Trucking, like any other industry, is experiencing changes and shifts sure to impact its future. Truckers and those considering a career in trucking should be aware of the trends shaping the industry in 2022 and beyond.

1. Improved Technology

Corporate trucking offices are using software programs to streamline operations and increase productivity. In addition, trucks are being equipped with more advanced technology to improve vehicle functionality and order tracking. These features are not only helping trucking companies better manage their deliveries, but also keeping the customer informed every step of the way.

2. Shifting Production Locations

Trucking companies, along with the rest of the transportation and freight industry, are re-evaluating production locations to better meet demand. For example, dry vans are being shifted to Texas, Illinois, and Ohio, while reefers are being moved to California and Illinois. Texas and Pennsylvania are becoming top destinations for flatbed vehicles.

3. E-commerce Boom

Retailers are continuing to grow and adjust their operations to meet the demands of online customers. Truckers are the backbone of the transportation industry, and without them, goods would not make it from manufacturers to distributors. The ecommerce industry is expected to continue growing in 2022, as the shift in consumer purchasing habits continues to drive improvements in the e-commerce industry.

4. Urbanization

The boom in construction and urbanization has seen many rural areas converted into thriving urban communities. This has made it easier for trucking companies to reach certain areas of the country, widening their geographical reach and growing their customer base.

More consumers now have easy access to urban cities and online shopping, making it possible for trucking companies to drive up business and increasing demand for drivers.

5. Data Analytics

Data analytics powers the modern digital world. Trucking companies are realizing the benefits of incorporating data analytics into their operations. Companies today have detailed insight into the status of their fleet and the location of each truck across the country. This is allowing companies to improve efficiency and make better decisions on a daily basis.

Truckers today are working in an industry with high growth potential and access to a wide range of opportunities. For those considering the industry, now is a great time to make a career change and pursue a CDL. 

Source: http://www.americatruckdriving.com

Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) knew 2020 would be a volatile year even before COVID-19 wreaked havoc on the economy after the market enjoyed a boon in 2018-2019. But North America’s leading truck manufacturer is confident that in 2021 the used truck market will level off.

In Q1 of 2020, depreciation reached 8.5% per month on average, versus 1.25 to 1.5. depreciation for an average year.

“Prices are on the rise for used trucks right now,” remarked Mary Aufdemberg, president and general manager of Daimler Trucks Remarketing. “Inventories are decreasing in the marketplace, but we do expect supply to keep coming. [Looking] forward to next year, I think prices will continue to stabilize.”

Graph: DTNA

Used truck prices won’t return to 2018-2019 levels, when trucking enjoyed the boom times as the economy grew and demand increased due to rising capacity.

Aufdemberg projected inventory will return to the lots at SelectTrucks and other Freightliner used truck dealers.

“Ultimately, I think demand will be a little stronger than supply, at least in the first half of the year going forward,” she said.

As the quantity improves, so does the quality, with the model year 2018 Freightliner Cascadia, which DTNA refers to as the “New Cascadia,” hitting the used truck market in 2021. That truck will turn four next year, which means more fleets will trade those in for newer models.

“Not everybody’s going to be able to get their hands on them, but for any of the use truck customers that really like to be a technology leader, the new Cascadia is going to be something they’re going to want to keep their eyes,” Aufdemberg noted.

The MY 2018 features several improvements over the Cascadia Evolution, or Classic Cascadia. At the time of launch, the New Cascadia had an average 8% mpg improvement, and the disparity, depending on efficiency specs, could be as wide as 19%.

The Model Year 2018 Freightliner Cascadia. Photo: DTNA

These are some of the first Freightliner trucks to offer the option of Detroit Assurance 4.0, the suite of safety systems that includes active brake assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

Other additions included a more comfortable cab experience with a redesigned dash and steering wheel, as well as offering a smoother ride and better access to fuses for quicker maintenance and less downtime. Some of the 2018 stock may also come with the optional murphy bed bunk over the dinette area and 3M Thinsulate insulation, which isolates noise and improves temperature.

DTNA reported a 33% build rate for the MY 2018 Cascadia. Some MY 2019s, which had a 75% build rate, should also become available, but in fewer numbers. “Those will definitely be something that customers will snatch up pretty quickly once they hit the marketplace,” Aufdemberg said.

Aufdemberg also pointed out SelecTrucks opened four new locations in 2020, for a total of 30: Phoenix, Memphis, Chattanooga, and in Manitoba, Canada. The DTNA-owned business provides OEM-backed warranties with no progressive damage, no deductible, and no aggregate limits.

