Mar 22, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update March 22, 2019

Industry Update March 22, 2019

Trucking Industry Update March 22, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

March 22, 1933, President Roosevelt signed the Beer and Wine Revenue act, which basically killed Prohibition. This started the shipment of alcohol again in earnest and culminated in the signing of the 21^st Amendment in December of 1933, officially ending Prohibition.

Trucking tip of the Week

Getting loads to the final destination on time is key to getting paid the full rate. During the Spring, especially this Spring, wind has been a major factor. Trucks, being top heavy, are easily tipped over. Pay attention to wind speeds in the area you are going through, in particularly through the Plains. Being late is better than not getting there at all.

Declarations of Emergency

This section has been a constant for the last several weeks. This week is no different. Nebraska is having massive flooding issues and are in desperate need of water, fuel and many other items. Make sure you are planning accordingly if your route takes you through Nebraska.

Toll Road Fight

The ATA sued the state of Rhode Island on their implementation of toll roads. The suit was initially brought up in July of 2018 but is just now being ruled on. Unfortunately, the suit has been dismissed but not due to the legality of the law. The presiding judge felt that the suit should be brought up in state court first. The ATA has declared that they will continue the fight.

Legislation

If you drive in the agriculture business, a new piece of legislation has been introduced that you need to keep an eye out on. HR 1673, The Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, has been introduced by Representative Austin Scott (R-GA),is set to further clarify what is classified as an agricultural commodity. While the full bill has yet to be released, you will be able to read the bill in its entirety here when its released.

TagsATA trucking Declaration of Emergency Legislation weather Wind Nebraska beer wine Toll Roads Rhode Island

Truck Sanitation Tips <h2></h2> During the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to have an effect on everyone in the world. While truckers continue to deliver the vital needs of the country, there is continued risk in accumulating and spreading the virus in doing so. There is a lot that we can do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since truck drivers spend more time inside their trucks, it is important to make sure that it is a clean environment for you and for anyone who rides in it. In this article, we have put together a list of tips on how to clean and disinfect your truck. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst2.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst2-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5233" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>1. Choosing Your Cleaning Materials</strong></h3> The first step to cleaning and disinfecting your truck is to choose the right cleaning agents and materials you will use. Isopropyl alcohol is a proven disinfectant, and is also safe to use on most truck interior surfaces. In fact, it is used in many production plants to put a final touch on interior components before they are shipped out. Isopropyl alcohol will remove many stains, smudges and residues, as well as kill bacteria and viruses. However, that stain removing quality can also cause problems with leather. <h2></h2> For leather components such as steering wheels, seating, and trim, a combination of soap and water is a safe and sufficient way to clean them. Avoid hard scrubbing when cleaning your leather interior, and avoid excess suds and water. Hand washing has been recommended as a primary way to protect oneself against infection by COVID-19, this holds true for washing your leather interior as well. <h2></h2> Another cleaning agent is chlorine dioxide (ClO2). It is a common disinfectant and odor eliminator, already prevalent in many shops. It is available in the form of tablets, and depending on the amount of water added, can be used in a vapor or liquid form. <h2></h2> It is recommended to use microfiber towels as cleaning material as it lessens the damage on any surface. Wash the towels thoroughly after each cleaning session. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst3.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst3-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5234" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>2. Cleaning & Disinfecting Truck Interiors</strong></h3> While truck interiors are built to be tough, hard scrubbing or using a rough cloth can cause scratches or even discoloration. A wipe with alcohol on hard surfaces and gentle circular cleaning on upholstery are the best bets for both cleaning and maintaining your truck interior. <h2></h2> It is also very important not to use too much water on your seats. If cloth upholstery soaks through with water, it can get into the cushion beneath. This can cause the growth of mold and that musty smell you will recognize if you've left your windows open in the rain. <h2></h2> If washing the seats of your truck, it is best to wet a cloth or sponge with soap and water and wipe the seats. You do not want to leave excess soap or water, as it can take a long time to dry. Isopropyl alcohol can safely be used on non-leather seats. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst4.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst4-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5235" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>3. Cleaning & Disinfecting Truck Exteriors</strong></h3> Truck exteriors should not be left behind. Wash you trucks regularly at truckstops. Pay attention to the parts which have frequent contact with your hands and shoes such as step boards and exterior door handles. You may clean these areas with soap. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst5.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/tst5-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5236" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>4. Keeping Clean While on the Road</strong></h3> While you're out, you're exposed to germs and viruses that can follow you back into your truck. If you don't have enough time to do a thorough truck clean, keep in mind of the common contact points such as door handles and controls, keys or start button, steering wheel, gear shift, seats, CB radio, all buttons and knobs on your dash, sun visor, anything touchscreen, the console and cup holders. <h2></h2> You can use disinfectant wipes on most surfaces. Wipe your mobile phones while you're at it too. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jul 29, 2020 • Carriers

