Dec 05, 2017 • Community

Truck Parking Prediction

Truck Parking Prediction

Find truck parking near you with the new Trucker Path Truck Parking feature.

Truck Parking Prediction

If you’re a truck driver, then you’re well aware of the lack of available truck parking in America. It’s one of the top issues plaguing the trucking industry and is both a safety risk for drivers and costs trucking companies billions.

We discovered that almost half of the truck drivers spend an hour or more searching for available truck parking. Between the ELD mandate and overcrowded truck stops, it’s no surprise. Still, the burden shouldn’t be left on the drivers. They have enough to worry about, after all, being a truck driver is one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

Take The Guesswork Out of Finding Truck Parking

Now there’s a solution to finding truck parking with our new Parking Predictor!

This new parking feature compiles several years of data to forecast the availability of parking at truck stops and other locations. Now you can compare specific times of day at over 8,000 locations to see when parking is either full or has spots for trucks.

Try Trucker Path Today

How To Use It:

1. Open the Trucker Path app

2. Click on a Location found on the map

3. Click PREDICTION

4. View the Parking Predictions to verify when the best (and worst) times to park at the location will be.

Truck Parking looks limited at this place Wednesday mornings, you might want to find an alternative location.

It’s as easy as that! Now you can eliminate wasted time searching for a spot and find nearby truck parking with confidence. A little peace of mind goes a long way and you won’t have to worry about violating your HOS with this new feature.

Tagstruck drivers truck stops

Truck Driver Injury Prevention [p] Driving a heavy-duty truck is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Take a look at these truck driver injury prevention tips to stay safe on the road. [/p] [h2] Truck Driver Injury Prevention [/h2] [p]The trucking industry is a profession with one of the highest workers’ compensation claim rates. The profession itself requires long hours of driving, poor diets, and little exercise, making truck drivers prone to injuries. These truck driver injury prevention tips can help limit drivers at risk. [/p] [p] In America, Washington State alone, workers’ compensation claims are so high that there is an initiative for preventing on the job injuries for truck drivers. It is referred to as the TIRES Initiative. [/p] [p]Each year, 1-out-of-13 truck drivers in Washington state has a work-related injury serious enough that they have to miss work for a long period of time, on an average of 184 days.[/p] [p]Truck drivers had more nonfatal injuries (over 151,000) than workers in any other occupation in 1995. 50 percent of the nonfatal truck accident injuries were serious sprains and strains; this may be attributed to the fact that many truck drivers must unload the goods they transport. (Source: According to Knestaut, A. Compensation, and Working Conditions, 1997, Fall) [/p] [p]Long hours of driving, poor diets and little exercise make drivers prone to work-related strains and sprains with injuries to muscles, tendons, nerves and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). [/p] [p]<strong>Injuries are often due to:</strong>[/p] [ul] [li]Overexertion[/li] [li]Being struck by an object[/li] [li]Falling[/li] [li]Transportation accidents[/li] [li]Repetitive use of body[/li] [li]Lifting heavy boxes and cargo[/li] [li]Awkward postures such as reaching overhead [/li] [li]Gripping tightly or improperly[/li] [/ul] [p]Work-related strains and sprains make up 50% of injuries are the most costly and most frequent injuries in the trucking industry. Sprains, strains and overexertion make up for the most trucking-related injuries. [/p] [p]Studies show that costs exceed $107 million and resulting in 576,000 lost-work days per year. About 70 percent of these injuries were to truck drivers. Many of the injuries occurred when opening shipping container doors or connecting or disconnecting a trailer to the truck.[/p] [p]<strong>Strains and sprains can include:</strong>[/p] [ul] [li]Back pain[/li] [li]Shoulder pain[/li] [li]Muscle strain[/li] [li]Tendonitis[/li] [li]Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)[/li] [li]Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)[/li] [li]Other common injuries include bruises, fractures, cuts and lacerations, soreness and pain, and multiple traumatic injuries.[/li] [/ul] [p]<strong>The most common situations where truck accident injuries occur include:</strong>[/p] [ul] [li]Vehicle accidents[/li] [li]Carpal tunnel injury[/li] [li]Strained wrists from opening hard to open containers[/li] [li]Strains and back injuries from lifting and moving items or releasing 5th wheel to remove tractor from trailer[/li] [li]Slip and falls climbing in or out of the cap or trailer[/li] [li]Accidents while loading or unloading trailer[/li] [li]Slip and falls on docks[/li] [li]Crush injuries where part of load falls on driver[/li] [/ul] [p]<strong>Workers’ Compensation Costs</strong>[/p] [ul] [li]41% of compensable claims are the result of strains and sprains to the neck, back and upper extremity (shoulders, elbows, hands/wrists) [li]The average cost for a claim is over $26,000 [li]Average of 184 time-loss days Compared to other industries [/ul] [p]Couriers have almost four times the rate of work-related strains and sprains claims of all industries combined. Waste Collection has three and a half times the rate and General Freight trucking is close with almost two and a half times the rate of work-related strains and sprains of all other industries combined.[/p] [p]<strong>Additional Costs</strong>[/p] [p]Work-related time off also increases the cost of hiring and training, increasing turnover and decreasing productivity. Sometimes workers are unable to return to their full wage jobs after an injury or require extensive life-altering surgeries or treatments to recover.[/p] [p]Take Steps to equip truck drivers and operators with the proper tools needed to help them avoid injury.[/p] [p]To help offset these unwanted expenses we introduce <a href="https://www.shippingcontainertool.com/">OPNBar</a>, a 3 in 1 shipping container safety leverage tool, <a href="https://www.shippingcontainertool.com/use-tire-beater-check-tires-properly-inflated/">tire beater/thumper</a>, and <a href="https://www.shippingcontainertool.com/how-to-release-a-5th-wheel/">5th wheel release handle/hook</a>. Our product was originally designed for opening and closing truck trailers and shipping container doors with the safety for the operator foremost in mind. The OPNBar trucker tool, for instance, can help avoid some injuries by providing an ergonomic means of opening shipping containers, checking for low pressure tires, and aiding operators in releasing the tractor from the trailer.[/p] [video id="wdokuVGpIcE"] [p]Educate truckers, equip them with the right tools, and teach them good health habits to keep them safe and healthy. These simple precautions can help companies avoid unexpected fees and missed work days.[/p]

