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

Trucker Spotlight - Maurice Bey <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/2020/08/mau2.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Maurice</strong>, who’s been an in-state driver for four years. He also has a Youtube channel called, “The Helpful Trucker”, where he gives some helpful tips as he shares his experiences on the road. Let’s get to know more about Maurice and his life as a trucker. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> Well, I didn't choose this life, this life chose me. I love driving and I love being behind the wheel. A few years ago, my pop's (a lifelong trucker) health started declining. He came to me and said, "Hey I need you to get your CDL because I need to put someone else in my truck." So I went to CDL school, got my Class A and I've been driving for him ever since. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> Well, I've only been in the industry for 4 years now, but I'm the son of a lifelong trucker and many of my close relatives are truckers, which means I've been exposed to the industry literally all my life. And I remember relatives and family that used to drive WITHOUT a chauffeur's license. I remember when my dad would go back several days and alter, I mean "update" his paper log books retroactively. And I remember when my uncle's and my dad's friends used to talk about running up and down the road all night, non stop, unregulated. One could argue that all that regulation overall HAS made the roads safer. But one could also argue that all that regulation has made things less profitable, particularly for little guys. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau3.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the story of you becoming "The Helpful Trucker"? Do you also have a name for your truck?</strong></h3> On YouTube, I call myself "The Helpful Trucker" because in life I'm a helpful guy. So many people nowadays only want to be helpful if it benefits them. My philosophy, which is offering people real value without necessarily expecting anything in return, is attractive and has a natural way of pulling the right people, resources and opportunities towards you. I call my truck Nat... short for International (which is what I drive). <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> I'm an in-state driver and I go home every night. So I don't experience loneliness, plus I love my alone time. I need it to maintain my sanity. LOL. <h2></h2> I spend a majority of my time behind the wheel listening to podcasts about business, entrepreneurship, economics, marketing and mindset. My truck is a rolling university for me. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/mau4.jpeg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Keeping my miles up as an in-state driver. My work has definitely slowed significantly. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> My usual truck routes generally speaking are either Interstate 64 or Interstate 95 in the Richmond,Virginia area. My favorite scenic truck route is 64 west out of Richmond. I love the mountainous scenery. <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 don't use truck stops very much, but when I do, I look for familiarity. I'm a very routine kind of guy. I don't have a favorite truck stop meal. I'm not a big fan of road food... that stuff will kill you! <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> I encounter a lot of faulty equipment, especially trailers, which belong to the carrier I pull for, not me. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> People, especially truckers, not being courteous to other truckers and only looking out for themselves. But I get it though. This economy can make you chase money to the point that you're only thinking about yourself and your own situation and not considering others. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How did Trucker Path help you in your day to day trucking?</strong></h3> The main thing <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> has helped me with so far is supplying me with a trucker friendly GPS. My standard GPS has put me on routes that I'm not supposed to be on more than once! And that's a scary feeling. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Safety tip: Triple check everything. <h2></h2> Getting a job tip: Know your contract front and back; ask as many questions as you feel you need to. Don't allow yourself to get locked in to anything that is not in your best interest long term. <h2></h2> Career tip: Get your money right as quickly as possible. Give yourself the option to get from behind the wheel as soon as possible. Driving a rig, just like most careers is A LOT more fun when you're doing it because you want to instead of because you have to. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/mauricebey7">Youtube Channel, The Helpful Trucker.</a> <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGIeHtM9dng" 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>

