The DOT Doctor’s Blog

February 27, 2009

The DOT Doctor is back up and running………….. catch up with us



Friday, 27 February 2009



Want EASY access to headline and breaking news? 


Visit our Industry News page (http://thedotdoctor/industry_news) for the HOTTEST stories.  


Breaking news feed fed to The DOT Doctor’s Site.  Check out Industry News as well as a variety of our other pages for relevant and related information as it breaks!!!


Here are some samples:


  • SPECIAL REPORT: Cross-border trucking program funding in jeopardy

    Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009 – With a new administration and a new Congress in place, a recent vote by the House of Representatives may mean the end for the embattled cross-border trucking program with Mexico isn’t too far off.
    more >>

     


  • Commission recommends tolls and taxes, but no reform

    As if truckers and highway users aren’t paying enough in taxes, fees and tolls to run on America’s highways, a federal commission is recommending that Congress adopt a sweeping array of new and higher user fees. Critics, including OOIDA, say the report does not address the way transportation money is spent nor does it call for reform. more >>

     


  • Illinois truckers credited for stopping bill to double base plate fee

    An Illinois state lawmaker gives credit to truckers for helping sideline a bill that would have doubled the fees for base plates in the state. more >>

     


  • Colorado House OKs road funding bill; tolls, truck fee increases included

    The Colorado House has narrowly approved a bill that includes the option of charging tolls to access existing free routes. By a margin of 34-31, House lawmakers voted to advance the bill, which is intended to raise at least $250 million a year to fix the state’s crumbling roads and bridges. more >>

     


  • Ormond Beach Love’s: 30-minute parking limit during Bike Week

    The Love’s in Ormond Beach, FL, will limit truck parking to 30 minutes starting Friday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 8, during Bike Week. more >>

     


  • Hackers plead guilty to broker fraud through FMCSA site

    Two Russian immigrants from Southern California have pleaded guilty to defrauding motor carriers out of at least $2.4 million through a double-brokering load scheme using the FMCSA’s SAFER Web site. more >>

     


  • From the Land Line blog: TWIC gives muleskinners the blues

    It seems that anyone who even occasionally visits a major port these days is required to possess a TWIC card. What about colonial-era clothing clad seasonal canal-boat workers, you say? Land Line’s Charlie Morasch dives into the latest mainstream news story about the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. more >>

     


  • POSTED BY: The DOT Doctor’s Webmaster AT 01:07 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  E-mail this



    Thursday, 26 February 2009



    Howdy All!


    Our new computer system is installed.  We have our new computers up and working finally.  This will hopefully end the hiatus of silence.  It is our intention to return to normal postings to The DOT Doctor Speaks (http://thedotdoctor.com/the_dot_doctor_speaks), resume our live podcasts (available on Blog Talk Radio at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/The-DOT-Doctor) and newsletters.  Be a part of our shows.  Suggest topics, call in, join our chat room…..just get involved!


    Thank you all for your understanding during these last few months as we limped through our difficulties.  Hopefully that is all now behind us with the introduction of our new IT Staff and IT Department.  This new department brings additional service offerings in the IT Field ranging from Database management, Website Development and Marketing, PC Support, Software Training including the new MS Office, help desk services, spreadsheet design, data capture systems, BETA Testing and more.  Visit our new web section – IT SERVICES (http://thedotdoctor.com/it_services).


    Remember, we are still expanding and hiring.  We openings for sales people (F/T and P/T), receptionist(s) and field consultants skilled in DOT Compliance / Matters and IT technicians.  Send your resumes to our HR department at resumes@thedotdoctor.com.


    Thank you all for continuing to join our FREE mailing lists (http://thedotdoctor.com/subscribe) and take advantage of our FREE training products  (http://thedotdoctor.com/log_auditing), FREE HR Forms (http://thedotdoctor.com/hr_services) (remember the new I-9s that came out in February….we have them here) and other services.  Many items are free for signing up to our mailing list and others can be purchased on the spot through our site via PayPal. 


    Remember we also have the new E-mall coming in April. Some stores are already in place.  Come and check out our latest shops(http://thedotdoctor.com/e_mall)  We are open 24 hours a day for your shopping convenience.  No parking hassles!  Shop in your PJs.  We are also taking applications and deposit for store fronts in our new E-mall.  Stop by and fill one out today.  Space is limited; so don’t delay.  Pre-Grand Opening rates can’t be beat!!!


