Truckload Carriers Association Announces Opening of Scholarship Program for 2012-13
Eligible students may apply online until June 15

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) officially opened the application process for its annual scholarship program this morning.  Interested applicants have until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 15, 2012, to complete the application at www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

“I am very pleased to announce the launch of this year’s online scholarship application,” said Tom McLeod, chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund and president of McLeod Software Corporation of Birmingham, Ala.  “It offers applicants a convenient way to apply for one of the many scholarships offered to family members connected to TCA member companies.  The number of applicants has been on the rise recently and we expect that trend to continue this year!”

To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Be in good academic standing
2. Be attending an accredited four-year college or university as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior for 2012-13
3. Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an employee or an employee of a TCA member
4. Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an independent contractor or an independent contractor affiliated with a TCA member
5. Show financial need
6. Show scholastic achievement
7. Maintain full-time student status
8. Exhibit high character and integrity

Scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year will range in size from $2,000 to $6,000 and will be awarded in two segments.

TCA has been offering scholarships through its Scholarship Fund since 1973.  They are awarded without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.  For more information about the program and to fill out the online application, visit www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

The Old Mailbag

From: MS
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 3:02 AM
To: TruckDriver.com
Subject: TruckDriver.com Contact Us: Feedback/Question

Regarding the article which suggests "fighting" traffic tickets/moving violation tickets. I disagree.

As the article suggests, "...there was a slew of witnesses, the radar was not faulty, and the officer had you 'dead to rights.'" In a case such as this, I wouldn't try to fight the ticket.

After nearly five years of working for a local company that DID NOT run DOT Log Books, I was suddenly thrust into the world of REAL TRUCK DRIVING, and its associated benefits and headaches - one of which was maintaining a log book. To make a long story short, I left my employer's yard bound for the Los Angeles area in the late evening hours, figuring on getting down to my customer before the nightmare of LA Traffic began. I had maintained a logbook with a previous employer (back in the late 80's) and so operated my employer's truck under the logbook rules that I recalled from back then. WRONG!

I was flagged into the Grapevine Scales for an inspection, and that is where the officer found that I was driving WITHOUT 10 CONSECUTIVE HOURS OFF DUTY. Despite my protestations that I had not maintained a logbook in my former employment (the one I resigned from to drive this employer's flatbed), I received a citation AND was PLACED OUT OF SERVICE for these violations of commercial driver rules. When I received the "courtesy notice' of this violation, the fine was $641 - more than I had. I went to the court without any legal representation, NEVER actually saw the Judge to plead my case, but was able to make a contrite and honest request through the court clerk for a reduction in the fine. 45 minutes later, the clerk returned and told me the Judge had REDUCED my fine to $231, and assessed my DMV Record a point and a half (1 and 1/2). While this "punishment" is present on my DMV Driving Record, and will be there for who knows how long, I am content that I did the right thing. "Fighting" a ticket may not always be the best course of action.

Thank you.

Editor: Thanks for writing M. Anyone else care to comment?

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Roy Sewell
January 2012
Trucker Buddy of the Month

Roy Sewell has been named January Trucker Buddy of the Month after being nominated by his Trucker Buddy teacher, Michele Chilenski and her third grade class at Olde Sawmill Elementary in Dublin, Ohio.  The two have been paired for two years.

“Roy has gone out of his way for my class,” stated Ms. Chilenski.  “Not only did he come to the class Veteran’s Day Program but he has also come on a class field trip and sent treats for Halloween.” 

This year, Sewell gave the class a miniature replica of his truck which Chilenski says her students enjoyed because of the numerous occasions he has brought his truck for the students to climb inside and shown them how the lift in the back works.  “Now they get to see it and be reminded of the times they were sitting in the same seat,” she says.

According to Chilenski, Sewell has done an exceptional job of teaching her students good work ethics and responsibility. “He will write back to every student that sends him a question, including examples of emails from satisfied customers,” she says. “He also teaches the students about how hard work pays off.  Plus, he has taught the students about the trucking industry, some of the possible dangers of driving a truck and really given them a good idea of what it is like when he is out on the road.”

Sewell sends pictures to the class of his travels and has enabled the class to use map reading skills by letting them know where he goes.  The students learn about geography from following his travels.  When he visited the class he told the students his stories and experiences from being out on the road.

“He encourages good behavior, academics and makes the children feel special and important,” raves Chilenski referring to his hands-on approach with the class.

Roy Sewel Announcement on the TBI Web site with Pictures

Just as Memorial Day has come and gone so has the TruckDriver.com Memorial Day Survey. Here are the results:

Will you visit the grave of a fallen soldier this Memorial Day?

Yes - 51%
No - 49%

Now, on lighter note, the TruckDriver.com caveat emptor Survey.

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