CR England Trucking Company Blog

Trucking along with video chat

2012-02-08T17:27:00.001-07:00

In a time where technology is rampant and staying in touch with your friends and family is easier than ever before, the need for face-to-face interaction is more important than ever. With cell phones, it is easy to talk you your mother who lives on the other side of the country, but can it be equally as easy to be able to actually see her? Well, yes it can, through online video chat.

Online video chat places a camera in or on your computer and enables you to stream live video to and from two or more different computers. The feed is usually instantaneous and allows you to carry on a conversation with someone as if they were sitting right next to you. As human beings, we only communicate so much with our voice, the rest is with gestures and facial expressions. When you are talking to someone over a cell phone these important aspects are absent.

In the trucking industry, life on the road can be lonesome sometimes. Sure, you can talk to your family by using your cell phone, but sometimes you just want to see their smiling faces. With video chat, you can.

To do video chat, in most cases you do need the internet. There are multiple online video chat service providers that offer the capability to chat over video. There are even some computers out there that have the software pre-built into them. If your computer doesn’t have the software though, it is easy to set up and you can purchase what you need at just about any electronics store.

Imagine being able to sit in the bunk of your truck speaking with your family and friends while seeing them at the same time! Now being an over the road truck driver doesn’t have to mean you don’t get to see your new baby, or your best buddy. Just hop on the internet and start talking!

A truck driving job has many great benefits and now those don’t have to be clouded by the fact that you can’t see your family while over the road. With video chat, you can see them every night. Video chat is the way for truck drivers to have the face-to-face interaction they want while still being able to enjoy the truck driving job they love.

CR England Harley Giveaway

2012-02-07T15:49:00.002-07:00

CR England has always valued fuel efficiency in their drivers as a way to keep the ever-increasing rise of fuel prices from breaking the bank of both the company and the drivers. As a show of appreciation to those drivers who have display fuel efficiency and to encourage others to improve, last year England began a Harley Giveaway.

Each quarter C.R. England has a competition for their drivers. The competition gauges a driver’s fuel efficiency and based on it, the drivers are entered in a raffle to win a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Once the raffle entries are all submitted, five finalists are drawn and brought to England headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Once at the corporate headquarters, the finalists are presented to the company and an introduction of their fuel accomplishments are read. Then the big moment, each of the finalists are given a key, only one of which will start the engine of the Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Last month England had the opportunity to hold the competition and award those drivers who showed true pride in their work and kept their fuel efficiency in line. This year’s five finalists were Christopher Mickels, Patricia Kingrey, James Watt, Michael Greenhalgh, and John Cavuoto. As part of the giveaway ceremony, each of the drivers shared highlights with C.R. England about their driving career and their fuel efficiency techniques.

Though not all finalists receive a motorcycle, all finalist are awarded other great prized averaging in value of $500. This quarter, the lucky winner of CR England’s Harley Giveaway was Patricia Kingrey. Patricia won a Harley Davidson XL1200 Nightster.

CR England plans on continuing the fuel competition and Harley Giveaway each quarter and looks forward to the progress it will spur in the company. The next quarter’s prize will be a 2012 Harley Iron 883.
For information on how to enter the CR England Harley Giveaway visit http://www.crengland.com/saltlakecity/fuelpromo/

Congratulations to Patricia Kingrey and all other C.R. England drivers who were able to improve their fuel efficiency.

To read about each of the five finalists and their techniques to maintain fuel efficiency, see below:
Christopher Mickels has been with CR England since August of 2010 and currently drives for England’s Intermodal division. He currently runs a 2011 Freightliner M2 and averaged 7.31 mpg, which was over 5/10ths greater than his fleet and just shy of 7/10th greater than the Intermodal Division average for the 4th quarter. Chris claims to attribute his success to following what he has been taught at CR England, including checking tire pressure regularly and driving well below the posted speed limit. He also works hard to be in the right gear for the situation and says proper trip planning is a must.

Patricia Kingrey Pat currently runs 2nd seat with her son James who owns a 2005 Volvo. They mother and son team drive for a Dedicated fleet based out of Nevada. Pat has been with CR England since May of 2011 and was able to average a 7.39 mpg with a 4.7% idle time. Pat attributes her success to great training from her son. He has taught her progressive and smooth shifting and how to trip plan. Pat is very proud to be in a 2005 Volvo driving over Donner’s Pass twice a day and still keeping a high MPG.

James Watt currently leases a 2009 Freightliner Cascadia, and runs for England’s National Division. James has been with CR England since April of 2011 and was able to average 7.66 mpg with an average idle time of 6% for 4th Quarter.   James is also a trainer and his truck average, which includes his students driving, was at 7.02 mpg. Both of those numbers are well above his peers in his fleet and division. James attributes his success to proper shifting, using cruise control as much as possible when it is safe, and checking the tire pressure on truck and trailer. James also runs full strength synthetic oil and greases his 5th wheel often.

Michael Greenhalgh has been with CR England since August of 2011 and is a Company Driver.   He currently works in a recovery fleet and resides in Utah. Michael was able to average a 7.32 mpg and keep his average idle to 3.5%. One thing that is amazing is this was done while recovering several different trucks that Michael had no direct experience with that piece of equipment.   His average is also 5/10th greater than the average of his peers in the recovery fleet. Michael attributes his success to keeping a steady pace and using cruise control as much as possible. He also mentioned that he strives to be in the correct gear on hills and other situations where shifting may be tricky.

John Cavuoto currently owns a 2011 Kenworth, and drives for CR England’s National division. He has been with CR England since January of 2011 and is also a Phase 1 Trainer and has great success with his students. John averaged 7.4 mpg and his idle percentage was only 1.2%. His MPG was close to 5/10ths greater then both his fleet and division. John mentioned to England that he is the ultimate miser when it comes to fuel. A few things he that he attributed to his success was making sure to always turn off the truck, even if you think you will only be idling for 30 seconds. He runs his truck at 55-56 mph and tries to teach his students to do the same. With careful trip planning, he is able to run 600 miles in a shift and he does that most days. John believes if you take care of the little things, the big picture will also come into focus by itself.

CR England Truck Driving School Discount

2012-02-06T10:13:00.002-07:00

A career is more than just a job, it is something that carries you through life and provides you with work satisfaction and a stable income. To get a good career, you need good training. In most cases, this means some type of education beyond high school. A truck driving job is no different. To start your career as a truck driver, you need to go to truck driving school. The only problem with that is that sometimes school can be expensive, and if you don’t have a steady job to pay for it you can find yourself in a bit of a pickle.

Well, C.R. England has your back. If you live in California and want to become a truck driver, CR England is currently offering truck driving school for $995. That’s almost $2,000 off the regular price of England’s’ Premier truck driving school! This promotion is for classes starting February 13, 2012 ONLY, so take advantage of this great offer while it lasts. With tuition this low, you can’t afford not to go!

CR England’s’ Premier truck driving school is a three to four week program that will teach you what you need to know about trucking before you go out and start your over-the-road training. The CR England truck driving school is a world class program considered to be the best in the industry. With an emphasis on driver safety, this comprehensive program combines classroom training with hands-on, interactive training.

Imagine being able to start the career you’ve always wanted for just $995. Now you can! No more waiting, get up and get on the road with England’s special promotion. This promotion is ONLY for California residents and ONLY for classes starting February 13, 2012. To receive the special discount of $995, there is a 6 month employment agreement required upon admittance. A $50 admission fee is also required upon arrival to the trucking school.

