Industry News & Tips for Truck Drivers
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Ready or not, winter is on its way. As a long-haul truck driver, you are likely to encounter all types of winter weather driving conditions during a cross-country trip: snow, ice, sleet, wind, and bone-chilling cold. Any or all of these conditions can occur at the same time, compounding the ordinary hazards involved in driving a truck.
However, winter truck driving does not need to be extremely difficult. You can meet the challenge by taking steps to ensure that your truck is prepared and learn safety measures that can help prevent accidents and protect you if you get stranded.
Is Your Semi Truck Ready for Winter Weather Driving?
Driving in a bad winter storm is often like taking a step back in time. There may be fewer filling stations and restaurants open for business. Cell phone service may be intermittent. The roads will likely be in terrible condition. Traffic will move slowly, if at all. There will be breakdowns, accidents, and stuck vehicles everywhere. It makes for a long, tedious trip and can take a toll on any truck driver.
Prepare Your Truck: 8 Things to Check
Before the cold weather strikes, planning and preparation to stock your truck is essential to keep truckers warm, dry, comfortable and well-nourished. These recommendations will help you safely survive your winter driving challenges.
1. Heater
At best, driving in a cold cab is extremely uncomfortable. In some situations, it could even be dangerous. Check your heater to ensure that it is working properly so that you have time to get the necessary repairs or replacement if needed.
2. Wiper Fluid
Visibility is crucial during the winter months. Be sure that the wiper fluid you use is a winter blend that will not freeze to your windshield. Otherwise, it will have the opposite of the intended effect and obscure your vision. At the same time, check that your wiper blades thoroughly clean your windshield and replace them if necessary.
3. Air Compression
It is no surprise to anyone that slick roads during the winter can cause accidents. Your braking system is your first line of defense. You should check all the component parts to make sure that they are in optimal condition. The power for the air brakes comes from the air contained in the primary and secondary tanks, which is pressurized by the air compressor. As the foundation of your braking system, the compressor should not be overlooked.
4. Electrical System and Battery
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to start your truck and encountering a dead battery. Power drains from a battery more quickly in cold weather. This is true regardless of whether the battery is large or small. Perform a load test on each battery and check its condition and age as well.
5. Chains
Stopping a large truck on slippery roads sometimes requires extra traction. Tire chains can provide it. Some state governments have recognized this and passed laws requiring chains under certain conditions. Learn how to apply the chains according to the manufacturer's instructions and keep them with you at all times. Remember that chains can damage tires and roads if used improperly, so be sure to take them off when they are no longer needed.
6. Blankets and Warm Clothing
Always carry extra blankets and/or a sleeping bag with you when driving in the winter. They can help prevent frostbite if you become stranded and the heater goes out. Check the cab for cold spots, sealing up drafts as necessary. Also make sure you have hats, gloves, insulated overalls, and a scarf to keep warm when you do have to venture outside. Dressing in layers will enable you to dress warmer or cooler, depending on the circumstances.
7. CB Radio
A CB radio allows you to communicate with fellow truck drivers and learn about road conditions. Though it may seem like an outdated mode of communication, for a trucker it can be a lifesaver to stay in touch with other fellow drivers to learn what weather conditions are ahead and whether it is safe to proceed.
8. Emergency Supplies
You should pack supplies that can help keep you safe if you get stranded in winter weather. Examples include an AM/FM radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, water, canned/dried food, flares, reflective vest, hand and feet warmers.
You should also pack supplies that may help you get back on the road again:
- Anti-gel fuel additives and extra fuel filters
- Heavy-duty tow straps
- Sand or salt
- Shovel
- Tool kit
In addition, inspect the belts, cooling system, hoses, and tires for signs of wear. It is not only before cold weather hits that you should do this, but prior to every winter trip.
5 Key Safety Measures
Driving a truck requires that you pay close attention to the road any time of year, but winter weather means you're dealing with a unique set of road conditions. This winter, stay safe by keeping these truck driving considerations in mind when cold weather strikes.
1. Lower Your Speed and Increase Your Following Distance
When snow or freezing rain start to fall, every vehicle on the road is prone to slipping and sliding. How quickly can you react to out-of-control vehicles, ice slicks, snow pileups, and other road hazards?
In the winter, allowing for extra reaction time is essential. That means you'll need to lower your speed, increase your following distance, and add extra driving time to your schedule. Even if you're in perfect control of your truck, remember that the drivers around you might not have the winter driving knowledge that you do.
2. Understand How to Brake Effectively
Braking on slippery roads isn't the same as stopping on dry pavement. Do you know how to brake safely in winter conditions?
When you're driving in snow and ice, always brake as gently as possible to avoid skidding. Remember that anti-lock brakes can cause your truck to slide, but lightly pumping your brakes helps prevent you from losing control.
3. Watch for Black Ice
One of the most dangerous hazards you'll encounter on the road, black ice can appear out of nowhere. Do you know how to identify and avoid black ice?
When a road first starts to ice over, you might not realize that you're driving on a frozen surface. If the road looks wet but doesn't emit much spray, you're probably driving on black ice. Decrease your speed, stay alert, and get ready for slippery road conditions. Remember that other drivers might not notice the black ice, so leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead.
4. Maintain Higher Fuel Levels
Winter storms can shut down roads, close gas stations, and compromise fuel supply. Do you have enough gas to reach your destination?
In optimal driving conditions, you can plan your route to the second, stopping at your favorite service stations or waiting until you're on empty. In the winter, however, you'll need to fuel up more often to make sure you're never at risk of running out of gas in the middle of a storm.
5. Double Check Your Gear
No trucker should leave home without a complete stash of winter driving gear. Have you loaded up your cab with extra clothes, food, and safety equipment?
