Mar 11, 2019

MATS 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

If it is the last week in March, it must be time for MATS, 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. Trucker Path and Howes Lubricants will be two such companies setting up booths at the show.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I know Trucker Path and Howes fit into the latter group. Click on the Howes banner below for more information!

Find Trucker Path at MATS booth 64232 and Howes at 14136.

Industry Update March 8, 2019 <h2>Trucking Industry Update March 8, 2019</h2> <h4>By Jeremy Feucht</h4> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> This week in history saw its very first Adopt-A-Highway sign be placed. March 9, 1985, the Tyler Civitan Club committed to picking up trash on Texas Highway 69. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> Tornado season is upon us. Alabama saw 18 strike in a single day earlier this week. Tornado season usually lasts from March to June. Keep an eye out on weather forecasts and the FMCSA Declaration of Emergency page. Remember, you cannot outrun a tornado, so don’t try. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Infrastructure</u></strong></h3> The ATA is stepping up efforts to counterman the increases they are seeing across individual states to place road improvement costs all on the trucking industry. Instead, they are offering up another idea. Called the “Build America Fund,” the ATA’s CEO Chris Spear is calling for a $.20 per gallon increase on fuel tax which would be implemented over the next five years. While any increase in fuel means increases in prices every where else, Mr. Spear makes several <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-calls-on-congress-to-draft-sustainable-user-funded-infrastructure-plan-1028009576">solid points</a> on why we can no longer ignore the infrastructure crisis in the US. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Legislation</u></strong></h3> Last week, we talked about the ATA pushing the “Drive Safe Act.” This piece of legislation would allow those who are under 21 to drive interstate. This week Mark Allen, President and CEO of the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) also weighed in on the topic. Mr. Allen, like the ATA, believes <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trucking-a-gateway-to-economic-prosperity/ar-BBUlH9m">this is a good idea</a> due to the increasing capacity crunch the industry is seeing. The crunch is finally starting to hit consumer pricing and presidents for associations like the ATA and IFDA are attempting to make the public understand why. Is this the best option? Maybe not, but at least groups are attempting to make sure the issues are seen and understood by those outside of the industry. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Avoiding Toll Roads?</u></strong></h3> If you have <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/state-police-cracking-truckers-avoiding-new-toll-road/">practiced avoiding toll roads</a> in your big rig, you might need to reconsider doing it in the future. Maryland and Delaware State Police created their own blitz. The crackdown came on February 28-March 1 and focused on drivers avoiding the US 301 toll. 85 drivers in total were stopped with 77 receiving citations and two were forced out of service. More sprees like this are expected to be conducted. Make sure you check out state laws in the jurisdictions you will be traveling in if you plan on attempting to avoid tolls.

