Plaza 23 Truck Stop / Service

Interview by Chaunce Hayden of Stepping Out Magazine

When you think of adjectives to de­scribe truck drivers, “smokin’ hot”,  “drop dead gorgeous” and “bombshell” don’t usually come to mind.  But when it comes to Lisa Kelly of “Ice Road Truckers,” she is all of that and so much more!

Featured on the History channel’s hit reality series, the Alaskan native has quickly become a household name not only for her looks, but also for her rough and tumble truckertude.

Prior to her unlikely gig as an ice road trucker, Kelly worked as a school bus driver and motocross rider. She also worked at gas stations and a pizza com­pany and was a state freestyle moto­cross champion. After these ventures, she decided to settle on a long-term career and trained as a trucker on ac­count of it “looking interesting,” She subsequently got a job driving for Car­lile Transportation, an Alaskan haulage company, and the rest, as they say…

The spunky trucker also made a name for herself for her fearlessness on the History Channel’s: “Ice Road Truck­ers: Deadliest Roads” along with Rick Yemm, Dave Redmon and Alex De­bogorski trucking in the Himalayas in India.

These days, Lisa spends her free time with her dirt biker husband, Traves, en­joying the ride, so to speak, while tear­ing up the treacherous Alaskan high­ways.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Lisa Kelly about her life on the ice and how she feels about being queen of the road. The new season airs in June!

Chaunce Hayden: How’s life in Alaska?

Lisa Kelly: It’s the best place in the world! I’ve lived therefor over 20 years.

You don’t think of Alaska when you think of finding television stardom, but here we are.

Well, I didn’t move there for it.

But it found you.

That’s right.

You sound like a pretty private person. Are you com­fortable with all the attention?

It’s been a real journey. I’m getting used to some parts of it, but I still value my privacy a lot.

So, why allow cameras to follow your career as an ice road trucker?

I’m an adventurous kind of person, and I like to try new things. You never know if you’re going to like it or not until you try. It was a new adventure. It was something I’d never done, so I thought I would give it a shot and see what happens.

And?

It’s been a lot of fun. I really do enjoy it. I learned a lot.

So, what’s the upside?

The opportunities that have risen from this have been amazing and more than I ever could have expected. I don’t even know how to describe a lot of it. The things that are happening just blow my mind.

You obviously stand out from the other truckers. It’s odd to see such a gorgeous woman driving a truck. You do know that, don’t you?

I can’t really help how I look. Do I get used to people staring at me? I have to admit I feel like a freak show sometimes. (Laughs)

Ever yell at someone, “What the hell you looking at?”

Well, in India, it was annoying because every single person did it, but most people don’t pay much attention unless I’m standing near the truck.

You’ve come a long way since your days as a school bus driver. So, I have to ask, what’s the downside to all this?

Probably the same thing that’s the good side. Sometimes I just don’t want the attention.

I’m sure you can find your privacy in Alaska. Do you get much paparazzo up there?

(Laughs) Not really. There are not enough famous people in Alaska to make it worth their time.

Hear that Lindsay Lohan?

No! If she moved here, the press would follow behind her. I’d have to take my horse and wander off into the woods and disappear. I can just be gone for days at a time if I want.

Is it true that people in Alaska don’t like the rest of the civilization dropping by?

Yes and no. The people in Alaska are really friendly, but we’re definitely a different breed of people. I can tell you that I don’t want it any fuller. I like to hide out in the woods. I don’t want to live in a big city, and I’m sure everyone else in Alaska feels the same way. We get to carry guns around and hunt and nobody has a problem with that, but, sometimes, people want to come in and change what Alaska is. We don’t mind sharing with people who appreciate Alaska for what it is, but don’t try to change it and make it like the rest of the world.

Um, are we talking about Sarah Palin?

Um… I always keep politics to myself. (Laughs) I have my own set of opinions, but I don’t think they need to be expressed. You know how it is… everyone has an opinion, but they’re like armpits; they all stink.

What is it about driving a truck that excites you?

I’ve always been very outdoorsy. My dad was a hunt­er and we were always outside. I got interested in dirt bikes and engines from an early age. It just seemed to fit. I like anything with wheels and engines.

Would it be fair to describe you as a tomboy?

