Overdrive

Make Your Move Sky-high freight rates. Five-figure sign-on bonuses. These and other indicators point to a huge demand for trucking capacity that's good news for owner-operators. Do you have a game plan for making hay while the sun shines?

• Cover
• PATRIOTISM PROTECTED Trucker creates flag mount built for the rigors of the road and considers making his invention a full-time venture.
• Business: New food regs twisted to hurt haulers Despite much of the burden of new Food Safety Modernization Act-related compliance falling on shippers of perishable foods, carriers are getting unfair blame too often, according to a trucking attorney.
• COVER STORY: ELDs up the ante on parking Under the rigors of ELD operation, truckers report a keener focus on parking, making it tougher to find a safe place to shut down for the night. Meanwhile, some truck stop chains have increased reserved pay-to-par
• How aftermarket truck warranties work Aftermarket warranties have become popular add-ons in a used truck purchase for extending coverage beyond a factory warranty. There are key differences between the two types of protection.
• A sampling of reefer specs Buying a refrigerated trailer means considering a lot more specifications than with a dry van. There’s duct design, UV-resistant roofs and the type and density of foam insulation, to name a few.
• So much for “leniency” with ELD snafus.
• Pulse: The benefits of blockchain’s truth-telling.
• Is “moving the finish line” best for hours change?
• Clean inspections elusive for oversize hauler.
• ATA’s claim of driver threats draws responses.
• ELD mandate exemption bill proposed.
• Senators press FMCSA for hours reforms.
• Big penalty proposed for CARB-noncompliant gliders.
• FMCSA boss: ELD mandate could speed HOS reform.
• CARB voids some 2014 compliance alternatives.
• Arizona hauler embraces “Witches Inn” theme for her Pete 359.
• “BlackGold” Mack model a family’s tribute to father.
• Boles repeats in Bandit Series; defending champ gets first win.
• Reader Rigs: ’06 Pete 379, sleeper in the doghouse with English mastiff; ’01 Pete 379 shows purple passion.
• EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT Lights for work, play.
• GEAR GUIDE Grille cover, sleeper sheet sets, more.
• FLEET NEWS Carriers continue to boost driver pay.
• BETTER HEALTH Don’t lose sight of eye health.