Industry News & Tips for Truckers
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- Written by: Kate Williams
While American truck drivers rise up to do their patriotic duty of delivering essential goods and products to communities, cybercriminals have also been hard at work. Digital thieves launched an unprecedented number of coronavirus-themed scams targeting an anxious and information-starved public.
Even though it may seem obscene even for criminals during the COVID-19 crisis, the hard-working men and women of the road are prime targets for cybercriminals, given the work away from home and the heightened stress levels precipitated by the pandemic. All individuals within the trucking industry should consider the following public service information to prevent our valued truckers from being ripped off by digital bandits.
What Exactly Is Cybercrime & Why Are Truckers Targets?
We all hear about the massive hacks that make splashy headlines in the news and on social media. Big corporations such as Equifax suffer cybersecurity breaches, and digital thieves pilfer off hundreds of millions in valuable data. The general public often arrives at two erroneous conclusions about these massive hacks. The first is that hackers only target major corporations to score big payoffs. The second misconception is that they don’t target everyday people. Neither could be further from the truth.
Common petty cybercriminals frequently orchestrate a series of schemes that cast a wide net. They are generally looking for someone to make an online mistake that allows them to penetrate an electronic device and swipe your personal data, such as Social Security numbers, credit card information, and bank accounts, among others. Most are nickel-and-dime criminals looking to scam what is commonly called the “low hanging fruit.” Any individual or small business that lacks firewalls, up-to-date antivirus software, fully patched applications, or simply clicks on the wrong link qualifies as an online scammer’s mark.
This information is timely and compelling given that cybercriminals have ramped up their efforts to ensnare many people working remotely with sophisticated COVID-19 schemes.
What Truckers Should Know About COVID-19 Schemes
According to a recent cybersecurity report by Atlas VPN, a surge in phony coronavirus websites were launched beginning in January. According to Atlas data, upwards of 150,000 websites were created in January. By March, that number had skyrocketed to more than 500,000 monthly, and a large number are scams.
“I believe that hackers identified coronavirus as something users are desperate to find information on,” Atlas VPN COO Rachel Welch reportedly stated. “Panic leads to irrational thinking, and people forget the basics of cybersecurity. Users then download malicious files or try to purchase in-demand items from unsafe websites, in result becoming victims of scams.”
Since the pandemic began, scam site activation has surged by more than 350 percent. Many pander overnight testing kits, immunity boosters, or pretend to be legitimate health agencies and media outlets.
The basic scam is to attract people looking for information and help. Once credit card or other personal information has been entered, the sites prompt you to click on a link. That’s when malicious software seizes control of your device or steals information that can be sold on the dark web.
When people visit a phony website, the cybersecurity industry calls that scam “spear phishing.” But the method that has proven most effective by online thieves is emails laced with malicious software, commonly called “phishing.” These are dangerous COVID-19 email phishing schemes that are being deployed.
- Health & Wellness Emails: If an unexpected email pops up offering cures, vaccines, testing kits, or home HVAC cleansing, among others, promptly delete it. COVID-19 scams work when people believe a product or service will help them through the crisis. Hackers are leveraging uncertainty and anxiety.
- Official Emails: Digital con artists have managed to send out bulk emails that appear almost identical to prominent government and health agencies such as the CDC. The chances of the average trucker receiving direct communication from one of these agencies are next to zero. Delete the message and visit only official websites such as the CDC for pertinent information.
- Workplace Emails: One of the more sophisticated schemes cybercriminals use is to send workers and independent contractors an email that appears to be from management. Although sometimes difficult to distinguish from an authentic message, it will likely ask you to download a file or click through to the your trucking company's website. If something seems suspicious, call the sender and verify it’s legitimate before moving forward.
- News Alerts & Information: Breaking news and information about the COVID-19 crisis has been an effective way to entice people to click on links. Some of the ploys include having lists of infected people or claim one of your loved ones is in the hospital. The bottom line is to always think before you click.
Since the health crisis began, an increased number of companies have converted their brick-and-mortar businesses to a remote workforce. This encouraged hackers to take a big swing with phishing bats because they are acutely aware new online workers are likely to make cybersecurity mistakes.
As we all know, CDL drivers are inherently a remote workforce. Truckers routinely conduct remote banking, accounting, bill-paying, and access credit cards from the road. With an uptick in phishing and spear phishing scams, truckers are tasked with increased diligence.
Telltale Signs of Phishing Scams
There are two distinct types of cybercriminals launching coronavirus-themed and other schemes. One set is considered highly sophisticated and savvy con artists. The others are nothing more than digital thugs. The first group sends out smartly crafted and clever emails that are difficult to detect. The second group, not so much. These are little mistakes common hackers make that can give their email scam away.
- Poor Grammar: Many originate in countries that are not using their native language.
- General Names: Many will call you “friend” or “resident.” That’s because they are casting a wide net and don’t know you personally.
- Links & Files: For the phishing scheme to work, hackers need you to download a file or click on a link. Simply do not do it.
- Call To Action: Anytime you are asked to provide information or take an action, that’s the first step to getting tripped up. It’s also a sign the email is a scam.
Keep in mind that if something online or in an email looks too good to be true, click delete. It’s also essential to know that websites and emails are not the only delivery methods hackers are using so also beware of any atypical text messages you may receive during this period.
