Dec 17, 2018

Trucking Industry Update December 14, 2018

By Jeremy Feucht
Did you Know?
This week in history: December 9, 1929, the borings were started for the Golden Gate Bridge tower piers. The bridge would not open to vehicle traffic for another eight-and-a-half years.

Trucking tip of the Week
Remember: The “adverse condition” provision in the hours of service regulations does not cover snow fall this time of year. Know your weather conditions for the parts of the country that you are traveling in and to.

CVSA International Roadcheck 2019
Each year, the CVSA does a three-day inspection blitz in the US and Canada. In 2017 the focus was cargo securement; in 2018, on hours of service. The 2019 blitz has been announced and will be held June 4-6, but the focus area has yet to be announced. Over the past several years, 60,000+ vehicles on average have been inspected. Of the 60,000 inspections, 12,000-15,000 vehicles do not pass inspection and 3,000-5,000 drivers fail as well. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape, so you can keep those tires rolling.

Military and Trucking
It is no secret that a large portion of the trucking industry either is a member of the Reserves or is a Veteran. That is because the US military needs skilled truck drivers to get supplies to the troops on the ground all over the globe and those skills learned while in the military transfer nicely to a career in trucking. “First Team” which makes up 200 soldiers within the 154^th Composite Trucking Company, made it back to Fort Hood, TX, late last week after a nine-month deployment. The group ran nearly 1,000 missions in Kuwait and Southwest Asia during their time away from home. For those of you that served, we thank you for your dedication and service!

General News
Weather can trigger Declarations of Emergency from the President, Governors and the FMCSA. Several states have seen Mother Nature create major issues in recent months. 14 states are currently under Declarations of Emergency which suspend hours of service for those bringing supplies and items of necessity to those in the area of the disaster. These declarations are due to issues ranging from the wild fires in California to the earthquake in Alaska. Do not forget about the snow storms that have recently hit Virginia and Oklahoma nor about the hurricane that tore through the Southeast this fall. For more information on these declarations and if your load falls in the exempt status, check out the FMCSA Emergency site here.

Life after the military: Top reasons why veterans should consider truck driving In honor of Veteran’s Day, we want to take a moment and thank those of you who have served our country in the military. You are the men and women who have made many sacrifices for our freedom and we are so grateful for your service. We know that transitioning to civilian careers isn’t always easy and we are especially thankful to those veterans who have chosen trucking as their next step.[p] If you’re a military veteran starting on a new career path, you might be surprised to learn that many of the skills you learned in the military transition over to the trucking industry seamlessly. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a truck driving career as a military veteran:[p] Quick transition. Once you decide to embark on a career in trucking, it won’t take long before you’re able to get behind the wheel of a truck. Programs at many truck driving schools can be completed in only a few months.[p] Get credit for your military driving experience. If you already have a CDL from your time in the military, many companies will factor in your driving experience to give you a higher starting pay rate. For veterans with military driving experience without a CDL, you may be eligible for FMCSA’s military skills test waiver. This program allows veterans with two years of military driving experience to waive the skills test portion of the CDL test.[p] Your G.I. Bill matters. G.I. Bill benefits can help you pay for driving school. It may also provide you with payments as you go through company training.[p] Job security. The trucking industry has a significant shortage of drivers. There are many driving opportunities available - all you have to do is choose a company that’s a good fit for you.[p] It’s a chance to see the country. If your job in the military gave you the opportunity to travel the world, a job in trucking will allow you to continue exploring new places. Many drivers get into trucking because they want the opportunity to visit different places across the United States.[p] Steady pay and great benefits. A trucking job with a reliable company will provide you with a consistent paycheck and an array of benefits, such as health insurance options, retirement planning, paid vacation and bonus pay opportunities.[p] Quality home time available. Truck drivers are known for being away from home for extended periods of time. While this is often true, particularly for over-the-road drivers, you’ll find that many carriers offer several home time options. Some companies can get you home every weekend while others offer regional routes to get you home even more frequently.[p] You already have what it takes. Teamwork. Leadership. Self-discipline. Situational awareness. All of these characteristics are ones you’ve built during your military career and they’re the same qualities that make the best drivers in the trucking industry.[p] As you can see, there are several reasons why many military veterans have chosen truck driving as a second career. Good luck on your journey and we hope to see you out on the road!

