OOIDA currently has more than 150,000 members and it continues to grow. They have been working hand in hand with the trucking industry since 1973. These members are from all over the United States and in recent years truck drivers from Canada have been allowed to join. This is one of the top organizations out there to give truck drivers a voice.

With the information gathered by OOIDA, truck drivers can get the facts about various issues taking place. Too many times the information found from other resources is biased one way or another. This can make it hard to make an informed decision. Members of OOIDA know they will always get both sides of the story with accurate data and facts.

They also know that the OOIDA team takes their concerns and comments to legislation on state and federal levels. Based on the information that they have gathered from members they are able to take stand on the behalf of their members for important trucking industry related issues.

They work hard to keep truck drivers informed of current issues, and post all of them on their website. They also offer scholarship programs for children of truck drivers, call to action forums, and information on new rules and regulations. If there is something you need to find information about but dont see it offered from OOIDA, contact them. They will do all they can to get you the right resources to take care of it.

They have made significant contributions to the trucking industry over the past 30 years. Instead of focusing on the problems out there they focus on solutions. For example they pushed for more parking at truck stops and more rest areas with sufficient parking along common truck driving routes. This was in response to complaints that drivers continue to drive when they are tired or out of hours.

When OOIDA started discussing this with the drivers they represent, it quickly became evident that there was a lack of places for them to stop and get some sleep or to wait while they regained driving hours. It is their dedication to correcting such issues that makes this profession better for all truck drivers and the roads safer for all people on the roads.

If you are interested in joining OOIDA you can visit their website or complete a postage paid card from various magazines. The annual fee for the membership is $45, but it is a very worthwhile investment. You will find this is one of the best advocate programs for owner operators.

The cost of fuel continues to rise, and that makes it difficult for just about everyone. If you are a trucking company or an owner operator though, you feel that hit at the pumps more than anyone due to the amount of fuel that semi trucks need to operate.

There is also the fact that they contribute significantly to pollution in the environment. The idea of hybrid semi trucks has been in the works for quite some time to offset high fuel prices for truck drivers and to reduce their effects on the environment.

The idea of hybrid vehicles has been in place for quite sometime, and there have been numerous test projects going on in recent years for hybrid semi trucks. Some of these tests have been done with providing vehicles for the United States military. The results of these projects are very good, and the plan is to roll out hybrid semi trucks in 2009.

Peterbilt is considered to be a quality brand of semi truck, and they will be the first to introduce the hybrid semi truck models. They will be available for viewing at the 2008 truck shows taking place in various locations.

Some trucking companies and owner operators have already placed their orders for hybrid semi trucks and they are expected to do well in sales. Negotiations are currently in the works between Peterbilt and Wal-mart regarding the hybrid semi trucks. This will be a tremendous contract for Peterbilt because Wal-Mart operates the second largest fleet of trucks in the United States.

Kenworth is another very reputable brand of semi truck, and they are working on hybrid semi truck models of their own. While they already presented some models at truck shows in 2007, it is believed their production will be on a smaller scale. It is also believed their hybrid models wont come out until after those from Peterbilt are released. Kenworth is looking for a big trucking company to initiate contracts with though at this time.

It is estimated an over the road hybrid semi truck can save the driver or the company at least $10,000 annually. This is quite a significant amount of additional profit for any owner operator to take notice of. For those trucking companies with thousands of trucks, this savings can quickly computer to hundreds of thousands of dollars being saved annually on fuel.

Some people remain skeptical about the use of hybrid semi trucks, but for the most part the trucking industry is excited about their introduction. This particular type of semi truck will significantly impact the trucking industry as we know it today. While these hybrid semi trucks will be expensive, the amount of money that can be saved on fuel costs makes it a great investment. There will likely be plenty of incentives offered by the government when you buy a hybrid semi truck as well.

With so many semi trucks on the road, the positive impact that hybrid semi trucks will have on the environment are very encouraging as well. If you are interested in learning more about the future of hybrid semi trucks, you can visit the Peterbilt or the Kenworth websites. You can also find out when they will be displaying their hybrid models at future truck shows. This is a great way for you to get to see one of the hybrid semi trucks up close and personal.

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Filing taxes is never a pleasant event for most people, but one that is necessary. Most owner operators have a variety of different expenses they incur during the course of their business that they can deduct. Taking the time to do so means they end up paying less income taxes.

You will be able to depreciate the value of your truck over the course of several years. The amount you can take depends on the purchase price of the equipment. If you sell a truck or trailer during the year you should know that you will have to count that is income because you have already taken some of the depreciation on the equipment. You will also be able to deduct the interest you pay on your truck payments and trailer payments. You arent allowed to deduct the actual payments though, only the interest portion.

