "largest cartel seizure" in Mexico history. Joining us are his mother, Aletha Smith and Jabin's attorney, Carlos Spector. Also as guests, we have Dennis Mekenye, owner of Demco Transportation and Howie Glazer, owner of United Nations Ammo, the intended recipient of the load. Learn how you can help to free Jabin Bogan as we discuss his story from those closest to the case. Also please visit the Free Jabin website.

The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP),allows motor carriers and individual drivers to purchase their driving records, including serious safety violations. Motor carriers may request PSP records only for the purpose of conducting pre-employment screening and only with the driver's written consent. The PSP record only contains MCMIS inspection and crash information that is uploaded to MCMIS by FMCSA federal staff and state partners. How do you go about having false truck driver information removed from their PSP record? Commercial truck drivers may obtain their PSP record either through the pre-employment screening program (PSP) or via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) website. But which way is best? And what assurance do drivers have that inaccurate violations will be removed? Special guest, Rickey Gooch of the Legal Benefits Group joins us as we discuss the many issues raised by the CSA and DataQ System.

As trucking regulations become more focused on medical issues such as sleep apnea and the body mass index (BMI), truck drivers are now needing to pay better attention to their heath. Regardless of the lifestyle that truckers face, better health can be accomplished but both professional driver and motor carrier must play a responsible role. Special guest, Jeff Clark has been in trucking for 30 years and is a member of the Driver Health Council with the Trucking Solutions Group. Having faced his own health problems while driving over the road, he is now an avid runner, completing eight marathons and believes that the truck driver health issues in the industry can be solved with drivers and motor carriers working together. He has been featured in Road King, Truckers News, Challenge, Landline, and Runner’s World magazines and currently writes a monthly health column for Truckers News Magazine. We will take a look at the importance of truck driver health and what you can do to protect your CDL over impending truck driver health regulations.

Keeping medical appointments to maintain good health, both physical and mental, can prove to be very difficult for the professional truck driver living life on the road. Buck Black, MSW, LCSW, LCAC is a licensed health therapist specializing in helping truckers maintain a good and positive mental health, with Anger, Stress, and Relationships being the primary focus of his private practice, Trucker Therapy. By developing a unique session program for truckers, using the phone, SKYPE and email services, he helps truck drivers on a daily basis to cope with the many health issues that come with the trucker's lifestyle including the feeliing of isolation, stress and depression. His practice is located in Lafayette, Indiana with the Heartland Clinic and his professional status is verified by Psychology Today. We will discuss truck driver health and how Mr. Black is able to bring the help to the professional truck driver living life on the road.

The Fighting Fraud in Transportation Act of 2011 proposes to raise the amount of the surety bond from $10,000 to $100,000 with the reasoning being that the increase would combat against fraudulent freight broker business. Our special guest, Dan Metully of Transport Watch and co-owner of TFI Logistics, Inc., believes it will put more good brokers than bad, out of business. Also joining the conversation is James Lamb, President of the Association of Independent Property Brokers & Agents and Richard Wilson, regulatory expert with Trans Products & Trans Services. Good or bad idea? We'll debate it.

Having attended the recent MCSAC/FMCSA meeting and listening to the recommendations from the Medical Review Board on sleep apnea, Richard Wilson, safety and compliance expert, and Todd Dills, senior editor for Overdrive Magazine, joins us as our guests. Using Facebook and Twitter to provide "live coverage" of the meeting to thousands of professional truck drivers, our guests will discuss what took place and how social media is providing drivers the opportunity to have their voices heard at MCSAC meetings, even without being present. Discussion also included EOBR's and harassment issues and the long-haul trucking pilot project.

Every day in the United States, 2,300 people are reported missing and professional truckers are no exception. Because of their mobility, truck drivers are much more difficult for law enforcement to locate, even with the GPS technology used within the trucking industry. Special guests, Kari Fisher and Hal Kiah, foundersof The Missing Truck Driver Alert Network are working to change that. Together, they are using the power of social media, currently through FaceBook, to launch this newest tool in assisting law enforcement, family members and the trucking industry as a whole, to help find missing truck drivers and to unite an industry to come together in helping their own.

Every year, thousands of truck drivers are injured on the job, yet motor carriers and their insurance companies rarely pay injured truckers the workers’ compensation benefits they are owed. Attorney, Charles Buchanan has practiced personal injury and workers' compensation law for 37 years and is host of Hurt Trucker, the official personal injury and workers' compensation site for truckers. Graduating with top honors from the law school of the University of Missouri, Mr. Buchanan has the highest rating (AV Preeminent) for ethics and legal ability given by Martindale Hubbell, which is the most prominent attorney rating service. Representing injured truck drivers for over 30 years, he joins us as our special guest to discuss the legal rights of truck drivers, pertaining to personal injury and workers' comp laws. Open lines to take your calls.

Tony Justice is a second-generation truck driver and in 2002 was endorsed by NASCAR legends, Rusty Wallace and Roger Penski, of which his album "Rockin' Rusty" was recorded. His most recent album, "On The Road" was recently released and is available at all Pilot Travel Centers nationwide, with the title track written by country superstar, Kenny Chesney and legendary songwriter, Kim Williams. His song, "Bring Daddy Home" was written in support of the U.S. military service personnel and their families and has received radio play. Now, Tony Justice has been invited to perform at the 2012 Pre-Grammy Awards Party in Hollywood, California in February. Tony joins us as our special guest to discuss his long, struggling road from professional truck driver to upcoming Nashville recording artist.

Regulatory expert, Richard Wilson of Trans Products Trans Services returns as our guest to discuss the FMCSA's newest hours of service rules that will take effect July 1, 2013. Having recently attended the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Subcommittee Meeting in Alexandria, Virginia, Mr. Wilson will also bring us up-to-date on current and possible new mandates concerning future sleep apnea testing and regulations for truck drivers.

For our final show of 2011, Lynsay Caylor joins us as our special guest to disuss her role as the Social Media Marketing Manager for the Pilot Travel Centers. Working to increase the transparency of the company, we'll discuss how social media is used to build relationships between her company, its employees and with America's professional truck drivers, making the Pilot/FlyingJ Travel Centers one of the nation's most successful truck stop chains.

