Industry News & Tips for Truckers
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- Written by: Kate Williams
During a busy work week, over-the-road truckers may spend more time in their vehicle than any other place. Between pulling a full shift and sleeping overnight, there’s no doubt that cab is your primary living environment. While it may be pure common sense to keep the interior and exterior of your 18-wheeler clean and tidy, it’s a given that truck drivers may not look forward to semi-truck cleaning duties. At CDLjobs.com, we understand how hard the men and women of the road work and hope these tips on how to clean your truck save you time and improve your space.
Interior Semi-Truck Cleaning Tips
It’s not uncommon for truckers to wait until their run is over and pay a professional to detail a semi, inside and out. That does mean you will be working in a less-than-sterile environment for weeks at a time. Let’s be candid, you probably wouldn’t let trash pile up in your living room or let stains on a favorite recliner go untreated. With only modest effort and the following steps, your vehicle can enjoy that new rig smell once again.
1: Clear Out Trash
Take a trash liner or plastic grocery bag and scoop up all those coffee cups, wrappers, and other items that found their way to the floor, behind seats, or into the sleeper space.
2: Vacuum Up Unsavory Bits
Pull out your mats and other portable interior items and go to work vacuuming up the dirt, grime, and crumbs from breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and other snacks. These things can bring about mold, and you may be breathing in those spores while working and sleeping.
3: Clean the Dashboard
Consider using a soft brush to vacuum the dash if it’s loaded with dust. Then, take wipes explicitly made for interior cleaning and wipe it down thoroughly. It may be best to steer away from polishes and products that give off a shiny glow. They tend to cause unnecessary glare.
5: Wash Your Mats
Use a hose, soapy water, and a scrub brush to get any caked up materials off your mats. Once clean, hang them to dry out while you get back to your semi-truck cleaning endeavors.
6: Wash Your Clothes
It’s an open secret that dirty laundry piles up on long hauls. Sometimes, drivers may forget to take it out and run it through the wash at convenient times. Do your laundry!
7: Clean the Curtains
Remove your curtains and put them in the washing machine when doing your laundry. Be sure to follow the manufacturer directions about curtain material and drying methods.
8: Take Out Stains
Fill a clean bucket with warm soapy water and scrub the seats thoroughly. If they are too entrenched with grime, it may be in your best interest to secure a reliable upholstery cleaning product and follow the directions. If you enjoy leather seats, definitely use an approved cleaning brand. Let them dry completely by leaving the doors open. This will also air out the cab as well.
9: Clean the Windows
A simple window cleaner and roll of paper towels to spray and wipe should suffice to clear up the side windows and interior windshield. Consider a pro-style scrubber and hose for the exterior windshield. No one likes the idea of getting up close to that graveyard of dead bugs.
10: Replace the Air Filters
Swapping out the old filters remains the gateway to cleaner, fresher, breathable air in your work and sleep space. Among other things, breathing clean air is one way truckers can prevent sickness. Going forward, follow the manufacturer guidelines about air filter replacement.
These interior tips on how to clean your truck may be far less time-consuming than you anticipate. And, the importance of the cleanliness of your semi’s interior cannot be understated. Professional truck drivers spend countless hours in these spaces delivering goods and materials to America’s communities. A little tidying up often proves beneficial to a driver’s long-term health and well-being.
How to Clean You Truck Exterior
Trucks that have seen thousands of miles of highways and byways are sure to accumulate a great deal of grit, dirt, and splatter. The fact of the matter is that a dirty truck does not reflect the pride and greatness associated with American truckers. When a big rig glimmers rolling down the road, it has a “wow factor.” Your semi deserves to be admired by passersby. Fortunately, exterior semi-truck cleaning is not particularly difficult or time-consuming.
1: Lather Your Truck with Soap
When washing the exterior of your truck, use warm water and a professional solution. Things like dish soap and non-truck products may negatively impact the wax and paint job. Using improper products increases the likelihood of nicks and rust spots. Once your vehicle is lathered up, use a pro-level squeegee to remove the soap suds.
2: Scrub and Soap Wheels
Take a firm sponge or scrub brush and loosen any build-up on your wheels and rims. There are excellent products specifically designed for these difficult to clean areas. Consider investing in one.
3: Rinse Thoroughly
Start by dowsing the exterior with buckets of warm, clean water. This step washes away any particles that may still be clinging to the truck’s exterior. Once you feel comfortable, take a hose and spray away any soap or suds.
