Industry News & Tips for Truckers
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Delays, compliance, health problems, compensation, competition. The list of things truck drivers worry about goes on and on. With 150,000 people injured in truck crashes every year, focusing on safe driving is a necessity for all truck drivers.
One of the main elements of safety for truck drivers is defensive driving. Truckers spend long hours behind the wheel and face a huge variety of dangerous road situations. Since you never know what is waiting around the corner, defensive driving skills should become an integral part of a truck driver's arsenal. Follow these truck driver safety tips to remain safe on the road.
What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving is a set of skills and techniques that help drivers come out of dangerous road situations without a collision. Mentally following the truck driver safety checklist below and knowing how to deal with bad drivers and poor weather conditions will help you stay safe out there.
Defensive driving is not always about your driving skills. It involves knowing how to be ready for poor decisions made by others on the road. Learning the basics of such driving can help increase the chances of staying safe regardless of other drivers' behavior.
1. Leave Expectations Behind
Don't expect another driver to be smart, experienced, sober, in a good mood, alert, or responsible. You have to be ready to react to another driver acting unexpectedly illogical. That involves slamming brakes, veering off the road, cutting in ahead of you, and much more. Remember, you are the only driver you can trust.
2. Use Signals Properly
When you are planning a maneuver, use the necessary signals to let other drivers know your intentions. Since it can take a large truck more time to complete a maneuver than a small car, start signaling well before making a turn or lane change. It's always better to annoy the other drivers with your signals than rob them of a chance to react.
3. Watch Weather Conditions
Roads often become dangerous before the human eye can catch any changes occurring on the surface. That's why it's vital to check the weather in advance. As it starts raining during the cold season, you need to assume that it's freezing rain and drive accordingly. When the ice starts forming on the windshield, it's best to get off the road immediately.
If the weather predicts heavy snow, you should have tire chains available, if permitted where you are driving. In case you carry a lightweight load, strong winds may also be a signal for you to stop. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration calls for exercising extreme caution in tough weather conditions and stopping the vehicle when necessary. The driver is solely responsible for the decision to stop operating a truck in hazardous conditions.
4. Focus on Driving
Sounds obvious, doesn't it? However, studies have shown that lack of focus is the top cause of accidents related to distracted driving.
Using a smartphone, adjusting the stereo, smoking, and eating while driving is also dangerous. It seems obvious but simply keeping your mind on the road is extremely important.
5. Use the GAFROW Rule
What is the GAFROW rule, you ask?! Since you are always on the lookout for dangerous drivers, you are likely to spot them before they make a bad move. Once you see such people act foolishly, use the GAFROW (Give a Fool the Right of Way) rule and yield.
It's important to realize that yielding to a poor driver is not capitulating. It's a way to keep both of you safe. Meanwhile, with road rage on the rise, by acting aggressively you don't just jeopardize your safety, but also the safety of innocent drivers and passengers.
6. Know your Truck’s Stopping Distance
To ensure safety on the road, you must know your truck's stopping distance. In a dangerous situation, it can help assess your options properly.
It's important to remember that the stopping distance depends on weather conditions, your speed, and many other variables, including your load. For example, when you double the speed, the stopping distance can quadruple.
7. Look Around
While focusing on the road is vital, your eyes have to move to catch whatever is going on around the vehicle. Make sure to scan all available mirrors as often as possible. It can help you prevent dangerous situations and account for all potential hazards.
8. Be Visible
How is it possible to miss a semi-truck? More possible than you might think. Extreme weather conditions can make you virtually invisible. Meanwhile, tired/drunk/upset/newbie drivers may simply not be attentive enough. Keep your lights on, brake slowly, and take wide turns to ensure high visibility to other traffic participants.
Final Thoughts
Focusing on defensive driving and abiding by the above truck driver safety checklist can help you keep yourself and others on the road safe. A truck can turn from a money-earning tool into a deadly weapon in under a second. The leading line of defense rests with your ability, as a professional truck driver, to identify, understand, and mitigate a potential disaster on the roadway.
Safety on the road is more important than the paycheck. That's why defensive driving should be on every truck driver's agenda.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
The federal government’s mandated limit on hours of service requires truck drivers to pull over and rest more frequently. But lack of commercial truck parking options has put CDL professionals in an increasingly tight spot. Drivers are now losing upwards of an hour per day just looking for a safe place to pull over due to overcrowded rest areas and roadside closures.
This perfect storm of poor government policy planning has put America’s valued truck drivers in a position of deciding whether to dole out their hard-earned money or spend restless nights in some dangerous and sketchy locations. We firmly believe that it’s time state and federal decision-makers step up their support for the men and women who deliver the goods and materials that keep our communities thriving.
a Microcosm of the Worst Truck Parking Policies
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the union, made a big splash in 2018 by targeting hard-working drivers with truck-only tolls despite heavy opposition from industry leaders. Officials basically went on a crusade blaming 18-wheelers for the systemically poor condition of 48-mile-long state’s roads and bridges.
“This plan of theirs violates the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which prevents states from imposing these kinds of burdens on interstate commerce,” American Trucking Associations’ lawyer Rich Pianka reportedly said. “We want to make sure to establish that other states don’t get the same idea and try to use interstate commerce — and interstate trucking — as a piggy bank for their funding issues.”
Despite ATA litigation to block truck-only tolling such as that in Rhode Island, Connecticut appears to be following suit, potentially compounding headaches for drivers traveling in the Northeast Region.
But “Little Rhody” has since touted the disgraceful tolls as highly successful. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation quickly pointed to the $600,000 per month in tolls it pilfered off from the trucking industry as a win. If you’re curious about what this has to do with truck parking problems, well, a lack of fundamental fairness.
For those truckers traveling I-95, the state’s southern Welcome Center on the northbound side has routinely been closed. At other times, it bans overnight parking. Also located in the southern part of the state, the I-95 southbound rest area has been closed on-and-off. In terms of truck parking options, Rhode Island has effectively forced drivers to get off its only major highway and find viable truck parking elsewhere. After handing truckers a raw deal on tolls, one would expect at least safe truck parking in return. Despite the $600,000 monthly money-grab, such has not been the case.