Sure, why not? I’m not really stereotyped as any­thing. I mean, I took ballet and tap for six years. I’m not trying to .t anybody’s stereotype. I’m just doing what I like to do. People can try to classify me as anyway they want. I don’t care because I know who I am. It’s weird; some people fit stereotypes because they try to make themselves fit that way, but I just do what I like. I don’t care what other people like or what they think I should be. If that’s what you want to be, go ahead and be it. Just don’t try and tell me what you think I should be like. I’m just what I want to be, and I spent years perfecting it.

I get the feeling you haven’t gone Hollywood… at least not yet.

Fame is its own giant. It does affect you in some ways, but I like to think that it hasn’t gone to my head. It’s not what motivates me; it’s just a part of who I am.

The ice roads of Alaska and your documented journey through India seem so incredibly danger­ous. Why take the risk?

The way I like to look at it… it’s not so much the danger that appeals to me but more the challenge that appeals to me. Sometimes, I’ll just do something just because I’m scared of it. If I didn’t do things that weren’t scary to me anymore, I would just become lazy and unchallenged. I wouldn’t be growing as a person. I don’t know if that answers your question, but I do those things because they scare me.

Why do I feel like such a wuss?

(Laughs) But I’m scared too! That’s my point. That’s why I do it… because I’m scared of it.

So, you’re a thrill seeker?

I don’t think I’m out there seeking thrills or to die young. I’m just doing it because I’m scared of it. That’s what makes me grow as a person.

When I saw you driving a truck through the Hima­layan Mountains, I could feel the fear in you. You couldn’t fake it.

I was so scared! That’s why I kept going because I couldn’t let it win. I appreciate you watching it. A lot of people tell me they couldn’t even watch it because it was so scary. But hey, I lived it for two months. People can sit down on the couch and watch it in 45 minutes!

What’s more dangerous, driving over ice or driving over the biggest mountains in the world?

They are both super hard to compare because this is my life and I’ve been driving over ice for eight years. It’s what I do for a living. It’s become normal for me. Going over to India had so many other factors. It wasn’t normal for me. Maybe if it was normal it wouldn’t have been so scary, but everything was so different. So, for me, India was far more dangerous because of all the factors that were playing into it. It just wasn’t normal for me.

Not to sound morbid but did you have to sign a re­lease that if you fell off a mountain or through the ice, A&E wouldn’t be responsible?

I don’t remember all the details of all the contracts, but I do know that no amount of money can make me do something that I don’t want to do. I totally went for the adventure and the experience. I never would have thought, “Hey, let me pack up and go to India.” I would probably never go there again, but without “Ice Road Truckers,” I never would have had the experi­ence. I’m really glad that I went. I’ve learned so much in the short time I was there. I’m proud of myself for making and surviving it and coming back.

How are you treated by other truck drivers who aren’t on a reality show?

Just like in any profession, when you’re more well known than normal, there will be a high percentage of people who don’t like you. I find it strange. I didn’t expect the reaction I’ve gotten from a lot of people. I do get a lot of respect from drivers, but I get a lot who just don’t like me.

Does that bother you?

No, because I’ll never be able to make everyone happy. There’s a lot of jealousy and people who feel they just don’t like me. There’s nothing I can do to change that. So, I just do what makes me happy.

How does your husband feel about all this?

It’s really hard to say because he’s a really quiet guy. A lot of people ask me that question, so I asked him what he thinks about me doing this and all he says is, “I don’t know!” (Laughs) He does freestyle motocross, and he does tricks, like back flips, on his dirt bike, so he understands why I do dangerous things and I under­stand why he does. We encourage each other to do it.
It’s not like we tell each other to go out and be stupid. Of course we worry about each other, but we know we both have to do it.

Why isn’t he on the show?

I begged him to do it the first year and so he did, but they never aired any of it. So, when the second year came around, he said, “I don’t want anything to do with it.” So, I totally respect that. It’s fine.

Do you ever get road rage?

I would be lying if I said I didn’t. We all do.

When was the last time you had a road rage melt down?

I’m not sure. It usually happens when I’m in traffic. That’s when it’s the worst. When I see cars that don’t know how to conduct themselves around trucks… you know we can’t stop as fast or just speed up. So, it’s the uneducated general public who don’t know how to conduct themselves around trucks that make me an­gry. My job as a professional is to swallow that “I’m right and you’re wrong” and just be a professional.

