Industry News & Tips for Truck Drivers
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- Written by: Kate Williams
For today’s truck driver to enjoy a prosperous and lengthy career hauling freight, it’s essential to be prepared to negotiate the effects of stress. That’s right, truck driver stress is a real thing and a common reason for burnout.
Although the lifestyle can offer tremendous freedom, a good salary, benefits, incentives, and perhaps the best job security the economy has to offer, the physical and emotional demands can take their toll. When professional CDL holders are unprepared, truck driver health issues can become problematic. At CDLjobs.com, we hope these insights and stress management techniques help support a fruitful career in the trucking industry.
Psychological Causes of Truck Driver Stress
A 2018 article posted by Transport Topics leans on a research study to puts the leading causes of truck driver stress into everyday terms. The study reportedly interviewed 61 truckers and grouped their stress-related responses into qualitative data. These were the top three reasons truckers said they suffered the effects of stress.
- Loneliness: According to the research study, truckers reported isolation and loneliness as a leading reason for emotional stress. It’s no secret that the majority of professional drivers work alone. And, long-haul truckers spend extended periods of time away from friends, family, and loved ones.
- Lack of Respect: Many truckers feel underappreciated on a number of fronts. Aggressive and disrespectful car drivers are the primary cause of animosity. Unprofessional customers, supervisors, and other industry insiders exacerbate those feelings. Truck drivers are the lifeblood of the country who keep materials and goods flowing to every community. Many feel they are not afforded the respect they deserve for their rigorous labor.
- Excessive Government Regulations: CDL holder struggle with the impact of government overregulation. Weigh stations, limits on work hours, and other micromanagement causes considerable anxiety. The recent levying of tolls specifically against truckers rightfully makes them feel singled out.
Beyond the emotional factors that increase truck driver stress, the lifestyle also has physical aspects that can lead to truck driver health issues if unchecked.
Physical Causes of Truck Driver Stress
Although the days of truck drivers requiring brute force to turn steering wheels and unload freight are a thing of the past, certain physical aspects of the job remain unchanged. The sedentary nature of operating a big rig for 8-11 hours appears to limit even light cardio to some degree. These are top truck driver health issues that can be avoided with appropriate management.
- Obesity: Truckers too often engage in unhealthy, high-calorie diets.
- High Blood Pressure: Weight gain, lack of exercise, and habits such as smoking cigarettes tend to negatively impact truckers’ cardiovascular health.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Poorly designed sleeper compartments and seats that do not provide adequate ergonomics can put undue stress on the back, neck, and hips, among others. It’s also not uncommon for drivers to sit too low and place excess strain on their shoulders leading to arthritis.
What may be particularly concerning about physical truck driver health issues is that they tend to be unforced errors. The physical conditions that diminish health and unnecessarily increase stress can be corrected. The psychological aspects, however, may require a stress management plan that delivers peace of mind.
How To Combat Emotional, Physical Truck Driver Stress
Cleary, truck drivers experience unique types of physical and emotional stress related to the occupation. It would be unfortunate to waste an opportunity for a long-term career that continues to show wage growth and excellent employment security. It’s no secret that employers are competing for qualified CDL holders by increasing salaries, offering health care benefits, and even signing bonuses. By utilizing common stress management techniques, truckers can reduce stress, anxiety, and maintain vibrant health while on the road.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Fast food restaurants and truck stop foods tend to be convenient and reasonably good tasting. But their high calorie, high cholesterol content can cause weight gain and poor cardiovascular health. A supermarket can be an excellent detour to get around an unhealthy diet. Carry vegetables, pre-cooked rotisserie chickens, fruits and other healthy options. If your rig doesn’t have a mini-refrigerator, Yeti and other coolers can keep food cold for up to a week.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
You might be surprised at the difference a full eight hours or longer can make. Outfit your compartment with quality products that will deliver a restful sleep. And, don’t hesitate to get a room with a top-flight mattress if you begin to feel the effects of the road.
Stay in Touch
Even regular phone calls and texting can reduce feelings of isolation and make drivers feel emotionally connected. Take time during breaks to send a quick message and say goodnight to loved ones whenever possible.
Use Ergonomic Techniques
Be certain you are seated in a healthy posture when operating the truck. If necessary, utilize back and neck support products to reduce undue tension on critical areas of your body.
Be Vigilant About Exercise
Truck drivers actually have the time to get in enough quality exercise to remain fit. The issue tends to be committing to a routine.
Truckers are required to take a full lunch break each day. There’s no reason not to walk at least one mile during this break. Many rest areas and truck stops have the space and even walking paths to get in some cardio. The same holds true off non-drivable hours. You may feel awkward doing some calisthenics outdoors to start the day. However, your peers are likely to consider you a smart health leader.
Stress Management Equipment
There are numerous gadgets that can assist you in your quest for a low-stress trucking occupation. Simple items such as stress balls that you squeeze are easy enough to bring along. They also make your hands stronger. Setting up a relaxing playlist on a device that can tap into your console can go a long way to setting a peaceful driving mood.
