Oct 26, 2023

Food Purchasing Habits at Truck Stops

We surveyed our community of truck drivers to learn about their food purchases at truck stops.

10 Reasons Why Commercial Vehicles Need Regular Maintenance By recognizing the significance of maintaining our personal cars and trucks, it becomes clear that commercial vehicles deserve no less attention. In fact, regular maintenance is one of the most important aspects of <a href="https://www.merchantscommercialsales.com/vehicles-for-vocations.html">commercial vehicle ownership</a>, regardless of industry use. What Does Regular Maintenance Mean? Let’s review some top maintenance items before we dive into the reasons regular maintenance is essential for commercial vehicles. ● Oil and filter changes — The old rule of thumb used to be every 3,000 miles, but newer engines that use either synthetic oil blends or 100% synthetic oil can be driven between <a href="https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/how-often-should-i-change-my-oil/">5,000 and 10,000 miles</a> before an oil and filter change is needed. However, your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines will offer the best advice. You can expect to need new air filters every 15,000-30,000 miles. ● Tire tread depth and pressure — Your dashboard will light up with an alert when your tire pressure is low, often a tread depth issue is not realized until a technician points it out or a vehicle is undergoing an inspection. ● Tire rotation — It’s best to <a href="https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/tire-rotation/">rotate your tires every 5,000 miles</a>, or as recommended by the manufacturer. ● Alignment — Potholes, bumps, and rocky terrain can impact your <a href="https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/tire-rotation/">vehicle’s suspension alignment</a>, which can contribute to uneven wear and tear on your tires. The following features should also be checked regularly to avoid larger issues and safety concerns: ● Battery life ● Belts ● Brakes ● Fluid levels ● Headlights ● Hoses ● Shocks ● Spark plugs ● Turn signals 10 Reasons Why Your Commercial Vehicles Should Undergo Routine Maintenance 1. Improve safety Safety is widely regarded as a top priority. Make sure a technician regularly checks your <a href="https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/how-to-check-brake-pads">brake pads</a>, and keeps an eye and feel out for any unusual noises (such as grinding) or odd sensations (such as vibrating). Failing brakes have the potential to create a major accident that endangers the life of your driver, passenger, and anyone else in the vehicle’s vicinity. 2. Save money in the long-run The idea is that what you spend on routine maintenance will help prevent larger, more expensive problems in the future. For example, rotating your tires helps them wear more evenly, which means you don’t have to buy new ones as often. Failure to change your oil may result in the need for a completely new — and typically very expensive — engine. 3. Improve fuel economy According to the <a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/conserve/vehicle_maintenance.html#:~:text=Regular%20maintenance%20tune%2Dups%20ensures,the%20repair%20type%20and%20quality.">U.S. Department of Energy</a>, “using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil in an engine can improve fuel economy by 1%-2%.” Properly inflating your tires can improve your mileage by an average of .6% but possibly up to 3%. 4. Detect potential problems When caught early, big, expensive problems aren’t so big and expensive. Many potential issues are noticed during routine maintenance and can be addressed promptly. 5. Extend the life of the vehicle If you care for something properly it will last, and commercial vehicles are no exception. Here’s some helpful advice from <a href="https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-many-miles-does-a-car-last/#:~:text=A%20conventional%20car%20can%20last,help%20extend%20your%20car's%20longevity.">Progressive:</a> “Experts recommend scheduling routine maintenance for your vehicle, including annual engine cleaning to extend its life and regular car washing to prevent corrosion. Vacuuming the interior removes dirt and debris that can lead to tears in the fabric.” 6. Comply with regulations Regular maintenance ensures that your commercial vehicles meet safety and environmental regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties. 7. Promote your brand Dependable companies have dependable vehicles. It’s important to maintain a brand that promotes reliability and diligence. The last thing you want is for your cargo van or truck to break down because of an issue that could have easily been avoided with proper routine maintenance. 8. Increase the value of your vehicle A properly maintained commercial vehicle will go a long way with potential buyers if you’re looking to sell down the road. This includes <a href="https://www.autotrader.com/car-tips/3-reasons-your-cars-service-records-are-essential">keeping service records</a>, which provide proof that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle. 9. Maintain vehicle warranty Saving detailed records of all types of maintenance will also come in handy when it comes to your warranty. The <a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/auto-warranties-service-contracts">Federal Trade Commission</a> recommends keeping a file to track all repairs (oil changes, new brake pads, inspections — essentially everything),explaining that “if you ever have a warranty claim and it appears that you didn’t maintain your vehicle, your claim might be denied.” 10. Peace of mind Knowing your commercial vehicles are regularly inspected and in good condition gives you peace of mind and confidence in your business operations. When all is said and done, taking proper care of your vehicle helps ensure that it stays in excellent condition. Be meticulous and promptly schedule routine checks. This maintenance is intended to go a long way in prioritizing the safety of your driver and those around them, and in preserving the lifespan of your vehicle. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Article Author: Dawn McQueeney Dawn McQueeney serves as Marketing Manager at <a href="https://www.merchantsauto.cars/">Merchants Auto</a>. Joining in 2020, she brings with her more than 15 years of marketing experience, and originally started as a Marketing Coordinator. McQueeney has helped elevate the customer experience in the dealership showroom so that every visit is positive.

