Gaming for Truck Drivers

itunes.apple.com

More and more, technology is catching up to truckers. Many old school drivers are still uncomfortable using computers, but we all have to face the fact that we need to get used to them. Our company does not even accept paper job applications any more. Everything has to be done online. As you can see by the following, companies are embracing technology and bringing more of it to the professional drivers. 
Article thanks to Aaron Huff of ccjdigital.com A link to their site follows:
Like most parents with young kids, I remember and curse the day I introduced my kids to video games. Hopefully this negligence on my part won’t alter their bright futures, but judging by the way things are headed, games will become part of their careers.
My seven year-old boy, for example, has become obsessed with earning money, points and other achievements to unlock new levels. Forget the pristine graphics or dynamic movements of the game; he’s not interested. As for myself, I never enjoyed games until about six months ago after I heard some people talking about their favorite game on the iPad, Words with Friends. I decided to give it a try. Soon I understood why so many Americans play online or mobile games: they are extremely fun and addicting.
Online or mobile games are especially popular among Generation X and Y. Drivers in this age group are the future of the transportation industry. This generation is comprised of people born after the late 70s.  They grew up playing high-tech games on devices such as the X-Box and Playstation and continued to feed this frenzy with online and mobile games on smartphones and tablet devices.
One way to stay better connected with these drivers, as well as older drivers, is to find ways to “gamify” areas of their work experience.  In the upcoming February issue of CCJ, I explore how several technology developers in the trucking industry, as well as their customers, are looking to capitalize on the gaming trend.  


Pro Fleet, a 40-truck flatbed carrier in Elkhart, Ind., is one of several fleets that are using an online rewards program for their drivers from Stay Metrics called “Drive for Gold.”
About five months ago, Pro Fleet set up a PC in its drivers’ lounge. Drivers can use the PC to check e-mail, surf the Web or prepare a document, but most never leave the homepage. From here they can login to the company’s rewards program.
Like some of the Baby Boomers we know, the company had one driver who used to avoid computers. He now logs in immediately when he comes to the office. He earns points by answering a safety question. He also sees his point balance increase weekly for safe driving, turning paperwork in on time, fuel efficiency and other areas. Each point gets him closer to items on his wish list.
“The driver didn’t want anything to do with the program at first,” says Mike Gregory, safety director of Pro Fleet. “He thought it was just another flash in the plan. Now he is one of the biggest cheerleaders. That by itself is a huge victory.”


In November, 2012, Covenant Transport began to evaluate an online fuel program, or game, that drivers could “play.” The company began using this program, called FuelOpps, as a pilot project. The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based truckload carrier operates a fleet of nearly 3,000 drivers. For the pilot, Covenant is using FuelOpps with 450 drivers.
So far, the results are encouraging.
“Drivers that have accepted it have liked it. FuelOpps has created a sense of competition where drivers can see how well they are doing against their peer group,” says Doug Schrier, vice president of continuous improvement.
With the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and even in-cab computing platforms, drivers have become more conscious of their social status through sites like Facebook and how they rank among their peers. Companies are starting to add social media elements to the “game” features of driver incentive and reward programs.
This “gamification” topic was one of the most interesting ones I’ve covered in the 12 years I’ve been writing for CCJ. I think it has a lot of potential for fleets to find new ways to engage their drivers, especially the younger generation.
http://www.ccjdigital.com/gaming-drivers/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_content=01-23-2013&utm_campaign=CCJ

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Motorcyclist Owes His Life to a TCA Highway Angel

thetrucker.com

Article thanks to truckinginfo.com A link to their site is provided below:

1/25/2013 The Truckload Carriers Association has named Mark Randall of Mesquite, Texas, a professional driver trainer for Werner Enterprises of Omaha, Neb., as its latest Highway Angel. Randall is being recognized for taking preventive measures that ultimately saved a life.

On Oct. 24, 2012, around 1:30 p.m., Randall and a student were headed westbound on I-80/680 in Omaha. With only two miles to go before dropping off a load, Randall was at the wheel. He stayed within the speed limit of 60 mph and made a mental note of the considerable traffic all around him.

To his right and up ahead, Randall noticed a motorcyclist who appeared to be following much too close to the car in front of him. He was also traveling about 60 mph. Randall's safety instincts kicked in, and he began to slow down.

"I always make a big point of being aware of my surroundings when I'm operating these vehicles," said Randall, who was recently recognized by his company for a million miles of accident-free driving and also received Werner's Humanitarian Award for his actions that day. "I pay good attention. In fact, I was just about to make my student aware of the possible hazard ahead when the motorcyclist suddenly accelerated and attempted to pass the car. But he was just too close and hit the rear of that vehicle."

Randall immediately began scanning the lanes for a way to get out of the path of the doomed motorcyclist. Surrounded by traffic, he knew that he could not suddenly switch lanes without putting other vehicles in danger. His only viable option was to stay put and maintain control of the tractor-trailer, which was fully loaded with thousands of pounds of tires.

As if in slow motion, Randall saw the motorcyclist hit the pavement hard and slide directly into his path. He immediately put on his flashers and continued to brake, finally coming to a controlled stop - within 10 feet of the man on the pavement.