While Rhode Island may highlight perhaps the most discriminatory policies toward truck drivers, the parking shortage tends to be a national issue. Driving America’s highways, it’s common to find rest areas that allow commercial truck parking are overcrowded offering limited opportunities for drivers searching for a space. In many cases, rigs are forced to pull to the shoulder of a stop’s on-ramp. The shortage has many drivers and trucking companies wondering if paid parking will emerge as yet another expensive tariff the trucking industry will have to incur.
Truck Parking Shortage Costs freight haulers Thousands
It seems a significant disconnect exists between the freight-hauling industry and government. The country struggles with an ongoing driver shortage that drives up freight rates, while the government over-regulates the sector and creates impediments such as lack of adequate semi truck parking. Talk about a lose-lose situation for professional CDL holders. According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s Dan Murray, a driver spends about 56 minutes trying to find parking to meet federal downtime regulations.
“Basically, they’re not getting paid, it’s frustrating time and costs the average driver about $4,600 in direct lost compensation looking for truck parking,” Murray reportedly said. “It’s not just a safety and compliance issue. It’s an economic issue for some of these drivers, and our data shows for some of these drivers it’s the last nail in the coffin, and they’re out of here. It’s costing them time and money.”
One of the trending solutions to the truck parking shortages is for freight haulers to pony up and pay to park. National Association of Truck Stop Operators Lisa Mullings has called for incentives to prompt business owners to increase the number of truck parking spaces they have available. That push comes with a price tag. The expectation is that truckers will pay a premium for overnight parking.
“I can guarantee you, the truck parking problems would be gone if people were willing to pay for it. It’s a cost of doing business that the truck stop industry has,” Mullings reportedly said.
While supply and demand may lead to increased paid parking, a petition cropped up on Change.org called “Stop Increasing Reserved Parking at Truck Stops.” The online pushback says that drivers could be reaching into their wallets for as much as “$90 a week, $360 a month, $4320 a year” to pay for premium parking. More than 7,000 people have signed on with a goal of 7,500 signatures. Given the fact truckers keep the country afloat and are appear unfairly treated in states such as Rhode Island, many believe the federal government has a responsibility to improve infrastructure, and truck parking should be part of that conversation.
Jason’s Law Movement Highlights Need for Increased Safe Truck Parking
It’s disheartening to know that tragedy appears to be one of the few ways everyday people get the attention of lawmakers, and the 2009 death of Jason Rivenburg was such a moment.
“While only 12 miles from the delivery location, he needed to find parking to rest through the night as his arrival location was not yet open to receive deliveries. Jason did not have a safe place to park. Jason had learned from truckers familiar with the area that a nearby abandoned gas station was a safe location to park and proceeded to park there for the night,” the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration reported. “Tragically, he was attacked and murdered at this location while he slept, with his killer taking both his life and just $7.00 that he had in his wallet.”
The tragic murder of Jason Rivenburg prompted studies that reportedly concluded the following:
- Thirty-nine percent of the drivers responding take 1 hour or longer to find parking.
- Drivers indicated that if parking was not found by mid-afternoon or early evening in either a rest area or private truck stop, the next suitable option is a well-lighted shopping area due to safety concerns. However, drivers stated they worried during their rest period they would be asked to leave or given a citation by law enforcement.
- Fifty-three percent of drivers regularly use a commercial truck stop for rest, and 20 percent regularly use a rest area. Other options used regularly include shipper/receiver location (20 percent), on/off-ramp (8 percent), abandoned lot/isolated area (10 percent), and behind a shopping center (11 percent).
- Eighty-eight percent of drivers felt unsafe while parked during mandatory rest or waiting for pickup or delivery of a load over the past 12 months.
- Thirty-six percent of respondents felt safer parked at a shipper and receiver location.
Since those results were released in 2013, the federal Hours of Service Regulations placed even greater restrictions on drivers that pressure them to stop at less-than-secure locations. The current mandate limits drivers to 11 hours following 10 hours of being off-duty, take a 30-minute break every eight hours, and 34 hours off after a 7- to 8-day workweek, according to the FMCSA. That’s a lot of downtime and searching for safe parking while on the road. The result of struggling to find a space and the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) enforcement rules have reportedly caused more than 70 percent of drivers to be in violation.
The truck parking shortage that tired over-the-road drivers see each and every day demonstrates that we are moving backward in terms of safe havens. It’s essential to lobby lawmakers at the state and federal levels to increase infrastructure spending for secure truck parking moving forward. In the interim, there are free apps that you can download to your phone that may help you find truck parking in a pinch.
- Park My Truck
- Trucker Path
- Truckbubba
- Road Breakers
We hope this conversation about the truck parking shortage and the tragic consequences it can have on our community members inspires more hard-working women and men of the road to raise their voices. We need improved truck parking infrastructure and fewer states trying to reach into our pockets without a reciprocal return for our work.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
What does it take to be a truck driver? Broad shoulders, a big heart, a mesh hat, an open mind, a giant mug of coffee, blue jeans and boots, and a cross necklace...these seven attributes make up the anatomy of a truck driver, and we love our truckers exactly that way.
Take a closer look at the anatomy of a truck driver. What would you add?
Mesh Hat
Truckers wore mesh hats before they became cool. These hats got their start in the early 1900s with feed stores and farming supply companies. These stores wanted to land new customers, so they rustled up a bunch of hats. They gave the hats away for free to truckers, farmers and other folks working in rural areas. Truckers loved the hats, which were (and still are) adjustable and breathable, perfect for life on the road.
Open Mind
Imagine having to deal with hundreds, even thousands, of awful, ill-tempered drivers every day. Truckers do that, and fortunately, they do it well. That's thanks to their open minds. Rather than stay frustrated 24/7 and think the worst of other drivers, truckers practice tolerance, understanding and patience. Maybe the driver who just cut a trucker off is rushing to the hospital to see his baby being born. Who knows? Life on the road is easier when you have an open mind and give folks the benefit of the doubt.
Broad Shoulders
Trucking companies, spouses, parents, children and friends expect a lot from them. Sometimes, it's too much, and these burdens fall on broad shoulders. Truckers must deal with blame tossed their way from different directions while they remain open-minded and patient. Those broad shoulders come in handy when truck drivers carry heavy loads.