Truck Driver Turnover Rate Rapidly Increased [p]The truck driver turnover rate rapidly increased to its highest mark in the last seven years in the second quarter of 2017. [/p] [h2] Truck Driver Turnover Rate [/h2] [p]According to American Trucking Associations' quarterly report, the turnover rate at large truckload carriers in the second quarter of 2017<strong> jumped 16 percentage points to 90 percent</strong> – the highest it has been since the final quarter of 2015. [/p] [p]The 16-point increase is the largest quarterly jump in truck driver turnover rate since the fourth quarter of 2010. [/p] [quote]"We saw double-digit gains in the annualized turnover rate for both small and large truckload fleets,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “After a period of relatively low turnover, it appears the driver market is tightening again, which coupled with increased demand for freight movement, could rapidly exacerbate the driver shortage.”[/quote] [p]The ATA report also revealed turnover numbers for smaller fleets. Smaller carrier companies with $30 million in annual revenue or less saw aneven higher turnover rate increase. For them, the turnover rate increased by 19 percentage points to 85 percent, the highest it has been since the first quarter of 2016. [/p] [p]The turnover picture at less-than-truckload fleets was more muddled, with over-the-road LTL turnover dipping one point to 9 percent, says the ATA. [/p] [quote]“We predicted that last year’s period of relatively low and stable turnover could be short-lived if the freight economy recovered from 2016’s freight recession,” Costello said. “It appears those predictions were correct and we may be seeing the beginnings of a significant tightening of the driver market and acceleration of the driver shortage.”[/quote] [h2]Truck Tonnage Trending Up [/h2] [p] Despite the high truck driver turnover rate and impeding driver shortage, <strong>Truck Tonnage Index jumped 7.1 percent in August</strong> and year-to-date, compared with the same eight months in 2016, the index is up 2.1 percent, says the ATA. Costello partially correlates the increases in August to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. [/p] [p] The <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">trucking industry is trending</a> up still, with 2016 truck freight tonnage up 1 percent or 500 million tons from 2015. [/p] [p] If you're a truck driver and are ready to make the jump to start your own trucking company, the timing might be right. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-start-a-trucking-company/"]How to Start a Trucking Company[/button-green]

Sep 19, 2017 • Carriers

MATS 2019 <h3><strong>By Jeremy Feucht</strong></h3> <h5>If it is the last week in March, it must be time for <a href="https://www.truckingshow.com/">MATS</a>, the largest trucking show in the United States. This year there are said to be over 1 million square feet of exhibits lined up and ready for the crowd. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> and <a href="https://www.howeslube.com/">Howes</a> Lubricants will be two such companies setting up booths at the show.</h5> <h5>If you are in the market to buy products, or maybe to eat a renowned Kentucky pork chop sandwich, MATS is the show to attend. And hey, it never hurts to be in the know of what is going on within the industry. Whether you are a freight broker, carrier, owner-operator, leased-on, company driver, shipper, fleet manager or the many other careers that the trucking industry needs in order to succeed.</h5> <h5>This is also the type of show that the general public should and do attend. The curiosity of what it’s like to be a trucker, sit in the cab of a truck or stand on or in a trailer can be experienced up close and personal.</h5> <h5>One of my personal favorite parts of MATS is seeing the trucks. Every truck owner has pride in their truck and spends time on their set up, the artistry and craftsmanship. Owners and their teams put extra elbow grease into these marvelous machines and the reward is extraordinary.</h5> <h5>So, as you walk through the show be sure and visit the Trucker Path booth and mention this blog for a special give-a-way. We will also be demoing our new truck specific navigation and answering any questions you might have. Oh yes and in the booth, we are taking pictures and videos of you telling us why you LOVE TRUCKER PATH!</h5> <h5>Don’t miss the Howes Lubricants booth and ask about their FREE Winter Tow Guarantee. Howes Diesel Treat is a product that will keep your truck going all winter long or Howes pays the tow.</h5> <h5>While I will be working the Trucker Path booth, you can guarantee, I will be noticing the other booths: Wondering what they offer, what information can be learned from each company but more so, which companies are there to help the over the road driver with the challenges they have while out on the road.</h5> <h5>I know Trucker Path and Howes fit into the latter group. Click on the Howes banner below for more information!</h5> <h5>Find Trucker Path at MATS booth 64232 and Howes at 14136.</h5> <h3><a href="https://www.howeslube.com/"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-4690 size-medium" src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2019/03/Capture-300x210.png" alt="" width="300" height="210" /></a></h3>

Mar 11, 2019