Fuel Efficiency for your Fleet

With fuel prices fluctuating these days, increasing your fleet’s fuel efficiency is one important strategy to increase your bottom line. Here we will explore steps you can take, to do just that, increase fuel efficiency for your truck.

DRIVING FOR WINTER CONDITIONS

There is no doubt that winter is the most difficult season to drive in. Driving in snowy and icy conditions is unavoidable as a truck driver at times. Since winter is not going anywhere, we thought we would provide some tips and tricks to help avoid any accidents or downtime in the cold winter months.

Relax and slow down

When road conditions start to get wet, slippery and snowy it is important to adjust your speed accordingly. If the road conditions start to worsen as you are driving remember to relax and do not panic. Do not follow other drivers to close be sure that you give yourself enough reaction time to avoid accidents. If you get to the point that you feel like you cannot drive anymore find a safe place to pull over and wait until conditions get better.

Winter Operation Training

As a responsible driver, it is important that you take the time to have proper safe winter operation training. Learning maneuvering and skid control skills are essential in having a safe and successful winter. Be sure that you understand where your tire pressure should be in different climates. A set of chains can always be helpful and in some states and provinces is actually mandated by law. Proper tire pressure can make a big difference on the road when there is snow or ice.

Circle Check

A complete and proper check is critical when weather conditions are less than perfect. Be sure that your defroster and heater are functioning at 100%. Be sure your wipers are working well and all of your fluids are topped up. It is also important that your mirrors and windows are clean before setting off for the day. Keep your lights cleans so you can be seen and take every opportunity to fill your fuel tank.

Know Before You Go – Be Prepared

Check the road conditions before you set off. Check with other drivers who may have just come off the roads that you are heading to. Be sure you check in with someone so they know where you are when possible. Keep your truck supplied with food, drinks, and proper winter clothing so that in the event you get stranded you will have your basic needs. Do not leave your truck if you become stranded or stuck.

Remember, there is no load that is worth risking your life or the life of others on the road. Even the most experienced drivers need to pull over in a safe location and wait for the road conditions to get better.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

What Does Distracted Driving Look Like?

Distracted driving can look so different depending on the situation. There are times that drivers may not even realize they are putting themselves and other people on the road in danger. Distracted driving can be as little as looking at the temperature control. Other driving distractions include someone or something happening outside the vehicle, passengers, eating, drinking, smoking or a mobile device.

It is a known fact that truck drivers can spend countless hours in their trucks. With long days and nights on the road, there is no doubt being stuck in the truck can get boring. When boredom sets in it is easy to get distracted. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and, in most cases, avoidable.

What is the Risk of Distracted Driving?

There are obvious risks when it comes to distracted driving. You are putting yourself and everyone else on the road in danger. This is especially apparent when you are one of the largest machines, if not the largest machine, on the road. This paired with heavy loads and busy roads can be fatal. The worse-case scenario of distracted driving can be fatal. If not fatal, distracted driving can cause damage to your truck, other vehicles, bodily harm or downtime and loss of income.

In the United States, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers who text and drive are 23 times more likely to be involved in a serious incident while drivers who talk on a handheld device are 6 times more likely to be involved in a serious incident.

How can Distracted Driving be Prevented?

Being prepared can go a long way in preventing distracted driving while on the road. Before you hit the road think ahead. Get comfortable in your seat, have something to eat and put your cell phone away. While you are driving, keep your mind focused on the road so that if something comes up you can react as quickly as possible. If you do need to make a call or send a message, pull over in a safe area and use your mobile device.

Testing in a Safe Environment

If you had a chance to see how well you can handle distracted driving would you? How well do you think you would do? Most truck drivers believe they are able to handle being distracted while driving. Our friends over at Bison Transport, put that to the test and ended up with an interesting simulated video. The skilled truck drivers were surprised with the results. Take a look at the video here.

Automation and the Future of the Trucking Industry

MAKE CLEANLINESS A PRIORITY ON THE ROAD

Maintaining a clean truck is always important, it keeps you productive and healthy, both mentally and physically, as you live your life in a small space. Along with having a clean truck, keeping up with your personal hygiene should always be a priority on the road. Now, more than ever, it is a critical key to sustaining life on the road.