Your next death-defying adventure should be driv­ing a truck across the New Jersey Turnpike.

(Laughs) Oh, good gosh! I’m glad they pick dangerous roads for me and not dangerous people! That’s why I live in Alaska.

When you’re on television and look as good as you look, do you find the world treats you better?

It’s weird, but yes, it’s true. I know that’s the way it works. I’m not completely oblivious to that fact, but I feel I have a really good grasp on who I am. I try not to manipulate it to do what I want, but I’m aware that it’s there and things do happen because of it. I’m just grateful and trying to get along like everybody else.

Good answer. So, you get sex sells. Are you ever pressured to play it up?

I haven’t had anyone tell me I have to do that because, at the same time, I’m also a wife. But I do embrace my femininity. Yes, I like to play and get dirty, but at the end of the day, I like to shower and clean up and look nice. I don’t want to be offensive smelling.

What’s the best way of getting out of a speeding ticket?

I don’t know! I have the worst luck in the world when it comes to that! I get tickets every time I drive! I never get out of tickets. Someone has to teach me how.

Is there one secret about yourself you never told anyone?

Um… probably not. At least not that I’m going to tell you today. There’s a reason they’re a secret!

Tweet Chaunce Hayden at @Chauncehaydenor e-mail: Chaunce100@aol.com

Author: Damon King

Driving a truck for eight hours a day does not leave much time
for physical fitness. In fact, most truck drivers are renowned
for bad eating habits and being obese. This is mostly because of
their profession. Truckers often drive for seven days a week
across the country and spend as much time on the road as
possible. This means that they often rely on fast food that is
greasy and fattening. Even if the trucker eats low calorie or
low fat, the inactivity of being the truck cab for hours at a
time does not allow the body to metabolize calories consumed.

There are many things a truck driver can do to help themselves
from gaining weight while driving on the road. Since they keep
meticulous schedules they do not have the free time that a
normal nine to five worker does; normal eating habits, exercise
routines, and even grooming habits must conform to time
constraints. Here are some suggestions that drivers can do to
lose weight: * Rest stop areas are good places to get the heart
pumping. This is important to jump start the metabolism. Job
from the truck to the rest area doors. Jog all the way back to
the truck. This works great when truckers are taking short
bathroom stops. Jogging will help with weight loss for truck
drivers and will even help to loosen up the legs and tendons
that may be stiff from riding. Good circulation promotes good
joint and bone health. * Time is a huge factor and that is the
main reason truck drivers gain weight. To promote weight loss
for truck drivers it is important to devote to at least one sit
down meal a day. This can be hard, but one good, warm meal with
a salad can go miles for helping with their overall health.
While this cannot always be accomplished, it is important to
remember that if time can be made the meal should be healthy.
Eat something low in carbohydrates and high in vitamins. Another
reason truck driver’s select fast food is because it is easily
consumed while driving, which is important for road safety.
Sometimes it is better to select a wrap or something that still
can be ate with one hand and is a good healthy alternative to a
hamburger. * Another idea to promote healthier eating is to get
a refrigerator that hooks into the truck for power and to stock
it with homemade sandwiches and fruit and finger foods. This is
much healthier than a bag of potato chips or a hotdog from the
truck stop. Sometimes this is not possible but it is a good
alternative and promotes weight loss for truck drivers. Not to
mention, by preparing food at home or in truck, it saves a lot
of money. * To help with weight loss for truck drivers, it is
important to avoid buffets. They are laden with greasy fried
foods or frozen foods that are full of preservatives. Salt and
these preservatives lead to bloating and digestive issues and
these can hinder a truck driver. If it is necessary to eat at a
buffet, then try to pick foods that will not cause these lower
stomach issues and help to promote better overall health.

Weight loss for truck drivers is not an easy thing; not many
people can remain healthy while spending as much time as they do
in confinement. And since it is their profession it is not like
they can alter their daily routine to promote better health -
their day consists of driving and their free time is spent
sleeping. To find out more ways you can lose weight visit Low Fat Diet Plan

About the author:
I am an avid adventurer and I tend to linger on the edge of
risk. I enjoy writing, spending free time with my family, and
most of all taking rides on my motorcycle wherever the road
leads me. I dabble in unique products, and venture about various
natures of the internet marketing phenomena. In my quest if I
can reach a few individuals in the audience I have succeeded at
what I have set out to do.