4: Wax Immediately
Allow the truck’s surface to dry in the sun if you are not in an intensely hot area. Otherwise, put the truck in a shady spot. Once it is fully dry, wax the exterior. This will protect it against the elements. It also makes your big rig look amazing.
How To Keep Your Truck Clean Going Forward
After putting all of your curtains, mats, and clean laundry back into the truck, it may be worthwhile to take some proactive steps to minimize uncleanliness. These are steps you can take to maintain a fresh-smelling and looking truck.
- Include a small wastebasket with liner in the cab.
- Put down rugs in the sleeper space.
- Make an alert in your cell phone, noting when it’s time to change those air filters.
- Swap out work shoes for driving shoes when entering the vehicle.
- Keep a soft rag handy to wipe down the dashboard periodically.
- Get an air purifier.
- Do your laundry more often.
Avoid DOT Inspections
While having a thoroughly cleaned truck is clearly not a guarantee drivers will completely avoid a future DOT traffic stop, officers may view your tidiness as a good indication that your house is in order. Any time that professional truck drivers can spend to shorten or avoid inspections while on the road is very likely time well spent.
Truck driving is a rugged and crucial job done by professional CDL holders from all walks of life. A clean semi-truck is a healthy and robust place to work and will help you to thrive in the trucking industry.
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- Written by: Darin Williams
If you recruit professional drivers to work for your trucking company, it is absolutely critical that you track the driver applicants who apply to your trucking jobs. I’m a firm believer that you cannot manage what you cannot measure, so as a result, we measure everything. It helps provide data behind decisions and not just “gut feelings.” Tracking driver applicants is the most basic and the easiest method for measuring the effectiveness of your recruitment advertising strategy.
Examine Your Driver Recruiting Process
If your trucking company isn’t hitting its weekly driver recruiting goals, it might be because there is something fundamentally wrong with your trucking jobs listings, and before we can fix the problem, we need to examine what is causing it. Here are the four most common reasons why you may think your truck driving classified ad posts are failing:
- Alternative application methods are not recorded properly
If you’re providing contact options such as a driver recruiter’s email address or telephone number, then you’re providing an alternative appllication method. Essentially, this allows candidates to circumvent the online application (or your ATS) which makes it much more difficult to track the ad source. There is nothing wrong with making it as easy as possible on the truck driver and giving them a variety of options to contact your trucking company, but you need to be prepared to track ALL of them if you do. Provide URLs to the jobs boards that you’re using that can track where your leads, applications, and traffic are coming from.
- Your process is broken
If the process is broken, you’re likely receiving fewer applications than you’re paying for. There are a number of reasons your application process might be broken. For one, if you haven’t properly integrated your ATS to your website, you won’t receive all the applications. Or, more likely than not, your application process actually works, but it’s just too long and tedious for drivers to finish it. When we shortened our application a couple years ago, the app count immediately increased. Almost 70 percent of drivers are applying through mobile devices now, and if your using jobs boards that aren’t mobile friendly, you’re paying for something you don’t need. Stop.
Furthermore, if you aren’t accepting “multi-carrier apps,” you need to start. 77 percent of driver applicants are choosing to apply to more than one company. Most trucking experts are saying that there is a truck driver shortage of up to 100,000 truckers, yet you’re willing to refuse to look at an Internet driver lead if that driver applies to another trucking company at the same time. That is insanity.
- You provide too much or too little information
The adage in advertising as it relates to trucking jobs basically says that if you don’t have the biggest per-mile-number, don’t put a number in your ad. This related more to the old trucking magazines that always had two full page ads opposite each other, but it still holds true. If your trucking company has the best home time policy in trucking but is on the low end of the pay scale, perhaps you want to emphasize home time over money….get it?
With so many ads from a variety of trucking companies competing for their attention, truck drivers don’t read every ad they see. You’re lucky if drivers scan the first paragraph to see if it’s worth their time to continue. You can combat this by:
- Highlighting the most important information at the top
- Using bold font, bullets, and short paragraphs to grab attention
- SELL the driver on your trucking job…don’t tell them why they won’t qualify. That will work itself out in the vetting process.
The title of your truck driving job is also essential to convince the driver to read the rest of your ad. It is also the most important way for drivers to find your trucking job when they search. If it’s a regional trucking job, say so in the title and say it again with your trucking company name in the job summary…it makes a huge difference in the searches. Keep it simple and give just enough information to get them to apply for your jobs.
