Leave your dog in the cab???

I was out in California last week for 5 days. It was very apparent that many of the drivers I talked to have no idea what California is going to do Jan. 1.

One driver stated he just installed the APU 4 months ago and it was approved to run everywhere. I just told him he had better check into it further.

As far as companies putting these on trucks, most of the big boys don't. They are also the ones that limit the idle time on trucks. Many cannot idle until the temp is over 70 and below 45 (from some of the drivers I talked to).

 

I think they will be before too long, especially if they plan on spending much time in California, or other states with no idle laws. Marten has already done this, not sure about any of the others. Once a few of them do it, the others will be forced into doing so to even the recruiting field.

 

An APU would be a selling point for recruiters.

You are right, when one big boy starts, they all will have to follow.

I believe it will start at the smaller firms and blossom out. The smaller firms will be able to use it to their best interest.

The CA problem is just how will drivers be aware as to the APU legal in CA.

This also is aimed at the reefer.

 

Yeah, the reefers can only be a certain age, or have to be retrofitted, which is costly.

This is one of the reasons that our company, which did nothing but make trips to california every week from Texas, now runs southeast.

 

These people claim that their generators comply with the anti idiling laws, What do you think? I can't post the links yet but it is at... starclassinc.com

 

Hello? Has anyone even heard of these people?

 

I looked at their web site. They have units that will meet anti idle laws as stated. Looks to be dated 2005.

The problem is California's new law is highly restrictive and most are not geared for them yet. You would need to specifically ask about the new CA law 1-1-08.

I would get this in writing before purchase.

 

The sleep apena issue is one I looked at. My wife has sleep apena, so I was curious. I am not expert by any means but this is what we were told.

Sleep apena is a term used for a person who stops breating for a period of 8 seconds or longer while they sleep. Now they dont actually stop breathing, but it is a hard breath sort of. As we understand it, it can be deadly, that however is very very rare. She got the machine, and sleeps better than she has ever slept. Literaly it changed her life. With a better nights sleep of course you have more energy. She can now do things she couldnt do just a year ago. And that generates more self confidance and pride. She feels better about herself, and hey I sleep better since she isnt snoring in my ear lol.

As far as DOT if I am not mistaken sleep apena is now a disqualifing condition. I asume a person could get a waiver like anything else. But then IF the machine were required a simple invertor would eliminate that problem. The issue there might be finding a company willing to allow you to install an invertor. I dont know most companies policy on this.

But my take on it pesonally is simple. Before the machine she was ALWAYS tired. I mean wake up at 6 AM get the kids off to school, take a nap. Get up eat lunch and be worn out, end up nodding off shortly after. Once the kids got home she was up till bedtime, but by then absolutely worn out. Now a normal nights sleep for her is enough for her to have more energy than ever, and feel a whole lot better. Obviously I would prefer a co-driver that was alert, and not sleepy all the time. So I can really see why in some cases DOT would disqualify a person. Once they get whatever medical help is needed yes, let em go. But my wife before the machine.....no way I would want her in a truck.

 

Dang, I was hoping I found a good one.hehe

 

I have a list of the Anti-idle laws. You can get it from the American Transport Research Institute (ATRI). Some states will let you idle if you are in your sleeper. Otherwise shut it down.
Some states will not even let the Refer unit idle, California. Others it has to be at or below 32F, then you get 15 minutes.

As for the aux unit. Do not try it in certain citues of PA, NY, or D.C. there are Zero exceptions and this can come with fines as high as $25,000 and/or jail time (1 year).

Most large companies are hoping people (especially company drivers) will get IdleAir. Either way, these law makers obviously like our service, delivering their coffee and expensive televisions. Yet, they don't like us trying to stay comfortable and getting good rest. They need to spend a little time on the road in 80F weather trying to sleep or replacing batteries because they were only allowed to idle for 3 minutes in -5F weather. (my two cents, go get a copy of the laws to see for yourself.)