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Features
15
18
24
28
34
48
Viewpoint
Industry Update
Safety Tips
January 2017
Vol ume 31
Issue 1
Bill Mack’s Entertainment Beat
Kicking Those Nasty Habits In The New Year
TIPS & TACTICS
FOR DEALING WITH
WINTER WEATHER
Connection Wordfind
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10 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

ViewPoint
By Megan Cullingford-Hicks
Tax Time is Here.
Are You Prepared?
By Megan Hicks
A Sprinkle New Point Some of View Joy
We’re solidly into another
another time. Turns out, “another
Welcome year, to the with New Year. the What’s President the up time” your is, seat uh, on this the month.
Most would agree that they hate adore my animals, and
train; the pain
buy your of losing
neighbor
one
change. first thing officially Learning that comes to sworn live to with mind in a when
new
to
is at acute…and But the counter whether a never cup you of more coffee; are so more than say yes when disciplined
than when I’m asked I angry, with to heartbroken, donate your $1 taxes to stunned, a charity;
and
when Resolutions. How will the New Year be different
tell a stranger they have a great smile; the you country really liked back your on old track perspective.
(hmmm, and expenses somewhat or you’re in as shock. big a Our paperwork kneejerk and the
Changing for you? No schools, more smoking? changing Get jobs, a better moving job? Be
to
reaction list goes on. was You to never not get realize another how your dog. help Why
or
happy? what will Start that exercising, debt total eating look right, cussing
like
mess comment as me, it’s imperative might brighten someone’s that you day as
at it’s the
another perspective you four think years “new can be year?” of rocky…especially
trying For many, to get it’s
unexpected. check-out a new city, getting divorced, losing a loved risk the heartbreak again? But the reality when
one, in
less? losing 2017?),
(Wait; is a that pet, the
last your holidays
one child just me?)
going behind away to
us
is, they
a trucker my really personal needed
keep life track
it.
is not of all complete your spend-
without
college, (hopefully Often,
even using
changing
the all change your lanes lights to a new
for are truckers
calendar
down
pets. ing The through There other day is the a I was reason year. in a You Starbucks people can track who drive own thru.
it
who year and have
as Santa long
a reason has driven
to left the
make the same
huge building), route (and
alterations and pets
in It weekly, live longer
was cold monthly and
and rainy (or happier
out biannually lives (according
and while I love works) coffee,
liked doing so) is unsettling. It takes effort. It
to research). And we have another young
life is a precursor for failure. You have to have
I not usually splurge on $5/cup coffee but I
takes
tax
“some
season
getting
upon
used
us.
to.”
Try to contain
dog—a
but whatever
Sheltie--who
it
needed
takes,
and
track it. It
more Getting your than excitement.
a into
new
a habit of anything is nice
deserved can mean a companion.
a huge difference was between chilled and
because year to I make can we procrastinate big
learn to do things like really a champ
well,
what We’d you barely cough acknowledged up to Uncle
this that Sam
was we would
and
quick.
with changes.
You
I pulled up,
so one it’s with eye open, a heavy you heart might that say. I stare You indeed what goes own another into your dog savings at some account. point when
drive need a motivation
route so often, you
I received an ordered amazing a single
call
whether it’s Jan
latte,
begin down to forget the mountain the drive itself, of expenses and Truckers are from allowed a friend to who write was off helping any drove
sometimes 1 or receipts March wondering 16th
that still if need your
to be tallied
expense necessary a neighbor for find them around a good to and com-
home was
truck or and August didn’t totaled just 5th
know for before the way
I can pay a visit
plete their jobs—from for his one pens year told to old industry that dog. The the
without or to any my
you accountant. other having to steer.
I have the best of
magazines to
breed? meals (check
Beagle. person the
How stipulations
on that) more) to weigh assurances station that costs
the
the year. But with
of me had paid
who’d could just
But random
with this
day
habit
of
comes the
this not be Fate?
driven
After
off in
25
front
(or
possibility intentions of falling throughout into a rut the year of managing
than this leaving stuff, the of comfort keying totals and
and anything owner else truly not wanted reimbursed to rehome
by
that
motivation,
for my cup. It was
rather
zone, figures even into if you’re my spreadsheet unhappy.
as I go and
your company. the dog, we met Murphy, who
It’s all things are
coffee. It was $5.
easier to deal with the devil
got along wonderfully with
possible. filing them away in a neat and
you know than the devil you
Murphy orderly If you lack the discipline But it to absolutely track
Guinness (sensing a theme?).
For me, I’ll
warmed my don’t, fashion. right? But somewhere between, oh, these totals He’s throughout beautiful the and year was (welcome
in to need the of club!), a companion at least to our know toss Sheltie.
the that
and do the we same next, can thing my stay I’ve neat in tried our and to comfort orderly do many zone receipts years
as
We perfect receipts brought strangers in folders him are home doing or envelopes as little the things newest marked to sprinkle
Hicks
long now: make nice with karma. Throw some good
some goodness out there at the least expected
as we want—rut or no. Or we can opt family member. And adapting has now
turns into a daunting stack of paper
with each
heart
as
continue Sometimes February trying of our to
one choices year are and ours February to make
of
much to out venture in the world. to a Makes new world. it a better We place live and--side with the times and month
they and
tossed then
a spend
bit of anonymous
a day
begun. Am I still angry that my family life was
consequences slips in varying benefit--doing good
either sizes
for
way large
others
but
usually
at enough least
comes
the to altered each February
kindness
in
my
a
way.
way tallying I did not them want? up I am. for the Do I
choice swallow is ours small to make.
children. And this year
grieve tax man. and hide With in the what bathroom it saves to cry? you I do.
in
back to you. Not from the same place or person
I immediately looked up to pass the favor
But sometimes the choices are for
necessarily, is no different. but just in I general, might your have life made is better it
forward taxes, But sometimes I but bet alas, that unwanted
no day one is was the change
behind biggest can me oneday
payday you enjoy all
lead
in line,
us—out as well. of our That’s how control—and karma works.
those can be to so amazing
I’ll things pick another if day you don’t to do spend
the too much
to June or July before I began simply
the toughest to adapt to. Not only are you time digging in your heels year.
trying
same.
to prevent
learning stockpiling You can a new do little way invoices things of life or and after big things, receipts a big preferably
change,
with
something Maybe Email it’s your that a silly is view unpreventable.
thing point but I believe to Megan@ that fate
but both. every it’s Like easy what? intention to be Everything bitter of because getting and anything the to change where
them takes TruckersConnection.com.
Whether care of you’re those who forced help to take make care a of change others.
was you’re made helping and someone you had who no voice doesn’t in necessarily
the
you Do don’t for others want to whenever make, or you can. have It a change can be
decision-making.
ask Find for your it or expect favorite it. magazines Load an older at TruckDriverMagazines.com
woman’s
to monetarily deal with if you’re that was able completely but lots of out help of comes
TRUCKER’S CONNECTION your
11
groceries Through into an her unexpected car for her; and buy awful the tragedy, person’s
control, in other keep forms. an May open you mind. be a It’s blessing ok to be to others
upset
I meal recently behind lost you a beloved in the drive pet—a thru young, line; let female more
and around miss you your in 2017 old and way receive of life. many But you blessings
also
Beagle. than one Losing car merge a pet (tough ranks one up for many!); there with give might in return. be very surprised at the potential in the
some of the worst experiences of my life. I
new. All things happen for a reason.
Send your viewpoint to Megan@truckersconnection.com
Send your viewpoint to Megan@truckersconnection.com
www.TruckersConnection.com TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 15