    Special sales offerings, FREE magazine offerings, movies on demand, DISH TV specials, travel saving specials and more are available at our E-mall as well as on the pages throughout our site.  Check out our custom Amazon Store (http://astore.amazon.com/thdodo03-20) for a-mazing savings on a wide variety of products. Look for the sidebar ads on each page that relate to the subject matter in which you are viewing for special custom savings. 


    Stop by today and check out all the new additions to our site.   We are constantly evolving.  Be a part of our future today!  You will notice changes when you visit our site.  Some pages have new “homes” are we re-designed our website in order to add our new IT Section. We have added a Troop Picture of our Brownie Troop that we support to our main page.  Remember, it is Girl Scout cookie time.  Contact us (asitler@thedotdoctor.com) today for your annual GS Cookie order.  Don’t delay.  Flavors are selling out quickly!!!  Order direct on our Cookie Page (http://thedotdoctor.com/cookies).  To view all the fine organizations that we support; visit our About Us page (http://thedotdoctor.com/about_us).   Remember OOIDA members always receive a 10% discount.


    Be sure to look for The DOT Doctor on networking sites like: Facebook, MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/andrealsitler), You Tube, Twitter, Flickr, Word Blog, Linked In and more.  Drop by and send us a “friend” request.  We are happy to add you to our network.


    Remember Dr. Sitler’s Book Pu: Energy Source or Death Source is available through Amazon (http://astore.amazon.com/thdodo03-20), is Kindle ready and available at a special price on our website (http://thedotdoctor.com/clean_and_green_technologies).   Get your copy today!


    Catch the DOT Doctor online for a FREE Chat session.  Let the DOT Doctor answer your pressing questions via our chat link at the bottom of our Blog page and many other pages within our site.  Be sure to join our DOT HELP GROUP via Yahoo Groups and/or DOT HELP on Linked IN.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Add your comments on our services provided on our Comment page.  Our site is very interactive, as are our groups, and all work best when you interact.  Make your posting today!  Use our SHARE link on the top left of each page to post us to your favorite networking site and to share our content with  your friends and co-workers.  Be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed for instant updates.  A quick click of your mouse and all of newsflash postings are at your fingertips.  Be sure to check out our Logistics page (http://thedotdoctor.com/logistics), Safety Page (http://thedotdoctor.com/safety_newletter) and various other pages for automatic updated information from a variety of global services.  Always be current by bookmarking and visiting The DOT Doctor’s Website often.  We offer free safety videos on our Safety page (http://thedotdoctor.com/safety_plan);  technical writing services (http://thedotdoctor.com/authorship),  listing of DOT Fines (http://thedotdoctor.com/dot_compliance) and don’t forget about our all inclusive NEW BUSINESS SET UP Package. This package establishes a DOT Number for your new company, provides a written safety plan and includes a year of IFTA filing, UCR filing and log auditing services as well as list of other services. Visit: http://thedotdoctor.com/business_package for all the details.  Just IFTA filing services (http://thedotdoctor.com/quarterly_ifta_filing) or Logbook auditing (http://thedotdoctor.com/quarterly_ifta_filing).  We offer a combined Presidential Package for your filing and auditing needs (http://thedotdoctor.com/quarterly_ifta_filing#presplanprice).   All this begins at just $10/truck


    These are just a small sampling of what we have to offer.  If you haven’t been to our site or haven’t been there lately; come visit us at: http://thedotdoctor.com today. 


     The DOT Doctor has the cure for ALL your compliance ills….. and more.


     


    Thank you for your continued patronage!


    Andrea Sitler, PhD


    The DOT Doctor


    asitler@thedotdoctor.com


     

    Click to join dot_help

    Click to join dot_help


    POSTED BY: Andrea Sitler aka:The DOT Doctor AT 10:58 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  E-mail this



    Thursday, 26 February 2009



    The DOT Doctor is now offering more than just transportation related solutions.  We have expanded to  include IT Service Offerings. 


    Our new IT DIVISION will offer:




    • Web Design


    • Web Site Maintenance


    • Web Site Marketing


    • Help Desk Support


    • PC Repair


    • Software Installation


    • Hardware Installation


    • Configuration (network, email, etc…)


    • MS Office Training


    • Database Management


    • DB import / export


    • DB Maintenance


    • System Transfer of Files


    • Backup Services

    ……….. and other related services


    Check out our new IT Page today.


    (http://thedotdoctor.com/it_services)


    POSTED BY: Help Desk for the DOT Doctor AT 10:56 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  E-mail this



    Sunday, 22 February 2009



    Have you seen this article from the Curiosity Shop?


