Tractor-Trailer Rolls Trying To Exit I-29

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- A tractor-trailer rolled over Wednesday morning along Interstate 29, sending its driver to a hospital.First responders said it happened at about 7:30 a.m. along an exit ramp on Interstate 29 south of Council Bluffs.

The driver was trying to get on to Highway 275 when he flipped his vehicle onto its side.Timothy Acker, of Omaha, was hauling irrigation equipment in a shipping container, investigators said. A preliminary investigation revealed that the container wasn't secured to the trailer and partially crushed the tractor cab.

Acker was rushed to Creighton University Medical Center with what authorities said were life-threatening injuries. He remains in critical condition.The rollover is still under investigation and the exit ramp was closed while crews cleaned up the wreck.

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Drug test Today I hope I studied all the right questions

Just joking, for all you newbies there really are no question's to take. But I would like to touch base on a few things, that might help you.

Don't take anything unnecessary with you, like necklaces, watches, a pocket full of change,etc. Because you will empty all pockets and remove most of your jewelery. Wedding bands are ok to wear.

You will need your drivers license to be able to take the drug test. Also some companies have a paper that you can list all your medications on prior to taking the test, as some meds will show up as a positive. But if you have a paper stating these are the meds you are taking then it will not affect your outcome.

There is no need to get all nervous about it. Good Luck !

Florida reopens stretch of I-75 despite fires

A stretch of Interstate 75 in south Florida reopened Tuesday morning after being shut down due to a large brush fire.

According to local media reports, the fire – which started Saturday – has burned about 1,200 acres of brush and grass near Alligator Alley in Broward County.

As of Tuesday morning, the fire was still only about 10 percent under control, fire officials told local media. Drivers were being warned to drive carefully because of the possibility of smoke cutting down on visibility.

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Safe driving pays off for two OOIDA members

“Playing it safe” has paid off for two OOIDA members who have won new trucks for safe driving.

When Mark Panzik of Penn Yan, NY, got a call from Landstar System in January 2007 asking him to fly to Jacksonville, FL, because he was one of five finalists selected to compete in a drawing for a 2007 Peterbilt 387, he declined their first two offers to go.

“I didn’t want to lose a week’s worth of wages and then not win,” Panzik said. “My odds didn’t look too good, so I told them, ‘No, I wasn’t going.’ ”

He credits his wife, Tammy, for convincing him to take the chance and fly down for the grand-prize drawing.

“Every time I don’t have to make a truck payment I thank my wife, who reminds me she was right,” Panzik said. “I’ve never had anything like this happen to me before.”

He said winning the new truck couldn’t have happened at a better time for him – his 1996 Peterbilt 379 had more than 1.2 million miles. His new truck has all the “bells and whistles and more,” he said.

Panzik said his name was selected from more than 147,000 entries. To enter, drivers had to be accident-free and have no claims against them.

OOIDA senior member Gary Reinbold of Oak Grove, MO, received the news he had won a new 2008 Western Star after making his dedicated run in Windsor, CT.

“I had just unloaded and was on my way to Texas to get a return load when Landstar called,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

In April 2007, Reinbold said the company flew him and his wife, Karen, to Marcos Island, FL, where they presented him with the new truck as part of the Western Star Safe Truck Giveaway program. His new truck arrived a few days ago.

“I was just dang lucky,” he said. “This truck has everything you could ask for.”

Reinbold said his name was picked from more than three, 55-gallon trash barrels full of entries.

The key to safe driving, he said, is to remain calm, no matter what.

“Don’t be aggressive when you are driving,” Reinbold said.

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Dallas intermodal hub to open Friday

What’s being billed as the largest intermodal transportation hub under development in North America will have its grand opening in a Dallas suburb this Friday, April 13.

The hub is located along Interstate 35 in Lancaster, which is in a suburban area just south of Dallas.

According to a press release from the developers, The Allen Group, the master plan calls for building out the facility to 6,000 acres of distribution, manufacturing, office and retail use. The developers said the facility will eventually create more than 60,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.

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Former DOT secretary warns of ‘Traffic Armageddon’

Now that he’s retired from his job as U.S. Department of Transportation secretary, Norman Y. Mineta is talking doom and gloom in an effort to promote private-sector financing of U.S. highways and infrastructure.