INDUSTRY
UPDATE
ATA Congratulates
Elaine Chao on
Nomination as
Transportation
Secretary
American Trucking Associations President
and CEO Chris Spear praised President-elect
Donald Trump’s choice of former Secretary of
Labor Elaine Chao to be the
next Secretary of Transportation.
“I had the privilege of serving
with and working closely
with Secretary Chao during
my time at the
Department of
Labor, and I am
extremely pleased
that she will be
taking on this new
challenge,” Spear
said. “Presidentelect
Trump could
Elaine Chao
not have picked a more qualified, experienced
and dedicated individual to serve in this important
role.
“From her experience as Deputy Transportation
Secretary under President George H.W.
Bush, Secretary Chao understands the issues
we face as we try to keep America’s freight moving
safely and efficiently,” he said. “We are eager
to support her as our country and our industry
work to improve our roads and bridges, improve
safety, and harness the potential that emerging
technologies have to continue to move our country
forward.”
Spear served as Assistant Secretary of Policy
at the U.S. Department of Labor from 2001-
2004.
Epes Transport System
Marks 85th Anniversary
Epes Transport System, Inc. of Greensboro,
N.C., recently celebrated its 85th anniversary.
Founded in 1931 by Wilfred G. Epes, Jr. in
Blackstone, Va., Epes has evolved into one of
the country’s premier truckload carriers. Epes
officially began service in September of 1931
with three trucks hauling tobacco in Virginia and
North Carolina. The company stayed in the Epes
family for 56 years but had its share of struggles
after deregulation. The family began looking for
a buyer and in 1987, the company was sold to
Alvin Bodford who has since taken the company
to seventy-first in Transport Topics Top 100 For
Hire Carriers with 1,250 power units and over
5,000 trailers.
Epes still hauls tobacco and tobacco related
products but also handles general commodities
including clothing, home improvement products,
grocery items, paper products, beverages and
many other goods. Epes also has a very robust
dedicated division providing dedicated services
including switching/shuttling,
store deliveries,
yard services and
other dedicated offerings.
Britt Colley, president and COO of Epes, had
this to say: “Epes has always prided itself in pro-
18 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

