CR England Girl

If you have some home time or just have some time to kill in between loads stop by the local theater and check out this newly released film called “Trucker”. The film is an independent film starring Michelle Monaghan. It may or may not be for you.

However it is getting a lot of media attention and since it has been a while since a film about trucking came out thought it was worth another mention.

Here is a YouTube Video of some scenes from the movie.  Let me know what you think-

These days, truck stops and travel centers offer much more than just fuel; they offer truckers a wide array of amenities and features they can utilize during their down time.  Here a few tips to help you take full advantage of each and every stop.

• Make it your office!  Make use out of any business or communication center the truck stop offers where you can fill out paperwork, contact your carrier, complete your log, and do any other business-related work you can’t do on the road.
• Have routine maintenance done on your tractor-trailer – does it need an oil change or a wash?
• If you’re an independent contractor looking for your next load, many truck stops have load board where you can find your next job.  Sometimes even carriers looking to hire will post available truck driving jobs.
• Stop at places that offer workout and shower facilities and use your downtime to get in shape.
• Most truck drivers travel with laptops and most truck stops offer Wi-Fi internet access which you can use to send emails, search for jobs, and stay in touch with your family and friends.
• Sleep!  It’s important to feel well-rested before next shift so pull into a stop and get some shut-eye.  Don’t have a sleeper cab?  Many truck stops offer lodging for truckers.

With much greater load pressure, sidewall stress, and friction running up and down the highway, truck tires need far more attention and maintenance than those on a regular passenger vehicle.  Follow these tire maintenance tips to ensure your tires keep running in tip-top shape.

• Check the air pressure of each tire every day before you start driving, when the tires are cool.
• Keep an eye out for irregular wear on the tread and strange bumps that could be caused by foreign objects or air infiltration.
• When tires are not in use, store them in a cool, dry place to avoid damage or expedited aging.
• Wash your tires frequently to help prevent deterioration of the tires.
• Don’t mix and match tires; use tires that have the same type of tread and that are closely matching in circumference.
• Check with the manufacturer of the tires to determine what the precise air pressure should be (it should also provide information regarding what the weight of the vehicle and load should be under the recommended air pressure).

Team truck driving refers to two drivers with CDLs hauling one load at the same time.  Team drivers have become much more common over the years because in theory they can cover twice the miles in half the time as a solo driver, usually making stops only to refuel while staggering sleep schedules.  This typically means team drivers can also make more than solo driver while still adhering to hours-of-service regulations.  It’s become a popular trucking alternative, especially for husband and wife teams who can spend time together while earning a competitive salary.   Sound appealing?  Contact C.R. England today to find out more about team truck driving opportunities in your area.

A new chain of instant health care clinics is catering to the large population of over-the-road truckers.  The Las Vegas-based Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab plans to open two new locations next Spring in Dallas and Forth Worth with an additional four the company plans to build in Texas in the near future.  Overall, Roadside plans to open and offer franchising opportunities at roughly 80 locations throughout the United States over the next few years in order to meet the health needs of the millions of long-haul truckers on the road (click here to find open and soon-to-be open locations throughout the country).

So what can you expect when you visit a Roadside Medical Clinic + Lab?  Truckers can get medical attention for small health problems such as the flu, colds, sore throat, stitches, and other minor ailments.  The company also plans to offer its very own line of nutritional and pharmaceutical supplements and products in addition to nutritious to-go meals that offer truckers a healthy food alternative.  Another important service the clinics offer is DOT Testing; you can easily and quickly complete the DOT physical and screening.  The best part?  The easy access and expedited care means truckers can get the medical attention and help they need without losing valuable time on the road!