May 19, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - May 19, 2020

Industry Update - May 19, 2020

By Aldous Aldwin

Truck Stops

Truck Stops to Remain Open

As the nation endures the Covid-19 pandemic, truck stops have been working to ensure that drivers have a helping hand. Some truck stops like Iowa 80 have enforced measures to limit the Covid-19 spread while keeping the showers and restrooms open. Loves installed plexiglass at all its stores, restaurants, and truck registers. Petro has remained open and has packaged their convenience store foods in a way that prioritizes customer safety.

FMCSA

FMCSA HOS Rule Updates

The Final Rule features four key changes to existing Hours of Service requirements.

The Agency will increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by requiring a break after 8 hours of consecutive driving and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on-duty, not driving status, rather than off-duty status.
The Agency will modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: an 8/2 split, or a 7/3 split—with neither period counting against the driver’s 14‑hour driving window.
The Agency will modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted.
The Agency will change the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on‑duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.

Jobs

More than 80,000 Jobs Lost Last April

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 88,300 jobs were lost in the trucking industry, a 6.2% year-over-year decline, as the entire economy continues to suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that around 60% of the jobs mentioned are drivers.

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Trucker Path App: Map Improvements

Jan 29, 2021 • App Update

Spring Driving Tips for Truckers [p]Spring is here and we are getting ready to welcome summer. Soon temperatures are going to soar, and rain will make its entry into the equation.[/p] [p]As a trucker, it's both good and bad news for you. Good because you don't have to fight against snow or subzero temperatures anymore and bad because now rain, landslides, and other hazards will introduce themselves. Therefore, you must still be attentive when you drive your truck while also enjoying the scenic views the American highways have to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges you might face driving in spring as a trucker. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Tackling Rain[/b][/p] [p]At the start of spring and early summer, the weather begins to change, and with that comes rain and slippery roads. It shouldn't be too much of an issue driving in the rain because you are fresh off the winter season, and you must have tackled snowy roads during that period. However, you should exercise caution since roads become very slippery during the first few minutes of rain. You should slow down and maintain a safe distance from other trucks and vehicles on the road. If conditions are too treacherous and visibility is an issue, it is better to bide at a truck stop and wait for the storm to pass.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Construction Season[/b][/p] [p]The start of spring signals the beginning of the construction season, especially in the Midwest. If you pass through a construction site, make sure to pay attention to all the road signs. You should slow down and change lanes with more care to avoid any accidents. If you practice caution, you will save others and yourself from unnecessary harm.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Sun Glare[/b][/p] [p]The sun shines bright during the spring and summer seasons. It also means that you have more hours of daylight to tackle. Therefore, keep a pair of sunglasses by your side to protect your eyes from damage - not to mention look cool as well. Furthermore, keep the truck's windshield clean, especially since bugs will also be aplenty during this time.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Scenic Highways to Try This Season[/b][/p] [p]Driving during spring season has some advantages too. You can also enjoy your time driving on scenic routes. Imagine getting paid to drive some of the most beautiful roads in America! Not everyone has that pleasure, so you must make the most out of it when you can.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Route 12, Utah[/b][/p] [p]The red rocks of Utah are a treat to watch, especially in early spring. The route presents exquisite views as you drive through the Canyons and wind down the challenging roads.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-Cover-Route12Utah.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Trail Ridge Road, Colorado[/b][/p] [p]It is extra fun to drive in high altitudes, especially in spring. The Trail Ridge Road is the country's highest continually paved road that follows through the Rocky Mountain National Park. You will get to see several wildlife species during your drive and witness outstanding scenery at every corner and straight.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-SpringTips-Cover-TrailRidgeRoad.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final Thoughts [/b][/p] [p]The spring season is a good time for truckers as you can bask in the sun, enjoy scenic views, and make some good money while doing it. However, remember to take extra care and not be complacent while you are having fun. Do you have some awesome spring destinations? Share it with us. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Apr 12, 2021 • Carriers

COVID19: State of Trucking <h4>By Trucker Path</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b5.png" alt="Trucker Path COVID19" /> <h3><strong>Trucker Path COVID-19 Initiatives</strong></h3> The Trucker Path team is actively monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and preparing resources to assist truckers as they help keep America running. <h2></h2> In addition to providing updates on the Trucker Path <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TruckerPath/">Facebook Page</a>, a dedicated COVID19 thread has been created in the official Trucker Path forum. <h2></h2> A COVID-19 Tracker has been introduced on the Trucker Path mobile app which is available on <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathios">iOS</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathdroid">Google Play</a>. This feature will enable truckers to easily check the spread of the Coronavirus and see insights both for America and abroad, with live updates on infections and recoveries. <h2></h2> Along side the COVID-19 Tracker is the COVID-19 Navigation Tool which has been integrated on the Turn-by-Turn feature to track the latest information regarding reported cases and infected areas and provide alternate routing. </a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b7.jpeg" alt="FMCSA" /> <h3><strong>FMCSA Emergency Declaration to be extended until June 14</strong></h3> The agency's COVID-19 Emergency Declaration has been extended until June 14. The original declaration was set to expire last Friday. Full announcement can be found <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/extension-expanded-emergency-declaration-no-2020-002-under-49-cfr-ss-39025">here</a>. <h2></h2> FMCSA’s emergency declaration provides for regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts intended to meet immediate needs for: Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants Food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores Immediate precursor raw materials — such as paper, plastic or alcohol—that are required and to be used for the manufacture of essential items Fuel Equipment, supplies and persons needed to establish and manage temporary housing or quarantines Persons designated by federal, state or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes Persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services </a> <h3></h3> <h2></h2> <img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b6.jpeg" alt="CDC" /> <h3><strong>CDC Guidelines for Long Haul Truck Drivers</strong></h3> The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recently updated guidelines for long haul truck drivers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some prescribed steps to avoid contamination and reduce spread. <ul> <li>Notify your supervisor and stay home if having symptoms.</li> <li>Make a plan with your employer and your family as to what to do if you become sick while you’re on the road. Include where to stop, where and how to seek medical advice and treatment, and plans for freight delivery.</li> <li>Limit close contact with others by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet when possible.</li> <li>CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. </li> <li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a routine basis.</li> <li>Practice proper hand hygiene. This is an important infection control measure. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.</li> <li>Avoid touching surfaces often touched by others when outside of the cab.</li> <li>Do not share personal protective equipment (PPE) (such as vests, safety glasses, hard hats),tools, phones, radios, or other personal items.</li> <li>Use pre-qualified truck stops or hotels identified by your employer as having appropriate COVID-19 protections.</li> <li>When team driving or ride-alongs are required, wear cloth face coverings inside the truck and avoid sharing bedding in the sleeper berth.</li> </ul> Full guidelines can be viewed <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/long-haul-trucking.html">here</a>.

May 21, 2020 • Carriers