Winter weather conditions can change quickly, so pack spare layers, a few pairs of gloves, and waterproof boots. Keep your truck running smoothly with extra windshield washer fluid and an ice scraper, and have sand, tire chains, and jumper cables handy in case of emergency. Have a flashlight and some spare batteries on hand in case you need to inspect tires or your trailer in low light. If you get stranded, you'll need to have nonperishable food and plenty of water with you.
Know When to Shut Off the Engine
As a truck driver, you're used to keeping a strict schedule and driving in challenging conditions. However, that doesn't mean you should always hit the road in the middle of a severe storm. Do you know when it's time to pull off, find a safe place to park, and shut down until the roads improve? Do you know if your trucking company has a policy that addresses winter weather conditions? Learning to communicate ahead of time may save drivers some headaches, but there are legal remedies as well.
Under the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA), truck drivers do have the right to refuse to operate their commercial vehicle, free of employer repercussions, when there is fear of serious injury to the driver or the public because of the unsafe driving conditions.
The Act, however, does not provide clear guidance on what constitutes an extreme hazard, so drivers who may refuse to drive in extremely hazardous weather are wise to fully document their rationale for stopping. It is essential to communicate in some written form with your dispatcher to create a record. Means of documentation to support your position may include:
- Photographs of weather conditions encountered, taken while you are stopped. Include any accidents or hazardous conditions you witness.
- Reports of weather conditions from local news channels and the National Weather Service
- Screen images from your Qualcomm and any text message communications regarding your decision to stop
- Name, address, and telephone information of any other drivers encountering the same decision to stop
With these simple tips and information, you will be driving through the winter with less stress and less danger. Nothing can guarantee 100% safety, but prepping your mind and your truck for snow, ice, and cold will help you get home safely.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
The average commercial driver spends nearly 12 hours on the road every day. After endless miles on the highway, and countless gas stations, rest areas and convenience stores, all those hours and miles start to blend together. Boredom just doesn't impact your job satisfaction, but it also affects your job safety. Whether you're new to trucking or a seasoned veteran, these 7 trucking tips and tricks can help you to pass the time, banish boredom and improve your road safety.
What are some Truck Driver Strategies?
1. Rethink Your Music and Try Podcasts Instead
An estimated 85 percent of commercial drivers say that they listen to music while working, and for right reasons. According to John Hopkins University, listening to music doesn't just make you more alert as a driver, but it also makes you more creative, reduces boredom, improves your memory and energizes you.
But music isn't your only option.
If you want to feel inspired, build your career, and uncover new insights and advice, tune in to a podcast or audiobook for truck drivers. Think of it as an audible life class, turning those hours of driving into valuable lessons on relationships, success, mindset and more.
2. Take the Road Less Travelled
Just because the interstate is what you're used to driving doesn't mean it's the best route for you. When you're choosing your route, remember that the quickest, fastest road isn't necessarily the best.
Even if you have a delivery deadline, try and find routes and roads that allow you to explore the area a bit. From scenic vistas to eye-opening landmarks, all of those sights and sounds can help to add a spark to your drive, while you avoid boredom and potentially road construction, keeping you alert and energized.
On a similar note, switching up your habits can also expose you to new experiences and scenes that keep your drive engaging. For instance, visit a coffee shop you don't normally stop at, or grab dinner at a different truck stop or restaurant. Anything to get you out of your rut and break up your subconscious routine can help to make your daily drive more entertaining.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet and Pack Fun Snacks
Unfortunately, many commercial drivers and truckers struggle with eating a healthy diet. It's not likely you'll always find a salad bar or nutritious snacks at your average truck stop.
But the food you eat can not only entertain you through a variety of textures and flavors, but the food you eat is directly correlated to your energy levels, alertness and attentiveness as a driver.
While every driver is different, a few nutritional tips can get you started:
- Begin each day with a healthy, well-balanced breakfast to lay a nutritional foundation for your day
- Be cautious of your over-reliance on caffeine and other stimulants
- Stay hydrated, which affects your energy levels and all other marks of health
- Avoid overly processed foods that are common at truck stops, such as candy bars, high-sodium chips and snacks, and foods with a lot of refined, processed ingredients
You may also want to stock your truck with healthy snacks that provide entertainment and something to do while on a long-haul drive:
- Nuts and seeds
- Granola bars
- Pre-cut veggies, such as carrot sticks and sliced bell peppers
- Healthy dips, such as hummus
4. Bring a Stimulating Book
Tap into the wisdom of books (or audiobooks) the next time you're pulled over for a nap, or catching some shut-eye at a hotel or AirBnB.
Having a book gives you something to look forward to when on a long-haul drive, and also provides entertainment and food for thought as you drive and ruminate on what you just read.
5. Stretch Your Legs
Whenever you get a chance, and whenever your driving schedule allows, pull over and stretch your legs. Regular exercise and physical activity is a proven energy-booster and boredom-banisher.
And while truckers may struggle with staying active on a long drive, there are many exercise options for drivers:
- Pack dumbbells, exercise bands and other portable equipment in your carb for use at rest stops
- Go for a walk whenever you have the opportunity to do so, even if it means simply parking at the end of the lot and walking up to the store or facility you're visiting
- Using bodyweight exercises, such as burpees or squats, when delivering your load
Even something as simple as bodyweight exercises in your truck cab when you are paused at a red light can help to keep you mentally and physically strong
6. Use Mental Games
Keep your mind alert, and boredom at bay, with mental games that anchor you in the present moment and help you to stay engaged on your drive.
For example, you might:
- Look for specific makes and models of other cars while you drive
- Watch for other commercial drivers, and maybe even chat with them on your CB radio
- Keep an eye out for landmarks or symbols
7. Try a New Job
Right now, there's a massive shortage of commercial drivers and truckers in North America. If you've been driving for the same company for a while, and keeping to the same routes, switching things up by signing up with a new employer or taking on a new route can make your daily tasks more entertaining and less boring.
