Nov 08, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update - November 8, 2019

Industry Update - November 8, 2019

By Paul DeCoste

Did you Know?

Less than two weeks ago Mack unveiled their brand new, all-black, Mack Anthem truck. Debuted at the North American Commercial Vehicle in Atlanta on October 28^th, this new model catches eyes with an all-black bulldog hood ornament, a spacious interior and much more. Mack promoted the truck with the phrase “Back in the Black”, a good omen to the goal of making good money as a driver. Truck fan or not, this blacked out semi is a beast.

Trucking Tip of the Week

Its that time of the year, watch out for snowy and impassible roads. This driver was stuck on a two-lane roadway for three days before calling local police for help. Make sure your truck is prepped for icy roads and freezing conditions.

Trucker Path’s weather feature on the navigation app can help you out here as well!

Industry Update

Owner-operators in California are using this week and next to protest the new Assembly Bill 5 that has the potential to eliminate lots of owner-operator jobs in the state. Although there doesn’t seem to be any centralized leadership with the protests, there were 50 people protesting outside of the State Senator’s office on Monday.

The controversial AB 5 bill will require owner-operators to be classified as employees with a trucking company, rather than expand their own small businesses as a contractor. This bill is allowing exemptions for certain contractor jobs like freelance writers and graphic designers. Owner-operators are looking to obtain similar exemptions.

Laws and Regulations

The owner of several New Jersey trucking companies, Tito Viteri, was recently sentenced to two years in federal prison for a massive tax avoidance scheme. He is responsible for evading personal and corporate taxes for more than nine years. Tito owned eleven trucking companies which were collectively known as Viteri Trucking Companies.

In total, Tito evaded $2.3 million worth of taxes and is now paying the price for it.

Hours of Service Update

Regulators accepting comments on a petition to exempt small carriers from the upcoming ELD mandate. If you have any suggestions on how the FMCSA should approach the new ELD mandate, find more information and submit your response at this link:

https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/labor/challenge-eld-rule-resurfaces-fmcsa_20191105.html

TagsTruck truck drivers Owner Operator trucking FMCSA Trucker Path Trucking Industry truck stops Owner Operators Legislation Trucking Tips California transportation