While it is unfortunate that there are individuals who prey on people during times of distress, we hope this basic cybersecurity information proves helpful and increases your overall awareness. For more truck driving news, information, or trucking job opportunities, visit CDLjobs.com. It’s a secure website.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
As a truck driver, getting your cargo from point A to point B safely is perhaps your most important responsibility. To do so, you need to be awake, alert and focused. There are many hazards on the road, the vast majority of which can be avoided by a focused driver. However, schedule demands can sometimes make it difficult to feel fully alert. Below are some tips on how to stay focused when driving.
Get Plenty of Rest
It probably comes as no surprise that getting sufficient rest is an important factor in staying focused on the road. However, a lot of truck drivers are woefully deficient in this department.
To ensure you are getting a proper night of sleep, be diligent about following a regular sleep schedule. Many people think that they can skimp on rest is a mistake. Going to bed at a consistent time and getting eight hours of sleep is a must for drivers. In fact, it is a legally protected right.
Also, strongly consider establishing a nighttime ritual. In other words, do the same activities every night before bed such as brushing your teeth and reading a book. Finally, make sure your cab is a comfortable temperature for sleeping.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Drinking caffeine can be an excellent way to stay awake, but you may not realize that you are probably drinking too much.
After a certain point, caffeine actually reduces your focus. Experts suggest that 400 milligrams of caffeine is the upper limit. That is about four cups of coffee per day. If you are drinking more than this, cut back.
Additionally, if you ever feel jittery or “wired” from caffeine, you are definitely drinking too much. There are much better ways to stay awake.
Choose the Right Tunes
Turning on your favorite music while you drive can help you stay mentally active without distracting yourself from the road. Although podcasts and other forms of audio entertainment can be invigorating, they can also be distracting. However, your favorite music will energize you without taking your mind off the road.
Learn the Route Before You Leave
Getting lost is a good way to quickly wear yourself out. It is stressful and requires a lot of mental focus. Managing your energy is the key to stay focused and alert when driving.
So, learn your route before you set out. Ideally, program it into your navigation system to make finding your way even easier. You may think that you have a good enough sense of direction to not need this preparation. However, why should you do unnecessary work while driving? Prepare before leaving and make your trip easier.
Get Enough Exercise
Daily vigorous exercise is very good for your health can stop you from getting so worn out while driving. Make sure you get out of your cab for some solid exercise every day. This could be taking a walk, doing some pushups, going for a job or any other activity. The goal should be to elevate your heart rate for about 30 minutes a day.
Eat a Healthy Diet
It probably comes as no surprise that your diet has a big impact on your ability to focus. Anyone who has felt sluggish after a heavy, greasy meal is familiar with this. Try reaching for healthy foods that are high in protein and fiber. These are some good examples:
- Nuts
- Protein bats
- Jerky
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
Take Breaks
Even when the schedule is tight, make time for a break. Research suggests that taking a break will make you feel more comfortable, relaxes and effective when driving. It is also a valuable opportunity for your mind to refocus.
Simply pulling over for a few minutes may be enough. It is also a good idea to stop and get out of your truck when you eat.
Have a Pre-Trip Ritual
As mentioned, having a nighttime ritual will help you sleep. Dong the same before you drive is also beneficial. When you do the same activities before driving, it lets your brain know that it is time to focus on the road.
You could do an inspection of your truck, get your seat in a comfortable position and put on your favorite driving jams. Whatever your ritual, practice it every time you are about to set out.
Use Hands-Free Tech
Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous situations on the road. It has been reported to be as dangerous are drinking and driving. Despite this, many motorists fiddle with the radio, watch videos and otherwise multitask while driving.
Focus only on driving whenever you can. If you need to make a call, change the music or update your navigation, either pull over or go hands-free whenever possible.
Keep Calm
Again, managing your energy is one of the most important ways to stay focused while driving. So, one of the most surprising answers to the question of how to stay focused when driving is to keep calm.
Whenever you get angry or tense on the road, you are exhausting your body both physically and mentally. There will always be bad and inattentive drivers on the road. There will also be people who are disrespectful of your truck. Focus on staying safe but let things go once they are over. When you stay calm, focused and collected, you will be a safer and happier driver.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
The truck driver shortage has placed a difficult burden on America’s truck drivers. Incidents of fatal truck driving accidents and difficult challenges demonstrate that the hard-working men and women of America’s roads and highways take considerable risk.
Every year, thousands of lives are lost to accidents involving semi-trucks. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2018 there were 4,136 deaths associated with large trucks. This may be concerning to many truck drivers. Fortunately, knowing the numbers can help you be careful about avoiding the most common factors in trucking accidents.
Jump to Infographic: Statistics Point To Key Factors In Truck Accidents
Where Trucking Accidents Occur
Although the nature of truck driving jobs requires that truck drivers spend a lot more time on the road than the average passenger car driver, trucks are less likely to get into accidents. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the majority of fatalities involving a large truck are occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.
If we look back at incidents that occurred during the late 1970s, death tolls shot up from 4,305 in 1975 to 6,539 in 1979. Safety standards and policies helped to bring that number almost steadily down to a low of 3,147 in 2009 with truck occupant death declining to 14 percent; however, more recent reports available for 2018 show the incident rate has climbed to 4,136.
The reason passenger vehicle occupants suffer a high number of deaths is simple physics. When collisions occur, cars and other small vehicles are at a significant size and weight disadvantage. A rig often outweighs a passenger vehicle by 20-30 times. Since semi-trucks have much higher ground clearance, a small car can basically be swallowed up under the trailer.
Braking capabilities also differ greatly. A Mini Cooper may be able to stop on a dime. A fully loaded 18-wheeler requires anywhere from 20-40 percent more distant to affect a complete stop. Bad weather conditions can also make braking and slowing riskier.
