SURVEY

Do you plan to make any New Year’s resolutions? Tell us your personal goals for 2013!

Save more money.

Lose weight.

Be more organized.

Other.

It’s been 86 years since Little Rock had a white Christmas like what it was hit with this year. Now the same storm that hit Little Rock and the southern Plains is slamming the Northeast.

No matter what kind of weather you’re driving in, please be safe. Stop if you need to and remember that nothing is as important as being here for a safe and happy 2013.

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The warmth of Christmas grant you love.

Merry Christmas from your friends at Boyd Bros.

Freight volume is up. The ATA has released their seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index, and it’s up 3.7% in November – the first increase since July of this year, and up 1% over November of 2011.

If you love steady freight, regular hometime and a company that LOVES drivers, call Boyd Bros. today at 800-543-8923.

What is your favorite part of the country to drive in?

Midwest

Northeast

Northwest

Southeast

Southwest

We are very proud to be participating in the Wreaths Across America Project. Thank you to everyone involved …

Have you read about the dangers of sleep apnea? A recent study from Australia found that 41% of truck drivers there have obstructive sleep apnea. If you suffer from these symptoms - excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat, morning headache, difficulty staying asleep, or attention problems – you should be checked for sleep apnea.

Not everyone is as lucky as Barbara Smith-Schafer from England … her pet parrot wakes her up when she has a spell of sleep apnea! You can read more here.

Wherever you are today, have a great Thursday, and be safe!

Time for another "this day in history." Today in 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the Constitution. Pennsylvania was the first large state to ratify, as well as the first state to endure a serious Anti-Federalist challenge to ratification. You can learn more here.

If you’re a top flatbed driver living in Pennsylvania, call Boyd Bros. today at 800-543-8923.

When Bruce Agee first became a professional driver six-and-a-half years ago, he found himself struggling to earn a good living and still have time at home with his family.

Bruce is now a successful owner operator who’s found the perfect balance of work and hometime, thanks to his own hard work and the Boyd Bros. Lease Purchase Program. Click the image below to read more about Bruce’s journey.

Congratulations Bruce!

Today is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. We want to thank all who served then and all who serve now.

BOYD BROS. ACQUIRES MID SEVEN TRANSPORTATION

Purchase expected to increase resources and opportunities for clients and drivers

December 4, 2012 (Clayton, Ala.) – Boyd Bros. Transportation, one of the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2012 Best Fleets to Drive For, recently acquired Mid Seven Transportation in Des Moines, Iowa. This major acquisition reinforces the company’s standing as a leader and quality employer in the trucking industry. Miller Welborn of Transport Capital Partners was the advisor on the purchase.

“We are proud to add Mid Seven Transportation to the Boyd family of companies,” said Richard Bailey, president of Boyd Bros. “We plan to operate Mid Seven autonomously as a separate subsidiary. Mid Seven has some of the best owner operators and employees in the industry and we are especially proud of their safety and service culture.”

Boyd Bros.’ new ownership of Mid Seven is expected to provide additional resources to Mid Seven customers and new opportunities for the company’s employees and independent contractors. Mid Seven’s revenues are expected to exceed $6 million this year. The company, which uses solely owner operators, focuses primarily on the Midwest with extended lanes in the South, Northeast and Southwest. Mid Seven’s freight includes steel, machinery and agricultural equipment transported by flatbeds and drop deck trailers.

“It is exciting for me to see Mid Seven Transportation Company become a member of the Boyd Bros. family of carriers,” said Jeff Simpson of Mid Seven. “Both companies have long histories of operating with integrity, commitment to customer service and placing a high value on their employees and independent contractors.”

We’re so proud of all our Boyd Bros. drivers. Today, we’d like to introduce Nathan Davis. Even though Nathan is in his first year of driving professionally, he’s already shown that he’s an excellent driver with a long, safe and productive career to look forward to. We are proud of you, Nathan, and we appreciate all you do!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O6ifMh62nw&feature=plcp

What’s in a name? Any idea what Sophia, Emma, Olivia, Aiden, Jackson and Ethan have in common? According to a survey from Babycenter.com, they are the top three girls’ and top three boys’ names for 2012.

Think about the importance of a good name the next time you consider driving for a new company. Since 1956, the Boyd name has stood for a company built on treating drivers right. We’d like to tell you more. Call us today at 800-543-8923.

http://www.babycenter.com/top-baby-names-2012

Ready for a good laugh this Friday morning? Check out these two hilarious videos. One at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oHWvFrpocY. And the other at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbUHQTsCCIo. Once you stop laughing, be sure to vote for your favorite at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BSX378Z.

They say laughter is the best medicine, so please have a healthy, safe and happy weekend from your friends at Boyd Bros.

We are so proud of all our great Boyd Bros. drivers. Here are just a few of the milestones reached earlier this year ...

Thanksgiving may be over (most of us have the extra pounds to prove it!), but if you’re a fan of college football, you know that we still have a lot to look forward to (and argue about). Do you think Alabama or Georgia will face Notre Dame for the BCS title? Just how good is Florida? And how about Ohio State … where would they be ranked if not for sanctions?