CDLjobs.com has hundreds of job opportunities posted right now. From coast to coast, trucking companies are looking for drivers like you to get their cargo to its destination. Switch up your daily routine, add some excitement to your job, and search hundreds of trucking employers and trucking jobs.
Whatever your route, and no matter your schedule, staying entertained and engaged as a commercial truck driver helps to improve your safety and your job performance.
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- Written by: Marialis Perez
Do you love driving to new places and across states? Are you looking for a new job? A career in truck driving awaits. For some, it’s more than just a career. It’s a way of life, an adventurous one.
There are plenty of opportunities for truck drivers across the country. Long-haul truck driving is an industry that’s on the rise and will steadily be in demand for a foreseeable future. No wonder why more and more people are applying as truck drivers.
However, before you can be a truck driver, you need to meet certain requirements like completing a driving school, passing a CDL written test, being of a certain age, and passing a medical evaluation.
Is Truck Driving a Good Career?
If you are still unsure whether or not becoming a truck driver is right for you, these benefits and advantages may convince you:
1. Stable Income
A job that pays well surely beats other careers. While it’s not always about the money, it’s still safer and more practical to work in a job with a stable income. A long-haul truck driver, depending on one’s experience, pays from $50,000 to $100,000 a year. Not to mention the bonuses and pay raises. It’s an industry that promotes equal pay among men and women. It even pays better than other jobs that require a college degree.
2. Truck Driver Benefits
On top of the stable income, truck drivers can also expect to receive great employee benefits. Many trucking companies provide additional benefits to their employees. These include vision, dental, medical, and life insurance. Some companies even offer paid vacation and great retirement plans.
3. Job Security
It’s not enough that the income is great. More importantly, many of us seek job security. And that’s something that a career in trucking provides: job security. As long as you don’t neglect your duties and continue to do your job efficiently and safely, then rest assured that you won’t get your job taken away from you soon. With the demand in truck driving continually on the rise, companies will continue to rely on truck drivers like you to perform your duties.
4. Flexible schedule
One thing that a career in trucking guarantees is this: you will have a flexible schedule. Schedule flexibility is not something you get from other kinds of jobs. Many trucking companies offer a flexible work schedule to their drivers, to ensure a work-life balance. This means that you will still be able to spend time with your family and pursue other things. You may be on the road most days, but have an option to choose your schedule.
5. You get to see wonderful places.
With truck driving comes wonderful travel opportunities. You get to see and visit many parts of the country while doing your job. While you may be spending days and even weeks on the road, the fun and thrill of exploring many places across the country is an experience of a lifetime.You even get to sightsee and explore the cities and towns during downtime. It’s a great job, especially for those who love travel and adventure.
Want to become a truck driver? Consider your options and start working on becoming one today.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
In recent years, we’ve watched new technology revolutionize the biggest industries in the world. The trucking industry could be next. With our current era of accelerated technological progress, innovation is inevitable.
Rapid application of new tools could transform the way the trucking industry operates before we know it. From the truck driving simulator to the electric semi truck, a vastly different looking process of transporting goods could be on the not-so-distant horizon.
New Technology iN Trucking Supports Green Initiatives
President Joe Biden’s push for zero emissions has put electric trucks back in the news. With a growing number of prominent federal lawmakers directing their attention to combatting climate change, more focus has been put the production of motor vehicles that emit no waste products that pollute the environment or disrupt the climate. This new demand for environment-friendly transportation, coupled with our ongoing technology boom, creates a unique opportunity for electric semi trucks to burst onto the trucking scene.
People who work in the trucking industry are aware that curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is in all of our best interests. Fossil fuel reductions in personal vehicles have become highly popular. And although the challenge of developing a semi-truck that runs without diesel may have seemed impossible, electric heavy commercial trucks are expected in the coming years.
Many companies are already trying to step up and become the leading electric transportation company. Tesla touts their electric semi as the “safest, most comfortable truck ever,” also claiming it provides maximum power and acceleration while requiring the lowest energy cost per mile. Volvo is releasing a new regional hauler electric semi truck in 2021, but they’re only able to offer 150 miles of range between charges. The Nikola Two by Nikola Motor Company, however, is starting small-scale production of their electric semi in 2021, which offers up to 900 miles of range per charge.
Suppliers are yet to iron out all of the kinks that come with inventing a new market within the automotive industry, still facing major obstacles such as scale, price points, and battery technology, among other issues. Despite these problems, at some point transportation professionals should be ready for a massive influx of electric trucks in the industry.
Truck Driving Simulator
New technology is reshaping the way driving trainees prepare for their CDL test and future career in the trucking industry with the truck driving simulator. This new invention allows students to learn how to operate a massive commercial motor vehicle by accelerating their knowledge skills, and experience, without ever facing the dangers of actually getting behind the wheel of a real semi.
Truck driving simulators provide students with first-hand experience to see what driving a big rig is actually like, teaching them how and when to shift gears, what their sight lines are, and how it feels to be in the driver’s seat of a tractor trailer, but they don’t have to feel the fear and intimidation that comes with driving a truck for the first time. Anxiety levels are far lower when operating an 18-wheeler simulator when compared to really driving an 18 wheeler, allowing inexperienced student drivers an opportunity to learn.
Truck simulator training is valuable to trucking technology and to the trucking industry at-large for a number of reasons. First, truck simulators provide a fantastic, safe alternative for students who are not yet ready to drive a big rig. Additionally, students can learn hands-on skills, like shifting, significantly faster. Moreover, simulators reduce the cost of truck repairs because beginning drivers often wreak havoc on the trucks that they use to prepare to get on the roads. Truck driving simulators have received high praise from many of the top CDL training programs and it’s reasonable to suspect that these simulators will continue to grow in relevance in coming years.