INDUSTRY
UPDATE
viding dependable transportation service to our
customers through the efforts of our excellent
team of employees, especially our professional
driver force which is best in class.”
For more information on Epes Transport
System please visit www.epestransport.com.
KLLM, Cargo
Transporters Join
Trucking Alliance
KLLM Transport Services and Cargo Transporters
have joined the Trucking Alliance, a
group of motor carriers who are proponents of
safety reforms
in the freight
transportation
industry to increase
the safety
and working
environment of commercial drivers, reduce the
number and severity of large truck accidents,
and to improve highway safety for the general
public.
KLLM and Cargo Transporters bring to
seven the total number of transportation-related
companies who are members of the Alliance.
Original members Maverick Transportation,
Knight Transportation, J.B. Hunt and Dupré were
joined earlier this month by the Transportation &
Logistics Practice of Aon Risk Solutions.
Participation by Aon, KLLM and Cargo
Transporters is effective in 2017.
KLLM is the 36th largest U.S. trucking company
and second largest temperature-controlled
carrier in the nation.
“KLLM is committed to creating a safer work
environment for truck drivers,” said Kevin Knight,
executive chairman of Knight Transportation in
Phoenix and vice president of the TruckingAlliance.
“The company’s leadership will be a
tremendous asset to the Alliance as we work
toward advancing needed safety reforms in our
industry.”
Jim Richards, president and CEO of KLLM
who began his career with the company in 1986,
will serve on the Trucking Alliance board of directors.
“We have an unofficial motto here to ‘either
do it right or don’t do it at all’ and the Trucking
Alliance is working for the right safety reforms
in the freight transportation industry,” Richards
said. “KLLM is happy to join this select group
of carriers and work together to achieve safety
objectives that can make our highways safer for
both truck drivers and the general public.”
Cargo Transporters
is a full truckload
freight transportation
company located in Claremont, North Carolina.
“Cargo Transporters leads by example in
the way the company embraces technology and
driver training to make sure their men and women
deliver goods and return home safely,” said
Steve Williams, chairman and CEO of Maverick
USA and Trucking Alliance president. “We’re
pleased that Cargo Transporters will join us in
our effort to pass federal policies to reduce truck
accidents and improve highway safety.”
John Pope, chairman of Cargo Transporters,
will represent the company on the Alliance board
of directors.
“We have a saying that safety is in our DNA
and the Trucking Alliance companies are the
same way,” said Pope. “We are excited to work
with this exclusive group of carriers to achieve
more safety reforms for the industry.”
20 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

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All company names and logos are used with kind permission of their respective owners.

