Jan 24, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - January 24, 2020

Industry Update - January 24, 2020

By Paul DeCoste

Industry Update

Curious about the top issues discussed in the trucking industry in 2019? Take a look at this graphic from the ATRI Top Industry Issues 2019 survey.

Weather Update

This snowstorm has been building up over the past few days and drivers need to be aware of some potential snowfall in the Midwest. The following locations should be driven on with caution for the weekend; Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin, Michigan’s upper peninsula, Chicago and South Bend, Indiana.

Pilot Name Change

Just yesterday, Pilot Flying J announced that they are changing their company name to “Pilot Company”. This new corporate name is meant to, “serve as an umbrella that captures the total portfolio of the business as it continues to expand its retail and energy operations.”

Driver Saves Lives

Linden O’Donnell went out of his way to put out a car fire and help several motorists. He was driving on the right side of Interstate 280 when he witnessed a car smash into the back of a stalled SUV. Thankfully the SUV was empty, but the passengers of the car were barely conscious and in need of help. As fire crept from the engine to the cab, Linden ran to grab his fire extinguisher and put out the flames. This allowed Linden to safely assist the drivers out of the car and out of harm’s way. His courage and ability to react deserves the honor he is receiving.

New Tech

This pilot study done by American Electric Power and Nissan Motor Co., is testing the reuse of old batteries to reduce costs for electric cars. This new process has the potential to lower system costs by one-half and even extend the power of lithium batteries by one-third.

TagsTruckloads road closure Truck Driver Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Freight Factoring Trucking Industry truck stops Truck driver tips Freight Broker Owner Operators Freight Brokers national truck driver appreciation week Industry Update Did you Know Trucking Tips MATS 2019

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde <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/IMG_94991.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5004" /></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jake</strong>, who recently started a Youtube channel "PinoyTruckerInUSA" where he shares his experiences being an over-the-road Filipino truck driver. He mostly drives in the Midwest and has been trucking for 5 years. We are stoked to get him to share some insights regarding the trucking industry. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5010" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I've always been an adventurous person and I love to travel so when I found out about trucking, I thought it would be perfect for me. Because of trucking, I was able to live my life freely and help my loved ones. It truly is a job that I enjoy. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How are you holding up with the COVID-19 situation?</strong></h3> A few of my current struggles include the lack of loads i’ve been getting which lowers my overall income. Aside from that, I have really put some effort in enforcing some safety measures for my own health and safety. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Can you share some safety measures that you have been doing?</strong></h3> I protect my self by following the standards of social safety distancing, wear masks at all time, and I always wash my hand. I have my own protective gear too. I'm also lucky to have been provided free masks by some shippers. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5001" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the significant changes you've noticed in your 5 years of trucking?</strong></h3> Back in the day, trucking was complicated because of the lack of technology. But now, apps like <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> helps so many truckers because it’s user friendly and easy. I’ve been using this app for some time now and I highly recommend it to truckers. It’s basically an all-in-one platform for truckers. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems that you have encountered while trucking?</strong></h3> A few troubles I’ve encountered are heavy traffic in the cities, road rage from other drivers, and the fact that some don’t let you pass at all. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5013" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> As a truck driver, i’ve been through a few amazing roads but my favorite is Oregon. The scenic views are mesmerizing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any difficult routes for you?</strong></h3> Some unusual roads I’ve driven is probably in New Jersey and New York. When I first started solo driving, I've found the road too confusing and difficult. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5007" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any tips for aspiring truck drivers out there?</strong></h3> I have 3 tips for aspiring truckers: Always think of your safety , pay attention, and slow down. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> You can find me on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxb1GZCJKAveF-ZF-BQkl4A">Youtube channel, "PinoyTruckerInUSA"</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZwRqkBedFU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 04, 2020 • Carriers

Everything Truck Drivers Need to Know About Deadhead [p]If you are a new driver or maybe just received authority as an owner-operator, understanding what deadhead is can be critical when searching for the right load.[/p] [h2]What is Deadhead?[/h2] [p]Deadhead in trucking is when a [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]truck driver[/a] is driving with an empty trailer. Since loads aren't found in our backyards, deadhead is usually necessary for owner operators who must drive a certain distance to pick up a load.[/p] [h2]Does the Trucking Company Pay for Deadhead?[/h2] [p]Not necessarily. Some trucking companies will pay for deadhead mileage after the first 100 miles, although it isn't required. For example, C.R. England pays independent contractors $.80 per deadhead mile. While company drivers typically get paid for deadhead mileage, owner-operators aren't always as lucky and the cost could come out of pocket.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/I6aNrs9GW3xNm" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]How to Limit Trucking Deadhead[/h2] [p]The more often you haul cargo, the more you generally will earn. It's a simple concept. In order to maximize earnings, it's important for a trucker to stay loaded and avoid driving back empty. With the national average diesel prices forecasted to be $2.71 per gallon in 2017 (according to Gas Buddy),driving empty can become a costly issue for owner operators. At that price, a 200-mile deadhead with a Peterbilt or Mack truck that gets around 5 mpg could cost over $100, cutting into the profit a driver might earn. Deadhead might be the last resort if there are no loads nearby.[/p] [h2]Dangers of Driving with an Empty Trailer[/h2] [p]Trucking deadhead can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers. Trucks with an empty trailer weigh half as much as full ones. This can be problematic if a trucker is driving through an area with especially high winds. Not only can an empty trailer sway around and be difficult to control, it can flip open, causing serious injury. Be sure to always check the weather reports and wind conditions before heading out to pick up a load with an empty trailer.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/OPSEsCZSJtnOw" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]Find Freight With Truckloads Free Load Board[/h2] [p]Truckloads is a [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.truckerpath.truckloads?pid=Social Facebook"]free load board[/a] connecting carriers with shippers. It features unlimited premium loads, customized search options and carriers can call brokers right from the app. Additionally, owner operators can search for over two million monthly loads nearby or based on deadhead. Carriers can also view the rate, days to pay and even view a brokers credit score.[/p] [video id="snyBYpnuhWw"] [button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=deadhead"]Try Truckloads Free![/button-green]

Jan 20, 2017 • Carriers

Self-onboard Your New ELD

Jan 06, 2020