During a conference sponsored by private investors Tuesday, April 10, in Washington, DC, Mineta referred to under-funded roads and the increasing number of vehicles traveling on them as a disaster of epic proportions.

“The traffic in the U.S. is so bad that when people get behind the wheel, a single vision grips their mind: Traffic Armageddon,” Mineta said.

Mineta said the solution is public-private partnerships, otherwise known as privatization – the sale or long-term leasing of highways and infrastructure to private investors.

Mineta released several statements favoring privatization during his tenure as transportation secretary. After he retired, the U.S. DOT produced draft legislation for state lawmakers to use to win authority for privatizing highways.

The financial firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu sponsored the forum to garner support for private-sector financing of infrastructure.

Rod Nofziger, OOIDA director of government affairs, says the talk about congestion and budget shortages rings a familiar tune.

“Proponents of privatization and public-private partnerships have often used buzzwords such as ‘congestion’ and ‘gridlock’ to get the public’s attention,” Nofziger told Land Line. “The fact is that privatization of existing public roads and many of the public-private partnerships that have been proposed will actually induce congestion, not reduce it. The private companies putting up billions of dollars for highways are banking on high traffic volumes to ensure they are getting optimal returns on their investments.”

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Scam warning issued to truckers

Law enforcement officials are warning all travelers – motorists and truckers – to be on the lookout for a scam that’s been reported at truck stops in Indiana, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

According to WISH-TV in Indianapolis, the scam involves a group of men who try to entice victims to follow them to the back of truck stops for a “too-good-to-be-true” gambling opportunity.

Once there, the men get the victims to produce their money – then the thieves grab it and run off.

Sheriff’s officers in Whiteland, IN – which is located on Interstate 65 south of Indianapolis – said thieves have robbed people at truck stops at the Whiteland exit three times within the past two months.

They also said at least some of the thieves left the scene in tractor-trailers.

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Washington’s famed ‘stuck truck’ could move soon

A truck carrying a massive expansion joint for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington state may finally get on the road on Tuesday or Wednesday.

That’s according to Kelly Stowe, spokeswoman for the Washington Department of Transportation.

Stowe told “Land Line Now” on XM Satellite Radio that DOT officials were hoping to permit the load – which, combined with truck, is expected to weigh in at 429,000 pounds – on Tuesday afternoon, April 10.

The load has been stuck at or near the Washington-Idaho border for more than two weeks while state officials insisted it be reconfigured before proceeding.

Big Boat Movers out of Zavalla, TX, the trucking company that had the original contract to deliver the expansion joint, decided during the weekend that it was unable to reconfigure its trucks to finish the delivery, and was replaced by Omega Morgan, a Washington trucking firm.

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Accidents tie up I-64 west

Accidents slowed two area interstates this afternoon:

The right lane of westbound Interstate 64 was blocked about 4:15 p.m. after a tractor-trailer and two other vehicles were involved in a wreck near the Watterson Expressway interchange, according to TRIMARC traffic reports.

One woman was seriously injured when she was thrown from a vehicle, MetroSafe dispatchers said.

About 10 minutes later, the left lane of southbound Interstate 65 was closed near Louisville International Airport after a five-car pileup.

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Upcomming Truck Shows for 2007

MARMON TRUCK GATHERING
April 20 & 21, Terrell, TX
If you are a fan of Marmon trucks, you won’t want to miss this one. Held annually for many years now, this event features live music, good food, drawings for prizes, Marmon historians and, of course, neat old Marmon trucks. Held at the TA Travel Center in Terrell, Texas (I-20 exit 503), this show is a public display - everyone is welcome. And if you have a Marmon, bring it out! For more information call (469) 667-7158 or e-mail to info@marmontrucks.com.

ATHS/TULARE ANTIQUE TRUCK SHOW*
April 21 & 22, Tulare, CA
Held at Tulare’s huge International Agri-Center, this 3rd annual show, hosted by the ATHS Tulare Chapter, will be held in conjunction with the 15th annual California Antique Farm Equipment Show. Last year, this event drew in over 100 antique trucks and a few newer ones as well. For more information call (800) 999-9186 or visit www.antiquefarmshow.org.

