Once you have earned your commercial driver’s license (CDL) you might be wondering what to do next if you don’t already have a job lined up. You could consider team driving. Team driving is when two qualified drivers share a truck so that when one driver is behind the wheel the other driver could be resting in the sleeping berth or riding in the passenger seat. Drivers are required to have at least 10 hours of rest when they are not behind the steering wheel. Of course, there are pros and cons to team driving.
PROS
Since team driving is such an efficient way to move freight, many companies will offer incentives to drivers who are interested in team driving. Examples of incentives could be a sign-on bonus or more money per mile.
Another pro to consider is that if you have a family member, friend or spouse that has the skills to drive a truck it might be a good opportunity to work together to earn money and spend time together. For a married couple who want to travel together while earning money this could be a good option.
If you want to try team driving but do not have anyone in your life that could do it with you, most companies do offer team matching where they will match you with someone who they believe you would be compatible with considering such things as your personality, location and earning goals.
When you are team driving you don’t have to worry about the truck and your belongings ever being left alone. If one driver goes to take a shower or grab food the other driver can stay with the truck. Along with that, you will spend less hours at truck stops that can be dangerous. So, in a lot of ways, team driving is safer.
Often when there are priority loads, team drivers get the call first to look after them. Since the transportation time can be cut in half in most cases it makes sense to call a team of drivers before a single driver.
CONS
If you are team driving, you will not have a lot of alone time while you share a small space with another adult. So, if you like to hit the open road and have time alone, team driving would not be for you.
You won’t have full control of your own schedule. You will have to work with your driving partner to come up with a schedule that works for both of you. Team driving provides slightly less flexibility.
Conclusion
Whoever your driving partner is, you have to trust them. Every day that you are on the road with them you should feel secure and confident in their driving abilities. If you can find a driving partner who is a good fit for you and you find a system that works well for both drivers there is potential to earn more money, get priority loads or travel with a special person in your life.
There is no doubt that being a trucker can be lonely. Long hours on the road without seeing or talking to anyone else can take a toll on your mental health, not only that, being on the road can be stressful as well. It is scientifically proven that pets (of any kind) can relieve stress and improve mental health. Along with all of the advantages of having your pet on the road with you there are also disadvantages. We will take a look at all the pros and cons of taking your pet out on the road with you.
PROS
We all know it is important to take regular breaks when you are on the road. It is good for your mental and physical health. That being said, often truckers don’t take enough regular breaks so an advantage to having a pet on the road is that you are forced to take regular breaks to care for your pet. With more frequent breaks, you will be more aware on the road which will decrease the chances of getting into an accident.
The companionship of a pet is unmatched. The saying ‘dog is man’s best friend’ really is true. So, when you are on the road, a pet can be a listening ear and the best part is, they won’t complain if you are talking too much! This can give a lot of comfort through the long lonely hours on the road.
If you are bringing a dog on the road, it can be great security. They can often sense things before humans. When you exit the truck, they can add an extra layer of protection from thieves and solicitors.
Overall, pets can be great company on the road while supporting your mental and physical health on the road.
CONS
No matter what type of pet you have on the road with you, they can be a mess. Whether that’s hair, bathroom accidents or anything in between pets will be extra work on the road.
Having your pet on the road will not be the same experience as having your pet at home. You will need to prepare and plan in advance. Some questions you might want to ask yourself ahead of time is; what will I do with my pet when I need to leave the truck and can’t take them with me?, what do I need to pack in order for my pet to have everything they need?, is there anything in my truck that my pet could get into that could make them sick? If your pets were to get into something in the truck or get sick on the road for any reason, it might be tricky to find medical help for them so that is another factor to consider.
Before you make the important decision to take your pet out on the road with you make sure you check the company’s pet policy. Some companies have strict rules about whether a pet can be on the road with drivers. If your company allows pets, then you can weigh your options and make the best decision for you and your pet.
If you are looking at a career in the trucking industry as truck driver then we have a few tips for you to get started. First off, you will need to be trained so that you are qualified to start. Take your time when choosing your school, be sure to do your research that you are confident in your future. If you are having trouble deciding what school to attend, you could try contacting a local trucking company to find out which school they recommend or if they have a school that they work with to obtain new hires. Once you have settled on which training school to complete, be sure to take it seriously and study so that you can learn as much as you can while you are there. The harder you study and the more serious you take it, the easier it will be once you get on the road.
The next step is to find a company that is ready to hire you. If you did not attend a school that had a placement program then it will be up to you to find a company hiring. There are many ways to do this, you could start by searching online and see what opportunities are there as well talk to other truck drivers you may know.
Once you are on the road there is no doubt the first year will be the toughest. The more experience that you gain the more confidence you will gain as well. Along with that, your salary will reflect your experience so the more driving time you can get the more earning potential you will have. One main goal in your first year (and the years beyond) should be to make sure you have no accidents. It will be incredibly difficult to continue with your career if this happens.
