Apr 05, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 5, 2019

Industry Update - April 5, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

On April 3, 1974, the worst series of tornadoes ever recorded hit the US and southern Canada. With over 50,000 people affected in total and six states declaring a State of Emergency, many big rigs were sent in to do the cleanup. Xenia, Ohio was the first hit and it would need three months and over 200 trucks to finally cleanup the disaster.

Trucking tip of the Week

Its that time of the year again. Spring is here which means warmer weather and concern about your tires needs to be at the front of your mind. As the weather warms, the amount of air pressure in your tires and the tread remaining on them will really start to show. Lower air pressure means more friction on your tires. More friction that your tires create, the more stress that is placed on them. Be careful out there.

Toll Road Fight

OOIDA and the National Motorist Association, for now, have lost its bid against the state of Pennsylvania to remove the tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. On April 4, 2019, US District Judge Yvette Kane approved a motion by lawyers for the turnpike and the state of Pennsylvania to dismiss the charges that claimed over $6 billion in tolls had been collected illegally since 2007.

Truckers to the Rescue

As I have long stated, this country would fold without the work of truckers. Here is some more proof of that. With the flooding and devastation that has occurred across the Midwest, farmers and ranchers are having a difficult time keeping their heads above water, let alone that of their cattle. Knowing their plight, truckers have come to their rescue with hay to help get them through. Where would we be without the American trucker?

Regulations

With so many regulations, and general vagueness that the personal conveyance rule is written, it is no wonder FMCSA’s Joe DeLorenzo had to field so many questions at MATS surrounding the issue. His message was simple: “Don’t over think it.” He basically stated that if what you are doing is for personal reasons, looking for food, parking, etc. then it is personal. If it is not personal, then it falls under hours of service. It does not matter if you are hooked to your trailer or not.

TagsFMCSA Did you Know Trucking Tips tires OOIDA tolls Pennsylvania Joe DeLorenzo spring Xenia Ohio Tornado Rescue Regulations personal conveyance