Breathing Techniques
In Zen meditation, people are taught to relax their minds and bodies by counting breaths. People suffering anxiety also use deep breaths to relax. It seems obvious that deep breathing techniques are directly linked to reduced stress and anxiety. Truckers may be wise to utilize deep breathing as an elixir for work-related stress.
Mindful Meditation
This trending method of stress management has been touted across industries. Even Superbowl winning Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll advocates for mindfulness techniques in pro football.
This approach to well-being involves being in touch with your true emotions, immediate experience, and how your body feels. It can provide heightened awareness about your physical and psychological needs. Knowing is the first step to managing the negative aspects of stress in the truck-driving industry.
Truck drivers are experiencing career highs in terms of salaries, benefits, incentives, and working conditions. The fundamental lifestyle for professional CDL holders can be incredibly positive for drivers who identify potential stressors and have an actionable stress management plan. All occupations have specific challenges, but few offer the jobs security and rising salaries of the positions found at CDLjobs.com
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- Written by: Kate Williams
You're a professional driver and trucking is your living. The specialized CDL license you've earned is what enables you to generate your income, and CDL accidents can jeopardize your license and your livelihood. Learning how to avoid preventable accidents is a key factor in earning a living with your commercial driving license.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's CSA program collects data on commercial motor carriers' safety performance by investigating accidents. Motor carrier companies and drivers with too many preventable accidents on record could have a tough time staying on the road.
As a CDL professional, you owe it to yourself and your employer to do everything possible to avoid preventable accidents. This is no monumental task, but some basic driving techniques can help improve your driving skills and reduce risks over the road.
What Is a Preventable Accident?
A preventable accident is one in which the driver “failed to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent it.” Sometimes, a small fender-bender can be the fault of another driver, but it could still be recognized as preventable by both drivers. If there was something reasonable that a CDL holder failed to do to prevent it, the CSA can consider the driver as having contributed to a preventable accident. If a driver, for example, parked a vehicle in a way that made it impossible for a moving vehicle to avoid slamming into it, that would be considered preventable.
Basic Science knowledge to avoid Preventable Accidents
Speeding, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving while intoxicated are no-brainers when it comes to preventable accidents. Any one of these mess-ups is going to most likely land the truck driver and his or her CDL in some serious trouble. This is not the way professionals approach their work. Aside from the obvious dictates, there are some simple rules that you can stick to that can help you avoid the more common preventable CDL accidents.
Right-Hand Turn and Intersection Cautions
A collision while turning right at an intersection can often be considered a preventable accident because you should be well aware of your cab's blind spots. In addition to using your flashers to signal other vehicles that you're getting ready to turn, there are a number of warning signs that can be attached to your rig. A semi needs a wide-open space to make a right turn and you may need to swing wide before arriving at the intersection. You should be sure you've done all you can to alert other drivers to what you're doing.
You also need to come to a complete stop, and then wait until there's no one in the right-hand lane before attempting a turn. Your right-turn signal should be flashing for at least 100 feet before approaching the intersection. When an intersection is crowded, that flasher distance becomes 500 feet.
Some intersections can be jam-packed, but you should always come to a complete stop and give the other vehicles the right of way. Be on the lookout for daredevil drivers who are willing to take a chance at sneaking by you while you turn. Collisions at intersections are top contenders for preventable accidents, and CDL holders should proceed with caution at all times.
Stop and Check Before Backing Up
Preventable backing-up accidents can often be avoided by first stopping and then exiting the cab and making a thorough physical and visual check for potential hazards. Conducting a physical check of the environment is a good way to verify that there are no barriers or obstacles in your back-up path. This is an especially wise approach to take when delivering or picking-up at loading docks or getting around on unfamiliar roads and parking lots.
Be Ready To Stop at Any Time
Your ability to stop your truck smoothly depends on a variety of factors. Your individual sense of perception and reaction time, weather conditions and the braking distance all come into play. Strive to remain aware of these factors at all times.
Stopping your truck safely should be a plan-ahead action rather than slamming on your brakes. Because semi-trucks are designed with air brakes it takes longer to stop; the air takes some time to apply the required pressure. Keeping your distance from other vehicles can give you enough time and room to stop safely when you're forced to do so quickly.
Dealing with Merging Traffic
On-ramps are often the most dangerous parts of our highway system, but truckers who handle these areas with caution and safety can help keep these sections of the road safe. This objective can be tricky, however, because many motorists assume you should move to the left. Unfortunately, this maneuver creates a situation where drivers may start to pass on your right. The best bet, for the most part, is to stay in your lane but adjust your speed so there will be enough room for merging traffic, even the ones who forget to reach highway speed before merging.