Self-Driving Semi Trucks
Some companies are also trying to launch tractor trailers that are completely self-reliant from pickup to delivery with no human on board. San Diego startup company TuSimple is set to test its self-driving semi truck as early as this year with the goal of proving that a “driver-out” trucking demonstration isn’t just a science project, but rather an innovative advancement in engineering that has a lot of advantages. By 2024, TuSimple plans to start selling their driverless trucks to fleet operators.
Autonomous trucking companies have received their fair share of blowback because of the logistics and safety of their undertaking. Many believe that no matter how much technology is implemented or how smart trucks get, they’ll always need to have a driver behind the wheel. A future of trucking without truck drivers seems unlikely, as the government will inevitably get involved in the process of regulating any self-driving semi, heavy-duty trucks will always require skill and intuition from the driver, and the supply of autonomous semi trucks isn’t nearly large enough to satisfy the vast trucking industry.
Convenient Lifestyle Technology for Semi Trucks
Much like the car, SUV, and pickup truck industry, semi-truck manufacturers have made electronic pleasantries standard trucking technology items in the latest models. Many of the recent models are outfitted with Bluetooth capabilities, integrated GPS systems, SIRIUS radio options, the latest climate control systems, and many others.
This trend only makes good common sense given that truck drivers spend more time on the road than people in just about any other occupation. Truck makers have also gone a step further by readying semis for upgrades and personal options. Many of the late-year models can seamlessly be accessorized with these and other helpful gadgets.
- Mini Refrigerators
- Coffeemakers
- Video Screens for Downtime
- WiFi Boosters
- Echo Dot (Alexa)
Basically, any electronic gadget that a car, SUV, or pickup truck can utilize, today’s semis can handle in spades. Hard-working Americans need not surrender their lifestyle while delivering America’s goods and materials. And like the car manufacturing industry, heavy load trucks have never been easier to handle.
Automatic Transmissions Trending in Truck System Technology
The age of steering wheels that required significant upper-body strength to handle has gone the way of the dinosaur. Many of the other hyper-physical aspects of working as a trucker are extinct as well. Late-model semi-trucks utilize the same next-generation technologies as even high-end automobiles. Enhanced power steering, advanced braking systems are standard in new models.
What may surprise people considering a high-paying career as a professional trucker is that more and more semi-trucks are coming off assembly lines with automatic transmissions. Yes, people who were once worried about their ability to manage a heavy truck’s shifting in critical situations can put that apprehension behind them. The fundamental thinking behind this trend is that automatics can improve driver safety in the following ways.
- Reduced shifting allows truck drivers to improve focus on the road.
- Removing unnecessary shifting helps reduce driver fatigue.
- Reduced shifting improves a driver’s ability to take defensive action in critical situations.
- Automatic transmissions enhance vehicle performance.
Truckers won’t miss a beat as automatics emerge as the new normal because automatics don’t miss a gear.
Improved Safety and Convenience in Truck System Technology
As fleets swell their ranks with the latest, technologically advanced semi-trucks, decision-makers will have a wealth of add-ons to consider. Trucking technology experts have taken a long look at the operations side and created options that can improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. These are optional technologies that many trucking companies are finding beneficial.
Routing Technologies
This offshoot of truck tracking allows fleet managers to review the time and efficiency of deliveries as the truck moves from stop to stop. Hand-selected or traditional routes can be re-examined for inherent time deficiencies that may arise from traffic, road construction or other impediments. Known as “dynamic routing,” emerging technologies allow for rerouting or rethinking pickups and deliveries using hard data. Shaving time off routes can prove valuable.
Dash Cams
If you have watched a police show on television, it’s abundantly clear these devices provide fact-based information. Fleet operations are finding that the advanced technologies in dashcam video add-ons can save them money by lowering the risk of potential collisions and fraudulent insurance claims. When a crash occurs at no fault of the trucker, the dashcam video provides evidence.
Truck Driver Scoreboards
This technology reviews driver habits and identifies areas that may require improvement or further training. Driver “score-carding” has proven beneficial for upstart drivers who may have habits such as hard braking, excessive acceleration, and other areas that put people at unnecessary risk. While carriers enjoy the cost benefits of improved fuel efficiency and lower the risk of accidents, it can be a useful tech mentoring tool for beginner drivers.
Collision Technology
Emerging collision mitigation systems are re-inventing the tools truckers have at their disposal to avoid crashes. It’s well-known that personal vehicle drivers are not always aware of the necessary safe distance required for a fully loaded truck to effect a complete stop. Newer semi-trucks are being equipped with improved sensor technologies that monitor crashes ahead and assist drivers in taking defensive actions. Some of the new sensor systems are being retrofitted into older vehicles and those with outdated technologies.
Many of these new inventions should be embraced as they will usher in a more profitable, environmentally friendly, and safe life on the road in the coming years.
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- Written by: Lauren Gast
Being a woman in trucking can be an incredible and stressful experience. Trucking is seen as a dangerous and dirty job and it is; that doesn’t mean women can’t do it. More women are entering the trucking industry because it's a stable job that offers great benefits. It’s important that women have the tools they need to stay safe while on the road. This article will provide tips for female truck drivers to stay safe while driving long distances as well as staying safe at rest stops.
6 Safety Tips for Female Truck Drivers
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
This is the most important tip for truck driver safety. Always be aware of your surroundings when outside of your truck. Truck stops can be pretty dangerous places. Many truck stops have poor lighting making it hard to see potholes or other obstructions and easier to get robbed. When at a truck stop, don’t stare at your phone, watch your surroundings. Park in the front line if you can, or under a light if that’s not available. Don’t walk between trucks as this makes it harder for you to be seen. When sleeping in your truck, take great measures to ensure the doors are locked. You can even loop the seatbelt through the door handles so that, even if the doors were to come unlocked, no one would be able to get in.
- Plan Bathroom Breaks
Bathroom breaks aren’t something that male truck drivers have to think about and plan out as much as women. When you’re on the road, bathroom break locations can be few and far between. When planning out your route, also plan your bathroom breaks. You should always be well stocked with the appropriate materials in case of an emergency. Sometimes supervisors are insensitive to female needs, it’s better to be on the safe side and have everything you require in your truck.
