Jalopnik: truckers

In Romania, Trucker Dances A Killer Boogie

Peter Orosz — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EDT

This is about as unsafe as you can get while operating a semitrailer, but you've got to admit the Gheorghe or Nicolæ who stars in this breathtaking video knows how to get into the swing.

Wave the seat belt goodbye at 0:11 and watch his white-socked feet explore his cramped environs! At least he's driving with his hands — unlike some!

Trucker Rigs Disappearing License Plate To Cheat Tolls

Mark Arnold — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Ever since James Bond showed off the rotating plates on his Aston Martin, people have been inspired to rig up their own devices to conceal their vehicle's identity. Recently, a trucker was nearly caught using such a device to avoid paying tolls. The trick plate was mounted on a hinge and connected to a cable which ran into the cabin, the end of which went through the old cigarette lighter socket, and was activated just by pulling out the lighter. It's brilliantly simple, and evidently rather popular among truckers looking to beat the system. Stick it to the man! [via Yahoo, Gizmodo]

Truckers Stage April Fools' Day Slowdowns, Strikes

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

A wide swath of small trucking companies and independent truckers everywhere will be staging a protest of sorts today. Truckers will be slowing their rigs down and parking them as a protest against both fuel prices and perceived industry unfairness. They're mad as hell about the meteoric rise in the price of diesel fuel over the last two years and they're not going to take it anymore. Making things doubly maddening is the odd way in which diesel — a more crude product which requires less refinement and delivers more gallons per barrel — is rising in a decoupled manner from gasoline, first surpassing gas prices and then leaving them in the dust. We suspect the sort-of-a-strike will fall on deaf ears, but we understand the sentiment. [NYTimes]

TeleType GPS Navigation Unit Caters To Truckers, Hazmat Drivers

Travis Hudson — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:20:00 EDT

See, Garmin, now this is a reason to release new GPS navigation units and not because you are increasing the screen size by half an inch. The WorldNav 3300 GPS navigation systems from TeleType cater specifically to drivers of hazardous materials and truckers. You know how some roads don't want your uranium or toxic sludge traveling down the road? This is here to help you out.

The two GPS navigation units do more than just route for hazardous materials. They allow you to enter in your big rig height, weight and length. It will direct you on the best route for your big rig and also take into account the commercial truck restrictions of all types.

It includes maps of the U.S. and Canada and also includes an MP3 player and points of interests catered to truckers like truck stops, weigh stations and ~~adult stores~~. There is a 3.5-inch version and a 7-inch version available. [TeleType via SlipperyBrick]

Jalopnik Holiday Gift Guide: A CB Radio

Matt Hardigree — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:15:00 EST

While you probably wouldn't want in your new Bentley, nothing classes up an old rig for a long road trip more than a CB Radio. You can relive your Smokey & The Bandit fantasies by calling out a 'Bear in the Air' just outside Bull City, or letting others know that there's an Evil Kenevil 'shooting you in the back' along the expressway. So if that car fan in your life is driving a 70's era vintage wagon or a Subaru Brat, a CB Radio might be a nice edition. We recommend the Cobra 19 DX IV for first timers, as it comes with all the equipment you need for under $70.00. Product details below the jump.

Compact 40 channel illuminated LCD display, RF gain, S/RF meter

Reflecting the trends in new vehicle designs, sculpted features and muted graphics which give it a dynamic look that will compliment any of today's vehicles. Adjusts receiver sensitivity to match incoming signal. Allows you to decrease sensitivity for strong signals and increase sensitivity for weak ones.

Unit Dimensions 1.75" H x 4.5" W x 7" D (44.5 mm H x 114 mm W x 178 mm D)
Unit Weight 1 lb., 3.9 oz.
Microphone Type 4 Pin Screw-On Dynamic
Frequency Control Phase Lock Loop Synthesizer (PLL)
RF Output Power 4 Watts (Maximum FCC allowed)
CB Channels 40 channels (26.965 to 27.405 MHz)

[Cobra]