Change Lanes as Little as Possible
You need to see what's happening on all sides of your truck in a wide range of situations. Being aware of other drivers that may think they can occupy some of the same space as your rig can help avoid preventable accidents. Make it a point to check your mirrors and make the best effort to see what might be approaching your blind spots before you attempt changing lanes.
Changing lanes can be one of your most dangerous road maneuvers, especially at high speeds, in bad weather or when there are overly courageous zig-zag drivers near you. Staying in the same lane as much as possible is the recommended safe driving measure, and it can be one of the best ways to avoid preventable CDL accidents.
Stay Safe on the Road
It may not always be possible for truckers to avoid preventable accidents, but by exercising caution and staying alert while behind the wheel you can protect your employer’s reputation, your CDL license, and other drivers on the road.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Operating and managing a trucking company can be one of the most lucrative businesses you can enter, but it’s not for the faint of heart.
While revenues can be high, expenses, including insurance, truck payments, equipment purchases, and fuel, can quickly drain any profit.
Earlier, we wrote about the traits of successful truckers, but what about successful trucking companies? How can entrepreneurs run a successful trucking business in this highly competitive industry? Many people are very successful truckers, but they may not have what it takes to run a trucking business.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the traits that successful trucking companies share.
Traits of Successful Trucking Companies
1. Excellent Equipment
Good trucking companies need quality equipment. You have to have reliable trucks, well-built trailers, updated safety equipment, quality communication tools, and plenty of maintenance devices to keep everything working properly. The availability of excellent equipment can make or break a trucking company.
2. Keep a Pulse on the Market
To build a successful trucking business, you need to keep an eye on the market at all times. This constant observation can help you set the right rates, plan for the future, and make operational adjustments to your business plan. By having a pulse on the market through trade magazines, news sources, and industry connections, you can stay ready to make the right choice at all times.
3. Maintain an Organized Back Office
The size and scope of your back office will depend greatly on the size and scope of your trucking company, but one key will always remain: organization. Good trucking companies scrape out a profit by being efficient and organized. Plan your operation and understand every detail, from the cost of bolts to estimated delivery times.
4. Oriented Around Service and Customers
If a trucking company wants to stay in business for decades, maintaining good customer relations is critical. You have to know what customers like, what helps their business, and what drives them nuts. Loyal customers are often willing to pay a little more for excellent service from their trucking company.
5. Keep Operating Capital Available
At all times, your trucking company should have an emergency fund that covers at least three months of expenses. If work dries up or payments are delayed, you still need to pay for insurance, fuel, and other costs. Three months of expenses is a good target, but you may even go to six months or higher.
6. Be Fanatical About Safety
Trucking companies need to be efficient and frugal, but they never cut corners on safety. Depending on their size and needs, a company’s safety program may include regular training, in-house safety audits, a safety director, or an entire safety department. A safety-minded company is far more likely to last in the trucking industry.
7. Hire Slowly and Employ for the Long Haul
It pays to hire slowly. Many companies, trucking or otherwise, want to fill positions with a warm body as soon as possible, only to lose that person and be tossed into the hiring cycle all over again. A better strategy is to take your time, conduct thorough background checks, and hire only the right people to run your company. Employee turnover can kill a company, while employee retention can have your business running smoothly for years. It might seem like a hassle, but take your time with hiring and develop a driver retention policy that keeps your workforce happy.
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- Written by: The Schneider Guy
When it comes time to apply for jobs after receiving your CDL, you might find yourself wondering, ‘How do I choose a trucking company?’
We can’t tell you what the right choice is – as every truck driver looks for something different in an employer – but we can tell you what things you should be considering and looking for when searching for your first truck driving job.
What to Look for in a Trucking Company
- Reputation
Spend time researching what the company is known for. Compare company websites and social media platforms with one another. Read through reviews of the company but be mindful of what you’re reading and know that not all reviews are trustworthy – someone is always going to have something negative to say about a company.
- Quality of equipment
As a driver, you will spend a huge majority of your time in your truck. Your comfort and safety are vital. When searching for a company, look at what type of trucks they use, how old their fleet is and what driver comfort and safety features their trucks have.
- Freight type and driving styles
Every driver looks for something different in a driving job and it’s important to consider what you want in yours.
Look at what type(s) of freight the company hauls. Is it mostly Van Truckload? Do they haul tanker and intermodal freight? Does the freight this company hauls correlate with the freight you’re interested in hauling?
Second, what driving style(s) does the company offer? Is it primarily over-the-road? Can you choose a regional or local option? Does what this company offers meet your lifestyle preferences?
- Pay
It’s important to take pay into consideration and compare different trucking companies with one another. You may find that many of the industry leaders have similar pay rates. That’s why it’s important to dig deeper and look at what benefits the employer offers.
Also, keep in mind many trucking companies reward drivers with performance pay. Find out if the company you’re considering gives out accessorial pay, stop-off pay, deadhead pay, etc. These all matter and add up in the long run.
- Benefits
You want comprehensive benefits that protect you now and in the future, so make sure the company you work for offers that. Check if the company offers a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental and vision coverage and paid time off.