There are often tolls and fees for scales that truck drivers have to pay along their routes. These fees can be deducted as well. Make sure you keep track of what you pay for showers, truck parts, maintenance, and repairs. All of these items are deductible. You dont need to keep your receipts for meals because the government gives you a per diem rate that you can claim. You need to make sure you keep track of the number of days you are out over the road though so you can figure the deduction.

Clothing cant be deducted unless it is specifically for work related services. For example you can claim a bright orange vest and a hard hat that are required to be in a construction zone you may be delivering materials for. However, you cant claim your jeans, tennis shoes, and shirts because they arent considered to be a required uniform for work.

You also cant claim any traffic tickets or attorney fees you have to pay in order to fight tickets. Many truck drivers have attempted to deduct these expenses on their tax return. The result is they end up getting a bill from the IRS telling them they owe more money. In some instances there are fees and penalties assessed as well.

Fuel is the most common expense that truck drivers incur. Make sure you keep a close eye on those receipts because each one will likely be worth $100 or more. Losing these different receipts can really add up during the course of a year, and that means you will have to pay more income tax.

The use of a cell phone and a laptop are often common items truck drivers use. However you can only claim half of the cost of them because the government has the opinion that both of them will be used for recreational use as well as for business. Any maps, notebooks, pens, log books, or other items you buy specifically to use in your truck are deductible.

You do have to be careful though as there is a line between what is necessary and what is a luxury. For example you can deduct the cost of a special seat for your truck that is ergonomically correct. You can also deduct the cost of a refrigerator for your truck. Yet you cant deduct a new stereo system or the customized curtains you buy to decorate your cab with.

The various tax deductions for owner operator truck drivers need to be carefully looked at. If you have a tax preparer they can take care of it for you. Make sure you keep all of your receipts together. It is a good idea to have a large envelope for each month of the year. This way you only have to provide your tax preparer with the figures instead of with the actual receipts. Keep them in a safe location for at least three years in case you end up getting audited by the IRS.

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There have been various changes to the laws pertaining to the hours of service for truck drivers over the years. The most recent changes took place in April of 2007, and they were met with a great deal of controversy. The idea behind these new hours of service is to ensure all truck drivers get enough sleep and to keep the roads safe.

Yet for many truck drivers, the hours of operation have left them with having to split up their sleep time in order to accommodate their load times. In their opinion, this leaves them feeling more tired then the way the old hours of operation were. In many instances the hours of operation laws require the driver to get sleep when they arent tired, but they are out of hours.

A truck driver can legally drive for a maximum of eleven hours during any fourteen hour period of time. Once that eleventh hour has been reached, the driver must rest for a minimum of ten hours. In addition there is a weekly clock that the driver has to abide by as well. No truck driver can legally drive more than sixty hours over a period of one full week.

Each driver has to keep a daily log book that shows their hours of operation, sleep time, off duty time, and vehicle inspection time. If a truck driver is pulled over by law enforcement or pulled into a port, the log book can be reviewed. If the driver is in violation of the hours of operation they wont be able to move their truck until they have had adequate hours of rest. They can also receive a hefty fine in order to help reduce the number of drivers with such violations.

Any time a semi truck is involved in an accident, the log book is checked over to make sure they are in compliance with the hours of operation. If they arent, the driver will likely get a citation regardless of who was at fault for the accident. These penalties have quickly taught truck drivers and trucking companies that breaking the hours of operation laws just isnt worth it.

The issue of these hours of operation continues to cause problems for the entire trucking industry. Drivers claim they arent able to make enough money due to the hours and there is a high rate of turnover in the business now. Many business owners have to charge more for hauling freight due to the time it takes to get it moved now. These costs are passed on to the merchant and ultimately to the consumers.

In July of 2007 the issue what taken before the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court struck down the option to return to the previous hours of operation laws that were implemented in 2005. The ruling was made because the judges felt the new hours of operation offer more safety to truck drivers and the public in general.

This is a debate that continues to get more support for both sides as time goes on. Many of the various trucking companies, drivers, and trucking industry support organizations continue to build a case that the hours of operation are unconstitutional. They believe it is costing them money and having a negative impact on the overall economy.

Other organizations fight to keep the hours of service in place. They believe it protects truck drivers from unrealistic demands of employers who are more interested in making a profit than the health of their drivers or the safety of everyone on the roads.

You can expect to see this issue in the courts again and again as both sides of this battle attempt to push forward with their information to make a case for why the hours of operation should or shouldnt be enforced. For the time being though truck drivers and trucking companies have no choice but to be in compliance with them.