SAFETY
TIPS
Space Controller
By Bob Hataway
Do you have trouble controlling your
space?
A driver was enjoying the beautiful scenery
as he was west bound on I-70 through
Colorado. He
thought, "If there
is a perk with the
job, it has to be
what you get to
see." Why some
drivers want to
speed was beyond
his imagination
when they could
take their time and
enjoy nature at
its best. But then
drivers were not a
problem; it was the
4‐wheelers that would dart in front of him
down a hill or fly around him.
Just then a 4‐wheeler darted in front of
him and braked to avoid missing another
4‐wheeler that was exiting off the interstate.
Their combined action caused him to lock
up and he jackknifed into the median turning
over on the driver's side.
The window had been down and in
the melee that
followed, he felt his
arm being caught
in the wreckage
of the door and
the ground. Pain
was shooting
throughout his
body as the tractor
came to a rest. He
imagined that his
arm was gone.
As it turned out,
the wreckage of the
door actually protected the arm and he only
received severe cuts and bruises.
Drivers must be space controllers and
must manage their space even in the midst of
4‐wheelers. Ways to improve on this is:
1. Maintain space between the vehicle in front based on 1 second for every 10 feet plus
1 second if over 30 feet. For a tractor and trailer combination of 60 feet the space
allotment would be 7 seconds.
2. Understand that there are times for sightseeing and times for driving.
3. And understand that 4‐wheelers have no comprehension of the stopping distance
required for an 18‐wheeler.
Bottom Line: You will always be blamed for accidents caused by vehicles in front of you -
therefore control your space.
That's the way I see it - Bob Hataway - TransAlive.
Bob Hataway heads up TransAlive USA, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping truckers
when they have accidents away from home. More information is available by calling
800-USA-HURT. www.transalive.com
24 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

26 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION Hundreds of Jobs www.TruckJobSeekers.com

Entertainment Beat
Kicking Those Nasty Habits In The New Year
Well, the New Year is here. This is needed. I’ve managed to avoid the drug
has always been one of my most habit so I can’t contribute much to the drug
difficult times of the year. Have you addiction problem.
folks made any New Year’s resolutions? As I think all of this over, I’ve decided my
Well, I’m going to attempt to check a few new year’s resolution is to refrain from all
things out for you to consider as the new negative thoughts and lay on the positive.
year has arrived.
I have several things I enjoy doing. I’m a
Are you a smoker? Give it some serious
thought. I was a heavy smoker for years,
finally, with God’s
fanatic when it comes to golf. I’ve played
this complex game for decades but am
yet to walk off
help, dropped
the course with a
the habit. We’re
very good score.
all aware of the
I’ve somehow
danger smoking
managed to
causes.
purchase the best
I suggest
golf equipment
you give up the
available, I’ve
habit, but that’s
played with almost
your decision.
every top brand
Then … and very
of golf clubs
important … is
the booze. Heavy
available to the
consumer, they all
drinking causes
more accidents
than we can imagine. After a few heavy
As I think all of this over, I’ve
drinks you can easily fall in the shower decided my new year’s resolution
or over furniture and do terrible damage. is to refrain from all negative
This is what happened to super actor
thoughts and lay on the positive.
William Holden. Many deaths are caused
from falling. Check the statistics. Of
course, driving while intoxicated is one of
the most serious threats of all. Drivers often
feel like they’re sober, decide to get in a
vehicle and drive to a pub or visit someone.
Before they sober up … if they sober up …
chances are there’ll be a terrible accident
that can not only take the life of the driver,
but the lives of others. Here again, it’s your
choice. Yes, I’ve had my share of alcohol
and have managed to survive.
If drugs are a problem, desperate help
basically work the same. I even spent a lot
of money for some golf lessons from various
golf-pros in the Fort Worth area. Every one
of them were completely different in their
teaching methods. They only confused me
so I decided to continue on my own and I’m
still playing the same lousy game. However,
I’m still addicted to game and I’m looking
forward to spring, when the weather is nice,
and getting back on the links.
Now, I’m going to focus on something
32 28 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