Take our “Tide vs Dogs” survey and let us know what you think!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HW7GZ9S

As we all prepare for Thanksgiving, we’d like to say that one of the MANY things we are thankful for is our drivers! You give our company so much to be thankful for every day. Please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

On this day - November 19 – in 1863, at the dedication of a military cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech of just 272 words that is remembered as of the most memorable speeches in American history.

You can read more at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

We had a movie theme on this page last Friday, so we’ll continue that … do you plan to see the new Spielberg movie about President Lincoln?

Here’s a fun Friday post from Todaystrucking.com – the “Top 10 Trucking Movies.” Are you a fan of “ol’ Jack Burton” from Big Trouble in Little China, or do you prefer Jack Crews from Black Dog? Check out this top 10 List and post your own favorites.

Have a great Friday, and be safe!

Meet Darrin Williams. Darrin has been with Boyd Bros. for 16 years and over 2 million safe miles. Darrin, you are the best!

Meet Jonathan Ellenburg. He's another of our great Boyd Bros. drivers. We appreciate you, Jonathan!

Thank you to all members of our Armed Forces, those who currently serve or have served this country to defend our freedom and the ideals we hold dear. All that we love about our country is made possible by your sacrifices. God bless you, and God bless America.

You’ve seen Danny High featured on our Facebook page before. Now you can see Danny in our latest Boyd Bros. driver video. Check it out!

Hopefully, you saw yesterday’s spotlight of a great Boyd Bros. driver named Wayne Loesch. Now you can “meet” Wayne directly in this YouTube video. Be sure to check back, too, as there are more driver videos to come.

We’d like to introduce Wayne Loesch. Wayne is another of our fantastic Boyd Bros. drivers. We love you, Wayne. Keep up the great work!

Congratulations to Robert and Tammy Bigelow, who are shown here after paying off their lease-purchase contract and receiving the title to their truck. Way to go!!!

Thank you to everyone who attended Mr. Boyd’s funeral services or sent an email expressing your condolences.

The Transportation Industry has lost a giant figure, an innovator and a pioneer. He will be missed by so many. And while it’s true that our company can never replace Mr. Boyd, we can honor him by building on the legacy he has left behind. And that’s what we’ll do, every day.

We lost a great American yesterday. Mr. Dempsey Boyd passed away at home, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services for Mr. Boyd will be held today, Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 2 P.M. at the Clayton United Methodist Church in Clayton. Mr. Boyd will lie in state for one hour before services. 

The family suggests lieu of flowers donations be made to the Clayton United Methodist Church, P O Box 208, Clayton, AL 36016 or Harvest Time Ministries, 4 Charles West Blvd., Clayton, AL 36016

If you wish to send your condolences to the family via email you may do so at boydcondolences@boydbros.com.

Was just reading about a trucker who endured the fury of storm Sandy in WV and said, “When I got into the mountains here in Beckley it really started coming down. This is all because of Sandy, but it’s just part of trucking. We’ve got to deal with weather, we’ve got to deal with the traffic every day, so it’s just part of trucking.”

To a person who sits at a desk every day – safe and warm and dry - it’s easy to forget all the challenges you drivers face on the road. But we make it our business to remember … and to give you the best driver support in the business.

We love you Boyd Bros. drivers, and we appreciate all you do. Be safe!

If you are driving anywhere near the east coast this week, please be extra careful about bad weather. The link below is the latest on Sandy, as it continues to move north.

No matter where you’re driving today, please be safe.

http://google.org/crisismap/2012-sandy

Not many professions are as demanding as being a professional truck driver when it comes to staying aware and alert. With over 160 million-mile safe drivers, Boyd Bros. has proven our commitment to Safety. It’s serious business. But sometimes a little fun can offer a new way to test just how observant you are.

Click the link below, and focus only on counting the number of passes that the players in white shirts make - nothing else. You may get a surprise at the end!

And wherever you’re driving today, remember to stay alert and be safe. Nothing is more important!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4&sns=em

Meet another great Boyd Bros. driver ... Danny High. Danny, we're proud to have you on our team!

Today, we'd like to feature Rodney Keels in our Boyd Bros. Driver Spotlight. You're the best, Rodney, and we appreciate you!

Transport Topics says that Housing starts rose in September – up 15% to the highest level in four years, according to the latest Commerce Department report. The rise, to an annual rate of 872,000 units, brings the number to its highest point since July 2008 and was higher than economists had forecast. Work on multifamily units, which are often more volatile, increased 25.1% to an annual rate of 269,000.

Through good times and bad, Boyd Bros. has been leading the way in Flatbed since 1956, and we do it by focusing on our DRIVERS.

Want to learn more? Please call us at 800-543-8923.

Meet Nathan Davis ... another great Boyd Bros. driver!

How many of you drivers are sports fans? Are you watching the Chargers play the Broncos on Monday Night Football or the Cardinals play the Giants in the NLCS?

Do you football fans think Manning will lead the Broncos to victory? And you baseball fanatics - who do you think will win the NLCS, and in how many games? 

A BIG Boyd Bros. thank you to our driver, Kenneth Litzenberger.

A supervisor at one of our shippers called us this week about Kenneth. This supervisor expressed praise for Kenneth’s professional behavior and appearance. He also said that they would like to see more drivers like Kenneth deliver to their plant.