Cross Necklace
Truckers experience more than their share of near misses. They've seen some devastating crashes in which everyone escaped unscathed or with minor injuries. It's easy to see how a higher power may exist. Plus, truckers witness beautiful landscapes and open skies that take mindfulness to another level. Many truckers wear cross necklaces or other religious symbols to keep them safe and to thank their higher power, whomever or whatever that may be.
Heart
Having to leave loved ones every few weeks can take its toll on truckers' hearts. Their hearts are huge, helping them to stay resilient and deal with their time away from home.
Coffee
A giant mug of coffee keeps truckers alert. After all, truckers have limited options for staying awake. Many aren't allowed to use hands-free phones, and it's unhealthy to keep reaching for chips, soda and other junk food. Coffee, like with typical office workers, serves as a shortcut to help truckers start the day. It can also provide periodic jolts on long drives.
Blue Jeans and Boots
The physical requirements for driving a truck are no joke. Enter tough, durable and comfortable work boots. They make driving easier while protecting truckers' feet from falling objects and ground-level hazards. Waterproof boots are important because truckers frequently deal with rain, snow and other forms of moisture. Breathability is critical too since truckers wear their boots for hours at a time. Blue jeans, like quality work boots, are tough and comfortable. They're versatile and can stand up to multiple wears without needing to be washed.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
As a commercial truck driver, you are responsible for operating your rig safely and accurately. Whether you are a new driver or have driven a semi truck for decades, you can always benefit from equipment and accessories that will make you a safer, more efficient driver and avoid preventable accidents. Many drivers are surprised to learn that their commercial truck mirrors are actually the most valuable tool in their equipment arsenal. Below are six simple ways to use your semi truck mirrors to improve your driving.
Start with a clean slate
The path to driving safety and accuracy begins with squeaky clean mirrors. While you might be tempted to grab a bottle of multipurpose cleaner from under your sink, it is better to apply glass cleaner to your mirrors to avoid streaks and smudges.
Use an actual glass cleaner on your car's mirrors, windshield, windows and rear glass. Multipurpose cleaners often create suds, which aren't necessary and can leave streaks and smudges behind. Also, avoid products that contain ammonia, as it can cause drying and other problems. Here are some other tips to make sure that dusty, grimy mirrors will never cloud your visibility:
- Find a cool spot to clean your mirrors instead of cleaning them in the blazing sun. This will help prevent the cleaner from evaporating.
- Apply the cleaner to a lint-free cloth rather than applying the cleaner directly to your mirrors. This will help prevent the cleaner from running.
- Keep a small can of defroster within easy reach in your truck to help keep your mirrors clear when the temperature dips below freezing.
adjust your mirrors
A squeaky clean, cutting-edge semi-truck mirror is worthless if you do not properly adjust it. Make it a habit to check your mirrors and adjust them accordingly before each and every trucking job. You should have two key goals in mind when adjusting your mirrors.
First, strive to maximize the amount of visual space. And second, try to minimize your blind spots. Finally, remember that mirrors are prone to shifting, so you may have to adjust them more frequently depending upon your driving conditions.
Know your blind spots
Every driver on the road should be keenly aware of the blind spots around their vehicles. But knowing your blind spots is especially important if you drive a semi. There are several blind spots or "no zones" for truck drivers:
- In front: Due to sitting higher than drivers of other vehicles, it can be difficult to see vehicles directly in front of you.
- The right side: Truck drivers have a large blind spot behind their cabs on the right hand side.
- The left side: Another common blind spot is behind the truck cab on the left hand side.
- On the back side of your truck: Because truck cabs tend to lack rear-view mirrors, drivers are unable to see if vehicles are following too closely.
Use mirrors to reduce your blind spots
Once you are aware of your blind spots, you can strategically position your mirrors to reduce or minimize them. Start by positioning two mirrors on the right and left-hand sides of your hood. Adding multiple side mirrors can also help reduce blind spots in the lanes on either side of your truck. By strategically adding more mirrors, you will increase your awareness of the driving activity around you.
Use your mirrors When turning
One of the single best uses for your semi truck mirrors is to monitor your trailer while you are turning. Keeping a close eye on your trailer is particularly important if you are making a sharp turn, as your trailer may potentially collide with medians, signs, and other vehicles. And remember to monitor your trailer throughout the entire turn instead of turning your full attention to other roadway activities.
Give your mirrors a helping hand
Mirrors can go a long way toward helping you become a safer, more accurate semi-truck driver. However, mirrors alone will not guarantee a safe ride for you and the vehicles around you. It is ultimately up to you as a driver to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to drive safely and respect your fellow motorists. Here are some ways you can become a more vigilant driver:
- Always remain alert: Driving when you are tired or distracted will interfere with the quality of your driving.
- Install feedback devices: Back-up sensors, audible alarms, and other cutting-edge devices are designed to prevent mistakes before they occur.
- Use signage: Some truck drivers install warning signage on their tractors to warn other motorists to steer clear of their blind spots.
The Bottom Line on Using Semi-Truck Mirrors
As outlined above, having plenty of clean, strategically placed semi-truck mirrors can improve your safety and accuracy as a driver. The single best way to remain abreast of the latest advances in mirrors and other semi-truck equipment is to reach out to an experienced leader in the trucking industry.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
It’s important for the hardworking men and women who deliver our country’s goods and materials to know that you are not alone. There are compassionate organizations advocating on your behalf and connecting valued truckers with community members.
In an effort to connect you with resources to enhance your professional and personal experience, we have put together information about some of the country's top trucking associations.
We hope this information enhances your experience.
1: American Trucking Associations
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) was born out of a merger between the Highway Freight Association and Federated Trucking Associations of America in 1993 to form a national-level affiliate of state organizations. Its long and storied history includes working with the U.S. Army during World War II when it was tasked with recruiting truckers to comprise the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. All told, 5,700 truck driving patriots enlisted.
Ever since playing a pivotal role in the country’s national security, the ATA has been a leader in interstate commerce initiatives and relentlessly fights for the fair treatment and compensation of American truckers. The ATA focuses on the following three fundamental policy platforms:
- Safety: The ATA is dedicated to improved driver safety and works in conjunction with federal agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to identify and educate drivers about emerging risks.
- Sustainability: The ATA promotes environmental policies that reduce carbon emissions and improved fuel efficiency, among others.
- Trucks are Essential: The organization represents drivers and other industry leaders by promoting the fact that nearly 100 percent of the country’s goods and materials are distributed by trucks.
