Jun 09, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - June 9, 2020

Industry Update - June 9, 2020

101 New Parking Spaces Added in Kentucky

Truckers traveling the I24 through Kentucky now have a new place to refuel, eat, and park.Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores opened a new store in Oak Grove, Kentucky last June 4. The new truck stop is located near the border with Tennessee and near Fort Campbell Amry base. In addition to 101 truck parking spaces, the new Love’s has the following amenities:

Hardee’s
Eight diesel bays
Nine showers
Love’s Truck Care with on-site Speedco
Laundry facilities
Fresh Kitchen concept
Mobile to Go Zone for electronics
CAT scale
Two dog parks

Diesel Cost Goes Up by a Penny

The nationwide average price of a gallon of diesel increased by one cent to $2.396, according to the weekly report from the government’s Energy Information Administration on June 8.

Compared to last year, the diesel price is still 70.9 cents lower. Diesel increased in all 10 of the regions surveyed by EIA, with it increasing only 0.1 cent in the Gulf Coast region to $2.172.

Bandit Truck Racing Series Returns to Racing this Month

The Bandit Big Rig Series is making a comeback to the track this month for the first time in 2020. Opening in Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, fans wont be allowed to watch due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual event pass is available for $9.99 for fans to watch the race live online. Purchase your event passes here.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruckloads drivers Truck truck drivers Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Owner Operators Technology Trucking Tips Covid19

Things to Consider When Buying Dashcams for Trucks [p]Trucking is a challenging job that requires constant commitment and motivation from the part of the truck driver. It is your job as a trucker to keep the cargo, the truck, yourself, and other drivers safe on the road. However, sometimes accidents can occur, leading to the involvement of multiple parties like the police and the insurance companies. In such cases, it is always better to protect yourself from paying for unnecessary damages. The best way to do that is by installing a dashcam in your truck.[/p] [p]There are so many dashcams for sale in the market that selecting the right one can be a troublesome task. Do not let that faze you. You can choose the perfect dashcam for your truck using the information provided in this article. So, without further ado let’s get started! [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]The Dashcam’s Resolution [/b][/p] [p]The first thing you should consider when buying a dashcam for your truck is the camera’s resolution. There are dashcams out there that produce unclear videos then there are others that can record in HD resolution. When it comes to trucking you want to buy a dashcam with a high resolution so that all the recorded footage is of high quality. If you are required to present the video as evidence in the court then you would want the video to be as clear as possible and be able to capture essential information such as plate numbers or street signs. You could opt for 4k resolution dashcams, but they are highly expensive and chances are that you won't need such high resolution for your truck.[/p] [p][b]Number of Point of Views [/b][/p] [p]You want a dashcam that has more than two channels i.e. a dashcam that can show footage from at least two designated positions. A six-channel camera would show footage from a different location from inside and outside the car, which can be beneficial. A truck is huge and requires ample coverage which is why you need multiple channels. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-The-Type-of-Lens.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]The Type of Lens [/b][/p] [p]A dashcam with a wide lens will show a larger area in the front of your truck. Cameras with a 120-degree field of view are ideal for trucking. As a rule of thumb, the larger the field of view the better but that is not always true. Dashcam lenses that are wider than 120 degrees will create a fisheye effect leading to very awkward footage. A 360-degree camera lens can help solve both problems. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Connectivity [/b][/p] [p]In this modern world, it is helpful if everything is connected to our phones or PCs. Therefore, a dashcam with a related mobile app can be very useful, especially if you are out & about and not near a PC. Furthermore, the mobile app can let you view the footage live and unaltered. So, even if you are away from your truck you are only a tap away from accessing the dashcam.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-Dashcam-Viewing-Screen.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Dashcam Viewing Screen [/b][/p] [p]Some dashcams in the market have an LCD screen on their back so you can view the footage in real-time as you drive. That is not highly recommended, as a dashcam with an LCD can be distracting for you as a driver. They are big and bulky while also being too big to hide. Smaller dashcams with no LCDs are sleek and elegant making them the perfect choice for some truckers. The camera can be hidden from plain view allowing you to focus entirely on the road. [/p] [p][b]User Friendliness [/b][/p] [p]Dashcam installation can be hectic if you buy the wrong one. Many dashcams require you to connect electrical wiring and make adjustments in your truck. They are not very easy to install, which is why most truckers opt for dashcams that are operated by a battery or can easily plug in to a 12v socket. These kinds of dashcams do not require any complex installation and perform the same job as the other types. [/p] [p][b]Dashcam Memory [/b][/p] [p]You should also consider the memory capacity for your Dashcam. These cameras come with a micro SD card slot allowing you to save all the footage in one place so that you can transfer it later to a personal computer. Therefore, a dashcam should have the capability to accept high-volume memory cards such as 512 GB or 256 GB. This way, you’ll be able to record more footage and won’t have to worry about deleting often.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/TP-BLOG-Things-to-Consider-When-Buying-Dashcams-for-Trucks-Pricing.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Pricing [/b][/p] [p]The last thing you should consider is the pricing. Dashcam prices range from $40 up to even $600. Treat your dashcam as a worthy investment that will save you money in the long run. Find a dashcam that gives you all the features that you’re looking for with a relatively cost efficient price. That way, you won’t have to think about upgrading in the near future. Do it once, and do it right.[/p] [p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p] [p]A dashcam is a simple gadget that has a lot of fancy features with a lot of good benefits especially for truckers. It is definitely worth considering to get to give you a bit of peace of mind when the unexpected happens.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Oct 22, 2020 • Community