Are you concerned about the growing crime rate among the trucking community?
What can you legally do to protect yourself?
JOIN Truth About Trucking LLC Thursday 4/14 2011 @ 7PM Eastern

Recently, in a Tennessee rest area, truckers became the latest victims of robbery. Special guest, Carolyn Magner is Contributing Editor for Randall Reilly Publishing and is popularly known for her monthly column in Truckers News, “I’m Just Say’n”. In the April 2011 issue of Truckers News Magazine, she reports on the growing problem of crime against truckers and what drivers can do to protect themselves. From firearms to mace to tire thumpers, we will discuss the various options available for truckers security and self-protection and the precautions to take while living life on the road.

Plaza 23 Truck Stop and Service Station is very aware of potential problems and offers safe and secure overnight parking.

Author: Nazima Golamaully

Are you maintaining tire pressure properly whenever you are
taking your truck out on long journeys? Well, you can find the
answer by taking a look at the condition of your brake heads and
brake pads. That is right. Is your truck braking properly and
smoothly? Or does it groan and moans like an animal being
slaughter whenever you step on the brake? If it is the later,
then it is obvious that the wheel and the tire of the truck
needs to be examined.

Surprised? What is the connection between the tire of the truck
and the braking mechanism? Well, it is the tire that is always
in contact with the surface. The braking mechanism experiences
resistance from the tire and the surface. If the mechanism is
being forced to do a lot of extra work, it is obvious that the
tire is to blame.

Of course, there may be some issue or problem with lubrication
or the extent of air pressure as well. However, if you know that
all these components are in good condition, then the only
possible factor involved is the condition of the tires.

Even if the vehicle does not make a lot of noise, if you
discover that the braking mechanism needs constant tinkering and
maintenance without any rhyme or reason, perhaps the lack of air
pressure in the tires is to blame.

Or, if the tires have become bald and if they do not grip the
surface properly, the brakes will have to do a lot more work to
bring the vehicle to a stop. Of course, absence of depth in the
tread is a very dangerous thing. There always is a possibility
of loss of contact and grip and skidding as a result of
treadless tires.

If you operate over long distances and if you often have to
drive no matter it is very hot, very cold or raining heavily,
you just cannot afford to have poor quality tires in your truck.
Excessive heat will cause the tire to get deformed. In such a
scenario, the treads not only help you retain grip but also give
you valuable ventilation which ensures that the heat does not
affect the structure of the tire.

However, if the tire is a smooth peace of hardened rubber, you
will obviously lose the advantages of ventilation. The same is
the case with excessive cold as well. Of course, the consequence
of using treadless tires when you are traveling on a wet road is
well known.

About the author:
For more information on Truck Tire Reviews
and Commercial Truck Tires please visit our website

Plenty to do and see in Albany

By MIKE KEENAN, QMI Agency

ALBANY, N.Y. — I sit amidst sparse yet loud local fans at an Albany Devils hockey game in the modern and spacious Times Union Center, watching No. 5, defenceman Rob Davison from St. Catharines, take a two-minute penalty for boarding a Hartford Rangers forward.

At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, Davison skates well and can make his presence felt. I check out the roster: 14 Canadians, 12 Americans and 4 Europeans. Twenty-three players are 6′ and taller, 17 weigh more than 200 pounds. The smallest guy on the team is 5’7″, 180 pounds.

I’m glad I’m not on the ice.

I soon discover that I need more than two nights in Albany, New York State’s capital. The next day is hectic: in the morning, a New York State Museum tour, a State Capitol tour, lunch at the Albany Pump Station, part of the CH Evans Brewery, followed by an Aqua Ducks tour and an afternoon visit to the Albany Institute of History & Art, with evening dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Busy indeed.

The museum is huge, and I could easily spend an entire day wandering around the four floors of exhibits, but one that really resonates is the 9/11 display with its many burnt and disfigured artifacts such as a fire truck and police car. On the top floor, flooded with light from wrap-around windows that provide great looks at the surrounding mall architecture, there’s a fully restored antique carousel that attracts any child, including the adult variety. Also of interest is a display of Canadian Karel Soucek’s bright red, three-metre custom-made barrel bearing the words, “The Last of Niagara’s Daredevils,” that carried him safely over the Falls on July 3, 1984. He is buried at the Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls.

