Trucking is the thread that connects nearly all-American industries together. Weaving a web that networks supply to demand and production to distribution is what the trucking industry does best, making the United States a more connected and efficient place. Service is the mission of the trucking industry, whether it’s to serve other industries or the civilians that benefit from their proper and efficient function. It is well known that nearly everything in stores was once on a truck, but the trucking industry services many more industries than big box stores.

Service and Care

Ever since the global transportation system has existed (first on ships, horses, and carriages, then trains, trucks, and airplanes), it has filled a major economic need that exists in the niche between supply and demand which is transportation. In large amounts, and over great distances, goods are often hard to carry from point A to point B without the proper equipment. Agencies dedicated to transport play a major role in transitioning products to their points of sale or distribution.

The painstaking efforts that drivers put in to make sure that goods arrive safely are what make the trucking industry shine, and this care is greatly appreciated by all other industries served by trucking. Drivers are often underappreciated for the incredible work they do daily. They deserve high praise for carrying the American Economy and allowing our country to thrive.

Industries helping Industries

Drivers can work for a trucking company, themselves, or a specific industry other than general trucking, and their careers can range from long haul drives to regional transit. Each of these positions are important to the economy of the nation and individual industries. Some of the most common industries served by the trucking industry include, Transportation & Public Utilities, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Services, Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture, and Mining, according to TheTrucker.com.

The most prevalent industry that trucking helps directly is that related to Transportation and Public Utilities. Drivers with the most diverse set of impacts are those that work in the for-hire side of the industry, which takes jobs from many different businesses and organizations. Private drivers also have a huge impact making up over 45% of the total number of drivers in the United States. Private drivers are usually hired directly by the businesses they represent, while for-hire drivers often work for a larger trucking company or themselves.

Mutualism

There is a term in biology called ‘mutualism’, which is a fancy word for saying a relationship where both organisms benefit. The trucking industry exists in a mutualistic relationship with nearly every other industry in the United States. This mutually beneficial coexistence is what helps the country’s economy remain so strong, and it is why trucking is such an important industry in the survival and growth of the economy.

Final Thoughts

Trucking is an incredibly important industry for several reasons. It brings supplies to the people who need them, it helps other industries distribute their goods, and it connects the United States from coast to coast. Trucking is also making huge steps forward in becoming more environmentally friendly, which will help the economy by reducing fuel costs and creating less strain on other industries!

There are pros and cons to each one, more peanuts, less caramel, so it may seem like an impossible choice since both are great options. While you might not like driving as much as candy bars, the difficulty of the decision remains. The benefits of choosing one route over another may be less clear-cut. The best way to decide is to weigh your options objectively to have a good understanding of the different route types available to you.

The Road Being Traveled

When driving, you likely aren’t looking for the road less traveled regardless of the type of route you choose, but that’s not something you have to worry about most of the time when choosing a route as there are many drivers on the road with similar routes that understand the dilemma you are facing now when choosing a specific mode of travel. As far as routes go, there are four major classifications, local, regional, long-haul, and dedicated. Drivers on all these routes are an incredibly crucial component in the proper transportation of goods from pickup to drop off, but there are different conditions and expectations for each route classification that may make one stand out as a better option for you. 

Map It Out

Most routes are classified by their distance from home base. For instance, local routes cover very specific areas where you will likely not venture far enough for overnights and be able to return home each day. Regional routes cover a larger distance and may have you travel in specific parts of the United States, like the East Coast or Midwest. Long Haul drivers experience the furthest traveling distance and can expect to go anywhere in the country, and possibly even to Mexico and Canada.

Dedicated routes are a little different as they can be many distances, though they are often local distances. These routes are determined by their regular hours and continued employment, as many routes can be one-time deals with a particular company. Dedicated routes work quite well for those seeking very stable employment and regular hours.

Finding Your Path

Choosing a route should be dependent on how you feel and what you think you’re capable of when driving. If you really enjoy traveling for long distances and are okay with being away from home for a while, regional or long-haul driving may be a great choice for you as it allows you to see an incredibly vast amount of the country. If you’re a bit more tethered to home and would like to be back in your own bed for the night, or have a family that requires your support, taking on a local route may be more beneficial for you.