Along with being a strong advocate for professional truck drivers across that country, the ATA also provides substantial benefits for its members. These include the following:
- Discounted liability insurance
- Discounts on products and services
- Discounts on UPS deliveries
- Subscription to The ATA Chronicle
- Professional services such as translators
- Career opportunities
- Bi-monthly newsletter
The organization enjoys a membership base that exceeds 10,000 and ranks among the most potent voices supporting the industry today. For more information, visit the ATA website.
2: Truckload Carriers Association
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) was established in 1983 through the merger of the Contract Carrier Conference and Common Carrier Conference — Irregular Route. Since being founded, its name has evolved from the Interstate Carriers Conference in 1983 to Interstate Carriers Conference in 1988, and finally, its current title in 1997. Although the name has changed over the years, the organization remains committed to its primary leadership roles of advocacy, education, and outreach. Those who opt to join this organization can anticipate the following benefits:
- A voice in Washington, D.C.
- Educational resources such as webinars
- Access to the weekly Truckload Carrier Report newsletter
The TCA offers memberships types that include For-Hire Carriers, Private Fleets, Associates, and Schools. To join or for more information, visit the TCA website.
3: National Association of Small Trucking Companies
Established by David Owen and Buster Anderson in 1989, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) emphasizes the sometimes underrepresented needs of small trucking businesses. The organization brings companies together to strengthen collective bargaining advocacy and lobbying abilities. Representing upwards of 10,000 trucking outfits, NASTC offers its members benefits that help small trucking companies lower the cost of doing business. For more information or to become a member, visit the NASTC website.
4: Women In Trucking
This non-profit organization was founded by current President and CEO Ellen Voie in 2007 and has given women the voice they deserve. Voie, a CDL-holder, has been advocating for greater female inclusion in the industry since the early 1980s. Women in Trucking (WIT) works tirelessly to promote trucking opportunities for women who are underrepresented. WIT provides a powerful gender diversity voice that is helping to break down perceived barriers in a predominately male occupation. Its member benefits include the following:
- Provide insight into women’s issues in the freight-hauling industry
- Education about improved work environments for women
- Promote driver and management opportunities for women
- Facilitate professional development
- Provide access to entry-level trucker positions
As of 2018, only approximately 6.2 percent of all active CDL holders are women. That number has increased by a modest 1.7 percent over the last 15 years, and WIT seeks to encourage women to secure CDLs and the good-paying job opportunities of the trucking industry. For more information or to become a member, visit the WIT website.
5: National Private Truck Council
Private motor carrier fleets comprise upwards of 80 percent of medium and heavy-duty vehicles on American roadways and are responsible for more than half of all miles logged. Established in 1939, the National Private Truck Council (NPTC) advocates on behalf of truckers and outfits who operate those more than 2 million vehicles. The organization seeks to further the following goals:
- Provide transportation industry leadership
- Provide professional education and certification opportunities
- Lobby government agencies and officials with regard to regulations, compliance, and legislation
- Improve the flow of vital industry information
For more information or to become a member, visit the NPTC website.
6: Trucker Buddy International
This non-profit organization is dedicated to working diligently to introduce and educate school-aged children about robust opportunities in the trucking industry. The Trucker Buddy program mentors youth and allows them to gain first-hand experience about what CDL professionals do and how their work positively impacts our communities. Teachers work in conjunction with truck drivers to oversee K-8 programs after a thorough screening process.
Students and drivers exchange letters and information in an educational setting designed to improve learning. Trucker Buddy was established in 1992 and has worked with more than 1 million students, and the organization is run through volunteers and donations. Trucker Buddy enjoys ties to other prominent trucking industry organizations such as the American Trucking Associations.
7: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
With upwards of 4,000 members in its ranks, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is a non-profit organization focused on vehicle and driver safety. Since 1980, it has served as a safety standards bridge between Western U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Its safety inspection and enforcement programs include the following:
- International Roadcheck
- Operation Airbrake
- Operation Safe Driver
- North American Standard Inspection Program
- North American Standard Level VI Inspection Program
The CVSA counts hundreds of law enforcement, trucking companies, industry associations, vendors, and others among its member ranks. Its sponsors enjoy benefits that include exposure at conferences, and promotion in the CVSA bi-weekly newsletter. For more information or to become a sponsor, visit the CVSA website.
As a member of the trucking community, we hope this information about other crucial organizations proves useful. For more information about us or to explore a career in the trucking industry, please visit CDLjobs.com today.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Enthusiasm for Tesla mass-producing its version of the semi had been on the decline as the electric-vehicle manufacturer’s reputation for meeting goals suffered. Until the close of 2019, Tesla had been mired in controversy, vehicle backlogs, and opening a plant in China was not well-received by Americans whose tax breaks supported the upstart.
But with a fourth-quarter push that reportedly rolled 104,000 vehicles off its assembly lines, Tesla delivered 367,500 automobiles and modestly exceeded its year-end goal. All seems to be forgiven as Tesla stocks surged just after the new year, and the trucking industry is again talking about electric semis.
Although some skepticism still exists that CEO Elon Musk can competitively position his promised semi-truck in the short-term, media sources such as Forbes are speculating that the Tesla semi could be a major player by 2025.
“The Semi, which is priced starting at $150k for the 300-mile model and $180k for the 500-mile model, will cater to the Class 8 segment of the trucking market. Class 8 trucks are Heavy trucks with a weight limit of over 33k pounds,” Forbes magazine wrote in December 2019. “While it remains unclear if the trucking industry will take to Tesla’s offering, considering the range flexibility and payload capacity of diesel trucks, Tesla does have an interesting value proposition, especially in terms of lower running costs. We estimate that the vehicle could bring in revenues of as much as $2 billion for Tesla by 2025.”
In terms of market share, Tesla appears to have an uphill battle ahead of it. According to reports, Daimler’s Freightliner Trucks continues to lead the U.S. in Class 8 sales, posting upwards of 91,000 in 2018. Kenworth and Peterbilt trail with 37,400, and 37,000 respectively. Navistar International is not far behind the pack at approximately 34,000. Comparing potential industry revenue share, optimistic estimates of $2 billion in 2025 would be a non-starter for the spunky Tesla brand.
