Sep 17, 2018 • Community

Brake Safety Week is almost here. Are you ready?

Brake Safety Week is almost here. Are you ready?

Are you ready for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week happening later this month? From September 16-22, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct a weeklong inspection blitz throughout the U.S. and Canada focusing on brake systems. CVSA reported that 14 percent of truck drivers were placed out-of-service for brake-related violations during last year’s Brake Safety Day. Getting placed out-of-service costs drivers valuable time and money, so it’s important that you don’t find yourself in the same situation. Making sure you’re prepared will not only help you pass an inspection and keep you moving, but it will also make our roadways a safer place.

Most inspections during the blitz will be full Level I inspections. This comprehensive 37-step procedure examines driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness, and will also focus on the inspection of:

Brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts
air or hydraulic fluid leaks
defective rotor conditions
measurement of pushrod travel
mismatched air chamber sizes across axles
air reservoir integrity and mounting
worn linings, pads, drums or rotors
required brake-system warning devices
other brake-system components

There will also be 12 jurisdictions using performance-based brake testing equipment to measure vehicle braking efficiency.

So, what can you do to be ready for your inspection?

Have your driver’s license and registration easily available.
Perform your regular preventative maintenance procedures.
Conduct your pre-trip visual inspection. Make sure to look for loose hoses, leaks and any damage; check air disc brakes for cracks and grooving; and ensure air chambers are intact and in the correct position.
Inspect brakes more in-depth looking for leaks, checking brake linings for cracks and wear, and measuring the brake stroke, etc.
Utilize the Trucker Path app to see inspection facilities and get an idea of when you might expect to receive an inspection during the blitz.

We hope these tips will help make your inspection go smoothly. It’s also important to remember that it’s a best practice to always keep your truck well-maintained, inspect your brake systems regularly, and perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before every trip. You still have time to address any issues and get yourself and your truck ready for the 2018 CVSA Brake Safety Week!

