Several states such as California, Arizona, New York and Pennsylvania have anti-idling laws which prevent truck drivers from idling their trucks for no longer than five minutes each hour.
Citing public health and reducing carbon emissions as major reasons for pushing such legislation, there are those in Wisconsin as well as other states who are willing to jump on the bandwagon without giving much thought to the health of the men and women who run freight along the interstates.
While it is true that products are available to truck drivers that will enable them to be comfortable without idling, these products range in the thousands of dollars. Many drivers are unable to afford such products, especially in light of our current economy. Trucking companies have tightened their belts and the idea of outfitting company trucks with APU devices is suspect at best.
Idle Aire was a great concept that allowed truck drivers to rest at truck stops and stay cool or warm. Unfortunately, it became an expensive commodity that only a few truck carriers paid for. Idle Aire went out of business in January 2010 and while they have announced a reopening (under new ownership) of limited locations, they are not widely available.
To bring awareness to the general public about the circumstances surrounding anti-idling laws, there is an organizing going on to let people see just how uncomfortable a truck driver would be if he or she was not able to idle. Next Saturday, July 24, 2010 take an hour out of your day and sit in your car, which is about the same room as found in the sleeper of the cab of a semi truck. Idle your car, suv or pickup truck for no longer than five minutes. Try to relax for just one hour. This action will give the average person an idea of how a truck driver is expected to sleep, relax or do anything in the cab of his truck.
Remember, a truck driver is federally mandated to take a ten-hour break after eleven consecutive hours of driving.
You will then be encouraged to contact your state representatives and demand fair treatment of the men and women who deliver everything that is under your roof.
Comments
I don't kmow call me crazy but there isn't emmitions law on vehicles in az why would they put a law on truckers who just want to stay cool in 120 degree weather what the heck is wrong with the brains of these Arizonians i think the sun has fried thier brains!!!
What these state lawmakers dont understand is all these trucks with big names on the side are owned by big corporations. The driver is just an employee with no say soon what equipment goes on the truck. Many companies dog their drivers about idle time (it is electronically recorded) but unless legislation forces them these big companies have no incentive to provide expensive api units for their drivers.
how can this be? its inhumne to ask a truck driver too lay in that bunk for 5 6 7 hrs a night, we all know thats all we really sleep anyway.i tried today in high point nc to lay in my truck for two hrs and was sweatng so bad common since took over and made me start the truck and air conditioner.i reckon i want be a truck driver much longer am on 23yrs accident free.this is a sad situation for the people just starting.this is a sad day for trucking no matter where you stand.government gotta love that bunch must be where they train dipatchers !!!what ya think?
Generally the people that write the laws have very little knowledge of the topic they are attempting to regulate. This is where focus groups, research groups, expert witnesses, etc are hired (wasting money) to consult the lawmakers. The idle laws have various purposes, not only reducing emmisions, but also reducing noise... What I personally find fascinating are the various exemptions, one of my favorites was in AZ, where they previously defined idle to be when the engine is running at idle RPM's based on manufacterer's spec, so this could be loopholed by setting the cruise control (or using a throttle stick) to set the engine at a higher RPM, thus "racing" the engine. Now, idle in this state is when it is not in gear, so I can dangerously leave the an idling truck in gear, however with the clutch depressed, to loophole the law again... You just cannot make laws on common sense
They should institute a national no-idle rule, in conjunction with a surcharge on all freight to cover the cost.
All new trucks with sleeper cabs should be required to have apu's or suitable climate control systems.
"unable to afford such products" doesn't fly. Shippers must pay the cost of transportation.
Wal-mart did it to their fleet. Swift can do it, Joe Schmoes Trucking can do it. The Shippers have to pay the cost and charge the people who buy their widgets as needed.
I live in Canada. I retired from trucking 5 years ago and am contemplating going back. I have dicided to avoid all STATE
After 6 yrs of retirement from truking, I have decided to return. Then I found out about the idling laws in some states. I have decided that I will avoid those states and haul from states that value a truckdrivers life. IT IS A SAD COMMENTARY THAT A DOG LEFT IN A HOT CAR RAISES MORE FUSS THAN A TRUCK DRIVER LEFT IN A HOT TRUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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