On-Board Safety

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Every truck driver wants to be able to do their job and do it without having accidents. There is a lot that you can learn about safety at truck driving schools, but when you’re on the road, you can’t control the other drivers. Some truck drivers are turning to on-board safety systems to help them with safety issues.

One of the more recent additions, which was made available in 2002, that many truck fleets and some drivers are adding to their rigs is a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. This technology uses “Machine Vision” to track whether a vehicle is drifting too close to the other lanes on the road. If they do drift, whether from being distracted or dozing off, the unit will emit a sound from either speaker – left or right – that will enable the driver to straighten their rig up.

This technology is able to detect lane markings in both day and night driving, even if the markings are faded. LDW also works in most weather conditions as long as it can detect the lane markers. The technology, based on the trucks that had equipped it at the end of 2006, showed a significant decrease, up to 85%, in the number of run-off-road and rollover crashes.

Another technology addition many trucks on the road have is the vehicle back-up system. The system has a high-resolution camera that is mounted to the back of the truck, either on the trailer or on the license plate frame. It can’t be knocked off because it’s stealth-mounted and can be adjusted to meet the range of vision you need. The monitor is 3.5” wide and is located in the cab so you can see to back up without having someone to tell you whether is safe or not.

What about being able to see better at night to reduce the chances of collisions? You can also get a nighttime camera to detect subtle differences in temperature which will allow you to see more than five times further than with normal truck headlights. Since the technology in these cameras was developed for law enforcement and the military, you know it’ll deliver.  The camera weighs in at just a little over four ounces, and can be affixed to the grill. The monitor flips down from the dash and makes detecting potential hazards in darkness possible for nearly every driver.

Obviously, there are many other products on the market that can help truck drivers with on-board safety. Technology is changing so rapidly that not only are more products being made, but much more affordable for truck drivers all over the country. If safety is a concern for you, having on-board technology available makes driving safer for you and those you share the road with.

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Start Planning Mother’s Day for Women Truckers Now

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle, Women Truckers by Brian · 2 Comments 

There are many moms who spend their days driving big trucks across the state or country. They’re doing their job day in and day out as women truck drivers. And while it would be great if each and every mom were able to be at home with family on Mother’s Day, it’s quite possible they won’t. You may want to start planning for Mother’s Day for women truckers now, just in case.

Sure, you can go the traditional route of giving your mom flowers or candy for this special day, but if she’s a truck driver, those gifts are really impractical. What about jewelry? All women love jewelry, right? Well, that gift might be impractical, too. You may be surprised to find that women, and especially women truck drivers, want something they will truly use as a gift. Here are some gift ideas to get you out of the traditional gift-giving mode.

• Tools – Women truck drivers need and use tools on their job. This doesn’t mean that you have to go out and buy the most expensive set of tools on the market, but it does mean that you have to do some snooping around. Find out what type of tools your trucking mom uses regularly, and buy her an extra set. This will definitely come in handy in case she loses or actually breaks one. She’ll have an extra set to fall back on and she’ll have you to thank for it!
• Storage – If your mom’s truck is like most trucks, the cab (even with a sleeper) is cramped and space is at a premium. When your mom is home next, why not spend some time helping her clean out her cab and getting her ready for her next run? At the same time, you can look around and see what type of storage she might need to make her cab less cramped and a little more organized. Can you get a storage unit to hang on the wall of the cab? What about storage for under the bunk? If you think about it, and talk to Mom, she’ll let you know what she needs.
• Spa day – Your mom, like any woman, likes to feel pampered on occasion. And the fact that she has a tough, physical job means that your mom needs a little more pampering than most. Do some digging on the internet to find a chain of spas that has facilities in some of the cities your mom travels to and through. If it is a chain, they will most likely honor a gift certificate from any of their other facilities.
• On-board safety devices – This idea may take a little more money, but will be a gift that keeps on giving. Anything you can do to ensure your mom is safe on the road is a great idea. Not only will she thank you for it, you can rest a little easier while she’s on the road because you know she’s safer.