Tagsdrivers truck drivers brakes brake safety brake safety week inspections

Trucker Spotlight - Cindy Moore <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/2020/08/cm6.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Cindy</strong>, who's been driving for around 12 years. She's also called The Flatbed Chick on Youtube where she shares her trucking adventures. Let's get to know more about Cindy and how it's like being on the road. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I became a truck driver out of necessity. I was going through a divorce and needed a steady stream of income and a job that paid enough to support myself without any help and I kept reading about how there was no gender gap in trucking they said a woman could make just as much money as a man. I decided to try it for a couple of years until I could find something better at home and as you can see I never found anything, I’ve been here for almost 12 years. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking? </strong></h3> The hardest part for me was getting used to public showers. I know it sounds crazy but it was almost traumatizing to think that every time I needed a shower I would have to use a public space. The other big thing was getting used to backing that 53’ foot trailer, it was very intimidating. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm5.jpeg" alt=""] <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> The biggest thing I’ve noticed is a lot more traffic on the road and it seems like instead of creating more parking for trucks they are closing rest areas and making it harder to find parking. Don’t even get me started on hours of service, they don’t want to ever leave that alone and I’m sure they will continue to change in the future searching for perfection, but we as drivers are a very diverse group and we will never have the same needs. They will never come up with rules that will fit everybody, you may need five hours of sleep and I may need 10. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Being on the road for weeks at a time by yourself does get very lonely at times but I have friends to talk to and a few years ago I got a dog to ride with me. She's great companion and brought a lot of joy to my life. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you start a Youtube Channel?</strong></h3> I started my channel because I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful country we live in and none of my family or friends seem to be as interested in it as I was, so I thought there has to be people out there like me who would love to see the country. Before I became a truck driver I had only seen about three other surrounding states and I had no idea how much I had missed all those years. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3> I’m currently pulling a dry van and trying to stay busy. I still love the flatbed and plan on going back in the future but I’m gonna be trying some other things for now. Covid-19 made it difficult to find a job after the contract ended early in Alaska. A lot of the places I called were either not hiring because of Covid-19 or trying to figure out how to do orientation and putting it off for a few weeks. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3> My biggest pet peeve is rude and aggressive drivers who seem to not value the lives of other people. For example, cars that pass me on the right after I’ve gotten into the left lane because there’s a tow truck on the right shoulder. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your future career plans? Would you continue to be a trucker? Any plans on being an instructor?</strong></h3> My dream for the past several years has been to get an RV and become a travel blogger or full-time RVer, LOL! I still love seeing the country that is the best part of my job and when I retire from trucking I can’t imagine sitting still. I would still want to travel so I think that would be the perfect place for me. I’ve had people suggest that I become a trainer or an instructor at a CDL school but I’m really not sure I would enjoy that because that means I wouldn’t be able to travel anymore. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What is your favorite feature of the Trucker Path app?</strong></h3> My favorite feature on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is truck-stop reporting I really love knowing what the truck-stop is gonna look like when I get there and if it’s usually full at a certain time then I know that I need a back up plan. <h2></h2> <h3><strong> Favorite Truck-stop? Truck-stop Food?</strong></h3> My favorite truck-stops are the ones that are usually off the beaten path and I love discovering new places to park and new places to eat. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road</strong></h3> I guess a very popular favorite among truck drivers is also one of my favorites which is baby wipes. I also make sure I have bottled water, soap, and towels just in case. I wouldn’t ever want to be in the truck without my truckers Atlas and a CB either. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite scenic route?</strong></h3> I’m not sure if I really have a favorite scenic route but Highway 20 through Oregon is at the top of my list. I also love Highway 89 and 191 going down through Utah south into Colorado and there are so many beautiful places out there I can’t even think of all of them off the top of my head. Maybe I should start making a list. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3> I guess the biggest advice I would have for women that are thinking about getting into this industry is don’t be intimidated by it, if it’s what you truly want to do then follow your heart. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/cm7.jpeg" alt=""] <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/UCGcsdVwlU5mfMXRl7bQXaeQ">Youtube Channel,The Flatbed Chick.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i752gJOJAN8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> <em>Got a cool story to share? Send us message at community@truckerpath.com to be featured!</em> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Aug 27, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Terms [p] If you're going to make it in trucking these are the trucker terms you'll want to remember along with some good ole trucking slang you'll hear on the CB radio. [/p] [h2] Trucker Terms [/h2] [p] Being a trucker is not only a unique way of life, it also comes with a unique way of communicating that only those in the trucking industry probably can decipher and understand. [/p] [p] <strong> 10-4 - </strong> acknowledging something [/p] [p] <strong> 10-6 - </strong> busy right now [/p] [p] <strong> 10-8 - </strong> en route [/p] [p] <strong> 20 -</strong> location [/p] [p] <strong> 4-Wheeler -</strong> automobile [/p] [p] <strong> APU -</strong> authorized pick-up [/p] [p] <strong> Backhaul -</strong> retuning load to home location [/p] [p] <strong> Bear Trap - </strong> speed radar trap [/p] [p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-contracts/">Bill of Lading</a> - </strong> document that details information regarding the goods being hauled by a carrier from a shipper [/p] [p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-a-weigh-station/">Chicken Coop</a> - </strong> Weigh Station [/p] [p] <strong> Chicken Lights - </strong> Added lights on and around a truck [/p] [p] <strong> Chocks -</strong>blocks placed in front and behind wheels to prevent truck from rolling [/p] [p] <strong>Cosignee - </strong>person who receives the goods [/p] [p] <strong>Cosignor - </strong>person who ships the goods [/p] [p] <strong> County Mounty -</strong> - county sheriff [/p] [p] <strong> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">Deadhead -</a></strong> miles driven with no load [/p] [p] <strong> Dry Van -</strong>standard enclosed truck trailer [/p] [p] <strong> ETA -</strong> estimated time of arrival [/p] [p] <strong> Freightshaker -</strong> Freightliner truck [/p] [p] <strong> GCW (Gross Combined Weight) - </strong> combined wieght of tractor/trailer and load [/p] [p] <strong> Gear Jammer -</strong>speeding driver [/p] [p] <strong>Hammer Down -</strong> drive faster [/p] [p] <strong> Hopper -</strong> truck that empties load through bottom that opens [/p] [p] <strong> HOS -</strong>hours of service [/p] [p] <strong> Intermodal -</strong> shipping container freight [/p] [p] <strong>Jack-Knife -</strong>when trailer is pushed to the side of the tractor [/p] [p] <strong> K-whopper - </strong>Kenworth truck [/p] [p] <strong> Kingpin - </strong> pin where the axel wheel pivots [/p] [p] <strong> LTL (Less Than Truckload) -</strong> load less than 10,000 lbs. [/p] [p] <strong> Motor Carrier -</strong> person or company that is responsible for transporting goods via a commercial motor vehicle [/p] [p] <strong>P&D Driver -</strong> pickup and delivery driver locally [/p] [p] <strong>Payload - </strong>weight of the load [/p] [p] <strong>Peddle Run - </strong>route with lots of deliveries [/p] [p] <strong>Pete - </strong> Peterbilt truck [/p] [p] <strong>RC (Rate Confirmation) -</strong> the rate shipper or broker agrees to pay carrier to haul a load [/p] [p] <strong> Reefer -</strong> refridgerated truck trailer [/p] [p] <strong> Shiny Side Up - </strong> top of truck; don't crash or roll over [/p] [p] <strong> Sliding Fifth Wheel - </strong> fifth wheel that can be slid back to redistrubute weight on the axels [/p] [p] <strong>Trucking Authority -</strong>FMCSA approval to haul loads [/p] [p] <strong>Willy Weaver - </strong>drunk driver [/p] [h2] Using Trucker Path Along Your Route [/h2] [p] Now that you know the trucker terms and are talking like a real driver, it's time you use a tool that most truckers rely on to help them save time and money - the <strong>Trucker Path app. </strong> [/p] [p] Trucker Path is free to download and helps drivers: [/p] [ul] [li] Find truck parking with real-time updates [/li] [li] Browse through the list of amenities a location offers [/li] [li] Check to see if a weigh station is open or not [/li] [li] View Walmart locations and know if they allow truck parking [/li] [li] Compare diesel prices to save on fuel[/li] [li] Plan their route to show locations along their trip [/li] [li] Read through fellow drivers reviews of a location [/li] [li] Find restaurants near truck parking locations and much more! [/li] [/ul] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=truckerterms "]Try Trucker Path Today![/button-green] [video id="EIs5Rk6xpm4"]

