On the first day of July 2013, the new hours-of-service regulations will begin, affecting thousands of drivers across the nation. The new rule by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revises the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. It was created to reduce both acute and chronic fatigue by limiting the maximum number of hours per day and week that the drivers can work.

“This final rule is the culmination of the most extensive and transparent public outreach effort in our agency’s history,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro in a press release. “With robust input from all areas of the trucking community, coupled with the latest scientific research, we carefully crafted a rule acknowledging that when truckers are rested, alert and focused on safety, it makes our roadways safer.”

The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their workweek by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.

Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. The final rule retains the current 11-hour daily driving limit. It reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver’s workweek to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes.

The rule limits the use of the “34-hour restart” to once a week, or 168 hours. If restarts are taken every 6 days, alternating 14 hours on-duty and 10 hours off, a driver would reach 70 hours in less than 5 full days. After a 34-hour break, the driver could then begin this same cycle again, totaling 70 hours on-duty every 6 calendar days, for an average of almost 82 hours per calendar week. The purpose of the restart rule would be to limit excessive buildup of on-duty hours.

According to the FMCSA, companies and drivers that violate the rule could face the maximum penalties for each offense. Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11-hour driving limit by 3 or more hours could be fined $11,000 per offense, and the drivers themselves could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense.

Are you prepared for the new HOS regulations? What do you think of them? Give us your input in the comments!

Nothing says gaudy or weird better than America’s roadside attractions. Over the years, these incredible and oddly placed spots, jutting out like old museums between gas stations and coffee houses, are becoming increasingly rare, but there are still some gems that can’t be missed during a road trip. Many truckers have their favorite roadside attractions. Here are some of ours:

• The World’s Largest Ball of Twine. Tucked underneath a large awning in Cawker City, Kansas, the world’s largest ball of twine was wound by Frank Stoeber starting in 1953 and finished with his death in 1974. It weighs nine tons and is 40 feet in diameter.

• South of the Border. This colorful roadside attraction in Dillon, South Carolina, features a giant statue of mascot Pedro wearing a sombrero, Mexican-themed shops, a huge fireworks shop, and, of course, an amusement park in the middle of nowhere.

• Lucy the Elephant. This giant manmade elephant once served as a real estate sales tool back in 1882. Located in Margate, NJ, she has since been made into a summer home, a bar, and an office. At 65 feet tall, Lucy the Elephant, bedecked in a bright red coat that adorns her back, is hard to miss.

• Devil’s Rope Museum. This McLean, Texas, museum is actually a tribute to barbed wire. It commemorates the wire’s contributions to ranching, warfare, and security. There are literally thousands of strands on display, as well as demonstrations on how to make your own.

• UFO Landing Port. This extraterrestrial landing pad in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Highway 29 was created by Bob Tohak. Covered in stars and satellites, and featuring a welcome sign for aliens, this port was crafted from scrap iron and empty fuel tanks.

• Fields of the Woods. Located 18 miles west of Murphy on NC-294, this Biblical theme park features the largest Ten Commandments on a hillside, a 50-foot-wide wooden Bible, and an 80-foot altar.

• Largest Ball of Paint. Why not, since we have the world’s largest ball of twine? In 1977 Mike Carmichael started with one drop of paint and has been layering more paint on his multicolored blob ever since. The ball, located in Alexandria, Indiana, weighs over 1,300 pounds and has 20,000 coats of paint.

• Giant Chocolate Moose. Lenny the life-sized moose, crafted meticulously from 1,700 pounds of milk chocolate, sits inside a cool room in Scarborough, Maine. He is the mascot for candy store Len Libby and the subject of hundreds of photographs over the years.

• The Thing. In Dragoon, Arizona, on I-10, a mysterious yellow building advertises “The Thing?” For a dollar, guests can walk through the building and follow a set of yellow footprints to find out what “The Thing” really is.

