Feb 22, 2019 • Carriers

Trucking Industry Update February 22, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

We all know that trucking carries roughly 73% of all goods shipped in the US, but did you know that 94% of all hazardous material moved in the US is shipped via truck?

Trucking tip of the Week

Trip planning is essential. If it is a lane you have never driven before, planning becomes all that more imperative. When you leave could mean the difference between hitting traffic in a big city or not. Many areas have low bridges that semis cannot fit under. You need to know how to get around those. Knowing the best places to fill up with fuel and where scales are so you are filling up after leaving a scale. Filling up after leaving a scale can help you stay weight compliant yet have a full tank of fuel. Plenty of things to think about when planning your trip.

Driver’s Pay

There are signs that companies may be changing the way they pay their drivers. For the Owner-Operator, that could be a good sign. As companies increase the pay for their drivers in hopes of stabilizing retention rates, fewer and fewer drivers will attempt the owner-operator method. This means more loads on the spot market for them to find. Companies are looking into salaries, amongst other ways to pay their drivers. Wages will be dependent upon their track record and in some cases tenure within the company.

Technology in Trucking

Companies are doing many different things to ensure the quality of the driver they are putting behind the wheel. Instead of waiting on the government to figure out what should be the minimum amount of training needed before driving, Xpress, the fifth largest carrier company in the US, sought out advice from its own drivers. Moving away from the classroom type setting, Xpress is creating a technology-based, self-paced learning regiment. On top of that, they have created a virtual reality simulator that their prospective drivers must pass long before getting behind the wheel of an actual truck. Could this be the wave of the future?

Toll Roads

Much like Virginia did a few weeks back, Connecticut is moving away from an idea of placing a heavy burden on truckers moving through their state. The governor, Ned Lamont, had sought to create Truck only toll roads in the state of Connecticut. Due to legal issues, he has backed off that idea. Instead, he is looking at creating toll roads across the entire state for all vehicles. The chances of this happening are slim because people, while naïve to the plight of the trucker and they tend not to worry about things that indirectly affect them, will not be in support of something that adds a more direct burden on themselves.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2020 [p]The U.S economy is highly dependent on some 3.5 million individuals who spend their lives on the road delivering goods to move our economy. Yes, we are talking about truck drivers who deserve praise and gratitude for what they do every day. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Historical Significance [/b][/p] [p]Trucking has been around for over a century. Alexander Winton built the first semi-trailer in 1898, and quickly over the next hundred years, its significance really started to take shape. In 1998, the American Trucking Association (ATA) decided that a celebratory week shall be commemorated on the 2nd week of September. Every year since then, we’ve reserved that date to celebrate and give thanks to the millions of OTR and local drivers. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-2-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Impact on the Economy[/b][/p] [p]Trucking plays an integral role in the U.S economy. Some have stated that trucks act like the red blood cells in a human body. The red blood cells deliver oxygen to vital parts of the body, the same as trucks deliver goods to every corner of the country. Without them, the entire economy comes to a halt.[/p] [p]According to official statistics, trucks move 72.5% of all the freight inside the U.S. That’s about 11.84 billion tons of goods! The good news is that the demand for truck drivers is increasing every year. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that by the year 2026 approximately 108,400 more heavy-load truckers will be required to maintain the network. The future is bright for anyone who wants to join the party. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/blog-3-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Showing Gratitude [/b][/p] [p]Life on the road is not easy. Truckers are away from their loved ones several months out of the year. [/p] [p]Sometimes a simple thank-you can mean the world. Being courteous on the road, goodie bag, or even a few words of kindness can lift spirits. It’s not easy for truck drivers to always cook and pack their meals, buying them a meal goes a long way! [/p] [p]In spite of our current pandemic, truckers are still delivering the essential goods across the country. Keeping the shelves stocked, delivering critical medical supplies, helping us get from manufacturer to doorstep, truckers have taken on a special significance in these times. We must not forget these hardworking men and women. The National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is a wonderful time for Americans to acknowledge these unsung heroes who make our lives easier and keep the economic wheel spinning.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Sep 14, 2020 • Carriers

