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

If you’re like most people, breathing is probably one of your favorite activities. It’s definitely an important function for remaining alive, and breathing clean air makes the experience all the more positive. For this reason, alongside the societal health benefits of reducing pollution, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated in 2007 that DPFs (Diesel Particulate Filters) be installed in vehicles that use diesel as a fuel source to keep excess soot out of the air we breathe.

DPFs are great for the environment and the health and safety of people that live near heavily driven roads, but they can be expensive when not properly maintained. Allowing your DPF to regenerate often, keeping track of the miles you have traveled, and paying attention to any warning lights can help ensure your DPF is functional and effective for as long as possible, which can save you time and money. 

A Little Particulate

DPFs filter the emissions from the engine and collect the fine particulates that come from burning diesel fuel and residual engine oil before releasing the filtered air into the environment. These filters catch soot and ash that tend to build up in the DPF until a process called regeneration takes place. The regeneration process is where the real magic happens when it comes to prolonging the life of your DPF. This occurs when the temperature of the exhaust is high enough to burn off the soot and ash. 

Keeping Your DPF Healthy

There are some actions you can take to keep your DPF cleaner for longer, preventing the need for regeneration or costly repairs that come from avoidable mistakes. The three main things to pay attention to when watching out for the health of your DPF are: engine cleanliness, engine heat at startup, and the type of fuel you use. Making sure to follow these tips will prolong the life of your DPF, which will save you time and money in the future.

Having clean cylinders (meaning free of residual oil) will ensure that fewer particles will enter your DPF.  This is because most of the soot and ash particles are caused by the combustion of engine oil that contains additives, which promote the health of your engine, but create particulates when burned. Watching the consumption of your engine oil and keeping track of it can help to show how clean your cylinders are and if there is an issue that needs to be addressed to reduce particulate buildup.

In extreme cold warming up the engine using a coolant heater is an effective way of promoting the efficiency of your vehicle while reducing the amount of soot and ash created. Allowing the engine time to become thoroughly warmed will keep your truck from idling too long and is easier on your engine than the cold-start method. The final measure you can take is monitoring what kind of fuel you use in your truck. Traditional petroleum diesel can have many particulate-causing compounds, but biodiesel burns more cleanly and efficiently. If possible, opt for biodiesel to extend the life of your DPF.

Final Thoughts

Promoting the health of your DPF by following these simple steps can help you save money from costly repairs and replacements. It will also help protect the environment from harmful emissions. Keeping your DPF from being overloaded with particulates is truly a win-win for everyone. 

Sources:
https://www.overdriveonline.com/equipment/article/15064706/3-tips-to-extend-dpf-life-and-keep-filters-running-clean
https://www.uti.edu/blog/diesel/diesel-particulate-filters

Magazines are a convenient and entertaining way to stay up to date on news, technologies, and stories pertaining to a wide array of interests. There are magazines for virtually every industry, and truck driving is no exception. In 2016, the Census reported that 3.5 million people are employed as truck drivers. There are a great number of national and regional magazines for everyone associated with the industry, but some are more popular than others because of the reliability and applicability of their content. Here are 5 of the most popular national truck driver magazines in the United States.

Overdrive

Overdrive is a general truck driver magazine started in 1961 that offers news on everything from product reviews, and regulations to custom trucks, and industry news. Consistently rated in the top 5 in popularity lists for truck drivers, Overdrive has a wide appeal and a long-term commitment to providing news for truck drivers all over the nation! Besides being a dependable publication, Overdrive subscriptions are free to anyone who would like one.

Commercial Carrier Journal

Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) has the same publisher as Overdrive, Randall-Reilly, LLC. CCJ is dedicated more specifically to fleet owners and managers, but it has interesting information for any driver as it covers the latest technologies and equipment reviews. CCJ is a great source for learning more about the industry and the business and management side of things. This publication aims to make industry and tech information accessible and free to all drivers and managers.

Land Line

Land Line magazine was started in 1975 after the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) decided that it needed a way to communicate news and share information throughout the nation. While many of the articles appeal to owner operators, there is plenty of news for company drivers as well. This magazine aims to tell the truth about driving and this includes a variety of factual and opinion pieces throughout the publication and website.

10-4 Magazine

10-4 Magazine is dedicated to publishing accurate news, but it also maintains a feel-good atmosphere with an entertainment section that includes comics, jokes, and words to live by. The magazines are filled with technical information, beautiful centerfolds, and their website has some fun content as well! 10-4 is committed to making the world a better place and often takes on humanitarian aid projects alongside their efforts to make the lives of truck drivers better through their lighthearted publications.

Road King

Road King has been around for 50 years and has maintained a top spot as a great magazine for truck driving professionals. Road King’s content has won national publication awards and is praised for reliability, accuracy, and usefulness. There are many pieces of interest in Road King from lifestyle, stories, and issues that affect over the road drivers.. Road King magazine has a mission to make the lives of truck drivers easier and more efficient with the latest and most useful news out there.

Final Thoughts

Reading is a great way to relax the mind and stimulate thought, so it’s no wonder why well-designed magazines, such as these, are popular among drivers. If you’re a professional truck driver, we highly recommend checking out some of these magazines at one of your next stops or by viewing their websites, which often have additional content. Expand your knowledge and keep your skills sharp with proven tips and tricks, and access the latest technologies for the industry by flipping or clicking through the pages of these popular magazines!

Sources:
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/06/america-keeps-on-trucking.html#:~:text=More%20than%203.5%20million%20people,occupations%20in%20the%20United%20States.
https://www.fueloyal.com/10-best-trucker-magazines-in-us/

Best Trucking Magazines

https://www.atbs.com/knowledge-hub/trucking-blog/trucking-industry-news