Truck driving accidents are more likely to occur on smaller roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 381,714 accidents involving trucks happened on non-interstate roads in 2018. By comparison, only 117,356 happened on interstates.
The overwhelming majority of all accidents were property-damage-only (387,863 of 499,070). Accidents on interstates were slightly more likely to be fatal at a rate of 1% compared to 0.84% on non-interstates. This is likely due to the higher speeds.
Most and Least Dangerous States
Clearly, some states are safer than others to drive in. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2018 the number of fatal crashes per 100,000 people ranged from 4.4 (in D.C.) to 22.2 (in Mississippi). These were the five best states for fatal crash rates with their rate per 100,000 people and total fatal crashes:
- District of Columbia - 4.4 (30 total)
- New York – 4.8 (889 total)
- Massachusetts - 5.2 (343 total)
- Rhode Island - 5.6 (56 total)
- New Jersey - 6.3 (525 total)
These were the five worst states for fatal crashes:
- New Mexico – 18.7 (350 total)
- New Mexico – 18.7 (350 total)
- Alabama – 19.5 (876 total)
- South Carolina – 20.4 (970 total)
- Mississippi – 22.2 (597 total)
Factors in Truck Accidents
Accidents can be caused by all manner of factors. Passenger vehicle driver error was involved in about half of all truck driving accidents and truck driver error in about a third of crashes. Keep in mind that multiple factors may be involved in each crash.
- Speeding: Unsurprisingly, speeding is a factor in a large number of crashes. It was involved in over a quarter of all fatal accidents in 2018. Not only does speeding increase the likelihood of an accident, but it also increases the severity. Be cautious about your speeds and avoid rushing. It is better to be late to a destination than to never make it at all.
- Distraction: A 2009 study by the FMCSA discovered that distraction was involved in 71% of commercial vehicle crashes. That incredible number underscores how significant a problem distracted driving is. Today more people have smartphones than in 2009, increasing the likelihood of distraction on the road.
- Fatigue: The federal government imposes strict rules about when drivers can work and for how long. Unfortunately, many people try to skirt around the rules. Take them seriously as fatigue is a major component in crashes.
- Substance Abuse: Sadly, substance abuse is an all too common problem. Around a quarter of all crashes involve illegal or prescription drug use. Substances like drugs and alcohol can significantly impair your ability to drive. Be safe and stay sober.
- Blind Spots: Although training to check blind spots is fundamental, small vehicles, motorcycles and weaving drivers pose a significant challenge for truckers. Blind spots contributed at a rate of 14 percent.
- Unfamiliar Roadways: Contributing to 22 percent of all accidents, decision-making can be slowed when attempting to navigate new highways and roads.
Mechanical Issues Involved in Accidents
Only around 5% of the large trucks that got into fatal crashes in 2017 had a vehicle-related factor. Nearly all truck accidents were caused by driver-related factors or outside circumstances. Nonetheless, regular semi-truck maintenance can help to minimize the likelihood of a crash.
Tires were the most common cause of accidents. Anyone who has seen the aftermath of a truck blowout on the highway knows how serious these problems can be. Make sure to check tire pressure often and change tires whenever you notice any damage.
The brake system was the second most common vehicle-related factor in crashes. This was a factor in 49 fatal crashes in 2017. It is more common to have non-fatal crashes, however. Make sure to get brake services often.
Steering and suspension issues were also common factors. However, this was involved in only 0.1% of all fatal truck crashes.
Keeping your truck well maintained is a smart move no matter what. Despite that, taking care of yourself and avoiding driving while tired, distracted or under the influence are even more important. Stay safe on the roads.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
The Department of Transportation recently issued a warning to truck drivers that the use of CBD products may result in you getting sidelined.
The recent memo was released to clarify widespread confusion about the legality and appropriateness of CBD-infused products. Many of these loosely regulated oils and edibles may not be suitable for transportation professionals, including CDL holders, because they may carry a higher than anticipated level of THC.
Although CBD has been a hot trending item because its THC levels are below many state and federal limits, use may put a trucker’s license at risk. It's imperative that the hard-working men and women of the road know about and fully understand CBD and the DOT’s position.
What Is CBD?
It’s evident to truckers crisscrossing the nation that CBD must be legal to use. Signs are lit up in convenience stores and fueling stations on and off just about every major highway. Needless to say, that must pique the curiosity of CDL holders about why the DOT has issued a warning for safety-sensitive transportation professionals. The reason stems from the fact that CBD products are more closely linked to marijuana than some realize.
CBD is the term used to market “cannabidiol.” It ranks among many chemical compounds in the so-called cannabis plant family. This natural substance has been mass-produced and blended into oils and food-based items as an “edible.” What distinguished CBD from its marijuana cousin is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. While THC has a psychoactive effect when smoked or imbibed as an edible, CBD that adheres to regulatory guidelines does not. As a natural substance derived from hemp, CBD reportedly has a relaxing effect but does not necessarily make you “high” the way marijuana may, according to Live Science.
Why Is CBD So Popular?
Despite all of our technological advancements, everyday people continue to struggle with stress and anxiety. According to a study conducted by the National Health Institutes’ Center for Biotechnology, CBD reduces anxiety, stress, and fixation on self-deprecating thoughts. The New England Journal of Medicine agrees that the compound has health benefits that may include reducing seizures, improving arthritis pain management, and many others.
Part of the popularity and growth of the CBD industry has been people using this natural compound to avoid risky pain killers and potentially addictive pharmaceuticals. On the one hand, CBD industry professionals tout its health and wellness benefits. But on the other, many are concerned that the industry remains poorly regulated, and that makes mass-marketed CBD products risky for transportation professionals.