• Foamhenge. Strange artistic creations abound on highways all over America, and Foamhenge is one of those oddball attractions. Created by artist Mike Cline to mimic the original Stonehenge, this attraction in Natural Bridge, Virginia, is an exact replica built from Styrofoam.

Can’t get enough of these roadside marvels? Wikipedia has compiled a list from several countries claiming to have the largest example of a certain, item, such as the world’s largest oyster and the largest potato. Click here to see an entire list.

What are some of your favorite roadside attractions? Let us – and your fellow truckers – know below!

When you ask a truck driver where his or her favorite spot to vacation is, answers will undoubtedly vary, because they’ve been all over the U.S. From mountains to beaches to spending time at home, here are some of our favorite vacation spots for summer:

• Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This beach claims white sands, sparkling blue water, and a family-friendly atmosphere as three of its main draws. Each year, families descend upon this Gulf Coast gem, called the Camellia City, to play golf, visit parks and aquariums, and relax on powder-white beaches.

• Charleston, SC. The Atlantic coast and Southern hospitality warm visitors immediately as they come to Charleston for the delicious food, the museums, and of course, the city’s rich history.

• Sulphur Springs, AR. A favorite destination in this town is the beautiful Old Spanish Treasure Cave, where children can pan for gems, fossils, and crystals. This town is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.

• Virginia Creeper Trail. This 34-mile easy-does-it bike path located between Abingdon, VA, and Damascus is described as one of the best mountain trails in the United States. Both young and old flock to this trail to rent bikes and leisurely ride down a mountain at a slow pace, enjoying cold streams, picnics, and ice cream stands along the way.

• Sedona, Arizona. What’s not to love about this historic town that features Pink Jeep Tours, ancient rock art, and Oak Creek Canyon, a nature-made water park the kids will love. At the Hopi Reservation, 100 miles north, tourists can get an idea of what life was like for Native Americans.

• Cascade, Colorado. Families can go horseback riding or stroll on foot through the gorgeous Garden of the Gods or walk to see the breathtaking waterfall at Cascade Community Park.

• Great Wolf Lodge. This indoor water park is an excellent idea for families on a budget who only have a couple days of vacation available. With 11 locations to choose from in various states, families can select a package that includes admission to the huge indoor waterpark and a hotel room.

• Wilmington, NC. Packed with amazing restaurants, historic buildings, and a glittering beach, Wilmington is fun for both the historian and the child who wants to build sand castles all day. Walk along the river and eat at a French restaurant and then drive a couple miles to Wrightsville Beach. Civil war buffs will especially enjoy the historical sites Wilmington has to offer.

• Home. What better place to vacation than your own home? The fridge is stocked, the game is on, and your own bed calls to you at night. Sometimes home is the best place to consider.

What are some of your favorite vacation spots? Please let us know in the comments!

June 4, 5, and 6th are fast approaching, and for many truckers, that means Roadcheck 2013 will be in their rearview faster than they can switch a blinker on. This initiative is held by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and includes the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. If you’re on the road, you could be stopped by an inspector who will be examining your truck to ensure that it’s running safely. These three days can be an anxious time for truckers, because they invest money and time in their trucks and rely on the vehicle as their sole source of income.

So why should you take this Roadcheck seriously? During the last Roadcheck, more than 74,000 inspections were performed. As a result, 22% of trucks were yanked off the road due to safety issues. For some, these few days can be devastating. If you are put out of service, it will cost you an average of $861, which does not include fines or repairs, so that amount may go up significantly.

What the inspectors find or don’t find can impact your CSA scores. Even violations not resulting in an out-of-service order will be counted in the CSA Safety Measurement System. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive and start preparing now.

Some tips on being prepared:

• Make sure your logbooks are current and equipment properly maintained with no violations.
• Share this notice and precautions with your fellow drivers and fleet.
• Most inspections conducted last year were Level 1, so review the protocol for this and be prepared.
• Review pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection procedures.
• Be sure drivers possess a VALID Medical Examiner’s Certificate and a VALID operator’s license (CDL) with the proper endorsement from the state of residence on their person.
• Be sure drivers are maintaining CURRENT and LEGIBLE records of duty status to reflect their hours of service, or have the e-log instructional sheet and are aware of how to show an inspector the e-log summary.
• Remind your fleet to perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and to only operate vehicles that are well-maintained, safe, and compliant (check hoses, tires, brakes, steering, lights, cargo securement, etc.).