Source: http://www.trucker.com

When you’re out on the road for days and weeks at a time, you need something to help pass the time. Though music is one way to stay engaged when staring at miles and miles of pavement, podcasts have emerged as a great way to not only be entertained but to learn and expand your knowledge. Here are a few great podcasts truck drivers are sure to enjoy.

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.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced dates for several truck inspection campaigns set to take place in 2021.

Your truck has faithfully served you during the harsh winter months and now it’s time to prepare your truck for warmer weather. Here are a few simple steps every truck driver should take.

The study was recently released by Australian insurance provider Budget Direct. Researchers examined tolling practices on more than 400 roads worldwide “to see just which are the most expensive and cheapest.” Tolls were calculated using the highest possible passenger vehicle toll for the entire roadway.

So you are thinking about becoming a professional truck driver. While being a truck driver is an honorable, noble profession, there are many things– good and bad– every prospective trucker must know. To better understand some of the challenges that truck drivers face everyday we put together the follow list of potential problem areas that you need to be aware of before becoming a truck driver. We are not trying to scare you away from becoming a trucker. We are just trying to get you thinking about some of the harsh realities that drivers have to deal with. Remember, trucking is a lifestyle, not a job, but at the same time it can be very rewarding and it just might be the dream job that you never thought about.

If you’ve been putting off basic cleaning for the past few months, then don’t skip out on the spring cleaning tradition and get your truck back into tip-top condition. Here are seven simple steps to clean your truck this spring.

Trucking trade groups and a group of fleets and drivers are urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to allow truck stops and travel plazas to offer vaccinations to drivers passing through.

Few careers offer the benefits and flexibility that make trucking a top choice for many drivers. If you’re thinking about making a career change, here are a few reasons why trucking is the smart choice.

No matter what you do for work, maintaining a good work-life balance is important to keep you healthy, avoid burnout, and enjoy the job you do. For truckers, work-life balance has always been a challenge, especially for OTR truckers on the road for days or weeks at a time. Learning how to balance work and life as a truck driver takes practice, but if you plan to be a trucker for life, it’s something you’ll need to put into practice.

These routes are most often assigned to specific drivers who drive the assigned routes and no others. Dedicated route drivers are often regional or local and have more opportunities for home time. They are also frequently reserved for drivers who may find OTR routes more difficult.

Truck drivers face many health challenges, and nearly 80% of truck drivers are overweight. Some reasons that help contribute to being overweight are easy to find: work environment, limited access to health care, lack of healthy food choices and lack of exercise.

Three major mountain passes in Washington state were closed overnight due to avalanche dangers after heavy rain fell on a large snowpack from recent storms, state transportation officials said.

Dr. John McElligott, volunteer medical advisor to St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, shared his expertise on the the biggest health issues in trucking, as well as those most prevalent in women truck drivers.

Federal regulators issued a fourth extension of a rare 50-state exemption of hours-of-service (HOS) rules due to ongoing health risks caused by COVID-19. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it was extending the HOS waiver — which was set to expire Feb. 28 — through May 31.

If you’re thinking of making a career change, here’s what you’ll need to do to become a licensed and employed truck driver in the US.

Across the trucking industry, the commercial driver shortage is often a topic of discussion. And while there are a large number of issues that need to be addressed, more often than not there are an equally large number of ideas for helping solve one of the industry’s biggest challenges. One of those is the long-standing topic of whether to license 18- to 20-year-old drivers to haul loads across state lines.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has set the date for its 2021 International Roadcheck, the 72-hour blitz of commercial vehicle inspections across North America. From May 4-6, law enforcement officers will focus on lighting and hours of service (HOS).

Busy roads with many types of drivers can increase the odds for accidents, especially for truckers in bad weather. Certain interstate highways are particularly dangerous based on accident rates in recent years. This is the first of five articles ranking the most dangerous interstates.

Because Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers often travel to new cities and towns, they may be unfamiliar with the roadway and feel compelled to read a map or directions while driving. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 22 percent of large-truck crashes occurred when CMV drivers were unfamiliar with the roadway.

The drop in the number of people employed in the trucking sector in January begs the question: Is the number of available jobs declining or is the never-ending quest to find enough drivers running into even stronger-than-usual headwinds?

Operators of commercial trucks traveling alone are explicitly exempt from a transportation-focused mask mandate issued Friday, Jan. 29 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Many truck drivers supplement their GPS units with additional apps for added features and benefits. There are some great trucking (and regular) GPS apps that help truckers plan their approach, and find great places to eat and rest along their route. But what is the best trucker GPS app? We’ve put together a quick list of the best free and paid apps truckers use to help them get the job done.