We get compliments on our drivers all the time, but it’s the kind of thing we NEVER get tired of hearing.

So Kenneth Litzenberger, we want to say thank you for being one of Boyd Bros.’ best!

We recently hired an independent company to survey our drivers and find what they like most about Boyd Bros. – and where we can improve. We’re proud to report that Boyd Bros. received very high marks in managing three of the toughest issues for drivers: fair pay, home time, and respectful treatment. The report goes on to say that “Leadership is trusted and seen as following thorough, keeping commitments and always honest.” That “Driver morale is high,” and that “Fleet managers are the best in the industry.”

It’s nice to read this kind of report, but it’s even more important that we get right back to work and keep getting better every day. Why? Because we’ve got the best drivers in the country counting on us! Call us today at 800-543-8923!

Have you seen the poll by Dunkin’ Donuts about the 15 professions that drink the most coffee? It was a little surprising to see that “Truck Driver” is not on the list! Before you peek, want to guess which three professions are most likely to drink their coffee black? Take your best guess, then click through to read on. Enjoy!

Missouri flatbed drivers ... if you think of Boyd Bros. as a "Southeast only" company, think again! We have lots of great freight in Missouri and all over the Midwest. Call us today!

If you live within 50 miles of Jersey City, NJ, call us today at 800-543-8923.

On September 26, 1996, U.S. astronaut Shannon Lucid returned to Earth following six months in orbit aboard the Russian space station Mir. She was the first American woman to live in a space station, and when she touching down at Edwards Air Force Base in California, she had set a new space endurance record for an American and a world endurance record for a woman – 188 days aboard Mir. It’s an amazing accomplishment that happened on this day in history.

Make a big step in your own personal history and consider joining our Boyd Bros. team. You’ll enjoy steady miles, top pay, and regular hometime … unlike Shannon Lucid, you’ll never be out 188 days!

Enjoy your day, and wherever you’re driving, please be safe!

Congratulations to James Ransom, who was chosen by the American Trucking Association for the National Safety Professional Award of Excellence.

In addition to steady miles, regular hometime and respect, our emphasis on Safety is one more way we show how much we love our drivers. And having James - the best in the business – is just one more reason to call us today and learn more about Boyd Bros.

James, we are proud of you, and we appreciate all you do!

It's Thursday of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and we want to say it again ... WE LOVE OUR DRIVERS! Thank you to all truck drivers everywhere for all the hard work you do every day!

We are serving some good food every day this week at both the Birmingham and Cincinnati facilities. And today is Fried Chicken Day, so don't miss out! We love all you Boyd Bros. drivers!

Thank you to all our Boyd Bros. drivers. You are the best!

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is here, so it’s a good time to say thank you to ALL the 3.2 million professional truck drivers in the U.S.

According to the American Trucking Association, you log over 408 billion miles per year to deliver 8.8 billion tons of freight (68% of total U.S. freight tonnage). In other words, you keep America rolling!

And please remember, at Boyd Bros., it’s Driver Appreciation 24/7, 365 days per year! We hope you’ll call us today at 800-543-8923 to learn more.

Today brings back painful memories for all Americans, and we extend our love and deepest sympathies to all those who lost loved ones in the attacks on 9/11/2001.

Let’s honor their memory – and the memories of all Americans who have fallen defending our freedom – by taking a moment to unite and be thankful for the freedom we enjoy every day in this great country.

God Bless the USA!

DID YOU KNOW … on this day in 1813, the United States got its nickname, Uncle Sam? The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson (1766-1854) stamped the barrels with "U.S." for United States, but soldiers began referring to the grub as "Uncle Sam's."

If you’re a top flatbed driver looking for a new company to call home, then WE WANT YOU! Call one of our recruiters at 800-543-8923, and let us tell you all about Boyd Bros.

No matter who you drive for or where you are in this great country today, please be safe, and have a great Friday!

Accuweather.com reports that the remnants of Isaac split into two parts this week. There is a continued risk of flash flooding from the lingering tropical downpours. Several inches of additional rain could fall from a slow-moving, weak tropical system along the central and eastern Gulf Coast area through the weekend.

Wherever you’re driving this week, please be safe. And if you’re looking for a driving job with a “sunny forecast,” call us at 800-543-8923.

For the last three years, Boyd Bros. has always been in the top five companies voted “Best Fleet to Drive For” by the drivers – we were voted #1 in 2010! Now nominations for the 2013 “Best Fleet to Drive For” are open, and we’ve been nominated again!

You can learn about the survey at the link below, and if you want to learn more about a fantastic flatbed company, check us out at DriveForBoyd.com or call us at 800-543-8923.

http://www.thetrucker.com/News/Stories/2012/9/5/TCAseeksnominationsinBestFleetstoDriveForcontest.aspx

Ever wanted to see a graph showing all the random bits of information floating around Facebook about you? This Wolfram Alpha tool will present you with a detailed report of your Facebook life, including a neat graphic showing how all of your friends are connected to each other and to you.

And when you’re ready to connect with the company that America’s best flatbed drivers choose, call us at 800-543-8923. We’d like to talk to you today!