- Choose your Carrier Wisely
When choosing a carrier, you want to make sure you find a company that will respect you. Truck driving has been a male dominated industry for a long time and some carrier companies may not respect female truck driver safety the way they should. Truck Driver Institute’s South Bend, IN truck driving school, for example, is known for helping graduates find the carrier that best suits their needs with free hiring services for all students. You want to find a company that will listen to your needs and concerns and work with you to implement necessary changes. Finding the right truck driver carrier will take a lot of research but it will be worth it to join other women in trucking. When searching, take a look at the people they have driving for them. If they have several female drivers employed with them, they may be a good company for you.
- Have the Appropriate Gear
A large part of truck driving is being prepared for many things. While you can track the kind of weather you’ll be driving into, nothing is guaranteed. Stay prepared by having some of these keeping some of these essentials in your truck.
- Rain coat
- Flashlight/headlamp
- First aid kit
- Boots
- Work gloves
This is not an exhaustive list of truck driver safety essentials but it's a good place to start. It’s a great idea to have a first aid kit in your truck because you never know what kind of medical issue may arise be it big or small. A flashlight/headlamp is always helpful in case you must inspect your truck at night. Truck inspection is something you’ll learn at Truck Driver Institute’s CDL training Louisville, KY area school. When inspecting your truck, or doing any other kind of truck related work, it’s good to have work gloves. Work gloves will protect your hands from any unnecessary injuries and will come in handy more often than you think.
- Always Have Your Own Food
There are a lot of opportunities to purchase food on the road. While these options may be convenient, they’re not always the best or healthy. Many new trucks have mini fridges on them so it’s easier to pack your own food and not have it go bad. Bringing your own food gives you healthy options while on the road and minimizes the number of times you have to risk your safety by getting out of your truck. Being seated for long periods of time can be bad for your health, but if you’re traveling at night, it’s safer to stay in your truck than leave to get food.
- Talk to Other Female Drivers
Having a support system can help you be a successful woman in trucking. As the field grows, and more women become a part of the trucking industry, it’s important to reach out and talk to others. By talking to other women in transportation, you can stay connected and safe while on the road. Truck Driver Institute’s CDL training Indianapolis students, for example, have discussed how having other women in training can be encouraging as you enter the industry. CDL training is a great time to make connections with other drivers and learn the secrets of the trade from instructors.
Join the Women in Trucking Today!
More women are entering the trucking industry every day and you could be one of them. Truck Driver Institute is a CDL training program that has many different locations all over the United States. Its program is efficient, 3 weeks long, and affordable.
The more women who enter the trucking industry, the faster there can be positive changes to make the industry more diverse and inclusive. There are a lot of stereotypes surrounding truck driving, many people believe that you have to be tall and strong in order to be a truck driver. This may have been the case years ago, but it’s not anymore. There are many automated systems that don’t require you to have to lift or pull anything. Truck driving is an industry that anyone can be a part of and with these truck driver safety tips, you can join the women in trucking and get your career on the road.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Truck drivers frequently suffer from common injuries due to the long hours spent behind the wheel. Unnatural posture often results from prolonged periods of sitting, and as a result, truckers are highly susceptible to low-back, knee, leg, and foot pain. The truck driver workout routine in this article is vital to stabilizing the muscles that often cause truck drivers pain and discomfort while on the job. Use individual exercises as necessary to stabilize and strengthen the specific areas you have problems with, or combine multiple exercises for the ultimate trucker workout!
What is Gas Pedal Knee?
Truckers regularly report having knee pain from driving, which is most commonly caused by damage to the connective tissue at the knee joint. Issues are often caused by patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee or gas pedal knee, resulting from prolonged periods of pushing on the gas and/or brake pedal. The following exercises could help you avoid leg pain from driving:
Straight Leg Raise - Adduction: Lie on your side with your bottom leg straight and your top leg bent in front, placing your foot flat on the ground. Slowly lift your bottom leg up, keeping it straight, and hold the raised position for 2-3 seconds before slowly returning to the initial position. Complete 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions for each leg.
Standing Hamstring Curl: Standing on two feet shoulder width apart, lift one foot up by bending your knee and rising your heel towards the ceiling while keeping your toes anchored and the rest of your body still with good posture. Hold your leg at a fully flexed position as far as your range of motion will allow for 3-5 seconds before lowering your leg to the starting position and repeating the movement with your opposite leg. Do 3-4 sets of 12-15 repetitions for each leg.
Glute Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground in alignment with your hips. Firmly pressing your shoulder blades into the floor, slowly raise your hips and squeeze your glute muscles and hold that position for 2-3 seconds. Maintain a flat back throughout the movement; do not allow your low back to arch. Perform 2-3 sets for 10-12 repetitions.
Tips to avoid Foot Pain
Foot pain from driving is another persistent injury found among professionals working in the trucking industry. Luckily, exercise programs can address these issues by developing the musculoskeletal system, which directly influences a persons’ potential risk of injury. These exercises could help if you’re experiencing gas pedal foot pain:
Plantar Fascia Stretch: Standing with both hands against the wall, place one foot forward towards the wall with the other slightly behind. Keeping your heel firmly planted on the floor, lift your toes and press against the wall while pushing your body toward the wall. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds for each leg for 3-4 sets.
Toe Spreads: Sit on a chair with both feet firmly planted on the ground. Next, spread your toes as far apart as your range of motion allows and hold that position for 15-20 seconds before relaxing the foot. Then, repeat this stretch 3-4 times.
Marble pickup: Sit on a chair with both feet flat on the ground. Place two bowls in front of you: one empty and the other full of 15-20 marbles. Using only the toes of one foot, pick up each marble and drop it in the other bowl. Then, using the other foot, move the marbles back into the original bowl. Repeat this process 2-3 times.