Kylla Leeburg is co-founder of the Truckers Against Human Trafficking organization and author of My Life Crazy. Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book details her missionary work from 1996 to 1998, while living among Salvadoran gang members. My Life Crazy is the story of how a young, blonde American women, existing on the streets ruled by the two most powerful gangs in El Salvador, was able to form a friendship between two completely different worlds and how her own personal convictions and experiences led to her co-founding of Truckers Against Trafficking.

By the 1960s, when Overdrive Magazine was founded, many opportunities for owner-operators had become limited. Through the next 60 years, the magazine played a key part in advocating for enhanced hauling freedom in its early days. After deregulation, Overdrive became more focused on operator business management as leased truck drivers became more prominent within the trucking industry. From Overdrive Magazine, our special guests are Lucinda Coulter, Managing Editor and Todd Dills, Senior Editor. Lucinda is the head editor behind Overdrive Retro where she has curated items from the past 50 years of trucking news coverage, features, ads and more. Todd is also host of the Overdrive Online Channel 19 blog and for the 50th-anniversary issue wrote the "Breaking Free" history of the owner-operator business in trucking, and Overdrive's part in helping shape the model through the years. Join us for a look back through the history of the truck owner operator with Overdrive editors in the year of the magazine's 50th anniversary.

David Hancock, CEO with Hodyon, Inc., manufacturer of the Dynasys APU, discusses the benefits to the ownership of an Auxiliary Power Unit. As anti-idling laws and environmental protection regulations become more prevalent, Hodyon, a two-time award winner for growth, has taken the lead within the APU industry by producing energy-efficient products and systems that reduce the magnitude of climate change and assisting professional truck drivers and trucking fleet owners with an anti-idling alternative.

Dan Metully of Transport Watch joins us as our special guest to explain how his company is working to fight back against fraud in the transportation industry, as well as promoting your company's good name and reputation. Transportwatch.com is dedicated to promoting and protecting those companies who operate with honesty and integrity, as well as exposing those who ruin the reputation of others by dealing in identity theft, double brokering, fuel advance schemes and other fraudulent work ethics. Whether you operate a trucking company or as a freight broker, joining the Transport Watch community will take your ability to verify your potential business partners to a new level, and provide a powerful, effective tool to help you protect your company's reputation and revenue.

Don't tell Fred Schaffner of The American Driver that you can't change legislation, because he's done it. Fred is responsible for the removal of the two hour limit parking signs from the Virgina rest areas. He recently attended the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee meeting in Arlington, VA in order to make comments and address concerns of professional drivers. The major topics of discussion during the committee and sub-committee meetings were EOBR'S and the cross border trucking agreement. As our special guest, he will share his thoughts and insights regarding the content of the discussions and specifically the impact on American trucking jobs, as well as his comments during the public session.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Old Dominion Freight for removing a driver from his driving duties, after he admitted to fears of an alcoholism relapse. The EEOC has stated that the driver is a "qualified individual with a disability under ADA, who can perform the essential functions of a driving position." While we applaud the driver for handling his problem with professional responsibility, why should the motor carrier be punished for their responsibility to highway and public safety? Where does the defintion of "Disability" end? Should sleep apnea be considered a disability? What about drug use? Should these be labeld as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act? The EEOC proudly proclaims that they, "Enforce federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, including disability and retaliation discrimination." Yet, they ignore the retaliation measures used against truck drivers via the DAC report. Is not "Safety First" the motto this year for the trucking industry? Is Old Dominion Freight in the wrong, or is this another example of the Federal Government spiralling out of control?

Regulatory expert, Richard Wilson discusses the MCSAC meeting recently held in Washington, D.C., on the NAFTA cross border trucking agreement. The Teamsters and Public Citizen have filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration seeking to block the program. We'll take an insider look at the NAFTA Mexico agreement and why Mexican carriers are saying that they do not want American or Domiciled carriers in Mexico.

Truck stop electrification (TSE), examined in-depth in the August 2011 edition of Overdrive magazine, is one way to avoid truck idling and get comfortable in your rig during rest periods. As a handful of companies are slowly adding electrified parking spots in installations on major interstates, others remain leery of hosting electrification providers and are taking a wait-and-see attitude. Is the electrification industry regaining momentum? Find out what you can expect for the future of TSE with our guest, Overdrive Senior Editor, Max Kvidera, on this broadcast of Truth About Trucking "Live".

In this age of technology, with instant messaging and the ability to connect and communicate around the globe within a matter of seconds, social media has become a primary source of interactive dialogue for both business and personal strategies.

One industry that is still considered to be following behind on the use of social media, is the trucking industry. Although there has been a jump of 13% since 2009, still, 44% of trucking companies report that they do not use any form of social media within their business strategies. As a business owner, when you look at the overall missed market potential, the numbers are amazing:

Facebook - Over 750 million users Twitter - Over 300 million users LinkedIn - Over 1 million users YouTube - Over 2 Billion views a day Landon Middleton is a highly sought after internet marketing expert that leverages the iSocial Academy expertise and secrets of social media for his clients in thetrucking industry, and is founder of Ultimate Marketing Solutions. He is currently creating and managing social media campaigns for clients all across the country. As a guest speaker at the upcoming truck driver convention, he joins us as our special guest to give an insight into how the trucking industry can harness the power of social media.

With states strapped for cash and communities hit hard by the current economic situation, trucking companies and drivers are finding themselves being ticketed for petty violations that have nothing to do with safety. Has the CSA always been about generating cash for the states? Truck drivers have reported being cited by law enforcement officers during roadside inspections for not retrieving their eLogs fast enough. One driver, stopped at a DOT scale, could not hear the officer's instructions, so he unbuckled his seat belt to lean out the window to hear better. The officer then told him to pull around the lot for an inspection and after doing so, was given a ticket for not wearing his seat belt. The recent government shutdown in Minnesota has left the state hurting even more financially and drivers are reporting that law enforcement are hitting truckers hard for any kind of petty violation they can conjure up. Are state law enforcement agencies abusing the CSA? Was the CSA really about safety or a way to abuse truck drivers and motor carriers by using them as a big cash cow for generating badly needed revenue? PLUS! Listen in to learn how you can win a FREE Dynasys APU for your truck! Allen will tell you how . . .