Jul 20, 2023

Trucker Tips For Exercising While On The Road The health stakes are high for truck drivers. According to information shared by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC),truck drivers are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely to smoke and be obese</a> compared to other U.S. workers, generally leading to high blood pressure and diabetes. There's no way around the fact that the lifestyle of a truck driver can be damaging to one's health and well-being. High demands, long hours spent seated behind the wheel, poor eating habits and lack of exercise while on the road all create a perfect storm for obesity and illness. A CDC survey shows that three out of four truckers say that they do not get the recommended amount of physical activity, that being 2.5 hours of combined moderate-intensity and muscle-strengthening training a week for adults. In fact, only one out of four male truck drivers say that they fit 30 minutes of exercise into their schedules five days a week. Lack of exercise isn't just dangerous for a truck driver's health. It can also threaten their livelihood. If a professional truck driver develops a medical condition that impacts their ability to drive, they may be in jeopardy of losing their commercial operating license. Fortunately, truck drivers don't need to resign themselves to living sedentary lifestyles just because they spend a great deal of time on the road. There are many hacks for staying fit and active while pulling long hours. Tips for Exercising as a Truck Driver Trucks drivers don't have the luxury of enjoying a consistent, home-based schedule. They need dynamic, adaptive exercise protocols that work anywhere. These tips can help your health for the long run even if you drive the long haul! Be Opportunistic The world is your gym when you're a long-haul truck driver. When presented with downtime, it's important to scope out areas in the vicinity that are fit for exercise. Look online for nearby trails, public parks with running loops, truck stops with gyms, or school running tracks that are open to the public. Even a neighborhood with sidewalks can be enough to get in a good walk or jog. Just make sure it’s legal and safe to park your truck while you’re getting your exercise. Bring Travel Workout Equipment on the Road You can build a scaled-down gym in your cab if you know what to pack! Portable, lightweight exercise equipment that works out the same parts of the body as massive pieces of gym equipment are easy to find. Resistance bands, kettlebells, and dumbbells are all great for building lean muscle. If you're looking for a fun way to get in your daily cardio, a folding bike is excellent. Don't forget to invest in a pair of sturdy, comfortable sneakers to prevent foot injuries that could impede your driving abilities! Log Your Exercise It's easy to lose track of time when you're pulling long hours. Unfortunately, the blur of the road causes many long-haul truckers to lose motivation. Log your exercise daily to stay accountable! You can also consider enlisting the help of friends, family, or fellow truck drivers to stay accountable. Research shows that having a weight-loss "buddy" actually helps individuals to lose more weight compared to people who attempt to make changes without peer support. Worker Smarter to Avoid Working Harder Time is the most precious resource any trucker has. That's why optimizing workouts to burn as much fat as quickly as possible is often a good approach for drivers. Heat is one option. Time-pressed people in every profession are increasingly "working smarter" using <a href="https://www.hotworx.net/blog/make-fat-scream-with-infrared-training">infrared workouts</a> that turn up the heat to tone up the body. During an infrared workout, the body is oxidizing fat as part of a chemical reaction that transforms fatty acids into energy. The best way to describe infrared training is to say that it makes fat "scream" by using elevated temperatures to increase heart rate for greater caloric expenditure and fat burning. Additionally, infrared heat boosts blood circulation to muscle tissues to enhance exercise performance. A Healthy Lifestyle on the Road Is Possible A thousand miles can create a thousand excuses to not get fit when you're a long-haul truck driver. Everything changes once you realize that fitness is one of the keys to success on the road. Being consistent, working smarter, and understanding that healthy living is the only choice for long term success as a truck driver.