Don’t wait, get started on your truck driving career now. Come to C.R. England’s Premier truck driving school for $995 and grab life by the wheel.

Truck Driving Options?

2012-02-02T17:25:00.001-07:00

When most people think about a truck driving job, they think of over-the-road trucking. They think of being gone for months at a time with little or no home life and of going to new places. Well, that is true for some trucking lifestyles, but not for all.

There are truck driving jobs out there that provide home time once or twice a week, or even daily! C.R. England has quite a few of these different options; you don’t have to go OTR to drive. Have you ever thought about a dedicated division? What about regional or intermodal?

Each of these truck driving options are different and have different benefits. Most of them generally don’t keep you away from home from months at a time. Each division has something unique to offer. So, what are the different divisions that C.R. England offers and what do they mean?

The Dedicated division means just that, you are dedicated. As a Dedicated driver, you carry loads for one customer and one customer only. You are dedicated to that customer. This division of CR England has significantly grown over the last few years and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. With a dedicated trucking job you have predictable miles and more frequent home time opportunities than over the road trucking.

The next type of driving option CR England offers is Regional driving. With the Regional division, you are assigned a specific area, or region, and you do not deviate from that area. Regional trucking specializes in the short-haul market and, like dedicated, generally has more home time opportunities than over-the-road.

The last, but not least, trucking option is Intermodal. Intermodal is a rising star in the trucking industry with more and more carriers jumping on the train every year. Intermodal trucking means carrying a single container through multiple methods such as train, ship and truck. With CR England’s Intermodal division, drivers transport containers to and from shipping yards and to England customers. Intermodal trucking is different from other divisions in that drivers are able to be home most nights and are usually driving a familiar route.

Having a truck driving job no longer has to mean being away from months at a time. You can enjoy a driving job and still be able to have a meaningful home life as well. CR England is growing and along with it are the opportunities. If OTR trucking doesn’t appeal to you, we have something that will.

To learn more about the different trucking opportunities C.R. England has to offer and how you can get started on your trucking career, visit www.crengland.com.

Become part of the trucking family

2012-01-26T16:52:00.001-07:00

In today’s fast paced world it is easy to get lost. With so many people focusing on their lives and that second, it is easy to become just another faceless body in the masses. When sitting at a small desk in a large office building do you find yourself fading into the grey color of your cubical? Do you miss seeing the sun or the snow covered mountains? It’s time to get out and live life, it’s time to get a job that makes a difference and become a part of a close-knit community. It’s time to get a truck driving job.

When driving a truck you can see the America so few people get to see, and you can have the job satisfaction so few get to experience. You can get out and explore life and get paid for it. Just think about it, you can get paid for getting out and taking a road trip across the nation.

When you become a truck driver you are immediately part of a strong community, making instant friends who are in the same place in life as you are. Truck drivers stick together and can depend one another, providing support and encouragement during a time when such traits are hard to find. There are thousands of support groups and blogs where truckers get together and discuss a variety of matters from work to family. Indeed, when you get a job as a truck driver, you join a family of truck drivers. Truck driving is a way of life, it’s a way of thinking, it’s a way to find yourself.

When joining the trucking population you will find you are able to make friends and form close ties with complete strangers. You may find yourself talking to great people who you never would have talked to before. Before, you had nothing in common, but now you both have the road.

You will truly be able to find yourself on the open roads of America. Driving toward the bright horizon of a rising sun, you will feel yourself rise as well, finding a new light. From the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge, the demand for truck driving jobs are high.

Even as the economy seems to dwindle there are always products that need to be taken from A to B, and the road in between holds many possibilities. Join the trucking family and become a part of something.

C.R. England presents drivers with the Drive Life Award

2012-01-25T16:20:00.001-07:00

Each year CR England presents some of their drivers with an award called the Drive Life Award. To qualify for this honor, drives must be with CR England for at least five years and have good operational and safety records. Before any awards are presented, candidates have their driving records for the year closely scrutinized. Drive Life Awards are provided to divers in 3 areas- Trainer, Independent Contractor and Company.

The winners of the awards for 2011 were announced yesterday by CR England management at a company rally and are as follows:

Trainer: Thomas Richardson

Thomas Richardson has been driving for C.R. England since April 2007 and resides in California. He is currently driving for England’s Dedicated Division out of Los Angeles and has driven over 670,000 perfect miles, with no chargeable accidents. Richardson’s favorite pastime is cruising around in his 1937 International, hot rod, V8 pick-up truck.

Richardson has been a phase 1 trainer since 2008, training many apprentices who have become successful drivers for C.R. England. He takes great pride in producing safe and productive drivers and never hesitates in going above and beyond to make sure his apprentices get what they need. This often includes working with his apprentices on his days off to fine tune their skills. CR England is pleased to present Thomas Richardson as the 2011 Trainer of the Year.

Independent Contractor: Arundell Robinson

Arundell Robinson has been driving for C.R. England for over 14 years, joining the company in July 1997 and makes his home in Massachusetts. He drives in England’s National Division and has driven over 2,200,000 safe miles. Robinson has 4 children; 2 boys and 2 girls, and 3 grandchildren, all of whom are boys.

Robinson began training for C.R. England in June of 2002, and his those who trainin with him have had nothing but great things to say about him and the ways he conducts himself on the truck. He is known for being extremely knowledgeable and patient, turning out great drivers for C.R. England. Congratulations to Arundell Robinson, one of CR England’s IC Drivers of the Year for 2011.

Independent Contractor: Steven Ryan

Steven Ryan is another of England’s drivers who makes his home in California. He has been driving for C.R. England since 1998 in the National Division and has driven over 1,600,000 safe miles. Ryan’s DM claims he is a fine example to new drivers coming into the business because of his positive attitude in any given situation. Ryan is a fleet mentor to new drivers and is willing to take their calls no matter what time of day to help answer any questions a driver may have.

Ryan has been married to his wife Lilly for 36 years and has 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. He is a member of the Corvette Car Club and served 22 years in the Navy as a Radioman and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. His great driving record and excellent service are just some of the reasons why Steven Ryan is a 2011 I.C. Driver of the Year.

Independent Contractor: Jim Spina

Jim Spina is an East Coast native, living in Plainfield IL, has been driving for C.R. England over 13 years. He currently drives in the Sterling Dedicated division and has driven over 1,100,000 safe miles. When he’s not trucking, Spina enjoys riding his Harley, and enjoying seeing the country with his wife Susan. He and Susan have been married 45 years and have two children and two grandchildren.

He’s had a couple nicknames over the years. His first one “Hit Man” came to him because he struck a large bird that stuck to his mirror. The second nickname was “Gas Man,” given to him by his son and C.R. England office personnel who claimed that once he started running, he didn’t stop. He is also known as “Jimbo” by all his friends in Sterling, they say he’s “The type of person that will do anything for anybody”.

He has given people all his food in his cooler and even bedding and clothing out of his truck. He is the driver that everyone goes to in the Sterling office for advice, tips and directions. He’s got his own “personalized set of maps”. Spina also recently received the ATA One Million Safe Miles award. Jim Spina is a great example of what every C.R. England driver should be and CR England is proud to have him as as our final IC Driver of the Year for 2011.