Whatever happened to the camaraderie that once existed among professional truck drivers? Is there a lack of self respect within the trucking industry between drivers and does this carry over into the public image of truckers? Toby Bogard is a veteran long-haul truck driver and author of "On The Big Road" and "Semi-Aware." As a professional driver, Toby joins us as our special guest to discuss how trucking has changed, the problems brought about by these changes and what can be done to bring professionalism back to the professional truck driver and to return to the days when America's truckers were known as the Knights of the Road.

Truck drivers 70 hour work week HOS 14 hour rule Outsourcing of truck driving jobs NAFTA EOBR's, APU systems, pay for detention time Whatever the trucking issue, join Allen and Donna as they sit down for the first Truth About Trucking "LIVE" Roundtable to discuss anything and everything about trucking. So . . . what's on your mind?

United States and Mexico Transportation Secretaries Ray LaHood and Dionisio Pérez-Jácome signed the three-year memorandum for the cross border trucking deal on July 6th, 2011based on an earlier agreement in March by Presidents Barack Obama and Felipe Calderón. So what does this really mean for the American truck driver and the security of the United States? Jami Jones, is the Senior Editor of LandLine Magazine, the official publication of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and a 20-year plus veteran journalist who has worked in the trucking media for over a decade. Jami joins us as our special guest to discuss what impact truckers could face under the recently signed NAFTA cross border trucking agreement, and what it means for the U. S. trucking industry.

The FMCSA is looking toward the future of safety through their 2011-2016 Strategic Plan; a five year plan designed to raise the safety bar within the U.S. trucking industry. Rich Wilson, Safety & Regulatory Manager, Consultant & Trainer with Trans Products & Trans Services, returns as our special guest to discuss the FMCSA Strategic Plan, what it means to the professional truck driver and most importantly, how drivers can become individually involved in the FMCSA regulatory decision-making process by sharing their voice through the Governmental social media sites.

Truck driver, Ed Webb learned first-hand how states are increasing their attention to the testing of sleep apnea. After being woke up by an Indiana state trooper when he heard snoring coming from the truck, he found himself being audited by the State of Indiana. With his story featured in the June, 2011 issue of Trucker News Magazine, Ed joins us as our special guest. It is no secret that truck drivers around the country are working actively to achieve better health through all manner of activities. From the regulatory side of the truck driver health issue, attention to specific conditions continues to increase at the state level just as new federal programs to scrutinize the doctors giving DOT physicals, as well as doing away with the driver medical card as we know it, draws closer to implementation. Truckers News senior editors, Max Kvidera and Todd Dills examined the issues in this month's "Medically Certified" cover story and return as our guests to discuss truck drivers medical certification regulations at both the federal and state levels and how stricter DOT medical examinations will be placing drivers under more scrutiny.

On May 11th, 2011 the trucking industry came together in Washington D.C. as supporters gathered for the official announcement of the re-introducing of Jason’s Law, H.R. 1803, given by Congressman Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.). For the first half of the show, Congressman Tonko will bring us up to date on this important issue, and then Hope Rivenburg will be joining us for open discussion and advise on what we can all do in the continual effort to pass Jason's Law and ensure more safe and secure parking for our nation's truck drivers.

Has NAFTA been beneficial for Mexico and has it really been a good thing for her citizens? Will opening the U.S. to cross border trucking help the people of Mexico and the U.S. to build a better life as the media and governments claims? What are the benefits of NAFTA for truck drivers from both sides of the border? Our special guests are Professor William Arrocha of the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. An expert in U.S.- Mexico relations, he teaches courses in international political economy, international relations, comparative politics (US, Canada and Mexico) and trade policy. He also assisted in the drafting of the North American Free Trade Agreement, pursuant to the Provisions of Article 1904. Joining us from Mexico City, Mexico is DiegoDelgado González, a documentary film director and co-director at Totora Films and a graduate in Licenciatura, Communications from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. As a producer, cameraman and correspondent in Mexico City at IPS Inter Press Service, he knows first-hand of the quality of life experienced by the Mexican people. We'll take you inside Mexico City and the NAFTA Cross Border Agreement and report on who is really benefiting from NAFTA and who is not.

Joining us are Dr. Walter Gutowski who is a specialist in Chiropractic Applied Kinesiology with a 27 year career in health and natural healing, and James S. McCormack, founder of Trucking Careers of America. James is a ten year veteran as a career advisor and job placement specialist for OTR truckers nationwide, as well as an advocate for improving truck driver health and their quality of life. Studies have shown that truck drivers have increased health risks and it is widely believed that the majority of these health issues are job related. Many truck drivers use various types of stimulants to increase energy and stamina to stay awake, and other aids to help fall asleep. These kinds of stimulants and aids can not only be expensive, but dangerous as well. Our guests will explain why AgeLOC Vitality is an excellent alternative. Unlike many products currently on the market, ageLOC Vitality is not designed to provide a quick fix or boost. Instead, it is formulated to raise and maintain a person's baseline energy level for a sustained increase in overall vitality. As some trucking companies are beginning to take an active approach towards improving the health of drivers, such as in drivers' wellness programs, AgeLOC has shown to improve physical and mental performance, as well as revitalizing the overall loss of energy that often is related to health issues associated with the hardships placed on the professional truck driver. A percentage of proceeds from ageLOC Vitality go to Nourish The Children, a program that feeds more than 91,000 needy children worldwide each day.

Recently, in a Tennessee rest area, truckers became the latest victims of robbery. Special guest, Carolyn Magner is Contributing Editor for Randall Reilly Publishing and is popularly known for her monthly column in Truckers News, "I'm Just Say'n". In the April 2011 issue of Truckers News Magazine, she reports on the growing problem of crime against truckers and what drivers can do to protect themselves. From firearms to mace to tire thumpers, we will discuss the various options available for truckers security and self-protection and the precautions to take while living life on the road.

Our special guests, Ethan Garber, CEO and Mike Fielden, President and COO of IdleAir will join us to discuss various ways to reduce truck idling through the use of TSE, an acronym for Truck Stop Electrification. IdleAir provides truck drivers and fleets an alternative to idling their engines while parked, without compromising their health, safety, comfort and conveniences. Truth About Trucking "LIVE" takes a look at the NEW IdleAir.

