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

Brake Safety Week is almost here. Are you ready? [p]Are you ready for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Week happening later this month? From September 16-22, CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct a weeklong inspection blitz throughout the U.S. and Canada focusing on brake systems. CVSA reported that 14 percent of truck drivers were placed out-of-service for brake-related violations during last year’s Brake Safety Day. Getting placed out-of-service costs drivers valuable time and money, so it’s important that you don’t find yourself in the same situation. Making sure you’re prepared will not only help you pass an inspection and keep you moving, but it will also make our roadways a safer place. [p]Most inspections during the blitz will be full Level I inspections. This comprehensive 37-step procedure examines driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness, and will also focus on the inspection of: <ul> <li>Brake-system components to identify loose or missing parts</li> <li>air or hydraulic fluid leaks</li> <li>defective rotor conditions</li> <li>measurement of pushrod travel</li> <li>mismatched air chamber sizes across axles</li> <li>air reservoir integrity and mounting</li> <li>worn linings, pads, drums or rotors</li> <li>required brake-system warning devices</li> <li>other brake-system components</li> </ul> [p]There will also be 12 jurisdictions using performance-based brake testing equipment to measure vehicle braking efficiency. [p]So, what can you do to be ready for your inspection? <ul> <li>Have your driver’s license and registration easily available.</li> <li>Perform your regular preventative maintenance procedures.</li> <li>Conduct your pre-trip visual inspection. Make sure to look for loose hoses, leaks and any damage; check air disc brakes for cracks and grooving; and ensure air chambers are intact and in the correct position.</li> <li>Inspect brakes more in-depth looking for leaks, checking brake linings for cracks and wear, and measuring the brake stroke, etc.</li> <li>Utilize the Trucker Path app to see inspection facilities and get an idea of when you might expect to receive an inspection during the blitz.</li> </ul> [p]We hope these tips will help make your inspection go smoothly. It’s also important to remember that it’s a best practice to always keep your truck well-maintained, inspect your brake systems regularly, and perform a thorough pre-trip inspection before every trip. You still have time to address any issues and get yourself and your truck ready for the 2018 CVSA Brake Safety Week!

Sep 17, 2018 • Community

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

Find Truck Loads <meta name="description" content="Learn how you can search for freight and find truck loads using free load boards like Truckloads." /> [p] Learn how you can search for freight and find truck loads using free load boards like Truckloads, limiting your empty miles and expanding your earnings. [/p] [h2] Find Truck Loads [/h2] [p] If you're an owner operator or have <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">your own trucking authority </a> your success hinges on your ability to find truck loads. Some truck drivers have dispatchers or work for companies that help them find truck loads but if you run your own trucking company you need to find truck loads and you need to find them quickly. So what's the solution to find truck loads? Load boards.[/p] [h2] Load Boards [/h2] [p] To find truck loads your best resource is a load board. Load boards are marketplaces where freight brokers post available truck loads for carriers to haul. New loads are posted daily so the potential to find one for you is always within reach. Load boards allow you to find truck loads anywhere, anytime. [/p] [h2] The Best Load Board - Truckloads [/h2] [button text="Try Truckloads for Free" href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=findtruckloads" width="250px"] [p] The best things in life are free and so is the best load board. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=findtruckloads"><em>Trucker Path <strong>Truckloads</strong></em> is a free load board </a>available on the web or mobile devices which connects you with over three million monthly loads and access to unlimited premium loads with just a few clicks. [/p] [p] On the go? No problem! Truckloads is the highest rated mobile load board app both Google Play and the App Store. The interface is easy to follow and you decide your search criteria to find loads that are the best match for you. [/p] [p]<strong>Check out the Truckloads app demo below.</strong>[/p] [video id=ff-MBgdLpS0] [p] On your way to drop off a load and need to find a truck load near your drop off location? [/p] [p]Done! Now you can find loads anywhere and minimize your empty driving to earn even more. [/p] [p] Prefer using Truckloads to find freight online? No problem! We offer a great web version of Truckloads that works just like our mobile app for you to find truck loads. [/p] <strong>[p]Check out the demo of Truckloads web version below. [/p]</strong> [video id=Jmgq8DlNWcw] <strong>[p] Choose from over 11 different <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/truck-freight/">trailer equipment types</a> including:[/p]</strong> [ul] [li] Reefer Truck Loads [/li] [li] Step Deck and Flatbed Loads [/li] [li] Dry Van Loads [/li] [li] Dump Trailer Loads and More! [/li] [/ul] [p] Determine your pick up/drop off location, dates, truck load weight and even choose your <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">maximum deadhead</a>. Then search through your matches and when you find a truck load you like, call the broker right from the app to book it. You can even view the broker's credit score and days to pay. [/p] [h2] Truckloads is a FREE Load Board [/h2] [p]We figured we would save the best for last. <strong>Truckloads is a free load board</strong> for carriers to find truck loads. Search over three million monthly loads posted by over 700 freight brokers with new loads added every minute. [/p] [p] Now you can find truck loads to match your needs. It's the way finding truck loads should be. <strong>Accommodating, affordable and accessible</strong>. [/p]

Sep 08, 2017 • Carriers