- Your job description is misleading or negative
Ad copy matters. Make it simple and sell the benefits of your trucking company! Drivers are making a decision on whether or not they will apply to you. They don’t want to read a list of ten things that will prohibit them from getting the job. They want to know why they should apply. Let the driver know what’s in it for them. Let them know the basic things that you would want to know when applying for a job. What is the pay? How often do I get home? What other perks come with this truck driving job?
These aren’t the only reasons your truck driving jobs aren’t being filled, but it’s a great place to start looking. If you’re interested in learning how your trucking company can get a better return on your advertising investment with CDLjobs.com, give us a call.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Just starting out in the trucking industry, it can be a challenge to find trucking companies that you might feel comfortable working for. There are plenty of trucking jobs available in today’s market. From long-distance hauling to local deliveries, a CDL driver can be fairly selective when choosing among various trucking companies for potential employment.
So how can a trucker like you sift through the opportunities to find the perfect carrier? Take a look at these tips to cut through all of the information so that you can make an informed decision on which companies are going to be right for you.
What to Consider in Trucking Companies
First of all, we can’t stress enough to not put too much faith in internet forums and discussions. If you were to look at all the comments for each company, you might assume that every trucking organization is a penny-pinching, back-stabbing, nitpicking conglomerate. That’s simply not true. Ignore the negativity and do your own research on companies.
Prioritize Your Needs First
You’ll notice the point of this article is not finding the right trucking companies, but finding the right trucking companies for you. You might have different needs or preferences than your fellow truckers, so take the time to prioritize what matters the most for your personal situation.
• Are you looking for more pay?
• Do you want to spend more time with your family?
• Are you looking to haul a different type of freight?
• Are you willing to put in the time and expense to gain endorsements that may open new driving opportunities?
Knowing what is most important to you will help when you begin to look at different trucking companies.
Important Considerations
If you opt for a company that will have you home a lot, the pay and benefits likely won’t be as good they are for a driver with an OTR trucking job. This isn’t always the case and there are some unusually good local truck driving opportunities to be found. However, it is important to know where your priorities lie.
Over-the-road trucking companies will generally have you on the road for long periods with little regularity and a lot of time away from home. However, they also tend to pay the best. If you want something that pays great and has a great deal of variety, then OTR trucking may be right for you.
Dedicated trucking, conversely, is when you work the same routes with a lot of regularity. While the pay is not as lucrative as OTR work, it is very predictable. For people seeking stable lives and the opportunity to be home on a regular schedule, these driving jobs are very appealing.
Regional trucking companies are usually somewhere in between over-the-road and dedicated trucking opportunities.
Many of the differences between trucking companies can be predicted by the types of trucking they specialize in.
The Differences among Trucking Companies
We’ll be completely honest, from a broad perspective, trucking companies are really basically very similar. They make money by shipping freight; the more freight they move, the more money the company (and the trucker) makes. There are, however, three basic differences in companies.
1. Types of Freight
Different companies will take on various types of freight, so understand what they generally move before signing up. For example, if you are qualified to ship hazardous materials, but the company is never involved in these types of jobs, your hazmat training may go to waste.
2. Home-Time Options and Policies
Companies will set their own policies for home-time, so understand what will be expected of you before you sign on. If you need to spend weekends at home with your family, you should always ask about home time and skip over the carriers that will require frequent weekend driving.
3. Pay Structure and Benefits
You’ll probably discover that starting pay for truck driving jobs doesn’t waver significantly from one company to another, but as you work with a company for a longer period, the pay structure begins to vary. Ask about earning potential and take a look at the company’s written policies on future earnings.
There will also be different benefits, such as medical, dental, PTO, and other factors that you should consider. Some trucking companies will offer better pay with weaker benefits, or vice-versa, so it’s important you take all of these factors into consideration.
Speak with Truck Drivers Face to Face
Finally, if you are considering a company, make sure you talk with your fellow drivers face-to-face to get a real idea of what life is like working for them. A quick look online may uncover a slew of negative comments, often from former employees. It's important to keep an open mind when evaluating comments of this nature since you may not get the full story. It is essential to cut through all of the negative information so that you can make an informed decision on which companies are going to be right for you. Talking with people in-person helps you get honest, clear information about any particular company, and can help you make the right decision for your future.