Special guest, Jon Osburne is an ex-military chief paramedic and former long haul truck driver. He currently travels through-out the U.S. in the MeRV (Medical Resource Vehicle) providing health education and screenings for over the road truckers. The MeRV is equipped to offer medical screening for blood pressure, pulse rate, blood sugar readings, A1C testing and sleep apnea testing. As the lifestyle of the professional truck driver complicates health issues, a major goal for the MeRV mobile is to provide medical education on HTN, diabetes, diabetes prevention, stroke prevention, smoking cessation, diet and exercise.

Government bureaucracy continues to slam the American truck driver and the U. S. trucking industry with on-going regulations and fees. From speed limiters, HOS rule changes, EOBR's, carbon based emission control, the CSA, sleep apnea testings and the NAFTA Mexico agreement, have trucking regulations gone too far? As the FMCSA looks to pick up the tab for EOBR's to be placed on all Mexican trucks, U. S. companies and owner operators are left to fend for themselves. Allen opens up the lines for an open topic forum while asking the question . . . are regulations destroying the American trucker?

Our special guest, Eddie Gichuhi ran over the road for seven years before earning his degree in software engineering. Seeing the struggles faced by drivers, he set out to build and design the ultimate bookkeeping service for small to medium sized truck fleets, business owners, owner-operators and company truck drivers. As founder of Trip Sheet Central, he developed a proven framework that truck business owners can use to manage their businesses and grow in strength and profit. If you're serious about having your own successful trucking business, you will not want to miss this show.

The trucking industry has seen many changes over the last 50 years and Overdrive Magazine has led the way in trucking news from the very beginning. Lucinda Coulter is managing editor of Overdrive and joins us as our special guest. From issues with truck parking, the changing face of truck stops and the once shared brotherhood of truckers, we'll take you down a nostalgic trip through fifty years of trucking.

Allowing Mexican trucks to operate through out the United States will cost thousands of American drivers to lose their jobs. Mexican trucks are unsafe and will wreak havoc on U. S. public roads and highways. Mexican truck drivers will not comply with the high safety standards of the United States and by fully opening the U. S. border to Mexico's trucks, we are opening the flood gate to incoming drug traffickers and a higher profile for criminal activity. These are just a few of many of thousands of comments by drivers across America voicing their concerns over new NAFTA negotiations which would open the U. S. border to Mexican trucks. What is the truth when it comes to the NAFTA and Mexico agreement? Do these statements hold up against documented facts or are they simply a measurement to fear of the unknown?

Will the CSA lead to a real driver shortage and ultimately increase truck driver pay? Are you experiencing the roadside inspections and other reported consequences from the CSA implementation? Could the trucking industry actually see a shortage of drivers or has the problem always been a driver pay shortage? Allen is joined by special guest, Todd Dills, Senior Editor for Truckers News Magazine, to discuss the January, 2011 edition which examines the CSA, the truck driver shortage and the potential for a wage increase for truck drivers. What do you think, drivers? Is the potential of a driver pay increase proving to be real or is it trucking as usual? Open lines to take your calls.

With the CSA and the impending hours of service change, there is a new mandate on the horizon for the trucking industry. The NHTSA has begun the rulemaking procedure to make speed limiters mandatory on all heavy-duty trucks, with the set speed being 68 MPH. The move is being pushed heavily by the ATA, Road Safe America and nine major motor carriers. By governing all trucks to 68 MPH, will this improve safety or is this a way for the major carriers to level the playing field for the hiring of drivers in this new CSA environment?

As truck drivers gear up for the new hours of service proposal by the FMCSA, the trucking industry is wasting no time in voicing their disapproval. Our special guest, Richard Wilson, regulatory manager for Trans Products & Tran Services, a motor carrier and safety compliance company, will give us a run down on what the proposed change in the HOS rule could mean for drivers and the industry.

Our focus will be on the problems faced by truck drivers today and how certain trucking companies are working on solutions toward the betterment of drivers. Special guest, Grace Epting, of Diamond Transportation System , a 100% owner operator company, will discuss how her company continues to attract qualified drivers in today's transportation climate. Diamond Transportation System is setting a new standard for the industry by having always focused on truck drivers' needs and offering special services that have assisted their drivers toward a successful career.

Hope Rivenburg joins us in the first segment for an update discussion on the recent New York State rest area closings protest which was covered by four major TV news stations. Afterwards, Sky Williamson and Dee De Santis of Free Tony the Tiger joins us as we look at the true story of Tony the truck stop tiger, and the push by thousands to move him to a more appropriate habitat.

Todd Dills, Senior Editor of Overdrive and Truckers News magazines, returns as our guest for a special report on the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program and how the PSP could shift the balance of power from the carrier to the truck driver. Every driver should be ordering their PSP right now. Only 10% of the nation's truck drivers have purchased the report thus far, and our guest will explain why this could prove to be a huge mistake.

Dr. Randolph Rosarion is a 17 year practicing physician and veteran DOT Medical Examiner. Examining several hundred truck drivers per year from his Sands Point Medical Rehab practice in Elmhurst, N.Y., he will set the record straight on the qualifications needed to pass the DOT medical exam for truck drivers with diabetes. The FMCSA regulations and the Diabetes Medical Waiver will also be discussed, concerning truck drivers with insulin controlled diabetes. Other topics will include blood pressure, sleep apnea, vision, hearing and those conditions which will disqualify a person from operating a CMV. Open lines to take your calls.

Kylla Leeburg of Chapter 61 Ministries returns as our guest to give updates on the work being done to fight back against the human trafficking crisis. Along with the help of the Truckers Against Trafficking organization, truck drivers are becoming more aware and alert of this serious crime and continue to be the biggest help in the rescue of trafficking victims.

Thousands of OTR drivers love what they do for a living. Knowing how the industry works will assist newcomers to long haul trucking in making a successful career out of trucking. Allen discusses what he considers to be the seven biggest mistakes by CDL students and new drivers.

Leasing a truck and starting your own trucking business is an important decision to make. What should you look for in a lease and why should you avoid the trucking company owner operator lease purchase plan? How do you know you are getting the best deal that is right for you? Joe Hoovestol of Lone Mountain Truck Leasing is our special guest as we discuss the in and outs of successful truck leasing.

