Trucking Answers

I see many drivers posting how great driving for Walmart is. Is it? Is it the only way to make six figures? If you have a family, should you be gone? We explore.

An accident where a driver is killed is headed to court and I agree.  Please do not park in an unsafe manner no matter what the circumstances.  If you are not parking in a legal spot leave your parking lights on.  That could have saved this person.  Safety first no matter the company rule. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com

Sunset Logistics abruptly shut down and left drivers around the country without a working fuel card.  While I understand these things can happen, they knew full well what was going on.  The same week they had no money for payroll they had four new hires getting started.  This to me shows a lack of integrity … Continue reading Another trucking company leaves drivers stranded | #171 →

Let's go in the way back machine and see how I got my start in trucking.  I started just after deregulation and I will tell you it was a great move for me because I was working at Arby's at the time and had really no future that I could see there.  I wanted to … Continue reading My trucking origin story | How I got started in trucking | #170 →

In a twist away from trucking I want to talk about third parties stealing votes from major party candidates.  Is this true?  Many of you may not know that I ran for office as a Libertarian candidate here in Indiana many years ago.  Did I steal votes?  No.  People chose to vote for me.  Same … Continue reading Is Biden right? Do 3rd parties steal votes from him? | #169 →

Freightwaves recently came out with an excellent article about the trucker shortage and the fact that there isn't one.  The whole thing is made up and I agree.  Of course, the American Trucking Association had to pipe in with their take on the shortage.  The ATA is not right on this and I explain why … Continue reading Freightwaves vs ATA and the fake trucker shortage | #168 →

It turns out the confidence in the military is at a low and no one can figure out why that might be.  Do you have any ideas?  It hasn't been this low since 1997.  Who was President then?  The highest was in 2018.  I wonder who the President was at that time.  We talk about … Continue reading Military confidence is at an amazing low. I wonder why? | #167 →

A Deaf driver applied to Werner after completing Roadmaster truck driving school.  Did you know Werner Enterprises owns Roadmaster?  Anyway, he got an exemption and passed his DOT physical, passed truck school and applied to Werner.  Werner said no thank you to him and he wasn't having any of it.  I totally agree.  It would … Continue reading Werner Enterprises loses $36,000,000 lawsuit | #166 →

In another follow up to my YouTube video, I discuss detention time including what it is and what it isn't.  Who should be responsible for detention time and who pays?  Why don't drivers get more pay for this waiting time?  We will find out. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com LaunchwithMark.Com

In a small survey, over 70% of drivers said the closure of Yellow had a negative effect on their mental health.  We need to get tougher as a society for sure.  I didn't give it a second thought.  I go through how to prepare for the closure of your own company and not to be … Continue reading Yellow closure affects mental health of most drivers? HUH? | #164 →

Joe Madison does a show on XM and has a podcast.  He has been a broadcaster for many years and I seldom agree with even one word of what he has to say.  Today is no different.  He had people calling in telling how much taxpayer money they were wrongly getting to pay their student … Continue reading The Joe Madison Show and the fall of society | #163 →

The AARP wants Pedestrian Automated Emergency Braking on trucks in the future because of “vulnerable road users”.  What  a load of garbage that is.  This AEB that they already have doesn't even work half the time.  I think the current system should be banned and I encourage all drivers to disable the system because it … Continue reading Sunday Rant Follow Up | AARP | #162 →

I hear more griping about how much money brokers make.  If there is so much money to be made, why not just become a broker?  I hear they do nothing and make money.  That sounds like a great way to make money!  So, why don't more owner operators and small trucking company owners do it? … Continue reading If brokers make so much money why don't people just become a broker? | #161 →

Are you watching Survive the Raft?  It is on Discovery.  I discuss the show and how it does actually mirror society today. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com

On my YouTube Sunday rant I talked about a trailer I had to pick up.  I do mostly drop and hook and these are some of the problems you get when doing that.  How drivers can leave a problem like this I have no idea.  Also, I go into another problem the trailer had that … Continue reading More about my YouTube Sunday Rant | #159 →

I am finding a new hybrid pay system in trucking.  This is where we as the driver get a guarantee for up to a certain number of miles and then get mileage past that amount.  What do you think?  I like hourly but this solves many of the same problems.  Drivers have an incentive to … Continue reading New hybrid pay system taking over trucking | #158 →

They persist buy they are myths!  Don't agree?  Show me in the green book!  I go through a few of these myths that I get asked about all the time.  The first one is can you drive barefoot?  Also, I discuss the white sheet myth.  Finally I talk about holding your breath when you pass … Continue reading A few common trucking urban myths debunked | #157 →

A call to the Dave Ramsey show prompted this podcast.  With no high school diploma, felonies and never having driven a stick shift car you can become a truck driver and get your family out of poverty.  It doesn't matter what color you are, if you are a man or a woman, fat or thin, … Continue reading Trucking is the best anti-poverty program in the country | #156 →

