Jun 16, 2020 • Carriers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers

Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up racking up violations and unnecessary expenses due to Rookie Mistakes. Dave of Smart Trucking shares some rookie mistakes for all the rookies entering the trucking world.

Here are the 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers make:

1. Misjudging a corner: You may be swinging too wide or not swinging wide enough. Always check your spacing and clearances.

2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up: Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it’s impossible to get turned around. Plan your trips using a trip planner (check out Trucker Path while you’re at it).

3. Lack of focus when backing up: This is one of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Get out of the vehicle and survey the vicinity first. Check for obstructions and clearance. Do it slowly and safely and always focus on your driver aids (side mirrors, cameras, etc).

4. Hurrying: Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME.

5. Complacency: Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and overconfident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble.

There are many more tips out there but in general it all leads to focus, and safety. Got some tips to share? Let us know down the comments section.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck FCMSA Truck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Freight Broker Owner Operators Industry Update Did you Know Trucking Tips

Worst Roads in America [p]America, land of the free, home of the brave, potholes and faulty bridges. [b][a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Truck drivers[/a][/b] take to the roads of America each and every day, hauling freight and delivering the things we desire most while others drive to work, visit loved ones or travel for vacation. In honor of National Infrastructure Week here are the worst roads in America ranked by state.[/p] [h2] Worst Roads in America [/h2] [p]Rankings for the worst roads in America are broken down by state and based on the percentage of roads in poor or mediocre condition with data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration.[/p] [ol-2] [li]Connecticut – 73 % (tie)[/li] [li]Illinois – 73 % (tie)[/li] [li]Wisconsin – 71 %[/li] [li]Colorado – 70 % (tie)[/li] [li]Road Island – 70 % (tie)[/li] [li]Oklahoma – 70 % (tie)[/li] [li]California – 68 %[/li] [li]Washington – 67 %[/li] [li]New Jersey – 66 %[/li] [li]Oregon – 65 %[/li] [li]Louisiana – 62 % (tie)[/li] [li]Kansas – 62 % (tie)[/li] [li]South Dakota – 61%[/li] [li]New York – 60 %[/li] [li]Nebraska – 59 %[/li] [li]Pennsylvania – 57 %[/li] [li]Maryland – 55 %[/li] [li]Maine – 53 %[/li] [li]Minnesota – 52 % (tie)[/li] [li]Montana – 52 % (tie)[/li] [li]Arizona – 52 % (tie)[/li] [/ol-2] [h2] Best Roads in America[/h2] [p]These states have the least percentage of roads in poor or mediocre condition, making them the best roads in America.[/p] [ol] [li]Indiana – 17 %[/li] [li]Georgia – 19 %[/li] [li]Nevada – 20 %[/li] [li]Alabama – 25 % (tie)[/li] [li]Utah – 25 % (tie)[/li] [/ol] [h2]States with the Worst Bridge Conditions in America[/h2] [p]Rankings are based on bridges considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete with data sourced from the Federal Highway Administration. (Hawaii and Alaska excluded)[/p] [ol-2] [li]Road Island – 57 %[/li] [li]Massachusetts – 53 %[/li] [li]Pennsylvania – 42 %[/li] [li]New York – 39 %[/li] [li]New Jersey – 36 %[/li] [li]Connecticut – 35 % (tie)[/li] [li]West Virginia – 35 % (tie)[/li] [li]Maine – 33 % (tie)[/li] [li]Vermont – 33 % (tie)[/li] [li]New Hampshire – 32 %[/li] [li]Kentucky – 31 %[/li] [li]North Carolina – 30.5 %[/li] [li]Louisiana – 29 %[/li] [li]California – 28 %[/li] [li]Michigan – 27.4 %[/li] [li]Missouri – 27.2 %[/li] [li]Maryland – 26.8 %[/li] [li]Virgina – 26 % (tie)[/li] [li]Washington – 26 % (tie)[/li] [li]Iowa – 25.7 %[/li] [/ol-2] [h2]States with the Best Bridges in America[/h2] [p]These states have the least percentage of bridges not considered structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.[/p] [ol] [li]Minnesota – 11.5 %[/li] [li]Arizona – 12 %[/li] [li]Nevada – 13.7 %[/li] [li]Wisconsin – 14 %[/li] [li]Utah – 15 %[/li] [/ol] [button-white href="https://www.transportation.gov/policy-initiatives/grow-america/road-and-bridge-data-state"]Full List Here[/button-white] [h2]Infrastructure Week[/h2] [p]May 15–19 is National Infrastructure Week, a time to educate, plan and generate opportunities to rebuild our nation's roads, bridges and more. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates $3.6 trillion is necessary to raise the standard of infrastructure level. Meanwhile, President Trump has proposed a $1 trillion infrastructure plan with details to be revealed soon says Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.[/p] [quote]“We’ve been hard at work at this, and so we’ll be releasing principles in about two to three weeks and then the legislative proposal will probably be tackled by the Congress in the third quarter,” Chao said.[/quote] [video id="93AYEnehOa4"] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=worstroads2015&utm_campaign=aug"]Try Trucker Path For Free![/button-green]

