Jan 20, 2017 • Carriers

Everything Truck Drivers Need to Know About Deadhead

If you are a new driver or maybe just received authority as an owner-operator, understanding what deadhead is can be critical when searching for the right load.

What is Deadhead?

Deadhead in trucking is when a truck driver is driving with an empty trailer. Since loads aren’t found in our backyards, deadhead is usually necessary for owner operators who must drive a certain distance to pick up a load.

Does the Trucking Company Pay for Deadhead?

Not necessarily. Some trucking companies will pay for deadhead mileage after the first 100 miles, although it isn’t required. For example, C.R. England pays independent contractors $.80 per deadhead mile. While company drivers typically get paid for deadhead mileage, owner-operators aren’t always as lucky and the cost could come out of pocket.

How to Limit Trucking Deadhead

The more often you haul cargo, the more you generally will earn. It’s a simple concept. In order to maximize earnings, it’s important for a trucker to stay loaded and avoid driving back empty. With the national average diesel prices forecasted to be $2.71 per gallon in 2017 (according to Gas Buddy),driving empty can become a costly issue for owner operators. At that price, a 200-mile deadhead with a Peterbilt or Mack truck that gets around 5 mpg could cost over $100, cutting into the profit a driver might earn. Deadhead might be the last resort if there are no loads nearby.

Dangers of Driving with an Empty Trailer

Trucking deadhead can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers. Trucks with an empty trailer weigh half as much as full ones. This can be problematic if a trucker is driving through an area with especially high winds. Not only can an empty trailer sway around and be difficult to control, it can flip open, causing serious injury. Be sure to always check the weather reports and wind conditions before heading out to pick up a load with an empty trailer.

Find Freight With Truckloads Free Load Board

Truckloads is a free load board connecting carriers with shippers. It features unlimited premium loads, customized search options and carriers can call brokers right from the app. Additionally, owner operators can search for over two million monthly loads nearby or based on deadhead. Carriers can also view the rate, days to pay and even view a brokers credit score.

Try Truckloads Free!

Industry Update - May 17, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> We are just under 7 months away from the final deadline of the ELD mandate. The grandfather clause that allowed drivers to continue to use their AOBRDs will expire on December 16, 2019. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> We are seeing record amounts of rainfall across the US. While stopping a big rig is difficult enough on dry roads, add in wet pavement after a hot spell, and vehicles with the best tires and breaks can have trouble stopping. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Autonomous Vehicles</u></strong></h3> More trouble for the autonomous vehicle industry as a <a href="http://fortune.com/2019/05/16/latest-fatal-tesla-crash-involves-autopilot/">Tesla was involved in another fatal accident</a>. The investigation results have become available in the fatal wreck and it has been determined that the autopilot was engaged but did not detect a semi. On March 1, a Tesla collided with the semi at about 68 mph while crossing a highway in Delray Beach, FL killing the driver of the Tesla. Events like this will further delay autonomous trucks from entering the industry. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Tariffs </u></strong></h3> Tariffs have been a common theme recently, but we may see a change to that. The <a href="https://menafn.com/1098536915/Trucking-Cheers-US-Agreement-with-Mexico-Canada-to-Lift-Tariffs">US has agreed to lift tariffs</a> on Mexico and Canada in regard to steel and aluminum that is manufactured in those countries. Further helping the trucking industry is that the agreement also includes the removal of retaliatory tariffs placed on US goods by Mexico and Canada. The removal of these tariffs should help reduce the costs to consumers and increase margins for the manufacturers which in turn should help stabilize or even increase rates paid to drivers. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>FMCSA Seeking Comments</u></strong></h3> Last year, the FMCSA requested comments for a pilot program allowing those 18-20 years old with military experience to drive interstate. This week, the FMCSA is now requesting comments from anyone who would like to have their voice heard on allowing those 18-20 years old and without military experience to drive interstate. Currently those 18-20 can drive big rigs commercially, they just can only drive intrastate. If you would like to read the request by the FMCSA and comment, you can do so <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FMCSA-2018-0346-0001">here</a>. Comments must be received by July 15, 2019.

May 17, 2019 • Carriers

Truck Driver Tips [p]Whether you're a new driver or have logged over one million miles, we've compiled a list of truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe.[/p] [h2] Truck Driver Tips [/h2] [p] Whether you're starting your first week as a new truck driver or you've logged over one million miles on the road, driving an 18-wheeler presents many challenges. We've compiled a list of five truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe. [/p] [h2]1. Rest up[/h2] [p]As a [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]truck driver[/a], being alert is one of the most critical parts of the job. Most of the time it isn't the things you do but rather what is going on around you that can cause a serious accident. Your life and safety comes first and getting the proper rest will ensure you are ready to take the day on in peak performance. While every person's sleep schedule is different, try for 7-8 hours of shut-eye each night.[/p] [h2]2. Stay hydrated[/h2] [p]Being alert isn't just about proper rest. Hydration is a key factor in maintaining proper brain function. [a href="http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00363/full"]Studies[/a] have shown that being dehydrated is directly correlated to a lack of focus and slowed reaction times. Both of these can be extremely detrimental to a truck driver. Doctors recommend a daily intake of 2 liters or eight 8-ounce glasses of water to remain hydrated. Just when you think you've had enough, fill up another cup! It could make all the difference.[/p] [h2]3. Lay a flashlight on dock lines when backing a trailer at night[/h2] [p]Some receiving docks are poorly lit, making it difficult for drivers to back a load in. Try laying a flashlight on the ground shining towards your truck to illuminate the lines and provide you with the necessary light to back in your trailer into the dock. (Credit: Jon Jones-Facebook).[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2016/11/Backing-tip-FLashlight.jpg" alt=""] [h2]4. If you don't know, ask![/h2] [p]One truck driver trip you should never overlook is to not be afraid to not know. It's nearly impossible for anyone to know everything without some sort of assistance. Don't risk it to chance. If you are unsure of something, ask. There is a community of drivers who not only share the road but can share valuable lessons from experience too.[/p] [h2]5. Keep a bag of salt in your truck for snowy conditions[/h2] [p]Sure, [i]Ice Road Truckers[/i] on the History Channel makes traveling on icy roads look easy but it's not. Having a large bag of salt can help you get out of a bind during those winter month full of slick roads. Salt not only lowers the freezing point and melts snow, it also provides traction for your tires after the ice melts.[/p] [h2]6. Don't rush. Use common sense[/h2] [p]This truck driver tip should go without saying but we will anyway. Please do not rush yourself or drive recklessly. Keep your eyes on the road and give yourself plenty of distance to break or maneuver.[/p] [h2]7. Plan ahead with Trucker Path[/h2] [p][a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckerpath/"]Truck Path[/a] is an indispensable tool for drivers that is used and updated by over 450,000 truckers. Whether you want to find available truck parking to rest up, check to see if a weigh station is open or compare diesel fuel prices, we can help make your life easier on the road and get you back home quicker to the ones you care about most. [/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/"]Learn More About Trucker Path[/button-green]