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While truck drivers have tons of steel protecting them on the road, they can still be in danger. There are some safety tips to help ensure truck drivers are safe on the roads, and that makes the safer for everyone else in small vehicles as well. A truck driver needs to take care of his or her own needs before anything else. Failing to get enough rest, not eating properly, and not getting enough exercise can all affect a person physically and mentally.

Taking care of the truck they are driving is very important as well. There is plenty of routine maintenance that needs to be done on a semi truck. This includes checking the fluids, checking hoses, changing the oil, and looking for any leaks or problems. Tires need to be in good condition so they dont blow out. We have all seen though large pieces of rubber on the roads that come off of big trucks. These can create a hazard for other drivers when they are driving behind a big truck.

Even if you dont own the truck you are driving, it is your responsibility to make sure it is in good enough condition to be on the road. If you are picking up a trailer you need to inspect it as well. Make sure the trailer is properly connected to the semi truck before you leave so that you dont cause any problems when you get onto the road.

No matter what you are driving, you always have to on the look out for other drivers not doing their part to be safe. Big trucks cant stop as quickly as other vehicles so you need to be prepared for road construction, accidents, and congestion on the roads. Leave enough room between you and the vehicles ahead of you to anticipate anything that could possibly occur. Make sure you pay close attention to blind spots on your truck before you attempt to change lanes or pass other vehicles.

It is a good idea to always wear your seat belt while in a semi truck. Too many people have the misconception that they are perfectly safe up there but in the event of an accident you could be seriously thrown around or even thrown out of the vehicle. It is a good idea to always have a fire extinguisher in the cab of the vehicle as well.

Since most truck drivers travel from one part of the country to the next in order to pick up or deliver a load, the weather changes can be quick. It is important for a truck driver to have essential clothing for any kind of weather including the extreme hot and the bitter cold.

Both the heater and the air conditioning need to be in good working condition in the cab and in the sleeper of the semi truck. Make sure you have dry foods and water in the cab in case you have to stay in there for any length of time. Tire chains are also good to carry in case you are facing harsh ice and snow conditions.

Most truck drivers carry cell phones, and they can use it to be the eyes and ears of the road. Reporting stranded motorists, poor road conditions, road kill, or even other drivers who are being careless and reckless can prevent serious injuries and accidents from occurring. It is never a good idea to pick up hitchhikers while driving a semi truck. They can be distracting and they might even be dangerous.

Many truck drivers log thousands of miles each month without incident. This is due to the fact that they work hard to take care of their own needs, they routinely inspect their truck and trailers, and they pay attention to what is taken place around them. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, so professional truck drivers know to be prepared for anything.

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There are so many different trucking companies out there that the chances of you finding a job you enjoy driving a semi truck is very high. Yet you need to know that these companies all have different recruiting techniques that they use to entice new drivers to sign up with them. It is to your advantage to take a close look at the various trucking companies out there and see what they have to offer you. Since you wont be comparing apples to apples you need to evaluate each one on an individual basis.

You want to find a trucking company that offers a terminal in your general area. Otherwise you are going to find you have to drive endless miles empty in your own vehicle if you are using a company owned semi truck. If you are an owner operator with your own truck then you will be driving these additional miles in the big rig without pay, and that is quite expensive.

Many of the larger trucking companies have terminals in many locations while the smaller ones may only offer one or two terminals. This will generally be the location where you drop of your paperwork, attend safety meetings, and take care of other essential tasks related to the trucking industry.

The amount of money you will get paid is very important, but you need to evaluate this carefully. Many trucking companies offer a sign on bonus if you agree to a contract of one year or more. This may be payable when you initially start or when you reach the time mark outlined in your contract. You need to find out if you will get paid by the mile or by the hour for your work.

It is important to find out when you will be paid for your work. Some trucking companies pay you a set number of days after you turn in paperwork for a load. Others have set pay dates. You also need to find out if you will get a check or if the funds will be direct deposit. If you are an over the road truck driver the direct deposit option generally works best so you can access funds even when you arent in the area.

Inquire about various benefits that the trucking company may offer you. These include health insurance, 401 k plans, and bonuses for attendance and safety. All of these items make up a complete employment package and they are worth investing in. It isnt a good idea not to have health insurance and you should always have some type of savings plan in the works for your future.

The way dispatch works for different trucking companies can make getting loads a smooth process or it can be a nightmare. Look for a trucking company that has plenty of freight to offer. This way you can deliver your load, call dispatch for another load, and be on your way again. You will be wasting your time and your money if they continually leave you sitting around waiting for a load.

