5 Mountain Trucking Tips from a Colorado Trucker

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mountain trucking

Aside from Ice Road Trucking, the mountains are generally seen as the most dangerous terrain to drive through. The steep downgrades, sometimes rocky terrain, and sharp curves can give even experienced drivers headaches. While it can definitely be a challenge if you’re a new driver, there are things you can do to prepare yourself for driving in either the Rockies or Appalachian Mountains. 

We had the chance to talk with Travis, a CDL A driver out of Colorado. He gave us some great tips for truckers who are running routes through the mountains.  

1. Brake, Brake, Brake

mountain trucking

Travis’ Kenworth

“First and most importantly, slow down. Especially when dropping off of a pass. 90% of brake failures are caused by driving too fast off a grade. When you drop off a grade, you should pick a gear where your truck’s engine brakes will hold you back. You should drive slower in general because there’s always other things like wildlife, rocks, and tourists in the road,” shared Travis.

Any trucker who has driven in the Rockies can tell you about the “Truckers, Steep Grades Ahead” and “Truckers, Don’t Be Fooled” signs all over the region’s highways. The signs are warnings to truckers that steep grade changes are a constant.  

Always look at posted grade signs and brake well before the downgrade begins. Never try to eyeball a grade. That’s how you end up over-relying on your brakes and causing them to overheat and possibly catch fire. 

2. Stay Prepared

mountain trucking

Travis’ Kenworth

“Second, carry extra clothes and food to stay warm. Have enough food and water to last a couple days if you get stranded. Carry tools and know your equipment as well. If you do break down in sub-zero temperatures, waiting 3 or 4 hours on a service truck isn’t a good option. I carry tools like an alternator housing, coolant, oil, fan belts, and fuel filters in my truck,” shared Travis.  

Knowing how to do quick fixes on your truck, like priming the fuel system or changing out a headlight can be the difference between a 20-minute wait and a 4 hour wait. If you have the know-how and your company allows it, keep necessary replacement parts in the cab with you in case something happens. 

In the worst-case scenario where your truck breaks down and it’s not a quick fix, you’ll want to have everything you need to hunker down for a while. This includes plenty of water and dry, packaged food. A change of clothes is something that goes overlooked but can be a lifesaver if you’re dealing with rain or sleet.  

Also, keep a CB radio if you don’t already. Since these work via radio waves, you’ll be able to communicate in the event you don’t have any cell service.  

3. Pay Attention to the Weather

Something as simple as listening to hourly weather reports can save you a lot of trouble in the mountains. If weather is bad enough, there’s nothing wrong with waiting until conditions clear up. No run is worth your safety or the safety of drivers around you.  

Also, always abide by all chain signs. You can check out the step-by-step guide on how to chain up your tires here.  

4. Use Runaway Ramps as a Last Resort

If you’re on a downgrade and can’t get your speed under control or are having brake problems, the very last resort is to use a runaway ramp. These ramps are usually located at the bottom of a steep downgrade, right before the road flattens out.  

There are a few different types of runaway ramps, but all are designed to stop a truck that can’t stop on its own. Out in the mountains, you may see gravity escape ramps that make use of natural hills, but sand piles are common as well.  

Don’t be afraid to use a runaway ramp if you need it, but it’s a last resort for a reason. There’s a possibility they’ll cause you some bodily harm and will almost definitely lead to the truck being damaged. 

5. Relax

“Other than that, all I can say is don’t be nervous and just relax. Drive slowly and take in the views. The mountains are beautiful and should be enjoyed,” shared Travis. 

While it can be dangerous, there are thousands of truckers, just like Travis, who make their living doing runs out west in the Rockies and in the Appalachian Mountains. Being attentive, cautious, and reading all posted signs is the number one way to avoid mistakes and accidents while driving in the mountains. 

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What to Know About Being a Yard Jockey

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A Yard Jockey is a driver who moves trailers within a cargo yard, terminal or warehouse. Though it may not seem like it, yard jockeys are the life force of any yard. Their job is to keep everything moving smoothly and help to avoid congestion. Without them, the smooth operation of the yard would cease to exist. 

