Equipment

'WTF' stresses service for long-term success

Watch This Freight's owner Jesse McGinness has purchased the first Class 8 in his 11-unit otherwise hotshot fleet. A black-rimmed flattop 2021 389 spec'd for heavy haul wasn't part of his five-year plan when he launched the company four years ago.

January 14, 2021

Small-fleet owner Jesse McGinness was going for originality with the look of this 2021 Peterbilt 389, spec'ing the black Alcoa rims from the factory. After his maiden voyage in a Class 8 tractor years ago, in a Peterbilt 379, he fell in love with the classic square-hood series. He plans to modify the stacks, the grille and more to all-black finish -- committing sacrilege, says the operator who took him on that first 379 run. McGinness'll maintain plenty in chrome/stainless accents, not to worry. The flattop with lift-axle is powered by the X15 Cummins at 605 hp, with an 18-speed transmission. 'I wanted this truck to be a truck that I thought was cool,' McGinness said, in addition to doing the tough over-dimensional/heavy hauling he'll require of it.

Glider kit market hits fatal nosedive with latest emissions regs

There’s seemingly no option on the market for owner-operators or small fleets to purchase a new glider kit. That includes buying straight from truck manufacturers for truckers who want to build and assemble their own glider truck.

January 13, 2021

The glider market grew from a few hundred sales a year in 2010 to upwards of 10,000 as recently as 2017. Gliders sported pre-emissions-regs engines -- no exhaust gas recirculation or selective catalytic reduction components and, thus, no need for DEF. With simpler technology and refurbished engines, the products were much cheaper than new trucks with new engines, making them attractive buys for small-business truckers.

Inspectors told not to slow COVID vaccine loads for inspections

CVSA advised truck inspectors to not hold up trucks for inspection that are transporting the COVID-19 vaccine. And other news: The second round of PPP loans is now open for applications; Navistar is recalling approx. 17,000 trucks; and more.

January 11, 2021

Get familiar with your engine’s lamp language

From the archives: Advancements in engine and emissions technology over the last decade have complicated the challenge of staying on top of dashboard warning lights.

January 5, 2021

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Overdrive Extra

2020 through the rearview: From hours reforms to rates chaos and stories from the road, unwinding a tumultuous 12 months

HOS reforms. How COVID changed drivers' day to day. Managing money amid the chaos. Stories of truckers weathering the storm. Rights on the road. Custom trucks.

December 30, 2020

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Custom sleepers, while costly, can ease relentless OTR lifestyle

At a cost of $200,000 to $300,000, if not more, a new truck with a custom sleeper isn’t something for a novice owner-operator, but the amenities are worth it for many who spend a lot of time away from home.

December 29, 2020

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Dana intros 75W-85 synthetic gear lubricant

Dana Incorporated has introduced Spicer XFE 75W-85 synthetic gear lubricant for commercial vehicles.This new fuel-efficient lubricant provides ultimate protection, performs well in extreme temperatures and extends the drain interval for medium-duty and he

December 21, 2020

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POLL: What should be the next DOT secretary’s No. 1 priority for 2021?

Truck parking? Regs efforts around broker oversight? FMCSA's driver advisory panel? More hours flexibility? ... What's your advice for an incoming DOT chief?

December 18, 2020

Former South Bend, Indiana, mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg will reportedly be nominated to lead the DOT under the Biden Administration.

The 1982 Kenworth W900A of A.C. ‘Artie’ Daniel

A.C. 'Artie' Daniel talks about the 'most sought-after truck in the world' with his 1982 Kenworth W900A. Check out the video here on Overdrive.

December 16, 2020

The Caterpillar-powered rig was purchased from a previous owner who ran a small fleet among other businesses and used this as his personal truck over many years.

Bridgestone’s new Bandag retread tire

Bridgestone has launched the Bandag B123 FuelTech retread, a trailer retread designed to complement the Bridgestone R123 Ecopia tire in design and performance to help reduce fuel cost. The Bandag B123 retread is engineered to fight irregular wear and enab

December 14, 2020

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Sponsored by RoadPro

Multi-tool includes set of 12 bits

The Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool has a number of ways to help you while on the road, as well it should. It also has something else: ease of use. Made in Portland, Oregon, this multi-tool includes a 12 piece standard bit set and black sheath. This makes it more functional and can help solve more on-the-road […]

December 11, 2020

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Overdrive Radio

What can owner-operators expect from a Biden administration?