Here are a few Labor Day numbers from CNN that you might find interesting:

33 million: Americans who planned to travel at least 50 miles over Labor Day weekend this year.

14 cents: Average increase in the price of a gallon of gas since AAA's 2011 Labor Day forecast.

155.2 million: Number of people 16 years and older who are in the labor force.

25.3 minutes: Average commute time in 2010. Maryland has the longest commute in the country, with an average time of 31.8 minutes.

3.2 million: Number of workers whose commutes were 90 or more minutes each day in 2010.

However you’re spending Labor Day this year, have fun. And if you’re traveling, please be safe.

Isaac continues to move slowly and is expected to continue slamming Louisiana and coastal areas tonight and Thursday. The storm started losing strength earlier today and could become a tropical depression tomorrow, when winds drop below 39 mph.

You can read more at the link we’ve posted. Wherever you’re driving this week, please be safe.

Lots of bad weather today in Mississippi and Louisiana as Hurricane Isaac hammers the Gulf Coast. The storm is predicted to hit with hurricane-force wind by the time it reaches the coast early Wednesday.

No matter where you’re driving today, please be safe.

Today is the last day of the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. If you’re at the show, make a post and let us know what you’ve enjoyed most about the truckshow … and please visit our Boyd Bros. booth (#17162).

If you couldn’t make it to the show, you can apply on-line at www.DriveForBoyd.com, or call our Recruiting Department at 800-543-8923. Have a great day, and be safe wherever you are driving this weekend!

Are you visiting the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas this week? If so, please come by and visit us in booth # 17162. We’d love to see you. And if you won’t be at the show, please call us at 800-543-8923. We’d like to tell you more about Boyd Bros. and how much we love our drivers.

Most people can’t imagine driving anything with the kind of power that professional drivers have at their disposal. But even truckers are amazed when they see this diesel engine. Said to be the world's largest, it has 109,000-horsepower generated by 14 cylinders that each consume 6.5 ounces of diesel fuel every cycle!

Our trucks don’t have 109,000 horsepower, but they do get better MPG! And good equipment is just one of the reasons the best drivers choose Boyd Bros. Call us today at 800-543-8923.

We’re proud to have the best bunch of drivers on the road, including over 160 million-mile safe drivers. Here are a few of the drivers we’ve recognized in recent months. Thanks again to every one of you. We appreciate all you do!

Tommy Bass. 2011 Trainer of the Year.

Ken Bufford. 2 million accident-free miles.

Wayman Burks. 2011 Best APU MPG of the Year.

Joe Eddie Johnson. 2 million accident-free miles.

Mike Montague. Got title via our LP program.

Dennis Powley. 1 million accident-free miles.

James Redmon. 2011 Safe Driver of the Year.

Keith Reese. 1 million accident-free miles.

Tommy Shackleford. Got title via our LP program.

Steven South. 2011 Owner Operator of the Year.

Thomas M. Terry. 2011 Best NAPU MPG of the Year.

Hullon Tyus. 2 million accident-free miles.

Charlie Walker. 2011 Driver of the Year.

Darrin Williams. 2 million accident-free miles.

Milton Williams. 2011 Best Fleet MPG.

CONGTRATULATIONS to our July MPG winners, JC Brown and Wayne Loesch. The $50 you’ll each receive is just a symbol of how much we appreciate you. Be safe, and keep up the great work!

Well NBA fans, the “Dwightmare” is finally over with the announcement that Dwight Howard will play for the LA Lakers (pending League approval). Some say this makes the Lakers a favorite to win the title next year. Others say Howard is spoiled and will hurt team chemistry.

If you’re a sports fan, tell us what you think: will Howard put the Lakers back on top or continue to be a distraction as he was in Orlando?

And if you’re not driving for Boyd Bros., learn more about the best team in flatbed by calling us at 800-543-8923. Have a safe and happy Friday!

Here’s a Safety tip about a hazard you may not think about very often … lightning. There have already been 20 lightning-related deaths recorded in 2012, and that figure is BELOW average for this time of year. Read more at the link below, and wherever you’re driving today, please be safe.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/08/us/lightning-safety-tips/index.html

Watch out for high temperatures and thunderstorms in parts of the Midwest today, with scattered thunderstorms developing from central Michigan through the Plains. Primary threats are damaging wind gusts and some hail.

If you live in the Midwest, Boyd Bros. has a $1,500 Sign-On Bonus, steady miles and excellent hometime throughout much of the area, so call us at 800-543-8923.

And wherever you’re driving today, please be safe.

Did you watch Olympic basketball today? Team USA set a record for most points scored (156) in an 83-point win! How do you think this year’s team compares to the Dream Team of 1992? Let us know, and if you’d like to learn more about the best team in the flatbed business, call us at 800-543-8923.

It’s hard to be humble … when you’re so good! Sorry to brag, but we just have to remind you of a few awards we’ve won here at Boyd Bros. They mean a lot to us because they're awarded based on votes by the employees.

We were recently named one of the Best Companies Group’s 2012 Best Companies to Work for in Alabama. Earlier this year, Boyd Bros. was also named one of the Truckload Carriers Association’s 2012 Best Fleets to Drive For. This is the third year in a row that Boyd Bros. has been a finalist for the award and the second time the company has earned the title.