Of course, you can probably come up with many more ideas for non-traditional Mother’s Day gifts like a CD of her favorite music, a book she’s wanted to read, or even something frivolous. The point is to start thinking, and possibly saving, for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your favorite woman truck driver now before the day sneaks up on you and you miss it entirely.

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Winter Driving Tips

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

The weather has already started to turn icy in some parts of the country. Snow and ice definitely can make driving more hazardous. Think about winter driving tips to keep you safe on the road.

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that there are more semi truck accidents during the winter than the summer increasing by 20 to 60 percent depending upon which area of the country you live. The major causes for the increase in accidents are slippery roads and reduced visibility.

You can stay safe when the weather turns cold and icy. Pay special attention to how fast you’re driving. Anticipate delays and detours because of accidents or unsafe conditions. Be sure your truck is prepared for colder weather.

If you have a run and you’re not comfortable with the conditions, don’t be afraid to say “No.” Hazardous road conditions should be taken seriously. No matter how important a load, it’s more important that you stay alive to deliver it.

Don’t forget to complete your pre-trip check before heading out in snowy weather. Take the extra time needed to clear each window of ice or snow. Sweep loose snow off of the hood to keep it from flying up on the windshield as you’re driving. You may also want to use a winterized blend in your windshield wiper fluid.

Instead of using high beams while driving in winter weather, use your low beams. You may need to stop periodically to clear the headlights of snow or ice, but doing so can greatly increase your visibility. While you’re cleaning the headlights, go ahead and clean off the taillights and turn signal lights.

Think about arriving safely rather than getting to your destination quickly. If you can, leave in plenty of time to arrive safely. Slow down when driving in winter weather because the speed limits were created for perfect conditions.

Begin slowing down before you reach curves or intersections. These areas are generally more slippery so it’s important to think about what’s coming on your route. Be particularly careful when driving in shaded areas as those areas remain icy longer.

Keep your tires adequately pressurized rather than letting air out of them as this does not increase traction. In fact, reducing air pressure can actually cause them to be under-inflated which will affect how well you can steer. The air pressure in your tires will reduce naturally whenever temperatures drop 10 degrees.

Keep an eye out for deer or other animals out on the road. If you happen to notice an animal on the road, slow down and be prepared to stop until the animal moves off the road. You may have to honk your horn to get them to move. This is much safer than trying to avoid them and possibly getting into an accident.

Pay attention to how you feel while driving on ice or snow. Hazardous weather can fatigue you quicker than normal driving conditions. Don’t push yourself if you can tell you’re getting tired. It’s better to find a place to rest than to push yourself and risk an accident.

Driving safely is a must no matter what the season. These winter driving tips will help you remain safe while you’re driving in winter weather. Take your time, drive defensively, and you’ll make it to your destination with your load and life intact.

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Braking Basics

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

There may be no more important system on your rig than your braking system. It’s important to keep them working properly by maintaining your truck’s brakes, keeping braking fluid levels filled, and tires properly inflated. Following these braking basic tips can be the difference between arriving safely at your destination or not arriving at all.

One of the best things you can do to keep your braking system working when you need it is to perform regular inspections and maintenance.

Start with the tires. If your tires are inadequate, it won’t matter how good your braking system is. Check your owner’s manual to see how to properly inflate your tires and how to check their inflation.

During winter weather, you may want to purchase chains for your tires if you know you’re going to be driving on hard packed snow or ice. Depending upon where you’re driving, it may be required for you to drive on certain roads. Be sure to follow your vehicle instruction manual for installing chains. Poorly installed chains can become damaged which could come off and injure someone or irreparably damage your vehicle.

Check your brake shoes regularly to be sure they aren’t worn and check the brake drums for cracking. Look carefully at the brake line to be sure it isn’t worn or damaged. If there isn’t any visible damage, your brakes should be good to go. However, don’t forget to do a visual inspection often to ensure their safety and ability to brake.

