Mar 3, 2023 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
As a tractor trailer driver, it’s important to know about how to properly take care of your truck. Knowing how to manage truck oil changes, along with other basic maintenance, is a large part of that. While you will likely learn the basics from other truckers, instructors, or guide books. However, we’re going to provide you with one more avenue of understanding…
Truck Oil Changes: Taking Proper Steps
Engine design
The engine of your truck plays a large role in your truck oil changes. The design, age, and conditions all play a part on your oil’s life. Additionally, things like engine contaminants can also play a role in reducing your oil capabilities. You engine’s fuel efficiency helps determine the overall life of your oil. A more modern, fuel efficient engine tends to have better oil life than older, less efficient ones. However, contaminants like water, dirt, and soot can reduce this efficiency.
How the truck is used
It’s also important to consider how the truck is driven. Much like with normal cars, how hard a driver pushes their truck can shorten their oil life. You also have to consider what conditions you drive your truck in as well. Harsh weather or climates can have a negative impact on your oil lifespan. For example, say you usually drive your truck in hot and dusty area. The higher temperatures can cause your engine to work harder and reduce your oil’s efficiency. Also, there’s an increased risk of contaminants like dirt getting into your engine as well. All of this can lead to the need for truck oil changes.
Oil properties
You also have to consider the type of oil you use in your truck. Trucks will generally use heavy-duty oil, unlike normal passenger cars. Different oil types will have also different properties which can impact their lifespan. Generally, the most common oil types used for truck oil changes are synthetic versus “standard” blends. Synthetic oils tend to last longer and perform better compared to their “standard” counterparts. However, this comes with a higher cost. These oils are also not impervious to contaminants. A higher-quality oil can degrade faster than “standard” oil if it is heavily contaminated.
Truck oil changes are a key part of keeping in properly running. That’s why it’s important to know the factors that can impact your oil’s overall effectiveness. After all, it’s always better to be proactive when it comes to truck maintenance.
Feb 24, 2023 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
If you are going on a long road trip, it is not uncommon to come across semi-truck accidents. These vehicles are very large and heavy. Because of this, they can be dangerous for their drivers as well as other people on the road. While many things can happen on the road, there are a few common causes of truck accidents.
Semi-truck Accidents: What Can Cause Them?
Driver Fatigue
One of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents is driver fatigue. It is not uncommon for truck drivers to have to drive 1000s of miles in a few days. Many truck drivers are paid based on the number of miles they drive. Due to that, it is lucrative for truck drivers to drive further distances in a smaller time period. The more miles they cram in, the more money they can make.
There are rules that regulate the number of hours that a driver can drive per day. Additionally, there are rules for how often and how long they must take breaks. It is important for these drivers to take breaks and be well-rested.
Driver Distractions
Additionally, it is easy for a cell phone, GPS, food, and many other things to distract drivers. Distractions are a cause semi-truck accidents. Since their trips can be long, truck drivers can get distracted. Therefore, truck drivers should try and avoid as many distractions as possible. For example, drivers should avoid using their cell phones or messing with their GPS while driving. Not paying attention to the road could end up costing someone their life.
Driver Inexperience
Another common reason for a semi-truck accidents is driver inexperience or inadequate training. In some cases, new drivers can be on the road immediately after finishing their trucking courses. This is because inexperienced drivers are going to provide cheaper labor than experienced ones. Unfortunately, this could lead to these drivers being unfamiliar with their assigned truck. If this is the case, errors are more likely to happen. More training could lead to fewer accidents.
A driver may not know how to properly control their truck if they are not used driving a very large, heavy vehicle. This could include speeding, or taking turns or curves too sharply. Since trucks are very heavy, they will also brake much differently than a regular car will. It may take a new truck driver some time to improve his or her driving skills.
Loading Issues
Some semi-truck accidents can actually come from poorly loaded cargo. Sometimes, incorrectly loaded cargo can lead to an improperly weighted truck. This could cause the truck to be difficult to maneuver. It could also lead a truck to jack-knife, potentially causing serious injuries.
There are many factors that could lead to semi-truck accidents. However, proper training, correct loading, fewer distractions and rested drivers could all help to reduce the number of trucking accidents.
Dec 21, 2019 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
You might assume that driving a truck without its trailer would be easier than driving with it. However, driving these bobtail trucks can actually be more risky than you’d expect. Driving bobtail requires one to be focused and aware of how their truck changes…
Bobtail Trucks: Driving Safely
Understand the Risk
As mentioned before, bobtail trucks are trucks which are driving without a trailer attached. At first glance, this may appear to be the safest way to drive these trucks. The trucks look like they should preform even better without the added weight of the trailer. However, it turns out this isn’t quite the case.
The added weight of a trailer helps a truck keep all its tires on the road. Removing these trailers then places all the weight on the front two tires of the truck. This means truck drivers will have to be aware of how differently their truck will handle while driving bobtail.
Ease on the brakes
Truck drivers normally have to use some force when they want to brake. However, with bobtail trucks, braking becomes a different story. Hitting the brakes hard could result in your truck flipping over due to the unbalanced weight. It helps to visualize it like you’re riding a bike. You’ll flip your bike if you brake with all the weight on the front wheel, and the same idea applies with bobtail trucks.
To avoid this, you should try to ease on the brakes instead. This will help keep the truck grounded and come to a safer stop. Furthermore, this helps the truck come to a stop sooner as well. You might also want to avoid other braking methods like engine braking when driving bobtail.