The September 2010 issue of Truckers News Magazine takes an in-depth investigative look into the rising problem of cargo theft within the trucking industry. Our special guests: Todd Dills, Senior Editor of Overdrive & Truckers News Magazine,along with Max Kvidera, Senior Editor of Randall-Reilly Publishing. With trucking cargo theft hitting an all-time high, we'll discuss the problem as well as the solution.

For the first part of the show, Allen welcomes Mike Garcia of diesel treatment dot com to discuss the new fuel additive - XTREME Fuel Treatment. Allen tested this product and will reveal the results. Also joining us will be CEO/President, John Winterholler of Syntek Global. In the 2nd segment, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of having all truck drivers paid by the hour, instead of CPM, per load or other means. Is CPM the best truck driver pay? Stay with cents-per-mile or would having all drivers pay at an hourly rate work for the millions of professional truck drivers who keep America moving?

Songwriters David Ayers and Barry Allen, along with Hope Rivenburg and Richie Acosta are our special guests as we discuss the release of the new music CD, "When the Big Rigs Don't Roll" by Allen & Ayers Productions. Callers can win a FREE CD with our Q&A contest. A fun, uplifting broadcast highlighting the songs on the CD and the stories behind them. On how you can help, please visit the Jason's Law Fund.

Special guest: Rickey Gooch of Prepaid Legal Services. How serious is the FMCSA's CSA 2010 for truck drivers and trucking companies? While many truckers and trucking companies have taken a "wait and see" attitude, Rickey Gooch continues to address the seriousness of this new safety initiative. Join the discussion as we take a more in-depth look into the CSA 2010 and why he sees it as the most serious law to ever hit the trucking industry, with the intentions of the FMCSA being to "absolutely remove drivers from the industry." He is also the host of the website: Justice for Truckers

Are trucking companies "Green" or "Greedy?" Many states are enforcing a No Idle law for trucks, while many carriers are imposing their own no idling policies. They are all pushing the Smart Way EPA philosophy, but are they ignoring the health dangers and risk that truckers face due to the No Idle Law?

Special Guest: Attorney Paul Taylor of the Truckers Justice Center. Truck drivers who refuse to violate HOS rules or to operate the CMV in a way that would violate a Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Regulation are protected from any kind of retaliation by the trucking company, under the STAA, 49 U.S.C. Section 31105, and are encouraged to report any such retaliation to the FMCSA or to OSHA. Mr. Taylor will answer your questions concerning your rights as a truck driver under OSHA and how he can help when your rights have been violated.

Open line discussion of how CDL training, CSA 2010 and Cross Border Trucking relates to the trucking industry reports of a massive truck driver shortage in the United States. Also, for the first time anywhere, hear the debut of the song dedicated to Jason Rivenburg, in support of Jason's Law: "A Prayer for Jason" - ONLY on Truth About Trucking "LIVE."

Open discussion on current trucking news and issues. Topics include: Jazzy Jordan's run across America and Jason's Law call to action. Also, you will not believe what some trucking companies are forcing drivers to do ... all because of the California Clean Energy Program. Unbelievable!

Reports are showing that there is currently a truck driver shortage of 20,000 drivers in the United States, with that figure growing to 114,000 by the year 2014. What is the real truth behind the truck driver shortage? 72,000 drivers lost their jobs in 2008 alone, yet presently they cannot fill 20,000 positions? Open discussion on the real facts about the driver shortage myth. Other topics will include problems with the current state of truck driver training and opening the Mexican border.

The NTSB, FMCSA and the ATA are all pushing for sleep apnea testing for truck drivers. According to media coverage, truck driver fatigue is a major issue and required testing for sleep apnea will help combat the problem. Allen exposes the real truth behind what could be the biggest deception ever perpetrated against the professional trucker.

Recent fatal accidents involving truck drivers of an older age have been making the headline news. Safety advocates and attorneys are, once again, calling for a mandatory retirement age of 65 for truckers. Should professional truck drivers be required by law to retire at 65? Could this safety matter erupt into an age discrimination issue?

Allen takes the top 40 questions and discusses the 40 answers concerning the FMCSA safety initiative: CSA 2010. Special 2 hour broadcast.

Years ago it was being said that the truck owner operator was a dying breed, yet ... the entrepreneurial spirit of these independent contractors live on. Allen pays tribute to the on-going spirit of the trucking owner operator and the struggles faced by these warriors of the road.

The FMSCA has now decided not to fully implement the new safety initiative, CSA 2010 until 2011. Even though the program is still months away, truck drivers are already feeling the effects of CSA 2010. The question still remains ... what future effect will CSA 2010 have on our professional truckers? Other topics will include the driver shortage issue and drivers classified as unskilled labor. Co-host Barry Szczucki joins Allen for open lines.

Open phone lines for whatever trucking topic is on your mind. Allen looks at the recent Mid America Trucking Show and Jazzy Jordan running across America for truckers, featuring the new Jazzy song performed by Jan McCarter. Surprise call-in from "Jazzy" Jordan!

What is happening in today's world of trucking? CDL training? CSA2010? NAFTA? Cheap freight? What about the good side of trucking? The phone lines are opened for the callers to decide what they want to talk about on this episode of Trucking Topics Open Discussion.

How safe is the truck driver 14 hours of service rule? Truckers can work 70 hour work weeks with trucking companies, shippers and receivers showing little regard to the safety and health of the drivers. With the current HOS rules for drivers, many local truck drivers can easily be up for 20 or more hours at a time. Is the trucking industry really concerned with safety or is it nothing more than greed? Barry Szczucki co-hosts.

Cargo theft is on the rise as truckers find themselves targets of highway robberies. As the global economic crisis worsens, truckloads containing $487 million of goods were stolen in the U.S. in 2009, a 67% increase from the previous year. Allen Smith and Barry Szczucki takes a look at the rising factors of crime against truckers and what measures can be taken to protect yourself from highway hijackers.

Congressman Paul Tonko (D) N.Y., is our special guest as we discuss the importance of passing House Bill H.R.2156. Better known as Jason's Law, this bill will provide safe and secure parking for our nation's truck drivers. Congressman Tonko will bring us up to date on this important issue that is so vital to the safety of all truckers.