Aug 12, 2020 • Carriers

Understanding Team Truck Driving [p]Trucking is a hectic job that entails adhering to DOT / HOS regulations which ultimately means you need to stop at some point to comply with the maximum driving hours. With these regulations some truckers often opt to drive with a partner to maximize efficiency. Team truck driving allows one driver to rest while the other one drives. The drivers can switch places with each other multiple times over a journey so that more distance can be covered while time is saved. [/p] [p]While some truckers love this concept, others prefer to drive solo. In any case, team driving has its perks, and they are significant enough not to be overlooked. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]How Does Driving With a Partner Work? [/b][/p] [p]The job is pretty straightforward. One driver drives while the other rests, eats, and sleeps. Each driver has their own duty-time set on a schedule, so there are no arguments regarding shift timings. This significantly reduces the time needed to haul loads from one point to another, and hence that results in better pay. Both drivers receive the benefits of the entire job even when they are spending half their time doing it.[/p] [p]It is easy to judge from the brief discussion above that team driving has its benefits, but it also has its disadvantages. [/p] [p][b]Advantages of Team Trucking [/b][/p] [p]It should be clear by now that for people who love to socialize and work at the same time, team truck driving is the best job to have. You rarely get bored, you always have a partner to keep you entertained and you don’t have to share meals with strangers while you are sitting at a truck stop in the middle of nowhere. But these are just a few perks. Trucking with a partner can result in a lot more advantages. [/p] <h2></h2> <li><strong>More Available Jobs </strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]Trucking with a partner is like having opened up a new skill that qualifies you and your partner to apply for jobs that would otherwise be unavailable to you if each of you were driving solo. Trucking companies like to save time and love efficiency, which is why they admire the concept of team driving. They are willing to pay you more just so you deliver the goods faster. Moreover, team trucking is a great stepping stone for you if you want to go solo in the future. Partnering up with an experienced campaigner will allow you to access high-paid jobs with relatively zero experience. Once you have the necessary hours and skill needed to go solo, you can end terms with your partner and start your gig.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-2.jpg" alt=""] <li><strong>Consistent Income </strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]Team driving is a more attractive package for trucking companies. They know they can rely on a team to deliver faster than a solo driver. They say two heads are better than one and that sometimes holds true for trucking. If there are two drivers, there will be more driving than resting and that would mean hopping from one assignment to another. All in all, you will be making more money and that too consistently.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Disadvantages of Team Trucking [/b][/p] [p]While the advantages are tempting, especially for an upcoming young driver, some veterans prefer to drive alone, and they have some good reasons for it. [/p] <h2></h2> <li><strong>The Profits Are Split </strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]The term team driving is simple to understand. You drive as a team, and that means you equally share the spoils between each other. So while the idea of trucking with a partner seems tempting, it is not might not be feasible in the long-run, especially if you are in it for the money.[/p] <h2></h2> <li><strong>Undesirable Partner</strong> </li> <h2></h2> [p]Let's face it. It is not easy to spend a considerable amount of time with another person in a small space, especially if you don't like them. Your partner has to be entertaining or compatible with your level of thinking. If not, it can be very hard to pass time or trust your teammate with the job at hand.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-3.jpg" alt=""] <li><strong>Trouble Sleeping</strong></li> <h2></h2> [p]As a truck driver, you have been trained not to fall asleep while driving long distances. And now, you have to fall asleep once your shift ends when your partner takes over the wheel. This could be challenging especially if you are not used to sleeping when needed to. Also, you might need to get used to sleeping while listening to some up beat music while your partner drives.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Closing Thoughts [/b][/p] [p]Team truck driving is a highly attractive opportunity for new drivers who are looking to add miles and for old drivers who are looking for a partner since they are unable to drive solo. The pay is not that good, but the work is consistent. So team truck driving is recommended until you feel you have the experience to drive your semi or if you are a husband and wife team who love spending time on the road and enjoy an adventure more than the pay. Are you a team driver? Do you have tips for people who want to try team driving? Let us know on the comments.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Nov 20, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - October 11, 2019 <h4>By Paul DeCoste</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3> California’s governor recently <a href="https://www.truckinginfo.com/340211/california-bill-means-end-for-independent-trucking-in-state">signed a bill</a> that has the potential to eliminate leased on drivers in the state. California is enforcing an ABC test on trucking companies and the contractors these companies hire. This means, a trucking company must prove that its drivers (if contracted) are “performing work that is outside of the company’s usual course of business.” If a driver cannot pass this test, the company cannot hire him/her. This bill is currently being opposed by the California Trucking Association. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Trucking Tip of the Week</strong></h3> Dock wait times are not going down. <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/know-before-you-go-the-impact-of-seeing-wait-times-before-accepting-loads">The current average wait time for drivers at the dock is 150 minutes.</a> Make sure that you are tracking your detention times as accurately as possible and actively negotiating detention rates with docks that you have never been to before, and especially ones that are known to have issues! <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Diesel</strong></h3> Diesel prices have fallen <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/diesel-falls-15c-3066-gallon-oil-slides-5427">1.5 cents per gallon as oil continues to slide as well</a>. The average fuel price for drivers is nearly 25 cents cheaper than it was in September last year. All regions in the United States have experienced this fuel price decline except for California. <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Driver Appreciation Week</strong></h3> This year’s Driver Appreciation week was a great success! Companies like Trucker Path, ATA and trucking companies across the nation spent the week honoring the drivers of America in many ways. Some of the <a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/fleets-recognize-drivers-with-truck-driver-appreciation-week-events/">most notable celebrations</a> included; free meals for drivers (Werner),family events (J.B. Hunt),and themed terminal days for the entire week (Hirschbach). Trucker Path was also giving away free subscriptions for the premium app version for the entire week. Thanks for everything you do drivers! <h3></h3> <h3><strong>Influen</strong><strong>tial Woman in Trucking</strong></h3> This year, Ruth Lopez of Ryder transportation, received the award for Influential Woman in Trucking at the Women in Trucking Accelerate! conference. Ruth has been with Ryder for over 20 years and is currently their director of transportation management. <h3></h3> <h3></h3> Throughout her esteemed career in trucking, Ruth has managed hundreds of team members. Team members that not only include drivers in the United States, but in Mexico as well. On top of that, she has managed Ryder’s women’s leadership program for three years. Although she was extremely humble when discussing her surprise in finding out she was nominated for this award, and even stronger humility when she was announced that she won, those around her know that she was the perfect candidate for this award. Congratulations Ruth!

Oct 11, 2019 • Carriers