Ask The Trucker "live" W/allen Smith

Will the CSA lead to a real driver shortage and ultimately increase truck driver pay? Are you experiencing the roadside inspections and other reported consequences from the CSA implementation? Could the trucking industry actually see a shortage of drivers or has the problem always been a driver pay shortage? Allen is joined by special guest, Todd Dills, Senior Editor for Truckers News Magazine, to discuss the January, 2011 edition which examines the CSA, the truck driver shortage and the potential for a wage increase for truck drivers. What do you think, drivers? Is the potential of a driver pay increase proving to be real or is it trucking as usual? Open lines to take your calls.

With the CSA and the impending hours of service change, there is a new mandate on the horizon for the trucking industry. The NHTSA has begun the rulemaking procedure to make speed limiters mandatory on all heavy-duty trucks, with the set speed being 68 MPH. The move is being pushed heavily by the ATA, Road Safe America and nine major motor carriers. By governing all trucks to 68 MPH, will this improve safety or is this a way for the major carriers to level the playing field for the hiring of drivers in this new CSA environment?

As truck drivers gear up for the new hours of service proposal by the FMCSA, the trucking industry is wasting no time in voicing their disapproval. Our special guest, Richard Wilson, regulatory manager for Trans Products & Tran Services, a motor carrier and safety compliance company, will give us a run down on what the proposed change in the HOS rule could mean for drivers and the industry.

Our focus will be on the problems faced by truck drivers today and how certain trucking companies are working on solutions toward the betterment of drivers. Special guest, Grace Epting, of Diamond Transportation System , a 100% owner operator company, will discuss how her company continues to attract qualified drivers in today's transportation climate. Diamond Transportation System is setting a new standard for the industry by having always focused on truck drivers' needs and offering special services that have assisted their drivers toward a successful career.

Hope Rivenburg joins us in the first segment for an update discussion on the recent New York State rest area closings protest which was covered by four major TV news stations. Afterwards, Sky Williamson and Dee De Santis of Free Tony the Tiger joins us as we look at the true story of Tony the truck stop tiger, and the push by thousands to move him to a more appropriate habitat.

Todd Dills, Senior Editor of Overdrive and Truckers News magazines, returns as our guest for a special report on the FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program and how the PSP could shift the balance of power from the carrier to the truck driver. Every driver should be ordering their PSP right now. Only 10% of the nation's truck drivers have purchased the report thus far, and our guest will explain why this could prove to be a huge mistake.

Dr. Randolph Rosarion is a 17 year practicing physician and veteran DOT Medical Examiner. Examining several hundred truck drivers per year from his Sands Point Medical Rehab practice in Elmhurst, N.Y., he will set the record straight on the qualifications needed to pass the DOT medical exam for truck drivers with diabetes. The FMCSA regulations and the Diabetes Medical Waiver will also be discussed, concerning truck drivers with insulin controlled diabetes. Other topics will include blood pressure, sleep apnea, vision, hearing and those conditions which will disqualify a person from operating a CMV. Open lines to take your calls.

Kylla Leeburg of Chapter 61 Ministries returns as our guest to give updates on the work being done to fight back against the human trafficking crisis. Along with the help of the Truckers Against Trafficking organization, truck drivers are becoming more aware and alert of this serious crime and continue to be the biggest help in the rescue of trafficking victims.

Thousands of OTR drivers love what they do for a living. Knowing how the industry works will assist newcomers to long haul trucking in making a successful career out of trucking. Allen discusses what he considers to be the seven biggest mistakes by CDL students and new drivers.

Leasing a truck and starting your own trucking business is an important decision to make. What should you look for in a lease and why should you avoid the trucking company owner operator lease purchase plan? How do you know you are getting the best deal that is right for you? Joe Hoovestol of Lone Mountain Truck Leasing is our special guest as we discuss the in and outs of successful truck leasing.

The September 2010 issue of Truckers News Magazine takes an in-depth investigative look into the rising problem of cargo theft within the trucking industry. Our special guests: Todd Dills, Senior Editor of Overdrive & Truckers News Magazine,along with Max Kvidera, Senior Editor of Randall-Reilly Publishing. With trucking cargo theft hitting an all-time high, we'll discuss the problem as well as the solution.

For the first part of the show, Allen welcomes Mike Garcia of diesel treatment dot com to discuss the new fuel additive - XTREME Fuel Treatment. Allen tested this product and will reveal the results. Also joining us will be CEO/President, John Winterholler of Syntek Global. In the 2nd segment, we'll take a look at the pros and cons of having all truck drivers paid by the hour, instead of CPM, per load or other means. Is CPM the best truck driver pay? Stay with cents-per-mile or would having all drivers pay at an hourly rate work for the millions of professional truck drivers who keep America moving?

Songwriters David Ayers and Barry Allen, along with Hope Rivenburg and Richie Acosta are our special guests as we discuss the release of the new music CD, "When the Big Rigs Don't Roll" by Allen & Ayers Productions. Callers can win a FREE CD with our Q&A contest. A fun, uplifting broadcast highlighting the songs on the CD and the stories behind them. On how you can help, please visit the Jason's Law Fund.

Special guest: Rickey Gooch of Prepaid Legal Services. How serious is the FMCSA's CSA 2010 for truck drivers and trucking companies? While many truckers and trucking companies have taken a "wait and see" attitude, Rickey Gooch continues to address the seriousness of this new safety initiative. Join the discussion as we take a more in-depth look into the CSA 2010 and why he sees it as the most serious law to ever hit the trucking industry, with the intentions of the FMCSA being to "absolutely remove drivers from the industry." He is also the host of the website: Justice for Truckers

Are trucking companies "Green" or "Greedy?" Many states are enforcing a No Idle law for trucks, while many carriers are imposing their own no idling policies. They are all pushing the Smart Way EPA philosophy, but are they ignoring the health dangers and risk that truckers face due to the No Idle Law?

Special Guest: Attorney Paul Taylor of the Truckers Justice Center. Truck drivers who refuse to violate HOS rules or to operate the CMV in a way that would violate a Federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Regulation are protected from any kind of retaliation by the trucking company, under the STAA, 49 U.S.C. Section 31105, and are encouraged to report any such retaliation to the FMCSA or to OSHA. Mr. Taylor will answer your questions concerning your rights as a truck driver under OSHA and how he can help when your rights have been violated.

Open line discussion of how CDL training, CSA 2010 and Cross Border Trucking relates to the trucking industry reports of a massive truck driver shortage in the United States. Also, for the first time anywhere, hear the debut of the song dedicated to Jason Rivenburg, in support of Jason's Law: "A Prayer for Jason" - ONLY on Truth About Trucking "LIVE."

Open discussion on current trucking news and issues. Topics include: Jazzy Jordan's run across America and Jason's Law call to action. Also, you will not believe what some trucking companies are forcing drivers to do ... all because of the California Clean Energy Program. Unbelievable!

Reports are showing that there is currently a truck driver shortage of 20,000 drivers in the United States, with that figure growing to 114,000 by the year 2014. What is the real truth behind the truck driver shortage? 72,000 drivers lost their jobs in 2008 alone, yet presently they cannot fill 20,000 positions? Open discussion on the real facts about the driver shortage myth. Other topics will include problems with the current state of truck driver training and opening the Mexican border.

The NTSB, FMCSA and the ATA are all pushing for sleep apnea testing for truck drivers. According to media coverage, truck driver fatigue is a major issue and required testing for sleep apnea will help combat the problem. Allen exposes the real truth behind what could be the biggest deception ever perpetrated against the professional trucker.