Jun 05, 2024

Highest-Rated Major US Trucking Corridors

Highest-Rated Major US Trucking Corridors

We ranked the major US trucking corridors of 2023 based on parking availability, truck stop ratings, and fuel prices. Below is what we found.

Safety Protocols in Material Handling for Truck Drivers <p>Material handling is an essential component of the logistics and transportation sectors, particularly for truck drivers, who have a crucial responsibility for efficiently and securely transferring cargo. Adhering to appropriate safety procedures while handling materials not only safeguards the drivers but also reduces the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and harm to goods. This article explains the crucial safety rules that truck drivers must follow in material handling, with a specific emphasis on the utilization of <a href="https://www.speedrackwest.com/product/gravity-conveyors//" target="_blank">gravity conveyors</a>. </p> <p><strong>1. Pre-Trip Inspections</strong> </p> Prior to commencing any journey, truck drivers should perform comprehensive pre-trip inspections. This entails inspecting the state of the vehicle, including its brakes, <a href="https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/category/commercial-truck-tires/" target="_blank">tires</a>, lights, and other essential components. Maintaining the truck's optimal condition can mitigate mechanical malfunctions that may lead to mishaps when handling materials. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-06-06_06-01-00.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/2024-06-06_06-01-00.png" alt="" width="510" height="383" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7511" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-worker-checks-wheel-truck-malfunction-service-work_13320780.htm" target="_blank">Freepik</a> </p> <p><strong>2. Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)</strong> </p> Truck drivers are required to utilize suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when dealing with materials. This entails donning gloves, safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, and high-visibility vests. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in safeguarding individuals from potential dangers, including sharp edges, heavy objects, and situations with low visibility. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture2.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture2.jpg" alt="" width="510" height="383" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7496" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/low-angle-man-holding-clipboard_27257936.htm">Freepik</a> </p> <p><strong>3. Safe Loading and Unloading Practices</strong> </p> <p>Loading and unloading are hazardous procedures that are prone to numerous accidents. When utilizing gravity conveyors, it is important to include extra safety measures: </p> <p>● Make sure you install the conveyor in a flat and stable area and firmly fasten it to the truck or loading dock to avoid any displacement. </p> <p>● Ensure that the gravity conveyor is devoid of any faults and operating efficiently. </p> <p>● Employ stops or brakes on the conveyor system to regulate the velocity of materials and avert their uncontrolled displacement. </p> <p>● Prioritize the loading of larger objects initially to ensure stability and balance on the conveyor. </p> <p>Drivers must also verify that the truck is parked in a flat area, the brakes are on, and the load is evenly distributed to avoid the truck tipping or the cargo shifting during transportation. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture3.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture3.jpg" alt="" width="494" height="329" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7497" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/full-shot-delivery-man-carrying-boxes-top-view_18492601.htm">Freepik</a> </p> <p><strong>4. Understanding Load Limits</strong> </p> <p>Truck drivers must possess knowledge of their vehicle's load capacity and never surpass it. Exceeding the weight limit of a truck can result in the driver losing control, the brakes malfunctioning, and the vehicle experiencing greater damage and deterioration. Efficiently controlling the weight of the cargo guarantees improved handling and enhanced safety during transportation. Similarly, it is important to adhere to the load restrictions of the gravity conveyor in order to prevent any potential structural failure. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture4.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture4.jpg" alt="" width="478" height="307" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7498" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/medium-shot-men-discussing-document_27258014.htm#fromView=search&page=3&position=24&uuid=53ec4df1-5d7a-44f2-accd-1c2e14d420af">Freepik</a> </p> <p><strong>5. Ensuring Load Safety</strong> </p> <p>Ensuring the proper fastening of loads is essential to avoid any displacement during transportation. Unrestrained cargo can move, causing vehicle instability and even accidents. Motorists should utilize straps, ropes, and load bars to fasten and stabilize materials. Frequently monitoring the load during transportation can also aid in promptly detecting any possible problems. When utilizing gravity conveyors, it is important to guarantee that things are firmly positioned and will not dislodge or roll off throughout the handling process. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture5.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture5.jpg" alt="" width="536" height="358" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7499" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/15400009-close-up-orange-trailer-container-is-belt-is-not-locked-unsafe-concept">Vecteezy</a> </p> <p><strong>6. Ergonomic Practices</strong> </p> <p>Truck drivers frequently perform manual handling jobs that have the potential to cause musculoskeletal injury. Implementing ergonomic measures, such as utilizing leg muscles instead of the back for lifting, refraining from twisting movements during lifting, and employing mechanical assistance whenever possible, will greatly diminish the likelihood of sustaining injuries. Gravity conveyors can mitigate physical exertion by facilitating the movement of items with less manual labor; however, it is crucial to employ correct technique to prevent injury. </p> <p>The picture below shows how holding a load changes a person's balance by showing how the center of gravity and line of gravity move. Center of gravity is where the body's (or an object's) weight is evenly spread. For a standing person, this is usually around the middle. The line of gravity is a made-up straight line that goes from the center of gravity to the ground. People