- Importance of safety
Drive for a company that has a reputation for high-quality training and a commitment to safety. Take note of how long orientation is for both inexperienced and experienced drivers and how the company puts safety first.
- Tuition reimbursement for CDL training
Schooling is expensive. Look for one of the many trucking companies that offers to reimburse drivers’ tuition through monthly payments.
Additionally, as an inexperienced driver, you won’t be able to just hop in a truck and start driving. Companies are going to require multiple weeks of training and orientation. You can’t afford to live with no income for that long, so look for a company that offers paid orientation and will reimburse you for travel and lodging.
Make Schneider your New Home
New truck drivers excel at Schneider. Learn more about driver orientation, driving opportunities with Schneider and more. You’ll like what you find.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Truck drivers enjoy many of the benefits earned by those who came before them. Working as a CDL driver did not always come with the wages and job security the men and women of the open road currently enjoy. Getting to where truckers are today cost a lot of sweat equity and millions of miles logged.
If you talk with a veteran trucker, they probably have stories about good times and hard times. But don’t let that make it seem as if no trucking industry challenges exist. The fact of the matter is that every generation in the US trucking industry faces some type of adversity. Although high wages and job security may not be among the trucking industry challenges in 2019, there are many factors that still affect professional drivers and trucking companies operating in the current environment.
Driver Shortage Reaches Critical Mass
The fact that the United States does not have the professional truck driving workforce to meet its needs is not a recent phenomenon. It has remained a concern near the top of the trucking industry challenges for years. But it has been more than a decade since the driver shortage was the single most crucial problem facing the freight sector.
The booming economy has been both a blessing and a curse for the US trucking industry. On the one hand, there is certainly no shortage of truck driving job opportunities for drivers. But according to industry experts such as the American Trucking Association (ATA), upwards of 57 percent of the workforce has crossed the 45-year-old mark. The ATA reportedly estimates that retirements and attrition could result in a driver shortage of 174,000 by 2026.
Efforts are being made to increase the number of people earning a CDL and entering good-paying positions. According to reports, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association has a pilot program underway that would open the door for 18- to 20-year-olds to haul freight on interstates. This fledgling program is limited but serves as a tremendous opportunity for young people to start a truck driving career.
The Women in Trucking Association (WIT) continues to reach out to women who may not have recognized that opportunities exist regardless of gender. The driver shortage presents increased opportunity for women who see themselves earning the same wages men driving a truck.
Deficient Infrastructure Costing Time, Money
If you asked the average American which country ranked the highest in terms of highways and infrastructure, they might say, “The US, of course.” Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. Research by resources such as Statista rank the US at ninth. Others peg America’s roads, bridges and interstates even lower.
Singapore, Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal and Hong Kong held the top five spots in 2018, according to Statista. Such subpar conditions remain one of the inherent trucking industry challenges. The American Transportation Research Institute reports that traffic congestion cost the industry upwards of $74.5 billion in 2016.
The Trump Administration has been calling for a massive infrastructure spending bill that could range anywhere from $1 trillion to $2 trillion. There appears to be bipartisan support for an infrastructure package. Given the divisive politics in Washington, D.C., it may be too early to feel hopeful that this long-overdue issue could be addressed.
Tariffs and the USMCA Deal
Hard-working American truck drivers were not always getting their fair share of drivable hours under NAFTA. The administration has completed negotiations with Mexico and Canada to reach an accord. Under the new United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement (USMCA), officials can limit the border-crossing truck operations that were siphoning off American work. The problem for the great American trucker is that Congress has not ratified the deal to date. Divisive politics and gridlock are again unnecessary trucking industry challenges.
Should Congress fail to ratify the USMCA, the Trump Administration could lawfully withdraw from NAFTA and enter into bilateral agreements with each country. In recent months, tariffs have been eased. Hopes are high that the USMCA will become official in all three countries before the year’s end.
Safety Concerns Continue
Driving an 18-wheeler with a full load at a high rate of speed makes safety job one. Safety issues are a top priority for professional truck drivers each and every year.
In the old days, the primary safety risk was driver fatigue because there were few limits on drivable hours. Drowsiness led to too many highway crashes and fatalities. The Department of Transportation has implemented reasonable, common sense hours of service regulations to avoid excessive time behind the wheel. However, these are safety tips to avoid danger.
- Check Weather Reports: Inclement weather negative impacts driving conditions. It may increase the amount of time it takes to come to a full stop, limit visibility, and create dangerous road conditions. Bad weather also increases the risk that a non-professional driver will make a mistake that puts others in harm’s way.
- Increase Space Cushions: Professional drivers occupy a sometimes unenviable position of driving slower than vehicles around you. Experienced drivers understand that moving violations such as speeding tickets can impact your ability to earn a living. That being said, when commuters are driving 15 to 20 mph over the limit, leave yourself a viable space cushion between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Rush hours generally come with car accidents.