Interior of your truck

There are obvious steps you can take to keep the interior of your truck clean but here we thought we would break down small steps you can take so that it doesn’t become a time consuming and overwhelming job.

1. Clean out the garbage daily. Take any coffee cups, food wrappers or bottles out before you sleep every night. When you do this, you will avoid it piling up. After all, this is your workspace and home for the next number of weeks.
2. About once a week spend 15 minutes vacuuming out the dirtiest spots of your truck. You can use your vacuum for the dashboards and any curtains you have in the truck.
3. Depending on the weather, it is important to wash your windows at once a week. Most of the time the exterior of your front windshield will need to be cleaned at least once a day, if not more.
4. Once a week, take your mats out of your truck and give them a good wipe down. Also, when you are getting into your truck, take a few seconds and get rid of any visible dirt on your footwear.

With the current COVID-19 pandemic happening, it would be wise to keep an alcohol spray (at least 70%) in the cab of your truck. Spraying the surfaces of your truck frequently will help to protect you and anyone else you may come in contact with on the road.

Personal Hygiene

Personal hygiene while you are on the road can help you in many ways. It will help with first impressions, mental health and overall physical health. When you are packing to hit the road keep these tips in mind.

1. You don’t know when you will have access to a shower. Pack everything you might need to keep you clean and feeling fresh. This includes items such as: a towel, facecloth, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, razor and shaving cream
2. Don’t forget to wash your clothes! There is no sense spending time keeping your body clean if your clothes are dirty. If you know you will not have access to a washing machine you could pack enough clean clothes to get you through your entire tour.
3. If you will not have access to running water, alternatively, you could use baby wipes to replace a shower and hand sanitizer to ‘wash your hands.’ But it is important to remember that nothing will replace a warm shower with soap and clean running water and soap to wash your hands.

Making sure you and your truck clean on the road can help in so many ways. Feeling your best will allow you to stay alert on the road and sleep better at night. Keeping your truck clean will keep you healthy on the road. Be sure to make cleanliness a priority when you are on the road!

Safe Trucking with Wildlife on the Road

This time of the year there is a lot of wildlife traveling. This means you are sharing the road with them. They don’t understand what a crosswalk is or ‘waiting till it is clear’ to cross the road. That means more caution needs to be used. Especially in ‘high traffic’ areas. Most highways do a good job of marking the more common areas but animals can come out anytime from anywhere. In Canada, an average of 20 people are killed each year because of this type of collision. Almost 2000 humans are injured and over 30,000 animals are killed each year.

It is important to know that animals are the most active at dawn and dusk or about 7pm to midnight. Although running into animals is not completely unavoidable there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of running into them and causing damage to yourself, others and your truck.

If you are out on the road and an animal comes out without you seeing it be sure you know what to do, being prepared mentally can go a long way for your safety and the safety of the ones around you. First of all, do your best not to panic. If you have time, flash your lights and hit the horn this might scare the animal enough to get out of your way. If you cannot avoid hitting the animal, do not swerve suddenly, hit the animal head on if you have to hit it. Swerving suddenly while going a high speed could cause you to roll your vehicle or hit another vehicle around you. Hit the brakes as hard as you can and release them just before you make contact with the animal. This method could help to be sure the animal does not roll up your hood and through your windshield.

Although hitting on the animals is not completely unavoidable, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk. Slow down and pay attention to the signs on the road.

RESOURCES
https://www.nsds.ca/b/tips-for-safe-trucking-in-wildlife-areas

https://www.wildlifecollisions.ca/hints.htm

https://blog.bisontransport.com/2014/12/6-must-know-winter-wildlife-driving-tips/

Starting a Successful Trucking Business

The trucking industry is continuously growing. If you are thinking about starting your own trucking business, look no further as we have some great tips and hints below to get you started on a path to success.

Do the Research

The trucking industry has profitable potential, but making smart business decisions is different than deciding where to stop for fuel when you are on the road. When starting your business, you must think about the practical trucking part but also the business side of your company. Some great questions to ask yourself before you get started might be:

1. Where is there an industry gap, how can I fill it? Hypothetically, if there were apples that needed to be transported and no one was delivering them, that might be the niche part of the industry to consider.
2. Once you have decided which niche to fill you should ask, will I need any special equipment? What rate is the industry standard? What kind of risk is associated with this niche?
3. Do you have a network that will support your business? If not, how can you develop it?

