Jan 08, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - January 8, 2020

Industry Update - January 8, 2020

By Paul DeCoste

Transitioning to New Trucker Path ELD?

Take a look at these resources for self on-boarding to your new Trucker Path Pro ELD:

Blog Post:https://truckerpath.com/blog/self-onboard-your-new-eld/

Web Application On-boarding:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCAhI4Byb5E&feature=youtu.be

Mobile Application On-boarding:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBAr9Lo9cpg

Cab Card Link:https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ab7f1d6a5-0ebd-4dc3-b9e4-f55dcbe9071c

Did you Know?

The FMCSA is increasing random drug screenings from 25% to 50% in 2020?

The rate of drug screenings was initially reduced from 50% to 25% in 2016 but is being raised again. With 3.2 million CDL holders participating in interstate commerce and 1 million CDL holders participating in intrastate commerce, there will be more than 2 million random tests organized in 2020.

Trucking Tip of the Week

This week, Love’s announced that 10 of their existing locations will now have Truck Care Centers and Speedco facilities. Take a look at which locations have been upgraded and are now accessible if you need tire, lube or mechanical services.

Diesel

How are diesel prices determined?

The price for diesel is established like most retail goods, by the shift of supply and demand in the market. But, interestingly enough, the wholesale price for diesel does not always translate to the retail price for the same good. Retail prices are determined solely by each individual enterprise that sells diesel to consumers via gas stations and fuel stations. The “rack price” is a term used to refer to the daily wholesale price of diesel and there are many different resources available to keep tabs on the diesel rack price across different wholesalers.

Celadon Employee Payout

This week, Celadon was granted approval to pay $4.6 million to drivers and employees that did not receive paychecks when the company shutdown. A federal bankruptcy judge granted this approval. This order allows $3.4 million to be spent on unpaid compensation and termination benefits for former employees, $900,000 to owner operators, and $300,000 owed for employee benefits. Although the company is approved to pay out the drivers and employees that deserve their finals paychecks, Celadon is not bound to do so.

TagsTruckloads drivers Truck Truck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking FMCSA Trucker Path Freight Factoring Trucking Industry truck stops Truck driver tips Owner Operators Freight Brokers Industry Update Did you Know Technology Trucking Tips transportation

Trucker Spotlight - Wazeer <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/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Wazeer-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Wazeer</strong>, better known as the viral TikTok Trucker, Trucker Wazeer, who creates vibrant, informative, engaging, and humorous ( depending on who you ask) videos about his experience as a Truck Driver. Born and raised in Houston Texas, he can read music, and also went to film school. Let's get to know "Wazeer" and his experiences as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I was at a dead end financially and a crossroad in my life. I wanted a change of scenery and direction. At my lowest point of hopelessness and frustration I got the call from the company that I now drive for. They explained that they were hiring and if I was willing to relocate to Dallas for 3-4weeks they would assist me in getting my CDL. Out of fear, I was reluctant to go into the trucking industry. Despite my irrational fear of big rigs, I knew this could be the pivot I was looking for to change my life. I decided to take the plunge into CDL school. Sink or swim, I was not leaving Dallas without my CDL. <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> Being that I began my journey to become a Trucker during the covid pandemic, there was shortage of truckers. Over the course of my 10 months OTR, the demand has only increased, even as the restrictions of the lockdowns have for the most part subsided. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start doing TikTok?</strong></h3> My younger sister suggested it to me. She told me many people on TikTok were interested in new careers paths due to covid. Boy was she right. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> A respect for the truck is critical. If you respect the truck it will provide for you. If you do not respect the truck it will cost you in many ways. The biggest way could be your life or someone else’s life. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> Coming down Donner’s pass in California for the first time. That was my first Mountain. I will never forget the feeling of the truck responding to gravity in that way. I had no idea how it would feel to have the truck accelerate from just the weight of the load going down an incline or grade. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model? </strong></h3> I love my Kenworth T680 <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I am in love with all kinds of media. Music, film, and television. I would like to fuse all of them with my new found fame as a representative of the trucking industry. I would like to demystify what it is like to be an OTR trucker, so that people may consider it as a possible career. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Wazeer-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> I love Love’s for fuel. I fly to Pilot for their food. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> The first time I broke down was the worst because it was my first. I knew the protocol but the feeling of trucks flying past me while being stranded on the shoulder was uncomfortable to say the least. <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 love that the <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path app</a> shows icons for places I may need to go to on my route without me searching. The fact that I can also filter what those place are is the cherry on top. Very well designed and executed. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Your peace of mind is everything. Be measured and focused. Trip planning relieves a ton of stress. Drive safe even when you are late. Use Trucker path. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Wazeer-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on TikTok?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my TikTok, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@truckerwazeer">truckerwazeer</a>. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Apr 21, 2021 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Natasha <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/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Natasha</strong>, who's a 27 year-old trucker/Youtuber and was born and raised in Hawaii. She's been driving for 1.5 years as a team owner operator together with her husband. She likes to make people laugh and smile through her Youtube videos. She and her husband are team owner operators. Let's get to know more about Natasha and her trucking adventures. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> From watching other Youtuber truckers on youtube actually! At that time, me and my husband had nothing to lose but sell everything we owned and join the trucking world. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-1.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> Since I haven't been driving long enough, the one thing I have noticed is that the trucking industry is getting bigger by the day! Theres so many diverse truckers, you have to stay open minded dealing with everyone across the country on a daily basis. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I've always filmed random Youtube videos since I was 16 on old channels. I was bored one day trucking and uploaded one for fun, and slowly more people watched and asked me to post more. So thats how it snowballed into me uploading videos full time now! I wanted to post videos to help other truckers with owner operator questions I had when I first started. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Since I'm always with my husband, I'd appreciate some alone time, but I'm always grateful that we have each other. Sometimes, i miss my family and friends since it can be hard to see them. Having my little toy fox terrier dog with me has really made trucking it best! <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> The hardest thing so far for us during COVID is food. Most fast food places did and still are closing the lobby and only opening drive through which we definitely cant go through. Also many restaurants closed all together, in the beginning especially we ended up eating canned soups, ramen, TV dinners, etc a lot. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> I like the newest Freightliner Cascadia's interior features the best, the outside is slick too, but my favorite thing is they made every tiny thing very user friendly and more livable. We had an older Freightliner before. It's WAY different in their new ones. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I started investing in real estate a few years ago. I only own 1 house so far, but plan on continuing to build my portfolio over the years to come. Also, I dream of being a mom one day to a lot of kids and dogs! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> Russells in NM is one of the coolest - it has a car museum inside. We like Quicktrips, and Mavericks, their fuel is usually the lowest in their area, and they're clean and have good food. Many Jack Flashes are brand new and have tons of food options and a shop inside. Of course we found all these stops on Trucker Path! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> For us it's learning the different trucking seasons of the year and how it affects our rates, each season we have to adjust the routes we do in order to do well. Also, since I drive night shift, finding a place to stop for a break or sleep is the most difficult thing sometimes, it's crowded out here for trucks! The other thing is finding a decent bathroom/shower or any at all, sometimes I have to just toughen up! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> Regular car drivers! They're always chillin in your blind spots not paying attention, and of course they like to cut in front of trucks really fast which is always a dangerous situation. We have to drive and break so differently than regular cars, so driving around a lot of cars can be stressful. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucker essentials?</strong></h3> My morning travel bag I found on Amazon, it's big and I need it 2x per day so it has everything I need when I first wake up to right before I go to sleep. Another trucker essential is having everything in the truck as mini sized as possible since our space is limited. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> As owner ops, we use the <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a>'s fuel prices the most! Secondary to that would be the restaurant tab to see what food is at each stop. Then, the trip planner to find stops along your route is very cool, especially when going cross country twice a week like we usually do, its a long trip to plan! [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/ts-natasha-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strongWhat are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Be patient and stick with it, everything will be 200% harder at first, but eventually even the smallest things will get easier and better almost without trying. You will feel very rewarded after some time, and it all will be worth it! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtbBerWrhRFN7E-aJ-5M7g">Youtube Channel, Natasha Trucking</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vY6NQ5-x6Qo" 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>