Company Driver: Richard "Mac" McDonald

Richard "Mac" McDonald lives in Salt Lake city, Utah and has been driving for C.R. England for over 27 years joining the company in 1984. He runs in the National Division and has driven over 3,400,000 safe miles. McDonald’s driver manager reports he’s a great driver to work with stating "I never have to worry about him. He is always on time and very low maintenance. He is a model driver that makes my job easy".

McDonald married his wife Doris almost 13 years ago and claims things are never dull around his house. Between him and Doris, they have 11 children, 39 grand-children, and 3 great grand-children. He loves to camp and sit around the fire and tell stories. When he retires, he is looking forward to spending time with his ever growing family, traveling and spending time in his wood working shop. CR England is pleased to recognize Richard "Mac" McDonald as a Company Driver of the Year for 2011.

Company Driver: Vance Vogel

Vance Vogel resides in California and has been driving for C.R. England over seven years. He joined the Intermodal Division in April 2006 and has driven over 410,000 safe miles. Vogel has been a big part of the growth of England’s Intermodal Division over the years and has proven to be an asset from day one. He has helped train many of their new drivers making sure they have the tools to succeed. He takes pride in the job he does and is willing to help out if something is needed.

Vogel has been married 37 years to his wife Paula. They have two grown boys and three grandchildren. His hobbies include wood working making cabinets, desks, book cases, or whatever his wife tells him to do. Great job Vance Vogel for becoming 2011 Company Driver of the Year.

Company Driver: Daniel Finch

Daniel Finch lives in Wyoming and has been driving for C.R. England over 11 years hiring October 20, 2000. He drives in the Dedicated Division and has driven over 1,200,000 safe miles. According to one of England’s night managers, Finch is very knowledgeable and reliable, he is an exemplary driver mentor and trainer for drivers on this account. He has 100 percent on-time delivery on the account and is an example to all.

Finch is married to his sweetheart Donna and together they have five children. One of his most favorite hobbies is trains and his nick name to other driver is “Choo Choo”. He can be seen around the distribution center often wearing his train hat. Congratulations Daniel Finch, CR England’s final Company Driver of the Year for 2011.

Congratulations to all the winners of C.R. England’s Drive Life Award. Great job at setting an example for truckers everywhere.

The Super Bowl in a Truck

2012-01-24T17:06:00.001-07:00

Game day is fast approaching. That’s right, Super Bowl XLVI is only 12 days away! With less than 2 weeks until the big kickoff, you have the perfect amount of time to get ready. Now is the moment when you need to gather supplies; chips, drinks, dip, etc.

In the past while you were out shopping and gathering your game day goodies, did you ever wonder where they came from? If you have, and even if you haven’t, we have the answer for you. Most of your items come from a truck.

That’s right, a truck. In fact, most everything on the store’s shelf comes from a truck including your hoard for the Super Bowl. Also, most of the items sold at the football game were on a truck at some point. Have you ever thought about what it takes to build a football arena?

This year, Super Bowl XLVI is being played in Indianapolis, at the Lucas Oil Stadium. To build this stadium in 2008, originally as the home of the Indianapolis Colts, supplies had to be shipped to the location. These supplies included items such as steal, glass and concrete. Each of these items were either delivered directly to the site of the stadium or to a yard by a truck.

During the game, there are always thousands of screaming fans. Some of them are painted the colors of their teams, some are waiving large foam fingers and others are simply wearing their team jersey. Each of these items was delivered by truck at some point in its life somewhere between its manufacturing date and when it came to you.

When you are at home watching the football game think about the things around you; your favorite arm chair, the bowl your chips are in, even the TV you’re watching the game on! Each of those items came on a truck, and to take it even a step further, each of those items was delivered by a truck driver.

There are plenty of other examples of items that you use daily that were brought to you over the road by a truck driver. Every day trucks deliver the nation one mile at a time and now they are delivering your Sunday game of the year.

Hopefully, you enjoy watching the Super Bowl XLVI and all the great Super Bowl commercials that go with it. While you are watching, just remember that this and every Super Bowl experience was brought to you in part by truck drivers throughout the nation.

The Grass is Always Greener…

2012-01-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

There is an old adage "The grass is always greener on the other side." In our industry, it often means that everybody’s trucking job is better than yours.

In recruiting and retention, we often hear this from our former drivers now returning to CR England. We hear their stories of why they left, including fancy advertisements, slick truck stop recruiters, promised local runs, and more. However, once they get out on the road with their new company they find that there are problems everywhere. The sweet talk and promises that got that driver away from England were empty, used only to get them in a truck.

Once a driver finds that these were just methods used to get them away from us, they anxiously look for a way back. This year alone we have seen a return of over 500 drivers.

While we hate to see our divers leave, many returning drivers come with a greater appreciation for what an opportunity it is to drive for England. We have good experiences with our returning drivers, and those who continue to meet our hiring criteria are always welcome back. Returning drivers are great a great asset for informing others that instead of searching for greener pastures, it is best to stay here and succeed.

Typically, when a driver change jobs, he will lose about 3 weeks to 2 months in earnings, not counting lost time and seniority. A truck driving job can be difficult at times, but remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

C.R. England has some of the best training and operations staff in the industry and we are committed to constantly improving every aspect of our operation. Be encouraged that we know "your success is our success". Be safe, patient, professional, and know that you are appreciated.

CR England is Switching Things Up

2012-01-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

CR England recently announced that they will be switching things up a bit with new management. Zach England, former Vice President of England’s Intermodal division, has accepted the position as Vice President of the Dedicated division.

As a part of England’s new responsibilities with the Dedicated division, he will be responsible for some of the company’s most prestigious accounts. This division is responsible for more than 20% of the company’s revenue and includes more than 1,150 trucks and 1,500 employees.

CR England Dedicated helps truck drivers have a more meaningful life off the road with ample home time, while also providing drivers with more responsibility while on the road. With the Dedicated division, truckers can still live the life of a trucker, but they don’t have to make the same sacrifices that over-the-road truckers do. Driving Dedicated also means you know what to expect from your freight. With an OTR truck driving job, you can be hauling freight for one company then switch to something completely different with your next load. With Dedicated, you know who you will be hauling for this time and every time. You are Dedicated to that customer.

Taking Zach England’s place as Vice President of the Intermodal division is Coby Bullard. Bullard comes to England from BNSF Railway where he held multiple positions such as Sr. Market Manager, Director of Operations Support, and Director of Domestic Intermodal.

C.R. England’s Intermodal division is similar to Dedicated in that there is consistency. However, with intermodal trucking, you are hauling containers to and from a shipping yard and the customer you are hauling for varies. Intermodal routes are not usually as long as over the road or dedicated routes, and drivers often have the ability to be home most nights. Under Bullard’s supervision, the Intermodal division of England is expected to grow and develop, bringing both opportunity and employment to CR England.

With the changes of leadership, the company is hopeful of the future. Of the change, England’s COO, Chad England said the following, "Today's leadership announcements are significant as they indicate a continued commitment to strengthening the leadership of the company with a broad base of capable and talented individuals. Zach represents the strength of the fourth generation of family ownership that is now stepping into major roles in the company. Coby brings to C. R. England a talented, new perspective that will help us grow our intermodal presence."