Truck Parking Issue Can Cost the Industry $5 Billion Annually [p]Finding safe truck parking is a looming issue that can cost the trucking industry an estimated $5.1 billion annually.[/p] [h2]3 Factors to Help Resolve the Truck Parking Issue[/h2] [p][b]1. Increase Capacity in Areas of Need[/b][/p] [p]After examining the data at over 270,000 truck parking spots in 2016, we found that in the Western areas of America, it is nearly impossible for a truck driver to find truck parking nearby within 45 minutes. After surveying over 3,000 truck drivers we discovered that [i]40 percent of truck drivers spend an hour or more searching for nearby truck parking.[/i] That's nearly 10 percent of their allotted daily driving time![/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/bottom-infgr-e.png" alt=""] [p][b]2. Increase the Use of Technology to Help Find Truck Parking[/b][/p] [p]Technology can provide truck drivers with necessary information to find nearby truck parking. [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Trucker Path[/a] is a necessity for truck drivers who need to find nearby truck parking. There are over 8,000 truck stops, rest areas, and travel centers in the app with real-time updates regarding the available truck parking.[/p] [p][b]3. Improve Trip Planning and Efficiency by Drivers[/b][/p] [p]Most drivers plan ahead by searching for truck parking along their route. However, on average, 16 percent of truck drivers say they start to plan for parking 30 minutes or less before hitting their HOS limit. For truck drivers to find available parking in a timely manner, especially in the Western part of the U.S., they should begin the process at least one hour ahead of hitting their HOS limit.[/p] [p]Fleets can also help their drivers by providing them with necessary recommendations or having technology like Trucker Path loaded onto in-cab devices. While some fleets are proactive, this is not standard as 86 percent of truck drivers say their fleets don't give them recommendations on how to find parking.[/p] [p][b]Using Trucker Path can save drivers an estimated 11 hours per month![/b][/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [h2]Lost Opportunity for Fleets and Truck Drivers[/h2] [p]Time spent searching for truck parking can limit a driver’s earning potential. [i]If over 1.6 million truck drivers in America lose 11 hours every month, then the trucking industry is losing about $5.1 billion annually.[/i] Here is a detailed breakdown of the potential lost opportunity.[/p] [images src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/05/chartcaption.png" alt="Cost of parking" width="316px" align="left"] [h2]Unauthorized Truck Parking is Unsafe[/h2] [p]Truck driver safety also plays a role in the truck parking issue. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making it the most dangerous job in the USA. [i]79 percent of drivers were forced to violate their HOS because they couldn't find truck parking.[/i] Meanwhile, drivers have been forced to park in unauthorized locations such as highway shoulders, store lots, and off-ramps. These areas are unsafe for truck drivers, leading to potential cargo theft or accidents when merging off or back onto roads.[/p] [h2]What's Being Done to Help Truck Drivers?[/h2] [p]Truck drivers don't feel enough measures are being implemented to help them. [i]86 percent of truck drivers we surveyed said they feel the government isn't doing enough to help alleviate the truck parking issue.[/i] There are a few states that have taken the initiative in helping provide solutions for truck drivers.[/p] [p]States such as Kentucky and Florida (among others) now utilize weigh stations for truck parking, known as “rest havens”. Meanwhile, Maryland and Delaware have provided corridor parking for trucks along I-95 resulting in 220 available truck parking spots.[/p] [p]Reopening rest areas for trucks to use for parking is another potential opportunity. Many rest areas were closed since 2008 due to state and city budget decreases. Rest areas that are closed like in California, where there are 13 not in operation could provide an average of 10 truck parking spots per location. The operational costs could be limited by providing only basic restrooms and security like surveillance or a rotation of a security officer on duty.[/p] [button-white href="http://assets.truckerpath.com/external/2017-05-04-pdf/parking-shortage-costs-the-trucking-industry-5B-annually.pdf"]Entire Report[/button-white]

May 04, 2017 • Carriers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers <h2></h2> <h3></h3> Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up racking up violations and unnecessary expenses due to Rookie Mistakes. Dave of Smart Trucking shares some rookie mistakes for all the rookies entering the trucking world. <h2></h2> Here are the 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers make: <h2></h2> <strong>1. Misjudging a corner:</strong> You may be swinging too wide or not swinging wide enough. Always check your spacing and clearances. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-1-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5043" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up:</strong> Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it's impossible to get turned around. Plan your trips using a trip planner (check out <a href="http://vip.truckerpath.com/gold-member?utm_source=email&utm_medium=nurture-interest">Trucker Path</a> while you're at it). <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-1-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5044" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>3. Lack of focus when backing up:</strong> This is one of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Get out of the vehicle and survey the vicinity first. Check for obstructions and clearance. Do it slowly and safely and always focus on your driver aids (side mirrors, cameras, etc). <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b32.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b32-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5045" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>4. Hurrying:</strong> Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b33.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b33-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5046" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>5. Complacency:</strong> Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and overconfident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b34.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b34-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5047" /></a> <h2></h2> There are many more tips out there but in general it all leads to focus, and safety. Got some tips to share? Let us know down the comments section. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 16, 2020 • Carriers