Daimler’s Freightliner reportedly earned $11 billion in 2018 and continues to outpace all comers in U.S. semi-truck sales. Given Kenworth, Peterbilt, and Navistar all secured between $4.6 and $4.7 billion in 2018, Tesla would be seven years behind at less than half the revenue stream of its second-tier diesel competitors. That's only if it succeeded in the Herculean task of producing and convincing trucking industry decision-makers to go electric.
Tesla Trying To Find A Competitive Edge
Tesla reportedly plans to begin actual manufacturing of the electric Semi this year. They are expected to have a maximum range of 500 miles and, when hauling 80,000 pounds, can do 0-to-60 in 20 seconds, and reach 60 mph unloaded in five seconds. The claims have been met with skepticism as experienced truck drivers understand that today’s diesels require a tad longer to achieve those speeds. To those that question Tesla’s boast, Musk has gone on the record backing the acceleration rate by saying, “We designed the Tesla truck like a bullet. A normal diesel truck is designed like a barn wall.”
Speed considerations aside, Tesla has been marketing long-term energy savings to overcome the higher-than-diesel sticker price. Tesla plans to sell its version of the semi-truck between $150,000 and $200,000, depending on the model. It’s already utilizing a previous market strategy to raise revenue by allowing buyers to reserve a vehicle online. Reports indicate that big corporations such as Pepsi and Walmart are ponying up to get early models for their fleets, according to Business Insider.
Much of Tesla’s potential success will hinge on its ability to demonstrate that these vehicles are cost-effective in the long term, despite the inflated cost. According to Forbes, these rank among Tesla’s key competitive points.
- The Tesla truck runs on less than 2 Kilowatt-hours (kWh: of energy per mile, tallying an approximate low $0.24 per mile. Diesel semis utilize about $0.60 per mile, based on diesel priced at $3 per gallon.
- Tesla energy savings estimates would save truckers about $22,000 annually, based on drivers who log 68,000 miles.
Regional fleet operations may be more inclined to maximize revenue by incorporating logistics that can seamlessly accommodate the Tesla Semi’s 500-mile limitations. Long-haul drivers would likely have to wait for nationwide infrastructure changes and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s willingness to enact substantive work-hour modifications to account for electric refueling wait times, among others.
Tesla Semi-Truck has New Battery Design
The short-distance knocks on Tesla cars are only being compounded by truckers who make long runs. CEO Musk has not been deaf to length-of-travel issues associated with non-fossil fuel vehicles. Research and development of a more sustainable battery have not slowed, and the Tesla Semi battery is expected to take another tech leap into the future.
According to media outlets that cover technology, the new Tesla truck battery is expected to be a radical departure from previous designs. Inside EVs reports that the vehicle batteries utilize cell groupings over single battery cells, and the idea of a cooling snake has been replaced by simplified cooling plates. Other shifts include thicker electrodes for more dense energy transmission, and Tesla’s latest brainchild is expected to be less expensive to manufacture. Tesla is expected to make an official announcement about the new battery at a scheduled Battery and Powertrain Investor Day event.
Tesla Semi-Truck Rivals Emerge
Although Tesla has done an incredible job asserting itself into the market and becoming a household name, the electric vehicle maker remains a small fish in a very large auto industry.
To its credit, Tesla managed to rank two models in the top 8 electric vehicles in 2018. But even a cursory glance at its competitors shows that Elon Musk’s brand is a veritable David in a field of Goliaths. These are the top-ranked electric vehicle makers of 2018.
- 2018 Chevrolet Volt EV
- 2018 Tesla Model S
- 2018 Hyundai Ioniq EV
- 2018 Tesla Model 3
- 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf
- 2018 Nissan Leaf
- 2018 BMW i3
- 2018 Kia Soul EV
One of the burning questions is how will larger auto and truck manufacturers respond once electric semis are a viable and popular option? Already, hydrogen-powered semi-trucks are entering the trucking industry market in an effort to supplant electric models.
Nikola Motor Company plans on giving Musk and Tesla a run for the freight-hauling dollar. CEO Trevor Milton has been promoting his organization's hydrogen trucks as a lighter, and more cost-effective option. He points to the weight of large Tesla batteries as a drag on truckers' ability to load the maximum allowable freight and earn top-dollar.
“When you move a load of heavy freight, every pound's worth about 50 cents per load,” Milton reportedly said. “So, if we're 5,000 pounds less, ultimately, you're going to make $25,000 more revenue on that one load compared to batteries.”
According to Milton, fleet corporations such as Anheuser-Busch have ordered hundreds of Nikola trucks, and the company is sold out for the next five years. Although Tesla appears quite enthusiastic about converting the world to its brand of zero-emission vehicles, truckers may want to weigh all their options before converting.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Are you starting a job with a new trucking company? If so, congratulations!
A new trucking job can transform your life. It promises a steady income, and you get to see the country from a different perspective. If you recently started a new trucking job, here are a few pointers to seize the day and make the most out of this life change.
Accept the Routes You Are Asked to Drive
Senior or experienced drivers tend to get their preferred routes. As a new company driver, you might not be thrilled with the routes you are offered. However, accept what you can. New drivers cannot be overly selective. Once you have proven your reliability and your work ethic, you get more of a say in your assigned routes.
Stay in Touch with Folks Back Home
If your new trucking job has you away from home for days or weeks at a time, it's critical to maintain connections with your loved ones. Here are some ideas to stay connected while away, as well as ideas to take advantage of your home time:
- Read a bedtime story to your children every night via phone or video chat.
- Start a family book/movie club (everyone reads the same book or watches the same movie).
- Email pictures of attractions, sunsets and other cool things you see on the road.
- Mail the occasional postcard to your loved ones.
- Make concrete plans with your loved ones for when you are home
Make "Me" Time One of Your Priorities When Home
No doubt, you want to spend time with your loved ones when you're home. Participate in family life as needed, but prioritize "me" time, too. Hike, fish, repair cars, whatever your hobbies are, make sure to save time for those activities.
Set Health Goals
Trucking is a sedentary job infamous for its connections with back pain, weight gain, high blood pressure, heart attacks and even skin cancer. Take precautions and set goals to minimize these health risks. As for your overall health, keep these general principles in mind from day one:
- Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can instead of unhealthy sides such as fries and potato chips.
- Keep healthful foods in a mini-fridge because they can be hard to find on the road.