CR England is indeed growing, and will continue to grow as time passes. While there may be many changes in the company, such as management changes, one thing stays the same and that is trucking. From the beginning England has been dedicated to the trucking industry and to their truck drivers and that is one thing that will not change.

To learn more about C.R. England and how you can start your truck driving job with them, visit http://www.crengland.com/truckingjobs/index.jsp

C.R. England Partners with Women in Trucking

2012-01-18T16:31:00.001-07:00

C.R. England is proud to announce a partnership with Women in Trucking. The organization Women in Trucking was founded to “encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.” It is a non-profit organization and CR England is honored to be a supporter of their cause.

As a Premier Member of Women in Trucking, we want to show our support for the association’s efforts to provide support and encouragement to women in the trucking industry. We recognize the obstacles women may face in the industry and are dedicated to assist them where we can.

In teaming up with Women in Trucking, CR England has found ways to help women feel at home in the trucking industry. Shaun Goss, a female driver employed with England, has personally felt the care for women in trucking. “C.R. England gives you what you need to succeed,” Goss said. “I wish we had more women drivers. I think they would love this career. The support is there for them to be a success.”

By welcoming women drivers into the CR England family, we provide an environment where they can succeed and where truly reach their full potential. We are committed to providing women in the trucking industry a place where they can feel at home.

Trina Loy, School manager of England’s Salt Lake City, Utah facility stated; “As school manager I am frequently seeing more and more women migrating into the trucking industry. When some women enter our facility to begin their schooling with C.R. England, they are somewhat timid, a little overwhelmed. Surrounded by men, these women have to find their strength and by the end of their experience they are beaming with confidence, clutching their CDL in their hand! Some of the safest drivers we produce are women, and I think it’s time for women to realize they have a place in the trucking industry!”

C.R. England truly believes women truck drivers provide a level of quality to this company that could not be achieved through any other means. Women truck drivers are opening a new frontier for women across the nation and we will do what we can to help them on their journey.

C.R. England is proud of our partnership with Women in Trucking. We are eager to see the number of women in the industry grow and will continue to do what we can to help.

What fits in your truck?

2012-01-17T13:37:00.001-07:00

Sometimes in the life of a truck driver you find yourself trying to explain just how big your truck really is. A lot of people, it seems, don’t really realize why your truck can’t speed up quickly or why your truck can’t turn on a dime like their little cruiser can. Well, to help you explain just how big your truck is, here are some fun facts that should help people understand.

The average size of a reefer trailer is about 53’ long, 102” wide, and 136” high. Okay, so what does that mean? To many people, it’s just a bunch of numbers that mean absolutely nothing. Well, try thinking about it in another way. In a trailer that size you can fit about 15,000 cases of soda!

Think about how much soda that is; 15,000 cases! The trailer of a reefer truck is bigger than most people think, and pulling that much behind your truck makes it harder to speed up and take a turn in tight places. Want to know more about what can fit in your truck?

How about this: you can fit an Asian elephant in the trailer of your truck. Sure, it would have to be a skinny elephant, but Asian elephants average 11’ 4” tall and 21’ long. While fitting an elephant in your trailer would be a very bad idea, it is still an interesting fact.

Want to know what else can fit in your truck? Try 73 dining tables, 885,320 boxes of tissues, and 10 million sticks of Chap Stick. Your lips would never crack again.

There is a lot that goes into the trailer of a truck. Commercial trucks are used every day to move the world. Just about every product you buy has been at a truck at some point or another. Trucks deliver this nation’s supplies that keep our economy going.

Trucks are a big part of the economy; so naturally, they need big trailers that can handle the demand.

Getting more out of your GPS

2012-01-13T16:34:00.001-07:00

A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a wonderful technology that is growing in all settings throughout the world, including the trucking industry. As GPS devices are becoming more popular, their technology is becoming more specific and more possibilities arising. In many instances you aren’t just getting a navigation system with your GPS, there are some devices that also have cameras, locators, and even phone capability.

Along with all the capabilities of a Global Positioning System, there seems to be a limitless amount of ways to make your GPS unique. One way to personalize your device that is quickly becoming very popular is to change the navigation voice. Most GPSs have a few voice selections that come with them, but these are usually generic and sound very automated. Now however, there are an increasing number of downloadable GPS voices that can make your trip very entertaining.

One set of voice downloads that is skyrocketing above the others in popularity is the Star Wars voice download. Available for both TomTom and Garmin devices, the voice of Star Wars character Darth Vader is a highly enjoyable selection. There are many features to this voice selection, varying on your type of GPS system, and each one is just as fun as the next.

When using the Darth Vader voice selection the sound of the infamous light saber can be heard in the background (only at certain moments in the navigation) along with Vader’s trademark breathing. When you first load you route into the system, you are greeted by Darth Vader as he tells you to prepare to be led “to the dark side,” or to your destination.

Throughout the navigation process, references to the Star Wars movie are continually played. For example, with the Darth Vader voice selection, if you are speeding you are told “light speed is not permitted in this system.”

With some of the Star Wars voice selections there are also vehicle icons available. When you select the Darth Vader voice and vehicle bundle with Garmin, you receive a download of a TIE star fighter icon that will symbolize your vehicle as it travels down the road. With this voice selection, the Star Wars theme music, and of course, Darth Vader’s Imperial March, can be heard at both the beginning and end of your journey.

Also available in the Star Wars selection of voice downloads for both the Garmin and TomTom is the voice of Yoda, the infamous Jedi master. There are other selections as well that are not from Star Wars such as Bugs Bunny, Mr. T, and more. Some of the voices available depend on your device, not all downloads available for Garmin systems are available for TomTom devices, and vice versa.

As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time on the road and the variety of GPS voices can help liven some of that time up. A GPS device is a great tool to assist you in your truck driving job. Remember however, that most GPS devices are made for cars, not trucks, and therefore, you will also need a map to plot your route and to plan ahead for commercial motor carrier restrictions and other locations specific to the trucking industry. A truck driving job is one where every second counts, and getting lost is simply not an option. GPS devices are a great help in the trucking industry and, when paired with a map, are a great way to get where you need to go.

To read an article about navigating in the trucking industry, visit http://crengland.posterous.com/navigate-your-way-through-technology

Navigate your way through technology

2012-01-12T15:59:00.001-07:00

Technology today is growing at an expedited rate. It seems as if every day something new is discovered that will make our lives easier and faster. From cell phones that can dial, text and set appointments for you, from the ability to see the other side of the world from the comfort of your own home, technology is making the impossible possible.

However, with all these technological steps forward, one has to ask if we are also taking steps back? With technology doing so many things for us, are we forgetting basic skills that have been around for hundreds of years? For example, schools today are finding that students are having trouble with correct spelling and punctuation because of the growing trend of texting. There are many other skills that are vanishing, being replaced by the ease of technology. One evaporating skill that is greatly missed, especially in the transportation industry, is the ability to read a map.

In the transportation industry the ability to read a map is vital. A GPS system can only get you so far. True, there are navigation systems designed specifically for truckers, but you still need to have a map. Not being able to read a map while having a truck driving job can be catastrophic and include instances such as running into low bridges, getting stuck in dead end roads and simply getting lost.

One thing you need to remember when driving a truck is that it is different from driving a car and your regular GPS system is programmed for a car. If you are using it solely, without a map, you may find yourself on a road that you are not supposed to be on, and one you can’t turn around on.