Next, Stuart Lehman takes us on a “Haunted Capitol tour,” really a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, initially designed by Englishman Thomas Fuller, who also designed Canada’s Parliament buildings in Ottawa. The Capitol, 122 metres long and 91 metres wide, encompasses five storeys with a full basement and attic. It is constructed principally of gray granite and the substantive walls are five metres thick at the foundation. The vast Assembly Chamber is the single largest room marked by a groined vaulted sandstone ceiling that rises 17 metres above the floor.

In 1911, a fire swept through the Capitol, causing wholesale destruction of everything in its path. The flames roared wildly through both the State and Assembly libraries reducing them to ashes. However, the Capitol was saved from total destruction as the progress of the fire was slowed by the papier-mâché ceiling in the Assembly chamber.

The most prominent interior features are the three major staircases, lavishly carved in a variety of stone and crowned with magnificent skylights. The Senate and Assembly staircases were designed by Leopold Eidlitz. The Great Western Staircase, known as the Million Dollar staircase, took 14 years to construct. It contains 444 steps and reaches 36 metres high.

More than 500 stone cutters and carvers were employed at various times. Many were Europeans who had mastered their trade in their homelands of England, Scotland and Italy.

Their main task was the carving of various prominent people into the stone as ordered by chief architect Isaac Perry. He wanted 77 in all, and it’s some of the finest stonework found anywhere in the world.

The Senate Chamber walls are covered with beautiful, shimmering 23 carat gold leaf. Siena marble from Italy forms the large arches above the visitor’s gallery with red granite from Scotland for the pillars and Mexican onyx to panel the north and south walls. The ultimate in luxury was attained with red leather and carved mahogany paneling on the walls below the galleries.

Next, the Albany Pump Station in the CH Evans Brewery, highly recommended for lunch which we thoroughly enjoyed. I savoured the bratwurst with beer, but was soon off on a 90-minute Aqua Ducks Tour that ferried us into the wide Hudson River and allowed us great views of the skyline.

Steve Ricci, director of public relations and marketing, took us on a tour of the Albany Institute of History & Art, but again, we noted that a return visit was necessary to do it justice with its terrific collection of exhibits (more than 30,000 objects) from the Upper Hudson Valley region from the late 17th century to the present.

We returned to the Hampton Inn to enjoy a session in its “Relaxation Room,” which features a private steam bath, sauna and a delicious exercise lounge chair which seemed to invigorate and massage every muscle in one’s body. A fitting way to relax after a busy day.

For our evening meal, we visited the Hollywood Brown Derby which was an easy walk, quite close to the hotel. I ordered scallops and they were particularly tasty. After the delicious late dinner, we were more than ready for bed.

Contact Mike Keenan at www.whattravelwriterssay.com

If you go

Albany Heritage Area Visitor Center & Museum Gallery: www.albany.org, 25 Quackenbush Square, (518) 434-0405

Albany Aqua Ducks Tour: www.albanyaquaducks.com Broadway and Clinton Ave., Quackenbush Square, (518) 462- 3825

Albany Pump Station, CH Evans Brewery: www.evansale.com Quackenbush Square, (518) 447-9000

Albany Institute of History & Art: www.albanyinstitute.org 125 Washington Ave., (518) 463-4478

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown: www.hamptonsuitesalbany.com 25 Chapel St., (518) 432-7000

Hollywood Brown Derby: www.thehollywoodbrownderby.com Clinton Ave., (518) 463-1965

New York State Museum Tour: www.nysm.nysed.gov, Empire State Plaza, (518) 474-5877

New York State Capitol Tour: www.ogs.state.ny.us/plaza/CT/Tours/Capitol.asp Washington Ave. and State St., (518) 474-2418

What Truckers Do For The Sake Of Safety on Our Highways

When a trucker transports goods across our great vast nation they abide by the safety regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation. Strict adherence to the policies is what every driver tries to do. When they keep within the standards then we know they are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the public as well as their own safety.

The DOT has established safety rules to see that general public is safe and that the truckers behind the wheels of these trucks are qualified to drive them. Besides the safety regulations for driving that are enforced on a regular basis, there are also several non driving rules that dictate the amount of hours a driver can drive and what class of vehicle they are able to drive.

