Blowing the Air Horn

Whenever the general public is surveyed about how it views truckers, it is always more positive than truckers anticipate. One positive symbol of a good trucking image remains consistent: Kids still ask truckers to blow their air horn, and truckers still oblige. It’s a big deal to a little kid when a trucker responds to this request, and it goes a long way toward fostering a good public image. This month, at the risk of sounding like we are blowing our own horn, we have some good news to report about Truckers News’ staff and our readers.

Awards
Contributing Editor Richard Stewart’s August 2000 article, “Keeping Your Cool,” won a central regional award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. The magazine also won an ASBPE award in the News Section category, which was compiled by several editors. I’m proud of the editorial team that works to bring you the latest trucking news, and I’m pleased their work has been recognized. The editors go above and beyond merely reporting the news; they bring you information you need to become more successful truck drivers.
Overdrive and Trucking Co., other Randall Publishing trucking publications, also brought home central regional ASBPE awards.

Readers Win
R.L. Grant won the Truckers News Mark Twain essay contest with his entry, “From a Jack to a King.” The 20-year, over-the-road trucker from North Carolina loves to write stories and was thrilled to win the contest.

Readers write reviews
It’s a smash hit. Readers have enthusiastically responded to the invitation to listen to audio books and review them for the Diversions section. While Western novels, Tom Clancy and Stephen King continue to be the most popular audio tapes requested, self-help and romance novels are picking up speed. Readers are interested in what other truckers say about the books. If you would like to join in the fun, e-mail Jodi Black to reserve a free audio book to review.

Send in your Advocate stories
Have you seen a positive trucking story in your local newspaper? One in which a trucker saves a motorist or coaches a Little League team? Send it to the Advocate section, where we are happy to publish the good news about trucking. If you see an unfair, stereotypical article, send it, too. We want to be your advocate for the image of the American trucker.

Partner Insights
Information to advance your business from industry suppliers

Letters to the editor
Always popular, the Letters to the Editor section is a sounding board and a place to comment on articles and opinions in this magazine. Hot topics generate hot letters, and there is no better place to see how your fellow truckers feel about a controversial issue.

eTrucker
We’ve gotten bigger and better after a recent merger with PNV.com. “Everything Trucking” can be found on the site including this magazine. Join in the chats and bulletin boards to connect with other truckers. Find loads, check weather and keep up with news as it breaks.
Our mission is to keep you informed and entertained, and we need your input to make it happen. Feel free to call or e-mail me or any of the editors with your comments.