The student got out to render aid, while Randall called 911. The motorcyclist had survived and was miraculously okay. Not only had Randall managed to avoid hitting the man, but he is also credited for using his truck to protect the motorcyclist from being run over by the oncoming traffic hurtling toward him at 60 mph.

At the accident scene, the responding state patrol officer made a joke, saying that the motorcyclist had been incredibly lucky that day and should probably continue that luck by purchasing some lottery tickets. Another officer responded, "How does someone crash a motorcycle in four lanes of traffic doing 60 miles per hour and not get killed or run over?"

Feeling triumphant at what had just happened, Randall turned, pointed to his big blue truck, and said, "Because THAT truck stopped, and he was lucky to fall in front of ME!"

For helping the motorcyclist, Randall was presented with a Highway Angel lapel pin, certificate and patch. Werner Enterprises also received a certificate acknowledging that one of its drivers is a Highway Angel.

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-print.asp?news_id=79155

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The Jensen AWM968 Stereo

motorhomr.com

Here's an entertainment idea for motorhomes that could be appealing for us truck drivers! You may want to check it out. Article thanks to Laura Michaels, Managing Editor at motorhome.com  A link to their site is provided below:

January 21, 2013   A new all-in-one product from ASA Electronics provides motorhome owners with another option for taking entertainment on the road. The Jensen AWM968 stereo is a multimedia wall-mount entertainment center that lets RVers enjoy everything from radio tunes and CDs to streaming audio and DVDs. 

The AWM968 stereo unit, which runs on 12-volt DC power, can receive streaming audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device and also lets users stream audio to their outdoor speakers — without having to enter the coach. It also features a DVD mechanism that withstands the bumps and jolts associated with travel, and is designed with blue backlit controls, a dimmable display, clock with sleep timer and alarm, and front audio and video input. When paired with a Jensen TV, a unified remote will operate the entire system. The AWM968 retails for $349.99 and is available at www.jensenrvdirect.com.

http://www.motorhome.com/rv-travel-news/motorhome-gear-news/the-jensen-awm968-stereo/

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Important Information On A Driver's Nightmare Run!

article.wn.com

Article thanks to Rickey Gooch of bigtrucktv.com A link to their site is provided below:

1/3/2013 It seems that just about every day while we are out driving we come upon an accident somewhere or another. At the same time, we are thankful that the accident did not happen to us. In the world of trucking, it seems we are seeing more and more rear end accidents that look as if the driver of the vehicle did not apply the brakes in time or not at all.
You see these big trucks taking out a guard-rail and going over embankments just to keep from hitting other vehicles. You see trucking accidents where a vehicle goes thru the stop light or a stop sign and into a building or another vehicle. Or you see an accident where a tractor hits another vehicle in the rear end with no skid marks showing that the driver tried to stop. These accidents listed above can cause fatalities or very serious injuries. In some cases, a next of kin is advised that their loved one will not be coming home ever again. As we turn on our computer, our tv, or open a newspaper, more and more we read about or see see another accident were a bus or semi-truck just could not or did not stop in time to avoid an accident.
In 2012, two of the top semi-truck accidents reported happened because the semi-truck involved was going down a steep hill and could not stop. In another accident account, a semi-truck crossed the road and turned over inside of a gas station on top of the pumps. In yet another incident, a driver did everything he could to keep from hitting someone as he came down a hill, went into a shopping mall parking lot and traveled through the lot hitting a tree, only to end up in a river. Also in 2012, a bus was coming back from a casino and turned over and caused one of the deadliest bus accidents in New York State history. Could there be a reason for these drivers’ nightmare runs that sound as if they were written into a Hollywood script?
In most of these accidents the drivers of the buses or semi-trucks had to use their brakes long before an accident occurred. So you ask yourself, why are the brakes not working on these trucks or is the driver even applying the brakes at all? Was this driver not paying attention?
The FMCSA says that one of the most common causes of accidents is driver fatigue, but, was it driver failure or was the driver not paying attention to what was going on at the time of the accident? Maybe it was an undiscovered brake problem! Most of the time a trucks black box recorder will tell that the driver never applied the brakes at all or until it was too late to avoid the accident.
Did you know that the driver of commercial vehicles can still be charged with an accident even if the driver died in the crash? If they do convict the driver of being at fault then damages awarded by the court can bankrupt the driver’s family and carrier. That family can find themselves living on the street. A driver that lives through the accident can be cited and charged, then lose his license for 5 years or more if found guilty in any way. If there is a faulty part that caused the accident or if someone is seriously injured or killed the driver can go to prison or do jail time until the trial date.
Most of the time, a prosecuting attorney in these cases will make a drivers bond so high they cannot even be released on bail . Also, in most cases a driver will have to find another way to support their family while the accident investigation is going on which will be until after the trial ends and that could take a year or longer. This is a bad situation for everyone involved.
Wait, can there be another reason for this accident?
Even though commercial drivers are always guilty until proven innocent in cases such as this, let’s not blame the driver just yet, until we look at all the evidence. There could be an answer for some of these drivers’ nightmares. Commercial driver, Allen Trucker has done years of investigating on his own after a case of brake failure in an accident he was involved in. Allen is concerned about brake parts called the AIR CONTROL FOOT VALVE and the TREADLE VALVE. Since Allen’s investigation, there has been over 40 recalls from NHTSA on these parts. Allen found that through the years, there were several accident reports that have given the treadle valve as the cause of many accidents. In 2012 Allen Trucker brought that and other evidence to the attention of CVSA and they entered this deadly account information into the FMCSA DOT inspection orders.
What was discovered is that the treadle valve can work at one moment, and the next time it is used, will not work at all. It goes without saying that this small part failure will be the cause of many more accidents, and in the past, it could have been the cause of many others that went undiscovered. Now this treadle issue has been written about in major industry magazines and an inspection bulletin has been sent out by the CVSA. The problem is however, these brake failures and the accidents they cause continue to increase. Allen states that without a doubt these parts are all under designed and that the majority will fail several times before they are replaced.
This is a call to safety managers and carriers to make themselves and their repair facilities aware of just how important these valve problems really are. This should be done before someone in your organization is involved in a serious accident causing serious injuries or deaths. If you would like to receive more information about the Treadle Valve failures please contact me at rgooch1969@aol.com. I will also be happy to connect you with Allen Trucker should you want additional information about these parts or his investigation.
http://blog.bigtrucktv.com/rickeygooch/important-information-drivers-nightmare-run