One of the DOT safety rules is that a driver is limited to only being able to drive for 11 hours at one time. Those 11 hours must be within a 14 hour period. If you are unable to drive but a couple of hours due to circumstances beyond your control it just doesn’t matter. You get 14 hours to get your 11 hours of driving done for that stretch of time. After completion of the 11 hours driving, the driver has to rest for 10 hours.

Other rules drivers adhere to is having the proper endorsements on their license which allows them to carry many types of materials. In order to transport Hazardous materials, a driver will need a hazardous-material endorsement from their license issuing state.

Just like with the general public, a driver can only possess one CDL from a state at any given time. There are far more safety regulations and traffic regulations that a driver must follow to ensure that they are within the law. These are covered in a class that they take while attending a school. In addition to the DOT regulations, and the various state regulations, there are several safety issues that you need to consider when talking about driving and regulations.

Under DOT safety regulations there are mandates for a minimum and maximum age limits that a person can get a CDL. The rules don’t end with only haz-mat and age limits, their trucks have minimum safety standards also. A truck that doesn’t meet the requirements is put out of service until they are fixed. Often times an out of service will also carry a fine that is paid by the driver. OUCH!

That should be good news to those of you didn’t know this, because at least you know that most drivers aren’t going to risk losing their livelihood by not at least attempting to be as safe as possible. The regulations are a vital part of highway safety and everyone out there is conscious of the rules.

The regulations may seem a little outrageous and some of them are ridiculous. As a matter of fact some are nearly impossible to follow. The good news is that most drivers out there seem to abide them. The drivers that do follow the rules are the ones that help make the roads safer.

I have been driving truck for over 11 years now. It is a good living and you can make money doing it. If you need to know a little more about the trucking industry you can read more about it at JETTAM Trucking.

Article Source

No Apology Campaign
(Tim Philmon)

From: Driver’s Alike

The No Apology Campaign started back in July 2009. Being a small business in the trucking industry in an economy unlike what I have every experienced I began to become a little concerned. As I began to look around at what was going on in the country in terms of small business and what the American Government was doing to hinder it as well as taken over so much of the private sector, I knew that in order for me to survive in the trucking Industry I had to come up with a new plan of action. And thus the No Apology Campaign was born.

Why the title? Easy, we live in a world that if you succeed and you reap the reward for some unknown reason you need to give some back to someone that didn’t put forth the same effort or in some cases no effort at all.Also,for last 4 or 5 decades our society has rewarded underachievement ,we as a nation have told a generation “hey,if you can’t meet the requirement we’ll just lower the standard to make you feel better about yourself”.We also have to apologize for our religious beliefs, what our core values are, or when we disagree with some groups that are in direct opposite of our own personal moral compass.

How does the said campaign work, who can be involved, what is the end, result? We shall explore all of these and detail how to accomplish and end result that will fulfill each individual to their own goals.

Keep in mind that these principles are geared toward the successful operation of a small business Owner and Operator. However, I’m sure they could be applied to any individual and their particular case.

Resources. Now let’s take a more in depth look as to what makes this Campaign work. Resources are of the up most importance for true success. You should now your cost of operation or as we say it CPM.”It’s not about how much you earn that’s key, it’s how much you spend that’s crucial”. When you book a load you may not have long to determine if it’s good for you, so knowing what your fuel cost is for instance will make the decision quicker. Take advantage of discounts when available (tires,fuel,service etc).Knowing your cost will also help you to navigate where to make cost saving decisions and it will send up flags when certain cost seem to be rising. Don’t overwhelm yourself; keep it as simple as possible . Keep yourself informed. There’s an abundance of news outlets out here to read up on the latest happenings in regards projections on freight movement ,where the economy is headed, what the Government may be doing in terms of regulations, etc. As I always say “don’t sweat the small stuff ,but keep a close eye on it”.

Reliability, it’s not just a “buzz” word it should be an “action” word! Sometimes you will have to do things and go places you just don’t want to go. You should treat every load the same regardless of the rate. Remember you booked it!” Image is everything; living up to it is a whole different concept”. Take a little pride in what you do and who you represent, it goes a long way. You never know who you might cross paths with, it just may be that golden goose you’ve been hunting all these years .Maintain your equipment. Regular maintenance equals less down time and failed on time deliveries. Ask yourself why do I do what I do? Is it just for the money, or do I really have a passion for this lifestyle? Only you can answer this question.