Nov 11, 2018

The creepiest haunted roadways in the U.S. Haunted houses, scary movies and cemeteries, oh my! Halloween season is upon us and with it comes tales of mysterious happenings and the supernatural. If you’re not a fan, we understand if you feel like hiding out until Thanksgiving. But for those of you who thrive on the paranormal, this list is everything you didn’t know you needed. Here are some of the scariest haunted roadways around the country. Filled with legends of ghostly beings and mysterious happenings, these are the highways and byways you’ll definitely want to avoid this Halloween. Or include on your route….if you dare. Don’t forget to let us know if you check one of these roads and if you experience anything unusual while you’re there. [p]Route 66 [p]Running from Chicago all the way to the Pacific Ocean, this famous highway is one of the first in the United States. Its long history includes tales of ghostly hitchhikers, mysterious lights and other paranormal activities. In fact, there are more than 100 spooky stops along Route 66 including “Zombie Road” in Wildwood, Mo., and the Coleman Theater in Miami, Okla., which is said to have been built on top of an old crematorium. [p]Route 666, Four Corners region [p]Although this highway is part of the larger Route 66, it deserves some attention all on its own. It is often referred to as the “Devil’s Highway,” both for its numbering and because of the high level of deaths along the New Mexico segment of the highway. Even though this highway was renamed in 2003 as U.S. Route 491, motorists still report sightings of ghost truckers and phantom riders, including a girl dressed in white wandering through the desert, and strange weather phenomena. [p]Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey [p]You wouldn’t think that this road is within an hour’s drive from New York City because of how isolated and quiet it seems. Quiet, that is, until you run into the mutant animals said to be hiding in the woods or see phantom headlights following you on the road. Legend has it that if you toss a coin over the bridge, a boy who drowned there will toss it back. [p]Prospector’s Road, California [p]Located between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, this road is just a short detour off of Highway 49. There are a number of stories of gold miners meeting their end from cave-ins, suicides, and greed-driven murders back in the 1800s. One particular miner is said to haunt the road, showing himself to hikers and drivers alike, telling visitors to “get off my claim.” [p]Kelly Road in Ohioville, Pennsylvania [p]A one-mile stretch of this road has been the site of some reported bizarre events and paranormal activity. There are stories of animals going rabid as soon as they enter this section of road, sightings of apparitions and strange noises, and a ghost boy who wanders around the area. [p]Dead Man’s Curve in Clermont County, Ohio [p]Dead Man’s Curve is located just east of Cincinnati. It’s actually not a curve at all, but rather an intersection where Route 222 meets Route 125 in the village of Bantam. Back in the 1800s, the original roadway curved at the top of a hill, which caused horses and carriages to overturn and slide down the hill. It has since been straightened, but still is said to be the location of numerous accidents over the years. Witnesses report seeing floating wrecked cars, antique carriages and faceless hitchhikers. [p]Route 2A in Aroostook County, Maine [p]This route, which even has a song written about it, is known for its dangerous driving conditions. It is rumored that the icy and snowy roads as well as an unexpected hairpin turn have caused many truckers to lose their lives. There are also stories of spooky spirits seen on this road over the years. [p]Shades of Death Road in Warren County, New Jersey [p]Close to I-80 near Great Meadows, N.J., Shades of Death Road lives up to its creepy name. It is said that the windy road used to attract bandits due to its many hiding spots in the shade. The highwaymen would lay in wait for victims before committing acts of theft - sometimes even murder. The stories say that locals would hang these highwaymen and leave their bodies in the trees as warnings to other criminals. This road is also known for its unusually extreme fog, unexplainable bright skies and strange floating lights. [p]Highway 93 in Arizona [p]The stretch of Highway 93 that runs just east of the Nevada border is nicknamed “Blood Alley” for the many deaths that have occurred on the road. The highway is long, narrow and winding with many hills and blind curves, leaving roadway tragedies in its wake. In addition to countless stories of ghost sightings - even a ghost bus - this highway is also home to several eerie ghost towns. [p]Whether you decide to roll down any of these spooky roadways or avoid them at all costs, we hope you have a Happy Halloween! Stay safe.