When asked about this latest honor, Vice President of Human Resources Jeff Hopkins said, “Our employees have spoken and it is an honor to be so highly regarded. This is one more accomplishment for us that adds to our reputation of being one of the best companies out there to work for.”

If you’d like to learn more about why Jeff Hopkins – and so many others – call Boyd Bros. a great place to work, give us a call today at 800-543-8923, or apply online at www.driveforboyd.com.

We’d proud to announce the following clean DOT inspections this past week, and we’d like to recognize these Boyd Bros. drivers who earned $100 bonuses for a job well-done. Congratulations to: David Bollenbacher; Carl Christian (with Trainer Kevin Allen); Billy Godwin; Lloyd Harbison; Truman Ingram; James Jessie (with Trainer Mark Housley); Philip Kappesser; Frank Kilby; Darrell Lainhart; Demario Smith; Jerry Tolin; and William Tucker.

Keep up the great work, and thanks for remembering that Safety is always #1.

Just read in Transport Topics that June truck tonnage rose 3.2% from a year ago, based on the ATA’s seasonally-adjusted, for-hire truck tonnage report.For the first half of the year, tonnage is 3.7% higher than last year. How do you feel about the economy? Are you optimistic, or do you think it’s slowing down?

Let us know what you think, and remember that since 1956, through good times and bad, Boyd Bros. has been keeping the best flatbed drivers loaded with quality freight. Call us today!

We would like to congratulate Boyd Bros. driver Dennis Powley for reaching an amazing goal - ONE MILLION SAFE MILES! Dennis is another one of those amazing drivers who could drive for ANY company. He chooses Boyd Bros.

If you'd like to learn more about why so many of the best drivers call Boyd Bros. home, call us today at 800-543-8923.

Hats off to you, Dennis, on this great accomplishment! Thank you for all the great work!

You flatbed drivers may be interested to read the Commerce Department Report that Housing starts rose 6.9% in June, with single-family home starts up 4.7% to a 539,000 rate, the best since April 2010.

Since 1956, Boyd Bros. has been keeping the best flatbed drivers loaded and rolling with quality freight. If you’re ready for steady freight and a great paycheck, call us today at 800-543-8923, or apply online at www.DriveForBoyd.com.

Here’s a picture of two very special visitors - Boyd driver Joshua South and his son Ethan – who were nice enough to stop by for a visit at the Boyd Bros. booth during the Walcott Truckers Jamboree last week.

Thanks Joshua and Ethan … and thanks to all of you who came by to see Mike Vines in our booth. Have a safe week!

Are you already at – or planning to visit - the Walcott Truckers Jamboree at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa? Whether you’re at the show this year or have been in the past, please let us know your favorite event. Is it:

Super Truck Beauty Contest

Iowa Pork Chop Cookout

Carnival Games

Live Music and Concerts

Trucker Olympics

Antique Truck Display

Fireworks

Or is it something else … like catching up with old friends?

If you’ll be there this year, we hope you can take a minute to visit Mike Vines at the Boyd Bros. booth. And if you won’t make it to the show this year, call us at 800-543-8923, or apply online at www.DriveForBoyd.com.

Seen the news in Transport Topics about the portion of Interstate 95 running through Virginia? Under a plan the state of Virginia is preparing for the federal government, there would be one tolling location — near the North Carolina state line. Trucks would pay a $12 toll in each direction and cars $4 at the proposed tolling site. Let us know what you think about this plan. Do you think it’s fair?

Year after year after year, we keep winning awards and keeping drivers happy. If you’d like to be a part of our success, call us today at 800-543-8923, or apply online at DriveForBoyd.com.

In the news, a recent Transport Topics article says that the Department of Energy's latest report shows diesel’s national average pump price fell for a 12th straight week, declining 3 cents to $3.648 a gallon. This drop left diesel 20.2 cents below the same week last year. Trucking’s main fuel has plunged 50 cents and gasoline has plummeted 58.5 cents in the past three months, according to DOE records.

What’s the lowest price you can remember for diesel?

We hope you all had a safe and happy 4^th of July. What’s your favorite activity at this time of year? Fireworks? BBQ? Or just getting together with friends and family?

However you celebrate, we can all agree to be thankful that we live in the greatest country in the world. God bless the USA!

Did you know that our Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776? And according to Wikipedia, “In a remarkable coincidence, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration of Independence later to serve as Presidents of the United States, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.”

However you celebrate this year – a picnic, fireworks, a parade, barbecue, or baseball game - have a safe and happy 4th of July from your friends at Boyd Bros.

Have you seen the news that Michigan and Canada have signed an agreement to construct a second bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario? Transport Topics reports that they’ve bypassed the Michigan Legislature, which has blocked the project for years.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed a deal that includes $550 million in Canadian funds to cover Michigan’s share in the $950 million project. The funds will be repaid through tolls collected when vehicles have crossed the bridge into Canada, as part of a previously negotiated plan.

Where do you get your trucking news? Magazines? Newspaper? Or on the Web? Make a post and let us know.