ELD Mandate Exemptions [p]Get clarification on electronic logging devices and ELD mandate exemptions set to take effect in December 2017. [/p] [h2]ELD Mandate Exemptions[/h2] [p]As of December 18, 2017, most drivers that currently use paper logs will have to switch over to an electronic logging device. The choices will be an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) meeting the current requirements in §395.15, installed before December 18, 2017, or a device meeting the electronic logging device (ELD) standards found in Subpart B to Part 395 and the associated appendix.[/p] [p]There are <strong>five ELD Mandate exemptions</strong> including:[/p] [ul] [li]Drivers that only had to fill out a log eight or fewer days out of the last 30 days. This would include “short-haul” drivers that normally operate under the 100 and 150 air-mile exceptions and intermittent drivers.[/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle older than the model year 2000. This also applies to the model year 2000 and newer vehicles that do not have the original engine in them, if the engine serial number indicates that the engine is older than the model year 2000. [/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment. [/li] [li]Drivers driving or towing a recreational vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment.[/li] [li]Drivers who are driving a truck that was rented for eight days or less. [/li] [/ul] [p]How are officers on the road going to verify that a driver claiming one of the exemptions is actually entitled to it? It is easier than you might think. [/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions and Short-Haul Drivers[/h2] [p]During a roadside inspection, the officer can contact the carrier for the time records related to a driver he/she is inspecting. The officer can then verify that the driver is complying with the terms of the 100 or 150 air-mile exemptions. This simply involves the officer verifying that there were time records and they showed the driver staying under the limits attached to the exemption. [/p] [p]If the records show the driver as operating under the 100 or 150 air-mile exception often enough, there would be no violation for the driver not using an ELD.[/p] [p]As far as intermittent drivers, the officer will inquire as to how many days the driver has worked out of the last 30. If it ends up to be 8 or fewer out of any 30-day period, there is no violation.[/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions on Older Vehicles[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver can use paper logs due to the age of the vehicle, the officer will simply check the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN indicates that the vehicle is the model year 1999 or older vehicle, there will be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic log.[/p] [p]How is this determined? [/p] [p]The model year is coded in the vehicle’s VIN at the 10th position. Presently, 2000 and newer vehicles have Y, 1 to 9, or A to H in the 10th position (i, o, u, and z are not used in VINs by the way). If the 10th digit is anything other than those listed, the vehicle is manufactured before 2000.[/p] [p]In the case of the model year, 2000 or newer vehicle that has been retrofitted with the model year 1999 or older engine, to determine if the engine is manufactured before the year 2000, the officer will ask to see the engine serial number. Using the serial number and available software, the officer can quickly validate the engine model year.[/p] [h2]Driveaway/Towaway ELD Exemptions[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver is allowed to use the driveaway/towaway exception to use a paper log rather than an electronic log after December 18, 2017, all the officer or auditor needs to do is ask for the shipment paperwork. The shipment paperwork will then be used to verify that the vehicle the driver is operating is part of the shipment. If so, then there would be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic logging device.[/p] [h2]Rented Trucks[/h2] [p]To verify that a driver is allowed to use the rented truck exemption, the driver must be able to present the rental agreement showing that the vehicle is being rented for 8 days or less. The driver must use paper logs and have records for the previous seven days. Printouts from an ELD system are acceptable. The exemption does not cover “leased” vehicles or vehicles rented for more than 8 days. Multiple back-to-back rental agreements will result in the carrier being cited for not using ELDs.[/p] [h2]Still Confused about ELD Mandate Exemptions?[/h2] [p]If you’re still confused about Exemptions to the mandate or wondering if you need to comply with the ELD mandate, contact J.J. Keller for a free ELD Exemption Assessment. Their ELD specialist will guide you through 21 questions created by their hours of service subject matter experts to help you determine if you are exempt from using ELDs. Call the ELD Exemption hotline at 888-531-8899 or <strong>request an assessment <a href="https://www.jjkeller.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/infoform_10151_-1_10551_52145?cm_mmc=Misc-_-ELDExemptionAssessment-_-eldexempt-_-null">here</strong></a>.[/p] [p]<strong>J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.</strong>[/p] [p]Since its beginning as a one-man consulting firm in 1953, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has grown to become the most respected name in safety and regulatory compliance. Now over 1,400 associates strong, J. J. Keller serves over 600,000 customers — including over 90% of the Fortune 1000® companies. The company’s subject-matter expertise spans nearly 1,500 topics, and its diverse solutions include ELogs and mobile technology; training via online courses, streaming video or DVD; online management tools; managed services; consulting services; online and print publications; forms and supplies.[/p] <strong>[p]About the Author:[/p]</strong> [p]Tom Bray has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. for 11 years. However, as he does not get enough excitement working at J. J. Keller and chasing after six kids and nine grandkids, he also chooses to work nights and weekends as a firefighter/EMT.[/p]