usually put their weight on the spot between their feet when they stand. This is their base of support. The person must be able to keep their balance if their center of gravity is above their base of support and their line of gravity falls inside their base of support. </p> <p>The center of gravity of the person and the load move when they carry it, especially when it is far away from their body. This can make it harder to balance and stay stable. When someone is standing without anything on their back, their center of gravity is in the middle of their body, and their line of gravity goes inside their base of support. This makes for a stable and balanced position. When you hold something close to your body, your total center of gravity stays at the base of support. This helps you stay balanced and stable. Holding a load away from the body, on the other hand, moves the combined center of gravity forward. This could make the person unstable and increase the chance that they will lose their balance and fall. </p> <p>It is important to keep the combined center of gravity within the base of support by holding loads close to the body. This will help you stay balanced and reduce the risk of injury. When you move the weight away from your body, your combined center of gravity goes forward. This makes you less stable and increases your risk of falling and muscle strain, especially in your lower back. Understanding these ideas is important for ergonomics and workplace safety, because using the right lifting methods can greatly lower the risk of musculoskeletal injuries that are common in jobs that require lifting heavy things by hand. These ideas can help you keep your balance when doing normal things like carrying food or moving furniture. They can also lower your risk of injury, make you more stable, and improve your long-term musculoskeletal health. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture6.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture6.png" alt="" width="579" height="290" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7500" /></a> Image from <a href="https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/3-2-body-mechanics/">Creative Commons</a> </p> <p><strong>7. Awareness of Surroundings</strong> </p> <p>Situational awareness is a key part of avoiding accidents. When driving, one should be extremely aware of their surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and any potential hazards on the road or at the site where products are being loaded or unloaded. Using mirrors and, if available, backup cameras can help you see better and stay safer. While using gravity conveyors, it is important to make sure that there are no obstacles in the area around the conveyor and that everyone knows how it works. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture7.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture7.jpg" alt="" width="572" height="380" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7501" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/38516233-worker-wearing-helmet-with-driver-forklift-in-warehouse">Vecteezy</a> </p> <p><strong>8. Communication</strong> </p> <p>It's very important that everyone involved in moving the materials can talk to each other clearly. This includes communicating with warehouse staff, other drivers, and dispatchers. Good communication cuts down on false information and makes sure that everyone knows what their tasks are and what risks might be involved. When using gravity conveyors, communicate with colleagues about the movement of materials to coordinate efforts and avoid accidents. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture8.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture8.jpg" alt="" width="549" height="412" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7502" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/7424209-young-male-engineer-or-manager-use-of-radio-communication-to-control-container-load-in-industrial-in-front-of-machine-lift-container-and-cargo-space-transport-and-logistics-concepts">Vecteezy</a> </p> <p><strong>9. Adherence to Regulations</strong> </p> <p>Truck drivers are required to abide by safety regulations and laws set forth by organizations like the <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/" target="_blank">Department of Transportation (DOT)</a> and the <a href="https://www.osha.gov/" target="_blank">Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)</a>. To maintain a high level of safety, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and best practices. In this case, following rules that are especially made for using machines for moving things would be included. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture9.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture9.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="400" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7503" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/7424193-businessman-and-engineer-woman-shake-hands-as-hello-in-the-container-cargo-harbor-to-loading-containers-shaking-hands-after-the-inspection-or-investigation-are-complete-industrial-and-business">Vecteezy</a> </p> <p><strong>10. Continuous Training</strong> </p> <p>Truck drivers need to keep learning about safety rules and techniques, so they need to get training and guidance all the time. Some of the things that might be covered in regular training sessions are getting used to new tools, following new rules, and using current safety measures. In order to make sure that gravity conveyors are used safely and effectively, they must be properly maintained and used with the right training classes. </p> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture10.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/06/Picture10.jpg" alt="" width="624" height="473" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7504" /></a> Image by <a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/7424209-young-male-engineer-or-manager-use-of-radio-communication-to-control-container-load-in-industrial-in-front-of-machine-lift-container-and-cargo-space-transport-and-logistics-concepts">Vecteezy</a> </p> <p>Truck drivers must strictly follow specified rules when handling materials to guarantee their safety and the safety of others. When utilized properly, gravity conveyors can increase productivity and safety in operations, but they also need to be set up and maintained properly. Risks can be reduced by incorporating safety procedures such as load fastening, PPE use, and pre-trip checks. Constant training improves safety by keeping drivers informed about new developments in technology and best practices. Setting these rules as a top priority promotes a safer workplace and helps the transportation sector become more dependable and effective. </p>