Many of Boyd’s million-mile drivers started as students before going on to enjoy long, successful careers. Why not start with the best? Call us today at 800-543-8923.

They say you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That’s why some of the first people you’ll talk to at Boyd Bros. are our friendly, professional driver recruiters. And the good experience you’ll have with them is just the beginning. From Recruiting to Safety to Operations – and every department in-between – you’ll find that we put drivers first. That’s the Boyd Bros. difference!

Are you ready to drive for a company that really LOVES drivers? Call  us today at 800-543-8923.

Do you know about our $0 Down Lease Purchase Program? It's a great way to become an owner operator, and best of all, it comes standard with Boyd Bros. driver support. Give us a call to learn more!

Transport Topics reports that diesel prices fell for the 10th straight week, dropping 5.2 cents to $3.729 a gallon. That’s the lowest it’s been since October 2011.

Change will always be part of every trucker’s life, but one thing you can always count on is our commitment to our drivers. We live by a couple of simple rules: 1) Safety first, always; and 2) get the drivers miles, pay them well, and get them home. It’s a simple philosophy that’s helped us attract the best drivers in the business.

Want to learn more? Please call us today at 800-543-8923, or apply online at www.DriveForBoyd.com.

The American Trucking Association recently reported that the for-hire truck-tonnage index rose 2.8 percent in April from a year earlier, up from 0.2 percent the prior month, marking 29 months of growth.

We’ve been keeping top flatbed drivers loaded with quality freight for 56 years! Call us at 800-543-8923, or apply online at DriveforBoyd.com.

Well folks, it’s Monday … all day long! But hopefully you are still smiling with memories of a safe and happy Father’s Day. Do you know the story behind Father’s Day?

The idea originated with a woman from Spokane, Washington named Sonora Dodd, whose father had raised her and her five siblings alone after the death of her mother. In 1966, President Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day, and in 1972, President Nixon signed the law that made it permanent.

We hope your Father’s Day weekend was a great one. Be safe!

Congratulations to Hullon Tyus … ANOTHER Boyd Bros. driver who has reached the amazing milestone of 2 MILLION safe miles. Outstanding! Excellent!

Ever wonder why fantastic drivers like Hullon Tyus – who could drive for ANY company – choose Boyd Bros.? Call us at 800-543-8923. We’d like to tell you why!

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father! - Lydia M. Child

Boyd Bros. wishes all you fathers and grandfathers a safe and happy Father's Day!

You may have seen yesterday’s congratulations message to Joe Eddie Johnson, who just reached the impressive milestone of two million

accident-free miles. But did you know that he was our first owner operator here at Boyd Bros.?

That’s right. And we want to say congratulations again, but also thank you to Joe Eddie Johnson for being a great example of safety and such an important member of our team for all these years.

Thank you, Joe Eddie Johnson. You’re the best!

Congratulations to Joe Eddie Johnson, our newest two-million mile driver. It’s such an amazing accomplishment that it’s almost hard to imagine!

Let’s just pretend that you stacked one dollar bills on top of each other – one for each of Joe Eddie Johnson’s accident-free miles. How big do you think that stack would be now? About 716 feet high, or roughly the height of a 70-story building!

Still hard to imagine? OK, pretend that you spread those same dollar bills out next to each other. How much area would they cover? Four football fields!

No matter how you think about it, driving two million accident-free miles is something to be very proud of, and we’re proud to have Mr. Joe Eddie Johnson on our team.

We don’t just talk about Safety; it drives everything we do. Wherever you are today, be safe!

Healthy eating is super important when you spend your days sitting and driving. But sometimes it seems like more research just makes things more confusing!

For example, did you know that avocados have the most calories of any fruit? But on the other hand, avocados are also high in potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and fight strokes and heart disease. Avocado has lots of mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, so it can be a good replacement for other less-healthy high-fat foods.

What’s your favorite healthy food? And what is that one unhealthy food that you never seem to be able to resist?

Watch out for rough weather this weekend. AccuWeather.com warns that just a couple of days after severe storms rocked portions of the northern Plains, another potent storm system sliding out of the Rockies into the northern Plains and Canadian Prairies will bring more strong storms to the region.

These storms will have the potential of producing damaging winds capable of causing damage to trees, power lines and homes. They may also produce large hail. It is not out of the realm of possibilities that the strongest storms could spawn a tornado.

On Sunday, the focus of these strong thunderstorms will shift into the Midwest, affecting Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and parts of eastern Nebraska and northeastern Kansas. Damaging winds and hail will once again be the primary threat on Sunday.

Please be safe wherever you are!

Boyd Bros. has been named one of the 2012 "Best Companies to Work for in Alabama," earning us a place in a special feature that will be published in the August 2012 issue of Business Alabama magazine.  We’ve also been named a nationwide “Best Carrier to Drive For” three years in a row.

Want to learn more? We’d love to talk with you, so please call us at 800-543-8923.

Nationwide, the average price for diesel just dropped 5.1 cents to $3.846, which puts the cost at its lowest point since January. This is ninth drop in ten weeks.
What’s the lowest price you can remember for a gallon of diesel? What’s the highest?

We’re proud to be known for getting drivers a really good balance of steady miles and regular hometime. Some special areas that we are focusing on now include the southern half of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the eastern half of Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and throughout Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois.