Oct 26, 2017 • Carriers

Starting your Career as a Truck Driver [p]Before starting this journey, you should be 100% sure that you want to go down this career path. Remember that despite it being a career that brings in the bucks and takes you to different cities, trucking also involves making sacrifices and paying heavy attention to safety. Familiarize yourself with the industry as much as you can. If you’re ready to begin, then we’ve put together a few pointers that might be useful before you start your career.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Checklist for becoming a Truck Driver[/b][/p] <ol> <li>Obtain Commercial Driver's License.</li> <li>Obtain endorsements for a particular truck/load type if necessary.</li> <li>Buy your own truck and complete necessary insurance/paperwork OR join a trucking company and take on deliveries. </li> </ol> <h2></h2> [p][b] Getting your Commercial Driver's License[/b][/p] [p]You will need to attend a trucking school to train for your CDL Skills Test. On average, it takes about 7 weeks (between $3000 & $7000) to get your CDL whilst completing the program full-time. You will need to dedicate atleast 40 hours a week for your truck driving training. It is also possible to attend a paid CDL program, often held by some of the larger trucking companies. They will teach you how to drive their trucks, get the CDL and give their graduates a driving job. Paid training programs may have an extra set of requirements including a commitment to employment (depending on employer). [/p] [p]To begin pursuing for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL),you will need to fulfill the basic requirements: [/p] <ul> <li>Possess a high school diploma or GED</li> <li>Preserve a good driving record</li> <li>Have a Class D license for at least 1 year and in good standing</li> <li>Be at least 18 years old to drive in-state, 21 to drive state-to-state</li> <li>Possess a social security card</li> <li>Be able to show proof of insurance</li> <li>Pass a 10-year background check</li> <li>Pass TSA screening</li> <li>Pass a medical examination</li> <li>Pass periodic drug tests</li> </ul> <h2></h2> [p][b] Step 1: Get your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)[/b][/p] [p]The CLP allows you to practice on legal roads with a CDL holder sitting next to you. Besides a countrywide 10-year driving record & health check, your state may have specific requirements. For a better idea, please check your state's CDL Manual. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Step 2: Get your Commercial Drivers License (CDL)[/b][/p] [p]You are required to hold the CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test. Some states may require you to take a CDL training beforehand. The Skills Test has three parts: The Vehicle Inspections Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Once you've pased the test, congrats! You're a certified commercial driver. You may be given the CDL on the same day or send it to you by mail. The CDL cost also varies according to state.[/p] <table> <tr> <td>CDL Application Fee</td> <td>$0 - $43</td> <td>The Commercial Driver's License "application" is the form you will need to complete when applying for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This form will consist of your Identification Information (everything from your name, addresses, DOB, social security number to current license information),questions related to "Certifications" ("are you a resident in the state you're applying for your CDL in?", "do you have any limitations or medical conditions, either mental or physical?", and other questions related to qualifications). In addition to these questions, the application will ask about "CDL Endorsements" you are trying to obtain. For more on "Endorsements", read on. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL Endorsement Fee</td> <td>Varies</td> <td>Varies depending on endorsement & state. Six endorsements that can be added: - Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge Test Only) - Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests) - Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test Only) - Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test Only) - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials Endorsements (Knowledge Test Only) - School Bus (Knowledge and Skills Tests)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL Written Test Fee</td> <td>Upto $125</td> <td>The CDL written test consists of questions on a number of topics, ranging from maintaining safe operating speeds in many types of driving conditions, handling cargo, using an electronic logging device, operating all the systems in the vehicle, and more. Test-takers receive 60 minutes to complete the exam. If the driver would like a particular endorsement (see above),additional questions may be added. Most endorsement tests add an additional 20 to 25 questions. Most states do not set a time limit for the test-taker to answer the endorsement exam questions.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL Skills Test Fee</td> <td>Upto $250</td> <td>The CDL skills test involves a road test, a pre-trip inspection test, and a basic vehicle control test. The skills test is a necessary part of obtaining your CDL. During the skills test, you must drive on the road with a test administrator, so the test must be scheduled in advance. If you have two or more years of experience in driving with the military, you may able to waive the test. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL License Fee</td> <td>Upto $120</td> <td>Once you've passed the CDL exam, you must pay for your commercial driver's license, which can cost upwards of $120. You must renew your CDL on a regular basis, but frequency varies by state. Check your state's requirements to find out more.</td> </tr> </table> [p]There are three types of CDL's for each state.[/p] <table> <tr> <th>Commercial A</th> <td>Any legal combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Commercial B</th> <td>Any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, or a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds.</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Commercial C</th> <td>Any Class C vehicle with one or more of the following endorsements: - Hazardous Materials (HazMat) - Passenger Vehicle (PV) - Tank Vehicle (TV)</td> </tr> </table> <h2></h2> [p][b] Time to find a Trucking job[/b][/p] [p]As an entry-level trucker, your options may be limited but always ensure your employer provides the right work/life balance and benefits. Choosing between a big or small company also has its differences. Small companies give you a higher pay and closer connections with staff, whereas big companies allow you to grow within the company and work on exciting projects. Most trucking companies aren’t just going to let you out on the road in their own trucks without some sort of training. Training program lengths vary from company to company—but, for the most part, you can expect that they will be at least a few weeks long.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Finding your balance[/b][/p] [p]Once you’ve become more comfortable and have clocked in a few thousand miles, it might be a good idea to think about what’s next. Are you looking to move closer to home and do more regional work? Maybe you’ve got all the skills needed to move from a truck driver to an owner/fleet operator. Think about your goals, your accomplishments/ongoing challenges with truck driving before carefully selecting what’s right.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Don’t worry, we’re by your side. [/b][/p] [p] We hope this guide gives you an overview on how to start your exciting trucking career. As a company that’s made by truckers for truckers, we want to make sure you get the job done in the most efficient and safe way possible. With support from our thousands of daily users who rely on our services, we will continue to update our growing features.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Stay in touch![/b][/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Tharaka[/b][/p]