- Use Pro-Level GPS: While just about every Smartphone and electronic device has some form of GPS, there are applications designed specifically for CDL holders. These pro-level GPS systems provide critical information such as exits, traffic reports, and even truck stops along your route. Having this level of intel can reduce a great deal of stress. It also helps truckers to focus on the road instead of trying to figure out how to know which is your exit.
- Vehicle Safety Checklist: Before taking any load out on the road, the rig’s safety conditions should meet your standards. Consider crafting a safety checklist that includes tires, load balance, braking systems, among others. Run through that list before leaving the yard.
Year-in and year-out, there will be trucking industry challenges to face and overcome. Maybe that’s why the men and women who deliver America’s goods and materials deserve the robust wages they earn. Although there will always be obstacles, there may be no better time to start your career in the trucking industry.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
So, you’ve been driving trucks for a while and think you may be ready to take the next step in your trucking career. Could you be cut out to become an owner operator of your own trucking company? Gain an understanding of what it takes to be a successful owner operator to better prepare yourself for a different type of road ahead.
Make Sure You Have Enough Experience
To have a solid idea of what it truly takes to function in an owner operator trucking job, you’ll need to have several years of experience under your belt. That may go without saying, but this step requires taking a long, in-depth look at yourself and your work ethic to determine whether you truly have what it takes to invest your time, money, and energy in a trucking company. Be completely honest with yourself.
File for an MC and USDOT Number
One of the first steps to becoming an Owner Operator is to file for a registered USDOT and Mobile Carrier number. For this, you’ll need to pay a $300 federal filing fee for a permanent authority.
Companies that operate commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and must have a USDOT Number.
An MC number is necessary for commercial motor carriers that transport interstate cargo both inside their state and crossing over state lines. To obtain an MC number, you must complete an application through the FMCSA. Certain types of cargo require specific driver's licenses and permits in addition to the MC for trucks used in the business. It is important to ensure that your commercial motor vehicle is properly insured to comply with federal and state requirements.
Secure Insurance Coverage
Proper insurance coverage will give you peace of mind while operating your business. Besides giving yourself one less thing to worry about, having trucking insurance is a legal requirement. Do some FMCSA research to see if you need a certain type and amount of trucking insurance in your specific state, and the states you plan on driving in. Coverage requirements are often based on the trucking authority you choose, as well as the type of goods you carry.
Decide Whether You’re Better Off Leasing or Buying Trucks
When making the decision to lease or buy trucks, the answer depends on your financial assets. Both lease purchase drivers and Owner Operators assume the full responsibility for their business operations. From a purely financial perspective, if you’re looking to save as much money as possible in your business endeavor without cutting corners, you may be more comfortable with leasing. Buying trucks for your company is sure to be one of your biggest expenses.
Also, know that there are lease-to-own options you may be able to look into. One thing to bear in mind with leasing from a trucking company is that you will likely be expected to haul freight for that same company.
Do What You Can To Lower Operational Costs
There are some owner operator costs you simply cannot escape, such as regulation compliance, liabilities, and vehicle maintenance. That said, you can take steps to minimize these costs as much as possible. For instance, you can save fuel by sticking to the posted speed limit.
Just like with regular automobiles, unnecessary idling is a waste of fuel and money. Technology is also your friend when it comes to lowering expenditures. Driver scorecards let you know which of your driving habits, such as hard braking and hard cornering, are both unsafe and liabilities.
Something else you can do to reduce your operational costs is to take care of truck maintenance issues as soon as you notice them. You may have freight to deliver or other aspects of your business to take care of, but the success of your operation depends on your trucks. While you may not like the inconvenience of low tire pressure, it’s better than dealing with the many other major issues ongoing low tire pressure can present.
Focus on Your Safety and Work Record
No one will want to do business with you if you have a terrible safety and work record. Potential and current clients alike are more likely to trust you with their business and freight if you show you’re capable of taking great care of both. Every time you get behind the wheel, do everything you can to remain safe on the road and boost your work record. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to make your company more profitable.
Know Your Routes Inside and Out
The better you know your routes, the easier time you’ll have getting to your destinations more efficiently. You also need to know when you can expect heavy traffic on your routes, and you need to know dependable and quick alternate routes, should you ever need a detour. Make sure your truck and load can easily travel on all routes you consider. Finally, keep overall fuel costs and consumption in mind with every route you plan. Taking a shorter route may not do you much good if choosing it means consuming more fuel than you would with a slightly longer route. You’ll have to decide what’s worth your time and money.
Learn Spreadsheets Inside and Out
Sure, you can leave balancing the books to someone else, but this is a good skill for any business owner in any industry to learn. Programs like Microsoft Excel are easier to learn than you realize. The information they reveal lets you know if your business is doing as well as you think/hope.
Hopefully, you have a much better idea of whether you’re cut out for becoming an owner operator. Be sure you keep these ideas in mind as you come to a final decision. Best of luck!