Jun 06, 2024

Trucker Path Levels the Playing Field Between Large and Smaller Brokerages <p><em>New Trucker Path for Brokerages offering enables small to mid-size freight brokers to dispatch, track and manage their loads while growing and retaining robust carrier networks</em> </p> <p><strong>PHOENIX – April 03, 2024</strong> – 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, today announced Trucker Path for Brokerages. The new offering will enable small to mid-size freight brokers to dispatch, track and manage loads more efficiently and effectively to better compete against larger, more resource-rich brokerages. </p> <p>“Built for small to mid-size brokers, Trucker Path for Brokerages greatly simplifies the process of dispatching, tracking and managing loads awarded to carriers by freight brokers,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “By enabling significantly enhanced visibility into load location and status, it improves productivity and shipper satisfaction and streamlines processes to simplify operations. Trucker Path for Brokerages will help smaller brokers differentiate themselves and compete for carriers and customers like their larger competitors.” </p> <p>Trucker Path for Brokerages enables small to mid-size brokers to enjoy advanced features that streamline the interactions between the broker and carrier while making them both more efficient and productive. Providing their own customized version of the Trucker Path app to their carrier network gives brokers the ability to dispatch load details directly to drivers and track the progress of loads via an easy-to-use dashboard. Once deliveries are completed, the driver captures and uploads paperwork using the document scanner in the app for immediate processing. </p> <p>“The value of Trucker Path for Brokerages extends beyond replacing cumbersome, manual, time consuming and error-prone freight management and paperwork processes for freight brokers and their customers,” Oliver stated. “For small to mid-size brokers, it also increases efficiencies and carrier satisfaction. </p> <p>“Carriers also benefit from all the productivity tools the Trucker Path app offers the nearly 1 million North American truckers who already rely on the app regularly for truck-safe navigation, destination entry/exit guidance, real-time parking availability, fuel discounts, and more,” Oliver added. “It helps make life on the road safer, easier and more productive for drivers while also helping improve recruiting and retention for brokers.” </p> <p>Trucker Path for Brokerages is available to small to mid-size freight brokers at very affordable pricing. More details can be found at <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com/for-brokerages">www.truckerpath.com/for-brokerages</a>. Brokers attending the TIA 2024 Capital Ideas Conference April 10 - 13, 2024 can visit the Trucker Path booth #116 for more information. </p> <p><strong>About Trucker Path</strong> </p> <p>Phoenix-based Trucker Path, the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products, is a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE:MTBL). The Trucker Path app is currently used regularly 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 <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">www.truckerpath.com</a>. </p> <p><strong>Media Contact:</strong> </p> <p>Susan Fall </p> <p>LaunchIt Public Relations </p> <p>619-890-9415 </p> <p>susan@launchitpr.com </p>