Once you’ve determined your priorities, start eliminating the trucking companies that don’t fit your needs. When you’re done, you should be down to three or four.
How Trucking Companies Generally Operate
The fact of the matter is, there is not going to be a singular best company to work for among your choices. In your first year as a CDL driver, you will find they all have their ups and their downs. As far as the downs go, however, they are often listed in forums around the Internet where you can determine your tolerance in advance.
When talking with other drivers in the trucking industry, you will get a good feel for the culture of each operation. New drivers may find that trucking companies may push their new people a little harder than their established guys to see how they deal with stress. This testing may ranger from making drivers wait a little longer for loads, running them hard, adjusting their scheduled home time, or other trials. They want to see how new drivers will react.
It’s ok to stand up for yourself when the company makes unreasonable demands, but for the most part they’re trying to see how you handle it when actual problems that are common occur. Truck driver jobs are incredibly difficult and trucking companies need to know that they can count on their drivers.
A good rule of thumb is to stick with your first company for at least a year, so long as they are paying you properly and not denying you your home time. This period may incorporate about six months of training and another six months to prove what you can do. After that, things will generally settle down and you won’t have to worry as much about companies trying to test you.
If after a year you believe that you are being treated unfairly, you can start looking at other trucking companies.
The experience that you will have gained working will be to your advantage and severely limit the chances that the next company will put you through the same process. They’ll assume that if you have stuck around that you can handle most issues.
Finding the Best Truck Driving Jobs for You
Knowing where to look for trucking jobs is the key to getting you into the drivers seat. Niche jobs boards that are limited to positions in the the trucking industry, like CDLjobs.com, will provide you the most efficient means to find a large number of trucking companies that are hiring drivers. You can search for trucking companies at no charge, see all the relevant details, and start narrowing down the selection of the carriers that meet your priorities.
There are very few careers tougher than those involving driving jobs, but it’s important that you stick with it if you want to to be successful in the trucking industry. You’re going to run into companies that will test your resolve to see if you can handle obstacles thrown in your way. You’re going to have to get through a lot of negativity in order to find a company that has the best balance of pay, time, and freight for you. But in the end, it’s worth going the extra mile to find the trucking companies that will help you move your career forward.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
It may not be perfect, but we at CDLjobs.com believe the United States of America is the best country this world has ever seen.
It’s a beacon of freedom, prosperity, and, opportunity. Compared to many nations across the globe, it’s also a haven of safety. It’s easy to take our nation for granted, but it’s important to remember how blessed we are to live in the USA, despite its faults.
It’s also easy to forget how difficult it has been to protect this nation. Without our veterans, we could lose everything. From the War of Independence to our current engagements abroad, defending our great nation has taken the sacrifice and commitment of veterans.
This November 11th, on Veterans Day, show your support for our men and women who serve. Then keep the spirit of gratitude alive all year long.
Ways to Thank a Veteran
Show Up to Veterans Day Events
Simply showing up and being present at a Veterans Day event is the first step to showing your appreciation for our nation’s heroes. While Memorial Day is for honoring those who have given their lives in the service of our country, Veterans Day is for each and every person who served in our military. Showing up and supporting our troops does more than you might think.
Donate to a Veteran’s Organization
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different veteran’s organizations across the country that could use your financial support. From a local veteran’s post to nationwide organizations, you can take your time and choose the one that calls to you. Let’s take a look at just a few of your options...
Disabled American Veterans
This organization focuses specifically on helping our veterans who have disabling injuries. They are entirely funded by donations, with the goal of helping disabled veterans live with honor and dignity.
Operation Write Home
Communicating with their loved ones at home is one of the most important things for our military members abroad. This organization provides greeting card to soldiers, Marines, guardsmen, and sailors who can then write letters to loved ones and send them back for free.
Honor Flight
Imagine you’re a WWII veteran living in California, Iowa, Georgia, or any state in the nation. You have heard about the numerous memorials honoring you in Washington D.C., but you have never had the chance to see them for yourself. This organization works to fly our veterans to the capital so they can visit and reflect at their memorials.
Volunteer and a VA Hospital
There are over 140,000 volunteers working at VA hospitals across the country, but there is always room for more. You’ll have to pass health and background checks, but this can be a very rewarding experience for both you and our veterans.
You could even talk with your employer about organizing a corporate volunteer program. The Department of Veterans Affairs can help you create a program that fits your organization, so talk to your employer or team members and see if there is an interest.