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Even with sick leave, paid time off, and other benefits, no one can afford to get sick. For truck drivers, a week off can not only impact your bottom line, but it also leaves clients in the lurch and inconveniences your employer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to stay healthy year-round and avoid getting sick.
Wash Your Hands
Your mom was right on the best way to avoid passing germs. Wash your hands multiple times every day. Use warm water and soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds and rinse well. It’s a good idea to wash every time you use a public restroom or are just out in public. Use the paper towel to open the door to prevent re-contamination. If you can’t wash your hands, at least use hand sanitizer after you cough or sneeze or are around someone who does.
Use Disinfectant Cleaning Solutions
There is a reason that grocery stores put disinfectant wipes near the shopping carts. Where hands go, germs go. Keep a pack of disinfectant wipes in your truck to wipe down surfaces where multiple strangers have touched. Use the wipes in stores to clean off the handles of carts. Simple steps help you avoid germs because the influenza viruses can live on surfaces for a long time.
Get Vaccinated
The CDC says that the best way to avoid getting the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Although flu vaccines don’t offer total immunity, they do lower your risk of getting the flu and can reduce the symptoms if you do get it. There’s really no way to tell if the flu vaccine prevented an illness, but according to most studies, the vaccine reduces the likelihood of being hospitalized.
Get Your Vitamins and Take Supplements
Vitamin C fuels your immune system. Supplements can help during cold and flu season, but real foods are much better. Eat citrus fruits, berries and greens to keep your immune system working properly all year long.
Vitamin D supports your immune system, too. Make sure to get fatty fish like, tuna or salmon, to have better bone health and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Many Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. If you do use a supplement, choose one with D3 which interacts with your own system more effectively. Some studies have shown that zinc supplements can help reduce the severity of a cold.
Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
Avoiding sugar, caffeine and alcohol can help prevent colds and flu by helping you stay healthy. While you should increase your vitamin C and D intake during cold and flu season, you need to eat right all year long. Choose lean meats instead of fried foods. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Make sure to include fiber in your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep blood circulating through your body, which helps you fight off bacteria and viruses.
Avoid Cigarettes, Cigars and Tobacco
Smoking increases your risk of respiratory infections. Stop smoking to improve your health. Even second-hand smoke can increase your risk of more severe symptoms when you get sick. Tobacco and smoke reduce your ability to fight off infections.
Get Enough Sleep
The benefits of a good night’s sleep go way beyond your immune system. You need sleep to restore your immune system and help fight off germs and viruses. Sleep helps you maintain good blood sugar levels, which is important even if you don’t have diabetes. It reduces stress and helps you fight off cancer. Sleep also reduces your risk of depression and helps the cells in your body repair themselves.
Exercise - Get Moving
Physical activity benefits your immune system and reduces your risk of respiratory infections. Plus, it helps you maintain a healthy weight, which also boosts your immune system. It reduces the risk of heart disease, stress, high blood pressure, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. Even though you’re on the road a lot, you need to take time to get moving. Try to some kind of physical activity every day, even if it’s just a brisk 15-minute walk.
Reduce Your Stress
There is a connection between chronic stress and physical illness. The more stress you face, the harder it is for your immune system to fight off disease. Find ways to reduce and relieve stress, such as meditation, yoga or prayer. Take time to relax and enjoy your life when you’re away from work. When you do take a break, use that time to do something that gives you joy.
Can You Completely Avoid Getting Sick?
The real secret on how to avoid getting sick? Essentially, you need to remember all those things you learned growing up on how to take care of yourself. Practice good hygiene. Eat healthy. Don’t overdo alcohol. Don’t smoke. You may not be able to completely avoid all germs, but you’ll greatly reduce the likelihood of serious illness that keeps you off the road.
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- Written by: Darin Williams
I’ve been around a while.
When I started recruiting truck drivers for a large Midwest trucking company in the early 1990’s, it was done so with a land-line telephone (not a rotary dial, although I have used one), a pencil, and a pad of paper.
We had a waiting list of drivers who wanted to come to work for us…no kidding. The internet wasn't used for driver recruiting, and we didn’t use computers to file, store, and organize driver leads. We placed our classified ads in a newspaper on Sunday and then spent the week answering calls. On Mondays, we were like radio DJs who asked for the 100th caller answering phone call after phone call all day long and the calls continued all week long, although they progressively fell off until the process started all over again the next week.
Don’t believe me? Ask the oldest person in your Recruiting Department who you were going to ask what a “DJ” was anyway. They’ll tell you. Times were different. Drivers flipped page by page calling carrier after carrier working their way through digest-size trucking books that were 100+ pages or newspapers that had 12 columns of nothing but driver ads.
Times have changed, huh? The days of being able to talk to that driver one-on-one and have their uninterrupted attention with their full focus on your trucking company alone are not only improbable, but downright unlikely, and the competition for truck drivers is fierce.