We spoke with Pete, a CDL A yard jockey out of New York. He talked to us about what it’s like to be a yard jockey.   

CDL A Yard Jockey, Pete

“I wanted to become a yard Jockey to help other truck drivers be ready for the road. My job entails filling up diesel gas tanks and making sure that everything on the truck is working in proper condition. I also wash trucks, and make sure they’re safe to the fill up for the next delivery. I enjoy the repetitive exercises and keeping the yard in order. Being a yard jockey also gives me the opportunity to sharpen my skills as a driver for when I get on the road,” Shared Pete.

What are a Yard Jockey’s Responsibilities?

The job goes by many names, including yard jockey, yard spotter, or yard dog, but the job description is the same. While their main ones are moving trailers around the yard and loading and unloading them, there’s a lot of other things they’re responsible for as well. They take on duties like cleaning trailers, fueling reefers, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and filling out paperwork as need be. 

Do Yard Jockeys Need a CDL?

The short answer is no. According to federal law, since yard jockeys don’t leave the carrier’s private property, they aren’t required to hold a CDL. That’s not to say that every company will hire someone without a CDL for a yard jockey position. While yard jockeys won’t be driving a trailer down the highway, they’ll still be doing it in the yard and will need to know the basics of how to maneuver it to be successful in the role. 

What Do Yard Jockeys Drive on the Job?

Instead of driving a cab attached to a trailer like a typical CDL driver, yard jockeys use what’s called a terminal tractor to move the trailers throughout the yard. Terminal tractors are smaller than cabs and are built specifically to maneuver trailers and hook or unhook them quickly. They even have a sliding door in the back for easy access to the trailer. This increases overall yard efficiency along with saving carriers money on gas, since terminal tractors are more fuel efficient. Aside from tractor trailers, yard jockeys use other standard warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks. 

“An average day for me isn’t set in stone. It’s all dependent on the routing schedule and how many drivers are coming back to base on a given day. On busier days, my job is much more active, both mentally and physically, which can make it a bit stressful at times. But, there are also the lighter days, when trucks come in spread out. Then, I’m able to organize my train of thought and have a plan of how to work ahead for the next driver that comes into the yard,” Shared Pete.

Why Should I Be a Yard Jockey Instead of a CDL Driver?

While the choice is always up to the person, there’s a number of reasons why someone would choose to be a Yard jockey. The first reason is that a CDL isn’t always necessary. It’s up to the company’s discretion at the end of the day, but there are some carriers who will hire jockeys who don’t have their CDL. This is great for people who are interested in driving as a career, but don’t have the money for CDL school at the moment or want to see the industry first-hand before they decide to go to CDL school.  Some carriers will also pay the tuition for a yard jockey who expresses interest in going to CDL school, so it’s a win-win.  

The second reason is the set hours and predictable pay. While some may enjoy the trucker lifestyle of making their own hours and being on the road, it isn’t a life for everyone. As a yard jockey, you’ll have a set schedule, work predictable hours, get predictable pay, and be able to come home every night. Depending on the company, yard jockey can also get the same company benefits drivers do, including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with a 401K.  

“My advice to those who want to become a yard jockey is to simply do it! It not only pays a hefty paycheck each week, but it also sharpens your skills as a driver.  You get to learn the ins and outs of different trucks, as well as backing, fueling, coupling and uncoupling. You’ll learn pretty much all the basics of truck driving you’ll need before you get out there as a full-time CDL A or B driver,” Shared Pete. 

While yard jockeying may not pay as much as CDL driving, it’s a great position for anyone who is interested in taking their first steps into a career in trucking, or just wants to earn honest, reliable pay.

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What to Know About DOT Physicals

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DOT Physical

What is a DOT Physical?

A DOT Physical is a mandatory medical check-up for CDL drivers required by the FMCSA. The physical is to ensure that drivers are medically fit to operate a CMV. 

What Happens in a DOT Physical?

A DOT Physical is very similar to any other checkup with a few added steps. The medical examiner will take your vitals, go over your medical history and check your eyes, ears and lungs. The eye test will be used to make sure you have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes. If you wear them, be sure to bring your glasses or contacts for this portion of the physical.