- Drink plenty of water and minimize your intake of sugary sodas and caffeine.
- Take vitamin C and a multivitamin every day.
- Listen to audiobooks and podcasts to stay entertained and avoid using junk food for stimulation.
Another idea is to join online health and fitness forums to connect with other truckers. You and a trucker buddy could keep each other on track.
Be Punctual and Look Professional
One great thing about trucking is that it's not an office job that requires a suit, tie or skirt. Still, look professional in that your clothes are clean and do not have holes. Show up on time every day.
Cultivate Relationships with Dispatchers and Other Drivers
Dispatchers are arguably your most important relationship in any new trucking job. Ask your dispatchers about things such as:
- What they want to see from truckers and what they wish truckers knew
- How you can make their lives easier
- What they don't like about truckers
Dispatchers have the power to make your job a much smoother ride. Get on their good side, and your income potential rises.
Your fellow drivers are another important resource. Ask them for tips on connecting with company managers and leaders. What "inside" information will make your job easier? Also, chat with the personnel in safety. Find out about the company's safety policies ahead of time so you don't accidentally do something wrong. Above all, communicate with anyone you need to. It's easy to feel shy and hesitant at a new job, but people are happy to help if you ask for it.
Stick with the Company's Way of Doing Things
If this isn’t your first trucking job, your previous employer may have handled tasks such as scheduling, dispatching and logging differently. Their way could seem more efficient than what the current company does. That's frustrating, but the leadership is unlikely to give any weight to a new driver's suggestions. Also, there may be good reasons why the company does things the way it does. Give these different procedures a chance. If you still don't like them, you can discuss them from a position of more seniority.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
In case you haven’t noticed, communicating with your new trucking company is vital. From the safety department to the dispatchers to the company’s managers and owners, communication can help you start as smoothly as possible. Ask questions, introduce yourself to as many people as possible, and make sure everything between you and your new company is completely clear. This groundwork will help you understand their expectations and set the stage for you to have best trucking job possible for many years to come.
Following these tips will help your transition into the trucking industry go smoothly. As you gain experience, we hope that you find a life long home with the trucking company you have chosen. However, if you find yourself in a position to make a job change, you may take comfort to know that there are always quality trucking companies hiring professional CDL drivers.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Truck driving can be a rewarding career choice, but it can also be exhausting. If you have an over-the-road trucking job, you are especially familiar with how difficult it can be to stay awake and alert. Following these tips will help you remain alert and safe on the job.
How Do Truck Drivers Stay Awake?
Driving while drowsy is a serious concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving contributes to nearly 100,000 police-reported crashes, resulting in an estimated 800 deaths and 50,000 injuries each year. Other traffic safety studies find that unreported crashes involving drowsy drivers exceed that number over three times, reaching an estimated 328,000 annually.
Read on to learn some of the best practices truckers may employ to stay awake when driving.
1. Get Enough Sleep
At first glance, this appears to be a no-brainer. However, many truck drivers struggle with insufficient sleep. The good news is that truck driver fatigue laws require that you be afforded breaks in order to get enough sleep. However, it is on you to be disciplined about getting to bed early enough for a full night.
It isn’t always easy to sleep in a truck cab, especially on a truck driver’s schedule. Here are some tips that make it easier to get a restful night of sleep:
- Practice a Nighttime Ritual: Do the same activities before bed every night. For example, you could read a book, listen to some music and run through your hygiene routine.
- Eat at the Right Time: A full stomach when going to bed can make you toss and turn. Of course, trying to fall asleep on an empty stomach is also difficult. Find the right balance for you.
- Change Your Pillow: The right pillow can make all the difference in the world for sleep. Find one that is comfortable for how you sleep.
- Use a Weighted Blanket: When used regularly, a weighted blanket may help restore your body to its natural circadian rhythm and promote quality sleep.
Additionally, take a nap when you need it. Even 15 to 20 minutes of sleep can help you get reenergized for the day. Some trucking experts suggest making a quick, pre-route nap into a routine practice.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
When you are thinking about how to stay awake while driving, diet is not likely to be the first thing to come to mind. You may be surprised by how much of an impact a healthy diet can have on how awake you feel.
The fast-food and truck stop snacks that are easy to grab while on the road may be convenient, but they are also making your groggy. Stock your truck with healthy snacks and protein-rich foods like these:
- Almonds and other nuts
- Protein bars
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Jerky
If you are stopping for a full meal, stay away from fried foods. Instead, choose a salad with lean protein such as chicken. Before you start a route, try to get a solid, healthy meal to kick things off right.
3. Exercise Daily
You may think that exercise will wear you out but, think again. Getting the blood flowing will make you feel more awake and alert.
Try to get regular exercise every day. Even something as simple as a walk will improve your overall wellbeing and make it easier to stay awake. For truck drivers regular exercise helps improve stamina, making long routes easier. As an added bonus, stretching your muscles with some exercise will help you feel more comfortable when driving. Try setting clear goals each day, and track your progress with an app or pedometer.
If you find yourself getting tired, try pulling over and jogging around a truck stop for a few minutes. This quick activity will help you wake up and stay alert.
4. Drink Coffee (But Not Too Much)
It is no secret that coffee is great when you want to stay awake. In fact, if you ask someone how to stay awake when driving, caffeine is likely to be the first answer. If you are feeling sleepy, grab a quick cup of coffee.
However, don’t overdo it. Try to limit yourself to 400mg of caffeine per day at most. This is about the equivalent of three and a half cups of coffee. Drinking too much caffeine will cause you to get dehydrated, which will make you feel more tired. Additionally, if you get too dependent on coffee, you will experience severe crashes when it wears off.
Drinking a cup of coffee slowly during the morning is the best way to give yourself lasting energy from caffeine. Additionally, avoid drinking too much close to bedtime. As mentioned above, getting a full night of rest is essential to staying alert.
5. Stay Mentally Active
Highway hypnosis is a serious problem for truck drivers. Keeping your mind engaged while driving will help you to stay more awake and alert. Try listing to audiobooks, podcasts or stimulating music. The former two are good ways to learn something new while you drive. Any audio content that keeps you focused and engaged will help keep you alert.
If you find yourself frequently zoning out while driving, these tips can help you stay more alert and aware, keeping you and other drivers safer while out on the road.