Though driving America’s roadways day after day affords remarkable scenery and jaw-dropping landscapes, making several fuel stops to fill up your rig can get expensive, especially if you try to increase your speed in hopes of making better time or earning an additional bonus. By following these three suggestions, you can ensure your truck has the best fuel economy possible

Starting a new career as a truck driver can be both exciting and challenging, as drivers learn to navigate the ins and outs of the job. Though it’s obvious that truckers will be driving for eight to 10 hours a day, here are a few things new drivers should expect during their first year in the industry.

The Centers for Disease Control has further defined the essential workers category, breaking it down into specific industries and pushing transportation workers and others to the third round of COVID-19 vaccine deployment.

Trucking jobs provide several benefits. One of the most enticing for military veterans is the flexibility with hours. After being away from their family for so long, veteran truck drivers will be able to enjoy weekends, nights, or just days at a time to spend with them. All truckers also have the opportunity to bring their family or pets along for the ride, which your kids, in particular, will love.

As a professional truck driver, you depend on your CDL, which means you need to be careful of how you drive. Truckers can be liable for irresponsible behaviour or poorly maintained equipment and risk losing their livelihood because of it.

If 2020 wasn’t your favorite year and you’re looking forward to making some positive changes in 2021, here are a few New Year’s resolution ideas for truck drivers.

Each generation of trucking has tried to find new technologies to help drivers feel more at home on the road. In the 1970s and ’80s, the CB radio gave drivers a lifeline to the world beyond the cab. More recently, smartphones and social media have provided outlets to help drivers. Comfort on the road can go a long way for a long-hauler. In the continuing battle against the driver shortage plaguing the industry, fleets find that in-cab amenities can be the difference in attracting and retaining quality drivers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in supply chains around the world, and the oil industry is no exception. Due to a lack of tank truck drivers, Americans could feel the effects of a fuel shortage this summer.

Sick of junk food or tired of the same old snacks? Change things up by prepping these seven nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make snacks before hitting the road.

Ready or not, summer is just a few weeks away and that means truck drivers need to make a few adjustments. Here are a few tips for driving safely this summer.

When driving an 18-wheeler, you’ve got a lot more to be mindful of than when you’re driving a passenger vehicle. To help you stay safe, here’s a list of seven tips for avoiding distractions.

According to the National Tank Truck Carriers trade group, nearly one out of four trucks in the country are parked due to a shortage of drivers. Current estimates show the trucking industry will need more than one million truckers to join the industry over the next decade to maintain current demand.

Economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on the freight-hauling sector, and an industry expert said changes brought on by virus-related cutbacks are contributing to a tightening market that could rival earlier periods of growth.

Getting the best price when selling used transport trucks depends on many factors, including supply and demand, brand recognition, marketing expertise and access to buyers. But the condition of the vehicle also plays heavily into the final selling price. While you have no control over market supply and demand, you can take steps to maintain the resale value of your trucks. Here’s how…

The annual 72-hour North American safety blitz has returned to its regular spring timeslot in 2021. CVSA has set the enforcement initiative for May 4-6 this year, and once again, fleets and drivers need to be prepared.

Being out on the road for weeks at a time can sometimes start to feel like an extended road trip, with access to endless processed snacks, no exercise, and caffeine overload. This kind of lifestyle will quickly pack on the pounds and lead to poor physical and mental health. That’s why truck drivers need to pay close attention to what they’re putting into their bodies and how they’re feeling emotionally.

An out-of-the-blue roadside inspection can happen at anytime a driver is on the road. Nevertheless, a DOT roadside inspection is an important preventive measure that protects commercial drivers as well as others on the road.

As a DOT inspection can occur practically anywhere, drivers must always be prepared for it. Understanding the different levels of DOT inspections is crucial. Apart from ensuring that your vehicle is in working condition and you have all the documents you may need, a DOT inspection level may contain specific items that you need to be ready for.

There are eight different levels of DOT inspections. Let’s start from the Level 1 DOT inspection and what driver- and vehicle-related examinations it contains.

Learning to drive an 18-wheeler doesn’t stop at making a perfect right turn. Whether you’re just starting trucking school or have been driving for a few months, truck driving is a lifetime skill that takes time to perfect.

If you’re a newbie to the world of truck driving, set yourself up for success by listening to the advice of seasoned pros. We’ve compiled the best advice we could gather from professional truck drivers to offer you here. Read on to learn about their tricks of the trade.

