MAINTENACE TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER
* Purge your tractors air tanks daily
* Fuel treatments are not encouraged, utilize blended fuels
* Don’t run your fuel tanks below 1/4 tank
* Always check the color of fuel you have in your tanks AND the color of fuel you are pumping in tanks. If it’s colored black, immediately stop dispensing fuel and dont operate engine. Black fuel is really the evidence of bacteria. Major engine failures will occur if it’s cycled through engine. Contact the Road Service Dept.
* Carry a can of air line antifreeze. Utilize this as first line of defense when you encounter an idle trailer in inclement weather when brakes will not release. Once released, purge the trailer’s air tanks.
* To prevent your tractor and trailer brakes from freezing solid to drums after driving through wet snow and sleet, pull ahead/back three to five feet after you have parked for 10-15 minutes. The brakes and drums have had time to cool down, and the water to set. The little rotation of your wheels should break the freezing that began to set.
* Engines equipped with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and new CAT ACERT engines should be idled from 600 to 900 rpm, and still remain warm to heat cab/sleeper.
* Use of winterfronts is discouraged, especially on engines equipped with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and new CAT ACERT engines. Restriction of air flow to cool engine will cause major engine failure.
* During hometime, start the tractor daily to ensure tractor startability (avoid battery run-down)

ATS SHOP IN LOUISIANA AVAILABLE TO DO SERVICE & REPAIRS OF TRACTORS AND TRAILERS
Anderson Trucking Service has a shop at the Brewton Express, a division of ATS Specialized, Inc. terminal, 5758 Hwy 167 South, Winnfield, LA. Please utilize this shop for the same shop services you would find in St. Cloud, MN or Gary, IN. Owner operators, used lease participants, and company tractors and trailers are invited to stop by for service and repairs. Currently the shop hours are 7:00am to 5:30 pm. Shop phone is 318-628-6173.

ANDERSON TRUCKING AND ST CLOUD TECHNICAL COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP
Anderson Trucking Service and the St Cloud Technical College’s Continuing Education Department recently joined forces for their CDL Program. Frank Presfield from the Safety Department has joined the college on a contract-basis as their CDL Training Instructor.

The Continuing Education Program, better knows as Door 15, has offered a CDL program for the past several years. ATS recently became more involved with the school with the launch of the ATS training program. A natural partnership evolved, which lead to the official partnership in early November 2004.

The six-week classes are coordinated by the St Cloud Technical College. All areas of trucking are covered which include both classroom and behind the wheel. The driving range portion of the class is taught at ATS West. The next class will begin on January 10, 2005.

This year’s campaign is well under way. We are hoping for a variety of toys and gifts for boys and girls ages newborn to 16. It is the goal of these local agencies for each child to receive at least one $10.00 gift and an additional smaller gift.

All donations must be received by December 22 to ensure distribution for this season.