After you’re confident that your braking system is in working order, follow these braking basic steps:

• Push down firmly on the brake pedal. Control braking by keeping your food held steady on the pedal – don’t let up! Try to avoid braking overly hard so you don’t skid.
• While the newer trucks have anti-lock braking systems, they require a light, steady foot to brake most effectively. Don’t pump, fan, or stab your ABS brakes.
• Keep your hands at 3 and 9 on the steering wheel and don’t turn the wheel unless it is absolutely not avoidable.
• Downshift the transmission to help you slow down if braking isn’t happening quickly enough. Look for a way to avoid an accident by seeing if there is an open lane or open shoulder wide enough to pull the truck. If this one is available, gently remove your foot from the brake pedal and head off in the open direction that will allow you to avoid hitting someone. When you’re clear of a possible accident and going straight again, begin controlled braking again until you can stop completely.

If you keep your braking system in tip-top condition, inspect the system before leaving for a trip, and being prepared for a brake failure when driving down hill, you’ll be better prepared to handle any problem. These braking basics are things all truck drivers know but it doesn’t hurt to refresh your memory from time to time.

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Diversity among New Drivers

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

The face of truck driving has changed in recent years. It used to be that most truck drivers were white males in their late thirties to upper fifties. Now you can find women of all ages, young and old men alike, and many ethnic backgrounds. Diversity among new drivers is what trucking companies are looking for to meet their driver needs.

The fact is that trucking companies currently have a shortage of qualified drivers. Thousands of drivers are needed to meet the truck driving needs and companies can’t afford to look where they’ve always gotten drivers in the past.

According to the American Trucking Association nearly 100,000 new drivers are needed each year. Some organizations list the need as being closer to 200,000 drivers. No matter who you listen to, it’s obvious that there’s a trucking shortage and companies are searching for new drivers to fill those needs.

To meet the driver shortage, many trucking companies are seeking potential drivers who are women, Hispanic, or immigrants from other foreign countries. Many new recruits are bilingual which has led to companies hiring bilingual trainers, recruiters, and dispatchers.

Hispanic drivers have increased by a large number in recent years. These drivers are very family-oriented, loyal to their employers, and less likely to quit. In fact, where other ethnic groups may have high turnovers, the number is lower in this group.

The number of female drivers is also rising, depending upon the driving school or company you speak with, the number could be as much as 20% in recent years. One reason, according to some companies, those women may be more inclined to drive trucks now than in the past is the fact that trucks have automatic transmissions that make driving easier. More and more companies are recruiting women and they are likely to continue that trend.

Another reasons more women have entered the truck driving field could be to spend time with their husbands. Their children are grown, their husbands are gone, and the choice is to learn to drive to be a help to her husband as well as work on their relationship that may have suffered while he was on the road alone.

Immigrants from Eastern Europe, Russia, and other countries have also been hired in recent years to meet the truck driver needs present. Companies cite a strong work ethic as the reason for hiring immigrants.

Experts have reported that there will likely be driver shortages for at least the next three years so they fully expect to continue hiring a diverse group of people to fill those positions. If you’re interested in truck driving, now may be the perfect time as there is more diversity among new drivers than in the past. Make your choice and then go for the dream of the open road.

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Hearing Problems Truckers Face

Posted in The Healthy Trucker by Brian · Leave a Comment 

How often do you ask people to repeat things when they are talking to you? It could be that you’re just not sure you heard what was said, or you may not have heard what was said at all. This is a common problem that truck drivers face, especially when listening to their CB radio or talking on a cell phone.

More than 28 million Americans, including many truck drivers, have some degree of hearing loss. It’s not uncommon and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s something that occurs when we’re bombarded with loud noises in our day-to-day lives.

What exactly causes hearing loss in so many people? Sounds are measured in decibels (dB). The louder the sound the higher the decibel level is and the more damage is done to your hearing. When decibel levels are over 80 and you’re exposed to them for long periods of time, permanent hearing loss is possible.

Your truck makes noises at about 83 decibels. The highest “safe” noise level is 85 dB over eight hours. When you’re in your truck for more than eight hours a day, you’re exposed to that loud noise and it can cause hearing loss. Add to the already high dB level a radio that’s loud enough to hear, opening your window, and driving on four-lane highways and you could have added over 5 dB more. It’s no wonder truck drivers often have hearing problems.