Nov 07, 2016 • Community

Grocery Shopping Tips [p]Grocery shopping can be tricky, especially when trying to find quality, healthy food within a budget. As a trucker, being on the road without a proper kitchen doesn't help either.[/p] [p]We all are pressed for time to shop and cook, [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]especially truck drivers[/a]. Still, we must make it a priority in our life to incorporate healthier habits. In order to eat healthier while staying on a budget, it's important to look for food items that are versatile and complementary. You should buy ingredients that can be combined in different ways to make a wide variety of meals. For example, you should buy one kind of meat that you can use for sandwiches, as an ingredient in a salad and as a main course dinner staple accompanied by grains and vegetables.[/p] [h2]1. Buy Quality Meat[/h2] [p]Save yourself a ton of time and money by choosing to [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]buy quality meat[/a] from the grocery store. This doesn’t mean buying the most inedible, misery-inducing meat. Food that doesn’t taste good is hard to eat and can lead us to refer back to unhealthy habits. However, there are cuts of meat available at a large supermarket that are as affordable as ground beef and much higher quality. The main thing is to keep your eyes open and look at the price per pound on the package.[/p] [p]Some regions of North America can buy chicken at a low price, while in others, beef or pork is the cheaper option. Aim for meats under $5.00 per pound. In some areas, this will be very easy, in others, not so much.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/c1XQxXjS6A5xK" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [p]One thing you want to avoid if possible is pre-packaged sliced deli meat. Sure it tastes good, but it costs a fortune and is high in sodium! Not to mention they are mechanically seperated and mixed in with all sorts of animal parts. Typically deli meats are sold in a different unit of measurement to throw you off and keep you from noticing that it often costs $15 to $25 per pound. At that rate, you might as well buy a fancy prime rib dinner to enjoy.[/p] [h2]2. Alternatives to Processed Deli Meats[/h2] [p]We aren't saying you need to become a vegan or avoid red meats. In fact, we're encouraging you to eat meat! The amino acids found in lean proteins are the building blocks for our muscles. There are 20 amino acids in our bodies and the food we eat. Making the correct protein choices can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure as well as reduce the risk of heart disease.[/p] [ul] [li]Lean Ground Beef – Opt for the 90/10 or even better, 93/7 ground beef instead of the fattier 70/30 or 80/20 varieties. No sacrifice in flavor with the correct seasonings and all the savings on unhealthy fats.[/li] [li]Pork Tenderloin – Usually has less than 4g of fat per serving and is great for simple [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]Slow Cooker or Crock Pot recipes[/a].[/li] [li]Chicken Breasts instead of thighs and wings – Boneless chicken breasts are less fatty, have more meat and are versatile to use in a variety of recipes.[/li] [/ul] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/bBf6Eams9NmaQ" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]3. Choosing the Correct Grains[/h2] [p]While the most effective way would be to bake with a small portable oven, you can easily buy bread, bagels or muffins that taste great and are full of nutritional value. WARNING! You must be careful with store-bought bakery items because often they have a lot of stabilizers and preservatives in them, with processed, less healthy substances. Look at the ingredients lists and choose items that are as simple as possible: whole wheat flour, water, yeast, baking powder, sugar, and milk should comprise most of the list. If you can, choose items that are listed as freshly baked in-store. Try getting products that are whole grains or made with whole wheat flour.[/p] [h2]4. Best Sources of Carbs to Buy[/h2] [p]Surely meat and potatoes are a staple in most households. Although filling and full of essential minerals, there is a hierarchy of which potatoes and carbohydrates are healthiest. [ul] [li]Brown Rice – Contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice and many say it even tastes better.[/li] [li]Sweet Potatoes – The health benefits of sweet potatoes are endless. Full of vitamin B6 to aid the metabolism and heart health, vitamin C for immune enrichment, vitamin D for healthier bones and potassium for muscle recovery and the reduction of swelling.[/li] [li]Oats – Plain old-fashioned oats are full of fiber and help lower cholesterol, much better than Cheerios ever will. Best of all they are easy to make even on-the-road with just a cup of hot water. Top them off with a handful of berries for a balanced and tasty breakfast.[/li] [/ul] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Qw4X3FwWZ1Ze1wHzbwY" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [p]The key to a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. It simply means choosing alternatives when grocery shopping that will be more nutritional, providing you with lasting energy as you travel America hauling freight. Happy Wellness Wednesday![/p] [p]By [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]John Heslop[/a][/p]

Jan 17, 2017