Find out how the company handles time off. You may be offered paid vacation time after you have been with the company for a set period of time. However, you may need to take a couple of days off to deal with issues that have been piling up or for a special occasion. Look for a trucking company to work for that understands these things arise and they are willing to work with you to get your personal needs met.

You also need to inquire about the equipment they operate because it needs to be up to date and safe. Even if you have your own semi truck you will be hauling their trailers so make sure they are well taken care of. Word Count 642

Drug dealers and smugglers use all forms of transportation in order go keep up with the supple and demand of this underground industry. Since semi trucks move all over the country, it is only practical to assume they are used for this purpose as well. Under the pretense of delivering actual goods, many trucks travel along the highways with drugs in the trailers. In these types of instances, the truck drivers are aware of what they are hauling. They often due it for the amount of money they can earn hauling it.

In other instances, the truck driver and the trucking company arent aware of the drugs on their vehicles. The drugs are placed behind the wheels of the vehicle or even in some of the merchandise in the trailer. The drug smuggling is a process that is done behind the scenes among individuals at various cargo pick up and delivery points.

The FDA is always on the look out for suspicious activities that take place with semi trucks. They pay close attention to the trucks that are coming in and out of docks. Suspicious activity that is reported is quickly investigated. They have the right to use drug dogs in order to check the inside of the cab if they suspect drugs are on board. They also have special gauges and tools they can use to check for drugs stored in gas tanks or under the vehicle.

Sometimes the drugs found in semi trucks are for personal use. That is quite dangerous when you consider the professional responsibilities that come with being a truck driver. To help alleviate such issues, most truck drivers have to belong to a drug pool. These are in place by the companies they drive for and owner operators can sign up to become part of one on their own. If the driver is randomly pulled for a drug test they will be contacted. They have a set period of time to comply with taking the test. If they drive over the road they will be given instructions on where they can go in the area to have the drug testing done.

While most truck drivers are hard working individuals who strive to make a living doing what they enjoy, others take the easy way and want to earn the money associated with drug trafficking. The risks are very high though and any truck driver caught with drugs in or on the vehicle can be charged with possession. It can be very difficult for a truck driver who is innocently the transport without knowing it to prove they are not part of the process.

There are some really great shows out there that feature trucks and truck drivers. Some of them are realistic and others are more science fiction, but they do seem to hold the attention of the viewer. Those in the trucking industry are often able to pick out the inconsistencies in the sounds of the trucks and what they are able to do, but the rest of us are entertained by their power and their presence.

The movie Convoy starring Kris Kristofferson was released in 1978, and it is still a very popular movie today. It has been digitally re-mastered and released in a DVD format as well. The movie tells the story about some truck drivers who get into trouble with the law because the Sheriff doesnt like truck drivers coming through his town. The truck drivers decide to fight back instead of being intimidated by the Sheriff.

The movie portrays the powerful numbers of truck drivers when they band together for a central cause. As a result of their efforts, the government steps in and takes notice of the ill treatment of truck drivers and steps are taken to make positive changes.

Stephen King has long been known for his creative stories, and one in particular has the semi trucks running the show for once. The show is called Maximum Overdrive and it tells the story of a comet that causes the machines to come to life and move on their own. A group of individuals are terrorized by the trucks at a local truck stop. The film was released in the 1980s.

The cartoon Transformers was very popular in the early 1980s, and it has found a renewed life recently. A full length movie of the cartoon was released in 2007 with a sequel due out in late 2008. The leader of the good guys is Optimus Prime, a very large semi truck that is able to transform into a robot. He is powerful yet his is very wise and attempts to resolve conflicts with his mind instead of his strength.

In the Disney Pixar animated cartoon called Cars, various semi trucks are given personalities. They portray the hard work of semi trucks on the roads very one. My favorite scene is at night when all of the trucks are lined up at the truck stop sleeping. Some of them are even snoring after a hard day of work.

A new series on the History Channel called Ice Road Truckers is very interesting to watch. It documents the events of truck drivers on the icy roads in Canada who work to safely transport equipment and materials to and from the diamond mines. This is considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the trucking industry due to the heavy loads and the inclement weather.

The program takes a close look at the trials and tribulations these truck drivers face to get the job done. It also shows viewers the dedication that many truck drivers have due to the passion for driving. They work hard to deliver what they are hauling safely and on time. Maybe this type of show will earn truck drivers the recognition they deserve instead of being classified as road hogs and lazy people who sit behind the steering wheel all day.

After the world was taken by surprised with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 significant changes were implemented in the United States in regard to semi trucks. There is a possibility that the use of large trucks could be used for terrorism and that is something that needs to be carefully guarded against.