Just Say Thank You
Sometimes a simple “thank you” is all it takes. Veterans have given so much to our country, and many simply want to hear the appreciation of the people they have served. Letting them know that their incredible sacrifice and commitment has not gone unnoticed can be the most powerful gesture of all.
There are many ways to thank our veterans. This Veterans Day, take the time to show your support, but always remember that appreciating veterans is a year-round event.
Trucking Jobs for Veterans
Many of the trucking companies using CDLjobs.com have special opportunities for veterans interested in the trucking industry. View information on carriers and trucking jobs by browsing our site or click below to apply to multiple companies with one simple, secure application.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Is time on your side?
While we all have unique skills, different goals, and distinct responsibilities, but one thing we all have in common is time.
No matter who you are or what you do, your day is 24 hours long. What you do within that time is often the difference between being average and being excellent.
Truck drivers, just as much as anyone, need to employ time management skills to get the most from their day. Let’s look at some of the basic skills you can master to put time on your side.
Time Management Tips for Truck Drivers
Plan Your Routes Thoroughly
Taking the time to create a detailed plan for your route can save you a lot of time and reduce your stress while driving. Before you head down the highway, look at maps and plan out rest stops along the way. Do a little online research for stops that offer the best parking and the most efficient facilities so you don’t have to wait in line for an hour.
If you will be traveling through or near large cities, plan your trip so you avoid heavy rush hours like the morning and afternoon commutes. You can also look for routes that help you avoid the metro areas entirely.
Use Your GPS (But be Smart About It!)
The GPS is one of the best tools a trucker can keep in the cab. It can show you which route is the shortest, helping you make the most of every trip. Some GPS systems are even programmed to show current information on road construction projects, which can save you hundreds of hours throughout the year.
However, you need to be cautious when using GPS systems to shorten your drive. While they are great for getting you from Point A to Point B, they can lead you down roads that are restricted for large semis. Always double check your route to make sure you’re on the right track.
Make Checklists
In the current age of mobile devices, advanced applications, and connected everything, a good pre-trip checklist, written out with pen and paper, is still a useful tool. Checklists help you organize and prioritize, making you more efficient when it comes time to actually get things done.
Checklists are effective for everyone, but truck drivers will want lists that address maintenance issues, tools and safety equipment, and even loading and unloading concerns. Your checklist can also include food stops, breaks, and other necessary activities.
Plan Out Rests
If you want to save time on your route, plan out all your rests and stick to your schedule. Determine how long you want to go during the day and plan your rests so you meet these goals.
To really save time and hassle, try to get to the parking site as early as you can and wake up earlier than all the other drivers. An early departure will cut down on traffic and have you cruising to your destination while everyone else is snoozing the morning away.
At the end of the day, in the words of Harvey MacKay, “Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.” Are you using your time management skills wisely?
Quality Trucking Jobs for Excellent Truck Drivers
You deserve to work for a company that rewards your skills and experience. Visit CDLjobs.com today and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for smart, efficient truck drivers.
There are many trucking companies looking for dedicated drivers, so check out our Company profiles today!
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- Written by: Kate Williams
The fall season is a great time to be a trucker. The weather cools to a more comfortable temperature, the roadways are a little less congested after summer vacations, and the changing leaves give the landscape a colorful tapestry across the country.
However, fall can present some unique driving challenges. Changes in weather, wildlife activity, and road conditions can make the fall roads dangerous, so you need to be prepared.
Fall Driving Tips for Truckers
1. Monitor Tire Pressure
The changes in temperature can affect the PSI in your tires, so be more vigilant with checking tire pressure, especially on cold fall mornings. Tire pressure can have an impact on handling, braking, and fuel-efficiency, so never ignore this important factor.
2. Check Tire Tread
While you’re down looking at the tires, take a moment to inspect the tread as well. Fall roads can get slick with rain, ice, and wet leaves, so having good tread is vital for your overall safety.
3. Put an Ice Scraper in Your Truck
You never know when that first freeze is coming, so it only makes sense to put an ice scraper in your truck in the fall. The months of September and October can see 80 degrees on one day and 30 degrees at night, so make sure you have the essential tools in your cab to clean your windows and mirrors.
4. Use Care on Leaf-Covered Roadways
As the leaves begin to fall, many of them will end up on roadways. Mix in a little rain, and you have a slick surface that spells danger for all motorists. If you see leaves on the road ahead, assume they are as slick as ice and proceed with caution.