Research has shown that truck drivers often have problems hearing simple conversations while driving, so it’s not unusual for them to miss external sounds such as horns honking or sirens coming from a distance. Crucial sound necessary for safe driving are often missed.

Hearing loss in one ear, when exposed to high noise levels each day, may mean that your hearing loss is occupational. This isn’t always the case, though. Some of your hearing loss may be due to hereditary.

Avoid hearing loss by using hearing protection when you’re working around loud machinery or using firearms. While you can’t use earplugs when you’re driving, for safety reasons, you can use them while not on the road. Unfortunately you can’t reverse the effects of hearing loss, so you may need to consider hearing aids.

Having a hearing test with each physical will help you treat hearing loss before it degrades too much.  Hearing loss may be improved by using hearing aids, but you’ll need to discuss these options with your physician. Here are different types of hearing loss:

• You may have osteosclerosis if your hearing loss comes basically from the aging process.
• Gradual hearing loss on one side only could be caused by acoustic neuroma, which is caused by a tumor on the hearing nerve.
• Ringing in your ears, dizziness, and nausea combined may indicate Meniere’s disease. Some medicines also cause ringing in the ear, so check with your doctor for a diagnosis.
• Ceruminosis is caused by too much earwax in your ears. This could cause hearing loss. Discuss with your doctor the best means to remove excess earwax.

You’re not alone if you experience hearing loss. In fact, if you’re a truck driver, it’s almost expected. Don’t forget to have routine hearing tests so the problem can be properly diagnosed and the best course of treatment started. How well you do your job depends upon your hearing. Take care of your health, and that means taking care of your hearing, too.

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Heart Disease in Women Truck Drivers

Posted in The Healthy Trucker, Women Truckers by Brian · 1 Comment 

No one wants to be told they have heart disease. It doesn’t matter what job you do, the diagnosis is a shock. Heart disease in women truck drivers is often as common as that in men truck drivers, but it’s often not reported.

According to the Women’s Heart Foundation:

• Over 8 million women in the United States have heart disease with 35,000 of that number being under the age of 65.
• Nearly 450,000 women have heart attacks each year in America; many of them (35,000 in all) are under the age of 55.
• When a woman has a heart attack, 42 percent will die within one year of the incident; only 24 percent of men will die within one year of a heart attack.
• Women who suffer a heart attack that are under 50 are twice as likely to die as men of the same age.
• Over 267,000 women die each year from heart attacks. Another 31,837 die from congestive heart failure; this is 62.6 percent of all heart failures each year.

Amazingly, the reason why most women die from their first heart attack is that they were misdiagnosed. While men have clear-cut symptoms such as sharp chest pains and numbness in the left arm, those aren’t always the symptoms women have. In fact, many women with heart problems have symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or symptoms of the flu. They may also have pain in the jaw, neck, or back as well as overall weakness, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.

When a woman does go to her doctor with these symptoms doctors don’t always associate heart attack with the symptoms. They may be sent home only to be taken by ambulance to the emergency room. Many women, as indicated by the statistics above, don’t survive.

To reduce your risk of developing heart disease, follow these suggestions:

• If you smoke, stop. Women who smoke can have a heart attack up to 19 years sooner than women who don’t smoke.
• If you have diabetes, take it seriously. Do what you can to keep it under control. Women with diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack as women who have normal blood sugar.

• If you’re overweight, now is the time to lose weight. Women that are overweight will develop hypertension which leads to heart disease.

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• Obesity is a condition that affects many women – 23% of white women, 38% of black women, and 36% of Hispanic women. This can lead to hypertension, stroke, and other diseases.

While lady truck drivers are strong women, that doesn’t mean their bodies can’t be affected. You may not like to show weakness and may even try to work through health issues rather than tackling them head on. You have the same problems, stresses, and lack of self-care as your male counterparts, but you’re also less likely to go to the doctor when you have symptoms that concern you.