The thought of reading a map may sound daunting. Certainly there are a lot of symbols, roadways, and labels on a map that make it look difficult. But reading a map is not really as hard as it looks. All maps will have legends which explain what the symbols mean along with a scale to help you determine the distance on the map compared to the actual distance.

When selecting a map, keep in mind that there are different kinds of maps and not all of them will work for you. The kind of map most often used in the transportation industry is a road map. Most road maps will show the major roadways and will help you get to a basic point.

When getting started on a journey with your map, there are a few items you will need. The first is a compass. Your map should have something called a compass rose on it (usually located at the bottom corner) that will tell you which direction the map needs to be turned so you aren’t reading it upside down. You will need the compass to know which way you are facing.

Next you will need a pencil and some paper. The one of the most basic rules to planning a trip is to make sure you know where you are going. Plot your route out before hand and write it down. Most of your destinations will have a number you can call to get directions. Write the directions down. Once you have the directions, go to your map and find out how to get there.

If you have a map specifically for motor carriers, there is usually a list of roads that have weight limitations, low clearances, and other restrictions. Be aware of these roads, because if you end up on one of them you could face consequences such as heavy fines and even injury.

Keep in mind that most state maps won’t have every little road on them, which is why it is a good idea to call ahead and get specific directions. Once you have your route planned, mark it with the pencil so you don’t forget it. If you are unable to mark the map, write your plans down on a separate sheet of paper.

Knowing how to read a map is vital in the trucking industry. Technology can only get you so far before you have to know how to do something on your own. If you have a truck driving job, life is a lot easier if you have the simple skill of reading a map. If you don’t know how to read a map, pull one out and start learning.

GPS systems are a wonderful technology, and with a truck driving job it can certainly make finding your way a bit easier. But you do still need to have the basic skills of being able to plan ahead and read a map. Technology is fun, but it can’t replace good old common sense.

Ready, set, drive!

2012-01-10T15:09:00.001-07:00

Are you ready to go to truck driving school and start your trucking career? You have chosen the company you think is best, you have been through the application process, you’ve worked with a recruiter, and now you are ready to get started. There’s only one think left to do; pack.

Packing for truck driving school is a relatively straightforward process. Most trucking companies will provide you with a list of what to bring. One of the most important things to remember when packing for truck driving school is to think small. You are going to be going out on a truck with a trainer and there will be limited space.

When packing, don’t use a large suitcase. Instead, use a duffle bag or a smaller/collapsible suitcase. To save room when packing your clothes, try tightly rolling them instead of folding them. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to have new clothes for each day you are there, you will have the opportunity to do laundry. This means that you will want to bring laundry detergent with you.

Before choosing what clothes to bring, look up the weather patterns of where you will be going. You may be in a warm, sunny state right now, but the state you are going to may have snow. Consider the season you will be there, summer, winter, spring, or fall. However, regardless of the season, it is always a good idea to pack a coat, gloves and rain gear as you never know where you will be going during your OTR training.

You will also want to bring personal hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, shaving kit, etc. You will be using public showers, so bring shower shoes or flip-flops.

For sleeping on the truck, bring a sleeping bag and a small pillow. There will not be room for bedding such as sheets and a quilt. Also, make sure you have an alarm clock, although most cell phones have an alarm on them that will work.

Other items for your schooling and training include a flashlight, personal medication, your social security card (usually the original blue card, not laminated), money to live off until your first pay check, and school supplies (notebook, pencil, calculator, etc.).

This list is a basic list of items you will likely need while attending truck driving school. For a list specific to your trucking company you will need to contact your recruiter.

Now you are ready to get out there and learn how to drive a truck. A truck driving career is a very worthwhile profession. While on the road, you will have the opportunity to experience life like you never have before. It’s time to get behind the wheel and steer your life in the direction you want. Go to truck driving school and begin your new trucking career today!

"Silly boys, trucks are for girls"- a woman trucker's perspective

2012-01-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

My name is Shaun. I have been driving as a team for 5 ½ years now, and I love every minute of it. I am a woman that has worked in male dominated professions since I was 18 years old. I started out in logging then moved to factory work and finally, the trucking industry. From my personal experience I would say that trucking has been the best as far as support and acceptance. C.R. England has given me every opportunity to be successful and I have flourished.

From their school in Burns Harbor, IN to their corporate offices in Salt Lake City, UT everyone has done whatever they could to help me learn and grow to be the professional I am today. I cannot think of anything else I would rather be doing. Even out on the road, the other drivers have always been helpful and courteous. I have made some wonderful friendships during my time out here. I have a friend who takes his vacation time with me at my home and has even gone on a cruise to the Caribbean with me. I travel all 48 continental U.S. States and love it.

I wish we had more women drivers. I think they would love this career also. There needs to be more advertising and educating on the trucking industry to encourage more ladies to give it a shot. The support is there for them to be a success. Even my mom had taken the chance and she is now two years into her trucking career and is loving every minute of it.

I can’t speak for all companies, however I can say that C.R. England has and gives you what you need to succeed. From continuous training, to excellent equipment and a support staff in their corporate offices, I am happier here than I have been at any other job. I make excellent pay and have flexible home time and a company that works with me to be both successful and happy in my personal life. They go above and beyond to help me take care of any business that I need personal and professional. I am a mother of two and a grandmother of four, and I say, “Come on ladies, let the mother truckers roll! Silly boys, trucks are for girls!”

Safe Driving in the Trucking Industry

2012-01-04T10:51:00.001-07:00

Truck drivers usually average anywhere between 2000-3000 miles on the road in one week. Some drive more and some drive less, but basically, the life of a truck driver is driving. A life on the road holds many twists and turns and at times, truck drivers can find themselves up against various hazards coming at them from both men and nature.

These hazards include weather, vehicle complications, other drivers, and more. Many of the dangers we have no control over, but there are some that we do. Safety should always come first when driving, and especially with the winter season approaching, it is time for truck drivers re-evaluate their safety habits and get their trucks ready for tough driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has provided some safety tips on their website and, particularly during the winter season when dangerous conditions can appear at any time, urge drivers to never overlook safety. Don’t be fooled by blue skies and white clouds. Weather can change quickly, be prepared for what may be ahead. Follow these simple safety tips, and be prepared.

Before setting out on any trip, inspect your truck. Make sure that your tires have enough tread for whatever type of weather you encounter. As an over the road truck driver driving from state to state, you need to be prepared for cold weather even if you are currently in a sunny state. When inspecting your truck, also check that your breaks are working, your lights are all functioning, and your fluids are full.

When driving, remember to always keep a large amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. A large stopping area will enable you to maneuver your truck easier and will help you avoid slamming on your breaks, which in severe conditions can cause the truck to slide, and in some circumstances, tip over.

Take it slow and easy in hazardous weather conditions. If you think road conditions are too hazardous to risk the drive, contact your manager and work something out with them. Remember that being on time is not as important as being alive.

Drive safe out there. If you do feel your truck beginning to slide, the most important thing is not to panic. Keep your head and remember the things you were taught about driving in the snow. Take your foot off the accelerator and as your truck slows down, you might gain back your traction.