1. Seek advice from industry drivers.
When it comes to choosing a trucking school or considering a potential employer, don’t limit your research to online reviews. Speak with the actual instructors, supervisors, graduates and employees about their firsthand experiences. Unlike the internet, which can be lopsided in the impressions it creates, people in the industry can provide more thoughtful advice.

1. Be honest.
   When applying to attend a trucking school or for a trucking job, be honest about your answers regarding education, work experience, relevant medical conditions and more. Even if you feel like you haven’t had the most stellar moments in your past, your willingness to be honest about them will demonstrate that you’re a trustworthy candidate.
2. Study and apply yourself before you arrive.
   Whether we’re talking about truck driving school or a new job in the industry, there will be plenty to learn. Ideally, you will begin studying before you get started at that new school or job. At both, you will hit the ground running, and the more you know the moment you step through the door, the better prepared for success you will be.
3. Bring a strong work ethic and a can-do attitude.
   Your instructors, classmates, employer and coworkers will all appreciate the person who works hard without complaint, and who chooses humility and a willingness to learn over arrogance. You start building your reputation in this industry the day you step into trucking school. Build one you can be proud of.
4. Become a life-long student.
   You begin with your research into schools and employers. Then you research trucks and gear and the latest technologies and safety procedures for the job. Then you just keep on keeping on. There’s always something new to learn about the trucking industry, and staying up-to-date keeps you relevant and sets you up to be a well-rounded truck drive

Source: http://www.americatruckdriving.com

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 big picture?  Absolutely.  So, let’s take a look at the top 10 expenses truckers should track on their trucking industry reports if they want to succeed in the business.  

Difference Between Fixed and Variable Costs

Before completing any reports, you need to be sure you’ve included everything.  First, you should classify your expenses into two main categories:

1. Fixed costs:  Fixed costs are the expenses you’ll have whether or not your truck ever leaves the parking lot.  These costs usually stay the same but may change a little from time to time.
2. Variable costs:  Variable costs are the expenses you incur while driving your truck.  This amount varies with the number of miles driven.

Why is this information important?  Because tracking fixed costs helps you see the daily expense of running your operation.  Equally important, tracking the variable costs let’s you know how much you spend on the road and where you can cut back.

Furthermore, when you compare fixed and variable costs, you can better understand what areas you need to focus on.  The information will help you make informed decisions rather than just driving by the seat of your pants.

Top 10 Expenses You Should be Tracking

You became a professional motor carrier for two main reasons: to be your own boss and to make money.  In order to meet those goals, you’ve got to stay in business.  Knowing where your money is going or where it’s coming from is up to you.  So, here are the top 10 expenses you should be tracking:

Fixed costs:

1. Vehicle payments
2. Permit costs and license fees
3. Insurance premiums
4. Cell phone payments
5. Accountant costs

Variable costs:

1. Fuel
2. Tires and maintenance
3. Tolls
4. Lodging
5. Food

You may not be able to lower your fixed costs by much, but you can shop around and compare prices on insurance and cell phone providers.  

Reducing variable costs can really make a difference and may put some extra cash in your pocket.  Here are a few examples:

• Prepare your own food for the road.
• Plan lodging and dining locations ahead of time to save money.
• Change some of your driving habits to improve fuel mileage.
• Purchasing high quality parts for maintenance can save money in the long run.

You have many options for cutting costs when it comes to variable expenses, so make a list, and get started.

Source: http://www.truckingoffice.com

One thing that no one really tells truck drivers before hitting the road is how to manage laundry. I know, I know, this may seem like a bit of a trivial topic, but it’s very real and very practical.  Trust me, this is something ever trucker must face at some point!  And if you don’t find a way to manage laundry fast, it’ll soon manage you.

We do our laundry once a week. With the two of us normally that would be a lot of clothes, but it isn’t because of the way we’ve learned to manage it.  Here’s our tips for making it work…

Laundry Tips for Trucker Guys

From a man’s perspective, this is how Bobby manages it: he doesn’t change his jeans and shirt everyday, only when he showers, generally every 3 days. That’s why he only stores 4 pants and 4 shirts — this takes up much less room as far as our limited storage. As for socks and underwear, those get changed daily. He stores 10 pairs of each, more than needed, just in case we get stuck on a run and can’t do laundry.

As for workout clothes, if you roll your shirt up in the sweats and use them more then once they will be stinky, but not too bad. It’s important to wash up after working out obviously, using a washcloth and bottled water or baby wipes. There’s no point in washing your workout clothes every time you use them though, you’re just going to sweat and get them smelly again. Not all guys, but most guys with gym memberships leave workout clothes in their locker up to a week and just change at the gym.