So, why are trucking companies refusing to look at some truckers who apply for their trucking jobs?
WHEN DID “MULTI-CARRIER” APPS BECOME A BAD THING?
Somewhere along the line some slick-talking trucking-consultant-types started trying to convince trucking companies that multi-carrier applications were bad….and some people blindly listened and against every fiber of common sense in their trucking brain, believed it.
Can you imagine being the Recruiting Manager at a trucking company who needs to hire drivers and you overhear this conversation from a driver lead you received through a phone call from a newspaper ad?
Recruiter: You’re exactly what we’re looking for and we want to offer you the job right now.
Driver: That’s great, when do I start?
Recruiter: First things first. Did you apply to any other trucking companies when you applied to us?
Driver: Yes, I also did a phone app with three others.
Recruiter: Oh, then never mind. We’re not interested.
At the very least, you would bang your head on your desk. Depending on how bad you need drivers, you might bang the recruiters head on your desk.
Yet, in a time where trucking experts are saying that there is a truck driver shortage of 150,000+ truckers, there are trucking companies who refuse to look at an Internet driver lead if that driver applies to them and has the audacity to apply to another trucking company at the same time. That sound you hear is me banging my head on my desk.
Think about all the trucking companies who make the decision to attend truck shows. They spend thousands and thousands and thousands (get the picture?) of dollars to capture leads. Drivers walk by, grab something free off a table and a Recruiter stands there and scans their badges. All day long. For three days. Do they delete the lead if the driver gets their badge scanned at the booth right next to them? Using the “multi carrier apps are bad” theory, they should.
Drivers use the Internet to apply for truck driving jobs. Convenience and the opportunity to research and apply to more than one trucking company by filling out one application is one of the main reasons they do so. So, while I don’t have the medical training to back it up, I believe the clinical term for people who think “multi-carrier” apps are bad is “wacky."
EMBRACE COMPETITION and Work Your Driver Leads
Part of what makes a productive driver recruiter is their desire and ability to embrace the competitive market and sell truckers on the benefits of their trucking company while others are doing the same. In short, they have a competitive spirit. If you refuse to even look at a driver who dares to think about applying to you and the trucking company across the street, you don’t have a recruiting department…you have an order processing department and you probably shouldn’t need to advertise at all. But why not embrace that competition and show your product to every truck driver that has an interest in working for you?
The bottom line to all of this is that there needs to be different trucking companies, different truck driving jobs, and different truck drivers to make the world work. Not every driving job fits every driver’s personal needs. Don’t get offended and write off a potential driver hire because they have options. It’s the drivers who don’t have options that you should be steering away from.
Give the multi-carrier application feature a try and I guarantee that you’ll see a better return on your advertising investment. And then who knows…maybe you’ll even have a waiting list.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
There are many different types of trucking jobs, but deciding which one is right for your particular needs can be difficult.
If you’re considering a change of pace in terms of your career, the trucking industry could be a great match for you. Plenty of different types of driving jobs exist that may appeal to you. See what possibilities are available to better help you find a truck driving job that matches your capabilities.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs
Dry Van Driver
This driving job is far and away the most common type of trucking in the United States, and it’s also the type of hauling where most drivers get their start, moving non-perishable items from one end of the country to another. Dry van hauling is usually done with 53-foot trailers that move everything from canned goods to televisions. Basically, if you can find it in a department store, it’s probably been shipped in a dry van. If you’re worried about lacking the strength or physical capabilities necessary to unload a trailer, not to worry; most of the time, you will not be required to unload a dry van.
Tanker Driver
If you’re in the market for a high paying trucking job requiring more responsibility, you should consider driving a tanker. Rather than non-perishable items and dry goods, you’ll transport liquids,such as fuel, paints, pesticides, or cleaning products, which may be labeled hazardous materials. Hazmat driving is often done in large tanker trucks, Hauling hazardous materials is one of the more dangerous trucking jobs, and it requires a special type of driver who is more skilled and more highly regulated than any other trucker. While driving hazardous materials brings the potential for higher pay and benefits, it requires extensive training and certifications beyond a normal CDL.
Be sure you do your research before applying for tanker jobs so you know what kind of materials you can expect to work with and what endorsements may be required.
Flatbed Driver
When something large, cumbersome, and heavy needs to be hauled, flatbed drivers are called to action. Examples of freight transported may include large windmill wings, industrial machinery like lathes and presses, or manufactured housing. You’ll often see flatbed trailers with “over-sized load” signs and escort cars. The trailers are usually built with a lower profile, giving taller freight clearance to pass under bridges and wires.To excel at this position, you’ll need to know how to tie down your load the right way and familiarize yourself with whatever you’re transporting. Possessing this level of knowledge places you on a higher pay scale, so knowing your stuff can most certainly pay off.