Nov 02, 2017 • Community

Trucking Industry Trends [h2] Trucking Industry Trends [/h2] [p] The trucking industry trends reveal the importance of truck freight in America and freight revenue forecasts to grow by 75 percent over the next nine years. [/p] [p]The trucking industry has powered America for over a century moving 70 percent of all freight. As truck drivers move freight across the country so moves our economy. What are the trucking industry trends for 2016? We reveal the answers![/p] <strong>[p] In 2016, the trucking industry:[/p]</strong> [ul] [li] Generated $676.2 billion in revenue [/li] [li] Accounted for 79.8% of the nation’s freight bill[/li] [li] Moved 10.42 billion tons of freight [/li] [li] Moved 70.6% of all domestic freight tonnage[/li] [li] 3.68 million Class 8 trucks registered [/li] [li] Traveled 450.4 billion miles [/li] [li] Powered by small business - 91% of carriers operate six trucks or less [/li] [li] 1 in 15 jobs in America is in the trucking industry[/li] [/ul] [quote]"The information in Trends highlights exactly what I tell elected officials, regulators and key decision-makers every day: trucking is literally the driving force behind our great economy," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "Safe, reliable and efficient motor carriers enable businesses throughout the supply chain to maintain lean inventories, thereby saving the economy billions of dollars each year."[/quote] [h2]How Truck Drivers Benefit from Trucker Path [/h2] [p] The Trucker Path app allows truck drivers to save an estimated 11 hours per month! Whether it's finding a place to park at a truck stop, rest area, see if a weigh station is open or closed, even planning an entire route in advance, Trucker Path is a must have and free to download. [/p] [quote]"This app should be called 'Truckers Guide to Survival' good work guys. Literally, everything you need at your fingertips." - Google Play user review. [/quote] [p] Their words, not ours. [/p] [p] Find out where the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/best-truck-stops/">best truck stops in America </a>are with our comprehensive rankings based on reviews and data sourced from hundreds of thousands of truck drivers! [/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=truckingtrends2016&utm_campaign=aug15"]Try Trucker Path Today![/button-green]

