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TruckersConnectionMagazine
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June
October
2019
June 2020 2019
Vol ume 33
Issue Vol 6
ume 34 33
Issue 106
Features
Features
8
10
16
22
9
16
18
Viewpoint
Safety Tips
24
36
44
50
60
9
16
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Safety Tips
Safety Tips
BRIAN SNELL, WHO AIDED
18
BRIAN SNELL, WHO AIDED
WOMAN
WOMAN
IN WRONG-WAY
IN WRONG-WAY
CRASH,
CRASH,
NAMED
NAMED
HIGHWAY
HIGHWAY
ANGEL
ANGEL
OF THE
OF
YEAR
THE YEAR
Bill Mack’s Entertainment Beat
Bill Mack’s Entertainment Beat
Trucker’s Connection News
24
36
44
50
60
Let’s All Go to the Movies
Let’s All Go to the Movies
Tech
Connection Tech Wordfind
Nascar News
Nascar News
Trucking News
Trucking News
Connection Wordfind
Connection Wordfind
Find 4 your favorite TRUCKER’S magazines CONNECTION at TruckDriverMagazines.com
TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com
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is TheTrucker.com’s exclusive
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current events and trucking
industry news.
In addition to TheTrucker.com,
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TUNE IN AND WATCH AT THETRUCKER.COM

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TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com
6 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION powered by Truck Job Seekers

A Good Run
It’s a silver anniversary, a big number
to attain, an accomplishment of
which to be proud: for 25 years,
I penned this Viewpoint column in
Trucker’s Connection magazine. And
this will be my last. But all good things
must come to an end.
When I started as an assistant editor
at Trucker’s Connection in 1994, I
knew very little about magazines and
publishing; I never fancied myself a
writer. I knew even less about trucking.
A scant month after graduating college,
I found myself in the Publisher/
Owner’s office for what I deemed “interview
practice” as I had absolutely
no interest in taking the job. I’d been
pursued by the then-editor who had
gotten my resume from our internship
office. It was not something I’d
sent or pursued, but when he called
me for the 20th or so time, I agreed
to come in just for the practice—you
know, so I’d be ready for the interview
for my dream job whenever it came
around. Whenever I determined what
my dream job was.
I arrived in my best dress, equipped
with answers to all the classic interview
questions I was told to expect:
What’s your greatest strength, what’s
your greatest weakness, if you could
be any animal, what would you be
and why? I sat across from the owner,
a man who clearly did not recall or
8 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

perhaps never even knew that I was
coming in that day. I knew this because
he—a big guy--was dressed in
a colorful bathing suit, tank top and
flip-flops.
Nope, not making that up. While I
knew that you should dress to impress
at an interview no matter what the interviewer
was wearing, I certainly did
not expect that attire. He was clearly
taken off guard, embarrassed. He explained
that his wife had taken every
stitch of his business clothing to the
dry cleaners and left him with only
beachwear. (I later learned he dressed
like that daily simply because he could.)
My strengths, weaknesses and animal
totem never came up. I do not
recall what we talked about but he
offered me a job and I declined it because
of too little pay. I didn’t want
the job so I was emboldened to state
it simply and thought that would be
that with zero remorse from me. But
he countered with more money and a
promise of a raise after 90 days.
That was enough to reconsider and I
took the job because I was tired of tending
bar, working nights, weekends and
holidays. And I rationalized that I could do
this “until something better came along.”
But it ended up being a great job with
fantastic people and I never had another
single interview. A year into it, I took over
this column along with the editor’s position
and have been writing it ever since.
However, October marks the end
of an era. Trucker’s Connection will no
longer be published, and this is the final
Viewpoint. TC and a few others will
make way for a new magazine we will
launch in November called The Trucker
Jobs Magazine. It will be a glossy, full
sized complement to our paper, The
Trucker, with original content largely
focused on you, the drivers who make
up the heart and soul of trucking.
I hope you have loved Trucker’s
Connection like I have. It was my indoctrination
into trucking and lead
me down the path to the greatest career
I nearly missed out on.
To all the drivers I met throughout
the 25 years via this column— I
may not see you in print monthly any
more but you can still email anytime:
meganh@thetruckermedia.com.
Thank you for your support that has
been more valuable to me than you’ll
ever know. It’s been a good run.
www.TruckersConnection.com TRUCKER’S CONNECTION 9