There is advertised for sale a Toyota Murai in Ohio of all places.  With 36000 miles it is only $11000!  Should you buy it?  We take a detour off the trucking road to discuss this in light of people being taken advantage of in the market for a car or a trucking job.  Everything is … Continue reading Should you buy a Toyota Murai in Ohio? | #155 →

A recent article says yet another driver is stuck in the Notch.  The driver himself says, in another language, that he cannot read the signs and therefore did not heed the signs.  That rhymes!  Everyone in the United States, except tourists, should speak and read ENGLISH.  Period.  Don't like that?  Tough.  LEARN ENGLISH. Plus, it … Continue reading I am totally vindicated about my Smuggler's Notch theory! | #154 →

Trans Am Trucking has an ad running right now that says they pay 31 cents a mile for a new driver!  Wow.  I got paid that in the 90s.  Also, they need a low-paid local driver in Kansas.  I think even the Scarecrow could figure out how bad that pay is without a brain.  It … Continue reading Get paid like it is 1999 | #153 →

Recently I had to get some time off for a funeral.  Not a fun day but it is something most of have to do at some time.  I was talking to someone who wasn't coming because their employer would not give them the day off.  What?  This podcast is for employers and employees on what … Continue reading What to do if you are told you can't have a day off for a funeral | #152 →

Millis Transfer, Heartland Express and CFI want an exemption from the government for the entry level driver training program.  Currently trainers must have at least 2 years of experience in the industry and these 3 genius companies want that to be only 1 year.  The industry is not improved by having less experienced people training … Continue reading Millis, CFI and Heartland want an exemption for less experienced trainers | #151 →

In what will be no surprise to anyone, Kodiak Industries has gotten exempted from roadside inspections and weigh stations in a pilot program.  So, it can bypass and you can't.  All they have to do is certify that the truck is inspected and for the next 24 hours they are exempt.  Isn't that nice?  Why … Continue reading Autonomous trucks will get exempted from weigh stations and roadside inspections | #150 →

Recently a truck driver was found dead in his burning truck.  Don't let this be you.  Get a combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector run by batteries today and put it in your truck!  It could save your life.  I need all the listeners I can get.  Seriously, it might save you and it costs … Continue reading Get a smoke detector today! | #149 →

Do you know your worth in the industry?  Don't let a company try to discount your accomplishments or tell you to be a team player to help the company.  Look at Yellow.  700 million dollars all gone and they still want their employees to take more cuts.  By the time this airs we should know … Continue reading Know your worth AND let them close! | #148 →

Yellow freight closed!  They ceased operations in the last few days.  Yellow, of course, blames the Teamsters Union.  Is that they reason they closed?  Yellow got $700,000,000 dollars from taxpayers just 3 years ago.  Where is that $700 MILLION now?  Plus, let's take a look at how much some of the executives make at Yellow.  … Continue reading The truth of Yellow Freight and why they closed | #147 →

2 more drivers have tried to go through Smuggler's Notch in Vermont.  Guess what?  That is a no go.  It is marked by numerous signs but yet here go a couple of numbskulls anyway.  The fines are very high and so are the tow bills because you don't fit.  Don't do it! Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com LaunchwithMark.com

LYTX has been making trucking terrible for years and now they have an app!  You can view how bad of a driver you are and coach yourself!  Also, LYTX is using machine learning and AI to see if you are eating a sandwich or are staying in the center of your lane.  Really.  LYTX has … Continue reading LYTX app? You can now coach yourself! #145 →

While traveling to the funeral of my Brother-In-Law I had the opportunity to listen to the RoadDog and the wonderful call in shows they offer.  A driver who was leasing a truck called in about broker fees and how much money they “steal” from truck drivers.  He wanted immediate government intervention!  This can't stand!  Ha.  … Continue reading Roaddog call in show provides a great caller who wants government intervention | #144 →

I was recently reading about a driver that had an accident which was called a medical emergency.  They don't go into what that emergency was but the truck driver crashed his semi into a house killing one person and injuring others.  Normally this would  be an accident but they looked into it and said the … Continue reading Why you should never lie on your DOT physical form | #143 →

ABF just ratified a new 5 year contract and some of what happened can help you get a raise at your OTR carrier even if you aren't in a union.  I go over what to do and how to do it so we all can benefit.  You don't have to be in a union to … Continue reading How the ABF contract can help you get a raise! | #142 →

I recently came across an article about a driver, a number of them actually, that were not paid and kept working.  Now, this is not just one week.  They were not paid for many weeks.  This driver even fueled the truck on his own credit card!  What?  Who does that?  The company he was working … Continue reading Company driver keeps working after not being paid, is now owed $15000. Don't do this! | #141 →

In more news about scumbags, a FedEx truck crashed and idiots were out stealing the packages.  Nice.  What is this world coming to anyway?  We allow the norms of society to be violated everyday and this is what we get.  It is time to get tough on crime in a real way.  Crime and those … Continue reading FedEx crashes and scumbags leave the driver so they can steal the packages. | #140 →

