The time is always right

In a few short weeks the sound of gavels striking atop
podiums will fill statehouses across the country as work gets underway to
change, and in some instances improve, state rules. To many people this is a
welcome opportunity to make their voice heard on issues that affect their daily
lives, or livelihoods.



While the majority of people who are intent on contacting
their lawmakers view the

MessedUpTrafficVille

Livin’
on buffets,

Been
out umpteen days,

Christmas
loads are hotter than heck.

Now people are shopping,      

And
traffic is stopping,

This
town’s turned into one big brake check.



Wastin’
my hours again in MessedUpTrafficVille.

All
the cars ahead have come to a halt.

Some
people say that I am nuts to live this way,

But
I think – who are they to find fault.



Don’t
know the reason

Wreaths Across America: ‘Remember, honor, teach’

Photo courtesy of
Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is fast becoming one of trucking’s
favorite holiday projects and it’s one that a number of trucking companies and
drivers donate their time to.



The project
told Land Line on Friday that they
currently have more than 30 trucking companies signed on to help with the
convoy this year, but depending on how many wreaths they are

Bipartisanship in transportation is wounded, but not dead

For many years, certain committees in Congress looked at
transportation as bipartisan. Projects and funding were approved because they
create jobs, and it’s been a written and unwritten rule that the highway system
is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy.



We’re not quite sure when things started to go sour or when
transportation projects and infrastructure jobs became political pawns in a war
on

Illinois roadkill at a truckstop near you?

Consumption of animal carcass in Illinois could soon experience
a renaissance.



Illinois lawmakers have voted to override the veto of Gov.
Pat Quinn to enact legislation that is intended to prevent waste of animal
carcasses while providing the state some financial relief. It took effect
immediately.



The new law authorizes a person with the proper license or
permit for fur-bearing mammals to

Lipstick on the pig

A pig is a pig. You can dress it up and put some lipstick on
it. But underneath it’s still a pig.



That’s what I can’t help but think every time someone starts
going on about how long-haul trucks in Mexico are as good as U.S. trucks.



That is simply not true.



I don’t care if it’s a 2011 top-of-the-line,
all-the-bells-and-whistles tractor. It’s still not up to par with trucks in the

Worst expenditure award goes to…

We’ve all seen the negative headlines in recent years.
Newspaper chains close community papers, or large TV news networks slash jobs.



As a journalist, it’s worrisome because these reporters and
editors are often the ones watching the watchers – they’re the journalists who
hold our congressmen, powerful appointees, police departments, agencies and
others accountable.



That’s why I enjoy