Refrigerated Freight Driver
Food, body products, medicine and meat are examples of items that require a specific temperature during transportation to ensure the goods arrive at their final destination intact. Much like a flatbed driver, you’ll need specialized knowledge to work as a refrigerated freight driver. For instance, you’ll need to know how to check and maintain the truck’s temperature, and you’ll need to how to store your cargo the right way.
OTR/Regional/Local Driver
Maybe one of the biggest reasons you don’t like the idea of being a truck driver is because you don’t feel you’re cut out for spending several days or weeks on the road away from your home and family. As a local driver, your route will keep you either near or in your city. Regional drivers have routes within their state, while OTR drivers drive all over the U.S. There’s plenty of variety for you to explore until you find a route and a trucking company that suits your lifestyle best.
Auto Transporter
Are you interested in moving cars, trucks, and SUVs, using specialized trailers that require specific skills and knowledge to operate? While some automotive hauling involves moving cars to the scrap yard, it can also include shipping brand-new vehicles from the factory to a dealership. With this particular driving job, you’ll have to get used to an entirely different set of turning dynamics compared to other truck drivers. This is because the single- and two-axle trailers used to transport automobiles are longer than other trucks. As an auto hauler, have to complete special training, so you’re well-prepared to operate the hydraulic systems used to load and unload your transporter.
No matter where your skills lie, there’s bound to be something that proves to be a great fit. Apply for trucking jobs online at CDLjobs.com.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Driving a truck can be a risky job, and not just because more time on the road means more exposure to risk factors for traffic accidents. The bigger risks to one’s health come from the physical toll that the many hours behind the wheel can take. Drivers face long periods seated and work long hours. Driving is a physical task, even if it isn’t always one that requires heavy lifting. The constant body awareness and attunement that you need to control a complex vehicle like a semi takes a toll on the body. That’s why a DOT physical is required to clear drivers for service.
If you’re wondering how to pass a DOT physical, you must remember you won’t be able to just cover up serious symptoms if you have a health condition that makes it dangerous for you to be a truck driver. At the same time, there are a few things you can do to maximize your chances of being cleared without a hiccup, too.
Requirements for the DOT Physical
If you’re wondering whether you’re going to pass for your full 2-year certificate, you need to know what numbers the doctor is looking for. Remember, for many of these vital signs, there are tiers of risk. High blood pressure might not sideline you, but it could result in a 1-year or 3-month certificate that requires you to follow up to demonstrate your health is maintaining.
• Blood pressure below 140/90
• Diabetes must be controlled with a physician-approved plan
• A1C Test < 10 percent, at examiner’s discretion
• No current diagnosis of cardiac disease
• If the patient has sleep apnea, a control plan must be in place
• Vision must be at least 20/40 with correction
• Hearing must be good enough to hear a forced whisper from five feet away in at least one ear
Some of these factors are just outside your control, but when it comes to your blood pressure and sugar, following through with a healthy lifestyle can make the difference between your 2-year certificate and a major problem in your professional life. Make sure you know your vitals going into the exam, so you’re not hit with any surprises. The best way to do this is a physical with your own General Practitioner a month or two before your exam is due, to help you make yourself aware of any issues you might encounter.
Tips for Your DOT Physical
Doctors recommend following through with these suggestions during the month leading up to your physical to make sure your baseline health is read accurately. This will make it easier for you to meet the DOT physical requirements without trouble. Failing to follow through on these items might not prevent you from working, but it will make your vitals less consistent, which can have unpredictable results.
• Eat and drink healthy foods for weeks before your exam, avoiding fried foods and alcohol, as well as sugary drinks and overly processed foods. This has a range of positive effects on your blood pressure as well as your sugar numbers and other key vital signs.
• Take all prescribed medications consistently for a full month. Use alarms for reminders if necessary. The more your medication schedule remains constant, the more effective those meds will be.
• Make sure you do not run out of any medications during the month before your exam. Medications can take weeks to stabilize again after withdrawal, and the withdrawal symptoms themselves can push your vitals out of range for the exam.
• Make sure any contact lens or glasses prescriptions are up to date and bring them to the exam.
Other Ways to Streamline Your DOT Physical
Your vital signs aren’t the only thing that could slow down your approval at your DOT exam. If you’re looking for how to pass a DOT physical smoothly and quickly, you also need to know how to keep the system working smoothly as your exam paperwork is processed. Here are some tips to help you ease your way through the system.
• Bring any paperwork you have pertaining to your health conditions, including paperwork that demonstrates your treatment plans for conditions like sleep apnea.
• If you have a history of blood sugar issues, paperwork demonstrating the long-term stability of your sugar levels can also be very helpful to the examiner.
• Documentation of all your medications, especially medications for conditions the exam checks for.
Your Health Is Essential
Remember, one of the biggest reasons for the DOT physical is to ensure you are not taking unnecessary risks with your health. The best way to make sure you pass is to keep a healthy routine and to exercise regularly while you’re on the road. There’s nothing that will help your essential vital signs more than a good diet, regular sleep, and physical activity.