It will take adjusting for you and your family once you are on the road. Your relationships may suffer in the beginning but it is important to stay in touch with them and work past the difficulties. You will need the support once you are on the road more often.
Be sure to give truck driving a good chance before you decide whether it is for you. It can be a respectable career that can give you a decent salary. Be sure not to expect to get rich quick in this career but know that it can present great opportunity.
An after-market bumper can change the look of your pick-up quickly. It is not just for looks though; it can be very functional. Most bumpers have a place for winches and will fit properly around headlights. A bumper will also protect your truck if you are in an accident (with another vehicle or an animal) or getting through mud, bushes or any other material that might cause damage to the front of your truck.
Pick-Up Bumpers
Pick-up bumpers come in many different shapes and sizes depending on what vehicle you are going to be on. The main function of these bumpers is to protect your truck, not only that, it can change the look of your vehicle for the better. The bumper is typically lightweight, usually less than 200 lbs. They are a full bumper replacement, providing full protection for the front of your truck and are made of aluminum or carbon steel.
Bull Bars
Bull bars are a full replacement for the factory bumper that is on your vehicle. It can be directly mounted to your vehicle. Bull bars typically provide more protection for the middle of your vehicle, so change the look of your vehicle less than a pick-up bumper. They are made of welded steel or aluminum tubing. The bull bars mount directly to the chassis and provide slightly less protection then a pick-up bumper.
When you are trying to decide between and pick-up bumper and a bull bar it really just depends on what you are looking for in both function and appearance. If you are looking for full protection with a more rugged look then you should go with a pick-up bumper. If you are looking to alter the appearance of your truck with less protection then a bull bar is the way for you to go.
Ali Arc provides both pick-up bumpers and bull bars. They are both made with high tensile aluminum that mount directly to your vehicle. Both the pick-up bumper and the bull bar is a full bumper replacement with the bull bar having slightly less coverage. They have a high polish finish but have custom options if that is something you are interested in.
You can visit our products page here to see our line of bumpers. Feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team if you have any questions by emailing sales@aliarc.com or calling 1-877-725-4272.
The sentinel bumpers are part of our pick-up line. They are built with a ½’ thick bumper channel just like we have for the semi bumpers where as our traditional pick-up bumpers are ¼’ thick. They do not have the bottom rake as the bumper channel goes down as far as our pick-up bumpers with the bottom rake. These are not made for all models but we do have them for our most popular models. We have an exclusive line of sentinel bumpers that are designed for ambulances. They come with ambulance themed cut outs. The is a heartbeat line in the middle and the star of life cut outs for speakers. The cut outs can be changed to better suit the needs of your ambulance.
Pick-up Bumpers
Pick-up bumpers, obviously named for pick-ups, are similar to bull bars but are more H-shaped frame. Pick-up bumpers are also used for protection from wildlife and anything else that may cause damage to your truck. Although pick-up bumpers weight about the same as bull bars they typically cover a larger portion of the front end. Pick-up bumpers, made of aluminum, replace your existing bumper and are mounted directly to your chassis. Pick-up bumpers come standard with a high polish finish but can be customized.
Ali Arc bumpers has many bumpers available and can be customized to fit your truck. If you have any questions or would like to place an order you can email sales@aliarc.com or call 1-877-725-4272.
As the heat of the summer rolls in and you are in the road you might be asking yourself, how can I stay productive and safe while beating the heat? Unfortunately, truck drivers do not typically get the summer off so it is best to find ways to work through the heat and still get the job done. Here you find a number of tips and trick that will hopefully help while you are on the road.
Stay Hydrated
This might seem like an obvious one but it is one of the most important one. With extreme heat, it is so easy to get dehydrated. When your body is dehydrated, you become tired, sluggish and in some extreme cases it can cause headaches and vomiting. When you are properly hydrated you will be much more alert while driving. Along with drinking at least 3 litres or 12 cups of water a day, you should eat as much fresh food as you can. This will also help to fuel your body and keep you mentally and physically capable while you drive your truck on hot days.
Truck Maintenance
It is always important to keep your tires inflated but with high temperatures the chances of blowouts increase fairly significantly. Be sure to be check your tire pressure frequently as the heat can change tire pressure quickly if it is not monitored.
The same can be said about the brakes on a truck, when the temperature increases it can result in a loss of friction on your brake parts. They are more likely to fail when they can’t absorb any more heat.
You should already be checking your fluids regularly but in the heat, it is best to be checking your antifreeze level every day. If your antifreeze is not at an appropriate level then it could slow your air conditioner down allowing it to not work to the best of its ability.