75 CHROME SHOP TRUCK SHOW
April 27-29, Wildwood, FL
Following on the heels of a great show last year, 75 Chrome Shop is hosting another spring event at their location in Wildwood, Florida. From what we’ve been told, these folks really know how to put on a truck show. Featuring great food, wonderful hospitality and all the chrome and accessories you’d ever want or need at your fingertips, this 9th annual show should be a fun one. It’s also the second stop of the 2007 Stars & Stripes Truck Show series. For more information call 75 Chrome Shop at (866) 255-6206 or visit them online at www.75chromeshop.com.

ATHS/RIVERSIDE ANTIQUE TRUCK SHOW*
May 6, Riverside, CA
Held at March Field Air Museum in Riverside, California on Sunday, May 6th, this 22nd annual Antique Truck Show is being hosted by the Southern California Chapter of the ATHS. This is a great venue for a great show! To register your truck or get more details, call Rick Perez at (951) 343-1909 or Steve Sackett at (951) 247-6716.

ATHS/GREATER CINCINNATI CHAPTER
May 19, Fairborn, OH (Rain or Shine)
The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the ATHS will hold its Seventh Annual Truck Show at Howard’s Trucking Company, located at 10955 Haddix Road, Fairborn, Ohio (15 miles NE of Dayton). All old and new trucks welcome. Slow truck drag races, door prizes, DJ with trucking music. No entry fees. Food and beverages available at the show so come early and stay late. For more information check out www.jahowardtrucking.com, send an e-mail to howardtrk@yahoo.com or call Jerry Howard at (937) 878-6154.

THE TRUCK SHOW LAS VEGAS*
June 7-9, Las Vegas, NV
The Vegas show has always been a great place to network with the best companies in trucking. Featuring the newest, most innovative parts, services, accessories, trucks, trailers and more, you shouldn’t miss this one. And with the world-class restaurants, hotels and entertainment options available only in Las Vegas, you’ll have a great time after the show as well. With hundreds of exhibitors and show trucks parked inside to beat the heat, this will be the most fun you can have and still call it work! It is also the third stop on this year’s Stars and Stripes tour. Come out to Vegas and join the fun. For more details, visit www.truckshow.com.

ATHS NATIONAL SHOW & CONVENTION
June 7-9, Colorado Springs, CO
Every year, the members of the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) gather for a national show and convention, and every year it is huge! This year, the event is being held at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado (I-25 exit 138). This is the single largest antique truck exhibition of the year, featuring anywhere from 500-1,000 antique rigs on display. If you are a fan of old trucks, this is a must-go show! Nothing could be finer than to view this old iron collection against a backdrop of the Rockies in June! For more information, contact the ATHS at (816) 891-9900 or visit them online at www.aths.org.

TITLETOWN TRUCKER’S SHOWDOWN
July 6 & 7, Green Bay, WI
This show always brings out a great bunch of trucks. Held at the Brown County Fairgrounds in Green Bay, Wisconsin, this event features food and refreshments, a trucker’s dance, a light parade and competition, live music, kids entertainment, driver seminars and a jake brake contest. There will also be an antique truck display. Admission is free, so come on out for some fun. For more details call (920) 435-1882 or visit www.titletowntruckersshowdown.org.

WALCOTT TRUCKERS JAMBOREE*
July 12 & 13, Walcott, IA
The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is hosted every year at the Iowa 80 Truck Stop (I-80 exit 284) in Walcott, Iowa. For 28 years the “Jamboree” has been celebrating America’s truckers and saying “thank you” to the millions of truck drivers out there that deliver the goods we consume. Last year, over 30,000 people attended the annual event. In addition to the Iowa pork chop cookout, carnival games, live country music, Trucker Olympics and pet contest, there will be over 175 exhibits, an antique truck display and a Super Truck Beauty Contest. Parking and admission are free. Dates for the 2007 Jamboree are Thursday, July 12th and Friday, July 13th. For more information or to register your truck, call (563) 284-6961 or visit www.iowa80truckstop.com.

TRUCKERFEST/HOT AUGUST NIGHTS*
August 10 & 11, Reno, NV
Since combining the Truckerfest show with the festivities of Hot August Nights, this event has been wild. On Friday and Saturday night, the trucks get to parade through downtown under the famous Reno arch as part of the Hot August Nights event, which draws 500,000-plus visitors to Reno every year to celebrate America’s love affair with hot rods and rock ‘n’ roll. Truckers can enjoy free food, live music and trucker games, as well as the chance to compete for cash, trophies and prizes, as this event is the fourth stop on the Stars & Stripes tour for 2007. The show will be held at the Petro Stopping Center in Reno/Sparks, NV on August 10 & 11. For more details about the truck show, contact Diana Owens at (916) 786-3073 or visit www.starsandstripesshow.com. For more information about the entire Hot August Nights event, visit their site at www.hotaugustnights.net.

