Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/135388
T: 4.5" Logbook ADVERTISEMENT Latest Mexican applicants draw concerns Blaise Verdino's family heirloom is an 18-wheeler How did you get into trucking? My dad is a trucker and has been trucking for almost 50 years — so I grew up with a love of trucks. He told me a lot of stories about the road — a lot of them I can't repeat. What does it take to be successful in the trucking industry? T: 9.5" Hard work. I still do all my own maintenance — brakes, tires, grease jobs, and oil changes — because it helps save money. It's extra work, but I really take pride in keeping my truck running like new. How long have you been using Mobil Delvac™ heavy-duty diesel engine oil? I've been using Mobil Delvac for over four years. After using it for a while, I noticed my engine wasn't burning oil as fast, and my oil pressure stayed constant. And because I run in the northeast corridor, I deal with all of the extremes: snow, heat, rain. Mobil Delvac performs through it all. What do you think the general public misunderstands about trucking? It's not as easy of a job as people think. You can't just get in a truck and steer it down the road. I haul frozen and fresh food, so when you're driving through Virginia in the middle of August and get a faulty refrigeration unit, that'll stress you out. I don't have any regrets, but I wish I started out on my own at an earlier age. I probably would have gotten further along in my career, but I do enjoy it. Can't say that I don't. If you're not happy with what you're doing, go find something else. © 2013 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil and Mobil Delvac are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. This Proof of Performance is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used. This advertisement was prepared by BBDO New York Logbook_0613.indd 18 Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com What advice would you give to people thinking of getting into trucking? An applicant to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's cross-border trucking pilot program has raised questions from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Also, the Teamsters and the Truck Safety Coalition have expressed concern over another applicant and a current participant. OOIDA said that applicant Servicio De Transporte Internacional y Local did not disclose in its application for U.S. authority that an affiliated carrier did not comply with the alcohol and drug testing rules. The association commented May 13 on FMCSA's publication of STIL's Pre-Authorization Safety Audit, which applicant carriers must clear to participate in the pilot program. RAM Trucking – another applicant – did not disclose affiliation with two other carriers, said the Teamsters and the Truck Safety Coalition. These affiliate carriers did not have good Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores in driver fitness and vehicle maintenance categories, the groups said. Also, Transportes Monteblanco continues to participate despite having received a less-than-satisfactory rating in the agency's Compliance Review, the organizations added. OOIDA, in joining the groups in a May 15 public statement, said FMCSA's agenda is for large economic interests and that smaller trucking businesses will pay the price. – Jill Dunn 18 | Overdrive | June 2013 Filename: P35658_EML_A01_V3.indd 5/28/13 10:18 PM