May 19, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - May 19, 2020

Industry Update - May 19, 2020

By Aldous Aldwin

Truck Stops

Truck Stops to Remain Open

As the nation endures the Covid-19 pandemic, truck stops have been working to ensure that drivers have a helping hand. Some truck stops like Iowa 80 have enforced measures to limit the Covid-19 spread while keeping the showers and restrooms open. Loves installed plexiglass at all its stores, restaurants, and truck registers. Petro has remained open and has packaged their convenience store foods in a way that prioritizes customer safety.

FMCSA

FMCSA HOS Rule Updates

The Final Rule features four key changes to existing Hours of Service requirements.

The Agency will increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by requiring a break after 8 hours of consecutive driving and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on-duty, not driving status, rather than off-duty status.
The Agency will modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: an 8/2 split, or a 7/3 split—with neither period counting against the driver’s 14‑hour driving window.
The Agency will modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted.
The Agency will change the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on‑duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.

Jobs

More than 80,000 Jobs Lost Last April

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 88,300 jobs were lost in the trucking industry, a 6.2% year-over-year decline, as the entire economy continues to suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that around 60% of the jobs mentioned are drivers.

Tagsdrivers FCMSA truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Industry Update Did you Know Covid19

Trucker Path App Hits One Million Installs on Google Play [p]The Trucker Path community has rapidly expanded, now with over [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]1.5 million installs[/a] of the app and one million on Google Play.[/p] [h2]Thank You Truck Drivers![/h2] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/02/1millfb.jpg" alt=""] [fbbutton text="Join Our Facebook Community"] [h2]Press release[/h2] [p](MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., February 21, 2017) – [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Trucker Path[/a], creators of America’s most popular trip planning app for truck drivers, announced today that the app has surpassed over 1.5 million installs and is the first in the trucking industry to reach over one million downloads on Google Play. Meanwhile, Trucker Path’s freight-matching marketplace Truckloads app has reached over 250,000 downloads. The milestone makes the Truckloads apps the most installed freight-matching app in the trucking industry.[/p] [p]“Trucker Path continues to evolve as a trusted source of valuable information to help the dedicated men and women of our trucking community,” said Trucker Path CEO Ivan Tsybaev. “It’s remarkable the amount of growth and positive feedback we have received from the industry and it’s a tribute to our dedicated users, developers and the entire team for the shared success.”[/p] [p]Additionally, [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.truckerpath.truckloads?pid=Social Facebook"]Truckloads[/a] is the highest rated freight-matching mobile app in America, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars while the Trucker Path app is the highest rated navigational mobile app for truck drivers with a rating of 4.7 stars via user's Google Play reviews.[/p] [p]Trucker Path features over 6,000 locations where drivers can find available truck parking in real-time by fellow drivers. The crowd-sourced app has over 400,000 monthly parking updates by users and allows a driver to filter parking searches with locations such as TA & Petro, Loves, Pilot & Flying J, independently owned truck stops, rest areas and even Walmarts that are verified to allow overnight truck parking. The app also lists a locations amenities, parking history and reviews from fellow drivers.[/p] [p]Released to the public in March 2016, Truckloads is available to use for free on both mobile devices (Google Play and App Store) and the web. It provides a dynamic marketplace where over 80,000 qualified carriers search through two million loads per month posted by over 700 brokers.[/p] [p]Carriers can enjoy several unique features in the app including unlimited access to premium loads, the ability to customize searches based on seven different factors, as well as view a broker’s credit score and days to pay while calling to inquire about a load directly from the app.[/p] [p]Trucker Path is an all-encompassing ecosystem for the trucking industry. It simplifies the previously arduous process of finding and hauling truck freight by combining navigational assistance and trip planning in the Trucker Path app, allowing carriers with authority to book a load through Truckloads and receive immediate payment after with its freight factoring service [a href="https://truckerpath.com/instapay-freight-factoring/"]InstaPay[/a].[/p]