Why are CBD Products Risky for Truck Drivers?
The primary risk to truck drivers using CBD products is testing positive for THC. Although the CBD industry widely claims that oils and other edibles are not the same as marijuana, many contain at least trace amounts of THC, the main mind-altering ingredient in marijuana.
That claim tends to be based on the fact that “pot” comes from the marijuana plant, while CBD is extracted from hemp. But both plants are in the cannabis family, and both have THC in their makeup. In practical terms, hemp is the same type of plant as marijuana, but it has 0.3 percent THC. The more significant problem, however, is a lack of oversight.
It may shock consumers to discover that many CBD products are generally not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a controlled substance.
“The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-334, (Farm Bill) removed hemp from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Under the Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing a concentration of up to 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are not controlled substances,” the DOT noted in a February notice on Drug and Alcohol Compliance.
That’s largely why labeling, potency, and trace amounts of THC are inconsistent among products and manufacturers. Another issue that consumers may or may not be aware of is the so-called “Full Spectrum” CBD products.
A full-spectrum CBD oil can be created by employing the same type of extraction process used in hemp, but to a marijuana plant instead. When manufacturers take this route, they bring together the three highly sought after compounds of cannabis-family that include:
- Cannabinoids
- Terpenes
- Flavonoids
Although even a full spectrum CBD product is expected to have no more than 0.3 percent THC, according to federal guidelines, many exceed that threshold without noting it on the label.
Where Does the DOT Stand on Truck Drivers Using CBD?
Due to concerns that professional truckers would be sidelined because inconsistent CBD products could lead to a positive marijuana drug test, the DOT released a memo to clarify its position. The memo states:
- The Department of Transportation requires testing for marijuana and not CBD.
- The labeling of many CBD products may be misleading because the products could contain higher levels of THC than what the product label states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently certify the levels of THC in CBD products, so there is no Federal oversight to ensure that the labels are accurate.
- The Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation, Part 40, does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. Furthermore, CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana positive result. Therefore, Medical Review Officers will verify a drug test confirmed at the appropriate cutoffs as positive, even if an employee claims they only used a CBD product.
The DOT also points out that the FDA has issued its own warnings about these products.
How Could CBD Impact a CDL Drug Test?
Veteran truckers may already know that trucking companies require a negative drug test before allowing a new employee to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Carriers must also require a drug and alcohol test in the event of a significant accident. Other testing includes the following, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Random Tests: These may be administered throughout the year.
- Reasonable Suspicion: Employers are required to immediately have a trucker tested if the drivers “appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
- Return to Duty: Drivers who fail or refuse a drug or alcohol test are required to pass one before resuming duties.
- Follow-Up Testing: Additional testing may be conducted for up to four years after failing or refusing a drug test.
Given that CBD products vary in strength, are poorly regulated, and contain at least trace amounts of THC, they put a professional truck driver’s CDL at risk. The lure of a relaxing legal compound that a driver could use off duty is grossly outweighed by the risk of losing your salary.
It is crucial for all truck drivers to follow safe, secure driving practices, and understand that it’s essential to follow federal regulations. The DOT took the lead by issuing guidance to help hard-working CDL professionals understand the risk associated with CBD. For more information about trucking safety, news, and high-paying positions, visit CDLjobs.com.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Employment trends can be unpredictable, but there's one that seems to be solid across industries, and that is the push to recruit more women into jobs that have traditionally been stereotyped as male driven. While women in trucking is hardly a new phenomenon, the female drivers who have opted to enter this field in the past have been mavericks who often embraced unconventional ways of doing things.
You might find it surprising that it's so important to recruit women now, when this field remained dominated by men for so long. The reason for the pivot isn't complex, and it isn't even really due to social changes. It's a pivot by necessity. Since 2015, there has been a notable shortage of truck drivers across all niches within the field. For over a decade before that, driver turnover was at a high point relative to the last 50 years. At the same time, the demand for drivers has been on the rise this entire time, as more and more consumer shopping is done online, increasing the demand for shipping in all its forms.
Three years of driver shortages led to a massive push by the trucking industry to recruit women, which has resulted in a job market women have begun to enjoy more frequently since 2018.
What Makes Truck Driving Attractive To Women?
There are quite a few perks of this career choice that make it attractive to women looking to build a business or chart a career path with upward mobility.
- Professional development and training on different types of heavy equipment and trailer configurations
- Variety among trucking jobs available, from short-distance delivery to long-haul cargo
- Full benefits from employers or a healthy freelance market for entrepreneurs
- Easy paths to becoming an owner-operator
- Options that work with the patterns of your lifestyle, from home every night to one week in three
- Competitive salaries
Trucking is one of the few jobs with a reliable path to income that gives the worker the independence to get the job done with little micromanagement or direct oversight. There are best practices to learn, but a unique problem-solving style is valued in trucking in ways that it typically is not in other industries.
That makes it attractive for anyone looking for a job that assumes your competence, but especially for people who have traditionally been corralled into jobs that are highly repetitive, with processes that restrict your choice of methods for dealing with problems. Even short-range drivers using company vehicles wind up having to call their shots regularly to deliver shipments undamaged and on-time.
Trucking Companies are Recruiting Women Drivers
While more women are becoming interested in truck driving jobs, driver recruiters are also taking note of studies, such as that by Omnitracs, which focus on how women truck drivers are able to help carriers boost profitability.