Human trafficking is America's modern day slavery. Men, women and children are being bought and sold in the United States and abroad and has become a $32 billion industry worldwide. Kylla Leeburg, of Chapter 61 Ministries is our special guest, as we look at this horrific crime and how truckers are being called to action to help rescue the victims of Human Trafficking in America.

The Florida High Speed Rail proposal, Private Public Partnerships, fiscal irresponsibility and the selling off of America. Former Orange County mayoral candidate and transportation activist, Sally Baptiste returns as our special guest to discuss the Governmental waste of your tax dollars and her role in the September, 2009 Tea Party movement in Washington, D.C. Barry Szczucki co-hosts.

The FMCSA is considering changing the hours of service for truck drivers back to the former 10-8 rule. Good idea, or are truck drivers better off with the current 11-10 hour log book regulation? Allen, along with co-host Barry Szczucki will be taking your calls.

Are you a CDL student, graduate or even experienced truck driver unable to find a truck driving job? Allen welcomes James McCormack to the show. As founder of Trucking Careers of America, they are dedicated to working for you and not for the trucking companies. Never a fee for their services, Mr. McCormack will take your questions and explain how Trucking Careers of America can get you hired and back in the driver seat. You will NOT want to MISS this show!

In 1999, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared Road Rage the most pressing traffic safety problem facing America. Allen looks at this driver behavior, its often deadly consequences and offers tips on preventing, as well as surviving a trucking Road Rage encounter.

Allen opens up 2010 with an open discussion of the hottest trucking topics in the news today: CSA2010, the DAC Report abuse, the closing of Arrow Trucking, upcoming Government Regulations and more. Anything and everything that YOU want to talk about relating to the most important issues facing the trucking industry. Mike Rone of RMR Consultants is scheduled to call in to discuss the csa2010 issue. Open discussion on Truth About Trucking "LIVE."

For the final show of 2009, Allen welcomes special guest, Bobby Flaherty, Jr. Recipient of the Trucking Hero Awards: Knight of the Road and the Highway Angel Award. Bobby shares his story of how he saved the life of a child in July, 2006 during his time as a car hauler, and is still recovering from his injuries. A story of bravery, courage, unselfishness and heroism, join Allen for this special Holiday broadcast.

Does the trucking industry have the morals and ethics it takes to correct the problems with truck driver training? Will the industry step up and stop the harassment and abuse of female CDL trainees? Donna Smith hosts with special guest, Trucker Desiree to discuss solutions to the truck driving training practices. Trucker Desiree had a major role in the first Dan Rather Reports TV show, " Queen of the Road" which sent the trucking industry rocking.

Truth About Trucking "LIVE" opens up the phone lines to discuss the controversy within the trucking industry from the recent Dan Rather Reports interview with lady driver, TruckerDesiree. 32 year trucking veteran, Aubrey Allen Smith fights back to expose the real scams of over the road trucking.

With premium costs spiraling upwards and no end in sight, health care is a big concern for truckers and the trucking industry as well. Join hosts Allen Smith and Barry Szczucki, with special guest Mike Johnston, for an in-depth look into possible solutions to reforming health care.

Opening Mexico's border and allowing their trucks to run through our 48 states could prove disastrous for the American driver. Most companies and organizations write that they are against this plan, but are they really? Or is this a plan that has been secretly building in the background for years? With a combined driving experience of 65 years, Allen and co-host Barry Szczucki takes a look at what opening the Mexican border could do to the American trucker. Special guest: Daniel Audet of http://www.thetruckstar.com

In today's economy, many people are looking at professional truck driving as a possible career. Their first stop? CDL truck driver training school. Before heading to the nearest CDL school, Allen discusses what every new CDL student needs to know before making the move to OTR trucking jobs.

Barry Szczucki, the Green Guru, returns with a 2nd part follow up show on life outside of trucking. When not driving, Barry offers advice and knowledge in organic gardening and energy saving tips. In this broadcast, he will be discussing how to make your own compost/fertilizer, what you can plant right now, no matter where you live and of course, looking forward to taking your calls.

No doubt, many truckers are passionate about their trucks. But what do they do when they are not trucking? Hobbies, relaxation or recreation ... what do truckers do for other passions? Co-host Barry Szczucki, aka The Green Guru, shares his knowledge and expertise on his passion for organic gardening and how you can literally turn your yard into a produce stand, cutting your grocery bill by hundreds of dollars! His much anticipated web site: Rely on Yourself is set to go "live" today, 7-26-09 and this episode of The Trucker Sunday Show looks at one truckers passion outside of trucking.

It's time to bring change to the way the DAC report is used against our professional truck drivers. False reports by trucking companies and DAC's refusal to investigate fairly and according to law, has ruined many truck drivers' careers. Join Allen as he shares stories he has received from truckers about the abuse of the DAC system, and learn how you can help by signing the petition: Stop False DAC Reporting

Allen looks at one of transportation's most intriguing mysteries: What happened to aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart? After 72 years, we still do not know what really happened back on July 2nd, 1937 when she and navigator, Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific ocean. Many theories exist, but will we ever really know what happened?

What can you do if ever faced with an abusive situation at your workplace? What steps can you take to protect your rights as an employee and to insure that the correct procedures are followed so action is taken against the abuser? Just because trucking is far different than the average workplace, you still have rights and you do not have to accept any abuse or harassment by the trucking company, trainer or anyone else within the industry. How to deal with workplace harassment ... Allen continues the discussion ...

Truth About Trucking looks at the hostile work environment within the trucking industry. From the bullying and criminal assaults targeting students and drivers, this area of trucking continues to go unreported. NOT ANYMORE! With a wide range of special guests, we will reveal and discuss the motives AND solutions to one of Trucking's dirty little secrets.

Introductory commentary by Allen Smith concerning bullying and harassment within the trucking industry. This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series, setting the stage for our in-depth look into the hostility many truck driving students, male and female, are facing from driver trainers and the trucking companies that employ them.