Oct 05, 2017 • Carriers

Get ready for National Hunting and Fishing Day [p]A driver’s time off the road is invaluable. Whether you spend that time relaxing at home or working on your favorite hobby, it’s important to find something you enjoy doing to recharge. Many drivers enjoy spending their off time hunting and fishing. Maybe you love the quiet and solitude of the hunt or the rush of adrenaline you get when you snag the “big one”. National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is always celebrated the fourth Saturday of September, is the perfect time to get outdoors in the name of conservation. You can also take the NHF Day Challenge by taking someone with you and showing them what you love about hunting, fishing or target shooting. [p]If this is your first year participating, here are some tips for a successful NHF Day: <strong>[p]Hunting</strong> <ul> <li>Brush up on your shooting skills ahead of time at a range nearby.</li> <li>Review firearm safety rules as well as laws and regulations in your state. If you’ve never been hunting before, take a hunter safety course.</li> <li>Buy a hunting license.</li> <li>Plan and research the area you intend to hunt. For some of the best hunting spots near you, check out the interactive map at nhfday.org (<a href="https://www.nssf.org/hunting/where-to-hunt/">https://www.nssf.org/hunting/where-to-hunt/</a>).</li> <li>Learn more about the game animal or bird you intend to hunt. Get to know their habits and how to track them.</li> </ul> <strong>[p]Fishing</strong> <ul> <li>Decide what kind of fish you want to catch and what kind of bait you’ll need.</li> <li>Research lakes nearby that have fishing potential. This interactive map (https://www.takemefishing.org/where-to-fish-and-boat/#/) not only helps you locate bodies of water near you, but it also tells you what species of fish you may be able to catch.</li> <li>Buy a fishing license.</li> <li>Check the weather. Although you can catch fish in nearly any kind of weather conditions, an overcast sky is ideal.</li> <li>Make sure your equipment is in good, working condition, dress in thin layers and wear appropriate foot gear.</li> <li>If you’re fishing from a boat, don’t forget to pack your life jacket.</li> </ul> [p]Are you planning to take advantage of NHF Day? Let us know where you plan to spend the day and whether you’re #teamhunt or #teamfish.

Sep 21, 2018