The hearing portion is a “forced whisper test”, where the examiner will stand behind you and whisper a series of letters and numbers that you’ll need to repeat back to them. Just like with the vision test, you’ll be able to wear a hearing aid if you have one. They’ll also do a urinalysis to check for kidney disease, diabetes, and urinary tract infections. 

Who Can Administer a DOT Physical?

A DOT Physical can be administered by any registered medical examiner and is required every 24 months at a minimum. If a driver has a condition that the medical examiner feels needs to be monitored, they could require the driver to get a physical every 12 months or whatever timeframe they feel necessary. Conditions that a doctor would want to monitor could include high blood pressure or a sleep disorder. 

Can I Get a DOT Physical From my Primary Doctor?

Yes, if your doctor is a registered medical examiner. If not, there may be a nurse or physician’s assistant in your doctor’s office who can perform the physical.  

Should I Be Worried About Not Passing?

Many drivers worry about not passing their DOT physical, but if you’re generally in good health, the chances of that are very low. Even drivers who have pre-existing conditions like high blood sugar and diabetes can still drive, albeit with restrictions.  

If you suffer from anything that would make you a safety liability while on the road, this could possibly mean failing. Extremely high blood sugar, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and drug/alcohol abuse are the main reasons that drivers unfortunately fail their DOT Physical. 

What Happens if I Don’t Pass?

Drivers always have the option of going to a second examiner if they fail their first physical. But, be aware, since all medical examiners follow the same federally mandated guidelines, it’s unlikely that the outcome of the physical will change with a different doctor.  

How Do I Schedule One?

If you’re a company driver, your carrier will most likely have this information. You can always look into it yourself by searching for medical examiners registered with the FMCSA. If you have a CVS with a Minute Clinic inside, you can most likely get your physical done there as well.  

Does it Cost Money?

DOT Physicals do cost money. The cost can be anywhere between $50-300, depending on where you go. The good news is that most employers will pay the cost for their drivers, just make sure to talk to them about it beforehand. 

Do I Need to Bring Anything?

Your doctor will most likely have access to all your medical records electronically, but if not, or you’ve had an operation done in the past month, you’ll need to bring the records yourself. If you’re unsure of what exactly you’ll need to bring, the best bet is to give the clinic or office where you’ll be receiving the exam a call just to make sure. If you wear contacts, glasses, or use a hearing aid when driving, you’ll need to bring those as well. 

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Why Truck Drivers Will Always Be Needed Over Driverless Trucks

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Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of talk about driverless trucks and the impact they’ll have on the trucking industry. But, it’s important for drivers worried about their jobs to not give in to the sensationalist headlines. While driverless trucks are definitely the wave of the future, they won’t be replacing truck drivers in the foreseeable future. Here’s the basics on driverless trucks and why truck drivers will still be needed, no matter what.  

What is a Driverless Truck?

A driverless truck is any semi-truck that has at least some level of autonomy. SAE International, (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers has laid out six levels of automation in regard to semi-trucks.   

Level 0 is no automation, and level 1 includes assisted steering and lane departure warnings. Level 5 is a fully automated truck that can drive itself, even in inclement weather without needing a driver. Most companies are introducing level 2-3 automation right now, with level 5 only happening in controlled demonstrations.  

Driverless trucks have been in development by dozens of companies over the last ten years. Big companies like Tesla and Waymo (Subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the company that owns Google) have been developing self-driving technology for years. There’s also lesser-known tech companies like Plus, TuSimple and Embark that have already gotten billions of dollars in investor funding for their trucks. While there’s a lot of money going into driverless truck technology, drivers shouldn’t be worrying. 

What Do They Mean for Truck Drivers?

While it makes sense on the surface, it’s a common misconception that driverless trucks will put drivers out of jobs. Since most companies are only testing level 2-3 automation right now, the trucks aren’t doing everything themselves. And even when level 5 trucks are on the road, an experienced driver will still need to be in the truck at all times in case something goes wrong. 

That’s because truck drivers do more than just drive. A truck can’t load and unload freight or talk to customers and dispatch about the details of an order. This means that truck driver jobs will be more than safe for the foreseeable future.  

