Author: Trucker Talk Radio

ATW Expands Truck Equipment Division with Dakota Bodies Acquisition ATW, a provider of trailers, truck equipment, and associated parts in North America, has acquired Dakota Bodies, a manufacturer of custom truck bodies. This acquisition enhances ATW’s Truck Equipment business unit, boosting its rapidly expanding flatbed and service body manufacturing capabilities. Longstanding Partnership Steve Courreges, President of ATW Truck Equipment, noted, “For years, ATW has collaborated with Dakota Bodies on custom service and utility bodies.” He added, “By incorporating them into the ATW portfolio, we can more effectively merge their expertise and technology with ATW’s scalability and commercial know-how.” Dakota Bodies’…

NEWMARKET, Ont. – Extended Training Offerings from CarriersEdge CarriersEdge has broadened its training course offerings to include new modules that focus on mental health challenges faced by truck drivers and issues related to personal security that they might encounter while on the road. The Importance of Mental Health and Safety Jane Jazrawy, CEO of CarriersEdge, highlighted that a driver’s mental health and sense of safety are crucial for their overall well-being and work efficiency. “These new courses address needs that are critical yet often overlooked due to the difficult nature of these conversations,” she explained. Many leading fleets participating in…

Parkhurst’s 75th Anniversary Celebration In 2021, Parkhurst marks its 75 years in the business. Established in 1946, Parkhurst has been a key player in the truck equipment sector. Today, it distributes truck bodies throughout the United States via a network of dealers and distributors catering to various industries. The Foundation of Parkhurst The origins of Parkhurst trace back to when William R. Parkhurst returned from his service in the U.S. Navy. He constructed a two-wheeled utility trailer in a borrowed garage, which led to the establishment of the company. Shortly after its inception, the company moved to a new 4,000-square-foot…

Exclusive Interview: Trucker Helped Prevent Tragedy Caused by Drunk Driver WEBVTT CHRISTINA: Recently released footage from the Department of Transportation shows 29-year-old Tamara McVicker narrowly avoiding vehicles as she drove 10 miles in the wrong direction on Interstate 41. >> I’m right behind her, flashing my lights to alert oncoming traffic. REPORTER: That’s Scott Batchelor, who called 911. The Sutton Transport truck driver was heading home early Saturday when he spotted McVicker traveling south in the northbound lanes of the freeway in Menomonee Falls. >> She seemed completely unaware. She looked like she might pass out at any moment, swerving…

Honoring Achievements in Trucking During Black History Month In celebration of Black History Month, Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) is highlighting the accomplishments of contemporary truck drivers and their significant contributions to the trucking sector. Spotlight on Charlton Paul One of the noted Black History Month Leaders this year is Charlton Paul, a driver for UPS Freight. With over 25 years of experience in the profession, he has dedicated the last 23 years to UPS Freight, amassing an impressive record of over 2.2 million miles without any accidents. A Lifelong Passion for Trucking Paul’s interest in trucking sparked at just…

Overview Loggers and log truck drivers encounter significant occupational challenges, including operating heavy machinery, working extended hours, and traveling early in the morning and late at night. These conditions increase their risk of injury and death. Survey of Logging Workers Researchers from the University of Washington’s Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center conducted a survey of 45 loggers and log truck drivers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The survey focused on issues like stress, fatigue, work pressures, sleep, and job support. Additionally, interviews with nine logging professionals provided deeper insights into their challenges and needs, aiming to enhance their…

Truck Drivers’ Struggles During the Pandemic Amid the pandemic, Chinese truck drivers in New York City are facing intense pressure to deliver essential goods on time, often working beyond their 11-hour driving limits. One of these drivers, Tom Tang, is preparing for a lengthy 15-hour trip to Saint Louis, with his truck loaded up in a bustling Brooklyn warehouse. Background and Mental Health Impact Tang emigrated from Canton, China, at the age of 15 and started his trucking career after graduating high school. He typically works between fifty to sixty hours each week, which takes a toll on his mental…

The singer-songwriter spoke with Terry Gross in an extensive interview. By Andy Kahn Apr 4, 2025 • 8:42 am PDT Jason Isbell recently returned to NPR’s Fresh Air for an in-depth conversation with host Terry Gross. The singer-songwriter discussed a variety of subjects, including his 2024 divorce from Amanda Shires, his exit from Drive-By Truckers in 2007, and his new solo album, Foxes In The Snow. Isbell revealed that his separation from Shires influenced several songs on Foxes In The Snow. Gross inquired about specific lyrics that seem to reflect this personal experience. Their dialogue also touched on Isbell’s earlier…

In March, the Trucker team connected with Dean Croke, a driver-turned-financial analyst, during the 2023 Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Starting his career hauling in Australia’s Outback, Croke is also an advocate for drivers and the trucking industry. (Photos by Linda Garner-Bunch/The Trucker) Dean Croke 1 Introduction to Dean Croke While many professional drivers relish the accolades from their years of safe driving, others are eager to learn new equipment or transition into training roles. Dean Croke represents a unique path, having evolved from a farm boy to a professional athlete, then to a master driver and now…

During a fireside chat hosted by Oppenheimer’s Scott Schneeberger, executives from Custom Truck One Source (CTOS) discussed robust demand in the specialty rental equipment sector, particularly within utility transmission and distribution. According to CEO Ryan McMonagle, the Specialty Equipment Rental (SER) division has expanded to roughly 10,400 units and is valued at about $1.66 billion, marking the company’s highest point ever. Approximately 75% of this fleet is utility equipment, focusing on transmission and distribution which includes bucket trucks and digger derricks, while the other 25% comprises specialty vehicles such as vacuum and dump trucks. McMonagle noted that fleet utilization was…