Jan 24, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - January 24, 2020

Industry Update - January 24, 2020

By Paul DeCoste

Industry Update

Curious about the top issues discussed in the trucking industry in 2019? Take a look at this graphic from the ATRI Top Industry Issues 2019 survey.

Weather Update

This snowstorm has been building up over the past few days and drivers need to be aware of some potential snowfall in the Midwest. The following locations should be driven on with caution for the weekend; Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chicago and South Bend, Indiana.

Pilot Name Change

Just yesterday, Pilot Flying J announced that they are changing their company name to “Pilot Company”. This new corporate name is meant to, “serve as an umbrella that captures the total portfolio of the business as it continues to expand its retail and energy operations.”

Driver Saves Lives

Linden O’Donnell went out of his way to put out a car fire and help several motorists. He was driving on the right side of Interstate 280 when he witnessed a car smash into the back of a stalled SUV. Thankfully the SUV was empty, but the passengers of the car were barely conscious and in need of help. As fire crept from the engine to the cab, Linden ran to grab his fire extinguisher and put out the flames. This allowed Linden to safely assist the drivers out of the car and out of harm’s way. His courage and ability to react deserves the honor he is receiving.

New Tech

This pilot study done by American Electric Power and Nissan Motor Co., is testing the reuse of old batteries to reduce costs for electric cars. This new process has the potential to lower system costs by one-half and even extend the power of lithium batteries by one-third.

TagsTruckloads road closure Truck Driver Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Freight Factoring Trucking Industry truck stops Truck driver tips Freight Broker Owner Operators Freight Brokers national truck driver appreciation week Industry Update Did you Know Trucking Tips MATS 2019

Industry Update - May 26, 2020 <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b9.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b9.jpeg" alt="" width="600" height="312" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4941" /></a> <h3><strong>Load Volumes are Up by 7 Percent</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/another-great-week-for-load-volumes-now-up-7-year-over-year">Load volumes are up 7% versus last year even as import volumes are down.</a> Traditional produce markets in the Southwest have contributed to the largest monthly changes in volumes (Tucson, Phoenix). The rapidly improving consumer spending data is also playing a role in this growth. The reopening of most states is unleashing the pent-up demand from Americans who have grown tired of being on house arrest. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b13.jpeg" alt="Availability" /> <h3><strong>Truck Availability Falls 17 Percent</strong></h3> The availability of trucks on the spot market dropped 17.5% even if spot freight volumes on major lanes continued to grow last week., This is a probable sign that capacity is shifting to the contract market as industries open up. <h2></h2> Pricing power remains with brokers and shippers. <h2></h2> Here are the national average spot rates through the week: <ul> <li>Van: $1.55 per mile, 8 cents lower than the April average</li> <li>Flatbed: $1.86 per mile, 8 cents lower than April</li> <li>Reefer: $1.97 per mile, 4 cents higher than April</li> </ul> <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b10.jpeg" alt="Amazon" width: 100%; height: auto;/> <h3><strong>Amazon Invests $4 Billion to Keep Employees Safe</strong></h3> In a Youtube video posted by Amazon, it revealed to have allocated $4 Billion on COVID-related initiatives to get products to customers and keep employees safe. Here's a breakdown of their initiatives. <ul> <li>Shipped 100 million masks to employees and partners</li> <li>To deliver 6 million meals</li> </ul> Watch the full video below. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yxQrMO2gcnY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