What’s the Future for Self-Driving Trucks?

As of right now, it’s full steam ahead for the companies investing time and resources in driverless technology. Some in the industry believe we’ll begin seeing driverless trucks as the norm in the next decade, but this estimate may be a little optimistic.  

Yes, the big players in driverless trucking are talking about implementing the technology, but it’s still a long way from happening on a large scale. The majority of trucking companies, especially smaller ones, don’t have the money to use this technology within their fleets anytime soon. But, even if and when that does happen, trained drivers will still be needed in the cab at all times. If you’re a truck driver, don’t spend time worrying about driverless trucks any time soon. 

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How to Chain Up Your Semi-Truck Tires for Winter

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Driving any motor vehicle during icy and snowy conditions brings an inherent risk. When that motor vehicle is a 25-ton semi-truck, that risk becomes amplified. Drivers need all the help they can get when out on the road in these conditions. That’s where snow chains come in. Snow chains have been used for over 100 years to help drivers of all vehicle types gain traction and avoid wheel spin on snowy and icy roads.  Aside from the obvious safety aspect here, most states have chain laws that you’ll need to follow as well during icy and snowy conditions. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to chain up your semi-truck tires for the snowy months ahead.  

Step 1: Lay Down Chains and Inspect

Lay your chains out flat on the ground and look them over for any damage or twists/knots that you’ll need to undo. Once you’ve ensured they’re in good working order, check that the chain hooks are facing up as well. This will be important later.

We talked to CDL Driver, Kirstie about how she chains up her tires for winter,

“The most important thing is to check your chains, especially if you’re not very familiar with the ones you’ve been assigned. Lay them out flat on the ground and inspect the cams, hooks, links and be sure they are not twisted. If possible, I always tried to put them on a drive axle directly below the fifth wheel for maximum weight and better traction,” shared Kirstie 

Step 2: Attach Chains

Place the chains over the top of your tire. They should hang or drape down over each side. Make sure they’re evenly distributed on both sides with the hooks facing out, away from the tire. Next, you’ll need to physically attach the chains to each other.

For this part, it’s always best to do the inside of the tire first. This can be difficult given that you’ll need to get under your truck, so some drivers prefer to use a tool like a rod as opposed to their hands. Either way, you’ll need to loosely attach the chain links to each other at the bottom of the tire. Repeat this step on the outside of the tire as well. The goal here isn’t to get them as tight as you can, just connecting the links from one side to the other is fine. 

You’ll also need to make sure that you have the same number of excess links on the front and back side of the tire. If you have three extra links on the back side, then you should have three extra links on the front side. If the front and back are different, that will cause the chain to rotate unevenly when you’re driving.  

 

“Lay them out flat on the ground and drive onto them, then begin the arduous task of actually connecting them, a good chaining key, or cam key is a must! Once they are on properly, they should be quite tight over the wheel. It’s a good idea to stop, check, and even retighten them. I always kept my windows open a crack while running chains as well. It’s important to hear what’s going on, and should anything come loose, you will be aware,” shared Kirstie.

After this, you’ll need to get into your truck, and drive forward just a few feet so that you can get the connection points of the chain in a safe area for you to tighten them.

Step 3: Tighten Links and Cams

Now that the chains are attached to the tire, they’ll need to be tightened. By hand, connect the chain to the closest possible link. You’ll want to pull in the most slack that you can manage. After you’ve done this, you’ll want to use your adjusting wrench to physically turn the cams on the chain. 

This will tighten the chains even more. It’s ok if you’re not able to give each cam a full turn, you may only be able to get one or two of them to one full turn, but that’s fine. The goal here isn’t to get the chains as tight as possible. The general rule is to get them tight enough that you can get a few fingers in between the chain and the tire comfortably.

Step 4: The Extra Mile

To make your semi-truck tires even more secure, add bungee cords across the chains. The bungees will attach from one end of the chains to the other. Three or four bungees will do the trick.

The key here is when attaching the bungees, make sure the hook is facing away from the tire. You don’t want it rubbing up against the tire, causing damage to the outside wall of the tire. Also make sure not to attach the bungee cords directly to the cams.