     


    Lung Cancer, whats that got to do with Delivery Drivers?



    Quite a lot actually. Especially if you don’t want one of these ugly tumours on your lungs. If you are a courier, trucker or delivery driver, read through the information below, and tell me what you think.






    Lung cancer
    Image via Wikipedia

    An up to date article in News Inferno was very interesting reading and informative…



    Recent research suggests  that lung cancer risks are higher among trucking industry workers because of diesel fume exposure.  According to a new study published in the January issue of the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, workers in the trucking industry with an estimated 20 years on the job have an elevated risk of lung cancer with each increasing year of work due to their diesel fume exposure.


    A lot of drivers are career drivers. They start in their 20s and still drive until they are retired, some often continuing part time during retirement. For many, driving for a living is something they really enjoy.


    The article goes on to say –



    Scientists have long known that diesel fumes might play a role in the development of lung cancer.  According to a report on SFgate.com, diesel fumes consist of a toxic stew of about 400 chemicals, including benzene, formaldehyde, arsenic, cyanide and lead.  Breathing large amounts of diesel fumes could cause respiratory diseases, and people with asthma, heart disease and emphysema can worsen if exposed to the exhaust. Long-term exposure leads to chronic obstructive lung disease as well as lung cancer.


    So, it’s the long term exposure that does the damage. The longer you drive, the more chance you have of getting it. A case control study was done back in 1990 and the report says at the end..



    Overall, our results suggest that diesel truck drivers have an excess risk of lung cancer compared to other teamsters in jobs outside the trucking industry. However, our findings were not uniformly consistent and our data have many limitations, the most important of which is the lack of data on exposure to diesel fumes.


    Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov


    In the US, the EPA have been making big inroads into reducing the danger. A tough task considering most areas of the US and the Uk are urbanised so diesel fumes are in every breath we take. As much as 25% of the breath we take in highly urbanised areas, more if there is a port nearby and the diesel fumes from the ships engines are in the air.



    Early in 2001, the EPA issued landmark standards to clean up dirty diesel trucks and buses, comparable to the advent of the catalytic converter on cars several decades ago. When the standards take full effect in 2007, they are expected to reduce emissions from trucks and buses by more than 90 percent, the equivalent of taking 13 million of the nation’s 14 million trucks and buses off the roads.


    Source: ENS


    The article from the ENS website goes on to outline the effort from the Bush administration. It  also clearly higlights the failings in the US – emissions trading programs. So rather than clean up their act the worst polluters get to trade credits with cleaner, greener companies. I cannot see how this would work myself, and seems like a fraudulent way of dealing with the issue.



    In addition to concluding that diesel fumes likely cause lung cancer, the EPA found that diesel exhaust triggers asthma and other respiratory effects, calling the fumes “a chronic respiratory hazard to humans.” Based on animal testing and studies of people in jobs with high exposures, the fumes were shown to be carcinogenic, or cancer causing.


    The agency did not attempt to quantify the cancer risk from exposure to diesel emissions, though the report notes that the risk is likely to be higher for people who regularly work with or around diesel engines. But even everyday exposure to background levels of diesel fumes probably puts people at risk, the EPA said.


    What can an employer do to limit diesel fumes for their drivers? Is there an efficient way of filtering the exhaust fumes so that the carcinogens are contained?


    My thoughts on this are two fold, is this coming to light now to try and encourage people to buy environmentally vehicles? Is it diesel that is doing the evil deed? Why isn’t it coal fires, petrol or another type of fuel? Or is it the sad fact that all of these contribute to it, and its our delivery drivers that are taking home the tumours.


    For excellent information and research on cancer, more information can be found on the pharma strategy blog written by Sally Church.


    Sarah


    Related articles



    POSTED BY: The DOT Doctor AT 10:22 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  E-mail this



    Sunday, 22 February 2009



    It’s that wonderful time of the year when we all have the opportunity to purchase fresh, wonderful Girl Scout cookies.  Not only are these a wonderful treat; they help the girls in many ways.  Brownie Troop #9376 are using their profits to attend a special Space Center Houston Camp. 


    Camping is not the only benefit for the girls when you purchase theses delicious cookies.  The girls learn leadership skills, marketing skills, sales, entrepreneurial skills, budget management and most importantly they build self confidence.  Girls in Scouting learn to stand tall and proud.  They know they are independent and believe in themselves.  This inspires them to work for their goals, attend Ivy League Colleges, participate in school activities and achieve top grades.  Girl Scouts stand in the shadows of no one and learn how to be self sufficient.  These are life skills that all girls should know and thanks to GS; learn is fun and begins in kindergarten.