Planning and Preparation

Weighing the pros and cons of routes is the best way to discern which option may be the right choice for you. As you consider driving different routes, think about which type would benefit you the most and cause the least amount of stress and the most gain for your time. Trucking is a diverse field with many different jobs available to suit almost anyone, so be sure to do your research and take on routes that are good choices for your well-being.

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to gain control over their victims and force them into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. They might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of high-paying jobs or intimate relationships to entice victims into trafficking situations. Traffickers seek out individuals who are vulnerable for different reasons such as psychological or emotional weakness, economic hardships, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or political instability. 

Every year millions of women, children, and men are trafficked worldwide. Trafficking occurs in any community and victims are of any age, race, gender, or nationality. It can happen in a variety of locations such as truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, hotels/motels, private homes, etc. Victims often refrain from seeking help due to language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement. The trauma victims endure can be so great that many do not see themselves as victims or ask for help. 

How to Spot Human Trafficking

Since traffickers often take advantage of the transportation system to move their victims across the country, truck drivers are at an advantage in seeing signs and making reports. They are the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways. They should try to be on the lookout for human trafficking, in particular sex trafficking, which often happens at truck stops. This usually occurs two ways:

• Escort-like services: This typically occurs in the buyer’s truck or at a nearby motel. The victims normally solicit customers by using a CB radio, knocking on truck doors, or walking up and down the tarmac. 
• Fake massage businesses: These typically have billboards or other ways of advertising along the highway or in the truck stops. 

Victims of both ways are always being moved to keep them from developing relationships or reaching out for help. 

There are common signs that commercial truck drivers can watch for if they think someone might be a victim of trafficking. These include:

• An individual who is disoriented or does not know where they are
• Someone who is bruised or has tattoos that look like branding or barcodes
• An individual who appears out of place, is not carrying any luggage, or wearing clothes that are not appropriate for the weather or setting
• A person who is not in control of their ID/passport
• Restricted or controlled communication or is not allowed to speak for themselves
• CB talk about “commercial company” or flashing lights indicating “buyer” location
• Acknowledgement of a pimp and making a quota
• A van or RV that appears out of place near trucks
• A vehicle dropping someone off at a truck and picking them up 15-20 minutes later

How to Respond

If you suspect a trafficker or a victim of trafficking, or think something is wrong or out of place, trust your instincts and report it to the local law enforcement. Never confront a suspected trafficker or victim as this can make the situation more dangerous for you and the victim. You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, or text HELP or INFO to BeFree at 233-733. This national hotline is available 24/7 and provides resources for victims and reporters. Callers do have the option of remaining anonymous. 

With over 3.5 million drivers on the road, as of 2019 (according to census.gov), the American Trucking Industry is a huge community represented by diverse people from across the nation and the globe! People from all walks of life have become a part of the transportation industry, making this a unifying career field. Drivers across the nation work hard every day to ensure that goods are transported to their destinations safely and timely. This is truly what keeps the American economy going.

The Big Engine That Could

Trucks are big, not only in size and mass, but in economic impact as well. Oftentimes trucks carry thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars worth of goods. This much value in a single route is a big responsibility, but every day there are drivers across the nation making this transport possible. This requires honesty, integrity, and a dedication to one’s career. Drivers have a truly inspiring work ethic.

 Diesel engines may not always be the most efficient, sometimes they break down, but most drivers know how to address any issues and resolve them as quickly and safely as possible.. In the industry, it is never really a case of whether the truck is up for the job or not, but rather the driver because the driver is the most important player in the system. Without dedicated drivers, trade would be at a standstill.

Transportation Nation

The American economy relies on trade across the nation. America is huge, spanning 2,800 miles from coast to coast according to mapsofworld.com. When time sensitive deliveries are in order (especially with produce and other food items), there is always a rush to make sure none of the goods spoil. So, how do goods made on the West Coast arrive so quickly on the East coast and vice versa? Drivers make it possible through taking on loads and tirelessly making journeys to get the goods to their destinations on time! 