According to the Department of Transportation, the faster you are going the longer it will take to stop. Always remember: Ice and Snow…Take it Slow. Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly, and never slam on the brakes. Do not use cruise control, avoid abrupt steering maneuvers, and be aware of what’s going on well ahead of you. Actions by other vehicles will alert you to problems more quickly, and give you that split-second of extra time to react safely.

More advise and tips on driving during the winter season can be found on the Department of Transportation website. Safe driving in winter conditions is not impossible; you just need to be aware of your surroundings, practice safe driving habits, and know your limits.

CR England Driver Lends a Helping Hand

2012-01-03T15:12:00.001-07:00

For more than 90 years, CR England has been dedicated to service. Serving our customers, our community, and our drivers, England enjoys doing what we can to help. There are numerous examples of truck drivers out there who have helped others while on the road, and C.R. England is happy to share an example of our own.

Frank has been driving trucks for C.R. England for 15 years and has seen many things while on the road. In a recent interview with England, Frank recalled some of his experiences and one time in particular where he was happy he was there to help:

“I was driving in New York on my way to pick up a load and I saw a pickup truck with a camper trail driving ahead of me.” Frank recalled. “As I drew closer to the truck I noticed smoke. At first I thought that the truck just needed some service, but when I pulled up next to the camper I saw that it was on fire!

I started flashing my lights and trying to get the driver of the pickup to pull over. At first the girl that was driving the pickup thought I was some crazy trucker trying to hog the road, but then she saw the smoke and pulled over. I pulled over too and when I first got out I thought I would be able to put out the fire out with my fire extinguisher, but by the time I got there I noted the flames were too big. There was no way that my little fire extinguisher was going to put that fire out.

The flames grew bigger and bigger, I could see them through the windows on the camper. Then suddenly the windows blew out because it got too hot inside the camper. I backed away and that was when I noticed two propane tanks connected to the front of the camper. When I saw that, my first thought was to save the truck. That’s what I was taught here at CR England; if you have a problem with your trailer, save the tractor. I ran to the lady and told her to get in her truck, I would disconnect the camper, and then she needed to drive in front of my rig.

By that time the fire department and police came, but the trailer was completely engulfed in flames and the tanks blew. Luckily the cylinders didn’t explode out, they went straight up. I think there was some kind of emergency release valve, because the flames shot straight into the sky.

I know I could have gotten hurt, but when I see something like that I just want to help. When you’re in that type of situation, you don’t think about being hurt or killed. I’ve been in the service of helping people my whole life; 20 years in the navy and 15 with C.R. England being a trainer. I just like to help where I can.”

CR England is proud to have drivers like Frank on our team. We thank him and all others for their many years of service.

Truck Driver Interview

2011-12-19T15:45:00.003-07:00

Bonnie and Greg Cochran started their careers as team drivers for C.R. England in September, 2011 and have never looked back. The Cochrans have been married for almost a year now and currently run a dedicated C.R. England route for Wal-Mart in Wyoming. According to Bonnie and Greg, signing up with C.R. England was the best decision they could have made.

Before making their decision to come and drive with C.R. England, Bonnie and Greg researched a variety of trucking companies. What they found was that most trucking companies had a negative online reputation, and that it was hard to find the difference between all the choices. Switching their tactics, the Cochrans decided to speak with successful drivers on the road. Once they did this, Bonnie and Greg quickly learned that C.R. England was the company for them.

The couple promptly applied to C.R. England and found themselves matched up with "a great recruiter". After a smooth application process Bonnie and Greg found themselves on their way to Salt Lake City, UT to attend truck driving school. At the school, the couple had a positive experience and found themselves quickly learning the tricks of the trade. While they did hear some of their peers making negative comments about their time with C.R. England, Bonnie and Greg noticed those students were at school for the wrong reasons and did not last long with the company.

After graduating trucking school and completing their training, Bonnie and Greg were able to set out and start their career as a husband and wife driving team. Bonnie and Greg enjoy their lives together on the road, "Driving together has really strengthened our relationship," the couple said. "We literally have to trust each other with our lives each and every day." Now that the couple has had a few months of driving under their belt, Bonnie and Greg are getting ready for the winter season. As a team, Bonnie and Greg have already gotten a taste of how life on the road will be during the snowy season and say they are prepared to take it slow and always remember safety first.

When speaking with a representative from C.R. England, Bonnie and Greg Cochran were asked where they would like to be in 5 years. The couple replied that they are living their goal. A great job where they can be together and make money on the road, Bonnie and Greg are happy with their decision to drive for C.R. England, and don't see that ever changing.

Trucking Industry Stays Positive

2011-12-01T12:33:00.002-07:00

"Hard times are a part of life. Sometimes they are long and sometimes they are short. What we do with our hardships changes from situation to situation, but somehow we will always find a way to get through." -Unknown
Right now this nation is facing hard times. The economy is suffering and people are out of jobs with seemingly nowhere to turn. There are many out there who have applied and applied, but are still unable to find work. But before you get discouraged and claim there are no possibilities, take a look at the trucking industry. C.R. England is hiring truck drivers! Despite the odds, the trucking industry is staying afloat and keeping trucks on the road. The demand for transportation is ever present and drivers are always needed to fill trucks. According to the chief economist for the American Trucking Association, Bob Costello, the outlook of trucking is bright. "Trucking's fundamentals still remain good," he said."And the best times are still ahead of us in trucking."
It is true, that the trucking industry has had its difficulties. One of the biggest hardships being the increase for the price of fuel. The constant rise of fuel prices puts a tough strain on truckers and trucking companies throughout the nation. Kevin Knight, chairman & CEO of Knight Transportation, admitted to the strain placed on the trucking industry. "High fuel prices have negatively impacted the industry for multiple consecutive quarters," Knight said."And fuel surcharge programs have not adequately offset the cost." Another hardship currently faced by truckers is the proposed changes to the HOS rules. While the HOS rules are beneficial in many ways and have helped in reducing the number of commercial truck related accidents, some of the proposed changes will make getting the job done a little more difficult. These plus other upsets in the business have shaken the trucking industry, but it has stayed strong. When other businesses are falling under the pressure of the economy, trucking is still standing and will continue to do so. It is a stable business and can provide a prosperous career. To learn more about the trucking industry and how it can help you find a career that will last, visit our website at CREngland.com.

Truck Drivers Living Healthy

2011-11-23T14:20:00.001-07:00

A career in trucking is fun and rewarding. With the ability to drive across the nation and see the many wonders it has to offer, truck driving truly does provide many opportunities. However, with all the benefits of trucking come certain complications. One of the of the most prominent complications being health.

According to a study in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association eighty-six percent of the estimated 3.2 million truck drivers in the United States are overweight or obese. These numbers are staggering and cause for concern among the trucking industry. "Obesity is a terrible problem in the trucking industry," said Brett Blowers, director of marketing and development for the Healthy Trucking Association of America.

The sedentary lifestyle of truck drivers, spurred by unhealthy eating habits is causing problem after problem for many truckers out there. For Bill Johnson, a 25 year veteran of truck driving, the constant supply of unhealthy foods at truck stops was a big concern. "Everything's fried, fried, fried - chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, burritos, corn dogs," Johnson said. After hitting a peak of 226 pounds, Johnson decided something had to change.