The primary causes for placing vehicles and drivers out of service are brakes and logbooks. Get your brakes checked, then recheck your logbooks.

A pre-trip inspection includes:

Lights/Reflectors (Pre-Trip Inspection)
• Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are clean and functional. Light and reflector checks include:
o Clearance lights (red on rear, amber elsewhere).
o Headlights (high and low beams).
o Taillights.
o Turn signals.
o 4-way flashers.
o Brake lights.
o Red reflectors (on rear) and amber reflectors (elsewhere).
Lighting Indicators (Pre Trip Inspection)
• Test that dash indicators work when the corresponding lights are turned on:
o Left turn signal.
o Right turn signal.
o 4-way emergency flashers.
o High beam headlight.
Clutch/Gearshift (Pre Trip Inspection)
• Depress the clutch.
• Place the gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for automatic transmissions).
• Start the engine, then release the clutch slowly.
Oil Pressure Gauge (Pre Trip Inspection)
• Make sure the oil pressure gauge is working.
• Check that the pressure gauge shows increasing or normal oil pressure, or that the warning light goes off.
• If equipped, the oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.
Temperature Gauge (Pre Trip Inspection)
• Make sure the temperature gauge is working.
• The temperature should begin to climb to the normal operating range or the temperature light should be off.
Ammeter/Voltmeter (Pre Trip Inspection)
• Check that the gauges show the alternator and/or generator is charging or that the warning light is off.
A Level 1 Inspection checks for brakes, coupling devices, fuel and exhaust systems, lighting, suspension, securement of cargo, steering, suspension, and tires, wheels, rims and hubs.

Are you prepared? Share your thoughts on previous inspections below.

It happens nearly three times a day and costs America billions of dollars a year, but it’s a crime you rarely hear about in the news. Cargo theft is so prevalent it affects nearly every industry and several major states. And if a trucker has a long enough career over the road, odds are he will face the theft of a valuable load.

Nationwide, it is estimated that nearly $35 billion is lost annually due to cargo theft. California reigns supreme as the state with the most reported thefts, followed by Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Illinois.

Organized crime and money are behind the truck thefts. A typical thief lies in wait at a truck stop while a trucker goes in to clean up or grab a bite to eat. It takes 60 seconds or less, sometimes just 30, before the trucker returns to find his tractor or trailer gone. The thief will simply pull up to the trailer, unhitch it, attach it to his own, and drive away. Or the thief may slip inside the trailer and manually unload the cargo. About 85 percent of all recorded thefts targeted loaded trailers and containers that were stationary and left unattended in unsecured parking areas, such as truck stops, public parking, drop lots, and facility lots.

According to a report from CargoNet, food was the most commonly stolen item, followed by electronics, metals and clothing. The stolen merchandise is hidden in warehouses and then sold for profit.

An article on USNews pinpoints why cargo theft is so popular. “Right now, cargo theft is a low-risk, high-reward proposition because the crime carries minor criminal penalties. Steal a half-million dollars-worth of cargo and a criminal might get six months in jail, according to various law enforcement agencies. Compare that to ten years in prison if a thief gets caught with a half million dollars-worth of cocaine,” Stephen Stock writes.

Here are some tips to prevent cargo theft (or minimize risk):

1. Be on alert in high-risk areas. Don’t leave your cab unlocked or unattended in California, for example. If you have to leave your truck, make sure it’s locked and in a well-lit area in sight of the entrance.

2. Back up your unattended trailer to a wall or dock to prevent someone from getting in.

3. Apply a KingPin lock to your trailer. These locks prevent the theft of dropped-off trailers and unauthorized coupling. These locks, most importantly, are indestructible.