Keeping Protected and Cool
There are a few tips to try to help stay cool and alert while you are on the road. Carry a blanket to put on your seat. Whether your seat is vinyl or leather, when it is exposed to direct sunlight it can become very hot. Throwing a blanket over it will keep it much cooler and more comfortable to sit in.
Keep ice packs, ice cubes or a cooling towel in your truck. There are several different brands of cooling towels these days. A cheaper option is to have ice packs or cubes that you can wrap in a towel or bandanna.
Even though you are sitting in an air-conditioned cab all day, you still need to protect yourself from the sun. It is a good idea to use sunscreen. The sun will be shining down on you through your windows. Even though the sunshine is not directly shining on you, it can still lead to diseases such as skin cancer.
Take Breaks
When you are making long-haul trips, it is important that you take regular breaks. If you can walk a couple circles around your truck, it is good to check on things anyways. If the heat is too much, walk around the convenience store or building at the truck stop. Taking regular breaks can help you to stay alert on the road and gives you a chance to make sure your truck is in safe working order.
You might be thinking of starting a career in the trucking industry but you are not sure where to start. You could be feeling especially lost if you have no experience. Starting your career in the trucking industry can be difficult but not impossible. The one advantage that you have is that there is always a shortage of truck drivers.
First step is to make sure you are properly licensed, a good place to start that journey is at an accredited driving school. By obtaining your license through a school, it could help to be placed in a job but it is no guarantee.
Once you are licensed be sure to apply to numerous carriers, big or small! This might seem like an obvious step but every carrier you apply to increases your chances of getting hired. If you are not having luck getting hired to drive a truck and trailer rig, apply to other trucking jobs to help strengthen your application. This could include dump trucks with construction companies, gravel trucks, service trucks or even delivery trucks. No matter what the truck looks like if you can gain experience behind the wheel with no accidents, you will be much more appealing to recruiters who are looking to hire professionals.
Another option would be to look into apprenticeship programs that larger carriers have. This may include doing additional schooling through their company. Usually, this additional education that the company would provide would be to show you how they do things within their company so you have a better understanding once you hit the road.
The trucking industry can be a tough industry to get started in but it is important to not get discouraged. Keep banging on doors, networking can be a critical step in finding opportunities. Your first offer might not be your dream job but it could be one step closer to that job you dream of.
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.
If you are in the trucking industry, you likely know what a freight broker is but just in case, a freight broker is a company that connects a shipper, who has goods that need to be shipped, to someone who can transport them. Ideally, they rely on a reputable freight broker to assist them on getting their goods where they need to go safely and efficiently. A freight broker has an index of authorized motor carriers that they know can get the job done promptly. With technology moving forward, there are many ways to digitally streamline this job. This can be an opportunity to be a part of the trucking industry without actually driving a truck.
The best foundation for a freight broker is experience in the trucking industry. Brokers typically have a large network of truck drivers/companies and have strong partnerships with them. As a traditional broker, you will be at a desk physically matching loads with trucks. This route is a viable in today’s industry and still very popular. Freight brokerage have relatively low start up costs with business relationships being the most valuable asset.
In the past number of years there has been many technological advances in the world of freight brokerage. Digital freight matchers (DFM) have streamlined the service and made it easier for everyone to get a slice of the $50B commission pie. It is estimated that the trucking industry generates $700B/year in the United States alone. It is no surprise that freight broker companies have been popping up constantly, with a few clicks or taps of the finger the driver can find fright on their route or a broker can find a reliable driver.
So where should you start? If you are going the traditional way, you will still need a transportation management system. When you are just starting out it can be simple. You won’t need a lot of functions; you really just need a backend system to manage your loads. The cost for this can be as low as $50 a month. As your business grows, you can always upgrade to include more features on your system.
If you are going down the digital road you will need to invest in making sure you have a friendly user experience and do not worry so much about your backend.
Finding a pricing system that makes sense and is fair to everyone involved can be tricky. You need to make sure you have enough funds to support your business and yourself. Not only that, the fee should be reasonable for the shipper. With industry experience, finding a fee that meets everyone expectations can be done easier. Also, keep in mind invoices do not get paid instantly, be certain to plan accordingly.
Insurance seems like an obvious step to starting a new business but it is still important to mention. Be sure you work with a company that has experience in the industry and understands your needs. This insurance should cover any property you might have as well as any employees you have.
If you want to stand out in the market, consider finding a niche. This can help to build brand awareness, as well as, trust with your shippers and carriers. Another way to stand out is to look for value-add that you can provide to your users on both ends. This could be giving them extra data that other DFMs do not offer.
There are many ways to stand out as a freight broker. We have provided a few tips here but there are many more! Just remember, the freight business is all about people and relationships. When you find good brokers, try to keep them and give them incentives to work hard for you and the company. If your employees are not treating your carriers properly, word will get around fast in the trucking community and could really damage your company’s reputation.
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.