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What's the next big threat to truckload carriers?

bstmanagement.net

Good article thanks to On the Road Blog by Jim Park, Equipment Editor
A link to their site is provided below:


1/15/2013  Unionized drayage drivers. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters just inked its first contract with a drayage company working near the ports of L.A. and Long Beach. Drivers' wages will immediately jump from $12.72 to $19 per hour. And that's just the beginning.

The IBT sent out a press release on Jan. 9 announcing that the drivers at Toll Group -- an Australian corporation that handles accounts for several major fashion and sportswear lines sold at retailers like Walmart and JC Penney -- had wrapped up 24 months of bitter wrangling with the company, and come away with a contract that leaves them significantly better off.

In April 2012, that same group of drivers made headlines by voting to join the Teamsters and ratifying the first union contract in the drayage industry in 30 years.

Here's what they got:
~ Fair wages: Upon signing the contract, the day shift hourly rate increased from $12.72 to $19. Night shift hourly rate went from $13.22 to $19.75. Drivers will also see $0.50/hour annual raises over the three-year life of the contract. Overtime at time-and-a-half after 40 hours.
~ Secure retirement: Automatic enrollment in the Teamster's Western Conference Pension Trust (which isn't what it used to be, but it's way better than nothing). Toll will contribute $1/hour per driver until 2014, and a $1.50/hour per driver by 2015.
~ Affordable health care: The Toll Group pays 95% of the premium for individuals and 90% for family coverage on a vision, dental, and a health care plan. Drivers who had previously paid $125/month for individual or $400/month per family for coverage will see premiums drop to roughly $30 and $150, respectively.
~ Stable work hours and paid time off: Toll drivers receive seven paid holidays, three paid personal days and six paid sick days annually. They will accrue one or two weeks of vacation within the first two years of service, with longtime employees earning up to a month. They can also bank on guaranteed full- or half-day of pay regardless of seasonal slowdowns if they are scheduled to work.

Compare that to a truckload driver making $50,000 for 3,000 hours of work annually. He or she is earning $16.66/hour. Sick days? Nope. Pension? Nope. Overtime? Not a chance. Benefits? Few and far between.

That short list doesn't include all the other fun and games over-the-road drivers enjoy, such as like delays at loading docks (no miles, no pay), living in a 400 cubic-foot box for weeks on end, eating in truck stops at tremendous expense, unpaid work like vehicle inspections and loading and unloading (it's still the first two hours free, right?) and all the rest of it.

Who's Kidding Whom?
There's was a time not that long ago when OTR drivers in their shiny Petes and Kenworths would look down their noses at the drayage crowd in their old fender flappers, lined up at container ports awaiting their turn to load. Well now, at least some of them will be sitting there waiting, just like they have always done -- at $19 or more per hour.

I think we're witnessing the first wave of an interesting transition in the trucking industry. The drivers at Toll Group appear to be predominantly Latino, and it would appear that they don't harbor some of the usual resentment towards unions. Let's face it, that crowd has been getting the short end of the stick for years. With this contract, as the Teamsters' press release triumphantly points out, these workers now have a shot at a "middle class" lifestyle.

They have good jobs with apparently decent pay thanks to their association with the IBT. If I was an employee driver with some of the other outfits in the port environment that we hear about in the news, the Toll Group deal would look pretty darned good. It's no wonder some of them become owner-operators in that environment. Mis-classification or otherwise, at least owning a truck looks like a chance to break the cycle of $12 jobs that just never seem to get any better.

Getting back to the OTR environment, it's fair to say that some of what might have been traded off for an oppressive union environment no longer applies.

Back when the predominantly organized LTL sector was in its heyday, the truckload drivers enjoyed trucks with plush upholstery, radios and ungoverned engines. The highway drivers were freer to come and go, and they didn't have all the union rules and regulations to worry about. In short, long haul trucking was a job that came with some freedom.