May 26, 2020

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde <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> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5004" /></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jake</strong>, who recently started a Youtube channel "PinoyTruckerInUSA" where he shares his experiences being an over-the-road Filipino truck driver. He mostly drives in the Midwest and has been trucking for 5 years. We are stoked to get him to share some insights regarding the trucking industry. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5010" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I've always been an adventurous person and I love to travel so when I found out about trucking, I thought it would be perfect for me. Because of trucking, I was able to live my life freely and help my loved ones. It truly is a job that I enjoy. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How are you holding up with the COVID-19 situation?</strong></h3> A few of my current struggles include the lack of loads i’ve been getting which lowers my overall income. Aside from that, I have really put some effort in enforcing some safety measures for my own health and safety. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Can you share some safety measures that you have been doing?</strong></h3> I protect my self by following the standards of social safety distancing, wear masks at all time, and I always wash my hand. I have my own protective gear too. I'm also lucky to have been provided free masks by some shippers. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5001" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the significant changes you've noticed in your 5 years of trucking?</strong></h3> Back in the day, trucking was complicated because of the lack of technology. But now, apps like <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> helps so many truckers because it’s user friendly and easy. I’ve been using this app for some time now and I highly recommend it to truckers. It’s basically an all-in-one platform for truckers. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems that you have encountered while trucking?</strong></h3> A few troubles I’ve encountered are heavy traffic in the cities, road rage from other drivers, and the fact that some don’t let you pass at all. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5013" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> As a truck driver, i’ve been through a few amazing roads but my favorite is Oregon. The scenic views are mesmerizing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any difficult routes for you?</strong></h3> Some unusual roads I’ve driven is probably in New Jersey and New York. When I first started solo driving, I've found the road too confusing and difficult. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5007" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any tips for aspiring truck drivers out there?</strong></h3> I have 3 tips for aspiring truckers: Always think of your safety , pay attention, and slow down. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> You can find me on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxb1GZCJKAveF-ZF-BQkl4A">Youtube channel, "PinoyTruckerInUSA"</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZwRqkBedFU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 04, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - December 5, 2019 <h4><strong>By Paul DeCoste</strong></h4> <h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3> It is a safety violation to replace your truck seat with a <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/nebraska-state-patrol-finds-unusual-violation/">lawn chair…</a> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Weather Report</strong></h3> Pennsylvania and New Jersey have <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/states-issue-truck-bans-ahead-of-snow-storm/">issued travel bans for vehicles</a> in lieu of a massive snowstorm. Vehicles affected are double trailers, empty trailers, RVs, motorcycles, and non-commercial vehicles hauling trailers. This travel ban went into effect at 6 AM on Monday, December 2<sup>nd</sup>. <h3></h3> For more information on which roads are blocked from travel, take a look at the Pennsylvania DOT Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation/">https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation/</a> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Regulations</strong></h3> California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that it is <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/carb-suspends-imminent-ghg-rule-trailers">suspending the enforcement of its greenhouse gas trailer standards.</a> The original standards could be met by adding features to trailers that reduce aerodynamic drag, upgrade the tire pressure monitoring system, introduce low-rolling-pressure tires or other weight reduction methods. <h3></h3> These standards were set to go into effect on January 1<sup>st</sup>, 2020 and had to be met by manufacturers of new trailers. However, due to the lack of federal enforcement and confusion among the definition of a “new trailer”, the CARB has suspended the implementation of these rules for the next two or three years. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>ELD Update</strong></h3> The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is warning <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/cvsa-warns-truckers-no-soft-enforcement-for-eld-deadline/">that there will be no leeway on December 17<sup>th</sup></a> for drivers that have no transitioned to approved ELDs. <h3></h3> Look out drivers! The CVSA says that on December 17<sup>th</sup>, any driver caught without an FMCSA approved device will be considered to have no record of duty status and will be declared out of service for 10 hours. That’s valuable time that no one can afford to lose! Make sure your ELD is in line with the FMCSA rules: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/general-information-about-eld-rule <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Trucking Industry Serving the Community</strong></h3> Truckers serve the community in many different ways and styles. <a href="https://www.trucker.com/drivers/drivers-industry-leaders-lead-through-charitable-work">Here are just a couple of foundations making a difference this Christmas season:</a> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>The Convoy of Care</strong> – Founded in 2016, Convoy of Care delivers critical supplies to families in need after natural disasters. They have delivered supplies to multiple states across the US and even found a way to get supplies to the Bahamas.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>The American Logistics Aid Network</strong> – The ALAN provides free logistics support to disaster relief organizations before, during and after natural disasters.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>CFI</strong> – CFI has been donating through its Truckloads of Treasure event since 1993 and has collected over $800,000 in donations from employees and contractors alike. They choose multiple charities to support each year and even hold fundraising events like chili cook-offs, silent auctions and ugly sweater contests.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>XPO Logistics</strong> – XPO supports the Ohio based non-profit, Elves and More which helped surprise over 800 children with bikes during the 2018 holidays. They even donated 500 bikes for a Christmas in July event this past summer.</li> </ul> <h3></h3> <ul> <li><strong>Wreaths Across America</strong> – Drivers throughout the industry look forward to participating in Wreaths Across America, a foundation that coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations across the nation. Drivers support by delivering wreaths to different locations and even participating in the wreath laying events.</li> </ul>

Dec 05, 2019 • Carriers