A Valiant Effort

Drivers face many challenges daily: hazards of the road, health issues, and difficulties in transport all make it hard on drivers to do their best work, but even then, they do an amazing job of keeping America running. Drivers may see many dangers from traffic incidents, slick roads, high winds, drunk drivers, cargo thieves, and people with malicious intent. They may also suffer through negative health conditions and stress associated with the career..  Drivers are met with adversity nearly every day of their career., Instead of being afraid and refusing to act, they meet these challenges head on and continue making it possible for people across the nation to acquire what they need, shop at their favorite stores, and receive important packages on time.

Thank You Drivers!

Drivers are some of America’s most important citizens, and while they sometimes go underrecognized, they deserve our thanks for the great work they do. Without the 3.5 million drivers in the United States, the nation would be brought to its knees. So today, thank a driver, and if you drive trucks or have ever driven, thank you for your service. You are truly a special person for making the sacrifice to keep America going strong!

News is everywhere these days, on television, online, on the radio, on social media, and by word of mouth. Everywhere you look or listen, someone is trying to tell you a new story about something going on in the world. This can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t want to be bombarded by news about everything, but only about things that you care about. Of course, staying up to date on global events is important, but when you want to find news about your specific interests you sometimes have to dig a little. For trucking news specifically, there are many good sources and we have a few tips and tricks to help you get started in cultivating a list of news sources. 

Choosing Reliable Sources

There is good news and bad news. This statement isn’t referring to the content of the news, but rather the quality. Much of the news today is created to sensationalize rather than explain the facts of a situation. That is just part of the industry, shocking headlines receive the most views. The difficulty comes when you try to find which news is true. Oftentimes it seems that all news has parts of truth and the more news you read, the truer perspective comes to view. Unfortunately, this sometimes takes more research than you have time for, but finding reliable sources can take some of this burden off yourself.

Many nationally accredited news sources (like the New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, and FOX) are great places to look for news, but most of these are biased politically to one side or the other as news companies and are filled with people that have opinions. It is usually a good idea to read stories from one side and then the other, and in the middle is where you can find the truth of the matter. When looking for news, look at this chart by Ad Fontes Media that shows the amount of bias and the factuality of the news station. 

Websites and Magazines

Onto some more specific to the trucking industry sources, there are many websites and magazines that have great information that is directly applicable to your career. Some of the most popular magazines and websites that contain factual news are: Overdrive Magazine, Freight Waves, CDL Life, and Transport Topics. There are plenty of other great sources to learn more about what’s going on in the industry as well. Looking at their stories and comparing them to other sources is a good way to determine their credibility. 

Government Information

The best sources for regulatory and legal news for drivers and managers  from governmental websites and broadcasts as these are the sources from which regulation is coming from. There are a few different government programs that coordinate with one another to regulate transit, drivers, and the roads that we all use. When looking for news online, if the website has ‘.gov’ at the end of the web address it will be the most reliable source you can find.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of sources online to get your news from, but it is up to you to determine the reliability of the source. The best way to do this is by using research skills and comparing different sources to make sure you are getting accurate news. If you are absorbing news effectively, you will be up to date on the true trucking news, making you a responsible and informed citizen.

You may hear people say that one day machines will phase out human jobs as they will be faster, stronger, and work longer. This may cause you some worry for your future career path or that of your children; however, as far as engineers and scientists can see, this day is a long way off. The human brain and capacity for fine motor skills is something that no computer can replicate yet, and even when they can replicate some human movements, quality control will always be something distinctly human because even artificially intelligent machines cannot take in all the variables and form a proper judgement.

There is no reason to fear technology becoming more prevalent in the trucking industry because this is a field that requires a human touch. Whether this be in managing time, responding to emergencies, or driving through rough conditions. There are technologies now being developed to assist drivers as they embark on their journeys, and others to help carry the load of this high-demand industry, and each one has its niche, and none of these has the capacity to overshadow the hard work put in by the American Driver!