Trucking Industry Update February 1, 2019 [p]By Jeremy Feucht [p]Did you Know? [p]7% of truckers in the US are women? [p]Trucking tip of the Week [p]As spot market rates continue leveling off, being professional and courteous will go along way in keeping brokers coming your way. Your rates may be a bit higher than the going average, but if you can follow through on your promises while being courteous and professional, you will win in the long run. [p]Dangers on the Road [p]May the road become a little less dangerous for drivers in 2019? <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/truckers-may-be-able-to-carry-concealed-weapons-across-state-lines-2019-1">Two pieces of legislation</a> have again been introduced into the House of Representatives, that if passed, would allow truckers with concealed weapons permits to carry across state lines. This law has been brought up every year since at least 2014 after a trucker named <a href="https://duboiscountyherald.com/b/ferdinand-trucker-found-murdered-in-detroit">Michael Boeglin</a> was shot and killed in Detroit. The chances of any piece of legislation passing is around 4% and with the current climate surrounding guns in the major metropolitan areas, do not expect much from these bills. [p]Human Trafficking [p]Truckers have long been sought out to combat human trafficking. Truckers have also been targets of legislation to deter them from being involved in human trafficking rings. Trainings have been setup across the US so drivers know what to look for in these situations and what they should do if they suspect a human trafficking case. One company based in Washington state has decided to be part of the solution as well. <a href="https://klewtv.com/news/local/wsp-partner-with-kam-way-trucking-to-find-missing-children">Kam-Way trucking is partnering with Washington State Patrol</a> to place pictures of missing children on the sides of the trailers. The program is called “Homeward Bound.” Let’s hope this program returns these missing children home! [p]Possible New Toll [p]Virginia is suggesting a new toll throughout the entirety of I-81. Gantries are expected to be set up every 30-40 miles. At the rate being suggested, truckers would need to pay $55 to travel the length of the interstate. It remains to be seen

Feb 01, 2019

Trucking Industry Update February 8, 2019 [p]By Jeremy Feucht [p] [p]Did you Know? [p]The average trucker spends nearly $60,000 in fuel each year! [p]Trucking tip of the Week [p]Be careful when using a GPS. Many truckers get stuck on roads that are not meant for semis due to GPS routing. Make sure your GPS is built for big rigs prior to purchasing. [p]Trucker’s Fees [p]<a href="https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2019/standingcommittees/190205_stra_0130PM-Agenda.pdf">Two potential pieces of legislation called Routing Slips</a>, have come forward in Idaho that could increase the financial burden placed on truckers driving through the state. The Routing Slips would add a weight-mileage charge to truckers. Although the wording of the potential bills has not been released to the public, it is believed that IRP and IFTA would remain in place if passed. [p]HOS Exemption for Cement Trucks [p]<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/06/2019-01267/hours-of-service-of-drivers-american-concrete-pavement-association-inc-application-for-exemptions">Cement truckers have been granted</a> an extension from a portion of the hours of service ruling and a new exemption on another hours of service rule. For the next five years, cement trucks will be allowed to continue to receive an exemption to the 30-minute break rule. Within the same ruling, companies operating cement trucks will be granted an exemption from a major stipulation of the short-haul rules. Instead of having to start and stop service at the same spot each day, cement truck drivers will now be allowed to start and stop service wherever necessary. They will not have to keep track of RODS when working within short-haul distances even though they are not starting and stopping in the same locations. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/02/06/2019-01276/hours-of-service-of-drivers-national-cattlemens-beef-association-livestock-marketing-association">Cattle farmers</a> have requested a similar exemption. No word on when or if it will be approved. [p]Virginia Toll Legislation Denied [p]Virginia had toyed with the idea of adding tolls the <a href="https://www.gobytrucknews.com/virginia-cancels-plans-for-tolls-on-i-81/123">entire length of I-81</a>. The tolls would have cost a driver as much as $55 per day. Luckily, this legislation has been denied and will not be brought to life.

Feb 08, 2019