As more and more truckers are noticing their weight, and the health problems that come with it, they and their companies are looking for options. Some trucking companies are building gyms for their drivers, signing up for weight and nutrition programs, and even hiring nutrition specialists to consult their drivers. Snap Fitness, an international chain of 24-hour gyms, has even announced its decision to open facilities at truck stops.

This new development will be a great benefit to truckers, as they have little opportunity to exercise regularly. "The only exercise I ever got was walking into the truck stop restaurant, eating a bit and going back to the truck." Bill Johnson said. Despite this limitation, however, Johnson has been able to become creative with his weight loss and transform his truck into a personal gym. Johnson now does sit-ups inside his trailer and pull-ups below it, he packs a cooler with 60 pounds of ice and lifts it over his head 10 to 15 times, and takes power walks around the truck stop he is at.

Some other ideas truck drivers have for staying healthy on the road include; running laps around your truck (32 laps around a rig is a mile), carrying a bicycle on your truck and getting out on a ride whenever you can, and carrying a small fridge stocked with healthy foods while on the road.

Staying healthy on the road is not impossible, although it does take some work. It is easier to simply pick up greasy food and go to sleep after a long day of driving, but you have to think of long term consequences. An unhealthy lifestyle is just that- unhealthy. Numerous problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart attacks, diabetes, and sleep apnea have all been linked with obesity. Starting a healthy routine will be a big change. One truck driver, Kevin Melton, has had to completely rethink some of his beliefs. "You hear Snickers are healthy because of the nuts, that they give you energy," he said. "But when you read the label you realize they're surrounded by caramel."

To support truck drivers in their pursuit of health, there are numerous programs and blogs where truckers can go and encourage each other. Despite the difficulties, making the change to live healthy is definitely worth it. Don't let your truck driving job ruin your health, make the commitment to start living healthy. You can do it.

To see some websites and blogs dedicated to helping truckers maintain their health visit http://www.healthytruckerlifestyle.com/default.asp, http://www.healthytruckerlifestyle.com/default.asp and http://truckingsolutionsgroup.org.

The Folded Napkin - A Truck Stop Story

2011-11-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

If this doesn't light your fire, your wood is wet! I try not to be biased, but I had my doubts about hiring Stevie. His placement counselor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. But I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and wasn't sure I wanted one. I wasn't sure how my customers would react to Stevie. He was short, a little dumpy with the smooth facial features and thick-tongued speech of Downs Syndrome. I wasn't worried about most of my trucker customers because truckers don't generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The ones who concerned me were the mouthy college kids traveling to school; the yuppie snobs who secretly polish their silverware with their napkins for fear of catching some dreaded 'truck stop germ'; the pairs of white-shirted business men on expense accounts who think every truck stop waitress wants to be flirted with. I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks... I shouldn't have worried. After the first week, Stevie had my staff wrapped around his stubby little finger, and within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot. After that, I really didn't care what the rest of the customers thought of him. He was like a 21-year-old in blue jeans and Nikes, eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. Every salt and peppershaker was exactly in its place, not a breadcrumb Or coffee spill was visible when Stevie got done with the table.
Our only problem was persuading him to wait to clean a table until after the customers were finished. He would hover in the background, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, scanning the dining room until a table was empty. Then he would scurry to the empty table and carefully bus dishes and glasses onto his cart and meticulously wipe the table up with a practiced flourish of his rag. If he thought a customer was watching, his brow would pucker with added concentration. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and you had to love how hard he tried to please each and every person he met. Over time, we learned that he lived with his mother, a widow who was disabled after repeated surgeries for cancer. They lived on their Social Security benefits in public housing two miles from the truck stop. Their social worker, who stopped to check on him every so often, admitted they had fallen between the cracks. Money was tight, and what I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together and Stevie being sent to a group home. That's why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work. He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve or something put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Downs Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age so this wasn't unexpected, and there was a good chance he would come through the surgery in good shape and be back at work in a few months. A ripple of excitement ran through the staff later that morning when word came that he was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine. Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Bell Ringer, one of our regular trucker customers, stared at the sight of this 50-year-old grandmother of four doing a victory shimmy beside his table. Frannie blushed, smoothed her apron and shot Bell Ringer a withering look. He grinned. 'OK, Frannie , what was that all about?' he asked.. 'We just got word that Stevie is out of surgery and going to be okay.' 'I was wondering where he was. I had a new joke to tell him. What was the surgery about?' Frannie quickly told Bell Ringer and the other two drivers sitting at his booth about Stevie's surgery then sighed: 'Yeah, I'm glad he is going to be OK,' she said. 'But I don't know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. From what I hear, they're barely getting by as it is.' Bell Ringer nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Since I hadn't had time to round up a busboy to replace Stevie and really didn't want to replace him, the girls were busing their own tables that day until we decided what to do. After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face. 'What's up?' I asked. 'I didn't get that table where Bell Ringer and his friends were sitting cleared off after they left, and Pony Pete and Tony Tipper were sitting there when I got back to clean it off,' she said. 'This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup.' She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed 'Something For Stevie'. 'Pony Pete asked me what that was all about,' she said, 'so I told him about Stevie and his Mom and everything, and Pete looked at Tony and Tony looked at Pete, and they ended up giving me this.'
She handed me another paper napkin that had 'Something For Stevie' scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: 'Truckers!!' That was three months ago. Today is Thanksgiving, the first day Stevie is supposed to be back to work. His placement worker said he's been counting the days until the doctor said he could work, and it didn't matter at all that it was a holiday. He called ten times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, fearful that we had forgotten him or that his job was in jeopardy. I arranged to have his mother bring him to work. I then met them in the parking lot and invited them both to celebrate his day back. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn't stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting 'Hold up there, Stevie, not so fast,' I said. I took him and his mother by their arms. 'Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate you coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me!' I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room. I could feel and hear the rest of the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins 'First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess,' I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had 'Something for Stevie' printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table. Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. 'There's more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems.. 'Happy Thanksgiving.' Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what's funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big, big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table..... Best worker I ever hired. Plant a seed and watch it grow.. At this point, you can bury this inspirational message or forward it, fulfilling the need! If you shed a tear, hug yourself, because you are a compassionate person. Well.. Don't just sit there! Send
this story on! Keep it going, this is a good one!

Truck Driver Becomes Hero

2011-11-18T14:26:00.001-07:00

Mike Schiotis has been a truck driver for 16 years and has traveled 2 million miles. While on the road he has seen many things, but nothing could prepare him for the events that took place on Monday, October 31.

It was about 9p.m. when Schiotis was driving on Interstate 380 and saw two cars parked on the side of the road. "I thought this was a typical accident."Schiotis said. "I slowed down and got over to the left lane and was creeping by. Then I see people walking - so I slowed down more. Then I see a lady waving her arms back and forthand I thought somebody's hurt; I have to stop. Then I see a man walking after her with a gun, pointing it at her, and I just kind of froze for a moment."

What he thought to be a simple accident or case of road rage turned out to be much worse. Schiotis heard the woman screaming for help and immediately stopped his truck. "I knew I couldn't ignore her and just go on down the road and then read later that something bad had happened to her," he said. "I don't know how many years I have left on this Earth, but I would have had to think about that every day for the rest of my life."