Funding your Business

On average, to start an owner-operator trucking business it will take somewhere between $10,000 – $30,000. There are many variables that can contribute to start up costs such as where you live and what equipment is needed. Take time to consider how much money you will need to get started and where it will come from. You must also think about operating costs, in the beginning, cash flow could be an issue. It will take a large amount of upfront money to keep your truck running successfully. Fuel, truck, license and insurance payments are some of the biggest financial burdens. Keep in mind, most invoices will not be paid for at least 15 days but could take up to 45 days. Plan ahead to ensure you have proper cash flow to meet all of your needs and have a profitable business.

Growing your Network and Hiring Drivers

One of the key ways to grow your network is by fulfilling shipments on time and in good condition. Word travels fast in this business, so as you satisfy your clients, they will tell their friends and more opportunity will come. In the beginning you may consider using load boards and brokers but keep in mind they do keep a piece of your profit at the end of the day.

As your business grows, you may want to look at hiring other drivers to expand what needs you can meet within the industry. This can be risky but also profitable. When you are hiring someone, it is best to go with someone you know or a colleague has recommended. If that is not possible, it is important to understand their history and have proof of it. Once you have a thriving employee, be sure they are satisfied with their job. Plan to be able to provide them with competitive compensation and keep the lines of communication open so that you know they are happy and fulfilled with the position.

In the end, spending time planning the future of your business and understanding industry needs will help you to grow a thriving trucking company.

Please note: This article has a lot of information in it. These are guidelines only. If you need help starting your own business, please seek professional help. 

RESOURCES
https://www.comcapfactoring.com/blog/how-to-make-a-successful-trucking-company-one-important-tip/

https://blog.keeptruckin.com/cheat-sheet-starting-trucking-business/

Why COVID-19 is Affecting Wildlife Activity

There is no doubt the effects of COVID-19 are vast and will be felt for a long time to come in a variety of ways. Believe it or not, this virus is also affecting animals. You might be asking yourself how COVID-19 could do that.

With some cities in Canada reporting up to a 50% decrease in perimeter traffic, animals are feeling less restricted. They are feeling brave enough to roam into cities and cross roads with less risk. With less traffic and noise, animals have less fear. The combination of these two things are increasing the risk of animal collisions for the people that are still on the road, including trucker drivers.

Outside of major cities, the same thing is happening. People are traveling less which means there is less traffic resulting in animals quickly adapting to new migration patterns and seeing the road as their road and not a thing to fear.

Lytx has reported a 64% increase in animal strikes from the same time period in 2019. Which increases trucker driver’s possibility of hitting wildlife 2.5 times. The majority of animal strikes have always happened early morning hours, from about 3AM – 7AM.

In the United States, Lytx reports that in the past six weeks there has been a 19% increase in speed and a 10% decrease in travel time on frequently travelled routes. And ultimately, for the bottom line this is great for the trucking industry but with higher speeds and more frequent animal sightings and strikes it could result in injury, downtime and repair expenses.

Wildlife will never be completely avoided while on the road, so it is the responsibility of the driver to take precautions such as staying alert, maintaining a reasonable speed and slowing down during peak hours. Truck drivers should consider getting a bumper which will help to avoid downtime and damage to their truck if an animal is hit.

Ali Arc bumpers have proved, over the past 30 years, that they prevent downtime and damage to your truck.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at sales@aliarc.com or call 1-877-725-4272.

Technology on the Road

Today, technology can be overwhelming. There are many options on the market, it can be a difficult decision figuring out what type of technology your fleet or truck could use and whether the return on investment will be worth it.

The other tricky thing about technology is that it is constantly changing. You always risk adding something to your truck and finding out a couple years or even months later that it is obsolete or needs constant updates that can be money or time consuming.

That all being said, technology has major advantages on the road. It can be time-saving, accident preventing and can save money if used properly.