- Employee Turnover - Historically, driver turnover for large fleets in the trucking industry runs in the mid- to -upper 90th percentile, according to studies by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). However, the retention rate for women truck drivers is much higher, reflecting the loyalty of women more likely to remain with one trucking company for a longer period of time. The ability to retain women truck drivers and avoid turnover and retraining costs is viewed quite favorably by carriers in the truckload industry.
- Women Truck Drivers are involved in Fewer Preventable Accidents - Despite sterotypes to the contrary, statistically women truck drivers are involved in fewer accidents, including semi rollovers and rear-end collisions. Trucking companies looking to boost their profits by curtailing insurance and litigation costs should take note of the reliability and safety records being compiled by women in the truck driving workforce.
- More Miles Logged - The study also shows that women in trucking are logging more miles. Obviously, when drivers are able to keep the wheels turning, they are able to earn more money for themselves and their employer.
While there remains a huge gender gap among male and female drivers in the truckling industry, trucking companies are becoming keenly aware that hiring women drivers is a viable and responsible option for reducing their driver shortage and boosting profitability.
Learn More About the Trucking Industry
Women In Trucking is a non-profit organization which works to minimize the obstacles women interested in trucking may face. They serve as a resource for women truck drivers to encourage employment, increase job opportunities and improve working conditions for women drivers.
The future looks bright for women in trucking, because even if the number of drivers, male or female, entering the field increases in the coming years, it will have a hard time keeping up with the rate of driver retirement.Retirement numbers have been increasing for years, and are likely to keep doing so with the aging workforce within the industy.
Women do not have to have a substantial amount of brute force to handle a semi-truck and have a successful career as a driver. Trucking equipment improvements and modifications, such as automatic transmissions, have made trucking today less difficult than many years past. Whether you're looking to work in local delivery, or you want to see the country, trucking companies have options for practically everyone who has a passion to drive.
Search for Trucking Jobs
If you’re a woman ready to get started in the trucking industry, you’ve come to the right place. Once you have a CDL license, you can start searching for truck driving jobs. You can find a range of local, regional, dedicated, and OTR trucking opportunities across the country.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
While 2019 appeared to be a banner year for the economy, the rate of freight company closures was disheartneing. Approximately 800 freight-hauling companies closed in 2019, more than double the previous year, along with the largest bankruptcy in the industry to date.
“This isn't the first time this year we've seen a trucking company fail and drivers abandoned. That's been happening a lot in 2019,” Gaines Law Group transportation attorney Cassandra Gaines reportedly said. “Celadon is a little bit of a different story — it's hard to tell how much that had to do with fraud and how much to do with our market.”
Ranked among the largest trucking companies in all of North America, Celadon had a working fleet upwards of 3,300 tractors and about 10,000 trailers. The abrupt closure left 4,000 men and women without jobs, and truckers searching for available positions and calling friends in the industry for short-term work.
“So, every company driver and owner-operator lost our jobs today without being notified about the closing of the doors of this mega-company,” trucker Roderick Orr reportedly posted on social media about the incident. “A lot of people I know are stuck all around the country trying to get home and look for another job.”
Why Are More Trucking Companies Closing?
In 2018, trucking companies enjoyed strong demand, and robust shipping rates saw only 310 companies close, with a modest 2,800 trucks being sidelined. Even with stringent on-duty regulations and electronic monitoring, freight haulers were able to tighten capacity and move profits forward. But issues such as higher insurance rates raised expenses, and the tariff war with China reportedly softened demand for goods and products.
Fleetwood Transportation, for example, shuttered operations Dec. 31, 2019, pointing to rising insurance costs as a primary reason. The closure put 240 CDL professionals out of work. According to Freight Waves, the Fleetwood board chairman sent out a memo stating the company was unable to secure coverage.
“Insurance carriers know that if there is a fatality involving a truck, juries will be sympathetic towards the (non-trucking) injured party and may reward damages in the nuclear category regardless of fault,” Chad Eichelberger, founder of trucking industry insurance provider Reliance Partners, reportedly said.
As 2020 rolls out, freight hauling organizations can anticipate that premiums are likely to triple if a fatal accident occurs. Even small carriers with an unblemished record often pay $5,000 to $7,000 per truck for coverage. Big metropolitan-based trucking companies can spend upwards of 30 percent more on higher rates.
U.S. farmers, manufacturers, and ultimately consumers have suffered considerably from the trade war initiated by the Trump administration and its imposition of tariffs against China in 2018. While a "cease-fire" of sorts was initiated with a new trade agreement signed in January 2020, it does little to reduce the overall tariff levels and appears unlikely to affect the slowing of economic growth that has depressed the trucking industry within the United States.
Additionally, the outbreak of Coronavirus and has created a worldwide economic downturn. This incident highlights that trucking industry companies remain vulnerable to disruption they have little to no control over.
Warning Signs A trucking Company May Be Closing
It’s obvious the weekly salaries of truck drivers can be impacted by a wide range of factors. What makes that a tough pill to swallow is that the men and women of the road show up each day to deliver the goods and materials that keep our country running. In these uncertain times, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and watch for indicators a carrier may be faltering. You may discover that the earliest signs are subtle, but they can get increasingly more apparent as a carrier nears the end.
Driver & Other Worker Perks Eliminated
Upper management will be the first to look at the books and recognize business is backsliding. The folks in the suits are unlikely to chop their bonuses or rollout back the expensive lunches as the first line of defense. Companies usually start chipping away at the little things that buoyed employee loyalty. These may include free coffee in the breakroom, a paid day off on your birthday, or throwing you a few overtime hours in the warehouse. When your employer cuts seemingly inexpensive benefits, there may be a bigger money problem.