Aug 15, 2017 • Community

Trailer Door Locks [h2] Trailer Door Locks [/h2] [p] There isn’t a single trailer door lock that is universally the absolute best. Many truck drivers have hasps and door hardware that vary in size and functionality; therefore, not every padlock will fit every trailer door. [/p] [p]However, there are some things you can keep in mind to navigate the winding roads of finding the best trailer door lock to secure your cargo.[/p] [h2] Type of Locks [/h2] [p] Most truck door locks must be padlocks based on how the trailer door secures. Often a trailer door will use hardware with a cam action side-bar that fastens into place with a hasp. In order to lock the doors, a padlock must be placed on the hasp. [/p] [p]Padlocks come with many different profiles, but they have some essential features that are consistent throughout the wide range of products. Though you might know your <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-terms/">trucker terms</a>, here are some other definitions you should be aware of. [/p] [ul] [li]<strong>Lock Body - </strong> The thick part of the lock that houses the internal components and lock core.[/li] [li]<strong>Shackle - </strong> A piece of metal that remains immobilized when the padlock is locked and moves to allow the lock to be removed when the padlock is open.[/li] [li]<strong>Locking Pawl -</strong> The device keeping the shackle stationary when the padlock is locked and retracts to allow the shackle to move when the padlock is open.[/li] [/ul] [h2]Key Features of a Trailer Door Lock[/h2] [p]<strong>A Keyway - </strong> Combination padlocks and other such devices that do not use a key are not made to the same security standards as the best keyed-locks on the market. You also run the risk of someone overhearing you mention the combination, seeing you input it, decoding it, etc.[/p] [p]<strong>Shackle Protection - </strong> A shackle is going to be thinner than the lock body, so you need your shackle to be as covered as possible (which provides greater thickness). You can do this with a padlock that has a puck lock profile or a shackle shroud (both of these terms are used to describe the different ways the thickness of the lock body can extend to cover the shackle).[/p] [p]<strong>Sturdy Internal Components - </strong> Since the padlock will be outside, exposed to the elements, debris, and sustain stress from the vehicle's movement, the internal components of the lock are at risk of being damaged to the point where the proper key will not open the padlock.[/p] [p]<strong>Strong Metal - </strong> This should be used on the lock body as well as the shackle. Hardened steel can vary in quality, so it is best to get some sort of alloy steel. Those made with Boron Carbide are some of the best on the market. This helps to ward off cutting and prying attacks.[/p] [p]<strong>Picking Resistance - </strong> Though most criminals do not pick locks, you do not want someone with little to no training opening your lock quickly and covertly (lockpicking resistance will also equate to bump key resistance). [/p] [p]<strong>Drill Protection - </strong> Even with a strong padlock with a protected shackle, most lock cores are brass and can be drilled out. Whether it is an anti-drill plate that uses rotating hardened steel or anti-drill pins that deflect drill bits at key drill points, you should have some form of drill protection.[/p] [p]<strong>Ball Bearings - </strong> The locking pawls for your padlock must be ball bearings. Other forms of locking pawls can be shimmed, which is a simple bypass most people can perform untrained with simple household items.[/p] [h2] Top Trailer Door Lock Choices [/h2] [p] As we previously mentioned, there is no one best lock for every use. But as long as you purchase a product with at least most of the specifications listed above, you will be providing your cargo with more protection than many others who are just buying what they can get their hands on at the hardware store.[/p] [p] Depending on your budget, what you are hauling, and <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/best-truck-stops/">the types of truck stop</a> you will be parking your load, you might need different levels of security. Here are some recommendations that cover a variety of potential needs: [/p] [p]<strong>1. Mul-T-lock MT5+ TR 100 “Hockey Puck” </strong>[/p] [p] This product is a great example of the puck style of a padlock. It is similar to products from companies such as Master Lock and Trimax, but with the additional features that Mul-T-Lock provides in their high-security locks. This lock has a cost that makes it accessible to most, though some more frugal buyers may faint from sticker shock. Just know for that price you are getting a very hardy lock that almost no one is going to pick the lock open or remove it by force.[/p] [p]<strong>2. Abloy PL 342T </strong>[/p] [p]Sometimes referred to as the Abloy model 342, this is a tremendous lock, both in terms of size and security. This Abloy padlock uses a PROTEC2 core, which has never been picked open to this day. With an extremely thick shrouded shackle (10mm in diameter) criminals will have a hard time prying it open too.[/p] [p]The main issues you are going to run into with this lock is not having a hasp with the correct dimensions to accommodate such a thick shackle. It is also the most expensive padlock that I am recommending (though certainly not the most expensive padlock you could buy).[/p] [p]<strong>3. Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock</strong>[/p] [p]The lowest security lock I am willing to recommend for securing your cargo is this Stanley Padlock. It has a shrouded shackle and drill protection, which come standard. I would recommend that you replace the lock core with something more secure, but in terms of price for the product you get, this is the best value for such a small sum.[/p] [p]The Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock is a good starter lock. If you have invested in other things and need a bit of time to recoup adequate funds, the standard Stanley is the lowest security placeholder you should settle for. For the price, you cannot buy much better.[/p] [h2]Price Considerations[/h2] [p]Price matters because money most truck drivers have to work within a budget. Don't spend all of your budget for your truck’s security on the trailer door lock. With that said, you shouldn't both with a lock that is less than $100. If money's no object, you can <a href="https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog/10-best-padlocks-of-all-time">get the best padlock available to you</a>. For everyone else, focus on getting as many of key features as you can. And if you can’t afford much now, start with a Stanley padlock and work your way up to the lock core replacement.[/p] [p] <strong>About the Author</strong> [/p] [p]Ralph Goodman is a professional writer and the resident expert on locks and security over at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog&source=gmail&ust=1510851240149000&usg=AFQjCNFCuwh1U-3WlNpEde3Klm2dTkTMSQ">the Lock Blog</a>. The Lock Blog is a great resource to learn about keys, locks and safety. They offer tips, advice and how-tos for consumers, locksmiths, and security professionals.[/p]

Nov 15, 2017 • Carriers