Overdrive

36 | Overdrive | July 2018 Overdrive-Red Eye Radio s T he fifth annual Overdrive-Red Eye Radio Trucker Talent Search re- ceived more than 35 entries from talented truckers who love to sing. A panel of judg- es reviewed all the entries, and Overdrive featured 10 top contenders online before the judges selected three finalists. James Nelson, Mandi Jo Pinheiro and B.J. Williams will compete live for first place at The Great American Trucking Show in Dallas on Aug. 24, the second day of the three-day show. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize, plus a recording session courtesy of AxleOutPro. The contest will be emceed by trucker and recording artist Tony Justice, who also will perform during the event and later that eve- ning at the free Take a Load Off with GATS and Uber Freight party. Winning singer gets $1,000, recording session James Nelson Livingston, Tennessee Company driver, Accelerated Inc. Has been trucking 15 years. Song title: "I Lived It" Why did you pick this song? This song is Blake Shelton's recent single on the radio. It caught my attention with the melody and lyrics. It is a country song that will take you back to your younger days. Most of the new country songs on the radio these days are recycled pieces of junk, so this song stands out to me. I write songs and enjoy hearing a good song like this make it to radio. Do you write your own songs? I write songs, and I have been trying to delve into the music scene. I've been trying to write more and more. Do you play any instruments? Guitar, 20 years. Register free online at TruckShow.com BY KATHLEEN CRAFT

• Cover
• Good prep defuses Roadcheck worries.
• Pulse: Technology opens door for truck mayhem.
• Personal conveyance and “truck stop lawyers.”
• Bullying customer may be shipper of last resort.
• Traversing Georgia’s 190-mile parking desert.
• Freightliner debuts two electric trucks.
• Congress debates livestock/ag hours regulations.
• Bill would repeal excise tax on truck purchases.
• Payments may loom from fradulent services case.
• Brake inspection blitz set for September.
• Coverage from the 36th annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs.
• Hot pink 379 stays in the family.
• Reader Rigs: Heavy-hauling ’06 W900L; chromed-out 2000 379; ’16 Coronado glider carves its own path;’16 389 has Georgia power; Canadian reefer-hauling ’06 W900.
• EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT Dashcams.
• GEAR GUIDE Window deflector, tires, tape, more.
• FLEET NEWS Carriers still hiking driver pay.
• BETTER HEALTH Knowing risk factors for diabetes.
• TURNING POINT Overdrive’s Dashcam Central shows a trucker’s questionable right turn on red.
• Business: Company driver pay swelling in 2018 Company driver pay per mile surged in the first quarter of 2018 from a year ago, with the refrigerated sector leading the way, according to a survey of mid-size to large carriers.
• COVER STORY: Guaranteed pay Fleets are increasingly introducing plans that promise company drivers a minimum weekly pay. Find out what’s driving the trend and what it could mean for owner-operators.
• Guarding personal data Because of their constant traveling, truckers can be particularly vulnerable to financial loss and a trashed credit rating from identity theft. The resulting legal complications also can threaten their livelihood.
• Talent finalists headed for Dallas James Nelson, Mandi Jo Pinheiro and B.J. Williams will compete next month at The Great American Trucking Show in Dallas, where the drivers have been invited to participate in the Overdrive-Red Eye Radio Trucker Talent S
• Mix business, pleasure at GATS A new tailored driver recruitment matchup at the Great American Trucking Show joins established highlights such as Pride & Polish show trucks, live music, business seminars and health screenings.