May 16, 2017 • Community

ELD Mandate Exemptions [p]Get clarification on electronic logging devices and ELD mandate exemptions set to take effect in December 2017. [/p] [h2]ELD Mandate Exemptions[/h2] [p]As of December 18, 2017, most drivers that currently use paper logs will have to switch over to an electronic logging device. The choices will be an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) meeting the current requirements in §395.15, installed before December 18, 2017, or a device meeting the electronic logging device (ELD) standards found in Subpart B to Part 395 and the associated appendix.[/p] [p]There are <strong>five ELD Mandate exemptions</strong> including:[/p] [ul] [li]Drivers that only had to fill out a log eight or fewer days out of the last 30 days. This would include “short-haul” drivers that normally operate under the 100 and 150 air-mile exceptions and intermittent drivers.[/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle older than the model year 2000. This also applies to the model year 2000 and newer vehicles that do not have the original engine in them, if the engine serial number indicates that the engine is older than the model year 2000. [/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment. [/li] [li]Drivers driving or towing a recreational vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment.[/li] [li]Drivers who are driving a truck that was rented for eight days or less. [/li] [/ul] [p]How are officers on the road going to verify that a driver claiming one of the exemptions is actually entitled to it? It is easier than you might think. [/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions and Short-Haul Drivers[/h2] [p]During a roadside inspection, the officer can contact the carrier for the time records related to a driver he/she is inspecting. The officer can then verify that the driver is complying with the terms of the 100 or 150 air-mile exemptions. This simply involves the officer verifying that there were time records and they showed the driver staying under the limits attached to the exemption. [/p] [p]If the records show the driver as operating under the 100 or 150 air-mile exception often enough, there would be no violation for the driver not using an ELD.[/p] [p]As far as intermittent drivers, the officer will inquire as to how many days the driver has worked out of the last 30. If it ends up to be 8 or fewer out of any 30-day period, there is no violation.[/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions on Older Vehicles[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver can use paper logs due to the age of the vehicle, the officer will simply check the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN indicates that the vehicle is the model year 1999 or older vehicle, there will be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic log.[/p] [p]How is this determined? [/p] [p]The model year is coded in the vehicle’s VIN at the 10th position. Presently, 2000 and newer vehicles have Y, 1 to 9, or A to H in the 10th position (i, o, u, and z are not used in VINs by the way). If the 10th digit is anything other than those listed, the vehicle is manufactured before 2000.[/p] [p]In the case of the model year, 2000 or newer vehicle that has been retrofitted with the model year 1999 or older engine, to determine if the engine is manufactured before the year 2000, the officer will ask to see the engine serial number. Using the serial number and available software, the officer can quickly validate the engine model year.[/p] [h2]Driveaway/Towaway ELD Exemptions[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver is allowed to use the driveaway/towaway exception to use a paper log rather than an electronic log after December 18, 2017, all the officer or auditor needs to do is ask for the shipment paperwork. The shipment paperwork will then be used to verify that the vehicle the driver is operating is part of the shipment. If so, then there would be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic logging device.[/p] [h2]Rented Trucks[/h2] [p]To verify that a driver is allowed to use the rented truck exemption, the driver must be able to present the rental agreement showing that the vehicle is being rented for 8 days or less. The driver must use paper logs and have records for the previous seven days. Printouts from an ELD system are acceptable. The exemption does not cover “leased” vehicles or vehicles rented for more than 8 days. Multiple back-to-back rental agreements will result in the carrier being cited for not using ELDs.[/p] [h2]Still Confused about ELD Mandate Exemptions?[/h2] [p]If you’re still confused about Exemptions to the mandate or wondering if you need to comply with the ELD mandate, contact J.J. Keller for a free ELD Exemption Assessment. Their ELD specialist will guide you through 21 questions created by their hours of service subject matter experts to help you determine if you are exempt from using ELDs. Call the ELD Exemption hotline at 888-531-8899 or <strong>request an assessment <a href="https://www.jjkeller.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/infoform_10151_-1_10551_52145?cm_mmc=Misc-_-ELDExemptionAssessment-_-eldexempt-_-null">here</strong></a>.[/p] [p]<strong>J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.</strong>[/p] [p]Since its beginning as a one-man consulting firm in 1953, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has grown to become the most respected name in safety and regulatory compliance. Now over 1,400 associates strong, J. J. Keller serves over 600,000 customers — including over 90% of the Fortune 1000® companies. The company’s subject-matter expertise spans nearly 1,500 topics, and its diverse solutions include ELogs and mobile technology; training via online courses, streaming video or DVD; online management tools; managed services; consulting services; online and print publications; forms and supplies.[/p] <strong>[p]About the Author:[/p]</strong> [p]Tom Bray has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. for 11 years. However, as he does not get enough excitement working at J. J. Keller and chasing after six kids and nine grandkids, he also chooses to work nights and weekends as a firefighter/EMT.[/p]

