May 26, 2020

Industry Update - May 26, 2020

Industry Update - May 26, 2020

By Aldous Aldwin

Load Volumes are Up by 7 Percent

Load volumes are up 7% versus last year even as import volumes are down. Traditional produce markets in the Southwest have contributed to the largest monthly changes in volumes (Tucson, Phoenix). The rapidly improving consumer spending data is also playing a role in this growth. The reopening of most states is unleashing the pent-up demand from Americans who have grown tired of being on house arrest.

Availability

Truck Availability Falls 17 Percent

The availability of trucks on the spot market dropped 17.5% even if spot freight volumes on major lanes continued to grow last week., This is a probable sign that capacity is shifting to the contract market as industries open up.

Pricing power remains with brokers and shippers.

Here are the national average spot rates through the week:

Van: $1.55 per mile, 8 cents lower than the April average
Flatbed: $1.86 per mile, 8 cents lower than April
Reefer: $1.97 per mile, 4 cents higher than April

Amazon

Amazon Invests $4 Billion to Keep Employees Safe

In a Youtube video posted by Amazon, it revealed to have allocated $4 Billion on COVID-related initiatives to get products to customers and keep employees safe. Here’s a breakdown of their initiatives.

Shipped 100 million masks to employees and partners
To deliver 6 million meals

Watch the full video below.

TagsTruckloads Load Board Loadboard Truck truck drivers Owner Operator trucking FMCSA Trucker Path Industry Update transportation Covid19

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

Trucker Spotlight - Carolina Ortega <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> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/65456837_2341965182724336_3750110940285108224_n.png" alt=""] <h2></h2> Working as a truck driver at a logistics company, <strong>Carolina</strong> started a Youtube channel "Loira na Estrada" which means "Blondie on the Road", where she gives us a glimpse of her day to day trucking life. She drives an 18 wheeler (VOLVO VNL 860) across United States. We're honored to have a chance to interview her and get a glimpse of her trucking lifestyle. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> The freedom and the lifestyle that this job offers amazes me, plus driving a big machine like that is a honor for me. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How many years have you been driving? What are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I've been driving for around 2 years now. With the current crisis we are all experiencing, I felt a decrease on the number of the loads and a decrease of load prices on the market. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b12.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Are there any times of loneliness while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I never feel lonely, because the freedom makes me happy and I have everything I always wanted. It’s peaceful, I love seeing new places, waking up in one place and go to sleep in another. Traveling every day really makes me fulfilled. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID-19 pandemic?</strong></h3> In the beginning of the situation with COVID-19 was hard to find masks and hand sanitizer in the truck stops. But being in the truck actually makes me feel more comfortable because I can keep doing what I am doing and it’s easy to avoid crowds. I'd say quarantine in the truck is the best quarantine you could ever have. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/05/b14.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> Definitely my favorite route is to drive on the historic Route 66, I love to take the original stretch of the Route 66 in Seligman, Arizona. I also love I-80 in Wyoming, I-15 from St George, Utah to Las Vegas is an amazing scenery, I-90 in Montana is mind blowing too, there are so many roads I love to take - mainly the ones in the west side of the country. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Definitely live bees was the craziest load I ever took. It was in a flat bed truck when I used to work as a team. It was very crazy, adventurous and kinda funny sometimes. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3> I use rest stops and truck stops every day either for spend the night, or to put fuel, to eat, to take shower, to use scales, etc. I’m not a fast-food fan so I prefer to find hot meals, more homemade kind food and soups at the truck stops. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What Trucker Path features do you often use when you drive?</strong></h3> I use <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/">Trucker Path</a> for everything I need about trucking during my work day. Like I can see where are the truck stops and accurate distances, I check the parking availability before I stop anywhere and this is very helpful because it is well updated. I can check if the truck stop I’m going has a shower, how many fuel pumps, scale, mechanic shop, facilities. The app also shows the stores phone number, address and reviews. Also i can see where the truck friendly Walmart’s are and the reviews made by other truckers. It’s perfect to find also authorized truck shop, diesel prices, weight stations (if they are closed or open). Well this app is so complete that I don’t see me working efficiency without it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> I currently have two Youtube channels: <h2></h2> 1. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lindacarolvibe/featured">Loira na Estrada</a> - This is my primary channel. I mostly speak Portuguese here. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZcwOZmFboyI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h3></h3> 2. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqhudMXrchSUSkn3Tls83mg/featured">Blondie on the Road</a> - A lot of people requested me to do english videos and so here it is. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wchXA3YtS2I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

May 27, 2020 • 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