By Bill Mack
By Bill Mack
that has no discomfort attached. My favorite
past-time is settling down after having
dinner, sitting in my favorite chair in our
entertainment room and watching some
of my favorite movies on our big screen
television set. A few months ago my wife,
Cindy, and I decided to give ourselves a
Christmas gift in advance. We purchased
a new Sony 85 in. TV. This is one of the
biggest screens available for home use.
Viewing a movie in our home is better than
going to a theater. We have a big selection
of DVD movies in our home collection to
choose from. We select one we both agree
on almost every night and get things set for
our “movie time”, as we call it. I don’t have
to go to a lobby service area to purchase
popcorn and Cokes because Cindy pops
our popcorn and we have a fridge consisting
of our favorite drinks. We pick out our
favorite movie, sit back and start the show.
Another thing I’d like to do this year is
travel. Although I’ve had many opportunities
to travel to various places throughout the
world, I’ve chosen to simply go to my
favorite spots of interest and enjoy myself.
The great musical performer, Jerry Lee
Lewis, insisted I accompany him to London
at no cost to me just to keep him company
as he toured. I told him I couldn’t go with him
because of my new radio job in Fort Worth.
He appeared genuinely disappointed, but
understood. As I look back, that’s one of
my biggest regrets. I wish I’d flown with my
good pal to London. I know it would have
been a tremendous pleasure to be with him
as he performed for his fans. That occasion
never damaged our friendship. Jerry Lee is
still active today and doing well. He’s one of
my most treasured friends. I genuinely love
this old pal.
I’ve also had the opportunity to board
ships and travel to different places of
interest but have refrained because I have
this horrible fear of being on a sinking ship.
I’ve seen two or three versions of the movie
“Titanic”. Every time I view one, I can almost
feel I’m one of the desperate passengers
attempting to find a way to escape the
sinking vessel!
Another reason I avoid ocean travel
is because I’ve been on two cruises and
became sea-sick on both of them. Since
I was the guest of honor, I was given
special treatment. On the first cruise, I
sat next to the captain. The food was the
www.TruckersConnection.com TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 29

Entertainment Beat
Continued
My favorite past-time is settling down after
having dinner, sitting in my favorite chair in our
entertainment room and watching some of my
favorite movies on our big screen television set.
most delicious I’ve ever tasted. However,
after dinner as I was headed for my first
class cabin, I paused on the side of the
ship and vomited my stomach out. My old
pal, Hank Thompson, the award winning
recording artist, was on both of the cruises
with his wife, Ann while my precious little
wife, Cindy, remained home because our
first child had been born only a few weeks
before the cruise and this tore my heart
out. I’ve forgotten the reason she couldn’t
join me on the second cruise but I was
absolutely miserable without her, feeling
guilty of leaving her.
Cindy and I have planned to fly to Europe
sometime this year but considering the
somewhat unstable condition our world is in,
we’re hesitating to make that trip. However,
my health is very good and Cindy’s health
is good. We may still fly to Europe. If not,
we plan to return to Santa Fe, New Mexico,
our favorite spot to travel to by land, in our
car. Santa Fe is the
most tranquil part
of the world to us.
The atmosphere is
perfect as we visit
the old chapels and
other buildings that
have been there for
over a century. We love Santa Fe.
I may not have contributed much to
encourage your new year, but I sincerely
hope it’s the very best year you’ve ever
enjoyed.
In closing: Happy New Year!
Visit Bill at BillMackCountry.com
30 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