Electronic logging devices are now mandatory in Canada and the United States. These devices electronically log commercial trucks hours of service to ensure drivers operating these vehicles are within the legal requirements of driving and resting. Some people who own smaller owner-operator businesses believe that e-logs make them less competitive, that the only way for them to keep up is to ‘stretch the truth’ when they log their hours of service. But owners who have been in the business for years can see the advantage of using them. One owner said that it took nearly two years to change over the whole fleet but once he did, he found that it contributed to his fleet doubling and it improved the drivers work life drastically.

A technology that has been evolving in the past 15 years or so is driver’s scorecards. When they were first introduced, they got a bad reputation for being the tool that could help ‘shame’ drivers into doing better on the road. They have since evolved into a great tool on the road that is more accurate and takes into considerations far more factors such as load type and transmission shifting data. The information is now a great tool for driver coaches to share with trainees and is a valuable training tool.

A forward-looking camera system more familiarly known as a ‘dash cam’ have been around for years but like most technology has improved immensely in quality. They are getting smaller in size and larger in functionality such as storage space, nighttime vision and high-definition imagery. These camera systems are a great way to protect the driver of the truck. It can be a way to defend the driver in a false insurance claim, for example, if someone is looking for an easy way to cash in on their vehicle by making a false claim the camera can capture the accident to prove the innocence of the driver.

There are many different ways to let technology help you on the road that we have not listed here. You have to find what suits your operation best. Whether you are an owner-operator or own a large fleet technology is something to consider. It will be an investment and take time to install and learn but at the end of the day it could be a real positive factor on your bottom line, safety of your drivers and efficiency on the road.

RESOURCES

https://www.fleetowner.com/technology/article/21701619/7-truck-technologies-you-need-and-why

https://haulhound.com/blog/best-tech-truck-drivers/

How to Stay Alert on the Road as a Truck Driver

It’s no secret that truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road. Hours delivering important goods can add up quickly, but what happens when a truck driver does not get enough proper rest? It can be life-threating for the driver and other people on the road. It is crucial that drivers, especially truck drivers stay alert on the road. We have gathered up some tips to help when sleepiness sets in on the road.

Don’t Fight It

If you can, start your journey well rested. When you are on the road and are feeling drowsy, find a safe place to pull over and take a short rest. Research shows a power nap of less than an hour will provide your body with plenty of energy to keep moving forward for hours.

Eating Right

Sugar can provide you with temporary energy but what happens when the crash comes? Eating healthy food on the road can help you to continue moving and meeting those critical deadlines. Maybe instead of candy or a donut consider easy finger food that will keep you chewing and alert and provide you with last energy. Some of examples of that would be carrots, celery, trail mix or almonds. Some other options that won’t keep your stomach full but will keep you busy are sunflower seeds or gum.

What to Drink?

We all know that coffee is sold as an energy burst, which is true but too much coffee can cause a caffeine crash. When you are on the road it is best to drink small amounts of coffee with larger amounts of water. Avoid sugary drinks that could cause an upset stomach or a sugar crash.

Phone a friend

If you have cell service and can safely make a handsfree phone call then the perfect time to catch up with loved ones is on the road. If your mouth is moving then you will be alert, keep that in mind. Try to schedule calls while you are on the road so that you can keep your mind active while driving. The plus to this is, it’s good for the soul to talk to loved ones!

Temperature Settings

For a short amount of time, cranking the AC or cracking a window can help you to stay alert. But please note, this is not a long-term solution. If you are feeling drowsy enough to open a window or crank the AC it might be time to start looking for a safe place to pull over and take one of those power naps.

Plan Ahead

Before you start out on your trip, know where you are going, how long it is going to take, where you are going to stop for bathroom breaks, food breaks and overnight stops. This may help with avoid driving into awkward lighting like sunrise or sunsets which will make for a much easier and safer drive.

Take ‘Energy’ Breaks

If anyone sat in the same spot for too long, they would become tired and not as alert as they could be. When you are ready to stop, think about doing some jumping jacks or quickly walk around your truck 10 times. This can help to kick start your energy levels and keep you alert for hours.

We know there are many other ways to keep alert on the road. Some of it is trial and error when you are on the road since every individual is different. The main thing is to find out what works best for you.

Is there any advice you would pass on to fellow truck drivers or travelers?