Take the symptoms listed above seriously. Don’t take chances with your life. If you experience any of these symptoms, get medical attention right away. Call 911. Take an aspirin while you’re waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Be sure to tell the EMTs that you’ve taken one so they can adjust their course of treatment. It would also be helpful to have a printed list of all your medications available so they are aware of them.

Heart attacks can be prevented but you need to know you’re having a problem with your heart to consider that as a possibility the next time you don’t feel well. Find out what your risks are for having a heart attack, and then be sure to get regular check ups. Take the medications as prescribed. You know how important your truck is to your livelihood, you are more important so take care of yourself just as you would your truck if not better.
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Keeping Your Truck Organized

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

When you spend so much time in your rig, your truck is your world. It’s everything to you – livelihood, office, home away from home (if you have a sleeper cab), and your transportation. There’s not much that your job requires that isn’t done from your cab. That’s why keeping your truck organized is so important.

Think of it this way, an unorganized truck could mean that you lose things you need, waste time looking for lost items, or they could roll under your brake or gas pedal and cause an accident. It’s best if you follow the old adage “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

Whether you’re talking about logbooks, other paperwork, flashlights, tools, food, clothing, and everything else you might need has to be easily accessible. Having your cab and sleeper organized can mean the difference between finding what you need or not. Organizing your cab and sleeper can be done with a little bit of planning. You may have to use be creative in your organizing but the results will make your job easier.

You want to have everything that you need within arm’s reach, for efficiency and safety’s sake. It’s important to have change for any toll road you travel within reach so. By taking your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel, you’re putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Think about the time, and money, you could lose if you had to pull off the side of the road to find something you needed?

One of the easiest ways to keep your paperwork organized is to purchase an “office in a box.” This plastic container has a place for hanging files. You can create a filing system for receipts, maps, logbooks, or various other papers you need for individual routes or jobs. This can be placed next to your seat. You can also put other office related items – pens, pencils, etc. – inside the box to keep them contained.

You can place CDs in a holder that fits on your visor. Change can be kept in a cup so it doesn’t scoot across your dash. Your cab most likely has at least one drink holder, so don’t be afraid to keep a drink in it.

If you have a laptop computer, you can get a computer stand and modify it to remain stable in your cab. The stand will allow you to reach and see the monitor as well as have it available for someone in the passenger’s seat. Be sure to get a strap to hold the computer in place or even use Velcro strips.

Find a place to put everything in the sleeper. Use the storage areas in your sleeper. Think vertical by hanging items off the sleeper ceiling or on the walls. Putting items away when you’re finished with them will make keeping your entire cab organized and everything where you need it when you need it.

It’s so important to keep your cab and sleeper organized, not only to keep you on time, but also to keep you safe. Keeping your truck organized may take a little bit of effort to start with, but you’ll find it’s easier to maintain than you think.

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Natural Medicine Alternatives

Posted in The Healthy Trucker by Brian · Leave a Comment 

You may be concerned, like most Americans, truck driver or not, that you can’t afford medicines when they’re prescribed. Not only can today’s medicines be expensive, they often have side effects that aren’t desirable. You may be looking for natural medicine alternatives that will be cheaper and less hazardous to your overall health.

As a woman truck driver, you may have to find natural medicine alternatives to treat simple illnesses. There are many available but it is wise to take the time to do research before self-medicating.

It’s amazing how many people are looking into natural or alternative health today. Herbal medicines have been around for thousands of years so they are deemed to be safe. However, before taking an herbal remedy, find out if it will counteract any of the traditional, man-made medicines you’re currently taking.

Even healthy eating and exercising can be considered an alternative form of health care. In fact, if you want to get healthy and remain healthy, these two elements can do more to improve your health than nearly anything else you can do.

So, what do you do if you’re not feeling well because of a cold and you don’t want to waste time and money on a doctor visit?  Actually there are a number of herbal remedies that can help:

Echinacea is one herb that has been shown to relieve the symptoms of a cold or flu. It has been used in Germany for years to treat minor respiratory infections. It is also believed to be an immune system stimulant which would help the body fight off infections. Research has shown that if you take Echinacea at the beginning of a cold it can help reduce the length and severity of the cold.

