Mar 27, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
There are plenty of different options when it comes to becoming a truck driver. You can do regional, national, long-haul, interstate, solo, or even team trucking. Team truck driving is a pretty great option, especially when you are doing a long-haul. You can get a bit more rest, and can schedule according to two drivers versus one. But what counts as team truck driving? And sure there are pro’s to it, but what are the cons?
Team Truck Driving: Pros and Cons of Teamwork Trucking
What is team truck driving?
Team truck driving simply means that two drivers are riding together, versus one driver handling the entire load. So, the drivers can take a longer schedule as a unit, and can take turns getting rest, and driving. Some companies allow this type of practice, and others do not. But, there is an undeniable appeal to the idea of sharing a long-haul and getting some extra sleep.
What are the advantages?
For one, driving alone can get quite lonely. Some prefer the time alone, but after a while it can get quite lonely. Having someone around can help you stay sane sometimes when the silence gets tough or you run out of CD’s.
I know we keep saying it, but man, is it worth saying. You get extra sleep! You don’t have to stop to rest, just swap off drivers. In doing so, there’s also the potential for more money making. Because you don’t have to stop to sleep, you’re cutting major time off of your route. There are a few companies that even offer financial incentives to those willing to work in a team because it improves productivity.
What are the disadvantages?
When you’re spending a long period of time with someone, there is always the potential for confrontation. You’re irritable, it’s early, and maybe the other guy is playing his music too loud. Or maybe, you just don’t see eye to eye on something and find yourselves arguing for hours on end. No matter the direction it takes, confrontation is an issue.
Also, while you won’t have to pull over to sleep— there is the potential for more stops because, well, there’s two of you. Two people who might want to shower, use the bathroom, get food, or stretch their legs. There is the potential for increased efficiency, but also decreased deficiency depending on how you two operate together.
Team truck driving can be great!
You can make more money, find a new friend, and be a bit more well rested than you would be otherwise. But, it’s important to try these things out before committing long term. Good partners are hard to come by, and it’s easy for everyone to feel like boss. So, take your time, and give this a shot! We wish you, and your teammate, luck!
Mar 23, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Uncategorized
If you’re considering taking the CDL permit exam, it’s important that you prepare ahead of time. There are a ton of benefits to getting your CDL, one of which is the ability to be a truck driver. But what do you need to know before you go? And what is the best way for you to prepare for the test? Luckily, you’ve got us, and we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
Preparing for Your CDL Permit Exam
Am I qualified?
It’s important to start here before pursuing any employment opportunity. Luckily, the things you need before taking your CDL permit exam are very few. The things that are required are these two things: you must be at least 18, but 21 or older if you want to do interstate driving. You must also have a valid drivers license. Boom, that’s it. If you can check those two boxes, you’re sitting proper. But one thing that we suggest is this: so that you’re able to practice driving before your CDL exam, you should take the written test to get a CDIP. A CDIP is a commercial drivers instruction permit. This allows for you to practice driving before your CDL permit exam, which is essential to being prepared for your test and real-life situations that will arise during your employment.
Now, how do I study?
Every test taker should study from their CDL manual; all test questions are from the book. You can download the manual from your local DMV’s website. But, if you prefer to study from print— you can go to your local office and get it there. Plus, if you plan to be a commercial driver— you’ll need to have read this manual anyways. But, other than reading the manual— there are plenty of practice tests you can find on the internet or even in your manual.
One of the best resources I have found is a blog called TruckingTruth, and they have a few practice tests for you as well. You can find those here. But, it’s important to remember that practice tests won’t help if you don’t know the information. You have to take the time, learn, and not try to just memorize questions. As we’ve said, you’ll need all of this knowledge when you’re in the field— so, it’s better you learn now.
If you prepare, there’s no need to sweat!
The important thing to remember is that those who prepare, rarely fail. If you put the work in, read your manual, and study— you’ll pass without a problem. Most of us suffer from a bit of testing anxiety, and that’s perfectly understandable. If you prepare, take the test, and don’t do so well— try again! If you know your path involves getting a CDL, don’t stop trying. We wish you luck, and get to studying!
Mar 15, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
A tractor trailer accident is almost always fatal for the other party. They’re much larger than a passenger vehicle, much harder to stop, and many people drive sporadically around them out of fear. A tractor trailer accident is always a possibility. So, we’re going to get down to the root of it and start to understand the main causes for tractor trailer crashes. That way, you know what to look for, how to adjust, and when to get away from a tractor trailer as soon as possible. Yes, the risk is always there. But, being prepared and having your exit route planned will increase your chances of avoiding such an accident.
