Nov 21, 2018

From farm to table, truck drivers make Thanksgiving possible

Although many people might not think about it, truck drivers play a vital role in bringing everything you come into contact with on a daily basis to your door – everything from what you wear to what you eat to where you sleep. When it comes to Thanksgiving, the holiday wouldn’t be the same without the hard work of truck drivers.

A study conducted by the Minnesota Trucking Association revealed that it takes more than 83,000 truckloads to put Thanksgiving dinner on your table. That’s around 46 million turkeys, 80 million pounds of cranberries, 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins and 2.4 billion pounds of sweet potatoes. And if you’re a fan of green bean casserole? Yep, all those ingredients needed for that recipe get transported by truck too.

Fasting this Thanksgiving? While we wouldn’t recommend passing up the stuffing, gravy and pumpkin pie, we’ll let you do you. Keep in mind, though, that truckers still had a hand in getting you that chair you’re sitting in while you don’t eat the Thanksgiving feast. It may have been made overseas and shipped here by boat, but then it was put on a truck and delivered to the store where it was purchased. The local craftsmen who built your dining room table hired a local company to deliver the table by truck right to your door. Even your dinnerware, table linens, candles and other decor likely spent significant time in the back of a truck while on its way to you.

You see? Thanksgiving would certainly be a quieter, less delicious day without the help of truck drivers around the country. Since it’s the season to be thankful, we want to thank truck drivers for making this holiday a memorable one. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy our holiday feasts and share some special moments with friends and family. We hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving too!

Diabetes Awareness Month: Preventing or managing diabetes on the road Diabetes is on the rise in the United States. According to the CDC, over 30 million Americans were living with diabetes as of 2015, with that number steadily growing each year. In trucking, there’s a 50 percent higher occurrence of type 2 diabetes than the national average. Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, we wanted to take a moment and talk about a disease that is so prevalent in our industry and affects many of our loyal readers and customers. [p]We get that it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a long-haul driver because of the amount of time you spend on the road and the sedentary nature of the job. However, it’s important to know how to prevent or live with diabetes as a trucker so that you’re able to do this job you love for as long as you can. [p]Diabetes prevention [p]If you’re at risk of a diabetes diagnosis or are interested in taking steps toward optimal health, there are several things you can do: <ul> <li>Exercise regularly</li> <li>Cut out sugary beverages</li> <li>Drink plenty of water - at least half your body weight in ounces each day</li> <li>Maintain a healthy weight</li> <li>Practice intuitive eating based on hunger and not boredom</li> <li>Get enough sleep</li> <li>Follow a sound nutrition plan</li> <li>Prepare meals at home for the road to avoid fast food.</li> <li>Pack healthier snacks for between mealtimes, such as fruit, nuts and vegetables.</li> <li>See your health care provider regularly</li> </ul> Managing life as a trucker with diabetes [p]Living with diabetes as a truck driver can be difficult, but it’s possible to enjoy a successful driving career as a diabetic. Here are some tips for managing your diabetes on the road: <ul> <li>Use a packing list when you’re ready to get back on the road. This ensures that you have all medications, testing supplies and other essentials you might need for the entire trip. Trucking can take you into some remote areas, so it’s important that your truck is stocked for any situation.</li> <li>If you’re a team driver, make sure your partner knows what to do in an emergency and how to watch for signs of low blood sugar.</li> <li>Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor and test your blood sugar regularly.</li> <li>Don’t skip meals. Maintain a meal and snack routine so that your body gets what it needs throughout the day.</li> <li>Make healthy food choices when you’re on the road. Drink plenty of water and limit liquids that are high in sugar. Eat lots of raw and steamed vegetables and lean meats.</li> <li>Make a meal plan ahead of time so you’re not grabbing for something unhealthy in a bind.</li> <li>Get moving. Fit in exercise whenever you can, such as a short workout routine in the morning before you get on the road, walking a couple laps around your truck at rest areas.</li> <li>Wear a medical bracelet. This helps emergency professionals know what you need in the event of an emergency if you are unable to tell them yourself.</li> <li>Find a trucking company that has a health program in place to help you learn about your diabetes diagnosis, set health goals and to provide you with additional support.</li> </ul> Coping with diabetes [p]A diabetes diagnosis is serious and can certainly be more challenging as a professional driver, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your career. It is important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Connect with other drivers who are also living with this disease to lean on one another for advice and support. Surround yourself with doctors and health professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Think about your long-term health, particularly the areas that may be affected by diabetes later on, such as your kidney function, eye care and blood pressure. Put yourself first and listen to your body to know what you need. It’s not being selfish - it’s making sure that you can be the best version of you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, remember that diabetes doesn’t define who you are. [p]Are you a driver living with diabetes? What tips do you want to share with other drivers?

