Experts within the industry have been raising the red flag to warn fleets about the driver shortage for years. However, as the freight economy continues to surge, the shortage will only worsen. In 2017, there were approximately 50,700 too few drivers to meet the existing supply demand. These numbers soared in 2018, increasing this shortage [...]
Every driver knows that pre-trip inspections are important. However, the driver shortage, tight deadlines, and hours of service (HOS) regulations can make many drivers feel compelled to rush through the process in favor of getting on the road faster. Unfortunately, while completing more trips in less time will yield more money, it can also cause [...]
Truck drivers from mountainous states often have more experience navigating steep grades. Drivers from California, Colorado, Montana, and West Virginia have a significant edge over those from flat states. Unfortunately for Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, a Texas-based truck driver, his experience navigating the steep grade on the stretch of highway between the Eisenhower Tunnel and Lakewood, Colorado [...]
Fleets invest a lot of time and energy into ensuring their drivers’ safety. While this often means adhering to safety regulations, following the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) rulings is just the tip of the safety iceberg. Truck drivers themselves are a great source for revealing safety issues that affect them on a regular [...]
Distracted driving makes headlines for obvious safety reasons. Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers that eat, text, or place calls while behind the wheel have their attention pulled in several directions. Their focus is split between the road and what’s in their hands, both of which make them less able to react to what’s going on [...]
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that weighs in over 10,001 pounds to receive an annual inspection to ensure the CMV is in good condition without any safety concerns. However, there are numerous types of inspections and drivers need to be familiar with them all so they can know what [...]
Driving a commercial vehicle has more safety challenges than a typical desk job. Fleet managers need to familiarize themselves with common safety concerns affecting their drivers. This allows them to implement solutions and strategies to improve safety for drivers and other motorists. The following are the most typical safety issues fleets can expect to encounter: [...]
Truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road, putting a significant degree of stress on their lower back. However, there are many hidden risks that cause debilitating back pain that fleets need to address. Back pain, even slight, affects employee productivity and morale. Drivers that are in pain will need to make more [...]
The numbers for trucking fatalities in 2017 are in, and the statistics are grim. Truck driver deaths rose from 786 to 840 from 2016 to 2017, a 6.6% increase. Fatalities caused by large trucks including the motoring public rose by 9% as well, claiming the lives of 4761. Clearly, things need to change. Preventing Injuries [...]
The driver shortage has many trucking companies scrambling to fill vacancies to meet deadlines and remain competitive. However, fleets need to be vigilant to ensure that the fear of not having enough drivers doesn’t result in poor hiring decisions. Taking the time to train an employee who is a bad fit wastes time and resources [...]