More and more truckers are discovering the benefits of "Smart Phones" - iPhone, Blackberry and the T-Mobile G1. Allen looks at the trucking technology that is making life on the road easier for our OTR drivers. Special guests: Damien from http://smartunion.wordpress.com/ and Mark Pritchard of http://markinark.spaces.live.com/

Jason's Law, otherwise known as Bill H.R. 2156, was introduced on April 28th, 2009 and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The Bill, named after truck driver, Jason Rivenburg of Fultonham, NY, who was found fatally wounded in his truck, would implement a pilot program to establish safe truck parking facilities. We will discuss this Bill in depth and propose what you can do to help its passing. Jason's uncle, Timothy Hardendorf is scheduled to call in.

With the safety of truck drivers becoming an important issue today, are Constitutional Rights being violated by not allowing professional CDL truck drivers to carry a firearm in the truck with them? Even with a concealed weapon permit, honored by most states, why are our truckers not allowed the right to defend themselves if faced with a life and death situation? Allen opens up the lines for discussion about this very HOT topic!

When freight forwarding giant, DHL from their Atlanta, GA office, pulled out of the U.S. they called Jack Martin for help in training. Owner of A1 Freight Broker Training. Jack Martin is the recognized leader and returns as our special guest. Discussing how to build your own customer base, the importance of checking credit and the outlook of freight and factors for the new incoming truck driver, we'll take a look, once again, at how you can be a more successful owner operator with your own freight broker business.

Since its conception in 1993 and implementation in 1994, NAFTA has resulted in the loss of millions of jobs for U.S. workers. Although U.S. domestic exports to its NAFTA partners have increased, NAFTA has led to job losses in all 50 states. Allen and co-host Barry Szczucki, takes a hard look at NAFTA and its future effects on the U.S. trucking industry.

Jeffrey Caldwell, Chief of Communications VDOT is our special guest. Truck drivers stopping for the Federal mandatory 10 hour break in the state of Virginia rest areas are being woke up after two hours by law enforcement officials and are told that they have to move. Allen looks at this hot topic as the state plans on closing major rest areas and why law enforcement is actually breaking the law when they force weary drivers to move on. Fred and JB Schaffner of The American Driver will join us to address Mr. Caldwell on this serious issue.

Are you wanting to become a truck owner operator and considering the trucking companies lease purchase program? Have you been told you can make $100,000 plus per year as an owner operator? No credit check, no money down, own your own truck through one of the trucking lease purchase programs? 35 year trucking veteran and 14 year owner 0perator, Allen Smith explains the facts about truck ownership through lease purchase and wants you to fully understand the Federal Truth in Leasing Law.

You've gone to the CDL school, made it through the course, have your CDL in hand and nobody will hire you. Trucking companies want experience, but if nobody will hire you, how do you get the experience? You were "pre-hired" for truck driving jobs, but that turned out to be false also. Come join in the conversation as Allen looks at the current state of the economy and what it means for students and recent CDL graduates. Ken Bons of Eagle Training Services, Inc., is scheduled to call in.

Allen features the pre-launch of co-host Barry Szczucki's website: http://www.relyonyourself.com - a site that will be "Dedicated to helping people to achieve energy, health and food independence in an urban environment."

With OPEC constantly manipulating the oil market in an effort to drive up prices, the trucking industry needs a reliable and affordable source of energy to power the big rigs down the highway. Truth About Trucking “LIVE” welcomes special guest expert, Chet Szczucki.

Chet received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Rider University and works professionally in the area of Environmental Chemistry and Pollution Control for both Industrial and Municipal applications. He has presented works on Biosolids processing and enhancement of methane production at Water Environment Federation conferences around the country including the annual national WEFTEC conference. Having recently returned from China and with decades of hands on experience, Chet will be providing his expertise and opinion about the future of Biofuels.

Join Allen, along with executive producer Barry Szczucki, for an in depth look into the role Biofuels are going to play in the future of the trucking industry.

Should employees have the right to form a union? The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers, not corporations, to choose whether and how they want to form a union. Special guests: People's Weekly World Labor Editor, John Wojcik, Employment Law Attorney Eric Meyer and 15 year trucking veteran, Damien, as Truth About Trucking "LIVE" sets the stage for a showdown debate!

The Cap and Trade Program is a Governmental program to trade carbon emissions for dollars to the Federal Government. Are the politicians wanting to save the Planet...or just trying to clean out our wallets? Join Allen and Co-Host, Barry Szczucki as they kick off the first of a regular Truth About Trucking "LIVE" series - The Trucker Sunday Show!

How serious is harassment against female truck drivers? From trucking companies and male driver trainers, you just may be surprised to hear how some companies and drivers are treating many of our women in trucking. Join Allen and Donna, along with special guest, Trucker Desiree, as they blow the lid off of one of trucking's dirty little secrets. Other topics will include the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposal for tighter emission and air quality control, certain to effect many owner operators across the country. With other special guests scheduled to appear, be sure to tune in for this 2 Hour Special as Truth About Trucking "LIVE" goes "Green" and talks about what others choose to ignore.

Trucker. One simple word, yet it creates a multitude of images in our minds: The outlaw, the loner, the renegade ... one individual who won't take anything from anybody. Truckers have a rough lifestyle. A life that very few people can even comprehend. A lifestyle, that not many could even handle. Faced with stressful situations on a daily basis, what can truckers do to maintain a healthy and happy state of mind. Is it possible to just be "happy" with the life as a trucker? Allen, along with co-host, Barry Szczucki, explores the truckers state of mind.

Freight hauling...Over the Road...OTR...Long Haul Trucking...whatever you want to call it - how "bad" is it, really? There has to be some "good" to over the road trucking jobs, right? If it was all bad, then why make it a career? Allen looks back at his 30 years in trucking and discusses why he has remained in an industry plagued with so many lies and scams. Opening up the phone lines to take callers questions, Allen will also look at the current economic conditions and what it means for those just entering into the trucking profession. There ARE trucking companies hiring. Allen will tell you how you can find them! Truth About Trucking "LIVE" looks deeper into the truth about trucking jobs.

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY SPECIAL! Stress can be "The Final Frontier" for a professional truck driver. Traffic jams, snow storms, fog, blinding rain...all of these can make the life of a truck driver a stressful event. Barry Szczucki joins Allen as co-host for an exploration of the serious and not so serious side of truck driving stress on the road, and ways of dealing with it...plus, you'll still be able to catch the Super Bowl! LISTEN in to learn how you can win our 3 BOOK SPECIAL download for FREE!

