Ask The Trucker "live" W/allen Smith

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.  Th

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

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 Fu

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 Le

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 i

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 conversati

“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. Comme

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 professio

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 vic

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 seaso

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

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 furt

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

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

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 accurat

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?