Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/42794
contents 4 ONLINE: Truckers' rigs on a screen near you 6 PULSE: Jobs and debt. 24 DOLLARS & SENSE: A per diem primer 50 MARKETPLACE: Axle-rolling tire, heavy-haul trailer and Pete 382 options 61 FLEET FOCUS: Landair Transport wins safety award 88 SPEAKOUT: Changing carriers COVER: Longtime Pride & Polish competitor Bill Sandvik won the first-ever National Championship trophy in the Pride & Polish Working Bobtail cat- egory in August at the Great American Trucking Show. His 2005 Peterbilt 379 competed against four other finalists for the prize. Photo by Bruce W. Smith Rob Mariani, host of , judges trucks at the Great American Trucking Show's Pride & Polish. An "American Trucker" episode based on that competition is expected to air at 10 p.m. (EDT) Oct. 6 on the Speed Channel. Visit SpeedTV.com for other schedul- ing information. And check OverdriveOnline.com for details on how to catch a live chat session with Mariani on the evening of Nov. 17. october 2011 | vol. 51 | no. 10 8 A trucking junkie's memoir. 8 Gone nuts over free speech. 10 GAUGES: Trade cycle widens. 14 CHANNEL 19: Plinko for a fuel card, Minnesota veteran turns rookie. 16 TRUCK GALLERY: Shanghai Rooster. 18 Cross-border program debated. 18 FMCSA reviewing pilot program. 20 Final hours rule due. 22 Study shows compliance improving. 34 26 38 42 46 2 OVERDRIVE OCTOBER 2011 COVER STORY: Final showdown The first Pride & Polish National Championship Series concludes with some stunning winners at the Great American Trucking Show. Pay day Increasing driver demand causes carriers to offer stronger and more varied compensation for owner-operators. DPF cleaning Choosing the right service provider and using the right equipment are critical for proper maintenance of a diesel particulate filter. California jump start The Golden State's aggressive regs lead the way in highlighting the efficiency of aerodynamic trailer devices. Racecar hauling An editor goes behind the scenes with NASCAR transporters. DEP AR TMENT S FEA TURE S R O A TTR AD C A SIDE TIONS L OGBOOK American T ruck er Max Heine