Podcast Show Notes

Got something a bit different for the main topic today. I had the opportunity to test Garmin’s newest truck GPS called the dēzl™ OTR1000, and I’ll share my thoughts in a video review.

But first, lots of news to discuss including truck recalls, winter driving prep, and COVID vaccines, waivers, and how it relates to workman’s comp. Autonomous and electric vehicles are always a hot topic, including how electric trucks might attract new truck drivers to the industry.

We’ve got an update on the closed bridge in Cincinnati, we’ll learn about fancy pants smart trailers, a request to be the new head of the FMCSA, and a DOT physical exemption for one large company. HUH?

We’ve got a non-traditional Trucker Grub segment this time and we’ll hear about Stevie driving for a carnival and musical guest, Driver Dave will give us his origin story.

And we’ll top it all off with the annual reading of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas – Trucker Style.

Be sure to check out the 50% off ebook combo pack for Trucking Life and How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job while you’re there. This deal is only available until January 31, 2021!

This episode of Trucker Dump is sponsored by:

Links mentioned in the news segment:

Volvo recalling more than 8,400 VNL tractors for sleeper window issue from OverdriveOnline.com

Two recalls announced for certain Freightliner, Western Star models from OverdriveOnline.com

Clock’s ticking for independents to run their required self-check in Drug Clearinghouse from OverdriveOnline.com

Further extensions of CDL-related COVID waivers unlikely, official says from OverdriveOnline.com

TSA PreCheck Bill May Have Applications for Trucking, ATA Says from ttnews.com (Transport Topics)

Truck drivers should be among first to get Covid-19 vaccine, says Johns Hopkins prof from TruckNews.com

Closed I-75/71 bridge expected to reopen Dec. 23 from OverdriveOnline.com

Waymo Looks to Calm Doubts About Driverless Cars With Data Release from ttnews.com (Transport Topics)

‘How Can We Roll Out Driverless Trucks As Quickly As Possible?’ Wonders FMCSA Out Loud from TheTruckersReport.com

Study: Automated driving techs shown to increase dangerous driver disengagement from OverdriveOnline.com

Cars on Hyundai’s Electric Platform Can Charge 80% in 18 Minutes from ttnews.com (Transport Topics)

GM: New Batteries Cut Electric Car Costs, Increase Range from ttnews.com (Transport Topics)

Electric Trucks Have Qualities to Improve Diversity, Panelists Say from ttnews.com (Transport Topics)

E-Smart Targets Better Tractor-Trailer Connectivity from ttnews.com (Transport Topics)

FMCSA Just Removed An Important Safety Step, But Only For Knight-Swift from TheTruckersReport.com

OOIDA leader wants to head up Biden’s FMCSA from FleetOwner.com

Do thorough winter prep and avoid downtime from OverdriveOnline.com

Trucking Law: Can you refuse to drive in poor weather? from OverdriveOnline.com

Paul O. Taylor is managing partner of Truckers Justice Center and has represented truck drivers for over 25 years. He can be reached at 855–943-3518 or at TruckersJusticeCenter.com.

Trucking Law: Does workers’ comp cover COVID-19 infections? from OverdriveOnline.com

Brad Klepper is president of Interstate Trucker, a law firm dedicated to defending truck drivers. He is also president of the law firm Drivers Legal Plan. He can be reached at 800–333-3748 or at InterstateTrucker.com and DriversLegalPlan.com.

Links mentioned in the main topic:

In-Depth Review Of The Garmin dēzl™ OTR1000 Truck GPS

This video has Amazon affiliate links:

Garmin dēzl™ OTR1000

Garmin dēzl™ OTR800

Garmin dēzl™ OTR700

Trucker Grub segment:

Long-time listener Greg T. gives us a reminder not to forget about grocery stores for good stuff to eat. He also mentioned in his email that he used a free app called Easy Voice Recorder on his Android phone to record the segment and I thought it sounded great!

Links mentioned in the Listener Feedback segment:

New listener Stevie listened to TD53: Lunar Driving As A Trucker and TD55: The EOBR Myth and tells us about about driving for a carnival.

Driver Dave opens with a quick toe-tapper and then proceeds to tell us about his first drive in a big rig, which was prompted by listening to TD147: Be Careful Choosing A Truck Driving School.

Video of the a semi driving in the caves in Springfield MO

Show info:

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About the Author
I'm a 22-year truck driver with an interest in tech stuff. I do the Trucker Dump podcast and blog, which is all about life as a trucker. I have also written two trucking books, "Trucking Life" and "How to Find a Great Truck Driving Job."

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