If you’re a top flatbed driver living in any of these areas, please call us at 800-543-8923.

If you have recent military experience with a DD214 showing 88 Mike and graduate from truck driving school, you can come to Boyd, complete our Training Program, and you’ll receive credit for one year of experience, which means you’ll start at 40 cpm.

Want to learn more? Call us at 800-543-8923.

Anybody in the mood for some trivia? Take your best shot at this question:

President Lyndon B. Johnson loved one particular brand of soda so much that he had a special button built into his desk in the Oval Office to summon a military aide who would bring him his favorite drink anytime from a special tap he had installed in the White House.

What soda was LBJ’s favorite?

Here's part of a great post we are sharing from our Boyd Bros. main Facebook page. It's called "Respect a Semi."

"Average weight is 80,000 lbs. At 60 mph, it takes about 1/4 of a mile to come to a complete stop - that is 40% more than a 5,000 lb car!"

It is important to educate the general public on what it's like to drive a semi for a living and how we can all share the road more safely. We hope you'll be extra safe on the road today, since not ALL of the public is educated yet!

Be safe, and thanks to all the drivers out there for all you do!

How much TV does a typical truck driver watch? And what do drivers like most - sports, news, or reality TV?

Here's a story from TruckersNews.com about the show Ice Road Truckers. Let us know what you think - and what your favorite TV show is.

And wherever you're driving, be safe!

Memorial Day was created to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It started in the months after the fighting ended, when people in the North and South were placing flowers on headstones, and quickly became a tradition. Originally called "Decoration Day," it eventually became Memorial Day and now honors all American soldiers killed in action.

Over this holiday weekend, let’s make a special effort to remember all we have to be thankful for, especially those men and women who protect the freedom we too-often take for granted. God bless the U.S.A. and all those who defend her!

In 1956, Dempsey Boyd and his brothers founded Boyd Bros. Transportation with a vision of making it the best in the business. It’s 56 years later, and while a lot of things about trucking have changed, our basic philosophy hasn’t.

We’ve grown to become one of the nation's largest trucking companies, leading the flatbed segment, but we’re still built around PEOPLE. Great people make Boyd Bros. a great company … and that won’t ever change.

We’d like to talk to you about joining our team, so call us at 800-543-8923.

The Commerce Department recently announced that new home sales rose by 3.3% in April, and that’s great news for flatbedders because rising home sales means more flatbed freight. And having the construction sector rebound is a good thing for the entire U.S. economy, too.

Boyd Bros. has been keeping top flatbed drivers loaded and rolling since 1956, and we’d love to talk to you about joining our fleet. Call us today at 800-543-8923.

Here are some highlights from the Weather Channel regarding the forecast for the Midwest this week:

Showers and thunderstorms will extend from western Lake Superior and the Upper Mississippi River Valley to Nebraska midweek. Severe storms are possible from central Minnesota to parts of Nebraska and northernmost Kansas, and a few thunderstorms will linger in southern Ohio and eastern Kentucky. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms target the Upper Mississippi Valley and northwest Great Lakes Thursday while some showers linger over the northern half of the Plains.

Remember that we have lots of quality freight for you Midwest flatbed drivers. And no matter where you’re driving this week, be safe!

Happy Monday to everyone. Last week, we decided to remind you of all the great freight we have in the Midwest with some trivia. Jon Caywood answered our first question almost immediately, so we’ll give everyone another shot today.

The first railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi was completed on April 22, 1856. It was reported that the folks in Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA cheered … now the people of eastern Iowa could reach New York City by rail in no more than forty-two hours!

But just two weeks after the bridge opened, there was a major problem. Was it:

a) Faulty construction caused the central span to collapse.

b) The bridge was hit by a steamboat.

c) Agents for the steamboat interests destroyed the central span with dynamite.

Let us know what you think … and check back later to see if you got it right.

And if you're a top Midwest flatbed driver, call us today at 800-543-8923. Be safe on the road, and thanks for playing!

We have over 160 million-mile safe drivers at Boyd Bros. – some with two million, three million, or even more! Have you ever thought about what an enormous accomplishment that is?

One million is a BIG number. One million hours ago, it was 1898! If you could drive 60 mph without stopping at all for fuel, rest or maintenance (which, of course, can’t be done!) … it would still take you almost two years (one year, 329 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes) to drive one million miles.

Knowing these million-milers could drive for any company, why do you suppose so many of them choose Boyd Bros.? Call us at 800-543-8923 to find out why!

We have plenty of freight and hometime throughout the Midwest. We hope to remind you of that – and have a little fun – with some Midwest trivia.

Which of the following states was not part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase … Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, or Nebraska?

Post your answer (or best guess), then check back later to see if you got it right. Be safe on the road, and thanks for playing.

To snack or not to snack? That does not have to be the question! Sure, snacking while on the road is tempting. And it can be a bad habit, especially if you wash those snacks down with a high-sugar soda pop. But you don’t have to give up snacking completely. Just switch to healthier snacks. Consider fruit, nuts or cereal bars (the low sugar kind) instead of the standard chips and candy bars. And learn to love the taste of that simplest of drinks – good old water.