4. Respond immediately. Many cargo thefts go unreported. Call law enforcement as soon as you note any suspicious activity, strange behavior, or missing items from your inventory.

5. Know your supply chain partners. Always ask for proof of identity. Verify the identity of your supply chain partners, such as the carrier and driver scheduled to pick up your cargo before a load is released, and monitor the movement of your goods.

6. Ensure alarm systems are functioning properly. Always test your alarms and have a safety plan ready to go if you suspect theft has occurred.

Do you have tips to prevent cargo theft? Has this ever happened to you? Leave your comments and stories below!

What’s the best part about being a truck driver? Getting to look at trucks, of course. A trucker can get positively overwhelmed looking at row after row of chromed out, gorgeous semis, which is often the case at some of the nation’s best truck shows. Here are some pictures of our favorite glammed up, tricked out trucks:

This incredible one-of-a-kind convertible semi stole the show at the West coast Customs Big Rig Show. The sleek chrome had a mirror finish.

This gorgeous truck snapped by the guys at UltimateSemiTrucks.com is a trucker’s dream.

The Optimus Prime is a transformer and a superhero, all rolled into one gleaming ball of chrome.

This Peterbilt was featured in Time.com’s article about the most tricked out trucks in the world. Maker Vinnie Diorio literally transformed this truck from the inside-out, giving it a sleek appearance.

These Japanese art trucks, called dekotoras, use five to six generators to power all the lights and sounds. They, too, were featured in the Time article.

We love looking at trucks! Do you have any pictures or links to share? Put ‘em below in the comments!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This results in an estimated 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries. Truck drivers are at an even greater risk of driver fatigue since they spend most of their day driving. A recent study published in the Journal of Public Health Policy found that truck drivers surveyed admitted having driven more than the weekly hours-of-service limit of 60 hours over seven days or 70 hours over eight days. Another six percent of the drivers reported they had not violated the hours-of-service law during the current month, but had done so during the previous month. In addition, 19 percent of the drivers stated they had fallen asleep at the wheel one or more times during the past month. Driver fatigue is real, it’s dangerous, and it’s entirely preventable.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recognized the need for further studies into truck driver fatigue after a swell of accidents in the ‘80s. The FMCSA completed a slew of driver alertness and fatigue-related studies during the years 1994-1998.

The study was the most comprehensive, collaborative over-the-road study of commercial driver alertness ever conducted.

It involved real revenue runs, 4 different driving schedules, 80 drivers, and more than 200,000 miles of highway driving. Numerous measures were taken of the drivers’ alertness and performance during driving and of their physiology during off-duty sleep periods. Major findings included:

• Driver alertness and performance were more consistently related to time-of-day than to time-on-task. Drowsiness episodes were 8 times more likely between midnight and 6 a.m. than during other times.
• During their daily main sleep period, drivers slept for only about 5 hours, which was 2 hours less sleep than their “ideal” requirement of slightly over 7 hours.
• Drivers’ stated self-assessments of their levels of alertness do not correlate well with objective measures of performance. Drivers were not very good at assessing their own levels of alertness.
• There were significant individual differences among drivers in levels of alertness and performance.

Greatwide takes driver fatigue very seriously. Here are some tips to help prevent fatigue on the road:
• Get enough rest prior to starting your day
• Make sure to get plenty of fresh air while driving
• Don’t depend on coffee or drugs to keep you awake
• During winter, don’t drive with the heater blowing in your face
• Don’t drive with the cab light on, as it strains your eyes and distorts your vision
• During your days off, try to stay on or close to the same sleep schedule you have during work days
• During days off time, don’t sacrifice sleep and rest for chores and hobbies
• Avoid drinking alcohol prior to going to sleep
• Remember the Smith System and Keep Your Eyes Moving!
If you are experiencing fatigue while on the road, try these tips:
• Stop the truck at a safe location
• Take a walk and/or do some exercises
• Freshen up – brush teeth and wash face
• Get a cup of coffee
• Take a power nap
• Eat a healthy snack, like nuts and fresh fruit.

