May 03, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update May 3, 2019

Industry Update May 3, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

On May 1, 1931, Herbert Hoover dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City. The tallest building at the time would not have been possible without the use of cranes, trucks and other specialized equipment. Demolition of the Waldorf hotel which stood in the spot where the Empire State Building would be built, began in 1929. Soon after, cranes and cement mixers were sent in to help with the construction of the 102 feet tall building.

Trucking tip of the Week

Allergies are a big problem for some this time of year. If you have any allergies, make sure you keep documentation in your truck. Bees, yellow jackets, wasps and hornets are all out beginning this time of year as are mosquitos and ants. Pollen counts are high as well which can bring on asthma systems. Know your body and make sure you are taking proper care to ensure your wellbeing.

Danger on the Road

A bad wreck in Denver last week cost the lives of four people during rush hour traffic. It is being reported now that the company involved, Castellano 03 Trucking, LLC out of Houston, TX, had a history of brake issues in their recent past. Since 2017, the company has been hit with at least 30 violations regarding their brakes.

General

In one of the worst stories you will hear, Falcon Transport abruptly went out of business last week leaving drivers stranded miles away from home. The company had recently been purchased by a private equity firm after having been run by its founding family for 115 years. 550 employees were immediately laid off. But that wasn’t the only company that shut its doors in the last week. Williams Trucking out of Alabama also notified its drivers it was shutting down as of May 1 leaving 50 drivers out of work.

Women in Trucking

Treana Moniz has been named Women in Trucking’s May Member of the Month. Moniz has held her CDL since 2007, she has over 675,000 safe driving miles to her name. In 2018, she was name Eastern Company Driver of the year. Find more on her story here.

TagsSemi-Truck dangerous roads Did you Know Trucking Tips Falcon Transport Allergies Women in Trucking Denver

Things to Consider When Buying Dashcams for Trucks [p]Trucking is a challenging job that requires constant commitment and motivation from the part of the truck driver. It is your job as a trucker to keep the cargo, the truck, yourself, and other drivers safe on the road. However, sometimes accidents can occur, leading to the involvement of multiple parties like the police and the insurance companies. In such cases, it is always better to protect yourself from paying for unnecessary damages. The best way to do that is by installing a dashcam in your truck.[/p] [p]There are so many dashcams for sale in the market that selecting the right one can be a troublesome task. Do not let that faze you. You can choose the perfect dashcam for your truck using the information provided in this article. So, without further ado let’s get started! [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]The Dashcam’s Resolution [/b][/p] [p]The first thing you should consider when buying a dashcam for your truck is the camera’s resolution. There are dashcams out there that produce unclear videos then there are others that can record in HD resolution. When it comes to trucking you want to buy a dashcam with a high resolution so that all the recorded footage is of high quality. If you are required to present the video as evidence in the court then you would want the video to be as clear as possible and be able to capture essential information such as plate numbers or street signs. You could opt for 4k resolution dashcams, but they are highly expensive and chances are that you won't need such high resolution for your truck.[/p] [p][b]Number of Point of Views [/b][/p] [p]You want a dashcam that has more than two channels i.e. a dashcam that can show footage from at least two designated positions. A six-channel camera would show footage from a different location from inside and outside the car, which can be beneficial. A truck is huge and requires ample coverage which is why you need multiple channels. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-The-Type-of-Lens.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]The Type of Lens [/b][/p] [p]A dashcam with a wide lens will show a larger area in the front of your truck. Cameras with a 120-degree field of view are ideal for trucking. As a rule of thumb, the larger the field of view the better but that is not always true. Dashcam lenses that are wider than 120 degrees will create a fisheye effect leading to very awkward footage. A 360-degree camera lens can help solve both problems. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Connectivity [/b][/p] [p]In this modern world, it is helpful if everything is connected to our phones or PCs. Therefore, a dashcam with a related mobile app can be very useful, especially if you are out & about and not near a PC. Furthermore, the mobile app can let you view the footage live and unaltered. So, even if you are away from your truck you are only a tap away from accessing the dashcam.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-Dashcam-Viewing-Screen.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Dashcam Viewing Screen [/b][/p] [p]Some dashcams in the market have an LCD screen on their back so you can view the footage in real-time as you drive. That is not highly recommended, as a dashcam with an LCD can be distracting for you as a driver. They are big and bulky while also being too big to hide. Smaller dashcams with no LCDs are sleek and elegant making them the perfect choice for some truckers. The camera can be hidden from plain view allowing you to focus entirely on the road. [/p] [p][b]User Friendliness [/b][/p] [p]Dashcam installation can be hectic if you buy the wrong one. Many dashcams require you to connect electrical wiring and make adjustments in your truck. They are not very easy to install, which is why most truckers opt for dashcams that are operated by a battery or can easily plug in to a 12v socket. These kinds of dashcams do not require any complex installation and perform the same job as the other types. [/p] [p][b]Dashcam Memory [/b][/p] [p]You should also consider the memory capacity for your Dashcam. These cameras come with a micro SD card slot allowing you to save all the footage in one place so that you can transfer it later to a personal computer. Therefore, a dashcam should have the capability to accept high-volume memory cards such as 512 GB or 256 GB. This way, you’ll be able to record more footage and won’t have to worry about deleting often.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-Pricing.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Pricing [/b][/p] [p]The last thing you should consider is the pricing. Dashcam prices range from $40 up to even $600. Treat your dashcam as a worthy investment that will save you money in the long run. Find a dashcam that gives you all the features that you’re looking for with a relatively cost efficient price. That way, you won’t have to think about upgrading in the near future. Do it once, and do it right.[/p] [p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p] [p]A dashcam is a simple gadget that has a lot of fancy features with a lot of good benefits especially for truckers. It is definitely worth considering to get to give you a bit of peace of mind when the unexpected happens.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Oct 22, 2020 • Community