Trucker Spotlight - Fredrick Claxton <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Fredrick Claxton</strong>, who's also known as Choicemas on Youtube. A trucker since 2016. Born and raised in NY, he's a creative soul who loves music and art. He didn’t come from money and faced many serious challenges in life. A father of 3 beautiful and brilliant children and has been Married for 27 years. Let's get to know "Choice" as his friends call him and his life as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Tell us more about who Fredrick is. Any trivia?</strong></h3> I love my dogs “Milkshake” and “Brooklyn” raised, trained, and bred Pitbulls for a better portion of my life. I’m a thrill seeker, as me and my daughter jumped out of a perfectly good plane over the Gold Coast of Australia landing on the beach last year. I love to build my relationship with the MOST HIGH, and I am extremely interested in cultures, how people think and move, behaviors. I’m somewhat of a compulsive thinker. <h2></h2> Here is a short story about when I was 3 years old. My parents were in the Military and it was about 7am in the morning and my mother heard a knock on the door: clueless to who it could be so early in the day she woke and opened the door only to see a complete stranger holding my hand in one hand and a big wheel tricycle in the other hand. My mother was taken by surprise and was very thankful for the stranger bringing me home. When my mother asked where he found me, the stranger explained that I was casually riding my tricycle down the side of a road. The theme of the story has stayed with me throughout my life. I’m always ready to go, ready to travel, fearlessly setting out on new adventures. <h2></h2> The Star of my YouTube Channel is my 9 month old, beautiful mixed Pitbull puppy, “MILKSHAKE”. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> I am the Co-Founder and president of the “Truckers Feeding The Homeless” organization. In the past 2 years we’ve fed and clothed over 1,000 less fortunate men, women, AND CHILDREN in Louisville and Dallas. This year we will be feeding 300+ less fortunate people in Houston, TX... as well as supplying them with hygiene packages and clothing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I was working in the same job for 15 years, facilitating classes to Motivate and inspire Management teams with GAP Inc. also forged relationships with Community based Orgs such as Habitat for Humanity, Fred’s Pantry, and AIDS Walk NY. Unfortunately, the company’s direction was not what it was when I started. I decided I wanted a change. I like music, I like driving, and I live traveling. I thought about getting a CDL and pursued it. I chose Flatbed and enjoyed the position very much. <h2></h2> Now I have my own of my trucking company, STC Trucking LLC. STC stands for stop the clock which is the theme and titles of my live feeds. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I’m not sure I’ve been around long enough to speak to what’s changed significantly. I hear seasoned veterans speak of the significant changes and differences all the time. May would say the HOS and ELD mandate, however I began my career in the ELD time. If I had to say something about significant change, I would say that more and more drivers, especially new generation drivers are becoming more and more aware of the Truck Stops, Mega Carriers, taking full advantage of drivers in ways that do not show an appreciation for what we do. Truck driving is listed in the TOP 10 Most dangerous jobs in the world, and many are away from their families, and there are truck graveyards out here that unfortunately are locations where lives were lost. This country, this WORLD can not and will not move without Trucks. Everything and anything from the grass and front lawns of neighborhoods, to the nuts and bolts of technology, to the building supplies, to the... list goes on. Look around. With that said, many new generation drivers are steering their way into their own trucks as Owner Operators, giving them more power, control, and a say out here on the road. <h2></h2> Something that really NEEDS to change (which I think would be a great question to ask) is compensation!!! Even the Militaries that protect countries NEED trucks. Why is that truck drivers are being compensated with border line poverty salaries? I truly believe all truck drivers should make no less than 80k a year if not six figures. Too much sacrifice, and very dangerous, and unhealthy to receive less than. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start your Choicemas Youtube channel?</strong></h3> My mother was fighting cancer at the time. Knowing she couldn’t join me on the road, she wanted me to document my travels. So, she purchased a GoPro action camera for me. Soon after posting videos, for my family to watch, I received a considerable amount of feedback from other truckers. Especially truckers new to the industry, as well as others considering acquiring a Class A License. I received a substantial amount of email, and comments on my videos stating how inspired and encouraged they all were, and thanking me for creating the videos and documenting my journey. In turn, they inspired me to built the YouTube Channel. <h2></h2> My friends and family calls me "Choice”. It is a handle I was given by friends in High School. They also nicknamed me “M.A.S” (pronounced like *mass). MAS is an acronym for Mind And Spirit. Hence the name, “Choicemas”. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> Patience, Resilience, Foresight, Safety Mindset, Time Management <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-6.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> I had a “Ghost” or “Spirit” encounter on the road at night in Montana in the dead of winter. I’m not crazy, and they say seeing is believing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3> The 389 Peterbilt, as it is a classic, clean, and mean looking machine. It is a beautiful truck. I now finance a 2021 Black & Chrome 389, and enjoying every minute of it going down the road. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I dream of owning a ranch/farm in the desert with an outdoor kitchen and an in-ground pool. And in 2 years I will have that dream. I also dream of traveling the world to as many different countries as possible, and will live to explore each culture and aim to create an intimate relationship with every new culture... the way of life, the culinary, the art, the music, and most of all the people. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-7.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> I can’t say that I have a best truck stop. I like 1-80 Wolcott just because I like to browse the store really. I frequent LOVES truck stop the most only because they offer the best in rewards. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> I got jammed up in a Blizzard in Lake Tahoe for 5 days in 2017. Worst blizzard Lake Tahoe had seen in 5 years a resident told me while getting something to eat in a nearby gas station. I also had to dig my truck and trailer out of the snow. After 5 days of snowfall the snow was up to my door and the trailer completely snowed in as well. I ended up parking in the street as there was nowhere else to park and Bull dozers plowed around me every day and night. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> I do use <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> every day. The features I enjoy the most are “Places”. It would also be amazing if I could be able to pull Gyms and Wellness centers up in the “Places” feature soon. It would also state that TP considers the health of drivers. I love that I can check the reviews of each place and especially WalMarts to see if parking is allowed (for trip planning purposes). I also like the breakdown it gives of each place, listing such things as Laundry, Fuel, Truck Service, Etc. One thing I don’t see on there are “Pet Bathing Services as some of these truck stops have them. I use the Map constantly. It really helps me to escape traffic jams when I need to get off at a random exit to move around a traffic jam. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Tips for aspiring truckers: Never give up, have a mindset that speaks “failure is NOT an option. If you must start your career with a mega carrier, get your 2 years experience, keep your license clean, no accidents or tickets, and you can choose your path after that. Choose a smaller company, get away from the Mega Carriers and KNOW what you want and what you DON’T want, and go for it!!! NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS!!! PRACTICE self-advocacy in any situation and with any employer. Over communicate. It is imperative to communicate as much as possible with dispatch, brokers, shippers, and receivers. It will save a ton of headaches and unexpected challenges if a driver is 2 steps ahead and has all the information they need as well as provides all the information they can. Be considerate!! There is a list comradeship out here that once existed. Be the better man/woman and give positive energy ALL the time, as it will return in a positive way. For Flatbedders a serious piece of advice would be dress for the weather. It can be freezing outside, but that doesn’t mean we have to be freezing. If you dress correctly it will not intimidate you. Hiking socks are the way to go ALWAYS, because they let your feet breathe in the summer and keep your feet warm in the boot in the winter. Several pairs of gloves, base layers, bibs, and more. There are plenty ways to stay warm out here. I do. [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Fredrick-Claxton-8.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/choicemas">Choicemas</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dvvw7KwR-y4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Mar 26, 2021 • Community