Dec 11, 2020 • Carriers

10 Safety Tips for Hitting the Road this Winter <span style="font-weight: 400;">Navigating the road during winter can be difficult even for expert truckers. During this season, truckers have to put up with icy roads, poor visibility, and reduced traction while driving a big rig. However, implementing preventive safety precautions can help you sail smoothly throughout winter without any major problems.</span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Vehicle Inspection</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Before anything else, you need to ensure that your truck is in the best shape to survive the tough conditions of the winter season. See your tire pressure, antifreeze levels, and engine oil before your trip. If you have the time and the means, have a mechanic inspect your vehicle. This will help ensure that your vehicle can withstand the harsh conditions during winter.</span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Watch Your Speed</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Accidents during the winter season mostly happen due to overspeeding. Driving through an icy road can result in poor traction. This is why it’s wise to compensate by reducing your speed. Going easy on your accelerator also gives you a longer reaction time should things go south. </span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Allot Extra Space</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">While driving on wet roads, stopping distance is usually twice more than normal. However, stopping distance increases to 10 times more than usual on icy roads. This is why you have to leave lots of room between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. Doing this will keep you out of harm’s way during accidents.</span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Be Smooth</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Don’t do any sudden movements on icy roads. Refrain from sudden brakes, acceleration, etc. Should you find yourself in a sticky situation, lightly pump your brakes. Be sure to keep your speed consistent. Avoid doing anything that will reduce your traction on a slippery, icy road.</span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Pay Attention to Tire Spray</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">One quick way to assess the road’s condition is to observe the water coming off the tires of surrounding vehicles. More water indicates wetter roads. Meanwhile, less tire spray indicates icy roads. This should prompt you to exercise more caution while driving. </span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Light the Way</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Visibility can decrease relatively due to poor weather conditions. Don’t forget to turn your headlights on while driving. This allows other drivers to keep a safe distance from your truck. </span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Be Evasive</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Be evasive on snow-covered roads. This is relatively better instead of sudden and hard braking. Decelerate your truck slightly and carefully maneuver through obstacles to avoid collisions.</span> <h3></h3> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span><b><i>Avoid Extreme Conditions</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">If the weather seems too severe, pull over. There’s no point in risking a drive during extreme weather conditions. Your safety should always come first. If the weather gets too extreme, find a safe way to get off the road and wait until it’s safe enough to drive. </span> <h3></h3> <h3><b><i>Prepare Yourself</i></b></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">After you’ve ensured that your vehicle is ready for winter, it’s time to prep for the cold weather. Be sure to carry warm clothes and thick blankets. It won’t hurt to bring miscellaneous items like a flashlight, shovel, matches, traction devices, etc. You would never know when these things may come in handy. It’s also to make sure you have roadside assistance for trucks should you encounter trouble on the road.</span> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <span style="font-weight: 400;">During a whiteout blizzard, visibility is compromised. This will make it difficult to see traffic lights and road signs. Stay safe by looking twice before proceeding on intersections or one-way streets.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Truckers are constantly being tested on the road. As winter begins, it brings with it obstacles that make driving challenging. During this season, it’s important to exercise caution while driving. These tips can help prevent accidents and mishaps from happening during the drive.</span>

Nov 26, 2019 • Carriers