The United States government closely guards against those with a CDL accessing hazardous materials. They require a background check with fingerprinting to be completed for anyone with a CDL that wants this type of endorsement. There are plenty of flammable and toxic materials hauled in semi trucks that need to be protected.

There is also the problem of terrorists taking semi trucks that have such products on them in route. They can kill the drivers and take the trucks if they really want to access the various materials they are hauling. The potential scenarios that could result from such materials being used for terrorism are too many to mention. Yet it is likely that they could result in mass deaths and even contamination of the water and the air.

There have already been some semi trucks involved in various terrorist attacks. In 1993 they were used to engage in the attack on the World Trade Center. The fact that there are so many semi trucks out there hauling dangerous materials makes them a viable weapon for terrorism. The fact that placards have to be in place on semi trucks hauling these materials is supposed to be for safety but they also identify them as easy targets for terrorists.

One of the ideas the Department of Homeland Security has been considering is placing GPS on all trucks that haul hazardous materials. This way it would be very easy to identify those that are off course. It would also be possible to identify any semi trucks hauling hazardous materials into areas where they are not allowed.

In the event of a semi truck hauling dangerous materials, being involved in an accident, the GPS could result in clean up crews being sent to the scene immediately. All of the information relating to the types of materials being hauled would be available so crews would know how to proceed. Yet the cost of implementing such a program would be very expensive. There would also be ongoing costs for monitoring the activities of all these semi trucks.

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has also come up with a device to prevent terrorists from using semi trucks. This device can be mounted in various areas of the truck. If it is believed the safety of the semi truck has been compromised the device can be instructed to come to a full stop by activating the air brakes. There is still more research that needs to be looked into for this type of concept to be realistically installed in all semi trucks.

We have all seen the effects that terrorist attacks can have on society. Protecting semi trucks from getting into the wrong hands is very important. Most truck drivers are trained in the possibility that their truck could be taken for such a purpose. Many trucking companies have procedures in place for the driver to follow if such an event occurs. Many of the reports of suspicious activities relating to semi trucks are reported by truck drivers themselves as they are the eyes and ears of the open road.

There are weigh in stations called ports at many locations where trucks have to pull in by law. The amount of time it takes to complete the process depends on how many trucks are in front of you and what they plan to do. Trucks can randomly be pulled aside to be inspected, and this can quickly eat away at the amount of time you have left to get your delivery to its destination.

An innovative way to get around this hassle is to enroll in the Prepass program. This will allow you to save time, fuel, and money. With the Prepass program you have a monitor in your cab that is read by the port. The information for their truck is recorded electronically so the driver is not required to pull into the station.

The electronic signal in the cab is activated approximately one mile before the semi truck approaches the exit for the port. The information about the truck and the weight of the truck and the load are sent to the terminal. Once this has all been processed the driver will get a green light in their cab and they can proceed.

If for some reason the information cant be read or there is a problem with the information the driver will get a red light, and they have to stop. There are also some types of loads that have to stop regardless of the Prepass process being in place. These specifications vary by state so make sure you are aware of them if you driver over the road. For example some states require all oversized loads to stop at the port and others require all trucks hauling hazardous materials to stop.

Not everyone is eligible to get a Prepass authorization though. Each individual has to be carefully reviewed based on their length of time with a CDL, their driving record, and even the overall record of the carrier that the individual is employed for even if they are an owner operator. Prepass has the right to revoke authorization at any time when they are conducting reviews. This means if any of your credentials that earned you approval have changed you may no longer be eligible to use the service.

A Prepass transmitter and program only costs $15.49 per month, and it can be paid monthly or annually by mail or online. It is very convenient to purchase and most truck drivers will tell you that the amount of time and fuel they save each month is much more than what they pay for the Prepass.

Most employers who have fleets of trucks will even cover the cost as it adds up to big savings for them as well. Owner operators will have to pay the charge on their own, but it is an eligible deduction for income tax purposes.

There are currently more than 415,000 semi trucks in the United States using the Prepass option. There is no cost for the transponder that goes into the cab of the truck. It is very easy to place the transponder on the windshield of the truck without damaging it in any way. There is also no lengthy contract that has to be signed. The customer can cancel their Prepass agreement at any time and simply return the equipment and pay their outstanding bill in full.

If you are interested in signing up for the Prepass program you can contact them for an application to be mailed to you. They also have one online that you can submit electronically. As soon as they can verify all of the information on the application and get your account approved you will be sent the transponder and instructions for installing it. If your application is denied you will be notified of the reason why by mail as soon as the decision has been made.