GREAT SALT LAKE TRUCK SHOW
August 10 & 11, Sandy, UT
Last year, the annual Great Salt Lake Truck Show, a benefit for the National Kidney Foundation of Utah, moved to a new location – and indoors. This year, the 2007 show will be held, once again, at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah (just south of Salt Lake City). This fun event features plenty of live music, a truck pull (teams of five race as they pull a truck with ropes), a charity auction and a light show. Along with the trucks, many hot rods and classic cars are also expected to come and compete for prizes and trophies. Hosted by show founder Jeff England, this show raises money and awareness about kidney disease and helps send young transplant and dialysis patients to “Kidney Kamp” in the mountains. For more information, call Jeff England or Lindsey at (800) 877-1320 or visit the website at www.saltlaketruckshow.com.

WAUPUN TRUCK-N-SHOW
August 10 & 11, WAUPUN, WI
The Waupun Truck-N-Show was started as (and still is) a salute to the trucking industry. Held outside at the Waupun Community Center, trucks are crammed into every corner of the grounds. This 18th annual event features a truck beauty competition, a light parade through the center of town, live music, over 50 vendor booths, great food and lots of family fun. On average, there are over 400 trucks at this show each year! Admission and parking are free. This year’s show proudly welcomes Harvey & Karen Zander as the Parade Marshals for 2007. For more information, call (920) 324-9985 or visit them online at www.waupuntrucknshow.com.

GREAT AMERICAN TRUCKING SHOW*
August 23-25, Dallas, TX
Held at the Dallas Convention Center, which recently completed an aggressive renovation and expansion project, the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) was bigger and better than ever in 2006, with almost 46,000 attendees and 560 exhibiting companies. This relatively new show has grown each year over its eight year history, and is now considered to be the second largest trucking show in the industry. GATS was recently awarded top honors at Trade Show Week Magazine’s “Fastest 50” awards gala in November of 2006, named as the fastest growing hybrid trade show in the U.S. and Canada! Featuring plenty of on-site truck parking, trucking seminars, workshops, the best country music concerts and other events, GATS should be added to your schedule if it isn’t already on it. For more information call (888) 349-4287 or visit them online at www.gatsonline.com.

WORLD’S LARGEST TRUCK CONVOY*
September 15, Multiple Locations
Last year, this event, which features truck convoys in various locations around the nation, raised more than $544,000 for Special Olympics – an increase of more than 25% over the previous year. About 1,800 trucks participated in 45 convoys in 32 different states (plus four in Canada). Started in 2001 by Corporal Norm Schneiderhan, an Orange County (Florida) Sheriff, this event has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. To participate, truckers simply fill out a registration form and donate a $100 entry fee. Make plans now to participate in one of the many convoys being held across the country (and in Canada) on September 15th. For a current list of convoys and other information, visit www.worldslargesttruckconvoy.com often – updates are always being made.

TRUCKIN’ FOR KIDS SHOW & DRAGS*
Date Not Confirmed, Fontana, CA
This wild and exciting event is not only a fun time but also a fund-raiser for various children’s charities. Over the last 26 years, this event has raised $525,000 for children in need. Last year the show moved to California Speedway in Fontana, CA and drew in over 300 trucks. At the time of this writing, the dates for 2007 had not been confirmed, but it should be near the end of September or beginning of October. Race Director Frank Pangburn is hoping to stretch the one-day show into two days, to accommodate the increase in competitors and attendees last year. Stay tuned! For more details or updated information, call (208) 448-2811 or visit www.truckinforkids.org.

THE TRUCK SHOW LATINO*
October 20 & 21, Pomona, CA
This new show, which debuted in 2005 at the Fairplex in Pomona, caters specifically to Latino truckers. The highlight of last year’s show, in addition to the vendors and show trucks, was the giveaway of a Ford F150 pickup truck. This event is also the fifth and final stop of the Stars & Stripes Truck Show series. Call (800) 227-5992 or visit www.thetruckshowlatino.com.

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