RESOURCES
https://semitruckdriver.com/awake/2/

https://www.alltrucking.com/faq/tips-staying-awake-truck-drivers/

https://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs/Article-3823/12-tips-to-help-drivers-stay-awake-longer

Dangers of Distracted Driving

What Does Distracted Driving Look Like?

Distracted driving can look so different depending on the situation. There are times that drivers may not even realize they are putting themselves and other people on the road in danger. Distracted driving can be as little as looking at the temperature control. Other driving distractions include someone or something happening outside the vehicle, passengers, eating, drinking, smoking or a mobile device.

It is a known fact that truck drivers can spend countless hours in their trucks. With long days and nights on the road, there is no doubt being stuck in the truck can get boring. When boredom sets in it is easy to get distracted. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous and, in most cases, avoidable.

What is the Risk of Distracted Driving?

There are obvious risks when it comes to distracted driving. You are putting yourself and everyone else on the road in danger. This is especially apparent when you are one of the largest machines, if not the largest machine, on the road. This paired with heavy loads and busy roads can be fatal. The worse-case scenario of distracted driving can be fatal. If not fatal, distracted driving can cause damage to your truck, other vehicles, bodily harm or downtime and loss of income.

In the United States, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck drivers who text and drive are 23 times more likely to be involved in a serious incident while drivers who talk on a handheld device are 6 times more likely to be involved in a serious incident.

How can Distracted Driving be Prevented?

Being prepared can go a long way in preventing distracted driving while on the road. Before you hit the road think ahead. Get comfortable in your seat, have something to eat and put your cell phone away. While you are driving, keep your mind focused on the road so that if something comes up you can react as quickly as possible. If you do need to make a call or send a message, pull over in a safe area and use your mobile device.

Testing in a Safe Environment

If you had a chance to see how well you can handle distracted driving would you? How well do you think you would do? Most truck drivers believe they are able to handle being distracted while driving. Our friends over at Bison Transport, put that to the test and ended up with an interesting simulated video. The skilled truck drivers were surprised with the results. Take a look at the video here.

Communicating with Your Dispatcher

If you are a truck driver, you know that there are a lot of people who contribute to the success of your trips and the trucking industry overall. A dispatcher is an integral part of that. Some key tasks that dispatchers perform are keeping records and monitor daily truck logs, help to observe the weather in the area that their truck drivers are, coordinate and manage cost-effective loads and negotiate rates with vendors.

As a truck driver, building a strong relationship with your dispatcher can be so beneficial to your career. Put yourself in the shoes of a dispatcher and be kind and considerate when dealing with your dispatcher.

Dispatching has changed over the years. There was a time that dispatchers were usually retired truck drivers ready to come off the road and settle in an office. But now, more often than not, dispatchers have no experience driving out on the road but experience with computer programs and a college degree. No matter what history your dispatcher has, it will make your life easier if you can work well with them.

Do not argue with your dispatcher. In the end, this will not help you out on the road. If you are feeling upset with them, take a few minutes to cool off before you communicate with them. Approach them in a friendly manner and see if the two of you can resolve the problem calmly.

Be sure you establish who will be taking care of specific tasks. Be sure you both understand the schedule and talk about what obstacles might come up. Never make promises to dispatchers, if a load needs to be somewhere by a specific date just do your best to get there and tell your dispatcher the same thing.

Keep a clear record of all of the loads you deliver for a dispatcher and the loads they ask you to deliver. It is important to know so that you can report it to your company if there is ever an issue down the line.

Overall, keep things professional with your dispatcher and the lines of communication open. It is important to let your dispatcher know if you are struggling with something they have asked you to do or the way they asked you. You are both busy people and you will save time by speaking to them often and directly about what exactly it is you need or want.

RESOURCES

The Difference Between Live Loads and Drop & Hook Loads

Live Loads

A live load simply means that the driver waits for the load to be loaded and unloaded and then continues his trip with the same trailer. The pros to live loads are that they can save time for shippers, shippers do not require space to store the containers and no shunting truck is required.

For many drivers, the cons to live loads is that they have to wait for their trailer to be loaded and unloaded. This can be considered a ‘waste of time’ for drivers as the wait time can be up to 2 hours. When this is happening, a driver is usually just sitting idle. For the shippers, if there is a delay in loading or unloading trailers, they can incur detention fees. If the process is not running smoothly, it can cause a que of trucks or a backlog which is a con for both the shipping company and the driver.