This week's edition of Overdrive Radio features OOIDA's president helping forecast what a Biden administration may mean for independent truckers. Listen here.

November 20, 2020

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Test drive: Western Star’s new vocational 49X ranks high on tech, amenities, performance

The redesigned Western Start 49X vocational truck offers increased uptime and increased safety features with durability and functionality. Details on Overdrive.

November 18, 2020

western star, 49x, severe service, vocational

Do thorough winter prep and avoid downtime

The stresses on your truck from operating in severe winter weather could lead to downtime if you don’t take time to prepare. Here’s how.

November 16, 2020

“Don’t waste time waiting for your windshield to defrost,” said Jon Salter, of Pilot Flying J Truck Care. “By adding anti-frost and anti-fog treatments, you can hit the road and be on your way.” (photo by Chris Harkins)

Partners in Business

Partners in Business tip: Remember the warranty during truck loan negotiations

Partners in Business say to focus on the understanding the warranty and making sure it will work for you. More information here on Overdrive.

November 4, 2020

In the Bobtail lot at GATS 2010

Partners in Business

Truck purchasing, depreciation and taxes: Keep emotions out of it

Overdrive Extra contributor Gary Buchs discusses with Kevin Rutherford how emotions can lead to irrational decision-making. Check out the video on Overdrive.

November 4, 2020

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Passing the ‘trucking bug’ down with David Lewis’ 1997 International

Davidson Trucking-leased owner-operator Lewis reveals a trucking passion and hopes to pass the bug down to the next generation. Watch here on Overdrive.

November 3, 2020

David Lewis lives in Burgoon, Ohio

Goodyear’s off-highway large-haulage tire

Goodyear’s RH-4A+ off-highway large-haulage tire is engineered to deliver higher productivity in hard-rock-underfoot conditions. The tire features an extra-deep E-4+ tread depth with a high net-to-gross tread pattern and an optimized footprint pressure to

November 2, 2020

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Analysts optimistic on trucking after chaotic year

2020’s strong second half and prospects for continued high freight demand bode well into 2022, FTR says. However, several factors will affect the timing and intensity of further recovery.

“Wreck on the Mountain Road” is about the death of a trucker on Bent Mountain, just southwest of Roanoke, Virginia.

Fatal wreck remembered in first recorded trucking song

The trucker cap in teacher Amy Watson’s selfie from the day she was tested for COVID-19 later inspired her choice of “long-haulers” to describe COVID survivors with persistent symptoms. “My school’s mascot is a squirrel,” she said, which she finds appropriate, given that her pre-school students, with their short bursts of activity, are “very squirrel-like.”

Trucking’s bit part in the 'COVID long-haulers’ name

Small-fleet owner Jesse McGinness was going for originality with the look of this 2021 Peterbilt 389, spec'ing the black Alcoa rims from the factory. After his maiden voyage in a Class 8 tractor years ago, in a Peterbilt 379, he fell in love with the classic square-hood series. He plans to modify the stacks, the grille and more to all-black finish -- committing sacrilege, says the operator who took him on that first 379 run. McGinness'll maintain plenty in chrome/stainless accents, not to worry. The flattop with lift-axle is powered by the X15 Cummins at 605 hp, with an 18-speed transmission. 'I wanted this truck to be a truck that I thought was cool,' McGinness said, in addition to doing the tough over-dimensional/heavy hauling he'll require of it.

'WTF' stresses service for long-term success

The glider market grew from a few hundred sales a year in 2010 to upwards of 10,000 as recently as 2017. Gliders sported pre-emissions-regs engines -- no exhaust gas recirculation or selective catalytic reduction components and, thus, no need for DEF. With simpler technology and refurbished engines, the products were much cheaper than new trucks with new engines, making them attractive buys for small-business truckers.

Glider kit market hits fatal nosedive with latest emissions regs

Beware: Human smugglers luring truckers along the border

More episodes »

The Business Manual for Owner-Operators

Overdrive editors and ATBS present the industry’s best manual for prospective and committed owner-operators. You’ll find exceptional depth on many issues in the 2021 edition of Partners in Business.

Partners in Business Issue Cover