Oct 05, 2023

Trucker Path Increases Load Exposure for MercuryGate TMS Customers Digital integration enables greater and more efficient access for brokers to nearly 1 million Trucker Path app users PHOENIX – August 29, 2023 – Trucker Path, a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL) and the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, announced today that a direct connection for digital load posting is now providing brokers using MercuryGate software with increased exposure for their available loads to North America’s largest carrier community. “With a direct digital load posting integration via API we are facilitating greater access, faster transactions, and enabling several new features for brokers using MercuryGate,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “Our collaborative integration increases the exposure of available loads to qualified capacity, streamlines freight matching, and drives time savings and efficiency -- creating additional revenue generating opportunities for both sides of the transaction.” For carriers using Trucker Path’s TruckLoads digital freight exchange the new MercuryGate integration provides the ability to quickly and easily view available loads, the opportunity to book loads instantly, and the capability to communicate with brokers directly via their MercuryGate TMS where they spend the majority of their time. “MercuryGate’s Smart Transportation platform is intentionally designed so that our users can seamlessly leverage the most effective transportation management tools to meet their business needs,” said MercuryGate Chief Strategy Officer Jeffrey Varon. “We’re pleased to advance our partnership with Trucker Path and make it easier for brokers and carriers to instantly connect freight with available capacity. As a result, our customers can cover more loads, fill more empty miles and eliminate time-consuming procurement processes that drive up cost.” This API connection allows MercuryGate users to quickly and easily post available loads to the Trucker Path community representing nearly a third of North American carriers. With direct API digital load posting these brokers are able to expand their load visibility and form relationships with Trucker Path’s carrier network. TMS providers and brokers interested in integrating with Trucker Path can email brokersoftware@truckerpath.com. About MercuryGate MercuryGate provides powerful transportation management solutions proven to be a competitive advantage for today’s most successful shippers, 3PLs, brokers and carriers. The comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product suite natively supports all transportation modes and segments, generating value for its users through improved cost, productivity and efficiency using artificial intelligence (AI),machine learning (ML) and connected technologies to adapt and automate transportation management functions. Learn how MercuryGate makes shipping intelligent, simple, sustainable and transformative for customers at www.mercurygate.com. About Trucker Path Phoenix-based Trucker Path is the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products. A subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL),the Trucker Path app is currently in use by nearly 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck-optimized routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time parking availability, fuel prices and discounts, weigh station statuses, and truck scales and wash locations. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers; and COMMAND™, the industry’s first and only Operations & Driver Relationship (ODR) platform that provides small to mid-size fleets with the necessary driver and TMS technologies to successfully run a fleet. For more information, visit www.truckerpath.com. Media Contact: Susan Fall LaunchIt Public Relations 858-490-1050 susan@launchitpr.com

Aug 30, 2023