Mar 08, 2019 • Carriers

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Truck Drivers <strong>[p]</strong>We’re about to head into a new year and the possibilities for 2019 are endless. When one year ends and another begins, it’s the perfect time to think about what kind of changes you want to make in your life and setting some personal or professional goals. Can’t think of anything? We’ve got a list of some great New Year’s resolution suggestions for truck drivers to get you started: <strong>[p]1. Eat intuitively. [p]</strong>You can’t really have a list of New Year’s resolutions without including the most popular one. The holidays are over, the cookies are gone, and most people want to overhaul their eating habits and start a new diet in the new year. Before you start counting calories or sign up for the latest diet fad - both of which can be overwhelming and difficult to maintain long term - focus on intuitive eating and listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness. <a href="https://alissarumsey.com/intuitive-eating/what-is-intuitive-eating/">You can read more about intuitive eating here</a>. <strong> [p]2. Move daily. [p]</strong>A commitment to exercising regularly doesn’t have to be a big thing with tons of equipment. Go for a walk or a hike. Live on the edge and turn it into a jog. Buy a small pair of dumbbells or resistance bands to use in your truck. Find a short workout video on YouTube that you like and follow along. The important thing is to get your body moving each day. <strong> [p]3. Promise to speak up. [p]</strong>When you see something suspicious at a truck stop, say something. Truck stops and rest areas can only stay safe places for drivers when we work together to keep them that way. Also think about teaming up with <a href="https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org">Truckers Against Trafficking</a> to assist law enforcement in recognizing and reporting human trafficking. Become a certified TAT-trained driver to learn more about how you can help combat this crime. <strong> [p]4. Commit to improving your mental health. [p]</strong>Just like your physical health is important, so is your mental health. Think about what you might need to improve your mental health. Set healthy boundaries. Speak kindly to yourself. Resist negative thinking. Meet with a therapist. Find positive ways to de-stress and stay connected to friends and family. <strong> [p]5. Learn a new hobby. [p]</strong>Hobbies are a great way to keep you occupied during breaks and home time. Choose something that’s easy enough to take on the road with you. Photography, for instance, will allow you to practice your budding skills every time your job takes you someplace new. Learn a new language with the help of an audio program or purchase a musical instrument you can practice any time you stop. <strong> [p]6. Read more. [p]</strong>Whether you love fiction, autobiographies or books that encourage personal growth, reading can do so much good. Not only can you learn something new, but studies have shown that reading can help expand your vocabulary, improve your memory, provide focus and relaxation, reduce depression symptoms and possibly even lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Pick up a book or two from the library every time you stop at home, subscribe to an audio book service or download books on a reading device or tablet. <strong> [p]7. Prioritize safety. [p]</strong>Safety is always important every day of the year but take some time this January to really look at your safety procedures and truck inspection checklist. Are they as thorough as possible? If you aren’t already doing truck inspections before every trip, start a new habit of putting safety first. <strong> [p]8. Recognize that your health is important. [p]</strong>Visiting the doctor can be difficult when most of your life is spent on the road. Your health is vital to being the best version of yourself as well as keeping you safe while on the job. In addition to your regular physical, make sure you’re scheduling clinic visits when you’re feeling sick, getting your eyesight and hearing checked regularly, and visiting the dentist. Don’t hold off on getting additional help for more serious health conditions like if you’re having trouble sleeping, feeling depressed or experiencing pain or other unusual symptoms. <strong> [p]9. Be more green & save some green. [p]</strong>Finding ways to drive more efficiently and reduce your fuel consumption is not only better for the environment, but it’s great for your wallet too. Keep your truck in good working order to increase your fuel economy and follow best practices for fuel conservation, such as limiting your idle time, slowing down and taking the shortest route possible. <strong> [p]10. Find ways to stay connected. [p]</strong>One of the biggest challenges for truck drivers is the fact that you spend so much time away from your friends and family. Staying connected to your loved ones is easier than ever before with the help of technology. Make plans for regular FaceTime or Skype sessions, call or text loved ones during your breaks, and snap and share photos when you stop in a new city. If you prefer things a little more old school, buy post cards along your route and mail them home to your family so they can see all the places you’ve visited along the way. <strong>[p]</strong>Are you making a goal or resolution for 2019? If so, we’d love to hear about it!

Jan 03, 2019

Trucking Industry Update February 15, 2019 <h4>Trucking Industry Update February 15, 2019</h4> <h6>By Jeremy Feucht</h6> <h1></h1> <h1><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h1> The regulation of the transportation industry, including today’s semis, began in earnest this week in history. On February 10, 1966, Ralph Nader testified before Congress regarding a book he had published called “Unsafe at Any Speed.” His testimony initiated the move towards an emphasis on safety as opposed to power and speed. <h1><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h1> With all the winter weather still occurring across the US, it is important to make sure you are keeping your headlights clear of dirt. Road dirt and other debris mixed with wet conditions can make your headlights less effective. Remember to wipe them off during your pre- and post-trip inspections. <h1><strong><u>Trucker’s Fees</u></strong></h1> One week after news broke that the US House of Representatives is considering a move towards a weight mileage tax on truckers, the US Senate has announced a similar initiative. While discussions are ongoing, there is also talk about increased fuel taxes in the interim while the weight/mileage change in implemented. During the hearing that occurred on February 13, the number thrown around was an increase of nearly $.20 per gallon. If you would like to listen to the hearing, you can access it <a href="https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/hearings?ID=A73B1CC1-D6D6-4B18-A419-9F33FB5F69BA">here</a> (fast forward to the 2:12:00 mark). <h1><strong><u>Autonomous Technology</u></strong></h1> TuSimple, a company attempting to lead the way in autonomous trucking, has raised nearly $100 million dollars in a funding campaign. With its latest round of funding, TuSimple is now pushing a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/autonomous-trucking-leader-tusimple-closes-110000387.html">$1 billion dollar valuation</a>. This ultimately means that TuSimple is making gains in their push towards a fully autonomous truck. However, this technology has yet to be fully approved for use in the US. While some states have allowed testing, many others have not. This will be an interesting topic to watch moving forward. <h1><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h1> There are at least 32 states under declarations of emergency due to winter conditions in the US. Several are set to expire by the end of the week. Please check the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">FMCSA’s Declaration of Emergency page</a> to ensure you are not caught in a bad situation. If you are operating under the HOS exemption granted by such declaration, make sure the declaration is still in effect, so you do not receive a citation for hours violations.

Feb 15, 2019 • Carriers