Self-Driving Vehicles

Self-driving vehicles are a 21st century concept- in the past, vehicles that drove themselves would have likely been perceived as being magical instead of technological. The engineers that have developed not only the heavy machinery but also the software, sensors, and other components of self-driving vehicles have worked hard to create a somewhat autonomous experience. We say somewhat autonomous because many developers have the eventual goal of making an entirely self-driving road-safe vehicle, but a partially autonomous ride has shown to be beneficial for the driver and the industry.

There is a scale that industry professionals use to measure how autonomous a vehicle is- on a rating level from 0-5 with 0 being no autonomy, and 5 being fully automatic with no assistance required. There are no approved for road vehicles (cars or trucks) that have a level 5 rating. However, many trucks today actually have ratings in between 1-3 and some have even achieved a 4. These trucks make it easier for drivers to stay safe and remain stress free as they have advanced safety measures such as quick braking and cameras to show when someone can switch lanes safely. 

Gadgets and Software for the Driver

In addition to vehicles being autonomous, one of the most important developments of the technological revolution is the presence of gadgets and software that can improve the quality of a drive for those working in the industry. GPS technology is getting better, and now you can even map out a route with stops along the way for food, rest, and quick breaks. Planning ahead, and knowing exactly where you are is a gamechanger from the past of reading confusing paper maps and struggling to find your way. You can now even use apps on your phone to track your health, listen to engaging podcasts or music, and set reminders for yourself to take a break or get some rest!

Final Thoughts

Technology can seem scary especially when there is a chance of career theft via robot, but this will be a long time in the future. Even then, the human brain is superior to any machine, and drivers even in the future will be able to secure jobs and make a living being the heart of the American economy! Right now, it’s a great idea to reap the benefits of technology, and become the safest and healthiest driver you can be!

A useful anecdote that I often repeat to myself is “careful planning and goal setting are the keys to a happy and healthy life.” This is especially true when working and forming healthy lifestyles. In addition to making life easier, planning will also help you remain punctual and will give you some flexibility because you know the time that you need to be at a pickup or drop off along the route. 

Planning Ahead

It may not be incredibly far in advance of a trip that you find out your route but taking even 15 minutes to delineate when you should be where and when you should take a break can save you a lot of time in the future. Adding stops into your GPS (or on your map if you’re more old-fashioned) can help you make sure you take adequate break time and recharge more efficiently. With a schedule, you can get more done and save time while you’re at it!

How do you build a plan even in a time crunch? The best way to do this is look at a map of your route and the specific drop-off and pick up times between each part of your journey, if there is a difference in the time it takes between transit and your next point of cargo transfer, you can use this extra time to take a break either for activity, rest, or a bite to eat. 

If you are a local driver, you will likely have more stops to plan around, so familiarize yourself with the area and locate nearby parks, quick restaurants, or greenways so you can get in some quick activity and hopefully healthy food. If you are a long-haul driver, planning is even more crucial because you will likely be in unfamiliar territory. Look at your route and plan around avoiding high-theft locations, and finding safe spots to rest, eat, and take breaks. For each type of driver, it is a good idea to write down what time you should be where and follow this to the best of your ability. You can even use your phone to write down times or set reminders!

Staying Healthy

Creating a schedule will help you to stay healthy because it allows you to plan out restaurants in advance, so that you can avoid the high fat, sodium, and sugar meals that are so tempting on the road. Finding restaurants that offer healthier meals can be a life and health saver as you continue taking on new cargo. Planning well is a part of forming healthier habits for the road, and your body will surely thank you for this.

In addition to eating healthily, you can also plan for exercise and stretch breaks. Taking a walk in between long hours of driving can help you to stay fresh and fit. Remembering to stretch can also be beneficial because it will help you stay flexible and avoid stiffness and pain as the hours get long between pickups and drop offs. 

Final Thoughts

Planning ahead can be an actual lifesaver, and less drastically can greatly improve your health and timeliness in transporting cargo! Writing down details and a schedule for your route and setting reminders with your phone can be a great way to make your route happier, healthier, and more on-time! There are plenty of online resources to help with this, so do some research and create a custom way of planning that suits your needs.

