Hammond Heavy Hauling of Eatonville, WA, is gaining experience in the intermodal realm. The firm recently was called on to move three vintage locomotives. Two were from the Mount Rainier Scenic Railway in Elbe, WA, to the Port of Tillamook Bay in Oregon and the third from Port Angeles, WA, to the railway in Elbe.
Fleet owner Larry Hammond says transporting 55-ton antique locomotives is more challenging than his primary business of carting construction equipment and logs. “It's a lot more work,” he says. “You have to use more deck extensions and install rails on the low beds.”
Hammond runs with all 2002 Kenworths — two W900s and a T800.
“Stronger demand has enabled us to raise some of our freight rates, something we've not been able to do much of for some time. Most of the improved demand is for our full-truckload services, but we're beginning to see some light shine on our less-than-truckload operations. More like moonlight, rather than sunshine, but light nevertheless.”
— Stoney M. “Mit” Stubbs, Jr., chairman & CEO, Frozen Food Express, Dallas, TX, in the company's 3Q '02 earnings report
Team drivers Bob and Ann, imaginary characters in the newly released Trucker Buddy coloring book, select their new tractor at a dealership, and then watch its assembly at the plant.
According to Trucker Buddy, the illustrations in the book will show students a truck assembly line from start to finish. As a long time supporter of Trucker Buddy, Kenworth Truck Company's W900 model is the vehicle shown being built.
To order books, go to www.truckerbuddy.org.
Four-wheeling Highway AngelThe Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has recognized Ann Mente, an eight-year employee at a Smithway Motor Xpress terminal, as a “Highway Angel” for single-handedly pulling a man from a burning vehicle and assisting another stricken motorist.
Mente was driving her 11-year-old son to school when she came upon two cars that had just collided head-on. “It didn't look real at first,” she recalled, but one of the cars began smoking and then caught on fire and that jolted her into action.
Mente found the vehicle's front end in flames and the driver still inside. She pulled the driver's door, but it wouldn't open. Using her forearm, Mente smashed the driver-side window, reached in, and pulled the man from under his arms to drag him safely out. The man's feet had been hurt badly, so Mente helped him “walk away” from the burning vehicle. Mente then helped the driver of the other vehicle, who had managed to get himself out. He had a bone protruding from his leg and she did what she could for him until emergency help arrived.
Pass the soapAA Truck Sleeper Corp. of Fort Worth, TX, has rolled out its “Shower Bunk,” a 36" × 90" × 80" self-contained unit equipped with hot and cold running water.
The Shower Bunk is placed on a chassis directly behind an existing sleeper to give drivers “their own personal shower and commode anywhere and everywhere they go,” says president & CEO Larry Miller.
“Everyone is aware of the problems drivers are faced with concerning congested truck stops and not enough parking spots,” Miller states.
To work up a lather, first go to www.aatrucksleeper.com or call 800-227-5337.
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