Earlier today I was reflecting on 2012 and this blog in general. I began to realize that this same time last year, I had two spammers following me on Twitter, no sent tweets, and no blog to speak of. My screen name was still theJEF26.
Well today, things have changed quite drastically. Thanks to all your support, this blog has seen over 5400 page views, the Roadrunner 2k twitter feed has 864 followers, and my Google Plus and Pinterest pages are steadily growing as well.
But aside from all the numbers, I would like to say a sincere "Thank you" to each one of you who has made this possible. When I started on Twitter, I never knew where this would end up, and I would have been very surprised to see the results.
This year was a tumultuous year for trucking. Regulations were passed that will affect the future of American trucking likely forever. There were changes to the HOS rules, CSA regs, and fuel economy and emissions standards. There were proposals by truck manufacturers to create 6x2s to replace the beloved 6x4. There were new vehicle models introduced such as the Kenworth T680 and the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution. There were joint ventures between large industry players such as Navistar and Cummins.
Overseas, Volvo shocked the world with a viral video stunt displaying their all-new FH16. To date this video has over 6 million views. Mercedes introduced a refined version of the Actros, another truck which will soon dominate the roads of Europe.
These were the stories that captivated the majority of trucking news bloggers, news agencies, and fans. But the story of the hard-working driver is untold, unnoticed, and unregarded. This is the story of the man or woman who awakens each day to keep this great nation and the rest of the world moving. The trucker who fords flooded roads, conquers icy hills, and descends narrow, steep mountain roads. The trucker who performs his/her duties faithfully every day. This story will never make it to the top of the news headlines.
But then again, would these truckers want all the attention of the media? Would they want cameras following them every mile of the way, documenting all the challenges of the day? Would they want to be a popular figure, scrutinized for every mistake, lauded for every victory? Or would they want to do their job in peace and quietness?
Although the answers to these questions may never be found, those of you who pilot 18-wheeled behemoths on the highways of America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and wherever else you call home, you deserve a thank you. And that is the goal of this blog and associated Twitter feed, Pinterest profile, and Google+ page: to draw attention to the hard work of professional drivers and to provide news and information to those of you who simply lack the time to search for it, because you are working.
Thank you to all of you who keep the world's economy moving, and have a great, safe, happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Ugly Trucks: Would You Drive This?
As fuel prices continue to rise and carriers seek methods to cut costs, efforts to reduce vehicle drag are producing vehicles that hardly resemble respectable semis. Take this MAN concept for example. While it may have incredible fuel economy, it does not look like anything most truckers want to drive. The same can be said of many of the newer models, which all seem to compromise style and beauty for cost. Yes, fuel economy is a concern, but with modern technology and engine modifications, handsome semi trucks can be made more efficient also.
So my question to all the drivers who read this blog is: which would you rather drive? Vote in the poll on the right hand side and share your views with me.
So my question to all the drivers who read this blog is: which would you rather drive? Vote in the poll on the right hand side and share your views with me.
The choice is yours.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
How to Chain Up: From a Professional Safety Enforcement Officer from CVSE
With many regions of North America currently under the threat of winter weather, it is essential that commercial vehicle operators know how to use their chains properly. Chains are essential for proper traction in wintery weather conditions especially on hills and mountains. And who would know better how to sling some iron than the fine people at British Columbia's Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement division.
The following video should provide you with enough information to successfully chain up your heavy or medium duty truck this winter. But of course, practice makes permanent, and perfect practice makes permanently perfect. Always practice chaining up before you're spun out on a hill blocking traffic. That is not the time to learn.
The following video should provide you with enough information to successfully chain up your heavy or medium duty truck this winter. But of course, practice makes permanent, and perfect practice makes permanently perfect. Always practice chaining up before you're spun out on a hill blocking traffic. That is not the time to learn.
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