Garlic has been used as an antibiotic for centuries. The compound Allicin in garlic is great for helping to combat the common cold. For the best benefits, however, you want to eat it raw or drink fresh-pressed juice. Be prepared to offend the noses of those you come in contact with, though. Garlic has also been proven effective as an anti-bacterial against E. coli, Bacillus, Salmonella, Staph, and Strep germs.

As already mentioned, it’s important to find out how herbal or alternative methods of health care affect traditional medicines. For instance, St. John’s Wort is often suggested if you have a mild case of depression. However, this same herb can counteract some HIV medicines or heart drugs like warfarin or digoxin. If you’re considering taking any other herbal supplement, check with your medical doctor to be sure there isn’t a problem with them.

You can treat menstrual cramps with Valerian Root; it may also help reduce muscle aches from sitting all day. You can also take Valerian Root to help you relax and fall to sleep if used an hour before bedtime.

Make a solution of black walnut extract to treat athlete’s foot, eczema, or other skin infections. It can be used topically or made into a tincture that can be added to another drink and taken internally.
With all of the herbal remedies and alternative forms of medicine available today it’s important to do research before using any of them. The knowledge you gain can save you a great deal of money in medical bills. Look for natural medicine alternatives but don’t forget to discuss them with your doctor.

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Showing Respect to Truck Stop Employees and Other Truckers

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · 1 Comment 

Truck drivers work hard, there’s no denying that. However, they often don’t consider how hard other people work, especially when it comes to those working in truck stops. Unfortunately, some truck drivers forget that showing respect to truck stop employees is as much for their own benefit as it is to be a decent human being.

You would think that, knowing what they personally go through on a day-to-day basis, truck drivers would be more respectful to other truck drivers, but that often isn’t the case. Many truck stop workers complain that truck drivers don’t consider those around them when they go to a truck stop.

Here are some things that you can do that will show more respect for the truck stop workers and other drivers, as well.

1. Don’t leave your truck parked at the pump. If you’ve fueled up, go in to pay the bill, and then go out and move your truck. If you have to get something or want to take a shower, park your truck in the truck parking area.

1. Park your truck in a parking place at night, not in the middle of the exit road. It’s understandable that you’re tired, but think about how you would feel if the road out were blocked.

1. Consider how you feel when you step where a dog or person has used the bathroom. It’s gross! It may be inconvenient to get out of your truck and walk all the way to the building to use the restroom, but it makes the truck stop employee’s job much easier and much less disgusting not to mention less of a health threat to anyone who may pass through it.

1. There are plenty of trash cans around truck stops. Why is it that there is often garbage nearby? There’s really no excuse for not putting any garbage you have in the trash can. Get off of your butt and do the right thing. Truck stop employees aren’t your mama and your mama wouldn’t clean up after you, either!

1. Be thoughtful when you have to clean out your trailer. Even though it may take you more time, by taking care of your own garbage by putting it into the dumpster, your friendly truck stop worker and other truck drivers will appreciate not having to walk over or through your rubbish.

1. Think of the showers at truck stops like you would your shower at home. The truck stop attendant cleans the showers after each use so you can enjoy a clean shower. Even though attendants get paid to clean the showers, don’t trash them before you leave. It’s not mandatory, but it would be nice if you left a tip for the attendant for keeping the showers in good shape. They’d definitely appreciate it!

1. Don’t forget to be nice to others. It doesn’t matter if it’s the truck stop employee, cashier, or other truck drivers. You don’t have to be gruff when speaking with others. Speak to them the way you’d like to be spoken to.

Do what you can to make the truck stop employee’s job easier or more pleasant. Even if no one else does what’s right, that doesn’t mean you can’t. Remember, just because you CAN do something, it doesn’t mean you should. The truck stop attendant will remember your friendliness and generosity and they’ll look forward to your visits.

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