News
Mom Poses Question for Truckers About Kids’ Airhorn Requests
In a recent Reddit thread, a curious mom posed a question to truckers concerning how they feel about kids arm pumping to ask for the air horn, and the responses are too good not to share.
The Question
“Question for US truckers: when I pull alongside you and my kid does the classic ‘toot your horn’ arm motion, is that actually annoying and unwanted?” asked user justaanotherptaq. “I always try to make sure the truck isn’t approaching a curve in the road, and not earshot behind someone that may get alarmed before I let them do it. But is this actually just as annoying to you as it is to a cashier when a customer says, “if it’s not ringing up, I guess it’s free!” Also, question for non-US truckers: do kids everywhere do this or is this just a thing in the states?”
The responses were very much in favor of the arm pump.
- “I smile and nod… Then let it rip,” said Visual_Particular_48
- toolman_215 said, “Just the opposite…it makes my day when I get the arm pump and I get to see the joy on a kids face after getting the horn. Most of the time, It’s the best thing to happen all day ”
- dreamerindogpatch commented, “If someone gives me the gesture (and I see it, and it is safe) – I always give the toot with a big grin.”
- Chapito2469 responded, “I have had 20–30-year-olds do it. I honk for everyone and anyone.”
- “It’s literally why I got my CDL,” said Realistic-Brush5734.
- Laaylor0312 said, “I always toot my horn IF there’s not a bunch of traffic nearby… I don’t want to freak anybody in front of me out unintentionally.. :).”
- To which davidpow1980 responded, “If it is a child, I don’t care where I’m at, how much traffic there is, or the time of day, if I see it, the horn blows. I’ll pay the ticket without hesitation if I get one.”
- eholly04 commented, “Although I’m in Canada not the US I think I speak for all truckers when I say we love when kids do this! Hell, we even love when grown ass people do it! Not sure what it’s like in the states but honestly there aren’t nearly as many people doing the arm pump as there were when I was younger kinda sad to see.”
- robexib enthusiastically declared, “I RELISH IN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY THE SONG OF MY PEOPLE WHENEVER THE EXCUSE ARISES.”
- adventure_dog noted, “pretty sure most of us blast the airhorn for fun on our own, being asked to do it by kids is always a good reason to do it.”
- Little_NaCl-y had great advice to optimize your visibility when doing an arm pump request. “When he wants to do it, be in the lane to the left of us and out 2 car spaces in front – we’ll definitely see it then. 50/50 shot I see it when you’re right next to my door.”
- “It makes my freaking week!” says Funny_Associate_9655. “I’ll remember the smiles and excitement many miles down the road and my load gets considerably lighter. Please encourage your kids to interact with us and have their friends do it too! It makes everyone’s day a bit better, encourages camaraderie, promotes special awareness and reduces white line syndrome. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing children smile?”
- “It’s an honor and privilege to honk for a kid. Sometimes we may not do it depending on the location but it’s still much appreciated,” said kaneabel.
From the responses, it seems safe to say that drivers are very much in favor of kids pumping their arm to request and air horn pump. Truck drivers often put in long hours behind the wheel and are sometimes away from hone for extended periods of time. A friendly wave or arm pump can be just the thing to bring a smile to their face as well as a child’s. So, next time you see a big rig on the road, go ahead and encourage the kiddos to throw up that arm pump, heck, throw it up yourself! You might just make their day.
Supply Chain Turmoil Hits Drivers as Costs and Shortages Persist
“Due to the exorbitant cost of shipping, we have had to raise prices to our customers as well as order eight months’ worth of inventory, eight months in advance.” — Hanna from The Crown Choice
The anticipated recovery year turned into ongoing supply chain disruptions, with raw material shortages and factories in China operating on limited schedules. The cost of shipping containers has skyrocketed, impacting small businesses and their ability to order inventory effectively.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Shipping costs are at an all-time high, which could mean higher operating costs for you as a driver. If you’re hauling goods for small businesses, expect them to pass these costs along in the form of higher order rates or delayed payments.
Fuel costs are also likely to be affected as ripple effects from supply chain disruptions impact pricing. Keep an eye on fuel surcharges and budget accordingly to avoid surprises in your expense sheet.