Main Causes for Tractor Trailer Accident: Being Informed and Ready to Avoid
Driver fatigue
One main factor for consideration is that of driver fatigue. You have to think— a tractor trailer driver is typically having to make long hauls and drive at strange hours of the night. So, it is not uncommon for driver fatigue to play into a tractor trailer accident. Ultimately, there is no way of knowing a driver is experiencing this. One way you can assume they might be is to watch for sporadic movement, drifting into other lanes, or slow reaction time. If you begin to notice this, it might be a good idea for you to increase your following distance, stay alert, or move as far as possible from the vehicle.
Unexpected Stopping by other vehicles
A tractor trailer cannot stop as quickly as another vehicle. They have a lot more weight behind them and it is much more difficult for them to react to a sudden change in road conditions. The good thing about a tractor trailer is it sits up much higher than other vehicles. Therefore, they have a larger view of changing conditions. So, this makes it easier for them to react to changes ahead. However, if a driver pulls out in front of them quickly and proceeds to hit the brakes— they can only do so much.
So, one way to prepare for the possibility of this is to pay attention to the rest of the roadway. Watch for those road raging, impatient, sporadic drivers. You know, the one who is willing to cut you off just to get one more vehicle in front of everyone else? Yeah, watch for those guys.
Brake Failure
Another problem that truck drivers might face is that of brake failure. There’s a lot more stress they’re put under, they have the potential to wear out more quickly, and if they don’t check often enough— it can be quite unexpected. So, how do you avoid becoming the victim of those faulty brakes? Ultimately, you have to always have it in the back of your mind. Maintain a solid following distance, watch for smoke or smell— especially on an up or down grade. Have a plan for worst case scenario at all times and you’ll be ready for anything.
Ultimately, anything can happen
These are a few main causes but they are by no means the only reasons for tractor trailer accident. Things happen, and freak accidents are always a possibility. So, the key is merely to stay alert. Watch for changing road conditions, roadway obstructions, or potentially problematic drivers. There’s no way of knowing what is to come. So, you must prepare.
Feb 19, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
The trucking industry is vast, and the need for drivers is almost always present. But, the problem for most, is that the lifestyle can be pretty tough. When you’re a truck driver, you’re out on the road a decent portion of the time. You’re also working long hours, and always having to remain focused. For a lot of people, that might be a big adjustment and challenge. But, for veterans — it might be a pretty fantastic way to re-enter the work force. When you’re just leaving the military, it can be tough to fall right back into the swing of things. On top of that, you have to find a job that financially supports your livelihood. Because of this, trucking might just be a great fit for veterans— especially those without a family at home.
Veterans and Truck Driving: A Surprisingly Good Fit
Those in the military are some of America’s most disciplined men and women. They are hard-working, dedicated, passionate people who deserve to come out into the workforce and find a job that takes their skills, and applies them in a different light. And truck driving can be just that.
Your skills are transferable to other places, and more flexible
Being a truck driver allows you to work independently, but dictate your schedule a bit more than before. A lot of the companies that operate tractor trailers are extremely open and willing to hire veterans because of their specific skills and discipline. Also, a good few of them offer regional or local routes that allow for their drivers to make it home on the weekends. If you haven’t been home, especially for a long while— it’s likely you miss those close to you. So, in some cases, you can still spend a good amount of time at home catching up on that lost time.
You can make a pretty good amount of money
There is a lot of money making potential in truck driving. Depending on your routes, what you drive and carry, and the length of time you’re gone— the amount of money has a lot of variability. The potential for making good money is there, and could easily allow for you to live comfortably.
Most of the traits and skills, you already have
Mental stamina, leadership, dependability, teamwork, discipline. These are all traits you must have to further develop within the military. In turn, you have a leg up on the every day candidate. This makes veterans and ideal choice for many trucking companies. That’s why some G.I. Bill benefits will pay for trucking school. And some trucking companies will even allow veterans to skip portions of the testing. Overall, your skills and abilities are a great fit for this industry.
Feb 15, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
If you are the brand new wife of a trucker, or your husband has decided that this is the proper career move for him— chances are, you have a few questions. No one ever said that this process would be a breeze, but once you adjust, it’s manageable and easy to make work. Being a trucker’s wife isn’t always easy when you’re first figuring it out. But, you’re each playing an important role in providing for your family, and with time— you’ll both be seasoned professionals. Following, we’re going to teach you a few tricks of the trade from those that have been in it for a while now.