How do you stay awake on the road? Leave your comments and advice below!

Times, they are a-changing. We have better roads, better vehicles, and better drivers. Due to these changes, many issues in the trucking industry have come under scrutiny. Most recently, it is the hours-of-service regulations that have been in the spotlight.

HOS are regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that govern the working hours of anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle. The rules limit the number of daily and weekly hours drivers spend on the road and the minimum amount of time drivers must rest between hauls or shifts. All drivers are required to keep a log of working hours, which is checked by DOT officers at weigh stations or by the highway patrol during stops. While some drivers use a paper logbook, others can use an electronic-on-board recorder (EOBR), which automatically records the amount of time spent driving. Because of the inconsistencies between these two methods of tracking HOS, there is some debate recently as to whether all motor carriers should use an EOBR.

The HOS rules have changed over the years, most recently in 2011. The Department of Transportation decided to take another look at the regulations and lop off a chunk of the number of hours a driver can spend behind the wheel in a week. The impetus behind the changes was a closer look at the impact of driver fatigue. The FMCSA states that the number of hours spent driving has a strong correlation to the number of fatigue-related accidents. According to numerous studies, the risk of fatigue is also greatest between the hours of midnight and six in the morning, and increases with the total length of the driver’s trip. So the redesign of the HOS was intended to prevent more accidents or injuries due to driver fatigue.

The final rule was released in 2011. It reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver’s workweek to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes.

The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their workweek by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.

Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. The final rule retains the current 11-hour daily driving limit, but that could also change, as the FMCSA continues to analyze further risks associated with driving 11 hours per day.

The deadline for compliance is fast approaching. Commercial truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1, 2013.

The FMSCA said that the objective of the rule is to reduce both acute and chronic fatigue by limiting the maximum number of hours per day and week that the drivers can work.

In addition, the rule limits the use of the “34-hour restart” to once a week, or 168 hours. If restarts are taken every 6 days, alternating 14 hours on-duty and 10 hours off, a driver would reach 70 hours in less than 5 full days. After a 34-hour break, the driver could then begin this same cycle again, totaling 70 hours on-duty every 6 calendar days, for an average of almost 82 hours per calendar week. So the purpose of the restart rule would be to limit excessive buildup of on-duty hours.

The American Trucking Association flew into action after the rule was proposed, saying it puts onerous restrictions on the driver’s ability to manage their schedules. The ATA claims there is simply no data to support the changes.

“The existing rules have a proven track record, and the agency’s purported reasons for tinkering with them were baseless,” ATA General Counsel Prasad Sharma said in an article on TruckingInfo.com. “We’re hopeful the judges will see through the agency’s mere pleas for deference and after-the-fact explanations for a rule that was agenda-driven rather than evidence-based.”

FMCSA recently denied a request by the ATA to delay the start of the new rules from its scheduled July 1 implementation.

How do you think the new HOS rules will affect the industry and you as a driver? Please comment below!

Mention the words “truck stop” to someone and it will often invoke childhood memories of taking long road trips squeezed in the back of a hot car with the occasional stop to get snacks. The truck stop was a kid’s dream – big diesel engines roaring to life under brightly colored neon lights, rows and rows of candy and chocolate, toys, gifts, postcards, coffee cups and silver spoons commemorating the city, T-shirts, and any kind of potato chip you could imagine. While some of these mom-and-pop truck stops still exist, many of them have been bought and turned into chains. Today we wanted to pay homage to the best truck stops in the nation by compiling a list of truckers’ favorites.

1. Iowa 80, “The World’s Largest Truck Stop.” This trucker heaven, based in Walcott, Iowa, has been in business almost five decades. The building boasts a 300-seat restaurant, 50-ft salad bar, game room, movie theater, driver’s den, barber, dentist, and a state-of-the-art fuel center. Truckers can order any truck part imaginable from the Iowa 80 catalog, or they can take a turn in the trucking museum, which houses antique trucks and memorabilia.