Low-Back Pain
The National Academy of Sports Medicine found that nearly 80% of all adults have been affected by low-back pain at some point in their life. This percentage is likely even higher among trucker drivers because one of the greatest predictors of low-back pain is sitting for periods of time greater than three hours. Try these exercises and watch the linked video demonstrations if needed:
Partial Crunch - Lie down on your back, placing your feet flat on the ground with your knees bent and your hands under your low back. Slowly raise your head and shoulders until you can feel your core muscles contract, then hold that position for one second before slowly returning your head and shoulders to the floor. Be sure not to move your hips, like a sit-up motion, to keep from putting your low-back in a comprising position. Perform 10-15 repetitions for 3-4 sets.
Wall-Sits: Lean your back against a wall and slide into a squat position. Make sure your back is flat against the wall and your knees are at a 90-degree angle, so that your thighs are parallel to the floor. Press your back flat against the wall to assist your legs in maintaining proper posture. Perform 2 sets holding this position for as long as you can without sacrificing posture.
Bird Dog: While on your hands and knees, make sure that your back is flat and parallel to the ground. It is important that your back is both flat and parallel to the ground the entire time while performing this movement. Remove two opposing balance points at the same time by reaching back with your left leg and reaching out with your right arm. Then return to your starting position, and complete the same motion with your right leg and your left arm. Complete 8-12 repetitions for 2-3 sets.
Incorporate this Truck Driver Workout for Comfort
These are some of the best exercises for truck drivers to avoid pain while driving. Use these movements and stretches during your rest period to feel more comfortable during long-distance travel and to strengthen your low-back, knees, and feet.
It is important to remember this article is not medical advice or a treatment plan. This content is for general education and demonstration purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always consult your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.
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- Written by: Tyson Williams
Every February in the United States, the country comes together to celebrate Black History Month. There is tremendous value in looking back to recognize the important people and events in American history that would not have happened without black men and women. The transportation industry has profited from countless innovative ideas, achievements, and acts of service by black Americans that continue to propel our industry and our country as a whole. In this article, we will highlight just a few of the notable African Americans in transportation industry history.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks became a canonized household name in American history after she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. Her bravery inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the first large-scale protest against segregation, that lasted for over a year before desegregating busses in Montgomery. Activism continued after gaining momentum from the Parks-led Montgomery Bus Boycott, creating a larger movement that ultimately ended all segregation of public facilities nationwide.
Garrett Morgan
Garrett Morgan became known as the “Father of Transportation Technology” due to his innovative contributions to the industry. In 1923, when automobiles were still relatively new and accidents were abundant, Morgan invented the traffic signal. The idea came to him after he witnessed a fatal accident between a car and a horse-drawn trolley that unfortunately ended a young girl’s life. Traffic lights are still used today and have made roads all across America an exponentially safer place.
Robert Abbott
Robert Abbott was a publisher in Chicago who creatively used coast-to-coast rail transportation networks to distribute and consequentially popularize his newspaper, The Chicago Defender, starting in 1905. The work of the paper focused on civil rights issues and eventually became known as “America’s Black Newspaper” around the country.
Abbott and his staff were forced to find alternative ways to distribute their writing because of the racial discrimination they endured from the traditional national newspaper distributors of the time. Abbott benefitted from utilizing Pullman porters, who worked on the sleeping carts operated by the Pullman Company, to spread Abbott’s newspapers. Thanks to Abbott’s ingenious use of the transportation system to circumvent the traditional supply-chain, The Chicago Defender became the first African-American newspaper with far-reaching influence to be in mass circulation.
Frederick McKinley Jones
Frederick McKinley Jones invented the mechanical transport refrigeration unit, contributing enormously to the presence of today's reefer freight haulers. Before this innovative idea, transporting food was wildly inefficient because the only way to keep foods cold during transport was to keep the freight on blocks of ice. Jones’s invention made it possible for long-haul trucks and railroad cars to transport fresh and frozen foods around the world, an absolutely game-changing proposition for the transportation industry.
Jones won the National Medal of Technology in 1991 for his creation, becoming the first African American inventor to ever win the award.
Meredith gourdine
Meredith Gourdine was an Olympic Silver medalist and a graduate of Cornell University. After college he became a United States Army officer and later received his doctorate in engineering from California Institute of Technology. He is credited for his development of an exhaust purification system. His invention, designed in 1967, is referred to today as the catalytic converter, which helps to minimize environmental pollution by reducing harmful emissions released into the air. With over 30 patents, Mr. Gourdine was a true pioneer of energy conversion.
CDLjobs.com is honored to look back and appreciate some of the historical black figures who have made transportation the great industry it is today. We celebrate the diversity among truck drivers, trucking companies, and driver recruiters and their ability to build an even greater industry in the future.
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- Written by: Kate Williams
Professional truck drivers will often tell you that life on the road is a lonely experience, and while many drivers excel in solitude, some wish the experience was different. Many trucking companies are seeing the writing on the wall and expanding their policies to include team driving job opportunities for their drivers.
While some corporate leaders may worry about the potential conflicts arising from two people operating in such close quarters over long durations, many others see the benefits of team driving over solo operators. People can mitigate common conflicts through scheduling and task management. However, more importantly, a team driving experience can improve the psychological health of solo drivers.
The Significance of Team Driving
Many companies tend to overlook the effects of being alone on a truck day in and out. Researchers suggest that feelings of isolation can reduce productivity by up to 21%, meaning that lonely drivers tend to be slower and less attentive on their routes.
Being alone for long periods can also lead to depression and weariness. Truck drivers are cut off from their families for weeks at a time, and no amount of phone time is enough to recover from time away from your children. Having someone else to share the traveling experience and burden can help mitigate feelings of isolation and depression. Still, for a team to be truly effective, they need to know how to work together.