Oct 26, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Kangaroo Trucker <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/Lark20200630-214612.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/Lark20200630-214612-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5084"></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jim</strong>, who recently picked up a vlogging hobby on Youtube. His channel, "The Adventures of Kangaroo Trucker”, is where he shares his adventures, both good and bad, while out over the road. He recently just started driving trucks and was heavily influenced by his brothers. Let's get to know more about Jim and his adventures. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How long have you been trucking?</strong></h3> I started my trucking career in 2019. I went to a local CDL school but wasted my money so I invested again with a large carrier and went to their school and drove OTR with them for about a year to get some experience. I left them and went with a smaller trucking firm (about 300 trucks) out of Pennsylvania. I got some good experience driving in the upper north east of U.S., but the communication with their drivers and the constant sitting and driving in the worst places caused me to look elsewhere. I was referred to a medium size company (about 1600 truck fleet). It’s a much better fit for me. I go out 4-5 weeks at a time and get home time with no problem. They send me all over lower 48 states. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I got into trucking because my younger brother is a Truck Driver and my older brother, who passed in 2015, was an owner operator and owner a couple of trucks. I must have had a mid life crisis or something but I was drawn to go out to get my CDL and see what it was like to walk in his shoes. It’s been a journey. I’m glad I did it and I encourage everyone to follow their passion. It’s not just a job to me. It feeds my family, yes, but I like the daily challenges and I am amazed on how complex this logistical puzzle ever gets accomplished with the many moving parts. It is a miracle to me, at times, it all seems to work out just to get something from point A to point B. It really takes some good attitude and a great deal of patience, but working together with everyone is really what makes this whole process work. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start Youtube vlogging?</strong></h3> I was hoping create videos to either entertain seasoned truckers as they watch me struggle getting my experience or for those new to trucking eager to learn from others who have made their mistakes so that all of us can learn from it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "Kangaroo Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> I own a gymnastics business in Atlanta area and have a competitive Trampoline and Tumbling team. The gyms logo is a Kangaroo so that’s why I call myself Kangaroo Trucker. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/kt-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5090"></a> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> I will say that early on I found the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path app</a> to be a really large part of my daily arsenal to help me navigate this great country. I never realized how truckers had to constantly trip plan and we’re constantly looking for a place to shut down for their 10 hour break. TruckerPath is just one of those tools a trucker uses to help find a safe place to shut down, or see if a weigh station is open. The thing I like the most is that it is a Trucker Community driven app. It’s a good feeling to look for a truck stop and to find other truckers have updated the status so someone like me can feel safe in knowing there’s likely a good chance I’ll find a spot to shut down. Equally, I’m happy to update all locations I visit so I can return the favor. So if you use it, I encourage you to update often. If you don’t use TruckerPath app, I’d recommend giving it a try. Especially if you are new. Not all of us have the years of experience to know all the exits by memory of our favorite places like the veteran drivers out there. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can we watch your videos?</strong></h3> You can find me on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9x-LgYMaepeyXCApHfCQOg">Kangaroo Trucker</a>. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v8-9EhgnlG0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <h2></h2> I’ll keep on trucking as long as I can. It’s a great feeling to be contributing to America's supply chain and doing my part to help. <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 30, 2020 • Carriers