Nov 08, 2018

Brake Safety Week is almost here. Are you ready? [p]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. [p]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: <ul> <li>Brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts</li> <li>air or hydraulic fluid leaks</li> <li>defective rotor conditions</li> <li>measurement of pushrod travel</li> <li>mismatched air chamber sizes across axles</li> <li>air reservoir integrity and mounting</li> <li>worn linings, pads, drums or rotors</li> <li>required brake-system warning devices</li> <li>other brake-system components</li> </ul> [p]There will also be 12 jurisdictions using performance-based brake testing equipment to measure vehicle braking efficiency. [p]So, what can you do to be ready for your inspection? <ul> <li>Have your driver’s license and registration easily available.</li> <li>Perform your regular preventative maintenance procedures.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Inspect brakes more in-depth looking for leaks, checking brake linings for cracks and wear, and measuring the brake stroke, etc.</li> <li>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.</li> </ul> [p]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!

Sep 17, 2018 • Community

Life after the military: Top reasons why veterans should consider truck driving In honor of Veteran’s Day, we want to take a moment and thank those of you who have served our country in the military. You are the men and women who have made many sacrifices for our freedom and we are so grateful for your service. We know that transitioning to civilian careers isn’t always easy and we are especially thankful to those veterans who have chosen trucking as their next step.[p] If you’re a military veteran starting on a new career path, you might be surprised to learn that many of the skills you learned in the military transition over to the trucking industry seamlessly. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a truck driving career as a military veteran:[p] Quick transition. Once you decide to embark on a career in trucking, it won’t take long before you’re able to get behind the wheel of a truck. Programs at many truck driving schools can be completed in only a few months.[p] Get credit for your military driving experience. If you already have a CDL from your time in the military, many companies will factor in your driving experience to give you a higher starting pay rate. For veterans with military driving experience without a CDL, you may be eligible for FMCSA’s military skills test waiver. This program allows veterans with two years of military driving experience to waive the skills test portion of the CDL test.[p] Your G.I. Bill matters. G.I. Bill benefits can help you pay for driving school. It may also provide you with payments as you go through company training.[p] Job security. The trucking industry has a significant shortage of drivers. There are many driving opportunities available - all you have to do is choose a company that’s a good fit for you.[p] It’s a chance to see the country. If your job in the military gave you the opportunity to travel the world, a job in trucking will allow you to continue exploring new places. Many drivers get into trucking because they want the opportunity to visit different places across the United States.[p] Steady pay and great benefits. A trucking job with a reliable company will provide you with a consistent paycheck and an array of benefits, such as health insurance options, retirement planning, paid vacation and bonus pay opportunities.[p] Quality home time available. Truck drivers are known for being away from home for extended periods of time. While this is often true, particularly for over-the-road drivers, you’ll find that many carriers offer several home time options. Some companies can get you home every weekend while others offer regional routes to get you home even more frequently.[p] You already have what it takes. Teamwork. Leadership. Self-discipline. Situational awareness. All of these characteristics are ones you’ve built during your military career and they’re the same qualities that make the best drivers in the trucking industry.[p] As you can see, there are several reasons why many military veterans have chosen truck driving as a second career. Good luck on your journey and we hope to see you out on the road!

Nov 11, 2018