TIPS &
TACTICS
This winter is a nightmare with severe
winter storm road conditions. Thankfully,
there’s a cadre of supporters
with years and years of experience who are
ready to get your truck on the road and keep
it on the road this winter season. We all know
that you aren’t earning if your truck isn’t rolling.
So don’t let questionable weather and
poor road conditions keep you docked.
Driver visibility is critical, for example, and
the makers of Rain-X urge motorists to follow
the tips below to insure not only your safety,
but the safety of others:
1. Use a high quality glass cleaner and window
treatment to improve wet weather driving
visibility on your windshield and glass.
2. Change your wiper blades every 6-12
months so that they make proper contact with
the windshield surface. Old blades can begin
to squeak, chatter, skip, smear or streak reducing
driving visibility.
3. Use a superior windshield wiper fluid
and/or de-icer fluid with a streak-free formula
for advanced cleaning power. The blue low
quality wiper fluid can cause wiper blades to
34 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

FOR DEALING
WITH WINTER
WEATHER
What to do now that the
snow and ice is here
avoid unwanted fog that might appear on the
exterior and interior of your car to avoid impaired
visibility.
WINTERIZING YOUR TRUCK
There are some lucky OTR truckers
whose tires will never touch snow or ice this
winter, but for most drivers this is the time of
year they need their trucks ready for extreme
crack or break and does not protect against weather. But even the drivers who stay down
streaking.
South and don’t usually need such preparation
should remember that recent years have
4. Apply an anti-fog glass treatment to
seen snow and ice storms hit Arkansas, Tenwww.TruckersConnection.com
TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 35

TIPS & TACTICS
FOR DEALING WITH
WINTER WEATHER
nessee, North Carolina and even Georgia.
Better to prepare for the worst.
Here’s how to make sure your truck can
handle whatever winter puts in its path:
Battery: Cold weather drains batteries
fast. Regularly check the age and strength of
your battery.
Fuel additives: Every driver knows that
diesel fuel can gel in extreme cold, but not
everyone knows why. It’s due to paraffin, a
hydrocarbon found in diesel. Paraffin crystallizes
in freezing temperatures, allowing
old fuel filters also protects the engine.
Air dryer: The air dryer prevents water
from entering the brake lines where it can
freeze. Make sure it works and change the
filter if needed.
Engine block heater: Since diesel engines
require a higher cylinder temperature
than gasoline vehicles, they are harder to start
in the winter. Drivers who travel a lot through
the coldest parts of the country should consider
an electric engine block heater to use when
the truck is parked for long periods of time.
Tire pressure: Cold weather can cause
underinflated tires, which wear faster and hurt
fuel mileage. Adjust the inflation accordingly.
Emergency supplies: Breakdowns in
the summer are inconvenient; breakdowns
in the winter can be dangerous. In addition
to the usual emergency supplies, make sure
to have cold-weather clothing and footwear,
any water in the fuel to emulsify and turn the
diesel to slush. The solution is to use winter
blend fuel with a high cetane rating and add
anti-gel additives at each fill-up.
Cooling systems: Yes, you have to worry
about cooling systems in cold weather. A comprehensive
winterization check should include
inspections of the radiator, belts and hoses for
potential failures. Also, check the coolant to
see if it’s at the optimum freeze point.
Fuel filter and water separator: Monitor
the truck’s water separator daily and drain
it when full to avoid contamination. Replacing
a shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, blankets,
first aid kit, flares, radio, anti-gel fuel additive,
food and water.
Of course, along with the equipment
checks comes a reminder to drive safely in
winter conditions.
36 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

TIPS & TACTICS
FOR DEALING WITH
WINTER WEATHER
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Now that your truck is ready for the conditions,
are you ready?
Slow down – At fault accidents are mostly
There are some lucky OTR truckers
whose tires will never touch snow
or ice this winter, but for most
drivers this is the time of year
they need their trucks ready for
extreme weather.
due to excessive speed. Driving at the speed
limit may be legal, but is often too fast for
snow covered or icy road conditions. Take as
much time as necessary. DO NOT HURRY;
speed kills. This rule should always be at the
38 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