Resolve, my mission statement I adapted when I bought my first truck was found in Proverbs 24:16 it says “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth again .Don’t let (them) have the satisfaction. It has been said “when you lose sight of your goals, it’s because you have turned your attention on your circumstance” . When you battle thru your dilemma it will make you a better individual.

Remember, This is the last and probably the most important core value of the No Apology Campaign. If you have the “lone wolf” attitude your are sadly mistaken. You should surround yourself with competent personnel; Agents, these folks keep you loaded. Mechanics, they keep you moving. Carriers, they assist you on a daily basis with the intangibles. Family, they give you the inner strength to do the impossible. It has been said “a good woman will drive a man to do achieve greater things than he in and of himself has the ability to do”.

In closing, I believe that we (truckers) are the engine that drives America, and without us she fails! You have nothing to apologize for when you hold to the core values and principles that get you to your destination. We would be doing a great disservice to those who have shed blood and died for what this nation stands for. We (truckers) move this great nation one load at a time, and one mile at a time. It’s what we do! And I for one will not apologize for who I am, or what I do in terms of the industry that I have invested my entire career around. Not to mention the sacrifices I have had to make to be where I’m at today. And trust me some have been more than I was willing to make!

“I will truck as hard as I can, for as long as I can… And the road can take the rest.”

Sincerely,

Daytona Kid

At Plaza 23 Truck Stop and Convenience Store we have a lot of healthy choices for truck drivers.

Title: Stay Healthy while on Truck Driving Job

Author: Armil F. Velos

Article:
Many considered a truck driving job as one of the unhealthiest job in US. It’s because they are always on the go, constantly driving to deliver on time, sometimes don’t get enough sleep, stressed out and they are usually forced to eat on fast food restaurants, diners or gas stations, they choose to eat in those place because its more convenient and of course faster. Since we all know that foods served on these kinds of restaurants are usually unhealthy. Thus it makes our truck drivers becomes overweight, the cholesterol level is high, some have high blood pressure and other health risks. But these can be prevented by following some simple healthy measures. A truck driver can still eat right and be healthy despite his busy life.

Here are some simple tips on how a truck driver can improve his eating habits and stay healthy while on the road. Eat smaller portion each meal – this will definitely help you to reduce your daily intake of fats, sugar and calories. One must also eat slowly so that you will not overeat before you feel that you are already full.

Choose to order healthier foods – if you don’t really have any other choice but to eat on those fast foods and restaurants, you can always choose to order healthier foods that they serve. Go for salads and other sandwiches that are healthier. Stay away from fried foods, they are high in fats and cholesterol.

Choose healthy snacks – it will be better if you bring some fruits or veggies with you for you to eat in between meals. It’s a lot healthier and best help to curb hunger.

Drink more water and healthy drinks- cut back from drinking coffee, sodas, and other drinks that are high in sugar and calories. If possible stop drinking beer as well, it contributes a lot to those unwanted belly fat.

Walk if possible. Try to walk even for a few minutes every time you made a stop. Doing a couple laps around the parking lot or walking for at least 10 minutes each day will help a lot. It may seem a little time but it does add up each day.

You can also bring a set of dumbbells with you on your truck and everyday that you made a stop, you can use it to work out your arms.

These tips may sound simple but they will surely bring good results and a lot of good health benefits for you. Nowadays, many trucking companies encourage their drivers to have a healthy lifestyle, some even installs gyms in their hubs, provide free medical screenings, some also gives incentives to truckers who maintains good health.

If you are on look of truck driving job, you should also consider and choose the company who offers good health programs for their truckers.

About the author:
If you are looking for a truck driver jobs today, Jobs For Truckers.com is the only stop you need to make. Truck Drivers can compare truck driving jobs from carriers in their area or across the country.

Enjoy Plaza 23 Truck Stop and Convenience Store.
Visit Midland Farms to learn more about our dairy selection.

