In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, truck drivers were being hailed as heroes and even mainstream media and the general public recognized the important role the trucking industry plays in our economy and in keeping store shelves stocked with the things we want and need. Since then things have quieted down a bit. […]
So, here is my Best Advice (from my brief, second-hand personal experience so far) for anyone considering Truck Driving School: 1. Research, research, and then research some more! Ask plenty of questions so that you truly understand what you’re getting into. You cannot do too much research, in my opinion. 2. Don’t pre-judge the school […]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended its pandemic-related emergency exemption through the rest of the year. This is the sixth extension of the order, which will now last through Dec. 31. The FMCSA extension was previously set to expire on September 14, but continues to cover the extended emergency relief for the following categories […]
Here is the list of essential items that every truck driver should bring on the trip. Shower flip-flops You really don’t want to stand barefoot in those truck stop showers and get a fungal infection. Do yourself a favor and bring some flip flops. Sleeping gear You’ll need a sleeping bag (or blanket) and a […]
In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that all diesel engines are required to use a selective catalytic reduction (SCR). SCR is powered by a consumable fluid called diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) which is composed of deionized water and a pure form of urea (composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon and oxygen). Together, DEF and […]
Switching to camera/monitor systems as replacements for traditional mirrors will be a bigger transition for drivers than was the advent of the automated transmissions. When you consider all the ways drivers interface with their work environment, ditching the gear shift lever was big; replacing their mirrors will be huge. Many have already expressed concerns in […]
2020 has been a tough year for the trucking industry. Freight rates started off low and many carriers were struggling to survive, and then Covid struck. If you weren’t hauling essential supplies, you were likely getting fewer miles. Despite these challenges, some are thriving and there’s still a lot of money to be made in […]
Inspectors removed 6,710 commercial motor vehicles and 2,080 drivers from roadways — a 16.5% vehicle and 5.3% driver out-of-service rate — over the May 4-6 International Roadcheck, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced. CVSA said that approximately 83.5% of the commercial motor vehicles examined had no out-of-service violations during the annual high-volume, high-visibility inspection and […]
Truck driver back pain is bad news. While millions of people experience back pain at some point in life, for truck drivers it can often be career ending. Think about it for minute… Truckers have to sit a lot. And the more a driver sits, the more prone he or she is to suffer from […]
In order to be a professional truck driver at a trucking company, you are required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical. A DOT Physical is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)-mandated test that requires a medical examiner to assess various aspects of a truck driver’s health. After completing a DOT Physical, you […]
Learning to drive an 18-wheeler does not stop at making a correct left turn. It is a lifetime skill many talented drivers have refined to an art form. My first lessons included good practices to make your day go more smoothly. I didn’t get that information from a book, but from qualified trainers who took […]
Whether you’re an owner-operator or fleet owner, you must control the costs of your operation if you intend to make money. Of course, your biggest expense is the vehicle itself, but what about all those other daily costs that chip away at your profit? Can you lower them if you have a grasp of the […]
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is gearing up for a major 72 hour truck inspection effort in just a few weeks. The CVSA’s International Roadcheck will take place May 4 — 6, 2021 throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Law enforcement agencies will conduct tens of thousands of CMV inspections during the three-day effort. […]
Truck driving appeals to a certain type of individual with particular interests and characteristics. Though it isn’t a career for everyone, here are a few signs truck driving is the right choice for you. 1. You Enjoy Driving Some people naturally enjoy spending time behind the wheel. They take great pride in delivering valuable goods […]