Petro Truck Stop Doc
February 24, 2015
The truck stop doctor is a new breed of medical provider. Some truck stop docs are generally good folks, some are terrible, and some are even worse. However, every once in a while we come across a wonderful story such as this one.
The Washington Post recently published this article featuring a small farm town doctor and a popular truck stop in Virginia. Not only was this doctor and all-around great guy, but he was also named “Country Doctor of the Year”. Now that he has expanded his practice to include evenings at the TA Petro, this truck stop may be winning some awards of its own.
The fact that drivers can stop here for an oil change, a workout, a shopping spree, a good meal and even some hunting gear is already a good reason for high marks, but now they can also get a checkup from an exceptional doctor. Dr. Marsh is a decorated U.S. Special Forces medic trusted by local farmers and nomadic truckers alike. That is a rare find in the medical industry, much less the trucking medical industry.
Remember, truck drivers have required checkups. This is important for their health, their safety, and the safety of the public at large. That’s why it’s so great to hear stories such as this, which show that convenient, affordable, quality healthcare is available for those on the road.
See the full story here:
Virginia Doctor Tries Truck Stop Medicine
A New Trucker Parking System… Finally!
September 5, 2014
In Minnesota, the Department of Transportation is implementing a new parking system that tells truckers and dispatchers about vacant trucker parking spaces in Interstate rest areas.
Three rest areas along the I-94 corridor have been equipped with the system so far. The technology uses a network of cameras, in-cab messaging and electronic highway signs to notify truckers when there are spaces available to stop and rest. The information can also be found online so that dispatchers can see availabilities and notify drivers in real-time.
This new system could be a major game-changer when it comes to driver fatigue and HOS (Hours of Service) compliance. By knowing how many parking vacancies there are down the road, drivers and dispatchers can decide whether or not they should pull over and rest sooner, or continue driving with the knowledge that there will be a place to park before the work day is over.
Hopefully this new system, and more helpful initiatives like it, will improve working conditions for truckers in the future. Trucker parking is a small, but incredibly important and overlooked, piece of the puzzle. See the full story here:
MnDOT Launches New System to Help Truckers Find Parking Spaces