Breakdowns throw a wrench in the plans of truck drivers on their transportation journeys. Breakdowns cause delays in the strict schedules many drivers keep, and this time delay can mean late transportation of goods and less family time for the drivers as breakdowns increase the time that drivers must spend away from their family. 

The good news is that there are many ways to effectively manage breakdowns that will help save yourself time and effort. From effective stress management techniques to knowing who to call, it is possible to experience a breakdown without it being the end of the world. Meaning you can return to transporting goods quickly. 

Stay Calm 

The most important thing to remember when your truck is starting to break down is to breathe and stay calm. If you can pull off on a wide area, that would be the best, and if you can catch the breakdown early, finding an exit or stop along the way with a semi repair shop nearby would be the best decision. The main thing you want to avoid when you feel a breakdown coming is to be stranded in the middle of the highway. 

After you pull off, allow yourself to gather your bearings and call the correct people. This will likely vary by company, but the best decision if you are somewhere remote or unknown, is to contact your boss or someone in charge at the company you work for and they will be able to provide some guidance. Also, prop your hood up to signal you are broken down and then set out the triangles or flares behind your truck in 50-foot increments. 

Driver Help 

Some drivers may have experience working on trucks or have been trained to fix issues, but it is a good idea to leave the repairs to the experts. If you are an owner operator who is responsible for your own semi, make sure you have a resource that you can refer to when locating repair facilities and searching for safe stopping spots. 

If you are a driver for a company, your dispatcher or manager should be able to inform you on how to handle the breakdown. They can tell you information such as who to call for a tow truck and what facility your truck should be taken to. 

It is very important to remember that your safety is of utmost importance. With that in mind, please remember the safest place to remain until help arrives is in the cab of your truck with the

doors locked. Standing on the side of the road can make you a target for speeding, inattentive drivers. Stay alert and be aware of the dangers around you. 

Final Thoughts 

Breakdowns can be scary, especially if it is your first one, but there are people who can help you. The most important thing is to stay calm and call assistance if you cannot repair the truck on your own. As a final safety tip, pulling off to a wide, well-lit area will pay off in safety and allow help to find you easily. Being a driver will mean that you will likely see at least one breakdown in your life, but they are manageable as long as you remain calm, everything will be okay soon!

You’re probably always looking sharp while on the road, but can you say the same about your mind? Truck driving is a very fulfilling career, but it is not for everyone. With long hours of sitting, driving, and staying on high alert to ensure the safety of civilians and cargo, there are plenty of stressors and long hours that need to be effectively managed to pursue a happy and healthy career. Keeping your mind sharp and your brain engaged while on the road can be a lifesaver and it will certainly keep you happier in your chosen career!

Long Days, Long Nights

Driving is a career filled with long hours at all times of the day. Depending on the type of driving you do, the miles you cover may be locally oriented or nationwide. Each type requires a lot of sitting down, buckling in, and preparing yourself for the long haul. The first few hours of driving may go by swimmingly, you’re paying attention to scenery, discovering new roads and locations that fill you with wonder and a desire to come back and visit someday when you’re on vacation, but soon enough the boredom will decide to set in.

The good news is that taking a few precautionary steps will help you fight the ensuing boredom. There is a stereotype that driving is not a mentally stimulating career, and if this is true for you, there are ways to change it for the better. Like any career, driving can be made more mentally stimulating with just a few adjustments!

Combating Boredom

Sometimes creating a mentally engaging environment for your work requires a few changes in your habits and perspectives, but it will be a rewarding shift that ensures you will stay fresh and mentally engaged for the duration of your trip. Trying out these tips and tricks will allow you a degree of entertainment for the long drives, and while some may not work for you, others may become lifelong strategies to stay sharp, or they may inspire you to create strategies of your own!

Some of the best tips to stay mentally engaged while driving include:

• Listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts.
• Taking stretch breaks.
• Writing music or stories in your mind.