2. Willie’s Place at Carl’s Corner. While this truck stop recently went under due to financial problems, people still buzz about its amazing amenities. Located between Dallas and Ft. Worth on I-35, this place had it all: 13 diesel islands with “BioWillie” diesel fuel, a general store packed with Willie Nelson paraphernalia, and a night life theater featuring live music. Unfortunately, this truck stop never made any money and was forced to close its doors in 2011.

3. Little America. With locations in Arizona and Wyoming, this truck stop is more than just a bunch of restaurants. It’s a conference hotel and a recreation center nestled among 500 acres of ponderosa pine.

4. Bosselman Truck Stop. This Nebraska-based stop-off of I-80 is a favorite of many truckers, who cite the super-clean bathrooms, good food, fun displays, and even a CB shop as proof.

5. Porky’s. Stop here in South Carolina for a bite to eat or stay a few days – there’s enough to keep you busy in the surrounding town. The truck stop features fueling stations, a wedding chapel, a viewing tower, restaurants, antique shops, and an indoor flea market.

6. Jubitz. Lauded as the “world’s classiest truck stop,” Jubitz calls I-5 in Portland, OR, home. It has a great restaurant, a lounge featuring live music and up-and-coming country singers, a Laundromat, medical clinic, deli, and a movie theater.

Do you have favorite truck stop? We’d love to hear all about it!

The Mid-America trucking show held last month was a truck driver’s dream. Lots of shiny chrome and new gadgets drew truckers from all over the United States. Because trucking is such a large industry, companies who make these tech innovations are always looking for ways to improve upon tools truckers use. Here is a list of some of the newer gadgets that have caught our attention:

• Rand McNally’s IntelliRoute GPS. The IntelliRoute® TND™ 520 is a GPS specifically for truckers. It’s trucker tested and trucker approved. For weather, it shows current conditions and forecast, or truckers can choose from 10 different map overlays, including precipitation and wind speed. Truckers can also search for fuel prices by brand or on the map. They can receive traffic information from anywhere, even rural areas. The handy fuel log allows them to track purchases by state and date, while the quick planner allows drivers to calculate mileage and profitability between two cities or towns. The virtual dashboard also allows access to key metrics to monitor progress and productivity, such as sunrise and sunset time, trip progress, and yard time.

• CoPilot Live Truck, version 9. Truckers call this GPS the ultimate road mapping tool. It runs on laptops or tablets. It features the most practical routing ability, zip code entry mode, Hazmat specific routes for Explosives, Inhalants, and Radioactives, clear view lane assistance screen, fresh points of interest, and a night mode to reduce glare and eye strain. You can also live update Facebook and Twitter when you arrive somewhere.

• Apple iPad. This is a must-have for any trucker (or a similar tablet). The newest iPad’s faster A6X processor adds extra system speed and graphics power. Improved worldwide cellular compatibility makes the LTE model more appealing. Truckers will find tons of great apps to make their life a lot easier on the road.

• Blue Parrot headset. Voices always come across as clear and distinct through the Parrot’s headphones. It fits comfortably and doesn’t cause ear fatigue or strain. It has extreme noise suppression, pairing, and mute controls, plus truckers can talk for up to 16 hours on a single charge.

• Koolatron’s Cooler. This is the mother of all trucking coolers. It’s designed to fit in snug areas like behind a truck or van seat. unit features a 12-volt cooling system that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter. The cooler’s motor blows cold air over your food and beverages, keeping them 40 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. The cooler also doubles as a warmer.

• Galaxy CB Radio DX979. The Galaxy DX979 combines Single Side Band with Galaxy’s StarLite illuminated faceplate. It features the same main circuitry as Cobra 148, but with Galaxy’s quality and 2 year warranty. The StarLite Faceplate All of the control information is backlit for easier viewing at night, while the AM and SSB (Single Sideband) Operation Allows use of both AM and Single Sideband modes.

What gadgets have caught your eye that you would love to have in your truck?