Check you clearance
Something else to keep in mind is your truck’s clearance when driving bobtail. Truck drivers know they have to make sure their clearance is at a level that allows them to pass under bridges or through tunnels. A trailer actually helps lower a truck’s clearance. The added weight helps to push the truck just a bit lower to the ground than usual.
However, without this added weight, your truck might have raised back up in height. That’s why it helps to double-check your clearance just in case. After all, you wouldn’t want to realize your truck’s too tall after its too late!
Oct 16, 2019 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
You might have a lot of questions when you have to get some work done on your truck. From handling a breakdown to costs, you can feel pretty lost, especially if you need new parts. Some common truck part questions tend to throw many drivers for a loop. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you make the best decision for your truck’s needs…
Common Truck Part Questions: Tractor Trailer Safety
Are more expensive parts better?
Everyone knows of the age-old saying “you get what you pay for”. However, sometimes this isn’t always the case. This explains why wondering if the more expensive parts are always better is one of the common truck part questions.
The answer is that more pricey parts don’t always mean better performance. Sometimes, these parts will be more intricate, and end up being more likely to break down the line. This means that future repairs will also be more costly. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to do some research and asking around for what parts will give you the most bang for your buck.
Are aftermarket parts safe?
Another one of the common truck part questions is in regards to aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts can be an appealing option, as they tend to be cheaper than manufacturer parts. However, this raises concerns over what kind of “catch” might come with that.
Aftermarket parts usually enter the market without going under safety tests. This means that their quality could be sub-par at best. These parts are often stand-alone, meaning they might not properly fit or work with the rest of your truck’s systems. Overall, manufacturer parts are usually a better, safer option.
Rebuilt vs. re-manufactured
One of the common truck part questions which is similar to the previous is the difference between rebuilt and re-manufactured parts. On the surface, the two terms appear to mean similar, if not the same thing. However, there is a quite distinct difference between them.
Re-manufactured parts are completely taken apart to fix whatever issue they had. Rebuilt parts only fix the main issue with them. This could mean that the rebuilt parts might still have issues which aren’t immediately noticeable.
Sep 18, 2019 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Like most industries that are predominately male, women in truck driving are automatically labeled female truckers, and not just truckers. Women face this in plumbing, in medicine, and all over other sorts of careers. But is that gender label the only adversity women face in trucking?
Female Truckers: Combatting Struggles
Breaking the Stereotype
Since the Baby Boomers have all retired, there has been a need for truck drivers. Women have began filling the open spots, taking advantage of the lucrative career choice that is trucking. Some companies have also began recruiting female truckers! These campaigns are a great way for women to feel welcome in this new field.
Additionally, women are notoriously better drivers! Safety wise, there are less accidents or issues with female truckers. Whether driving in teams or solo, women are proving there is a place for them in the trucking industry.
Safety Issues
While women should be able to do any job without fear, sometimes female truckers face trouble because they are simply that: women. While safety is an issue for all women, regardless of industry, female truckers should be aware of their surroundings. It is best to not stop at night in unfamiliar or unlit areas. You should also not roll down your window for anyone other than law enforcement or people you know.
Respect Issues
Bad attitudes clutter every stop and dock. Do not let the bad attitudes of these few ruin the amazing career path that is trucking. female truckers are strong, independent, and awesome. If you face criticism from some, don’t let it get to you. If you focus on your work, you will become more efficient and your employer will notice!
Work/Home Balance
For anyone in trucking, creating a balance between home and work is difficult. For men and women in trucking, using technology like Skype and FaceTime makes it easier to stay connected with your family and friends.
As trucking becomes more and more popular, you might not be the only woman at the truck stop for long! Female truckers are growing in popularity, and hopefully soon they’ll simply be labeled as “truckers”… Just like the rest of them.
Sep 11, 2019 | Truck Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
The trucking industry is evolving with the development of new technology. Therefore, many companies are facing an issue they never have before: driver shortages. Perhaps you know about all the benefits companies are offering their drivers now. In order to maintain competitive, companies are offering paid time off, 401k’s, benefits, and dedicated home time. If all of these things sound good and you are ready to get a new start, here’s what you need to know about CDL training.
CDL Training: What to Know
The Basics
In order for you to begin your CDL training, you will need a few different things. For starters, you will need a reasonably clean driving and criminal record, a clean drug/alcohol history, a clean bill of health, and a recent & verifiable work history.
Driving History
Before you begin your CDL training, make sure you’ll be able to continue. Moving violations, along with tickets regarding insurance and registration, all add up to be big red flags for trucking companies. If you know about tickets on your record, make sure you be upfront about them.
Employment History
Your employment history is important for future employers. This record is an indication of the type of employee you are. Especially if you are pursuing a paid CDL training program, employers will want to make sure the investment is worth it.
Drug/Alcohol History
You might have had problems with drugs and alcohol recently. Therefore, a CDL training program might not be the best idea for you right now. When driving is involved, drugs and alcohol can become major safety concerns.
Criminal History
Past criminal offenses should be taken into consideration before beginning CDL training. Someone who has an assault charge might have a short fuse and get irrationally angry. Others might have a theft charge, making them unlikely to be trustworthy with company equipment. It’s important that if you do have minor charges on your record that you are transparent during the application process.
If you feel like you have a clean history and have an interest in starting a career in trucking, that’s great! Before you begin a CDL training program, you should ask yourself if the trucking lifestyle is one you are willing to lead. It isn’t easy, and there’s a lot of time spent on the road.