SAFETY
TIPS
A dog can provide protection if someone tries to enter the truck, and even a small dog can provide a warning
if an intruder is approaching. (iStock Photo)
Personal safety can depend on planning,
choices
With all the news about protests that turn violent
and defunding law-enforcement agencies, a
number of truckers are feeling less safe. Many are
considering personal protection, with some looking
to carry weapons, including firearms, in their trucks.
While there may be some wisdom in the adage,
“It’s better to be judged by 12 than carried by six,”
having a weapon on your person or in your truck
exposes you to some pretty severe risks, including
high fines and, in some cases, mandatory jail time.
Even when punishment is light, attorney’s fees
and loss of income can severely impact a driver’s
budget.
Many carriers forbid the carrying of weapons, so
there’s a risk of job loss, too.
By Cliff Abbott
Still, it’s a decision that every driver must make for
themselves. Full disclosure: Back in my over-theroad
driving days, I was almost always armed. It was
a choice I made. Fortunately, I never encountered a
situation where a firearm was needed.
For many drivers, protection starts with making
common-sense decisions that help reduce the
risk of ever needing a weapon. While no plan is
foolproof, there are steps every driver can take
to stay safe. Where you park, the route you take
walking into the truck stop, and even what you’re
wearing and how alert you appear can make a big
difference.
One safety rule is to remember is this: Talking
about the load is a bad practice. Don’t advertise your
10 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

THANK YOU to Flatbed Truck Drivers and
All Essential Workers on the Front Line
of Covid-19
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SAFETY
TIPS
cargo or destination at truck stops or over the CB.
Be wary of anyone who asks what you’re hauling
or where you’re going. Thieves look for loads they
can dispose of easily for high dollar. Some drivers
routinely tell others they are hauling wastepaper or
some other unappealing product.
If someone seems too interested in your load, alert
your carrier — or even the local police. Once on the
road, be alert for vehicles following you or people
you see repeatedly.
Everyone knows that there is a critical shortage
of truck parking in some areas, and it’s difficult to
be selective when there are few spaces available.
Use your knowledge to help solve the problem. Find
a space that is well lit at night and that’s not too
secluded. When choosing a parking spot, consider
whether you’ll be walking to the C-store or other
business. A great parking space won’t help if you’ll
have a long walk through dark areas.
Sometimes, the location of a truck stop itself is a
reason to bypass it. It might be better to stop a little
earlier than to stay overnight at a truck stop in a
high-crime area.
When you prepare to get out of the truck, consider
your wardrobe. Wear shoes and clothing that allow
you to move quickly. Hooded garments can obstruct
your vision, and flip-flops make running difficult, if it
should come to that.
Before you exit your truck, carefully check the
area. Anyone you see should be either going into the
truck stop or to their own truck. If you see someone
lurking around your truck, notify truck-stop security,
if they have it, or call the police.
If the area is clear, lock your truck and walk
quickly to your destination, continuously scanning
the area for hazards, just like you do when driving.
Not only will you identify problems more quickly,
but you’ll also be letting potential criminals know
you’re alert and catching you by surprise will be
difficult.
Some drivers carry some sort of defensive
weapon when they are outside the truck. Mace and
pepper spray are easy to obtain but are illegal in
some areas. Knives can be turned and used against
the victim. Other items, such as “tactical pens” or
even a set of keys can be a weapon when used
properly. Almost anything is better than nothing.
One “weapon” that’s commonly mentioned is
wasp and hornet spray. Designed for hard-to-reach
targets like nests on a ceiling or in a tree, these
products often spray a stream of 15 feet or more.
The cans can be large and bulky to carry, however,
and users have been sued due to the effects of the
spray (the products are designed to kill pests, and
not merely repel them).
Then, there’s a weapon that isn’t a weapon at
all — the “personal alarm.” These small, batteryoperated
devices can emit a 130- to 140-decibel
“scream” with the press of a button. Some devices
include a small flashlight or flashing alert light.
These devices are intended to discourage an
attacker rather than be used as a defense, since
no criminal wants the attention the alarm attracts.
To be effective, however, the device must be within
easy reach when you need it. Personal alarms
are widely available at many stores, including
C-stores at truck stops.
Once back in the truck, be sure to lock the doors,
of course. Since thieves have access to master keys
and lock-defeating devices, however, many drivers
employ a strap device that secures the doors to one
another, adding an extra layer of security.
A dog can provide protection if someone tries to
enter the truck, and even a small dog can provide
a warning if an intruder comes snooping. The
downside, however, is that dogs need to be walked,
resulting in the driver spending more time outside
of the truck when stopped.
When it comes to personal protection, every driver
has to make their own decision. Some operate in
areas that don’t present much risk, while others
often travel to areas that are higher in crime.
Sometimes it’s a matter of personal comfort and
confidence. No matter the defensive choice,
you’ll reduce the chances of needing to use it by
remaining alert and planning for safety.
12 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

Coal City Cob
Company, Inc.
Hiring Company Drivers
& Owner Operators
In 1970, the Cloonen family
started Coal City Cob with one
truck and a plan. Fifty years
later, that plan spans the nation
with over 200 drivers providing
quality service to chemical and
hazardous waste customers. At
the heart of it, though, we’re
just folks that love trucking. As
the big get bigger, we welcome
you to join us and remember
what it’s like to work in a culture
that is family. We look forward
to hearing from you soon.
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MORROW
Morrow, GA
NEW JERSEY
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888-860-2434
Drive4CCCOB.com