    Be a part of girl’s life and future today!  Buy a box of these delicious cookies and make a difference today.


     Click here to purchase online via PayPal.  


    (http://thedotdoctor.com/cookies)


    Email me (asitler@thedotdoctor.com) if you want local pickup or case orders (mix and match 8 flavors)


    The Girl Scouts of NE Texas proudly support our Troops.  Buy a box today and we will deliver it for you to a Troop overseas.


     

    THE DOT DOCTOR PROUDLY SUPPORTS
    GIRL SCOUT BROWNIE TROOP #9376

    December 4, 2008

    Ebooks now available at the DOT Doctor.com

    All the elves have been working hard to complete the website. New pages have been added. Under construction pages have been completed. New content is being added daily. RSS feeds have been added to many of the pages for instant updates on what is happen in the industry. We have sound on a few of our pages now. We are very excited with all the new changes.

    Stormwater Management – http://thedotdoctor.com/stormwater_plan

    HazMat Handling – http://thedotdoctor.com/hazmat

    Clean and Green Technologies – http://thedotdoctor.com/clean_and_green_technologies

    Drug and Alcohol Training – http://thedotdoctor.com/drug_and_alcohol_plan

    Logistics / Santa Countdown and Tracker – http://thedotdoctor.com/logistics

    Freightbrokerage and Free Loadboard – http://thedotdoctor.com/freight_brokerage

    Plus visit our updated pages via the main page – http://thedotdoctor.com

    ——————————————————————————–
    Two mini eBooks by Dr. Andrea Sitler PhD are offered for sale on the site or on Ebay.

    Dr. Andrea Sitler PhD is a published author and SME in the fields of transportation, logistics and safety.
    “PU: Energy Source or Death Source” discusses the advantages of Nuclear Energy vs. conventional energy methods. Understand this value element and its benefits to the environment. The health risks, terrorist potential and proper handling of Plutonium are discussed in detail.
    The transport and handling of high level hazardous material, especially nuclear waste, is covered in detail. An in-depth discussion on the benefits and ability to recycle Pu vs. bury Pu at Yucca Mountain is explored. Learn how Pu is recycled around the globe. Realize that only 3% is ACTUAL waste.
    Radiation exposure in everyday life as well as the cancer risks of Pu exposure is explored. Dr. Cohen’s work is referenced and discussed. Understand the government controls on the nuclear industry and remove public fears. Learn how Yucca Mountain will be filled before it is even officially opened.
    Learn how the nuclear industry is the cure to Global Warming. Explore the current state of the nuclear industry and nuclear energy is covered as well as the history of nuclear technology. Learn about breeding Pu, purity factors, risk factors and global developments. Compare and contrast the US Nuclear Market vs. the Global Nuclear Market. Discover India’s Nuclear Power Strategy, CANDU Reactor and Reactor developments and advancements.
    Available at: http://thedotdoctor.com/green_download

    ——————————————————————————–

    THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TRUCKING LIES

    Before becoming an O/O or a truck driver, ask yourself and your loved ones these questions.
    1. Dream of being a trucker?
    2. Want that freedom of the road?
    3. Like to travel?
    4. Want to make the “big bucks” that drivers make?
    5. Maybe, doing it your way, is your dream and so is being an O/O?
    Before making that big decision, sign up to receive this free download with the truth about the trucking life.

    “The Realities of Trucking Driving”
    How many miles you can REALLY expect to drive per week?
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    Know if you should be paid by % or Cent Per Mile (CPM).
    Dealing with recruiters; separating the facts from fiction.
    What is guaranteed hometime?
    Which pays better, Owner Operator or a Company Driver?
    What type of freight should I haul?
    Where do I find a good company?
    Does my car driving record affect my ability to be hired?
    Do the tickets I get as a commercial driver cost me on my car insurance?
    What is DAC and why do I care?
    How do I protect my DAC score?
    “I Want to be an Owner-Operator; now what?”
    Can I afford to become an O/O?
    What money does it really take to be independent?
    Where do I find work as an O/O?
    How do I find insurance for my family now that I am independent?

    “Truths Driving Schools Hide From Their Students”
    Why new drivers have a difficult time finding and maintaining employment?
    Time to make big dollars now; not!
    Difference between running team and working for the teamsters.
    To sleep or not?
    Trucking driving is not freedom.

    Available at: http://thedotdoctor.com/dac

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