You’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel. Stay healthy, and be safe!

Sign-On Bonuses. A pay raise. OTR, regional, and dedicated. Miles. Hometime. Benefits. More awards as “Best to Drive For.”

This is our 56th year of making drivers smile. We’d like a chance to show you what we mean, so call us today at 800-543-8923.

Have a safe and happy Monday!

Did you know … that Mother’s Day here in the United States was started by a woman named Anna Jarvis? In 1907, she started working to have a day set aside for all Americans to celebrate their moms. She spread the word through church meetings and letter-writing to government representatives and businessmen. By 1910, she had nearly all 46 states observing Mother’s Day. In 1914, Mother’s Day became a national holiday.

Have a safe and happy weekend, just like Mom would want!

If you live near Long Beach, California – or know a good driver who does – call us about our Long Beach Day Cab runs. They offer a guaranteed paycheck plus a $1,500 Sign-On Bonus and daily hometime. Call us at 800-543-8923 if you’re interested.

Wherever you’re driving today, be safe and have a great Friday!

CONGRATULATIONS KEITH REESE! Here’s a shot of million-mile safe driver Keith Reese with Operations Manager Roger Cole and Driver Manager Blaine Craft. We are proud of you, Keith!

We'd like to send out a long overdue thank you to Kevin Allen. First, for dropping off Christmas cupcakes at the Birmingham terminal back in December, and then in March, Kevin (who is also a professionally trained chef) and his brother Brian, took cupcakes to everyone in our Clayton offices.

Kevin, we can't thank you enough for sharing these special (and delicious) treats. You may not have helped our diets, but you sure bake a great cupcake!

We’d like to congratulate (again!) our Owner Operator of the Year for 2011, Steve South. Steve joins others who have earned this recognition by consistently being a great business partner. He maintains the highest standards and always displays a winning attitude.

Congratulations, Steve! We are proud of you, and thank you and your wife Stacy for your quality work as an independent contractor with our company.

Today is a big day in our Clayton facility. We are celebrating Keith Resse and his amazing accomplishment of one-million accident-free miles! Keith, we are so proud to have you on the Boyd Bros.’ team. Congratulations!

One part of being safe on the road is taking good care of yourself, so here's another tip about how to stay healthier. Wherever you are today, be safe and have a wonderful day!

The Weather Channel says that scattered severe storms are possible in the Central High Plains and the Ohio Valley Monday. Tuesday, the severe storm threat shifts to the Upper Midwest.

Whether you drive for Boyd Bros. or someone else, please be safe out there!

http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/forecast-map-3_2011-04-01

Looks like Oklahoma is planning nine new weigh stations, with the first to be on I-35 in Kay County near the Kansas border.

We have a $1500 Sign-On Bonus for qualified drivers in eastern Oklahoma. If you're a safe, dependable driver living in the eastern part of the state, call us today at 800-543-8923.


http://newsok.com/oklahoma-house-passes-funds-for-truck-weigh-stations/article/3669977

Any football fans out there? Round one of the NFL draft starts tonight at 8 p.m. eastern time. Who do you think will have a better first season in the NFL - Andrew Luck or RG3?

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012

Some experts say that this spring could be one of the worst ever for pollen. If you have allergies, this article has some great tips for coping with pollen season. Of course, one of the tips is to stay indoors, but that’s not practical most of the time. So when you must be outside on a high-pollen day, wear a pollen mask. This expert also advises taking your allergy medicines before you go outside, and keeping pollen from following you into your home by showering and changing clothes when you come back in the house.

Read the entire article here. We’re wishing you a safe and allergy-free spring!

Just read that in 2011, trucks moved over $600 billion in freight - 9.2 billion tons! It's like they say, from the alarm clock that wakes you in the morning to the bed you sleep in at night, you can thank a truck driver because it was hauled by truck somewhere along the line.

Come get your share of quality flatbed freight here at Boyd Bros. Call us at 800-543-8923, or apply online!

Happy Monday to all you drivers out there. We’ll get the week going with some trivia about how things used to move across this great country.

Back in 1860, there were about 157 Pony Express stations (their equivalent of terminals) that were roughly 10 miles apart. Care to take a guess why 10 miles was the magic number?

Post your best guess here. Then have a safe and happy Monday! We’ll post the answer here later today.

Are you a top flatbed driver living in Missouri? Do you think of Boyd Bros. as a company for “Southeastern” drivers? While it’s true that we have many great drivers in the Southeast, we also have plenty of steady freight and hometime for Missouri drivers (and throughout the Midwest).

Sound good? Call us at 800-543-8923, or apply online!

We'd like to thank Matthew Kassebaum for sending us the very nice letter below. Nothing makes us happier than getting a message like this. Thanks for making our day, Matthew.

(Matthew's Letter)

As a driver for Boyd Brothers, I feel like a member of the family.

I trust their judgment, respect their integrity, and appreciate how hard they work for me. It is nice to be able to work in an honest and well-structured environment. The pay is, without a doubt, above standard, and the hometime I enjoy is well-suited for myself and my family's needs.

I have been driving for 14 years, and am proud to say I have a home at Boyd Brothers.

Matthew Kassebaum