Glutathione is the most powerful antioxidant known to man. With a background in Medical Research, Donna joins Allen as Co-Host for this special "truckers health" segment, explaining why Glutathione should be a part of every truck drivers' daily routine. http://www.max4truckerhealth.com

Allen discusses the truck driver DAC report . . . who they are, how to contact, what they do and the importance of keeping your DAC report clean - as well as Truth About Trucking's plans to bring about changes to this agency, by going straight to Congress with the Stop False DAC Reporting petition.

Aspirin, Ibuprofin, Sudafed, Nyquil...over the counter medicines that seem harmless. However, taken improperly or with other medications can lead to devastating consequences. Let's start the New Year off in the right way! Understanding the side effects of certain drugs, including the seemingly safe, OTC medicines, can only lead to a healthier and safer truck driving career.

As Allen performs a short test for Truth About Trucking "LIVE" - he briefly speaks about key problems concerning various trucking forums, and what you, as a student or new driver, should keep in mind when using trucking forums as a source for information.

The color of your car plays a key role in getting stopped by an officer? Having a gravity-fed fuel tank is illegal? Gas engines are more powerful than diesel engines? If I choose not to wear a seat belt, it's my choice...it won't hurt anyone else? What is truth and what is myth? From "drafting" behind a big rig to increase fuel mileage to you won't have to pay the ticket if the officer writes down your hair color wrong...Truth About Trucking "LIVE" looks at busting myths about trucking and more...

Have you ever thought about working as a driver overseas? How does it work? Who can you contact? What is the pay like? Allen investigates this "other side" of a career in trucking.

Before heading to a truck driving school and spending the fee for your CDL license, it is imperative that you first understand the hiring requirements by both trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Let's be certain that you are 100% hireable BEFORE you invest the time and money in a CDL. Can you really get a CDL with a DUI or felony on your record? Allen looks at the hiring process and how various violations can affect your chances of becoming a professional truck driver. Looking for a truck driving job? Allen also reveals the name of a trucking company that he considers to be one of the best in the nation...one of his "secrets" revealed...on Truth About Trucking "LIVE."

You've seen the ads for free CDL training, but is it true? Is there any way that you can receive your CDL training for free? \ Allen looks at the CDL process and separates fact from fiction and further explains why you should not attempt to receive your CDL license on your own without proper training through a truck driving school.

The Class A CDL License. Is there a way to get your CDL license without paying thousands of dollars? Actually, YES THERE IS! Allen reveals the steps one can take in order to obtain the CDL license for under $500...but is it what you really want to do?

When considering a career in trucking, there are many questions and concerns a newcomer will have when searching for the best truck driving jobs. For this show, Allen opens up his email vault and answers some of the hundreds of questions he receives on a weekly basis. Listeners are encouraged to call in with their questions for this special Q&A broadcast.

Allen talks about the history of trucking, detailing interesting and sometimes humorous facts about the industry. Guests are encouraged to call in and share their trucking experiences . . . what is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while out on the road? . . . what is the worst thing that has ever happened? . . . the most exciting? . . . time to just lay back and have a little fun discussing the trucking life.

As a student, how can you be certain the truck driving school you've chosen is reliable? What makes a CDL training school one of the best? Ken Bons is founder of Eagle Training Services, Inc. of Lake in the Hills, Illinois. With another location in Rockford, IL and in partnership with Harper College and McHenry County College, he and his staff operates one of the most successful and highly regarded truck driving schools in the country. Allen welcomes Mr. Bons to the show to give insight as to what it takes to provide an honest and reliable truck driving school for students. If you're searching for CDL training, you won't want to miss this show! Discover why Ken Bons stands on his committment of, "It's all about the students." Their website is: http://www.eagletrainingservices.com

Former Orange County Mayoral candidate and activist, Sally Baptiste, discusses her goal to "get people involved, informed, to force reform in Transportation and to reduce the level of Governmental corruption." Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, she majored in Business at VCC and UCF and is a Sr. Business/Business Systems Analyst, and was elected to the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation district in 2004. She has spent years researching and analyzing the cost of Transportation, and has become highly recognized and known for fighting to stop the abuse of additional taxes placed upon "We the People," by the Governmental Committees wanting to add more toll roads . . . not only in Florida, but in other States as well. She has appeared on many talk shows, including "Bud Hedinger Live" of Orlando's massive AM540 WFLA. Join Allen for this very special broadcast to learn about Sally Baptiste's upcoming plight to STOP the plans to add more toll roads on FLORIDA'S I-4 interstate and ultimately bring about reform in our Transportation System. Her website is: http://www.tollscreategridlock.org

Ellen Voie is the President/CEO of the Women in Trucking Association - Their mission statement says it all : "Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women in trucking".

Ellen serves on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Motor Carrier Association and was involved in adapting the Wisconsin Driver's Manual. She is the recipient of the Skinner Humanitarian award, which is presented annually to a trucking advocate in her state.

She helped found and organize the Trucker's Pride Day in Waupaca, Wisconsin and convinced Governor Tommy Thompson to proclaim the event as a statewide "Trucker Appreciation Day."

Ellen has written extensively about trucking and family issues, and her articles have appeared in print and internet magazines. She is also a published author - 'Marriage in the Long Run' - a collection of some of her most popular columns.

She holds a Master's Degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin. Join Allen as he welcomes Ellen Voie to the show to learn more about this great organization, and the roles and accomplishments by women in trucking!

http://www.womenintrucking.org

Are you considering a career in trucking? What can you expect as a professional over the road "trucker?" How do you know if trucking is the career for you? Allen shares his thoughts on how to determine if this profession is the right choice for you.

For the shows debut, Allen is joined by HazMat expert, Barry Szczucki, discussing the dangers of hazardous material operations and the do's and dont's of the industry. Specializing in the Petroleum Industry, the high cost of fuel effecting all owner operators will also be discussed, and Mr. Szczucki gives his outlook on where he believes fuel prices are headed.

Host Allen Smith extends invitation to all to join in on the debut of Truth About Trucking "LIVE."