How To Make Your Partnership Work and Last
It is not enough to put two hard-working drivers together; you also need to match personalities and driving styles. While having two people with conflicting personalities can work, it more often leads to distraction and frustration, leading to failure over the long run.
The key to creating a lasting driving team is to focus on the three elements of successful team building: common ground, individual roles, and outside socialization. However, while it is easy to say these things, team building is an intricate process, and each area requires equal participation and commitment.
Find Common Ground
Did you know that 97% of workers believe that a team's lack of alignment affects performance and project outcomes? While not every team member needs to think and act the same, they must find common ground, especially when working in a truck.
The purpose of a partnership is to get a reprieve from solitude and feel like you are still a part of the world. While two truckers need not mesh on every issue, it is beneficial to have similar interests outside of work. Perhaps they both enjoy the same music, or both have families. The goal is to match people with similar styles and interests to establish a strong foundation for a lasting partnership.
Discuss Individual Roles
Before committing to a partnership or assigning a partner, it is critical that drivers participate in some communication training. Nearly 86% of workplace failures stem from ineffective communication. Therefore, it is fair to assume that team drivers who cannot communicate openly will not last as partners. If a company wishes to avoid such driver turnover problems, some focus on positive communication strategies is necessary.
The team will need to discuss individual roles and responsibilities. They will need to lay out specific sleep schedules that abide by federal and state regulations. More importantly, however, each team member must feel they have a voice and the respect of their partner because, without those things, conflict is inevitable, as is team failure.
Socialize Outside of Work
Many trucking companies will favor married couples for team driving because of their communication skills and proven teamwork. However, automatically viewing married couples as capable driving partners is often oversimplified because the small shared space is a strain on any relationship.
Instead of focusing on the potential for two people inside of a truck, consider ways of building trust and communication before the added stressor of a long road trip. Socializing outside of work can improve communication patterns by nearly 50%. Therefore, if people can share time outside of work, they may stand a better chance against truck driving long and confined hours.
There is growing evidence to support the long-held belief that solo truck driving leads to poor physical and mental health. Many trucking companies now understand the importance of addressing this current crisis for new and existing drivers, which is why some companies are now allowing for team drivers; some are even encouraging it.
There is a growing opportunity for team driving jobs, and do not count yourself out of luck because you don’t currently have a partner. Many employers will assign partners, allowing you to enter the potentially lucrative transportation field without the fear of isolation. However, before committing to a team opportunity, make sure you understand the three aspects crucial to team-building: common ground, communication, and socialization.
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- Written by: Tyson Williams
Pete Buttigieg (Boot-Edge-Edge) has been nominated as President-elect Joe Biden’s Transportation Secretary. Buttigieg is the former mayor of South Bend, IN and gained significant national recognition during his 2020 presidential campaign. If confirmed as Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg would make history as the first openly gay person to lead a Cabinet department.
Biden confirmed reports of Buttigieg’s nomination via Twitter. In a tweet, Biden said, “Mayor @PeteButtigieg is a leader, patriot, and problem-solver. He speaks to the best of who we are as a nation. I am nominating him for Secretary of Transportation because he’s equipped to take on the challenges at the intersection of jobs, infrastructure, equity, and climate.”
Buttigieg tweeted a statement of his own accepting the nomination. “This is a moment of tremendous opportunity—to create jobs, meet the climate challenge, and enhance equity for all. I’m honored that the President-elect has asked me to serve our nation as Secretary of Transportation.”
“Innovation in transportation helped build my hometown,” Buttigieg went on to say, “and it propels our country. Now is the time to build back better through modern and sustainable infrastructure that creates millions of good-paying union jobs, revitalizes communities, and empowers all Americans to thrive.”
Buttigieg’s announcement echoed Biden’s comprehensive plan to Build Back Better from the COVID-19 pandemic. The recovery plan aims to create millions of good-paying jobs and provide immediate relief to working families, small businesses, and communities.
Build Back Better is one of many plans Biden detailed that would directly impact the trucking industry. To “build back better,” Biden and Buttigieg will ensure that the future is “made in America,” and in all of America; build a modern infrastructure and an equitable, clean energy future; create a 21st century caregiving and education workforce to help ease the burden of care for working parents; and advance racial equity across the board in America.
As a top candidate in the 2020 Democratic primaries, Buttigieg was the first prominent millennial and LGBT presidential candidate in one of the two major political parties. After Buttigieg dropped out of the presidential race and immediately endorsed Biden in March, Biden was propelled as the frontrunner among Democratic candidates.
The Road Toward the Transportation secretary Nomination
The nomination has received mixed feedback. Critics of the news attack Buttigieg’s lack of experience. As mayor of South Bend, Buttigieg did not manage transportation operations on a massive scale. The city, with a population of just over 100,000, has fewer than two dozen public bus routes.
Advocates for the newly nominated Secretary of Transportation point to his successful leadership on transportation initiatives as mayor. Buttigieg secured $200 million in private investment in downtown South Bend, funding that would spark citywide job growth and facilitate innovative private partnerships that improved city transportation. Additionally, he revitalized the city by redesigning city streets and spurring major economic investment through his Smart Streets initiative that brought life to what was once thought of as a “dying city.”
Others celebrate the move for its historical significance. President of the Human Rights Campaign, Alphonso David, said in a statement that Buttigieg’s “voice as a champion for the LGBTQ community in the Cabinet room will help President-elect Biden build back our nation better, stronger and more equal than before.”
Buttigieg replaces another “first” in the Department of Transportation. Elaine Chao, who served as President Donald Trump’s Transportation Secretary, was the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President’s Cabinet when she served under President. George W. Bush as the Sectary of Labor from 2001 to 2009. Both Buttigieg and Chao are graduates of Harvard University.