Vendors Complain About Late Payments
When you see the IT people hanging around looking for a check or the fuel station your company regularly uses is complaining about their monthly installment, that’s a telltale sign the company is moving money around to weather a financial storm. Don’t be surprised if administrators toe the company line that there was a bookkeeping error, and all is well. When vendors aren’t getting paid on time, there’s usually a revenue shortfall.
Middle Management Starts Interviewing Elsewhere
Management folks are not on the same career track as truckers. The younger ones, usually at the tail end of management, often stay in one position until they gain enough experience to apply for a better paying job. These folks come and go. But the ones who have been with the company for a considerable amount of time with roots in the community may leave because they see that the ship is sinking. If more than one middle management person starts interviewing, they probably know something the truck drivers do not.
Closed Door Meetings
When a crisis hits any company, secretive meetings take place. Administrators will literally close the doors knowing tempers are going to flare. The last thing upper-management wants is to cause a panic and for drivers to find another trucking job while they still need your labor. If something seems amiss and secrets are being kept, it may be time to research jobs boards such as CDLjobs.com to see what jobs fit your needs. Better to know your industry value and be prepared than suffer short-term unemployment.
Inconsistent Workflow
Truckers always know when the company is busy. Your trailer is at capacity, and they are calling in stop-gap help. Then there are the typical seasonal slowdowns. But when the work cycle seems unusually slow or spotty, trust your instincts. Houston, we may have a problem.
While those signs are certainly reason for concern, there are others that are unmistakable. When your employer enters the death throes, these are reasons to promptly consider applying for a new truck driving job.
Your Fuel Card Gets Declined
The fuel card is the lifeblood of long-haul delivery. If your card gets declined and your boss cannot rectify the issue over the phone quickly, that may mean they don’t have the operational cash to continue business for much longer.
Your Paycheck Bounces
Many of the end-of-days signs have to do with financial shortages. If your money isn’t downloaded electronically into your account or a physical check is no good, the party may be over. Do what you can to recover the revenue and find another position.
Your Employer Files for Bankruptcy
When large freight outfits file for bankruptcy, there is likely to be some industry news circulating. Smaller companies may fly under the radar to some degree. It’s not unusual for a business to file Chapter 11, which means they are “reorganizing.” Vendors and those the company owe money to will be notified, and drivers are likely to know relatively quickly. When a company files Chapter 11, work is unlikely to stop right away. And, the company may rebound from the financial issue. By that same token, consider your own future.
Know Your Truck Driver Career Options At All Times
The recent closures have left too many of our valued truck drivers looking for work without notice. This unfair practice by some employers demonstrates that CDL professionals would be wise to keep their eyes and ears open on the job, as well as periodically check on the opportunities emerging within the trucking industry.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Driving a truck is not typically thought of as being the healthiest profession. You are sitting for long periods of time, not getting many opportunities for exercising and often eating less-than-healthy foods from convenience stores and truck stops. However, just because there are challenges to being a truck driver doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
First, you can hop out of your cab to get some rigorous exercise every day. Second, you can choose some better meals and drinks. If you’ve ever looked up tips on nutrition for truckers, you may have found plenty of tips on healthy food and recipes. However, it can be harder to find useful information about what you should and should not be drinking.
What Unhealthy Drinks You Should Avoid
When it comes to beverages, staying healthy is as much about what you shouldn’t drink as what you should. These are some examples of what you will want to avoid on the road:
- Energy Drinks: Most of these are loaded with sugar, caffeine and other energy-boosting ingredients. This is probably the worst choice of drink for a pick-me-up. Any claims of health benefits are dubious at best. The harm, conversely, is well-established. Just skip these drinks.
- Soda: In a similar vein to energy drinks, soda is something you should skip. They are calorie-dense and filled with sugar. Even diet sodas are associated with diabetes and weight gain. These will also make you crash while you are driving.
- Alcohol: Obviously, you shouldn’t be drinking any alcohol when you are driving. However, it is a good idea to avoid it even when you are stopped for the night. While there is nothing wrong with relaxing with a cold one, moderation is essential. Overconsumption is bad for your health and can be dangerous if you are driving hungover.
What You Should Drink
There are a handful of drinks that you should strongly consider drinking while on the road. If you are thirsty, these should be your top options:
- Water: H2O is probably the single most important beverage to drink. You need water to stay healthy. It is very easy to get dehydrated on the road and you may not notice right away. Proper hydration can help you stay alert and focused. If you need a drink, this should be your go-to.
- Carbonated Water: Consider drinking a little carbonated water with your meals. This is a good way to feel a little fuller while eating less. Although not quite as good as still water, this is substantially better than soda.
- Milk: Having a glass of milk every day can help you get potassium, protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients. If you find that dairy doesn’t sit well, consider reaching for some lactose-free milk.
- Tea: If you need a caffeinated beverage, tea is the best option. It has less caffeine than energy drinks or coffee. Brew some for yourself with no added sugar for the best possible benefits.
What You Should Moderate
Of course, not every drink choice is black and white. There are some you can enjoy in moderation. These are a few drinks that you can enjoy but shouldn’t overindulge in:
- Coffee: When you need to stay awake for your drive, coffee is the obvious choice. It is okay to drink a little, especially if you skip the sugar or sweetener. However, try to limit yourself to 400 milligrams of coffee per day (there’s a little under 100 mg in a standard cup of coffee).
- Juice: Many people think that fruit juice should be super healthy. However, it has a lot of sugar and many of the nutrients are lost in the juicing process. This is a much better choice than soda or other artificial flavored drinks, however it should be enjoyed in moderation.