Well, look around folks. Where's the freedom of the open road today? Gone, thanks to CSA, EOBRs, speed limiters, logistics planners, micro-management of cost, JIT, ... The old grey mare ain't what she used to be.

I'm not sure one could realistically promote an OTR job today with the same propaganda we did 20 years ago. Heck, even 10 years ago.

Many aspects of that job have changed over the past 10 to 20 years, but the working conditions really haven't and the pay hasn't even kept pace with inflation. I think long haul truckload trucking is in real danger of losing a big chunk of its workforce to local and regional operations, especially ones that try to match the union contracts -- if for no other reason than to keep the unions away from the door. Either way, the drivers are often the better for it.

On the surface, I think the Toll Group drivers, now members of Teamsters Local 838, are financially better off than many, if not most, mid-grade drivers in the truckload sector. When word gets around that a drayage driver with a couple of years seniority can earn close to $60,000 a year and be home every night, with benefits, healthcare coverage and a pension, it won't be retiring drivers the truckload carriers have to worry about.

http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-print.asp?news_id=79042

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TENDERFOOT - A Canadian Trucker Story

timstrucks.site.aplus.net

Entertaining story I found on the internet about a rookie Canadian trucker and his misadventure with a co-driver back in the ‘60s. The author’s name is B.J. Rhodes and I don’t know when it was written and can’t find a website for him, but found the piece through Hankstruckpictures.com:

In the winter of 1965, I landed a job as relief driver for Dan Carter. Dan had two three-year old Hayes cab-over tractors and one new Mack, all on with a company in Winnipeg, hauling to Toronto and Montreal, by way of the States. Both Hayes tractors had 220 Cummings power; one was equipped with a ten-speed Fuller Road Ranger, the other with a twelve-speed Spicer. The Bulldog was a purebred, of course; its engine was mated to a triplex transmission. Compared to the old Hayes Clippers, the Mack was a pleasure to drive, if you didn't mind the two sticks.


The two Clippers had their gauge panels mounted above the windshield - I found them difficult to focus on, especially at night. The panel was hung on a piano-style hinge; the whole thing dropped down, simply by the removal of a few screws giving easy access to the wiper motor, gauges and dash lights. There was also plenty of space in there to hide contraband.


My driving partner was a fellow by the name of Bill Hobbs - everyone called him "Wild Bill". He liked to supplement his income by smuggling cheap handguns into Canada - the dash panel was his favourite hiding place. He claimed to make more money selling guns than driving truck. Most everyone smuggled a little booze or cigarettes, but firearms were very risky and the penalties too severe...but the money was too good for Wild Bill to resist. I was terrified he'd get caught and we'd end up in jail, but as second driver, I had little to say...besides, I needed the job.


On one trip, he tried to stuff six small 22-calibre pistols behind the panel and managed to short-circuit the wiring harness. We lost a whole day repairing the damage.
Dan decided it was time to trade in one of the Clippers for another Mack and, much to my delight, gave us the new one. Wild Bill figured a new truck warranted new boots, and showed up wearing a fancy pair that he boasted had been custom made in Laredo, Texas to his own personal last. "Pure Spanish leather, all hand-stitched and hand-tooled," he'd proudly proclaim to anyone whose eyes happened to be drawn to his gaudy footwear. "Them there toe-guards are solid silver - none of that cheap brass," he'd say.
The toe-guards were something else! They looked like those old-fashioned decorative strap hinges you'd see on the front door of some old mansion, and must have weighed two ounces each. Wild Bill bragged that he'd paid two hundred and fifty dollars for the boots. "You must be nuts, Hobbs" the dispatcher scoffed, "Ya coulda bought genuine imitation alligator Boulets for forty-five, or Tony Lamas for sixty. I can't understand why anyone would blow more than half a month's pay on a pair of crummy (as he crudely put it) turd-kickers ."
This last remark really cut to the quick - if it had been anyone but a dispatcher insulting his fancy footwear, he probably would have decked the offender on the spot. As it was, he brooded over the incident all the way to Moorhead, Minnesota. His spirits picked up only after one of his sleazy contacts in the restaurant there offered him a Colt Peacemaker with mother-of-pearl grips for forty-five dollars. The gun came with a box of shells - all of them being reloads. Bill couldn't have been happier. I think it was all he needed to reinforce the image he liked to project - of being a cowboy, but born a hundred years too late.
For the first couple of days, he sat with a glazed far-away look in his eyes, constantly fondling the gun. But on the way back, he spent more time in the passenger seat, playing with it when he should have been logging time in the sleeper. By the time we hit Illinois, he'd progressed to firing the damned thing out the side window at road signs, telephone poles, and even cows. Thank god he couldn't hit anything. He finally ran out of ammunition near Eau Claire, Wisconsin - I had a hell of a time talking him out of stopping to buy more bullets. He then contented himself and his fascination with the gun by sitting with his feet on the dash, admiring his outrageous boots, while he cocked the hammer and dry-fired the revolver at his reflection in the windshield at night, pausing only long enough to roll a cigarette from a bag of Bull Durham tobacco.