Confirming the Next Department of Transportation Leader
There is little reason to suspect Buttigieg will not be confirmed as the next Transportation Secretary. Historically, only three Cabinet nominees have been rejected in the past 100 years. A series of Republican senators told Politico that they would vote to confirm President-elect Biden’s Cabinet nominees as long as they are “mainstream.”
GOP Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said in November that, “If (Biden) does win (the election), then he will have the right, I think, to a Cabinet. I don’t mind voting for people I wouldn’t pick or have a different view than I do. I’m just not going to vote for a socialist.” In the presidential primaries, 38-year-old Buttigieg was widely regarded as a younger alternative to 78-year-old Biden since the two share many moderate views.
The timetable for when the Senate will vote on Buttigieg’s appointment is unclear. Democratic Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has repeatedly lobbied for confirmation hearings to begin immediately after the Georgia Senate runoff election on Jan. 5. However, it appears far more likely that Republicans will opt to wait until after Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 to begin voting on Biden’s Cabinet appointees, including Secretary of Transportation-elect Pete Buttigieg.
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- Written by: Tyson Williams
A new president brings a lot of uncertainty to the trucking industry, but it also brings a lot of promise. On the campaign trail, Joe Biden laid out plans that would make an enormous impact for truck drivers across the country.
Here is what the new Commander in Chief could mean for the industry:
Essential Workers
It’s no surprise to anyone in the industry that truck drivers are “essential” workers. Our country can’t function without truckers — you remember the toilet paper shortages! Biden has laid out a plan to support essential workers like the truck drivers that society depends on.
Here’s Biden’s plan: First, ensure all frontline workers qualify for priority access to personal protective equipment or PPE, COVID-19 testing, and any other forms of emergency COVID-19 support. Next, establish and enforce health and safety standards for the workplace. Finally, enact premium pay for the workers putting themselves at risk by working amid a global pandemic.
Truck drivers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their safety will be prioritized, and their paychecks will benefit because of their necessary work in these times of high-risk. Truck drivers have protected America during this pandemic, and these steps by the Biden administration say that the federal government is finally ready to return the favor.
COVID-19
The top priority on day one of the Biden administration is controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden has repeatedly stated that he will listen to scientists by ensuring that public health decisions are informed by public health officials. Specifically, he’s advocated for a nationwide mask mandate, doubling the number of COVID testing sites, significantly ramping up the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), and following CDC guidance on the implementation of social distancing and lockdown measures.
If these measures are successful, Biden’s more active federal response would massively boost the trucking industry. Defeating the raging public health crisis is the fastest way to reopen the country. In doing so, getting people back inside of stores, buying products, and doing business results in more freight being transported around the country. Finally putting COVID-19 in the rearview mirror isn’t just great for our health, but the economy and the trucking industry specifically, too.
Economic Optimism
When Joe Biden was inaugurated as Vice President in the Obama administration, the Dow Jones Industrial Average sat as low as 7,939.39, per Yahoo Finance Dow Jones Industrial Average historical records. The same records say that during their administration, the Dow more than doubled, an increase of nearly 130 percent, to 18,175.56.
Economic progress continued under President Donald Trump, but at a slower rate than the Obama-Biden years. Markets are now at their highest levels in history, and they reacted positively to Biden’s recent win in the election. From November 2nd to November 9th, the day before the election to the first day the markets were open after official sources called the Presidential election for Joe Biden, the Dow rose by 2,232.92 points. Since the election news broke, the Dow Jones reached a new all-time high when it surpassed the 30,000 threshold for the first time in history.
A higher level of confidence in the economy means that manufacturers, builders, and other companies are more likely to ship goods, creating a giant boost in the trucking industry. Times of economic optimism around the country advance the outlook for the freight market, and in turn, promote trucking.
Infrastructure
One in five miles of United States highways is in “poor condition.” Despite being the richest nation in the world, the World Economic Forum ranks the United States 13th in quality of infrastructure. Biden says that is “unacceptable,” so he has committed to making unprecedented investments in America’s infrastructure to bolster the competitiveness of the middle class.
The Biden administration will propose to immediately allocate $50 billion in the first year of his presidency to repair roads, highways, and bridges across the nation. To faster break ground on these projects, Biden says he will expedite construction permits, as there are already hundreds of billions of investments backlogged.
Key initiatives like the Highway Safety Improvement Program will see an increase in federal funding to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the road. A noteworthy practice of the program done by the Strategic Highway Safety Plan coordinates a comprehensive framework for statewide safety measures to make roads as hazard-free as possible.
Improved infrastructure and safety programs aid in protecting truck drivers from potentially dangerous situations on the road. These initiatives couldn’t come at a better time either, as the industry is primed to boom in post-pandemic life after society returns to normalcy.
Made in America
The proposed tax policy from Joe Biden indicates another cause for optimism in the trucking industry. As part of Biden’s Build Back Better plan, he has announced two bold new steps to create a future that is “Made in America by all of America’s workers.”
The first step is to change the tax code to promote domestic manufacturing by establishing a Biden Offshoring Tax Penalty and a Biden “Made in America” Tax Credit. This policy would close some of the tax loopholes that corporations take advantage of under our current tax law.
The second step involves a series of executive orders that Biden will sign in the first week of his presidency that ensures that the federal government is delivering on its obligation to use taxpayer dollars to Buy American products and support American supply chains.
Bolstered domestic manufacturing is great news for the trucking industry. With products being made within the United States own borders, truck drivers should see a greater demand in business thanks to these changes to the tax code.
Over the next four years during the Biden-Harris administration, the country will undoubtedly undergo countless changes. Many of their policies will directly impact truck drivers and the trucking industry as a whole: ensuring truckers’ safety while working in a pandemic, enacting premium pay for their work, improving our infrastructure, rewarding American companies for manufacturing and transporting products domestically, containing the ongoing pandemic, and more. It’s crucial to understand these policy proposals, so we can hold our elected leaders accountable for enacting the legislation that would benefit the trucking industry.