- Smoothies: If you are struggling to get enough fruits and vegetables, a smoothie may seem like the obvious choice. However, if you have too many sweet add-ons, you can quickly negate the positive benefits. Again, try to limit these and make them yourself, if possible. Homemade is almost always healthier.
- Sports Drinks: The electrolytes and sugar in sports drinks can be helpful for athletes when they have been training hard. However, they are not so helpful for truck drivers. Unless you are working up a serious sweat, you are most likely just adding sugar to your diet unnecessarily. Drinking one occasionally is okay but keep them limited.
Managing Your Drink Choices
To help ensure that you reach for the right drinks, stock your cab with plenty of water. Consider getting some appliances you can run on your auxiliary power to make tea, smoothies and other healthier options. It is much easier to make the right choices in beverages when you make the healthy ones as convenient as possible. Stocking your cab right is the key to nutrition for truckers!
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Though you may not always think about it, truck drivers need to be in excellent health, and this includes your vision. Truck drivers need to be able to see clearly, no matter what time of day or night, to be able to effectively do your job and stay safe. Your ability to see can be a matter of life and death - if your vision isn't as good as it should be, you could end up in an avoidable trucking accident. Because of this, it is important that all truck drivers take proper care of their eyes and wear eyewear when necessary.
remember that eyewear is a tool
Successful truckers must be in the right mentality in order to spend hours and days on the road. Small details are essential when it comes to truck driving. You must pay attention to your surroundings and notice little things like brake lights or people getting too close to your vehicle.
This also pertains to your health, including their eyes and eyewear. There are different types of eyewear for different situations. Plus, truck drivers need to take care of their eyes and eyewear so that it helps them throughout their entire career.
Because of this, you may want to invest in multiple types of sunglasses to keep in your truck. You may need different tints, depending on the lighting and time of day. If you have prescription glasses, you should always have one or two spare sets, plus some prescription sunglasses in several tints so that you can always see clearly. These tools help you to be a better, safer trucker.
You should use sunglasses for long-term eye health
Though most people don't think about it, your eyes can become damaged due to exposure to bright sunlight over a long period of time. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a lot of problems including vision problems, macular degeneration, and much more.
Because your eyes are so important to keep you (and others on the road) safe, you need to make sure that you are protecting them. Whenever you notice yourself squinting due to the brightness, you need to pick up your sunglasses. The best types to wear are the ones that protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
If you have a prescription, Always wear your glasses or contactS
If you need to have prescription eyewear in order to see properly, you need to be wearing them when you are driving. In many states, this is mandated by law. If you are caught driving without your prescription, you will be fined. You may even lose your CDL.
Make sure that you have a yearly Vision checkup
As a truck driver whose vision is of utmost importance, you need to make sure that you have your vision checked once a year. This will make sure that your eyes are healthy. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts, you can make sure that your prescription hasn't changed and if it has, you can get updated glasses or contacts so that you are able to see as well as possible.
By visiting your eye care professional, you will be able to drive easy knowing that you are able to see properly. It will also help you if you are having headaches and other problems that may be caused by bad vision.
It is best to avoid frames that restrict your peripheral vision.
There are many different types of glasses, ranging from practical to stylish and trendy. However, as a truck driver, you are going to need to focus on finding a good pair of practical, comfortable glasses. You need to make sure that you can see out of them with a complete range of vision.
If you get a pair that restrict your peripheral vision, you may struggle to see your semi-truck mirrors and other people on the road. You will have to move your head in order to see what is going on around you, so you won't be able to see as much at once, causing your reaction times to be slower.
DOT Guidelines for Truck Drivers and Their Eyes
All truck drivers need a DOT physical every year. This will ensure that you are healthy enough to be able to put in the long hours needed to get your commercial vehicle from one point to another.
During this physical, they will check your vision. In order to pass, you must have a distant visual acuity of at least 20/40. This can be with or without prescription glasses. You also need to be able to see at least 20/40 with both eyes together, the right eye alone, and the left eye alone.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Truck drivers make up an important part of the American economy. Still, their role in the logistics necessary to trade and the industry at large can be invisible to a lot of people. What's not invisible, though, is the sheer number of large trucks on the road, from flatbeds to traditional semi-trailers, box trucks, and custom carriers for livestock and heavy machinery.
With the number of drivers carrying goods for stores, factories, and even supply line shipments for hospitals and other core services, it's no surprise that about 500,000 crashes each year involve commercial trucks of one kind or another. Luckily, the number of deaths from these trucking accidents is down considerably from the years before 2008. In 2018, just 4,136 people died in accidents with a large truck, and rising concern with seat belt safety is a big part of that. If you drive truck for a living, you need to buckle up to help reduce your chances of injury.
Rising Seat Belt Use Saves Lives
The good news is that seat belt use is and has been on the rise for some time. The implementation of primary enforcement seat belt penalties across much of the nation has been credited with increasing seat belt use and reducing traffic deaths. Research shows seat belt use by front seat passengers rose from about 71 percent in 2000 to 91.6 percent in 2022. To see seat belt use fact sheets for your home state, check here.
Those numbers also show that regardless of the number of accidents over the years, about half of all fatalities involve people who are not wearing seat belts. In 2009, drivers and passengers who skipped the seat belt made up 53% of all accident deaths. In 2017, that number was still 47%, and studies have shown the safety benefits for truck drivers are even greater than for drivers in passenger vehicles.