Listening to the radio may be an obvious choice for drivers as it is free and readily available, but there are ways to expand your listening experience including podcasts and audiobooks. Podcasts and audiobooks are a great way to learn while driving. Many of them are downloadable so they do not require consistent radio or cell signal to keep playing, and there are millions of podcasts and audiobooks available for any subject that you find interesting. 

Taking stretch breaks is important for your physical and mental health. These breaks will allow you to stay flexible, fit, and get the blood flowing back into your brain as well. Stretching feels good, and it will make your brain feel sharper.

Writing songs and stories is a great idea for the road, especially for those that are more creatively inclined. Who knows, you may even write the next audio or literary hit! This will also help expand your creativity and language skills, which will be helpful when doing anything involving problem solving and speaking with others.

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

Staying sharp on the road is an important aspect of staying safe and making your drives more fulfilling. You may even find a new passion while trying these strategies. There are plenty of resources online for finding audiobooks, podcasts, and even song and story ideas, so check those out before your next long drive. We understand that sometimes keeping the boredom at bay is hard, but try to approach this issue by thinking outside the box and you will definitely find a way to keep yourself interested and engaged. 

The story of the quarter mile-long Ever Given cargo ship becoming beached in the Suez Canal has been all over the media recently. Blocking one of the world’s most important shipping routes for 6 days, the stalling of the Ever Given has created a crisis that has cost billions in trade and has slowed down shipping for weeks due to the backlog of ships. So, what does this have to do with the transportation of goods on trucks in the United States?

It may have a considerable impact. Even though domestic goods can be shipped as scheduled, international imports may be severely delayed, leading to disrupted routes and a lull in transportation, until the effects of the crisis are mitigated. There are many benefits to participating in a globalized economy of the 21st century including decreased costs of importing and exporting goods, but when a major crisis occurs such as in the Suez Canal, almost every industry whether international or domestic can expect to take a hit.

Suez Canal

The Suez Canal is the largest canal in the World without locks (locks are mechanically operated dams that change the water levels of an area allowing them to be raised and lowered to accommodate the change in topography between two bodies of water). The canal was first constructed in 1869 by French Investors taking advantage of the thin stretch of land between mainland Egypt and the Isthmus of Suez to provide a more expedient trade route from Asia to Europe.

Since then, it has provided a major international shipping lane which reduces the duration of transit by an average of 10 days from alternative routes. Other major blockages include the Suez Crisis in 1956 and a blockage by a Russian ship in 2004. Each blockage of the canal has reinforced the appreciation of the importance of this trade route in international commerce.

Sticky Situation

A few weeks ago the Ever Given, a Taiwanese cargo ship, was grounded as it was pushed into the shallows of the Suez Canal by strong winds. This colossal ship blocked the canal off and required a large team of engineers and tugboats to free the ship, 6 days after it had been stuck. This sticky situation caused over 400 ships to be backlogged at the canal, and countless others to be delayed as they were redirected to go around the Cape of Good Hope at the bottom of the African continent, which adds another 10 days on average to the journey.

The cost of goods being delayed because of this crisis is estimated to be around $9.6 billion, or around $6.7 million per minute of the blockage. This has a major economic impact on industries around the globe as this is a large amount of goods that are delayed. 

The Domestic Economic Issue with the Crisis

The Suez Canal incident may have serious domestic implications, especially when imported goods are expected to arrive at a specific time. It is likely that the supply chain will be slowed for a long time until returning to normal due to the huge impact of the blockage. In addition to the slow down, some goods may not be able to be transported as perishable shipments may have to be discarded because of their time-sensitive nature. Imported food shipments may be reduced during this time because of the perishable goods being thrown out.

Even with the devastating effect on the economy and effectiveness of the supply chain through the Suez Canal, the global market will recover soon. The people that maintain the canal now know how to resolve blockages more rapidly in the future. The trucking industry will likely take a small financial hit, especially in the imported goods sector, but huge losses and delays are unlikely.

Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56559073
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/25/world/middleeast/suez-canal-container-ship.html
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/29/world/suez-canal-stuck-ship