5. Use Low Beams during Fog
Fog, especially in the early fall mornings, can severely limit visibility. If you find yourself on a foggy road, only use your low beams, as high beams will create a glare and reduce visibility even further.
6. Keep Headlights on When Wipers are in Use
Many states (Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California, for example) legally require the use of headlights when wipers are in use. It may not be a law where you’re traveling, but whether it’s a down-pouring rain or a light drizzle, if you have your wipers on, it’s a smart practice to keep your lights on as well.
7. Be Prepared for Deer on the Road
Fall marks the start of heavy deer activity, so you need to watch carefully for any deer that might dart in your path. Deer generally travel in herds, so if you see one, assume there may be more coming. Fall is the deer’s breeding season, so they are on the move looking for...well, you know. Deer hunting and farming activity will also cause increased movement in deer, increasing the chances of a collision.
According to State Farm, West Virginia is the worst state for deer collisions, with Montana, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota rounding out the top five. The insurance provider also says that November is the worst month for deer collisions, followed by October and December.
Find Quality Trucking Jobs in Your Area
No matter where you live, there are trucking companies looking for high-quality truckers like you.
Check out our Company Profiles and you’ll find excellent employers who need your driving skills.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
There are many reasons why you may have to leave a trucking company. Maybe you have the chance to earn more money, maybe the relationship between you and your employer isn’t working out, or maybe there is a position that better fits your family life.
Whatever your reason for leaving, there are certain things that you should know before you go. Following these simple tips will help your transition to a new trucking job go more smoothly and help you start on the right foot.
What to Know When You are Leaving a Trucking Company
Leaving a company in the trucking industry is really no different than leaving an employer anywhere else. You need to be respectful, give advanced notice, and make sure everything is handled properly.
1. Give a Formal Notice of Resignation
Make sure there is no lack of communication between you and your employer. Give a formal notice of resignation, preferably in writing, that lets the company know your intentions. Ask for a reply so you can prove to other companies that you did indeed give formal notice.
2. Give at Least Two Weeks Notice
The expected notice for leaving will vary between employers, but the standard in the trucking industry is the same as other professions: two weeks. The more you can give, the better, and you should avoid leaving abruptly at all costs, as your abrupt departure can go on your DAC report and harm your employment chances down the road.
3. Thank the Dispatchers, Safety Directors, Managers, and More
No matter what your relationship with the company, take the time to personally thank the people you worked with. From your fellow truckers to the company ownership, let them know that you appreciate the opportunity to build your career and will always be grateful for working with them.
4. Leave the Truck and Equipment Where Your Employer Requests
Never, ever, under any circumstances, abandon your equipment. It doesn’t matter if your employer is a shouting tyrant, if a report of abandoned equipment goes on your record, it can spell serious trouble for future employment. Leave the truck, trailer, and all other equipment exactly where your leadership requests. Return the equipment in good conditions and most carriers will pay for your travel home.
5. Keep a Record of Communication
You can protect yourself and your reputation by keeping records of all the communication between you and your employer. Keep a copy of your resignation, their reply, and request a document that states all equipment was returned. If anything inaccurate comes up in your DAC report, you now have the documents to correct your record.
6. Get Documentation of Employment
Building your resume for the future is important for your long-term success as a trucker. Take the time to get documentation of your employment, including copies of your safety file, employment record, and any accommodations you received.
7. Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Finally, ask for a letter of recommendation from a company leader who knows you well. This can be one of the most important documents you have in your file. It shows you are reliable, dedicated, and fully-capable of handling the task, and gives a personalized account of your work.
Remember that what you do when leaving a trucking company will follow you through your career. Be respectful, thankful, and professional when you leave and you’ll be a better hire throughout your life in the trucking industry.
Top-Quality Trucking Jobs are Waiting
There are plenty of good trucking companies looking for hard-working truckers like you. Following these simple tips when leaving a trucking company will go a long way toward making your transition to a new trucking job go more smoothly.
Browse our Classifieds section today to find the perfect trucking jobs for your specific needs and skill level.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
In the trucking industry, hiring the right people is vital. It’s a business that requires safe, reliable, and hard-working individuals who can complete dozens of different tasks.
The DAC report is one of the tools that employers use to select the right drivers. These reports, short for “Drive-A-Check,” give employers information on the background of a trucker. They have become an important part of trucking and every driver should understand what they are and how they work...