Needless to say, my nerves were on the surface, and I was having a hard time concentrating on the road. I told him he would be wise to at least remove the empty shells from the cylinder if he wanted to continue his game of Russian Roulette while I was driving. My suggestion was greeted by a disdainful look and a remark on how only a greenhorn would allow the hammer to fall on an empty chamber and risk damaging a fine Colt pistol. The words hardly had time to bruise my ego, when suddenly the comfort of the warm cab and steady drone of the diesel were interrupted by the loud explosion of a full discharge. I nearly ran off the road, but quickly regained control of the rig, managing to pull over onto the shoulder and bring it to a safe stop. The cab was filled with the acrid smell of gunpowder. A hole the size of a baseball had appeared in the bottom of the right-hand windshield - about where Bill's feet had been resting! Wild Bill was now desperately clutching the ragged remains of his left boot, and howling like a coyote at the moon during mating season.
"What the hell did you do!" I hollered.
"My foot! My foot!" he screamed.
When I finally collected my wits, I concluded that one of the shells must have been a dud and finally went off after being repeatedly struck. I managed to calm the fool down long enough to remove what was left of his custom-made boot, and assess the damage to his foot. We discovered he'd neatly blown off all his toes but the big and little one - everything in between, including two ounces of solid silver toeguard, was now either part of Highway 94 or stood better than a fair chance of hitting the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line before we did. Anyway, it was safe to assume Bill's toes were somewhere in one state or the other...at any rate, they certainly left us behind!


Considering the ugly wound, it didn't bleed as bad as one might expect - but it did bleed. Out of fear of being arrested, we didn't dare seek medical help, as anyone with a gunshot wound would have some explaining to do. In a panic, we tried to come up with a reasonable explanation for the missing appendages, and the massive hole in the windshield of the brand new Mack. Geez, what would we tell Dan! In the heat of the moment, the best we could come up with was..."He got it caught in the lawn mower." We decided to go for it, but then realized it would be hard to explain what we were doing with a lawnmower on Highway 94 in the middle of November. So we scrapped that idea, and concentrated on stopping the flow of blood, having less confidence in our knowledge of first aid than our ability to think up a good lie.


I recalled an episode of Bonanza where Hoss, or maybe it was Little Joe, had cauterized a bad flesh wound with a red-hot branding iron. Since there were no longer any hard parts left, I figured Bill's foot now probably met all the requirements necessary to be considered a flesh wound, and didn't hesitate to share this idea with him. But his desire to immerse himself any further in the ways of the Old West seemed to have faded a bit. He stated rather rudely that he didn't quite feel up to that kind of medical procedure. "Besides!" he screamed, "where in the f***ing hell would we be able to lay our f***ing hands on a jeezly red-hot, f***ing branding iron?"
I indignantly reminded him that we were in Wisconsin, the dairy state, and where there were cows...if he hadn't managed to gun them all down...there were certain to be plenty of branding irons. Maybe my idea wasn't the best, but what could you expect - it's hard for anyone to think when their ears are ringing like the bells of St. Mary's and all conversation is coming from what feels like the bottom of an empty oil drum.
However we finally came up with a solution - he'd read about a fella who'd been mauled by a grizzly bear... in an effort to stop the bleeding, they had packed flour on the wound. So, I stopped at an all-night convenience store and bought five pounds of flour, then packed plenty on Bill's foot and wrapped a towel around the whole bloody mess. It worked like a charm - no more bleeding. At the border, I told them he got his foot run over by a forklift and was unable to walk without great difficulty and pain...so they didn't make him go inside and report.


Before we got to Winnipeg, I cleaned up the mess and then hammered a large rock through the windshield, so we could tell Dan it flew off the duals of a dump truck in Wisconsin. Bill managed to tough it out long enough for me to swing by St. Boniface Hospital and drop him off at the Emergency. He told them he'd accidentally shot himself in the foot with his shotgun while out rabbit hunting. The cop that took his statement, after examining the evidence (meaning the boot) said it was probably all for the best, and anyone who chose to go rabbit hunting, wearing boots like that , needed shooting.
If you are ever driving north on Highway 94, about ten miles from the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line - keep your eyes open for something shiny! The last time I checked - silver was worth about seven dollars an ounce, but that's in Canadian pesos. It will still buy you a tough steak in Canada, but barely a Big Macä in the States. I'm sure Bill would agree - either way, it's one hell of an expensive meal.

- B.J. Rhodes

http://www.hankstruckpictures.com/

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Chrysler Reveals 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

gtspirit.com

Niece review thanks to Automotive-fleet.com Link to their site follows:

Chrysler announced significant updates to its Jeep models for model-year 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The automaker announced major changes to its Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is covered in this article, and its Compass and Patriot models, covered here.
For the Jeep Grand Cherokee, major changes for 2014 include a new diesel engine, a new eight-speed transmission, a new high-end model, the “Summit,” and new connectivity features, such as a new 8.4-inch touchscreen display. The 2014 Grand Cherokee comes with four grades, Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit
Performance
The big change for the Grand Cherokee in 2014 is a new the new V-6 EcoDiesel engine, which delivers 30 mpg highway, as one of three available engines. The automaker said the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 engine is standard in the Grand Cherokee, and a 5.7L V-8 is also available along with the new clean diesel engine.
In terms of power, the new EcoDiesel V-6 produces 240 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. It can tow up to 7,400 lbs. and Chrysler expects it to deliver 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway in the 4x2 models, and 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, in the 4x4 models. Driving range is 730 miles.
The 3.6L V-6 can achieve up to 25 mpg highway and has more than a 600-mile driving range, and can produce up to 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.7L V-8 can achieve up to 21 mpg highway and produces up to 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Towing capacity for the 5.7L is 7,400 lbs.
The 2014-MY Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a new eight-speed transmission, which comes with all three engine options, and delivers quicker acceleration, smooth shifting, and enhanced ride quality, according to Chrysler. The new transmission also provides a lower crawl ratio of 44.1:1, in order to help the vehicle climb over or through tough obstacles when equipped with a two-speed transfer case.
Chrysler also added a new driving mode to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, called “Eco Mode.” Eco Mode optimizes the transmission’s shift schedule in the V-6 models, and it uses Fuel Saver cylinder deactivation in the V-8 models. This mode is automatically engaged when the driver starts the vehicle, but he or she can turn it off via a button on the center stack. Eco Mode also activates the Grand Cherokee’s air suspension system, lowering it to Aero Ride Height when the vehicle’s speed is between 52 and 56 mph or exceeds 56 mph. Also, new steering wheel paddle shifters (standard on all models) are designed to give the driver more control over on- and off-road driving and allow for Electronic Range Select when using Selec-Speed Control in extreme off-road situations, according to Chrysler.Exterior
For 2014, Chrysler said it updated the Grand Cherokee to give a more premium look and differentiate the trim levels from one another. The automaker said it reduced the upper grille’s height and made the headlamps slimmer on all models. It elevated the lower front fascia and raised the fog lights, too.
In the back, the Jeep Grand Cherokee features new larger taillamps with LED lights, a more aerodynamic rear spoiler, and a different tailgate design. The lower rear fascias are model-specific, according to Chrysler. Dual exhaust tips are standard on all Limited, Overland, and Summit models. The new LED lights are standard on the Overland and Summit models, and on the Limited bi-xenon HID headlamps outlined with LED running lamps are available.
A power rear liftgate is either standard or available on all 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee models, according to Chrysler.
Off-Road Performance
All 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with Off-road groups are Trail Rated, according to Chrysler. The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three 4x4 systems, the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, an available Quadra-Lift air suspension, and a Selec-Terrain traction management system. Chrysler said the Quadra-Trac I provides four-wheel drive at all times. The Quadra-Trac II comes with a two-speed transfer case. The Quadra-Drive II features a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD). Selec-Terrain is standard with Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II.
The Quadra-Lift air suspension system provides a range of ride heights, and the Selec-Terrain traction control system offers five modes for handling different types of terrain (sand, mud, auto – it adapts to different conditions, snow, and rock). The Sport Mode, which is designed for on-road use, is now engaged with the shift lever. Also, the new Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control lets drivers control the Grand Cherokee’s speed on grades via the steering wheel paddle shifters. Selec-Speed Control will be available later on the Grand Cherokee with the EcoDiesel V-6.

autoweek.com

Interior
Inside the new Grand Cherokee, the automaker provides room for five passengers. A standard fold-flat front-passenger seat offers more cargo storage room on Laredo models. Rear seats can recline 12 degrees. Cargo room behind the second row is 36.3 cu. ft. and includes a storage unit with a rechargeable flashlight and grocery hooks on both sides. The spare time compartment comes with removable dual storage bins as well.
Chrysler updated the center stack in the 2014-MY Grand Cherokee, and it features the automaker’s new Uconnect 5-inch or 8.4-inch touch screens. The instrument panel is a 7-inch configurable display. Other available connectivity features include voice command navigation and control of texting on a connected smartphone, and the Uconnect Access system.
The automaker said each model features its own unique interior touches, such as dark wood trim on the dash and doors on the Laredo and Limited models. The E-shifter on the console and the new steering wheel are wrapped in leather. The Overland and Summit models come with a CommandView dual-pane sunroof that features a power sunshade (available on the Limited model), and the Laredo and Limited models feature an available single-pane sunroof.
Safety
For safety, the Grand Cherokee comes with Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and Selec-Speed Control, standard electronic stability control, Electronic Roll Mitigation (which reacts and applies the brakes during specific driving situations), standard trailer sway control, and Selec-Speed Control with Hill Start Assist (mentioned earlier). Front-row active head restraints, full-length side-curtain airbags, and seat-mounted side thorax airbags are standard.
Other features include Front Park Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control. Available safety features include Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection.
Production
The new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is built at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant (JNAP) in Detroit.
http://www.automotive-fleet.com/news/story/2013/01/chrysler-reveals-2014-jeep-grand-cherokee.aspx

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5 Facebook privacy settings you need to check now

mashable.com

Article thanks to Kim Komando of Komando.com A link to her site follows below:

Facebook is a fabulous way to connect with friends and family. Of course, Facebook is also a spectacular way to embarrass yourself. And it happens almost every day.
Users post personal photos and intimate status updates that they think only a few friends will see. Then the posts get broadcast to friends of friends or - worse - everyone.
Anyone can be surprised by an episode of oversharing if they're not paying attention - even Randi Zuckerberg, a former Facebook executive and sister of CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Last month, she posted a family photo intended for friends, but didn't choose the right privacy setting. A friend of another Zuckerberg sister grabbed it and posted it on Twitter.
Fortunately, Facebook has a new tool to help simplify your privacy settings. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you probably also missed it. That's OK; it's easy to find.
When you're logged into Facebook, you'll notice a new lock icon in the top tool bar. Clicking on that brings up the new Privacy Shortcuts menu, where you can manage the Big Three privacy concerns: Who can see my stuff? Who can contact me? How do I stop someone from bothering me?
Without dropping what you're doing and navigating somewhere else, you can quickly block (unfriend) someone, verify that only friends are seeing your posts, filter how you receive messages and control who can send you friend requests.
This dropdown menu also provides a shortcut to your Activity Log, where you can review your past activity. And you can use the new Request and Removal tool to ask friends to take down pictures of you.
The Privacy Shortcuts area is an improvement, but there are other important settings buried away that still need attention. To access these, click on See More Settings in the Privacy Shortcuts menu. (This is the same as clicking on the gear icon next to it and choosing Privacy Settings.)
Under Privacy, check the answer to the all-important "Who can look me up?" You probably don't want that set to Everyone! I recommend Friends at least.
You probably don’t want search engines finding your Facebook profile, either. I'd make sure that option is turned off.
If you regularly log in to websites with your Facebook account, you might be surprised by how many apps have access to your profile. Some apps may also have permission to make posts on your behalf. Modify these settings or remove apps you no longer use by going to Apps>>Apps You Use.
The "Apps others use" and "Instant personalization" subheadings also need attention.
You likely allow most of your friends to see your birthday, hometown and other personal data. "Apps other use" controls whether apps that your friends use can also grab that information. I recommend that you uncheck all the boxes.
"Instant personalization" allows information you've made public on Facebook to be used by partner sites, such as TripAdvisor and Yelp, to customize your experience. If your goal is to share less, disable it.
Finally, make a pit stop under the Ads setting. Change "Third Party Sites" and "Ads & Friends" to No One from the two dropdown menus.
If these options are set to "Only my friends," Facebook can pair your name and profile picture with a paid ad and show it to your friends. You don't want that.
Spend a few minutes covering these bases, and you should have a safe and secure 2013 on the No. 1 social network. By the way, you can join me at www.komando.com

 

Survey Points to Carriers Hiring Younger Drivers

cdllife.com

Article thanks to Todaystrucking.com A link to their site is provided below:

CHATTANOOGA, TN. — Over 80 percent of carriers surveyed in Transport Capital Partners (TCP) Fourth Quarter 2012 Business Expectations said they are willing to throw their support behind younger drivers entering the industry. Provided, of course, that they are properly trained.
“Most carriers know that turnover levels have doubled since the recession, which has continued to negatively impact our industry,” said Richard Mikes, TCP Partner. “Past surveys have indicated that pay must go up to significantly higher levels over the long-term. Once construction and manufacturing begin to ramp up, many drivers will leave the wheel for more family-friendly time at home," he explained.
"Driver attraction and retention will continue to be an important issue for carriers.”
Carriers over $25 million were slightly more supportive than smaller carriers of allowing younger, properly trained drivers, TCP noted (86% vs 77%, respectively).
Of the carriers surveyed, only 30 percent currently hire entry-level drivers, with larger carriers more keen on spending the time, money and effort to develop their skills than smaller carriers.
"While only a third of the carriers currently use entry-level drivers, in the future, fifty-one percent of the carriers expect to be utilizing inexperienced, entry-level drivers and training them," TCP said.
“Investment in effective training programs will be essential to our industry,” said Steven Dutro, TCP Partner. “Those who are successful in properly training and developing loyalty will gain a real competitive advantage. Developing the proper programs and corporate culture should be considered a critical investment in the future.”
Pay will have to be increased, too, something that the majority of carriers (66 percent) agreed upon, although that number is down slightly from last TCP's Q2 survey. Nearly 80 percent of carriers surveyed said that they expect pay to increase in 2013.
According to Mikes, current operating margins allow for little room to raise pay, but “everyone in the supply chain needs to recognize the critical need to pay a little more to keep quality drivers moving the freight.”
http://www.todaystrucking.com/survey-points-to-carriers-hiring-young-drivers

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10 Practical Tips for Avoiding Traffic Tickets

speedingticketfix.com

A good piece geared more to 4-wheelers, not truckers. But being truckers, we also drive 4-wheelers and need to protect our driving records at all times! This common sense article thanks to the National Motorists Association,which you can join for free (I have) at the link provided below:

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

Not many of us know someone who’s been in the clink for a serious crime — but almost everyone knows someone who’s been on the receiving end of a traffic ticket, or received one themselves.

This fact tells us that good, honest conduct is no sure guarantee of avoiding interaction with the police — at least when it comes to traffic violations.

But you can improve your odds; here’s how:

1) Try not to drive faster than 9 mph over the posted limit on the highway and about 5-6 mph above the posted limit on secondary roads.