How to Kick-off your Trucking Career [p]If you like road trips and you get excited by the idea of earning money while living ‘life on the road’ then trucking is for you. Trucking is one of the biggest industries in the world and extremely important for the survival and efficient function of an economy. As such, trucking not only helps support the economy, but also helps build it. At the moment around <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-industry-facts-us-truckers-2019-5-1028248577#truck-drivers-earn-less-than-most-americans-in-terms-of-annual-income10">6% of all the jobs available in the U.S are in the trucking industry</a> with more than 7 million people working in the industry right now. The number is growing each year as dependency on trucking increases.[/p] [p]That sounds like an industry where the future is secure and employment guaranteed if you are good at the job. Sounds good right? It sure does but before you can get anywhere near a truck you need to fulfill some obligations like getting a license, choosing a trucking company, and more. Follow the steps below to get started with your stint as a truck driver. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/2-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Make Up Your Mind [/b][/p] [p]It is extremely important to get yourself mentally ready before even thinking about getting a license. Trucking sounds exciting but the job is mentally and physically taxing. At times you are required to sleep at truck stops, in cheap motels, or inside your truck's cabin. There aren't many decent places to take a shower and you will eventually run into some dirty truck stops. You may also meet some rude people which will definitely test your patience. Most importantly, you are away from your family for lengthy periods. Therefore, never decide in haste. Sit down and think about it but once you make up your mind do not look back as only excitement and adventure come ahead.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/3.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Apply for a CDL[/b][/p] [p]The first step on the road to becoming a truck driver is to get a commercial driving license (CDL). The CDL is divided into three main categories in North America: [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/cdl_types.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p]If your goal is to become a big-rig driver then you need a Class A license. To get that you need to enter into a trucking school. This institute is much like a driving school except in a trucking school you are taught advanced methods of driving a large vehicle. There you will be required to practice and hone your skills both in the classroom and on the field. Generally, trucking school starts at $3,000 for a beginner program. You may avoid paying the whole cost of the trucking school by availing of some financial aid options. If you sign with a carrier before graduation, they may cover some of your educational expenses. Some schools in areas with trucker shortages may also offer scholarships to its students. You are eligible to apply for a Class A license once you have completed at least 160 hours or roughly 10 weeks of training. [/p] [p]Once you have that many hours under your belt simply go to a state-mandated testing facility, pass your test with flying colors and you are good to go. Afterward, you need to go to the licensing authority in your state where you will be required to show your identification, proof of state residency, your Social Security Number (SSN),and proof of passing the CDL exam. The training program for a CDL can last for 3 to 4 weeks so if you are motivated you can get started with your trucking career within a matter of months. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/4.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Pick A Trucking Company[/b][/p] [p]The next step in your road to becoming a truck driver is choosing a good trucking company. There are many good local and national companies across America. That is a good thing because you have the power to choose and differentiate between various trucking companies. As such you should always look for renowned companies that have a good name in the industry. The last thing you want is to end up in a trucking company that is not financially stable and that doesn’t provide you with job perks. [/p] [p]A good company may provide you with health insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, sick leave pay, and more. So choose wisely but don’t waste too much time stalling![/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/5.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Accept the First Good Job [/b][/p] [p]Most newcomers in the trucking industry waste time by waiting for the right opportunity, the “perfect route”. But that is not advisable. You are a fresh trucker who has just gotten his/her license. It is better to get some and any experience under your belt as soon as possible. Ultimately, the number of hours you spend driving will help you in the future to move up the ladder to better trucking companies. That can also lead to better job perks, better opportunities as a trucker, and a handsome salary. If you wait, a very good trucking contract may come your way but that is a rare possibility. By then, your peers would have moved further up the ladder on to greener pastures while you start late and experience the grit of a newcomer in a tough industry. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/p] [p]It is not very hard to get into the trucking business if you have the right mindset and you are motivated. Yes, you may face financial burdens in the beginning but seeing that the <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/06/america-keeps-on-trucking.html#:~:text=More%20than%203.5%20million%20people,occupations%20in%20the%20United%20States.">average trucker</a> makes $50,000 - $60,000 per year the initial burden might not feel a lot to bear. However, you would have to spend time away from family but in the end, all of this is worth the effort. The trucking industry is here to stay and you can make the most of it while having a grand adventure and enjoying the magnificent views in your big rig! [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Sep 08, 2020 • Carriers

