Author: Trucker Talk Radio
Growth with Values While bigger isn’t always synonymous with better, it is possible to expand without compromising the core principles that contribute to a successful business. Commitment to Customers and Employees This is a key insight from a discussion with Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, the president and CEO of Garner Trucking. The company, founded by her parents over 60 years ago, remains steadfast in its commitment to both customers and employees. Company Overview Located in Findlay, Ohio, Garner operates 90 tractors and 350 trailers, primarily serving clients in the upper Midwest with an average haul length of 350 miles. A Family-Centric…
Warranty Expenses in the U.S. Truck, Bus, and Heavy Equipment Sector: For the second consecutive year, the industry reported record-high warranty claims in 2024, even as both total accruals and reserves decreased compared to 2023. Notably, Paccar experienced a significant 45% increase in claim costs, following a nearly double rise in its warranty accruals the previous year. Recently, we showcased 22-year data on warranty expenses for the passenger vehicle sector, encompassing manufacturers of various large vehicle types, including pick-up trucks and ambulances. This edition focuses on warranty expenses incurred by U.S.-based truck, bus, and heavy equipment manufacturers, which represented about…
The self-employed truck driver Niclas Nordström found himself trapped by snow on Sweden’s E22 motorway for a staggering 20 hours on Wednesday and Thursday, experiencing what he described to The Local as the worst weather conditions of his 30-year career. Unexpected Traffic Jam Nordström, who has been running his own road freight business since the 1990s, assumed that the traffic would have been cleared when he took the E22 on Wednesday. He soon realized his error, alongside approximately 1,000 other drivers, when he became stranded near Linderöd around 1:45 PM. Reflections on Poor Decision-Making “The traffic jam had formed long…
Securing the appropriate coverage from leading truck insurance providers in the US is crucial for safeguarding your business, vehicles, and livelihood. Whether you operate independently or manage a fleet, the right insurance policy minimizes risks, ensures compliance, and keeps your trucks operational—similar to how effective customer relationship strategies cultivate long-term trust and loyalty. This article will delve into the top providers specializing in commercial trucking insurance, each recognized for their reliability, value, and expertise in the industry. Choosing the Right Truck Insurance Company When assessing the premier truck insurance companies in the US, it’s vital to consider more than just…
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Young EMT On September 20, 2021, Sarah Susman, 25, was en route to work on Highway 126 W from her home in Springfield when a log truck driven by Shane McVay, 67, overturned, spilling its load. The logs collided with Susman’s vehicle and several others on the road. Susman, who was a part-time emergency medical technician with Western Lane Fire and EMS and had plans to attend medical school, tragically succumbed to her injuries. “Sarah was an exceptional 25-year-old young woman,” stated Tom D’Amore, the attorney representing the Susman family. “She was an EMT, graduated…
By James Scarpa The success of gourmet food trucks in cities like Los Angeles and New York has inspired aspiring food truck owners in other areas to explore mobile foodservice. However, as this new market grows, resources for starting mobile kitchens are limited. Most entrepreneurs are learning through trial and error, sharing advice among peers, and consulting a small number of food truck experts. Drivers’ Ed Scott Baitinger, co-owner of Streetza Pizza in Milwaukee, thoroughly researched mobile kitchen options. His “700-degree oven on wheels” features compact baking equipment that allows pizzas to be prepared efficiently. Baitinger’s setup has enabled sales…
Self-employed truck driver Niclas Nordström found himself stranded for 20 hours due to snow on Sweden’s E22 motorway, experiencing what he described to The Local as the most severe weather conditions of his 30-year driving career. Since the 1990s, Nordström has operated his own road freight business. He mistakenly thought the congested traffic would be cleared when he took the E22 on Wednesday. He realized his error, along with approximately 1,000 other drivers, when traffic ground to a halt around Linderöd around 1:45 PM. “The cause of the traffic jam had occurred long before, so I assumed the police would…
New Rules for Truck Drivers’ English Proficiency On Thursday, the board of directors for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) decided to classify violations of English proficiency as grounds for placing truck drivers out of service. This move may lead to a considerable reduction in trucking capacity. The emergency vote took place shortly after President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating a revision of the federal out-of-service criteria to accommodate this policy change, reversing a more lenient standard that had been in effect for the past decade. In 2016, during the Obama Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration…
New Fire Truck for Zachary Fire Department The Zachary Fire Department has recently acquired a new fire truck featuring a range of lifesaving equipment. During a City Council meeting on February 25, Fire Chief Danny Kimble presented details about this latest addition. The truck was displayed outside City Hall, allowing council members and the public to view it upon arrival. Details of the Acquisition “It’s a 2024 model,” Kimble noted. “It took approximately two and a half years for it to be delivered. The overall cost of the truck and its equipment is around $750,000, funded entirely by ARPA money.”…
Overdrive Radio Edition – December 16, 2024 Todd Dills: Welcome back to Overdrive Radio! This edition focuses on our 2024 Trucker of the Year candidates, highlighting their experiences over the past year and sharing valuable advice for new owner-operators. We’re connecting with the notable brothers, Daryl and Nelson Zimmerman from Zimmerman Ag, who have been recognized for their dedication and service in the agricultural hauling sector. Daryl Zimmerman: Our approach is straightforward: when a customer needs something moved, we’ll be there. It’s all about hard work and timely service. Todd Dills: Next, we’ll hear from Alec Costerus of Alpha Drivers…