When the live load strategy is used drivers must book an appointment before they show up at the shipper’s location to be loaded or unloaded. Live loads are most commonly used when the shipper does not have enough space to hold loaded or unloaded trailers, the driver does not have a load to take out with them or a shortage of man power.

Drop and Hook Loads

Drop and hook loads are exactly what they sound like. A driver simply drops off their loaded trailer and picks up another trailer that is ready to go from the shipping location. This can save the driver a couple hours at each drop off/pickup location which can add up once the driver is done his shift. The other advantage to the drop and hook model is that it allows for more flexibility for the shipper. It gives them more time to load and unload trailers without the pressure of a driver waiting for them.

 If the trailer they are picking up is ready and in position it can be a quick and easy transition but the reality is, that is not always the case.

Often times, a driver will have to wait for the trailer to come from a different location or be brought to a position where the driver can get access to be able to hook the trailer up. If it is a heavier load or the driver is not familiar with difficult dolly handles, this can also cause a delay. The drop and hook model becomes tricky for owner/operators as they are often personally own their trailer so it would not make sense for them to leave it there to take another one. Drop and hook works best for large enterprises with a large fleet.

No matter which way you look at it, there are advantages and disadvantages to both the live load and drop and hook model. As a driver, you may have experience with both and likely have a preference but cannot always control what model you use for the job.

RESOURCES

https://www.ntbtrk.com/news/entry/drop-and-hook-versus-live-load

Sleeping Tips for Truck Drivers

There is no doubt that sleep is one of the most important things that truck drivers do on the road. It gives them the ability to get through long days of loading/unloading trucks and driving lengthy distances. Being well rested not only keeps the truck driver safe, it helps to keep everyone who is on the road safe. Not only that, a well-rested driver is much more productive which is a positive for everyone involved.

It is no secret that it does take some time to get use to sleeping in your truck which is what most drivers do most of the time. If you are not use to it, you may get irritated by your truck or other trucks idling while you are trying to sleep or the feeling of being unsafe.

We have gathered up a few tips that might help you to get the recommended 7 hours of sleep a night on the road.

Try to find a quiet safe place to sleep. Ideally, away from other idling trucks. This is not always possible so if it is not try using foam ear plugs which will reduce the noise significantly. Just be aware you may not hear your alarm, so make sure you have a plan in place for waking up in the morning.

Get yourself as comfortable as possible. This might include bringing your favorite pillow and blanket from home. You could also consider using a quality mattress topper for the bed. Be sure to block out any and all light by using a sunshade cover for your windows. This also increases privacy and safety.

Be mindful how much caffeine you are drinking during the day, it is recommended by the Sleep Foundation that you should not consume caffeine six hours before you stop driving to sleep. There are many caffeine-free alternatives that you could try such as caffeine-free teas or flavored carbonated waters.

Do your best to follow a nighttime routine. Before you settle in for the night try to find a couple strategies to de-stress that work for you. This could be reading, exercising or phoning a friend. Other steps that are common in a nighttime routine might be washing your face, brushing your teeth and shutting your phone down about an hour before you sleep. If possible, try to go to sleep around the same time every night. When you find a strategy that works for you, make that part of your nighttime routine. This signals to your body that it is time to start winding down and can help you get to sleep faster.

Overall, getting a good night’s sleep on the road is one of the most important parts of your job as a truck driver. It is what is going to get you home on time and safely to your family and friends. Hopefully taking some of these suggested steps will help you have the best sleep possible in your truck.

RESOURCES

https://schneiderjobs.com/blog/truck-driver-sleeping-tips

https://www.smart-trucking.com/sleep-tips/

Semi Truck Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is a critical part of operating a semi truck. Keeping a close eye on any problems that may arise will help drivers stay on the road longer with less time down, and in turn, less money loss by not having a truck that is running to full capacity. Having a proactive, regularly scheduled maintenance plan that is extensive will ensure small problems do not become large problems.

Often the steps for maintenance plans vary from inspections before and after a trip, any major or minor repairs are dealt with right away and an investment to have the truck regularly inspected by a heavy-duty mechanic.