TIPS & TACTICS
FOR DEALING WITH
WINTER WEATHER
top of any winter trucking safety tips list.
Keep a safe following distance – Leave
plenty of room between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front of your truck, and beside your
truck, when possible (approx. ¼ mile).
Don’t travel as part of a pack – Traffic
seems to move in “packs” on the highway.
Find a safe way to get away from the pack
and travel alone, with the goal being to maximize
the distance around your vehicle.
Don’t follow the tail lights of the vehicle
ahead – When the snow is so heavy that
visibility is low, seeing the tail lights of the vehicle
ahead means you’re following too closely.
Keep a safe driving distance back at all
times, especially in bad weather. If the leader
makes an error, you will too. Trucks can leave
the road, and yours could follow the lead truck
off the road.
Use good, solid judgment — If the
weather is so severe that you need to get off
the road, do it. Find a place to get off the road
safely and wait until conditions are safe.
Don’t stop on the shoulder of the road
–– Especially in low visibility, winter situations,
particularly in “blinding snow,” other vehicles
can mistake your position for being on the
road and as a result, may slam into the back
of your rig.
Don’t try to be a hero –– When the road
conditions are severe, you need to recognize
that it’s very dangerous to be out there. Hours
of service rules, dispatchers etc., are extra
pressures when it's a difficult, dangerous position.
Don’t feel that you’re letting anyone
down by not meeting a scheduled appointment.
Braking – Some drivers like to use the
jake brake in less than perfect weather conditions.
Some don’t. Do not engage the Jake
Brake on icy roads. Try to avoid overusing
your foot brake, unless the entire unit is absolutely
straight on the road. Don’t over brake
when the entire unit isn’t straight. The trailer
can slide and spin you out of your position.
The truck slows down, and the trailer does
not. This is especially true when the trailer is
empty.
Ensure “all systems” are a go — Be
absolutely certain during your circle check
before you leave that the defroster and heater
are working properly: wipers, wiper motor,
lights (especially brake and tail lights). Ensure
washer fluid is topped up, moisture is drained
from the air tanks, all brakes are set up, and
windows and mirrors are completely clean before
departure.
Keep fuel tanks topped up for extra weight
over the drive tires to aid with traction. Good
quality lug tires, with the proper tire pressure,
are essential for good traction for the best
safe winter driving.
Keep tractor and trailer lights clean
— When you’re able to stop in a safe place,
clear the lights of snow and ice which builds
up in foul weather. They are vital, more than
ever when visibility is poor. LED lights in particularly
accumulate snow and crud. Keep everything
clean so you can be seen.
40 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

PUZZLE
Presidents of the USA
SOLUTION ON PAGE 50
Abraham Lincoln
George Washington
James Madison
Rutherford B. Hayes
Andrew Johnson
Gerald R. Ford
James Monroe
Theodore Roosevelt
Barack Obama
Grover Cleveland
John Adams
Ulysses S. Grant
Benjamin Harrison
Harry S. Truman
John F. Kennedy
Warren G. Harding
Bill Clinton
Herbert Hoover
John Quincy Adams
William McKinley
Chester Alan Arthur
James Buchanan
John Tyler
Woodrow Wilson
Franklin Pierce
James Earl Carter
Martin Van Buren
Zachary Taylor
George Bush
James K. Polk
Richard M. Nixon
48 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

INDEX
B&L Transport. .................... 2
Cal Ark .......................... 13
Celadon........................ 7, 33
Central Hauling. .................. 12
Central Marketing. ................ 39
Covenant Transport ............... 23
Dot Line ......................... 19
E. W. Wylie ....................... 51
Freight Logistics .................. 49
Heartland Express ................. 21
K&B Transportation ............ 44-45
Koch Trucking ..................... 6
Logix Transportation .............. 26
Marten Transport ................ 4-5
Minstar .......................... 52
P.I. & I. Motor Express ............. 31
Redneck Trailer Supplies ........... 14
Reliable Carriers .................. 47
RTI. ............................. 43
Schuster. ......................... 46
Smith Transport. .................. 41
Stageline Express ................. 8-9
Summit Express. .................. 42
Styline Logistics. .................. 26
Taylor Truck Line ................. 37
Total Transportation of MS ......... 25
Trans Am ..................... 16-17
Transport Design. ................. 38
Melton Truck Lines. ............ 27, 32
Mercer........................... 11
WORDFIND PUZZLE (PAGE 48) SOLUTION
50 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

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