What Every Trucker Should Know about the CDL DAC Report
What is the DAC Report?
Before we talk about how to clear your DAC report, let’s take a closer look at what it is and what is does. Essentially, the CDL DAC report is like a credit report for CDL drivers. It functions as a report that employers can use to get information related to a trucker’s work history. This report is highly detailed, and can include information based on driving record, employment history, past accidents, drug screenings, and more. There is almost nothing that can’t be entered into a driver’s DAC. It can include why a driver left a company, drug and alcohol history, and can even hold information related to how and why a driver left a company.
The problem with CDL DAC reports, at least from a driver’s perspective, is that the information is given directly from past employers. You may have left a company in great standing, giving two weeks’ notice, returning all equipment properly, and working with the company to make the split easy on both sides, but a company may report whatever information they like.
Most trucking companies are honest and accurate, but sometimes false or inaccurate information may be left on a driver’s report. This false information can be very detrimental to the long-term success of a trucker, but you’re not stuck, as there are steps you can take to correct a false DAC report.
How to Clear Your DAC Report: Patience and Diligence are Key
Let say you worked for Fictional Trucking, but you decide to move on to a different opportunity. You give them your two weeks’ notice, work with management to make sure all equipment is returned properly, and handle the situation like the professional truck driver that you are. Two years later, you are seeking a new position with a different company, only to discover that there is a problem with your DAC report. Despite your best efforts, Fictional Trucking left an “abandoned equipment” record. The new company is now hesitant to work with you. What can you do?
The first step you should take is to acquire a copy of your DAC report. You can get a copy for free every 12 months; other copies are available for a small fee. With the copy in hand, you can see for yourself if the information is accurate or if it should be changed.
Next, you can file a dispute with HireRight, the organization that handles DAC reporting and distribution. The investigation process usually takes about a month, but the nature and scope of your claim will affect the timeframe.
If the situation is severe enough, you may consider hiring an attorney. When there are flat-out lies in your DAC report, a lawyer may be able to help. This step is major, however, and very few DAC claims warrant professional legal assistance.
Remember that getting anything changed on a CDL DAC report is a long and often frustrating process. There will be lots of forms and verifications that you will need to complete, and the process can often take years. While you are trying to fix the report, you should also be working to demonstrate your value to potential employers. Having recommendations from former managers and instructors displays your good character and can help employers ignore information, false or otherwise, on a DAC report.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
As a semi truck driver, you count on your vehicle to go the distance. If it breaks down and won’t run, it means you can’t work until it’s repaired.
While no vehicle is guaranteed against breakdowns, there are a few maintenance techniques that you can use to help your truck stay on the road and out of the shop.
Essential Maintenance for Your Semi Truck
Oil Changes
Every driver in the world knows about the importance of changing their oil, and if they don’t know, they’ll soon learn! As a trucker, you already understand that changing your oil is essential, but we’re going to talk about it anyway, because it is so important. Take the time to inspect your oil before every trip, especially if it is new or just had a major engine repair or replacement. High-powered vehicles like your semi truck need plenty of oil, and neglecting this important lubricant can lead to major delays and expensive repairs.
Radiator Inspections
The radiator helps keep your high-powered engine running at a cool temperature, so every time you set out on a new route, take a few minutes to look it over. Top off the fluid if it looks low, and be on the lookout for small leaks. If you do find any leaks, make sure they are repaired or take your truck to a shop before they create a serious over-heating issue in your engine.
Tire Pressure
As we told you in a previous post truck tire life, having the right tire pressure will help you increase your efficiency and make your tires last longer. You have thousands of dollars in your tires, so don’t let them go to waste. Every truck and trailer will have different requirements, so understand what PSI your tires need and always inflate them properly. You’ll save money on fuel as well as tires with this simple practice.
Check the Fuel Vent
When you are home for a break, your truck probably sits in one place the whole time. Before you hit the road, take a moment to inspect the fuel vent, as wasps and other inspects have been known to build nests in this area. Having blockage in your fuel vent will give you inaccurate fuel readings and could eventually cause problems with the performance of your engine.
Brake Inspection
How many tons are you hauling on your next trucking job? When is the last time a professional inspected your brakes? Strong, reliable brakes are essential for any vehicle, especially a fully-loaded semi traveling 65 mph. Have your brakes checked often by a mechanic you know and trust, and if you feel any vibrations or hear a squealing sound, it’s probably time to have them serviced.