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- Written by: Darin Williams
Residents in just about every state have some level of complaint about local highways and roads. In many cases, they have every reason to be unhappy about the general disrepair, but passenger car drivers are not operating a heavy commercial vehicle that weighs upwards of 80,000 pounds traveling at high rates of speed. Those are factors professional truck drivers must consider when traveling on the worst highways in America.
Trucking industry professionals should take note of the following information about the worst roads in America to help our valued truckers deliver their loads without incident and get home safely.
5 States Truckers Say Have Most Dangerous Roads in America
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) data, large trucks were involved in 2.8 percent of crash fatalities nationwide, totaling 841 fatalities in 2017. Although that number pales in comparison to 44.3 percent of passenger vehicles and 33.8 percent of light truck deaths, statistics indicate these trucker tragedies are on the rise.
Heavy vehicle fatalities rose from 805 (2.3 percent) in 2007 and 723 (2 percent) in 1997. All indications point to more tragic accidents and loss of life. While there are numerous factors behind collisions, being mindful of inherently dangerous highways and roads can help avoid critical situations and save lives. According to anecdotal information supported by hard data, working truckers reportedly ranked these among the most hazardous states to drive"
- Colorado: Professional CDL holders point to wide-open roadways and the presence of black ice as a reason why the Rocky Mountain state sustained a 4.8 percent large truck fatality rate in 2017.
- Texas: Truck drivers generally give props to the Lone Star state as being trucker friendly, but speed continues to play a factor in accidents. Many highways allow limits of 75 mph, which is higher than most states. Texas State Highway 130 and others allow drivers a top speed of 80-85 mph.
- Alabama: Some professional drivers cite logging trucks as a reason that this southern state struggles with safe conditions. These vehicles tend to be more cumbersome than others when fully loaded. Statistically speaking, Alabama stood below the national average for percentage of large truck fatalities in 2017.
- Oklahoma: Reports do not necessarily indicate that this state ranks among the worst roads in America. Rather, CDL drivers point to severe spring weather, sudden thunderstorms, and tornadoes as reasons for increased vigilance when driving through poor weather conditions. The Sooner state posted a 4.8 percent fatality rate, well above the national average.
- North Dakota: This state posted the highest death rate in the country at 8.3 percent in 2017, which is slightly down from 8.8 in 2016. It’s worst year, statistically, came in 2013 when the state posted 13.8 percent against a national average of only 2.6 percent. Truckers consider the icy road conditions a significant risk factor.
According to the NHTSA, New Mexico (5.7), Idaho (5.8), Wyoming (6.0), and Iowa (6.0) had the highest percentage of large truck accident deaths in 2017.
5 States with Worst Roads in America Based on Deficiencies
Another way to consider where the worst roads in America are located is to view them through a construction and upkeep lens. Business Insider pieced together a research article based on items such as road conditions, cost per motorist, structurally deficient bridges, and other factors. The states with the worst roads in America based on this analysis may surprise even veteran truckers.
- Pennsylvania: Reports indicate that 30 percent of the state’s roads are considered in poor condition, and 18 percent of all bridges are structurally deficient. Pennsylvania's motorists pay $610 annually toward better roadway infrastructure.
- Mississippi: According to reports, the Magnolia state struggles with 30 percent of its roads being subpar and an 11 percent rate of bridge deficiency. Resident drivers pay $820 annually toward improvements.
- West Virginia: Although this mountainous region is reportedly making improved road condition strides, 31 percent of its roads are still in poor condition, and 18 percent of the bridges are structurally deficient. Motorists pay a reported $723 annually toward road repairs.
- Oklahoma: According to data, 33 percent of the Sooner state’s roads are in poor condition, and 14 percent of its bridges are deficient. Drivers pay $900 each year for second-worst in the nation.
- Rhode Island: It only comes as a surprise that the smallest state in the union has the absolute worst roads in America to those who have not had the "pleasure" to experience the driving conditions. According to reports, 53 percent of the state’s roads are in poor condition, and 23 percent of its bridges are structurally impaired. Motorists in Rhode Island pay a reported $823 annually for bad roads.
States such as New Jersey, California, Missouri, Louisiana, and New Mexico round out the list of 10 states with the worst roads in America in the report. An analysis by Transportation for America detailed what the organization deemed worsening conditions. Its Repair Priorities 2019 report cites the top five states with the worst roads as Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The organization’s report is primarily based on ongoing neglect and roads considered in poor condition in 2017.
5 Worst Highways in America Based on Fatalities
Another way of looking at the worst highways in America is to consider that commercial rigs and passenger vehicles occupy the same travel lanes and face similar dangers. Data compiled about where most deaths occur per mile is a worthwhile way of understanding the deadliest highways in the nation.
- I-95 (Miami, FL to Weston, MA), 0.73 fatalities per mile.
- I-17 (Flagstaff to Phoenix AZ), 0.84 deaths each mile.
- US 192 (Four Corners to India Atlantic, FL), 0.87 deaths per mile.
- I-45 (Dallas to Galveston, TX), 1.02 fatalities per mile.
- I-4 (Tampa to Daytona Beach, FL), 1.25 fatalities per mile of highway.
The data used to calculate the top 5 deadliest highway stretches in the country was reportedly compiled from statistics running from 2011-2015.
5 Highways that Pose a Heightened Danger
While anecdotal and statistical information highlight the increased risks truckers and passenger vehicle drivers face on America’s highways, there are certain stretches of pavement that can quickly become hazardous. These are five roads worthy of increased caution.
- Dalton Highway in Alaska: The main road for truckers from Fairbanks to the northern areas of the state, it is infamous for dangerously icy driving conditions.
- Interstate 10 in Arizona: The 150 miles comprised of long desert stretches from Phoenix to California tends to lull drivers into inattention.
- Highway 550 in Colorado: Reaching elevations of 11,000 feet, the weather can be erratic, icy, and the stretch lacks guardrails.
- I-95 in Florida: The 380-plus miles in the Sunshine State records a high number of accident fatalities, largely attributed to distracted driving.
- Highway 2 in Montana: High rates of speed and the highway’s inherent remoteness can be a recipe for danger.