Aug 31, 2021 • Carriers

Industry Update - November 22, 2019 <h4><strong>By Paul DeCoste</strong></h4> <h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3> The trucker-themed movie, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roadgames">Roadgames</a>, came out this week almost 30 years ago. On November 19<sup>th</sup>, 1981. Starring Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis, this film is a personal favorite of Quentin Tarantino. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Industry Update</strong></h3> The <a href="https://globalnews.ca/news/6199178/cn-rail-strike-3rd-day/">strike at CN Railway</a>, Canada’s largest railroad, has entered its third day. 3,200 unionized workers began their strike on Thursday, and it has been recorded as the biggest company strike in a decade. The union is mainly fighting against worker fatigue and making sure that worker’s breaks are not reduced. <h3></h3> CN’s stock has slowly fell by 3$ over the past three days of this strike. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Regulations</strong></h3> House Democrats in Connecticut want the governor to <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/dems-tell-connecticut-governor-to-revive-truck-only-toll-plan/">rethink a plan that will only toll commercial vehicles on 12 bridges throughout the state</a>. The funding plan, officially titled “CT2030”, will only toll semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles and is estimated to rake in $150 million in revenue per year. The Connecticut House Speaker, Joe Aresimowicz, argues that commercial vehicles do majority of the damage to interstate roads and therefore, should be tolled at a rate that is 7x higher than the rate for passenger vehicles. <h3></h3> Governor Lamont has since stated that, “the truck-only option provides too little revenue, too slowly and too piecemeal to make a meaningful difference.” For the time being, highway tolls in Connecticut will remain the same to all vehicles that pay their fees. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>ELD Update</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/uber-freight-subsidizes-geotab-elds-0">Uber has recently partnered with Geotab and announced an interesting deal</a> to supply small carriers with their ELD service. Small carriers with 10 trucks or fewer are eligible to receive a free Geotab ELD as well as a free year of Uber Freight services. However, there’s a catch. <h3></h3> Carriers that accept this deal must agree to share their telematics data with Uber Freight. The breakdown of exactly what kind of data will be shared has yet to be announced but the value of telematics data has been on the rise in recent years and there is not telling how much valuable information you could end up giving away. <h3></h3> <h3>"Movember"</h3> <a href="https://www.trucker.com/drivers/maxitrans-supporting-mens-health-movember-drive">MaxiTRANS is an Australian trailer manufacturer and they are using “Movember” to raise awareness</a> for mins health issues. Issues that include prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. The company even commissioned an entire reefer trailer that is branded with Movember on all walls.

Nov 22, 2019 • Carriers