TRUCKER’S CONNECTION
News
Oklahoma infrastructure overhaul results in
state’s rise in FWA’s bridge-condition ranking
Trucker’s Connection Staff
Courtesy: Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Aug. 13 that the state is now ranked ninth in the nation in
bridge conditions. The state was rated as low as 49th in 2004.
Oklahoma highway bridge conditions
are “making the grade” by moving
from among the worst in the nation to
the head of the class, achieving Top
10 status for the first time by ranking
ninth this year, according to the latest
data from the Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA).
The state ranked as low as 49th place
in 2004 in national bridge-condition rankings
due to the number of structurally deficient
bridges on the state highway sys-
16 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

TRUCKER’S CONNECTION
News
iStock Photo
tem. At that time, nearly 1,200 of Oklahoma’s
6,800 highway bridges needed
major rehabilitation or replacement.
“‘Top 10’ isn’t just a slogan. It is the
vision that helps form and guide our
road map to improving state government
and changing the future of all
4 million Oklahomans for the better,”
said Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
“Transportation is the backbone of the
economy, and this designation shows
Oklahoma is a new national leader in
highway bridge infrastructure thanks
to the dedication of ODOT employees
and an unprecedented investment in
our bridges by the Legislature.”
In 2005, the Oklahoma Department
of Transportation (ODOT) embarked
on a massive effort to improve highway
bridges after decades of underfunding
to transportation infrastructure
took a toll, causing a backlog of
critically needed projects. A targeted
approach to fixing the state’s bridges
began taking shape through a series
of legislative funding mechanisms
and identifying key funding opportunities
by the congressional delegation.
The rehabilitation effort took an even
more aggressive approach in 2011,
when the state’s Bridge Improvement
and Turnpike Modernization Plan was
announced. One of the goals of the
plan was to specifically reduce the
structurally deficient highway bridges
to 1% and have a manageable bridge
system by the end of the decade.
18 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

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TRUCKER’S CONNECTION
News
iStock Photo
“This overhaul on our highway bridges
took more than 15 years and has
only been possible thanks to the consistent
vision and support of our governors,
legislators and congressional
delegates,” said Tim Gatz, Oklahoma’s
Secretary of Transportation. “We
also have to thank Oklahomans for
making transportation a priority. With
significant citizen support, this issue
rose to the top of state needs. This
unprecedented program was only
possible with a united focus on Oklahoma’s
future.”
Today, only 86 highway bridges
are now considered as structurally
deficient, based on bridge inspection
data submitted to the FHWA by
states for its 2019 report — and each
of those remaining bridges is already
scheduled for improvements through
ODOT’s eight-year construction plan.
Off-system bridges on city streets
or county roads are separately maintained
by local governments, and account
for an additional 16,000 structures
statewide that have their own
critical needs and funding challenges.
National studies often combine the
highway and off-system bridges into
one lump overview. Oklahoma’s current
Top 10 ranking is for bridges within
the state highway system.
ODOT will diligently look for ways
to continue to address older bridges
through consistent planning and preservation
efforts to ensure that Oklahoma
maintains its Top 10 bridge condition
status, Gatz said.
20 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

PUZZLE
Horror Movies 2
SOLUTION ON PAGE 24
US
CHRISTINE
SIGNS
THE BABADOOK
CUJO
FREAKS
THE ORPHANAGE
CHRONICLE
COME PLAY
GODZILLA
TREMORS
READY OR NOT
BLADE
HOUSE OF WAX
CRAWL
IT COMES AT NIGHT
TRAIN TO BUSAN
THE HOST
THE FLY
ZOMBIELAND
GREMLINS
DAWN OF THE DEAD
LEPRECHAUN
THE WOLF MAN
THE CONJURING
MISERY
SAW
22 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

INDEX
Cargill .................. 19
Stageline ................ 23
Coal City Cob ........... 13
TMC ................... 21
East West .............. 2-3
K. L. Harring ............ 25
Millis ................... 17
Navajo .................. 15
P.I. & I. Motor Express . 11, 26
Red Eye Radio ........... 14
Royal .................... 7
WordFind Puzzle
(page 22) Solution
24 TRUCKER’S CONNECTION www.TruckersConnection.com

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THANK YOU to Flatbed Truck Drivers and
All Essential Workers on the Front Line
of Covid-19
• Local, Regional & OTR
• Great Home Time &
Benefits including Paid
Holidays
• Percentage Paid Weekly
• Ask About Our Pay
Guarantee & Vacation
PAID TRAINING PROGRAM FOR COMPANY DRIVERS
APPLY ONLINE NOW
www.piimx.com
866.819.8913
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