Being a New Trucker’s Wife: Adjusting to the Lifestyle
Stay Busy
At first, it can be pretty tough to stay busy and occupied when your husband is on a long haul— especially if you don’t have kids. Find ways to pass the time. Whether that be a new hobby, a second job, or spending extra time with family. When you’re adjusting to the changes, it can be pretty easy to feel lonely and doubt your situation. New hobbies are a great way to keep you from dwelling on the fact that they’re gone. Learn how to do something you’ve always wanted to do, or pick up a serving job to make some extra cash on the side. Whatever you choose— commit to it and go forth!
Don’t Take Their Absence Personally
If you can’t get in touch with him, or he’s absent when talking— try to be understanding. It is obviously quite okay to tell your spouse how you’re feeling. But, understand that he is working hard for the both of you. Together, you’ll have to create a system for managing the time. He has to get from point A to point B safely, and in a timely fashion. Set your times to talk after a drop off, or when he has a long stretch— you have to create these routines together. Make a nice dinner together when he gets home, plan something for the next day— after he gets to sleep in his own bed for once. Make the time you have together special, and don’t dwell on the hard days. They’re all part of it.
Trust Him, and Be Trustworthy
You and I both know it gets lonely on the open road, and at home. But, you ultimately have to trust each other. You could potentially be separated for weeks at a time, but that doesn’t mean that one or the other is acting on their loneliness. Being a new trucker’s wife is just as difficult, if not more difficult than being the trucker himself. But, it also stands as a test for you both. How strong is your marriage? How strong is your bond? Ultimately, the answers to these questions will emerge as you both navigate the changes. Trust is key, and it goes both ways.
If You’re Feeling Very Concerned, Ask to Do a Run with Him
If you don’t have kids yet, you might have the freedom to go on a run with him. It’s hard to understand what they’re going through, and what it’s like for a truck driver unless you’ve been there through it. So, I highly suggest getting out there and going on a run too. It doesn’t have to be a long one, just long enough to where you have a better grasp on what they’re doing. It’s all about peace of mind, understanding, and a strong marriage. We wish you luck as you figure it all out!
Feb 13, 2018 | Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
The newest revolution that America’s trucking industry is toying with, is that of self-driving trucks. Some, see it as a revolution, a stepping stone, and a means of safer operation. But, others, see it as a threat to their livelihood and their roadways. Automating a process that is often unpredictable, comes with a lot of questions. So, how would self-driving vehicles bring change to the way we do things? And what does that mean for a seemingly prosperous and secure job market such as trucking?
Self-Driving Trucks: A Threat To Trucking Industry?
Uber has created a self-driving truck team to smooth out the logistics. For them, they see this change as a way to partner with current trucking companies— not decrease their employees. To those working to revolutionize the industry, there was almost a sense of appall. they expressed disappointment in the fact that the trucking industry felt endangered. To them, they only sense an increase in trucking jobs in tandem with their automation approach.
Where they hope to differ…
Aldon Woodrow, the product lead for this project, says that he sees a future in which self-driving trucks are operating in between ‘transfer hubs’. By doing so, they will operate on the more generic highways and interstates, whereas when reaching the transfer hub— a human will take over and drive the more treacherous part. Now, at least to me, this seems like the smartest route to take. But, we have to wonder, how do you automate a routine that has so much variability? The trucking industry as it stands now, is dependent on adaptable drivers who can adjust to roadway changes.
Positive outcome is ultimately left to the imagination
There is no telling how the trucking industry will respond to these changes. While Uber’s truck team sees this as a means of ‘complimenting humans, not replacing them,’ there is no denying that the idea would be attractive to those powerful, decision-making figures in the field. While it might work in tandem, it also has the potential to take away plenty of jobs in the process. As Uber tracks how progress could go if the idea is nationally accepted, they can track the type of progress they’d expect. They predict that ’25,50, and 70 percent of today’s trucks being self-driven’.
To sum it all up…
Truckers are likely feeling threatened by the change. While Uber has supposedly made a conscious decision to keep humans in the equation, they are essentially cutting out the middle man. In turn, they are taking those jobs from people and giving them to computer programs. By doing so, the trucking industry might fail to adopt the change because of it’s implications. While it might work in tandem, it only will work in tandem with the portion of the trucking industry that is not facing unemployment.
Ultimately, there are good and bad aspects to any change such as this. There will be an increase in efficiency, predictability, and financial gain— if things go as planned. But, that is not to say that there are plenty of down sides. There are vocal critics, proponents, and everything in between. In the end, we’ll all just have to wait and see what comes of these changes— and what they might mean to a formerly-secure industry.