Trucking Industry Update January 11, 2019 [p]By Jeremy Feucht <strong><u>[p]Did you Know?</u></strong> [p]What is arguably the most popular song about truckers, “Convoy” by CW MCCall reached #1 on the pop charts in the US on January 10, 1976. <strong><u>[p]Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong> [p]The beginning of a new year means preparing for tax season. Staying organized should always be a top priority. Make sure to collect your medical expenses, your statements from your brokers and/or factoring company if you do not have them already. <strong><u>[p]Autonomous Trucking</u></strong> [p]TuSimple, one of the first autonomous startups in the US has begun its commercial trips. Running mainly in the regulation-lite Arizona, TuSimple is running <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2019/01/07/autonomous-trucking-startup-tusimple-is-taking-3-to-5-commercial-trips-a-day/">three to five trips per day with 11 trucks</a>. Their desire is to have 40 trucks by June and to be running into Texas within the next couple of months. While they claim to be fully autonomous, their vehicles always have two people in the cab. The first is behind the wheel and the second is going over the data the truck provides from the trip. <strong><u>[p]Regulations</u></strong> <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/driver-issues/fmca-says-no-to-california-rest-rules?rq=California%20fmcsa">[p]The FMCSA ruled</a> that the state of California could no longer require drivers to take a half hour break every five hours on duty. The federal rule is a half hour break after 8 hours on duty. A petition created by the ATA and the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association challenged the California ruling and won a victory however, it may not last long. <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trucking-companies-exposed-liability-risk-165621944.html">The Teamsters Union is appealing the decision</a>. <strong><u>[p]Technology</u></strong> [p]Daimler announced this week at the big technology conference, CES, that they will be selling semis that have the capability to keep the <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trucking-companies-exposed-liability-risk-165621944.html">truck from drifting out of their lane beginning in 2019</a>. Much like passenger cars and SUVs have adopted over the last couple of years, Daimler feels the same technology would be beneficial to truckers as well. Like we have stated several times in the past couple of months, CEO of Daimler Trucks North America Roger Nielsen, states that fully autonomous vehicles are a long way from becoming a reality.

Jan 11, 2019