Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Keeping Tabs On The Industry

Anyone who reads my blog knows I'm a bit of a magazine addict.  Truth is, I really just like to read.  And I research a LOT - everything and anything I want more information on.  I can be in the middle of an article, read something I'm not familiar with, and mid-sentence Google it to find out more before even I finish reading the original piece.

In the trucking industry there are tons of publications, and I read almost all of them - the most popular ones on a regular basis, and the others when I have time to browse through to see what the new buzz is.  Here are some of the most common ones:

This is the official publication of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, also known as OOIDA.  Its mission is to inform truckers, the trucking industry, and various government agencies about issues related to the industry. 

They keep up with the endless amounts of legislation and regulations, goings-on in the industry, and trucking trends.  We receive this magazine at home and look forward to getting our copy when we pick up our mail.  The monthly magazine subscription is included with your yearly OOIDA membership. 

If you only make one choice, this is the magazine you should be subscribing to.  It's the MOST IMPORTANT of them all, as OOIDA is the ONLY organization that advocates for truckers.  They're on YOUR side and what you learn in the magazine and the assistance they offer you via phone as a member, is well worth the membership fee.  The info on their website is also invaluable, so definitely check it out when you have a chance.

Free for the print subscription, or available online.
Truckers News
Put out by NATSO (National Association of Truck Stop Operators), this magazine is free for both the print and online subscription.  You can find it in most of the truck stops. 








This magazine put out by the Travel Centers of America and you can find it in all their truck stops.  I always pick up this one up on my way out the door.  


This one is put out by the Pilot truck stops.  The cover story is always, always, ALWAYS a country music star, a NASCAR driver, or a sports figure.  It's as if no other segment of society exists.  But, they have a market, so I'm sure it's popular.  It's light on industry information, with an occassional meaty article, lots of gadgets for truckers, and tons of coupons for crap snack food and candy.

But, they did mention my blog once in their pages, and I won a camera in their photo contest (back when they were giving away real cameras, not the disposable ones).  Therefore, I'll always read what they write.  And maybe get two Twix for the price of one.

The Trucker Newspaper
Printed on real newsprint, this feels like an old timey publication.  It's full of information in addition to regular columns, news stories, and more. 










Transportation, and everything connected to it, is an immense industry.  There are magazines for every segment, down to the smallest, most obscure niche.  These periodicals, books, newspapers, magazines and websites provide a vast resource for anyone who wants to learn more about breaking industry news, trends, technologies, best practices, etc.

Here's a list of some others to get you started:

American Trucker

Commercial Carrier Journal

Fleet Owner

Heavy Duty Trucking

J.J. Keller & Associates

NATSO

Movin’ Out

Owner Operator Magazine

National Private Truck Council

Arkansas Trucking Association

Transport News

Transport Topics

This is just the beginning.  Pick up everything you can get your hands on and read it.  Take my word for it, you will come across new information every. single. time. you shove your nose into their pages (real or digital).  You will never hear on TV or radio all of the information you can find in these print publications or their online counterparts. 

An informed, educated driver is what we all need to be.  It benefits us personally and empowers us as a group.  This industry would be nothing without the drivers, but the drivers also need the other spokes on the wheel in order for us to keep rolling.  And the more we know about the entities which make up the specific world we operate in, the better we can interact with and improve the climate of our environment.    

 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2011: Trucker Love Notes
2010: We Need A Little Christmas Right This Very Minute
2009: Sorting Out The Details
2008: Eddie On A Cliff Friday
2007: Christmas Meme!
2006: ”O” My God
2005: Five Already???

3 comments:

Pat said...

Not sure if Expedite Now is a digital magazine or just a website, but it's good too.

As far as magazines go, check out Arizona Today, a new online mag that is amazing. Download the app, the first issue is free.

The Daily Rant said...

PAT: Every segment has a magazine or website! It's amazing. So much infromation to cover.

I will check out the Arizona one - thanks for the comment.

Transport News India said...

Thanks for sharing such great informations. Will read your blog regularly