If you’re relying on contracts with big retailers, be prepared for potential delays. Mass retailers are struggling with empty shelves, which might lead to fewer loads as they adjust to the new normal.
Load availability may shift as businesses look to diversify their supplier base. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your routes based on changing demand and supply scenarios.
How are shipping costs affecting my job?
High shipping costs are driving businesses to increase prices, which may lead to fewer shipments or altered contracts. Be prepared to adjust to these changes.
Will this affect fuel prices?
Yes, supply chain disruptions can influence fuel prices, so keep an eye on trends and potential surcharges that may affect your operating costs.
What about load availability?
Load availability could fluctuate as businesses adjust their supply chains. Flexibility in routes and contracts will be crucial to maintaining steady work.
How can I prepare for potential delays?
Keep in close contact with your logistics partners and clients. Understanding their challenges can help you anticipate delays and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate these costs?
Consider renegotiating rates and contracts to account for increased costs, and explore new markets and clients who may offer more stable opportunities.
Key Strategies for Effective Remote Worker Time Management
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
The article discusses various strategies and tools to enhance time management for remote workers. It covers setting expectations, choosing appropriate time tracking tools, and maintaining accountability to improve productivity in a remote work environment.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
For drivers who also manage remote workers or work remotely themselves, the right time tracking tools can streamline operations and improve productivity. This could potentially reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
Setting clear expectations regarding availability and communication can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce downtime, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.
Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your work hours, allowing more time for driving or managing logistics without affecting performance.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your time management practices can help identify inefficiencies, allowing you to make changes that enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of income.
How can I improve time management for my remote workers?
Set clear expectations for work hours and communication, use effective time tracking tools, and establish routines to optimize productivity.
What are some recommended time tracking tools?
Popular options include Toggl, BuddyPunch, RescueTime, and Harvest, each offering different features suited to various needs.
How often should I review my time tracking practices?
Regular reviews, ideally monthly, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure your practices remain effective and aligned with goals.
Why is accountability important in remote work?
Accountability helps maintain productivity and motivation, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
What should I do if my current routine isn’t working?
Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine or try new tools and strategies to find a setup that maximizes productivity and fits your work style.
An Illinois-based trucker, Moath Musamih, from Orland Park, has been formally indicted in Ohio on grand theft charges for allegedly avoiding nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls. The indictment, filed on April 21 by a Williams County grand jury, accuses Musamih of a fourth-degree felony relating to unpaid tolls, with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and restitution.
Prosecutors assert that Musamih’s truck was monitored with open-road tolling technology for close to two years. Despite receiving multiple payment notifications, the tolls remained unpaid. The indictment also includes a clause to confiscate the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia allegedly used in these offenses.
County Chief Investigator Andrew Skiles noted that the Ohio State Highway Patrol had been keeping tabs on Musamih for some time due to the unpaid tolls. According to Skiles, Musamih is an owner-operator whose vehicle, reportedly registered under his wife’s name, was regularly tracked traveling extensive distances on the Ohio Turnpike using an E-ZPass transponder.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol officer encountered Musamih at a service plaza on eastbound Interstate 80, where an incident report was filed for “Theft by Deception.” The report included accusations of theft without consent and engaging in corrupt activities.
Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman opted for criminal proceedings against Musamih due to the significant total of approximately $21,991 in unpaid tolls over an extensive period from April 2024 to April 2026. The decision to pursue a fourth-degree felony charge was influenced by Musamih’s alleged repeated offenses and the proposed forfeiture of his semi-truck as it was deemed contraband linked to the criminal activity.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, through its advanced open-road tolling system launched in April 2024, identified Musamih. Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed emphasized the aim to maintain optimal conditions on the turnpike while highlighting the challenges posed by companies that fail to settle their toll liabilities, despite numerous reminders and collection attempts.
In a broader context, the commission recently disclosed a list of 315 trucking companies accused of evading $5.2 million in tolls over the past two years, indicating a widespread issue with rogue operators.
Trucking Groups Oppose Proposed Federal Fuel Tax Suspension
Trucking Groups Oppose Federal Fuel Tax Suspension Plans
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