The woman ran to his door, followed closely by the man with the gun. Schiotis heard the sound of the man beating the woman with the gun and uttered a quick prayer before jumping out of his cab to help. He got in-between the woman and the gun. "I kept turning her away from him because he kept trying to point the gun at her and swing at her with the gun," Schiotis said.
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Keeping his eyes on the gun, Schiotis told the attacker to leave. He and the victim then quickly climbed inside the cab. After getting back on the road Schiotiscalled 911 and noticed a black vehicle following him. The victim, who was bleeding heavily, exclaimed it was her ex-boyfriend and that he had been chasing and shooting at her for 20 miles.

As he drove down the interstate, Schiotis noticed the black car swerve to get beside his truck. He began to swerve his truck to block the driver and then got on his CB radio to alert any surrounding truck drivers of his situation. Soon after his broadcast another truck driver who had heard him, pulled up next to him and told him to stay on his left and together they would make a blockade.

"I never got the guy's name, just that his truck had the word Dupree on the side of the door," Schiotis said. "But he stayed with me until this was over. Other drivers were jumping on the CB with updates, telling me the cops were passing them heading my way and to hang on."
By now Schiotis was patched through the 911 dispatcher to a State Trooper who told him to start slowing down. "I jumped back on the CB and told the driver next to me that I was taking instructions from the police so to follow my lead and stay by my side, but not to let the black car get around him on the right side, which he promised me he wouldn't." Eventually the Pennsylvania State Troopers caught up to the two truckers and were able to arrest the suspect, who was eventually tried and incarcerated in Monroe County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2 million bail for attempted homicide.

Mike Schiotis has been named a hero and when asked about the situation claims he is just happy he was able to help. In an interview after the incident Schiotis admitted that he usually helps at least one or two motorist a year. The trucking industry if full of drivers, who like Mike Schiotis, are ready and willing to help where they can, even if it means simply calling 911. A truck driving career is full of opportunity, and with life changing from second to second you never know what will be on the road ahead.

To read the story of Mike Schiotis in more detail, visit http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2011/Oct11/103111/110211-02.shtml

CR England Says “Thank You” To Veterans

2011-11-11T16:32:00.001-07:00

To serve and protect this great nation, it takes something more than bravery. In war there are times when you don’t feel brave at all, but you know what you have to do anyway. To go running in where everyone else is running out, it takes a courage you never knew you had, it takes a knowledge that what you are fighting for is true and good, and it takes a love of the home that is waiting for you and that you are here to protect.

We at CR England recognize the great sacrifice all those who have served in the United States military have made, and would like to say thank you. Thank you for protecting us from the danger that would come creeping into our homes, thank you for standing in the way of those who would see this country destroyed, and thank you for being there when we needed you.

To show our appreciation, C.R. England would now like to be there for you. CR England is offering FREE tuition for all veterans to our truck driving school. We will train you to drive and will provide to you with the means to get back on your feet and start making money. What you do is not easy, and coming back from a war zone is at times another war in and of itself. It is a fight to get your life back and it’s a fight to get out there and find a job once your time in the service is over. CR England recognizes this battle and is here to help.

We provide competitive insurance options including health, dental, vision, and life. We can offer veterans a stable career in the truck driving industry and provide them with a great way to get out and see the nation they fought to protect. To qualify, you must commit to a 6 month contract with C.R. England. We have limited space available and have set a limit of 10 veterans per week to each of our locations. Upon arrival, there is a $50 administration fee.

Freedom isn’t free. Indeed, freedom has the highest price of anything else. It is bough with sweat, tears, blood, and life. Once again, CR England says thank you to those veterans who have served in the American military. Thank you for paying the price for our freedom. Now you’ve paid enough, let us help.

To learn more about CR England’s veteran program and how to get started on your career as a truck driver, visit http://www.employerpartnership.org.

Getting Your Truck Ready For Winter

2011-11-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

As the air becomes colder and the skies grow darker, we know that winter is on the way. During the fall, the weather changes constantly between sunny skies, icy rain, and fluffy flakes of snow. With these changes in the weather come changes in the road.

As an over the road truck driver you are continually driving between states and it is important to be prepared for whatever conditions may be in the next state. Getting your truck ready for the winter season is important and needs to be done before the snow starts.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, winter driving conditions can change from sunny to blowing snow within an hour or two. It is important to be prepared beforehand so you don't find yourself in a difficult situation. There are a few things to do to become prepared for the winter season. The first is to know your truck. This includes knowing the condition of your truck. Before setting out for a long haul, be sure to get your truck inspected and make sure it is ready for anything you might run into. Make sure your fluids are full, especially your windshield wiper fluid, as liquid de-icers may stick to your windshield.

Checking the tread of your tires is also very important. If your tires don't have the appropriate amount of tread on them you run the dangerous risk of sliding off the road. You also need to check your windshield wipers to make sure they are in good condition and will not leave streak on your windshield, damaging your visibility. When driving in winter conditions, whether it be rain or snow, slow down. Even though the road ahead may look clear, there could be large puddles or black ice that can make you lose control of your truck. Remember to never use cruise control in wet conditions.

One of the last things you need to do before the winter season hits is stock up your truck. On their website, the Colorado DOT provided the following list of items you need to be ready to drive this season: an ice scraper, snow brush, coat, hat, gloves, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, tire chains, matches and nonperishable food items.

Driving in the winter is no joke and needs to be taken seriously. Be prepared, be aware and, as always, don't drive if the conditions are too bad. No load is worth your life or anybody else's. Looking to be a truck driver or interested in learning how to drive in winter conditions visit http://www.crengland.com for more information.

Nominations for Goodyear Highway Hero Award

2011-10-31T10:27:00.001-06:00

Every year a spotlight is placed on the trucking industry in search of drivers who go above and beyond their regular call of duty. Spurred on by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, people look for drivers who, through their actions, have provided a positive example of truckers everywhere and who clearly qualify for the prestigious label of Goodyear's North American Highway Hero.

The Highway Hero program began in 1983 when Goodyear, noticing the negative reputation that seemed to come with the trucking industry, decided to shed some light on the good side of trucking. Too often respectable truckers get over looked by negative comments and actions, making the public believe that all truckers are this way. However, through the Highway Hero program, Goodyear is pushing those truckers who are upstanding drivers into a positive public light.

Nominations for this year's Highway Hero are currently being accepted from the general public, trucking companies and law enforcement agencies. To be eligible for recommendation, a driver must meet the following qualifications: Nominee must be a full-time truck driver.
Nominee must reside in the United States or Canada.
Incident must have occurred in the United States or Canada.
Nominee must have been on the job or on the way to or from work, and in his or her rig at the time of the incident.

Nominee's truck at the time of the incident must have had 14 or more wheels.
Incident must have occurred between Nov. 16, 2010, and Nov. 15, 2011, to qualify for this year's program.
Nominations for the program must be submitted by November 30, 2011.

Last year's Highway Hero award went to Junichi Shimizu. Shimizu was nominated for saving the lives of three people when he rescued them from a fiery crash in Fairfield, CA.

Truck drivers throughout the nation are performing amazing feats every day, and they rarely get the recognition they deserve. If you know a driver who has done something you believe deserves the Goodyear North America Highway Hero Award, visit the Goodyear webpage and submit a nomination form.

The Goodyear nomination form can be found at http://www.goodyear.com/truck/pdf/HighwayHeroForm.pdf
For more information about the Highway Hero program and to read about past award recipients, visit http://www.goodyear.com/truck/news/hero_overview.html