- Among front-seat passengers and drivers, seat belt use leads to a 45% reduction in fatality risk and a 50% reduction in serious injury
- Drivers who don't use seat belts are 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle during a crash
- Roughly 75% of those who are ejected during a crash die from the injuries
- Men are more likely to die when unrestrained than women, with a death rate about 4-5% higher than the average when gender is discounted
Another important point is how seat belt enforcement helps efforts to increase passenger safety. While it can be inconvenient to be stopped for a safety check, states that have rigorous enforcement programs have a 9% higher rate of seat belt use than those without them, and the national rate of 90.7% represents the average across both high enforcement and low enforcement states. That means if you are driving in a state that's less rigorous about its enforcement, you're more likely to be surrounded by at-risk drivers and passengers.
Analyzing the Numbers
While seat belt safety has been growing as a public concern, it's important to realize that it's not the only safety measure that is important. The number of deaths due to accident that involve large trucks is generally down since 1981, but it is not linear. From 2009-2015, the number of deaths was down significantly compared to those in the years since, although both sets of numbers are well below the average for most years from 1991-2008. That mirrors the rise and fall of the national accident rate.
What is important to note is that while the number of fatal accidents was lower in those years, the likelihood of fatality among unrestrained drivers was higher.
So, what caused the decrease in fatalities among unrestrained drivers? No doubt some credit belongs to the innovations in safety technology since then, but it's also worth noting that the increase in safety belt use can be credited with a lot of the reduction. The more people wear them, the less likely it is that the total number of fatalities connected to a lack of use will remain high.
What Can Truck Drivers Do?
The best way to help increase everyone's safety on the road is to set a great example. When you buckle up, you not only serve as a role model for less experienced driving professionals, you also serve as one to the kids and young adults in passenger vehicles who literally look up to you as they pass you on the highway.
Of the more than 4,000 fatalities involving large trucks each year for the past half-decade, between 550 and 700 deaths are those of the large truck drivers. You can help reduce that number while setting a good example.
Safe drivers are also in greater demand throughout the workforce as trucking companies continue to grapple with a shortage of drivers across the country. If you are a truck driver with an excellent safety record, there may be a better trucking job available to you.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Being a parent can be challenging. Being an over the road truck driver is an exciting career, but it keeps you away from home for long periods of time. Trying to parent from the road can seem like an almost impossible situation. However, many people manage to continue truck driving with a family at home, it just takes some adjustment and experience. These strategies can help you continue to be an active and involved parent while working as a trucker.
The Challenges of Being a Truck Driver and Parent
If you are working as a truck driver, you are spending significant time away from home. At times, this can make it feel like you are an outsider when you see your family. They are living their lives and making memories together while you are away. Sometimes you will miss special events such as birthdays or recitals.
These problems are most noticeable for over-the-road drivers. However, anyone working in truck driving with a child can experience them. Unless you are only driving short, daytime routes around your home, you are going to spend some nights away from your family.
This can be more than just an issue for your relationship with your child(ren). Many truck drivers have difficulties with their spouses or significant others. Your partner is at home taking care of the house and kids while you are away. Even if that arrangement makes practical sense for your family, it can be emotionally draining for both partners.
You may also be dealing with a co-parent that you are separated from. This can add its own unique challenges for getting time to spend with your kid(s).
At times, it can feel like an uphill battle. You have to keep working to earn a living and provide for your family, however by working as a trucker you are also separated from them. Fortunately, a few strategies and some helpful, modern tools can empower you to take on this problem.
Make the Most of Time at Home
When you get home after being away, it can be tempting to put your feet up. While you should also take care of yourself, don’t squander the opportunity to spend time with your family.
One of the best ways to do this is to take an interest in what your kids are doing. Perhaps they have new hobbies that you could enjoy together. Finding things to bond over, especially activities that you can talk about, is a powerful way to maintain your connection with your kids while you are away.
You can also get them involved with what you do. Kids often love trucks and may think that life on the road is very cool and exciting. Let them express that excitement and interest. Consider letting them (and your spouse) come in your truck with you. Depending on their age, they may even be able to come on a short route with you.
Try giving your kids and map and showing them where you will be. You could set up a system that lets them track your position by placing pins in the map. This is a great way to keep your kids engaged with your travels while you are away.
Give Them an Assignment
Consider giving your children an assignment while you are away. This could be helping around the house, reaching a goal in a hobby, working on a project that you have shared or anything else. Select something age-appropriate that they can realistically achieve. It is a great way to teach planning and responsibility. It can also serve as a way to stay connected while you are on the road.
For older kids, try making a system for chores around the house. That way they are consistently helping out. This is an effective way to provide some extra support to your partner while also parenting your children.
Talk Regularly
Make sure that you call home on a regular basis. This may seem like an obvious tip, but it is so important that is bears mentioning anyway. Strive to call daily and check in. There may be some days when that is difficult, but this routine is one of the more effective ways to handle truck driving with a family.
You can update your kids on your progress and tell them a little about where you have been. Consider noting down some interesting observations or taking some photos when possible to share with them. Even things that seem boring to you can be exciting for kids, especially young ones.
Don’t forget to ask them about their lives as well. Talk about sports, activities, games, hobbies and anything else. They will really appreciate those conversations. Even if you only speak long enough to say “hello” and check-in, regular phone calls can make all the difference in the world.
Using video calls is a great way to expand on this. It gives everyone a chance to see each other’s faces, even if only remotely.
Stay Active
The short version of parenting on the road is that you need to stay active. Check-in with your family regularly and find ways to bond even when you aren’t at home. You can also keep an eye out for a new trucking job that allows for more home time.