We hope this information proves valuable for the hard-working men and women of the trucking industry who drive the open road. For more trucking news and to find the latest truck driving job openings, visit CDLjobs.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
The detention time placed on drivers’ shoulders takes an unnecessary and frustrating bite out of earnings. According to reports about a 2018 survey, 25.8 percent of drivers waited more than the industry standard limit of 2 hours, and an additional 23 percent experienced detention of more than 4 hours before being able to log billable hours.
What may be even more concerning are the details in the study. Detention times of 2 hours and higher rose sharply from 2014 to 2018. The research indicates that excessive waits of 2-4 hours increased by 1.7 percent, those of 4-6 hours went up 1.3 percent, and grossly excessive detention times of more than 6 hours rose 2 percent. These are the periods that take a big bite out of the a truck driver's paycheck and may prevent a trucker from being fairly compensated. To say that truck driver detention pay has not always kept pace with these delays would be something of an understatement.
Problems with Truck Detention Time Law
Rising detention periods, sometimes called “layovers” in the trucking industry, have become more challenging under the strict Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) drivable hours regulations. Under the rules, a CDL professional can only log 11 on-duty hours daily during a 14-hour shift. And the maximum drivable hours over a 7-day workweek is limited to 60 hours. The integration of electronic logging devices (ELDs) now monitors truck driver hours.
Under the current laws, the unnecessary detention time trucking professionals experience is generally not exempt. The FMCSA considers any activity that advances your load to be “on-duty” hours. These are pertinent rules regarding on-duty time, according to the FMCSA.
- All time at a plant, terminal, facility, or other property of a motor carrier or shipper, or on any public property, waiting to be dispatched, unless you have been relieved from duty by the motor carrier.
- All time loading, unloading, supervising, or attending your truck; or handling paperwork for shipments.
The use of ELDs to track driver times has been something of a double-edged sword in the industry. The heightened on-duty monitoring no longer allows drivers to overcome the impediments caused by disorganized trucking companies and warehouses. There is zero wiggle room in terms of FMCSA compliance because it’s all measured by hard data. But the ELDs can also be used to get duly-owed truck driver detention pay. There’s no escaping the fact that truckers endure excessive wait times and have lost wages.
The Problem of Getting Adequate Truck Driver Detention Pay Compensation
According to a 2018 survey conducted by the Department of Transportation, truck drivers lose an estimated $1.1 to $1.3 billion in wages every year due to detention. Obviously, it is fundamentally unfair to basically tax the hard-working men and women who deliver our goods and materials due to disorganization, unprofessionalism, or incompetence.
The industry standard layover time is pegged at a maximum of 2 hours. After that, carriers are tasked with paying drivers out-of-pocket for the excessive wait times. Among the many problems, some companies set hourly compensation as lows as $15 per hour. That rate does not reflect the wages professional CDL drivers would be earning if they were on the road and logging billable hours. Even companies that pay over-the-road (OTR) drivers higher compensation of $25 to $50 may be undercutting an owner-operator’s actual value. It goes without saying that truckers want to work, not sit around waiting for paperwork that should already be ready.
Experienced drivers have a few options to get the fair compensation they deserve. They can utilize the ELD to support their claim and insist on appropriate value. Less experienced drivers are too often hesitant to rock the boat with employers for fear of losing work. Given the current driver shortage, putting together a professional invoice or other detention pay request may prompt the company to pony up. Keep in mind, even big companies are worried about losing drivers to competitors these days.
Some carriers have snubbed paying part or all of the detention compensation. Many OTR truckers are taking advantage of the economic boom and avoiding working with unethical or disorganized freight companies and warehouses. Although CDL professionals may be frustrated with excessive detention periods, the problem is one the freight industry is tasked with fixing or suffer driver shortages.
Companies Must Improve Logistics, Reduce Detention Time Trucking Losses
The surging economy has resulted in every available 18-wheeler being put to use. It might be easy for a trucking company to pass the buck and claim that the overburdened industry is a primary reason for growing wait times. That type of claim falls short because freight-hauling operations are maximizing their profitability in this robust economy. That means they have rarely had the financial flexibility and resources to invest in improved logistics, additional warehouse workers, and administrative personnel. These are things companies can do to shorten detention time and improve efficiency.
- Stagger Pickups: Too many shippers try to fit the maximum number of pickups into shifts. That often results in log jams, backed-up load times, and paperwork not being ready. Staggering pickup schedules so there is a reasonable amount of time for warehouse and admin people to coordinate a seamless load and pull-out saves money and aggravation.
- Extend Hours of Operation: For business operations that are only running one or two shifts, there has never been a better time to add additional hours or another shift. This not only reduces the amount of truck driver detention time pay you owe, but it also adds to profitability. This is a growth period that trucking executives would be wise leverage.
- Niche Loading Platforms: Plenty of warehouses run general loading docks. But there are certain goods that make sense to set aside as for specialization. Whether those goods and materials are fragile or sensitive in other ways, niche docks can streamline certain shipping elements and reduce wait times.
- Increase Number of Loading Dock Doors: Warehouses are expanding all across the country, and facilities that have additional room could benefit from increased platforms. Those that are maxed out might want to consider expanding to increase traffic and profits.
- Drop-Hook Options: Warehouses tend not to like drop-hook programs because that can leave them at the mercy of a truck driver’s return. Such programs allow drivers to not count the layover as part of their on-duty hours under specific FMCSA guidelines. Freight companies may consider weighing the cost of detention pay for truck drivers against the risk of a bay door being occupied longer than necessary.
- More Warehouse Workers: Plenty of delays come down to facilities not having enough warehouse professionals to keep pace with the number of trucks and orders going out. No one in the trucking industry saves money by being short-staffed.
- Improved Logistics: Living in the technology age has opened doors for trucking companies to update logistics technology and improve precision. Blockchain technologies and others allow companies to track products from the manufacturer all the way through the supply chain to a retail outlet’s shelves. Having the latest freight-hauling logistics technology can significantly improve efficiency and curb unnecessary truck driver detention.
Avoid Unnecessary Truck Driver Detention Pay Losses
The trucking industry is enjoying a banner period, and good-paying careers as a professional CDL driver are abundant. Like any occupation, there are problems that need to be resolved to maximize everyone’s earning capacity. Although truckers may get frustrated by delays, keep in mind that companies will either improve their efficiency, pay you fair compensation, or drivers will work with better-organized operations. Fortunately for industry professionals, there are plenty of truck driving jobs available and you won’t have to wait to find new opportunities.