Overdrive

Custom Rigs ReadeR Rigs February 2014 | Overdrive | 43 The Hulk Clark Pittsley of Eustis, Fla., a company driver and owner of In the Wind Trucking, hauls flatbed materi- als such as lumber with his 2007 Peterbilt powered by a Cummins ISX and a 13-speed transmission. Pittsley's wife, Lori, nicknamed the truck The Hulk after the popular Marvel Comics character. "It's big, it's bad, and it's green," she says. Matty Marie Owner-operator John Strickland of Emmett, Idaho, nicknamed his 2003 Peterbilt 379 Matty Marie because he liked the name. "I name everything," says Strickland, who primarily hauls bins and farming equipment for the alfalfa seed industry. He purchased the Pete, powered by a Caterpillar C15 and an 18-speed transmission, from one of his lifelong trucking friends who retired. Check out our website for ALL our products www.talladegafi berglass.com $1,100 PER PAIR Check out our website for ALL our products PER PAIR Check out our website for ALL our products New $250 20 IN. BUMPER $400 $400 $400 $400 877-595-3074 • Fuel Tank Light Panel .............. $250 • T-Bar Rear Bumper .................. $450 • Front Bumper: 20" .................. $400 • Front Bumper: 22" .................. $475 • Cowl & Sleeper Panels ............. $200+ • Low Cut Single Hump Fenders.. $600 • Stock Front Fenders ................ $450 • Half Fenders: Low Cut ............. $600 • Half Fenders: Regular .............. $550 • Flat Top Conversions ............... $825+ • Battery Box Covers ................. $350 • Pete 359/379 Roof Caps.......... $600 • Fenders • Bumpers • Visors • Battery & Tool Box Covers Ask about our 6 months same as cash offer! Ask about our 6 months same as cash offer! same as cash offer! FENDERS $725 PER PAIR 877-595-3074 877-595-3074 • • • • • • • • Flat Top Conversions • • Battery Box Covers Battery Box Covers • • Pete 359/379 Roof Caps Pete 359/379 Roof Caps $725 $725 PER PAIR PER PAIR PER PAIR PER PAIR PER PAIR $450 TalladegaFiberglass_OVD0313_PG.indd 1 7/23/13 9:46 PM Text INFO to 205-289-3555 or visit www.ovdinfo.com Reader_Rigs_0214.indd 43 1/28/14 11:10 PM

• Cover
• COVER STORY: Losing ground - Owner operators are still fighting for a short at military freight, but federal cost-cutting has reduced
• Top trucker: Three finalists are competing for the 2013 Company Driver of the Year award in the annual contest sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association and Overdrive.
• The gas sweet spot: A glider kit using diesel and gas to be a reliable cost-effective combo.
• Filling the gap: While some aerodynamic problems have simple fixes, one big obstacle remains- the tractor-trailer gap.
• Wishful thinking on sleeper flexibility.
• Pulse: Passing along costs.
• Ups and downs of new-truck euphoria.
• Hot Buttons: Owner-operators optimistic about 2014
• Update on e-log mandate, driver database rules.
• OOIDA loses bid to review border program.
• Senate proposal would halt hours rule.
• Another year of carrying copy of medical certificate.
• GEAR GUIDE: Bumpers, tires, treads, grease, suspensions and more.
• Diversions: Sunlight can combat prolonged winter blues; trucking tune from Down Under; photographer focuses on truckers' black dog'
• FLEET NEWS: Schneider's intermodal chassis fleet; new facilities; awards
• Blaskie Trucking's 2009 Pete 388 a purple logging beauty.
• Reader Rigs: 1994 Pete 337 a colorful hot rod; 2007 Pete an incredible hulk; 2003 Pete 379 christened Matty Marie.
• Pro Tips: To gain turbo boost, try new muffler, air intake.
• 1999 Freightliner Century turned into rolling art.
• Ad Index