Trucker Spotlight - Debbie Deb <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/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Debbie Deb</strong>, who's been driving for around 3 years now. She describes herself as ambitious, goal oriented, and charismatic. She once drove school busses in Charlotte before she decided to give trucking a try. Let's get to know more about Debbie and how a career in trucking became the perfect fit for her. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I decided to drive trucks to pay off student loans from attending Virginia Commonwealth University and Northern Virginia Community College. I wanted to be a social worker and save all the little kids in bad environments but overworking myself interfered with my internship. I graduated college with honors and pursued sociology while minoring in psychology & social welfare. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking?</strong></h3> The biggest challenge was training with a male trainer for six weeks in a confined area. Sometimes my personality can exhibit someone who is recluse rather than always extroverted. Backing up the truck was another huge challenge, due to inexperience. The concept, I'd sometimes forget, was turning the wheel one way then the truck would go in a different direction. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you've been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Apparently, the FMCSA has regulations more stringent on hours of service when logging on devices to keep track of movement. Since it's only been three years, it's difficult for me to say. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I started a Youtube channel to publicize my experience as a lady Trucker & try to convince other women that it was okay to step out their comfort zone. Tried to be informative yet entertaining (debbie deb). <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I'm lonely all the time, but I deal with it because it's mind over matter. I love my space, prefer things to be kept clean, & I'm particular about my truck. Therefore, being a solo driver all this time NEVER bothered me. I pray a lot, listen to videos on what many people are oblivious to in society, and enjoy learning more about the self and figuring out ways to grow or even elevate. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3> Working keeps me busy & COVID-19 made me want to elevate more by purchasing my 1st truck on May 7, 2020. Right now, I'm focused my getting my motorcycle & publishing my 1st book about women in trucking. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> It's between the heart of Seattle, WA or the mountains in Denver, CO. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road?</strong></h3> Must things are my Bible, items to protect myself for safety reasons, laptop, hair steamer/hair care products, and vitamins. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Favorite Truckstop? Truckstop Food? Favorite truck model?</strong></h3> My favorite truck stop is the Flying J in Primm, NV, as for the food it'll be O'Charleys! Truck model is the Frieghtliner Coronado Harrison glider. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> Receiving unwarranted attention (I can be shy at times, but you'll never know),when truck drivers dump their pee or pee bottles anywhere & aren't mindful, when being followed outside after a nice shower by another trucker who's trying to make unnecessary conversation, when drivers do their full 30m break at the fuel island in the daytime (late night is different 2am-3am),when truckers cut you off without giving enough space cause their in a hurry etc. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3> Don't let discouragement overpower you, choose your trainer wisely, carry a firearm but 1st learn the rules & regulations of each state, protect yourself at all times, have a plan & execute your goals. <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/UCF4iBXy6clLrJLmIaDkmlTA/videos">Youtube Channel, Debbie Deb</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q7rzBMpHE9k" 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>

Sep 23, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - May 17, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> We are just under 7 months away from the final deadline of the ELD mandate. The grandfather clause that allowed drivers to continue to use their AOBRDs will expire on December 16, 2019. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> We are seeing record amounts of rainfall across the US. While stopping a big rig is difficult enough on dry roads, add in wet pavement after a hot spell, and vehicles with the best tires and breaks can have trouble stopping. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Autonomous Vehicles</u></strong></h3> More trouble for the autonomous vehicle industry as a <a href="http://fortune.com/2019/05/16/latest-fatal-tesla-crash-involves-autopilot/">Tesla was involved in another fatal accident</a>. The investigation results have become available in the fatal wreck and it has been determined that the autopilot was engaged but did not detect a semi. On March 1, a Tesla collided with the semi at about 68 mph while crossing a highway in Delray Beach, FL killing the driver of the Tesla. Events like this will further delay autonomous trucks from entering the industry. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Tariffs </u></strong></h3> Tariffs have been a common theme recently, but we may see a change to that. The <a href="https://menafn.com/1098536915/Trucking-Cheers-US-Agreement-with-Mexico-Canada-to-Lift-Tariffs">US has agreed to lift tariffs</a> on Mexico and Canada in regard to steel and aluminum that is manufactured in those countries. Further helping the trucking industry is that the agreement also includes the removal of retaliatory tariffs placed on US goods by Mexico and Canada. The removal of these tariffs should help reduce the costs to consumers and increase margins for the manufacturers which in turn should help stabilize or even increase rates paid to drivers. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>FMCSA Seeking Comments</u></strong></h3> Last year, the FMCSA requested comments for a pilot program allowing those 18-20 years old with military experience to drive interstate. This week, the FMCSA is now requesting comments from anyone who would like to have their voice heard on allowing those 18-20 years old and without military experience to drive interstate. Currently those 18-20 can drive big rigs commercially, they just can only drive intrastate. If you would like to read the request by the FMCSA and comment, you can do so <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FMCSA-2018-0346-0001">here</a>. Comments must be received by July 15, 2019.

May 17, 2019 • Carriers