Plaza 23 Truck Stop Offers Free and Safe Over-Night Parking

Author: Tim Scott

Possibly the worst aspect of having to driving a semi-truck, or
a truck of any kind, is the amount of sleep that you’re not
likely to get. It is perhaps axiomatic to mention that, to those
who get their full quota of sleep per night, it’s somewhat
unimaginable, and therefore unable to appreciate how much like
torture a lack of sleep feels like. Usually semi-truck drivers
are paid based on the amount of hours on the road. It is thus
inevitable that semi-truck drivers will attempt to squash in as
many jobs as possible, and that often means a lack of sleep.

The recommended amount of rest is 8 hours per every 16 hours on
the road. There are countless incidents per year whereby a
semi-truck is involved. Most of these can be attributed to
carelessness arising from a lack of sleep. In many countries,
these hours are heavily enforced to prevent any unnecessary
incidents.

There is a common occurrence amongst semi-truck drivers and
other drivers alike, in that they take along somebody with them.
When the driver becomes too tired to continue driving down the
road, then their co-driver takes over. This method of
alternating between drivers, every 8 hours or so, allows each of
the drivers to maximise their earnings, because the semi-truck
is never stationary, and therefore it is always earning a dime.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in this method, but if nobody
else is willing, then having a good night’s sleep in your
semi-truck is perhaps the best you can hope for.

Nonetheless, let us assume that you have found somebody to sit
in the passenger’s seat, and willing to take over the driving
once you become too tired. It is imperative that you find
somebody who is likeable. If arguments and other disagreements
arise quite frequently, then it is perhaps not an advisable
co-partner. Just imagine that you’ll be inside this semi-truck,
a confined space, for prolonged hours, and therefore a friendly
atmosphere is a requirement.

In addition, it is naturally very difficult in trying to sleep
in the back of a semi-truck whilst it is in motion. Therefore,
your co-partner should be not an aggressive driver – with
frequent accelerations and decelerations. If they were to drive
in such a style, then the chance of sleep would be greatly
reduced. The active driver at the time should also avoid turning
the radio up too high. This again would interfere with the sleep
the other person is trying to get. You may both reach a point
where you may have to stop the semi-truck altogether, in order
for you both to get some quality sleep, as often you’ll find
that sleeping in a moving semi-truck does not at all guarantee a
good night’s sleep – especially when you are not accustomed to
it. Whilst this may reduce your earnings somewhat, it is perhaps
safer for everybody on the road – including both occupants of
the semi-truck.

If you are finding it difficult to sleep in the semi-truck, then
there are sleeping aids which may assist in your falling asleep.
Firstly, some good earplugs or noise cancelling headphones would
help in reducing the noise from the road when the rig is moving.
Also, some kind of mask for the eyes to prevent any incoming
light from car lights, street lights, or even sunlight. By
adding extra padding to the bed will also ensure the bumps of
the road aren’t felt so severely when you’re attempting to
sleep. These can all assist in promoting a good night’s sleep in
your semi-truck.

By doing all this, you can hopefully sleep well. The temptation
to use any sleeping pills, or even amphetamines to stay awake
for longer periods of time, should be avoided altogether. While
you’re trying to maximise your earnings, you do not wish to lose
your license completely, because this would have dire
consequences. It may even end in serious injury or, potentially,
fatalities. Natural and common-sense approaches should be taken
to fall asleep. After all, nothing beats a natural night’s
sleep!

From the author:
“TruckerToTrucker.com is the online superstore for new and used
trucks, trailers and equipment. Sell a used truck at TruckerToTrucker or Buy a used Truck from TruckerToTrucker and you’ll be glad you did.”

Take advantage of safe secure overnight-parking at Plaza 23 Truck Stop in Albany, NY.

Plaza 23′s Truck Repair will fix anything that is wrong with your truck!

• Maintenance
• A & B Services
• Tire Repair
• Engine Overhaul
• NYS Inspection
• Brakes
• Clutches
• Welding and Fabrication
• Tractor and Trailer Repair
• Airbags
• Wheel Seals
• Axel Seals
• A/C
• Batteries
• Transmissions

If you have Questions or Would like to Schedule an Appointment for Service:
Contact Garage Manager Kim Lindh (774) 766-0636. We want to be your favorite Truck Repair Service Center in Albany, NY. We handle medium duty trucks, heavy duty truck service and all kinds of diesel truck service.

Truck Repair Service