If you are thinking about becoming a truck driver I am here to help.  Trucking companies tell you all kinds of lies to get you in.  Trucking is real work requiring long and unpredictable hours and you may be away from your family for weeks at a time.  Are you ready for this?  I will … Continue reading Want to become a truck driver? It isn't for everyone. Here is the truth. | #139 →

The ATRI came out and said we are losing 100000 drivers a year because they fail a drug test due to pot.  Also, they suggest that we need more studies before we can say that pot use has any effect on driving.  What do you think?  Should drivers be allowed to drive high?  How do … Continue reading Should pot be made legal for truck drivers? | #138 →

The Women in Trucking advisory board recently put out some ideas to recruit new drivers (women) and retain the drivers we already have in the industry.  Were they good ideas?  Some yes, some no.  Let's take a look into what they want to do. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com LaunchwithMark.Com

I review a recent article in which it is explained that some drivers that bought trucks during the pandemic are now turning those trucks back in to the bank and going broke.  Is this the case?  If it is, how can there be a driver shortage?  You can't wait a week for a load and … Continue reading Are owner-operators going bankrupt? | #136 →

Werner recently appealed a ruling in which they lost.  They also lost the appeal and now currently owe $100,000,000. Yes, ONE HUNDERED MILLION DOLLARS.  I think this is a good thing in trucking and I tell you why. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com LaunchwithMark.com

In this logged episode I discuss what counts against your 70 hour clock and what doesn't.  This comes from a recent incident at work.  I want drivers to be able to make the most amount of money possible and you can do this by using all of the log hours to their maximum benefit.   … Continue reading Trucking 101 | What counts against the 70 hour clock and what doesn't? | #134 →

In this cold start episode I discuss the fact that OOIDA forever complains about the government interfering in lives of truckers except when it wants the government to interfere in the lives of truckers.  Is hourly pay for truck drivers safer than mileage pay?  We try to find out.  Walmart is now training people from … Continue reading Trucking News | Trucker Cries but gets Denied | Is hourly pay safer? →

The governor of Iowa (Republican) is going to pay companies to train you.  So why do these companies ALSO charge you?  Because they can and they stink.  Should you pay cash for your next car to save money?  NO.  Some trucking safety suggestions that are not great.  A reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com

In a state of confusion episode I discuss the new Tesla semi and how much energy it needs to use.  Also, how much that costs.  Trucking lawsuit settlements are in the news.  If a company wants to have a 24/7 camera in the truck and totally micromanage us then yes, they should be 100% responsible … Continue reading Trucking Lawsuits | Tesla Semi by the numbers | Weird State Laws | #132 →

Elon Musk brings back President Trump to Twitter.  There was a poll and ONLY 51% of people thought he should be allowed back.  HUH?  I thought this was America.  I also bring you some quotes from the left that maybe are not completely true.  Should they be banned from Twitter?  To get women in to … Continue reading Twitter Freedom | Trucking for short people | A Reason we are not on Mars #131 →

CRST and CR England trucking are settling a lawsuit for $2 MILLION total (Western Express already settled for $1.2 MILLION) over allegations that they basically black balled people out of trucking by not conspiring to not hire those on contract to other carriers.  By the way, it did not go to trial, no one was … Continue reading CRST and CR England settle BIG on non-compete contracts | Trucking News | A Reason we are not on Mars | #130 →

In a wind driven spectacular I discuss some drivers who are on their side.  A Hummer EV is broken.  How can you make money lease purchase if you only get just over $1 a mile? US Xpress is about to leave Variant at the dock.  A Reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com

In this late fall spectacular I discuss some new trucking news for you.  Plus, Elon Musk buys Twitter.  Is free speech over because of it?  NO.  Liberal tears will be flooding the streets because of this episode.  Also, some automotive news and a reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com

In this money-laden episode I discuss a company giving huge money to retain drivers.  It is like it basically appreciates the long-term drivers and wants to keep them.  What a concept!  Also, a survey shows the top 10 concerns of drivers and carriers.  They are very different. A Reason we are not on Mars involving … Continue reading Top 10 issues for drivers and carriers (survey) | Company offering huge retention money | A Reason we are not on Mars | #127 →

In this Indian Summer episode I discuss the latest trucking news like lying to women to get them into trucking.  Covenant releases numbers and they are spectacular.  Did you get a raise?  A Reason we are not on Mars. Mark@TruckingAnswersNation.Com

In a puzzle completing episode I talk about getting somewhere and there were no docks available and yet I was able to drop my trailer in a door?  How did I do it?  I solved a problem for them which also solved a problem for me.  Be willing to solve problems wherever you go.  Also, … Continue reading There was a problem so yo I solved it | #125 →

In this interstellar episode I discuss the exact time of day to check your oil.  It is not when you think!  Also, running your headlights during the day is actually less safe than having them off.  I explain.  The Cruz trial verdict is out and I talk about it and why the juror is an … Continue reading When should you check your oil? Headlights off for safety. Speed limiters coming soon. A Reason we are not on Mars. #124 →