Apr 03, 2024

Truckers Need to Consider Their Mental Health <p>Truckers are tough, hard-working, self-reliant and pragmatic by nature. They traditionally aren’t the types to acknowledge mental issues like depression, anxiety, loneliness or stress. </p> <p>It’s an unfortunate truth because trucking is stressful work and the demands of the job and lifestyle make it one of the hardest professions on mental health. A stark indicator of this is that the suicide rate among truckers is fifteen times higher than the general population, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7250a2.htm" target="_blank">according to CDC statistics.</a> </p> <p>If you’ve ever felt stressed, lonely, depressed, it’s not just you. </p> <p>May is mental health month and the perfect occasion for truckers to consider an issue that’s directly linked to their well-being, driving performance, relationships and livelihood. </p> <p>The long hours, isolation, frequent stress, exposure to traumatic traffic accidents, sleep deprivation, lack of exercise and poor diet that come with being a trucker take a toll. Truckers reported having significant mental health issues including depression (26.9%),loneliness (27.9%) and anxiety (14.5%) <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22757596/" target="_blank">in one often-cited study.</a> </p> <p>Mental health issues are common in trucking; ways of preventing them, treating them, and keeping them in check should be as well. Truckers are practical people. So what are some best practices that could help truckers when they feel their mental health is being strained? </p> <p><strong>Develop Tricks for Protecting Mental Health</strong> </p> <p><strong>• Stress</strong> – <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312166/">Chronic stress has a strong link to depressive disorders.</a> For truckers, stress is everywhere and just part of everyday life on the road. Traffic, blind spots, delays, delivery appointments and other people’s moods come with the job. It’s important to have stress relief tricks. Will you practice deep breathing, <a href="https://www.truckerpath.com/blog/podcasts-feed-the-need-for-learning-laughter-and-inspiration-on-the-road/" target="_blank">listen to a great podcast</a>, list the things you’re grateful for, recite a mantra, say a prayer, sing a song or simply force yourself to smile? </p> <p><strong>• Depression</strong> – The conditions that can contribute to a depressive spiral include lack of sleep, lack of <a href="https://www.truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-tips-for-exercising-while-on-the-road/" target="_blank">exercise</a>, negative talk radio, depressants like alcohol, and poor diet. If you’re conscious of a downward mood trend, it’s possible to redirect toward things that lift you: happy music, a phone call with a friend, just focusing on happy memories. </p> <p><strong>• Anxiety</strong> – It happens to experienced drivers as well as new drivers. Irrational fear, hesitation or worry can be triggered by a bad experience – or nothing at all. Feelings of anxiety seem irrational, but they’re not to be ignored when they’re job related. The first step is acknowledgment, i.e. just accepting it’s an issue you’re going to have to work your way through. The second is addressing the issue – sometimes getting outside help is the most efficient way. </p> <p><strong>• Loneliness</strong> – Long haul drivers who spend days or weeks away from partners, children and friends know a very real form of pain. Prolonged isolation can take a toll on health – mental and physical. Develop tricks for nipping it in the bud. Have check in calls or texts with loved ones. Combat isolation by forcing yourself to say hello or strike up a conversation at truck stops. </p> <p><strong>Check in with Yourself – Do a Mental Pre-Trip</strong> </p> <p>Processes and best practices help truckers in other areas like doing pre-trip checks and adhering to routing guides, why not in assessing their mental health as well? </p> <p>Dr. Ronald C. Kessler developed a <a href="https://www.tac.vic.gov.au/files-to-move/media/upload/k10_english.pdf" target="_blank">10-point questionnaire</a> for rating mental distress. Truckers could use it as a quick reality check. He published the K10 survey while a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School. K10 asks questions about anxiety and depressive symptoms experienced in preceding weeks. The score points to a level of psychological distress and whether a psychological disorder exists that should be addressed. </p> <p><strong>Know the Resources for Getting Help</strong> </p> <p>Don’t hesitate to get help. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support and crisis intervention. Trained professionals are there to talk. </p> <p><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/prevention-innovation-and-implementation-science-in-mental-health-the-next-wave-of-reform/DEEF2114D5ECD233C6D5A1B1154F4E74" target="_blank">Experts say</a> the sooner you receive appropriate treatment for mental health issues the better both for the quality and speed of recovery. Counseling is easier and more accessible than ever for truckers on the road, thanks to telehealth providers who can administer counseling by video or phone. </p> <p>The number of companies like <a href="https://www.betterhelp.com/" target="_blank">BetterHelp</a> and <a href="https://prod-sasidenrollment.azurewebsites.net/launch?refnumber=000020127-117-168" target="_blank">Teladoc</a> providing virtual counseling has increased as telemedicine has become more common. And <a href="https://www.smartandsimple.com/partners/trucker-path/" target="_blank">health insurance policies</a> often cover it. Some fleets offer their own counseling options to drivers or provide financial help through employee assistance programs (EAPs). </p> <p>Truckers can also turn to Facebook groups like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/TruckersForTruckers/" target="_blank">Truckers For Truckers (Fight Against Depression And Suicide).</a> With over 3,000 members, this group has been around for seven years. </p> <p><strong>It’s a Hard Job – Go Easy on Yourself</strong> </p> <p>Mental health awareness month is a chance for truckers experiencing loneliness, stress, depression or anxiety to learn “it’s not just you” and that the harder it gets in there, the more important it is to reach out for help. </p>

May 08, 2024