In most places, most cops will not ticket you if you’re within this range. Part of the reason is simply that most car speedometers are not perfectly calibrated and so it’s easier to challenge such a trivial ticket in court. The other is the unwritten rule most cops follow that “spots” traffic a few mph over the posted limit — because the cops know (even if they won’t say so publicly) that the speed limits are generally under-posted, too — and for the most part don’t like to harass people for exceeding them by just a little bit. Exceptions to this include 25 mph/school zones — where you should never drive even a single mph faster than the posted limit.

2) Don’t drive significantly faster (or slower) than the traffic around you.

If you do, you’ll stick out — and if there’s a cop around, he will notice and focus on you. Learn from the prey animals of the African savannah: There is safety in numbers. Even if you are driving faster than the speed limit, if you’re one of a dozen cars in a pack, there’s only a one in twelve chance the cop will target you.

3) Never speed at night, especially after midnight.

There are more cops on the road during these hours — and fewer cars. You will stand out. And the cops are looking for any excuse to pull you over, because night-time is DWI time and every car a cop comes across will be closely scrutinized. Give him a reason — any reason — to pull you over and he will pull you over.

4) Make sure your car’s registration, license plates and state inspection are always up to date.

Cops are trained to look for passed-due inspection stickers (and also things like cracked windshields and dead headlights/brake lights, etc.) and if you’re speeding, even a little bit, your car will be the one that gets pulled over. And once pulled over, odds are you will end up with a ticket. The number one goal is to avoid getting pulled over in the first place.

5) Pay close attention to the behavior of other drivers, especially if you’re driving in an unfamiliar area.

If you see cars ahead suddenly slowing down for no apparent reason (or oncoming cars are flashing their lights at you) it’s likely there’s a radar trap up ahead. Slow down now.

6) Be on your guard driving through small towns you don’t know, especially small towns just off an Interstate or when a major road goes directly through a small town.

Speed traps are a reality of life and you’re most likely to encounter one when driving through a small town in the middle of nowhere. Some towns get a large percentage of their budget from traffic tickets and the local yokel cops are on the lookout for cars with out of state plates because they know the driver is not likely to come all the way back there to try to fight the ticket in court — no matter how trumped-up the ticket might be. It’s unfair, but it’s the reality on the ground.

7) Be on the alert for sudden (and often poorly indicated) reductions in the posted speed limit.

On many roads, the maximum will drop from say 55 to 45 for no obvious reason — and sometimes, there’ll be a cop just after the sign change, waiting for you with his radar gun. Watch for work zones — where the limit may drop by half (and the fines double).

8) Educate yourself about photo radar, or automated tickets.

If you’re traveling to say Phoenix, AZ or Washington, DC — be forewarned that these areas use automated cameras to ticket people for both red light running and speeding. You may get no warning — and have no idea you just got a ticket — until it arrives in the mail a few weeks later.

9) Familiarize yourself with the makes/models of cars that cops tend to drive.

The most commonly used cop cars (marked and unmarked) are the Ford Crown Victoria, the Chevy Impala and the Dodge Charger. The nice thing about the Vic is that it’s very easy to pick out because it’s very large and pretty much only cops and older people drive them. The Impala’s harder to sniff out because they are anonymous-looking and really blend into the crowd. The Charger’s even worse because it’s a popular car and also a car that younger, sporty drivers favor. But in general, be on the alert whenever one of these cars is around; be extra wary if you see telltale signs such as multiple low-profile antennas, large tires with inexpensive-looking trim rims/hub caps and a spotlight on the driver’s side door.

10) Don’t exceed the posted in adverse weather such as heavy rain or when it’s snowy.

Not only is it unsafe, it may also be a moving violation even though you may not have been driving faster than the posted maximum. Keep in mind that the speed limit is just that — the lawful maximum — under ideal conditions. If a cop sees you driving faster than he deems safe for conditions, he can still pull you over and give you a ticket. And besides, this is a case where slower really is safer. Even if you have a 4WD vehicle, it takes longer to stop (and the vehicle is more prone to skidding out) if the roads are wet or slicked from snow/ice.

Finally, be courteous and calm if you do get pulled over. You’ve still got a 50-50 chance of not being ticketed. Sometimes, a cop will let you off with a verbal warning — but your odds of getting one plummet to Absolute Zero if you’re confrontational, uncooperative or disrespectful.

Even if you believe the cop is being unfair, it does you no good to argue with him. He has all the power; you’ve got none — and any belligerence on your part will only make things worse. You don’t have to bow and scrape — or incriminate yourself. Just answer his questions politely and provide your ID/insurance/registration paperwork. A friendly attitude can go a long way.

http://blog.motorists.org/avoiding-traffic-tickets-10-tips/

Join the National Motorists Association

Motorists are one of the largest special interest groups in the world. The number of licensed drivers in the United States and Canada – around 225 million – dwarfs the population of most countries.

Drivers’ rights don’t just occur naturally. To protect the driving public from excessive tolls, fees, and fines and to ensure that motorists retain the due process rights afforded all citizens, it takes an organization dedicated to the task. That organization is, and has been for the past 30 years, the National Motorists Association (NMA).

The decision to become a Basic or Supporting member of the NMA is a straightforward one. Choose the level of benefits you want – see the table below – and then click on the appropriate “Join” button. You will still have an opportunity to confirm your selection after that. Thank you for your support and welcome to the fray.
Gary Biller
NMA President

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