Feb 22, 2017 • Community

Winter Driving Tips for Truckers [p]Winter is here bringing with it the end of yet another year. For truck drivers though, winter is no different than any other season. It is the same endless driving through city and country roads no matter the season. The only thing that changes is the way you drive because winter brings rain and snow resulting in wet and slippery roads throughout the country. You need to be extra careful and exercise patience as the odds are stacked against you when it comes to driving in winter. Accidents are not uncommon, with many truckers trying their best to meet delivery deadlines. In such perilous conditions, there are certain protocols to follow, including changing your driving style. Let's talk about what else you can do as a trucker to improve your chances of meeting deadlines this winter. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Focus on the Road [/b][/p] [p]If the road is slippery, you need to keep both your hands on the steering wheel and focus on the road. A slight shift in focus, and the next thing you know, your truck has lost control. You mustn't be distracted by anything, be it music, the radio, or anything else.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Reduce Speed [/b][/p] [p]Yes, you need to meet your delivery deadlines, and for that, you need to drive at a certain pace. But you know what they say, it is better to arrive late than never. Therefore, reduce your truck's speed, judge the road's condition, and increase speed only when it is safe to do so. If you drive slow, you can stop earlier and avoid getting into any accidents. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Reduce_Speed.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Avoid Sudden Maneuvers[/b][/p] [p]To protect yourself and others on the road, you should drive a bit smoothly. That means you should accelerate slowly, brake easy, and turn with caution. Do nothing that would decrease your truck's traction and cause you to lose control of your vehicle. It is good practice to keep more than a safe distance between you and the other vehicle in front of you so you can react at the right time. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Use Lights [/b][/p] [p]Your truck's headlights, taillights, and fog lights are your dearest friend in harsh weather conditions. Poor lighting is a recipe for disaster, therefore before you set out on the road, inspect your truck's lights. The important thing here is that while you should be able to see the cars in front of you, others should also be able to spot you from behind. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Use_Lights.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Signal in Advance[/b][/p] [p]Use your signals way before you intend to turn. As a general rule, wait for four to five blinks before gradually turning a corner or changing lanes. If you are driving slower than the traffic, we suggest you switch on your four-way hazard lights to let everyone else know that you are slow allowing them to make adjustments. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Watch the Other Truckers [/b][/p] [p]Veteran truckers are on the road for a reason. They have been trucking for so long that their experience counts for everything. As a beginner, you should learn from them. When big-rigs slow down or pull over, you should too. There is no reason to keep on going if everyone else has decided to call it a day. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Watch_Other_Truckers.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Check the News and Weather Apps[/b][/p] [p]It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to trucking. Therefore, before setting out on your journey, watch the news, check some weather apps, or talk to other truckers who have taken the route you are intending to take. Leave the safety of wherever you are only when you are sure that it is safe to drive. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Try for Traction [/b][/p] [p]When it comes to driving on slippery roads, traction is everything. You need good tires, expert driving skills, and some good luck to make it through winter. The only thing you have under your control among the three is tires. Buy snow tires with a deep tread and with several grooves to get good traction[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/TP-BLOG-Winter_Driving_Tips_for_Truckers-Try_for_Traction.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/p] [p]If it were up to us, we would recommend not driving in winter, but that's for you to decide. Winter driving is dangerous, and no matter what you do, there is always a very high risk of getting into a sticky situation. However, if you do decide to weather through the storm in your truck, then avoid high-risk highways. [/p] [p]You want to avoid the state of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York during the winter, and all the highways going around and through these states. Let's not even talk about Alaska, as that is one place that is always a high risk regardless of the season. [/p] [p]With that said, we wish you a safe winter driving season! What are your winter driving tips? Share them in the comments below. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Dec 29, 2020 • Carriers

COVID19: State of Trucking <h4>By Trucker Path</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b5.png" alt="Trucker Path COVID19" /> <h3><strong>Trucker Path COVID-19 Initiatives</strong></h3> The Trucker Path team is actively monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and preparing resources to assist truckers as they help keep America running. <h2></h2> In addition to providing updates on the Trucker Path <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TruckerPath/">Facebook Page</a>, a dedicated COVID19 thread has been created in the official Trucker Path forum. <h2></h2> A COVID-19 Tracker has been introduced on the Trucker Path mobile app which is available on <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathios">iOS</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathdroid">Google Play</a>. This feature will enable truckers to easily check the spread of the Coronavirus and see insights both for America and abroad, with live updates on infections and recoveries. <h2></h2> Along side the COVID-19 Tracker is the COVID-19 Navigation Tool which has been integrated on the Turn-by-Turn feature to track the latest information regarding reported cases and infected areas and provide alternate routing. </a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b7.jpeg" alt="FMCSA" /> <h3><strong>FMCSA Emergency Declaration to be extended until June 14</strong></h3> The agency's COVID-19 Emergency Declaration has been extended until June 14. The original declaration was set to expire last Friday. Full announcement can be found <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/extension-expanded-emergency-declaration-no-2020-002-under-49-cfr-ss-39025">here</a>. <h2></h2> FMCSA’s emergency declaration provides for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for: Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores Immediate precursor raw materials — such as paper, plastic or alcohol—that are required and to be used for the manufacture of essential items Fuel Equipment, supplies and persons needed to establish and manage temporary housing or quarantines Persons designated by federal, state or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes Persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services </a> <h3></h3> <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b6.jpeg" alt="CDC" /> <h3><strong>CDC Guidelines for Long Haul Truck Drivers</strong></h3> The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recently updated guidelines for long haul truck drivers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some prescribed steps to avoid contamination and reduce spread. <ul> <li>Notify your supervisor and stay home if having symptoms.</li> <li>Make a plan with your employer and your family as to what to do if you become sick while you’re on the road. Include where to stop, where and how to seek medical advice and treatment, and plans for freight delivery.</li> <li>Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet when possible.</li> <li>CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. </li> <li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis.</li> <li>Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.</li> <li>Avoid touching surfaces often touched by others when outside of the cab.</li> <li>Do not share personal protective equipment (PPE) (such as vests, safety glasses, hard hats),tools, phones, radios, or other personal items.</li> <li>Use pre-qualified truck stops or hotels identified by your employer as having appropriate COVID-19 protections.</li> <li>When team driving or ride-alongs are required, wear cloth face coverings inside the truck and avoid sharing bedding in the sleeper berth.</li> </ul> Full guidelines can be viewed <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/long-haul-trucking.html">here</a>.

May 21, 2020 • Carriers