Bumper to Bumper : The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations (third edition) [Paperback]

Mike Byrnes and Associates (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

BUMPER TO BUMPER, The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations, our original text on truck driving and related activities, has trained thousands of our nations truck drivers. Tractor-trailer driving schools, carriers, insurance companies, attorneys, accident reconstruction specialists, and highway patrols use the book in their formal training programs and as a reference book. Letters of praise from countless individual drivers attest to its completeness and easy readability. The 512-page soft-cover book written in an authoritative yet friendly style, contains over 200 technical illustrations, and is thoroughly indexed. Each chapter includes a final quiz and an observation skills test. It is designed to meet industry standards for training set by the Department of Transportation and other accrediting bodies. BUMPER TO BUMPER describes vehicle components, driving techniques, and regulated activities, beginning with an overview of motor transport industry careers. The next 13 chapters introduce heavy diesel tractors and trailers and their components. Ten more chapters explain the handling of tractor-trailer combinations. The following eight chapters cover government regulations, safe driving, economy operating, and driver responsibilities. The last three chapters are devoted to job hunting, the driver's lifestyle and professional development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The fact that BUMPER TO BUMPER follows through on its stated goal strikes us as the best and most important recommendation we can make to anyone working or even interested in trucking...Since it covers the essentials of everything a truck driver needs to know about the industry...it gets our top rating as an industry "classic."...Just as important as the information conveyed in it is the book's overall attitude. Addressed to drivers, the book never talks down to them or demeans the industry. Rather it treats the subject of the trucking business and big rig driving with the overall regard and respect that those activities deserve," said Don Long, Editor, Inside Trucking, about BUMPER TO BUMPER, The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations' second edition. -- Publisher Comments

About the Author

MIKE BYRNES AND ASSOCIATES, INC., incorporates the talents and expertise of:

MIKE BYRNES, President. Mr. Byrnes' 25 years in the field of vocational education and training include experience directing curriculum development for over-the-road truck driving and heavy equipment operation training programs. Mr. Byrnes' expertise in the transportation and construction areas stems from 20 years experience in the field. Mr. Byrnes brings to curriculum development and publishing projects his managerial and vocational education experience plus complete familiarity with the needs and capabilities of the adult learner.

DEVORAH FOX, Vice President. A published writer and editor with over 20 years experience, Ms. Fox has served in a variety of industries, including vocational education, broadcasting and hospitality where she used her language and publications skills to create clear, concise communication. Ms. Fox sees that writing is accurate, readable, clear and appropriately illustrated. In addition, her student services experience enables her to edit with an eye towards those elements that motivate learners to keep reading with a feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction.

The principals of MIKE BYRNES AND ASSOCIATES, INC., are supported by a network of human resources that includes writers, editors, educators, content specialists, artists and translators, many of whom have long years of experience in technical writing and illustration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 499 pages
• Publisher: Mike Byrnes & Assoc; 3rd Rev edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962168750
• ISBN-13: 978-0962168758
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #992,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for future Driver, March 8, 2004

By 

Tim Boyce (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bumper to Bumper : The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations (third edition) (Paperback)

If you have never driven a tractor trailer this is a great book. It covers everything from a drivers perspective. The truck itself including: Engines, Transmissions, Parts, Driving techniques, Hazmat, Airbrakes, Life on the road etc. What it does not cover in great detail is if you want to start your own trucking company, or authority. It touches on parts and mentions the D.O.T and FMCSR but mostly from the drivers interaction with those agencies, not as a trucking company. This book is for drivers behind the wheel on a day to day basis. Non-drivers will find it useful and insightful but if you are wishing to start your own company, It does not cover in detail the authorities you will need and actual details involved in doing so. The book never claims it does cover that information... this review is to let you know what is not in there in that regard. As a future driver, or someone interested in the actual day to day operations or the skills needed to operate a tractor trailer, this book is great and worthy of 5 stars.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The #1 manual for a future professional truck driver., September 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bumper to Bumper : The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations (third edition) (Paperback)

Bumper to Bumper is the text I have used in the classroom of the largest truck school chain on the west coast for nearly five years. I have recently had the opportunity to compare it to the other PTDIA endorsed workbook. Bumper to bumper presents more information, it is easier for the students to understand, the proofreaders seem to know a thing or two about trucks, there are very few mistakes. The other "PTDIA" workbook (what can I say they have the PTDIA logo on the cover) is useless compared to Bumper to Bumper. Naturally I have left my old employer as they have taken the less-effective, but much cheaper, text and done many other things that have lowered the quality of student training. Bumper to Bumper is the best text for the professional driver who wants to understand new developments in the industry too.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CTD Instructor from GA, July 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bumper to Bumper : The Complete Guide to Tractor-Trailer Operations (third edition) (Paperback)

As a commercial truck driving instructor, I realize there are a lot of different sources out there that claim to be the "ultimate" guide to tractor trailers and the trucking industry in general. Bumper to Bumper is our institute's text of choice. It is clear and concise and pretty accurate in its descriptions of the industry. It is also one of the best guides for getting to know your truck. I highly recommend this book for the newbies and "old" pros. 'Cause even though you can't teach an old dog new tricks even those who've been on the road for a while will benefit from taking a look at this book.