Oct 31, 2018

Diabetes Awareness Month: Preventing or managing diabetes on the road Diabetes is on the rise in the United States. According to the CDC, over 30 million Americans were living with diabetes as of 2015, with that number steadily growing each year. In trucking, there’s a 50 percent higher occurrence of type 2 diabetes than the national average. Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, we wanted to take a moment and talk about a disease that is so prevalent in our industry and affects many of our loyal readers and customers. [p]We get that it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a long-haul driver because of the amount of time you spend on the road and the sedentary nature of the job. However, it’s important to know how to prevent or live with diabetes as a trucker so that you’re able to do this job you love for as long as you can. [p]Diabetes prevention [p]If you’re at risk of a diabetes diagnosis or are interested in taking steps toward optimal health, there are several things you can do: <ul> <li>Exercise regularly</li> <li>Cut out sugary beverages</li> <li>Drink plenty of water - at least half your body weight in ounces each day</li> <li>Maintain a healthy weight</li> <li>Practice intuitive eating based on hunger and not boredom</li> <li>Get enough sleep</li> <li>Follow a sound nutrition plan</li> <li>Prepare meals at home for the road to avoid fast food.</li> <li>Pack healthier snacks for between mealtimes, such as fruit, nuts and vegetables.</li> <li>See your health care provider regularly</li> </ul> Managing life as a trucker with diabetes [p]Living with diabetes as a truck driver can be difficult, but it’s possible to enjoy a successful driving career as a diabetic. Here are some tips for managing your diabetes on the road: <ul> <li>Use a packing list when you’re ready to get back on the road. This ensures that you have all medications, testing supplies and other essentials you might need for the entire trip. Trucking can take you into some remote areas, so it’s important that your truck is stocked for any situation.</li> <li>If you’re a team driver, make sure your partner knows what to do in an emergency and how to watch for signs of low blood sugar.</li> <li>Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor and test your blood sugar regularly.</li> <li>Don’t skip meals. Maintain a meal and snack routine so that your body gets what it needs throughout the day.</li> <li>Make healthy food choices when you’re on the road. Drink plenty of water and limit liquids that are high in sugar. Eat lots of raw and steamed vegetables and lean meats.</li> <li>Make a meal plan ahead of time so you’re not grabbing for something unhealthy in a bind.</li> <li>Get moving. Fit in exercise whenever you can, such as a short workout routine in the morning before you get on the road, walking a couple laps around your truck at rest areas.</li> <li>Wear a medical bracelet. This helps emergency professionals know what you need in the event of an emergency if you are unable to tell them yourself.</li> <li>Find a trucking company that has a health program in place to help you learn about your diabetes diagnosis, set health goals and to provide you with additional support.</li> </ul> Coping with diabetes [p]A diabetes diagnosis is serious and can certainly be more challenging as a professional driver, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your career. It is important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Connect with other drivers who are also living with this disease to lean on one another for advice and support. Surround yourself with doctors and health professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Think about your long-term health, particularly the areas that may be affected by diabetes later on, such as your kidney function, eye care and blood pressure. Put yourself first and listen to your body to know what you need. It’s not being selfish - it’s making sure that you can be the best version of you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, remember that diabetes doesn’t define who you are. [p]Are you a driver living with diabetes? What tips do you want to share with other drivers?

Nov 08, 2018