One of the first thing most drivers learn is how to conduct a full and proper pre/post trip inspection on the truck and trailer. A standard inspection is put in place to avoid damage to the truck or trailer and even could prevent life threating situations for the drivers. With experience most inspection usually only take about 15 minutes. Some requirements for an inspection include, but not limited to checking:

• Brake connections
• Steering mechanisms
• Tires
• Horns
• Mirrors
• Emergency equipment

For a full list of what should be included in a pre/post trip inspection, click here.

It is important not to wait if there is any sign of a repair that needs to be done. This could be as simple as a windshield wiper that is beginning to show signs of wear. It may seem minor but if a driver is caught in a rain or snow storm it may impact the driver’s ability to see. Therefore, they may need to pull over and that is unnecessary time down which is money lost. This is a perfect example of fixing minor issues right away and not putting them off is such a benefit.

As a driver it is vital to keep track of regular maintenance that needs to be done, monitoring the oil level in the vehicle and knowing when the 25,000 mile marker is coming so that an oil change can be completed on time can help to ensure smooth operation of the truck.

Not only does a driver need to complete the required preventative maintenance it also needs to be documented. A planned schedule of regular service for the truck for 12 months is often required to be submitted to the governing body to stay compliant with all regulations.

Drivers should also keep in mind seasonal maintenance. As the warmer months approach, making sure the air conditioner is in good working order. Along with that, it is a good time to drain, flush and pressure test the coolant system. When the cooler months approach it is always a good idea to thoroughly check the windshield for chips and cracks that the cool weather could make worse, as well as, your tire thread and braking system to ensure you can stop as quickly as possible if the roads are slick.

Preventative maintenance should be a key component in any trucking operation big or small. In the long run, it will save money and prevent downtime that can be expensive and stressful.

RESOURCES

https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/preventative-maintenance-schedule-checklist

https://www.samsara.com/ca/guides/preventive-maintenance-checklist-for-semi-trucks/

https://www.smart-trucking.com/pre-trip-inspection/

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency: The Importance of Truck Bumpers

When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, safety and efficiency are paramount. These massive vehicles play a crucial role in transporting goods and materials across long distances, often navigating challenging terrains and adverse weather conditions. One often overlooked yet vital component in ensuring the safety and efficiency of these trucks is a truck bumper.

In this blog post, we will explore the importance of these bumpers and how they contribute to enhancing safety and efficiency on the road.

Protection Against Collisions

Truck bumpers are designed to withstand significant impact and protect both the truck and its occupants in the event of a collision. These bumpers are constructed using aluminum and are strategically positioned to absorb and distribute the force of impact, minimizing the damage caused to the vehicle. By preventing or reducing structural damage, heavy-duty bumpers help keep the truck in service, reducing downtime and ensuring the efficient delivery of goods.

Improved Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency

Efficiency is a critical factor in the transportation industry, and truck bumpers can contribute to optimizing fuel consumption and reducing emissions. Modern truck bumpers are designed with aerodynamics in mind, optimizing airflow around the vehicle and minimizing drag. By reducing air resistance, these bumpers enhance fuel efficiency, thereby reducing operating costs and environmental impact. Improved fuel efficiency not only benefits the trucking company but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable transportation industry.

Enhancing Visibility and Communication

Visibility is crucial for safe driving, especially for large vehicles. Many modern bumpers are equipped with additional safety features, such as integrated lighting systems, reflective surfaces, and signaling devices. These enhancements improve the truck’s visibility to other road users, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather. By enhancing communication between the truck and its surroundings, these bumpers reduce the risk of accidents caused by inadequate visibility, ensuring safer roadways for everyone.

Heavy-duty truck bumpers play a vital role in enhancing safety and efficiency on our roads. By providing protection against collisions, improving aerodynamics, and enhancing visibility, these bumpers contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation industry. As technology advances, we can expect further innovations in heavy-duty truck bumper designs, further improving safety standards and reducing the environmental impact of these essential vehicles. It is imperative for trucking companies and regulators to prioritize the importance of heavy-duty truck bumpers to ensure the continued progress towards safer and more efficient road transportation.

If you would like to place an order for one of our bumpers, reach out to our knowledgeable team by emailing sales@aliarc.com.