Grease the Moving Points
There are dozens of points on a truck that need grease, and this task is usually a straight-forward maintenance job that you can do yourself. Not only will you feel the satisfaction of working on your own rig, you’ll be able to see if anything looks loose or needs to be repaired. There are points that need greasing on practically every part of your truck, giving you the chance to look over the entire vehicle.
With these simple and effective maintenance tips, you can have a semi truck that lasts for years. Remember, however, that every truck needs the attention of a qualified professional, so don’t hesitate to take it to a shop when needed.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
How long do semi truck tires last? The answer is that it varies significantly among cases. Some tires are better made than others and designed to last longer. However, many of the most significant factors are in your control as a truck driver. A few adjustments to your driving style and how you take care of your tires can help them stay in good condition for longer.
Be careful how much you expect from your tires, however. Pay close attention to them and look for wear. A tire failure can be very dangerous for you and other motorists on the road. The following tips will help you make your tires last longer and stay safer.
Extend Your Tire Tread Life
1. Get the Right Pressure
Tire pressure is extremely important and can help you save money. Improperly inflated tires tend to wear down tread significantly faster and are more likely to fail completely. Overinflated tires will wear in the center of the tread and underinflated tires will wear on the edges.
Consider how much money you have invested in your tires. Most trucks have at least $3,000 invested in the entire set. Some trucks may have as much as $10,000 invested in tires. You don’t want to risk them wearing out early, especially over something as simple as getting the pressure right.
Don’t forget to inflate your tires when they are cold. Before you head out for a route, make sure the inflation is at the correct PSI. If you drive too long before you check, your tires will heat up and may give a higher than expected reading.
Further, proper inflation helps you save on fuel. When you have the right PSI, your truck will be more efficient. Do yourself a favor and check those tires before heading out.
2. Know Your Limits
Tires are rated for different load limits. Make sure you have the right tires for the job. If you are running on overloaded tires, they are going to wear down quickly and may fail. It may sound obvious not to run on tires that aren’t properly rated for your truck, but it can be tempting to ignore ratings to carry more cargo.
Check the load limit before putting tires on your trailer or tractor. There is no reason to waste money on tires that aren’t rated properly for your typical cargo weight. You may save a few bucks on some cheaper tires, but they will give out much sooner.
When you know the load limits of your tractor, tires and trailer, you will be in good shape to ensure your equipment stays in good condition. Those limits exist for a reason. Pay attention to them.
3. Check for Dual-Tire Contact
If your trailer has dual-tire configuration (which is applicable for most commercial trailers), check the distance between the two tires. In some cases, dual tires can rub together and wear down rapidly. If they are making contact with each other or any other part of the trailer, they will overheat and can potentially blow out.
In addition to the risk to the tires, dual-tire contact can put a lot of stress on the tire bearings and wheels. You could damage your truck significantly and wear your tires down prematurely. Again, this is something that is very easy to check. Be mindful of this risk and double-check your dual-tire clearance before starting out on your route.
4. Use a Consistent Set of Tires
Avoid mismatched tire types and sizes. Your truck is designed to ride equally on all wheels. If tires are inconsistent in their size or type, you will be putting added stress on one or a few of your wheels. Those wheels will be overloaded while the others barely carry any of the load.
This mismatch can quickly lead to your tires getting worn down. It can also put unnecessary strain on the other parts of the wheel. You will be much better suited by making sure you have a consistent set of tires.
5. Get Proactive
You may notice that all the above tips seem simple. You can take care of all of them by using a little caution, implementing a regular rotaton schedules, inspecting your truck before routes, and paying attention to the tire ratings. It doesn’t take much in terms of effort to protect your tire investment and extend their service life.
What is the Life of a Semi Truck Tire?
Following the five recommendations listed above will help drivers to prevent semi tire wear and premature failures. While there is no hard and fast rule stating when you must replace tires, experts in traffic safety generally agree that the average semi tire lifespan will range between three and six years, and tires should be replaced at the six-year mark.
Semi-truck tires are not cheap. They represent an investment worth thousands of dollars. Don’t risk damaging your tires, your truck, or yourself by being negligent. A small amount of effort and you won’t have to worry so much about the question of how long semi truck tires last.
Once your truck tire life is safely addressed and you are ready to roll, you will be ready to find a rewarding position in the trucking industry. Whether you are an experienced trucker or you’re looking for a new trucking job, trucking job opportunities are plentiful.