Laundry Tips for Trucker Gals

As for me, being a girl, I change clothes more often, I wear my jeans for 2-3 days, but usually change my shirt every 1-2 days. With my workout clothes I make sure to buy them with moisture-wicking material so they do stay fresh a little longer. I wear them 2-3 times in a row. Honestly, I have way more clothes then I should!

I hope that helps, it’s a system you figure out over time. I can’t imagine how much laundry we would have to do and how often if we changed everyday, not to mention the truck space it takes up. Taking 2 hours out of our day to do laundry doesn’t seem like much, but out here it’s valuable!

Where Do Truckers Put Dirty Clothes?

We keep our dirty laundry in a canvas or net laundry bag available at truck stops or Walmart. We store ours behind the drivers seat. I’ve seen truckers use laundry baskets, but honestly I have no idea where they put it, unless you drive solo and use the top bunk as storage.

I kind of “dry out” my workout clothes before folding and putting them back in my closet, and store them away from my clean clothes. 

How To Do Laundry As A Trucker

If we don’t have to do our Walmart shopping and other errands, we’ll stop at a truck stop and do our laundry there either at the end of our workday or if time allows, during a run. And a little tip, park as far away as possible for 1) you have less chance of an inexperienced driver running into you (I mention this because most drivers park as close as they can to the truck stop and spaces are tight) and 2) you can get some extra exercise.

If we need to do our shopping we take our car from our terminal and go into town to a laundromat. While the clothes are drying we do our shopping etc..

There have been a few times when we’ve gotten stuck because of a load taking to long and have stopped (if parking was available) in our big rig at a local laundromat  in whatever town we’re in.

4 Tips to Help Truck Drivers Manage Laundry

So, to recap, here are some of the tips we use on the road to manage our laundry:

1. Pack light! Learn to wear your clothes for longer before doing laundry.
2. Air out workout clothes and reuse them before laundry day.
3. Keep dirty laundry in a space-saving bag.
4. Multitask and do laundry along with other “chores” and errands.

I would say something we’ve learned is to wear our clothes longer so you have less laundry. Get it down to doing it only once a week and be efficient with your time. Make the most of that two hours by running other errands if possible or get a workout in. It’s definitely an adjustment from living a “normal” life when you can change clothes and shower everyday, but you need to readjust the way you think about it out here.

Source:https://www.thehealthytrucker.net/

Fog frequently occurs as seasons change in the United States, but it can occur any time of year, creating a dangerous hazard for truck drivers and motorists of any vehicle.Since fog can come up suddenly and reduce visibility quickly, truck drivers need to adjust quickly to meet the conditions — whether or not other motorists do.

Most weather-related accidents are preventable, so be sure to use these safety tips on.

How to drive in fog

1. Slow down.

Even if you know the road very well, still slow down. The fog may be “covering up” a collision in front of you, which would prevent you from having adequate time to properly react.

2. Use low-beam headlights and fog lights for best visibility.

Turn on your lights even in the daytime fog and be alert for other drivers who may have forgotten to turn on their lights. It’s important to be seen.

3. Turn on your four-way flashers.

This will give vehicles approaching you from behind a quicker opportunity to see and notice your vehicle.

4. Watch out for vehicles on the side of the roadway.

Seeing taillights or headlights in front of you may not be a true indication of where the road is ahead of you. The vehicle’s driver may be disoriented by the fog, and the vehicle may not be on the road at all.

5. Use roadside highway reflectors as guides.

These reflectors can help you determine how the road ahead of you may curve.

6. Use wipers and defroster.

Maximize visibility in every safe way you can, especially if you’re also driving in rain.

7. Listen for traffic.

It may be wise to turn off the radio and listen for vehicles you may not be able to see.

8. Don’t drive faster than your vision and reaction time.

Especially for truck drivers with longer stopping distances, limit your speed according to what you can see.

9. Don’t change lanes or pass, unless absolutely necessary.

There could be a hill or something that would prevent you from seeing opposing headlights, so be patient with cars in front of you who may be most comfortable going slower than you are.

10. Don’t stop alongside the side of the road, unless absolutely necessary.

Find a safe parking area to stop at. If you pull off the road, turn on your hazard flashers immediately.

11. Don’t drive in heavy, thick fog.

If you see that visibility is dangerously low before you take off, wait it out.

Source: www.schneiderjobs.com