Author: Trucker Talk Radio

Material: Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, straw, or light synthetic materials like nylon to enhance airflow and facilitate heat dissipation. Additionally, seek out materials such as polyester and nylon that offer quick-drying and sweat-wicking properties. With excellent breathability and moisture management, a summer hat’s fabric will help keep your head cool and your mind clear. Sun Protection: Opt for hats that feature wide brims, such as bucket hats, sun hats, and fedoras, to shield your face, neck, and ears from harmful UV radiation. Choose summer hats with a UPF rating of 30 or higher for optimal sun protection.…

Sign Up for TPR Today Subscribe to Texas Public Radio’s TPR Today newsletter for a daily roundup of our top stories delivered straight to your inbox each morning. Touch a Truck Event On Saturday, attendees of all ages had the opportunity to explore construction equipment at the “Touch a Truck” event, hosted by the San Antonio Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT). The event featured a towering 100 ft crane, various heavy machinery, TXDOT’s robot dog named “DOT,” a drone showcase, and the “rollover convincer” among other displays. A Memorable Experience for Kids One parent, Kyle Adams, attended the event with…

Intimidating Beginnings The sign read “Professional Drivers Only,” which felt a bit daunting. At a truck stop in Effingham, Illinois, I found gruff-looking individuals donning camo hats and intense gazes at the counter of the Iron Skillet Restaurant. Unexpected Conversations However, these long-haul truck drivers proved eager to share their experiences with a reporter. Their occupation is demanding and often isolating, and they readily opened up, revealing stories as if they were seldom asked by outsiders. As Greg Simmons, a 54-year-old driver from Hastings, Florida, expressed—his poignant statement became the headline of the article—“We’re throwaway people.” The Lives of Truck…

Trucking updates and briefs for Monday, May 16, 2022: FMCSA Informs Congress: Insurance Industry Hindering Increased Requirements This month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) presented a report to Congress highlighting that the lack of transparency within the insurance industry is a key factor preventing the agency from backing an increase to the $750,000 liability insurance requirement for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. The report comes as part of a series of documents issued over nearly a decade, stemming from a mandate in the 2012 MAP-21 highway bill that required FMCSA to study the issue. FMCSA pointed out…

Grassroots Organizer Wins Goldman Prize for Environmental Activism Andrea Vidaurre, a grassroots activist from the heavily polluted Inland Empire region of southern California, has received the esteemed Goldman Prize for her efforts in promoting environmental change. Her successful campaign targeted the trucking and railway sectors in California, leading to significant improvements in air quality for millions of residents and aiding the nation’s shift away from vehicles that emit greenhouse gases. Transformation of the Inland Empire At just 29 years old, Vidaurre felt compelled to take action after witnessing the degradation of her childhood home, which had evolved from a beautiful…

(NewsNation) — The FBI’s “Highway Serial Killings Initiative” indicates that over the past few decades, at least 850 homicides in the United States are suspected to be linked to long-haul truck drivers. On NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports,” Frank Figliuzzi, a former assistant director of the FBI’s counterintelligence division, explained that truck drivers who spend long periods on the road are often considered suspects in these cases. The FBI initiative aims to connect seemingly unrelated murders that exhibit a pattern: female victims, many of whom are involved in prostitution or sex trafficking, are often picked up at truck stops, sexually assaulted,…

Partnership for Electric Bucket Truck Terex Utilities has teamed up with Mack Trucks to develop an electric bucket truck. Terex has equipped the Mack MD7 Electric chassis with its Optima HR55 aerial device, which is powered by the HyPower SmartPTO by Viatec. Enhanced Performance Features The truck boasts an impressive range, providing up to 1.5 times the range capabilities compared to typical Class 6/7 medium-duty electric bucket trucks. Additionally, it offers double the payload capacity on the rear axle, as highlighted by Terex. The aerial device functions independently from the chassis, alleviating range anxiety and allowing utility teams to use…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed his concerns regarding the possibility of violence at the upcoming protest on Parliament Hill organized by truckers and supporting groups. In a discussion with The Canadian Press, Trudeau remarked that the so-called “freedom convoy” has evolved beyond merely opposing the federal vaccine mandate for truckers crossing the border. It has now become a platform for a small group of “very angry” individuals who are against all public health measures aimed at combating COVID-19, with some advocating for violence. Trudeau indicated that he is not overly troubled by the fact that much of the animosity…

The Health Risks of Truck Driving Truck driving is widely recognized as one of the least healthy jobs in the U.S. due to the detrimental effects of unhealthy work environments and adverse working patterns. Many drivers face a variety of health issues throughout their careers, including obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which result from sedentary lifestyles, limited meal choices on the road, and irregular hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for commercial truck drivers is just 61 years, a staggering 16 years shorter than the national average.…

Paccar and Ryder Anticipate Increased Truck Purchases Due to EPA Emissions Update Paccar and Ryder System have highlighted a significant emissions update from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that is expected to lead to a surge in the purchasing of older trucks. The EPA’s phase three greenhouse gas emission standards, applicable to model years 2027 and onward, will impose stricter regulations on heavy-duty manufacturers. Many carriers interpret this as a reason to purchase vehicles before the new requirements come into effect. “The industry generally anticipates a level of pre-buy activity due to the expected impact on initial costs and maintenance…