As a truck driver, taking your rig out in snowy and icy conditions is never ideal. If you do have to go out in the elements, safety is key. While it’s a big one, chaining up your semi-truck tires is only one part of winter driving safety. There’s a number of other ways to make sure you’re doing everything you can to stay safe in difficult conditions.  

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Is Becoming a Driver Liaison Right for You?

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driver liaison
As more and more new drivers enter the industry, companies are seeing the benefit to having someone these drivers can rely on for information and to help after their training is done. This position is known as a Driver Liaison, and it is becoming increasingly popular for many trucking companies. 

What is a Driver Liaison?

You might see this position can go by different names, but the core responsibilities are always the same. They assist drivers with any questions or concerns they might have while on the job. This position is especially helpful for new drivers, as they have someone they can rely on if they’re in a difficult situation. Think of the driver liaison as a mentor to drivers. You’re not actively in contact with them and teaching them things, but you’re always there to lend a hand when they need it. 

Besides helping drivers who are in a pinch, what are the other responsibilities?

In addition to helping drivers while they’re on the road, you’ll also be their ambassador to higher management. This involves regularly meeting regularly with management to discuss pain points that drivers are having and how to resolve them. Other duties could include overseeing driver orientation and working with trainers to discuss their responsibilities.  

Are Liaisons different from trainers and dispatchers?

Driver Liaisons aren’t the same thing as driver trainers. Liaisons aren’t in the cab, teaching a brand new driver about the truck and the rules of the road. They are most likely going to be at the warehouse or company facility communicating with drivers via phone, helping them with more niche issues or problems as they come up. This position is different than dispatchers, since they aren’t communicating with drivers about loads, delivery times and routes.  

How do you become a Driver Liaison?

There are no federal requirements for this position, but there are some general qualifications that most companies will want applicants to have. The first is an active CDL. Though you probably won’t be doing any driving yourself, you’re expected to know your way around a truck.

Next, you’ll need industry experience. Since this position is tasked with helping drivers through any number of unique and challenging situations, you’ll want to have experienced those yourself or at least know what to do when they occur. Additionally, companies may also prefer someone who has experience within their organization and knows their specific policies and procedures. This is why many companies may choose to hire within for this role.  

What qualities should a Driver Liaisons possess?

The best driver in the world might make the worst driver liaison. That’s because this position is about more than just being knowledgeable on trucking. It’s about having the ability and desire to give that knowledge to others. You can know everything there is to know, but unless you’re able to communicate that information quickly and succinctly to a driver who’s in a jam, it doesn’t matter. 

Along with this, patience and people skills will go a long way in this position. Greeting drivers with a friendly attitude and being sympathetic towards their wants and needs will be your best way to succeed in this role.  

Becoming a driver liaison is a great position for experienced drivers who are looking to get off the road but still want an active role within the industry. Especially if you enjoy an outward-facing role that will make a difference in the careers of young drivers.  

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What to Know About Driving a Straight Truck

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straight truck jobs
While Straight Truck Driving might not be what you think when you hear the word “trucking,” straight truck drivers make up a very large part of the industry. The ATA reported that in 2020, over 3.97 million class 8 trucks were registered for business purposes in the U.S, up 1.5% from 2019. With this increased need for straight truck drivers, it’s important for prospective drivers to have all the facts. Here’s everything you need to know about what it’s like being a straight truck driver. 

What is a Straight Truck?

A straight truck is any truck that has a cab and trailer that cannot be detached from each other. Straight trucks are also smaller than your traditional semi-trucks and come in under the important threshold of 26,000 pounds. Depending on the make and model, straight trucks are between 10- and 26-feet length and 6 and 8 in height.  

What are they used for?

While it’s possible that straight trucks can be used for regional or OTR work, the vast majority are used for local deliveries. The most common use for straight trucks is furniture and home appliance deliveries. The U-Haul trucks that people use for moving are also straight trucks. These trucks are perfect for any freight that is too small for a semi and too big for a sprinter van. 

What do you need to be a straight truck driver?

As it stands right now, a CDL is not needed to drive a straight truck, as long as the truck is under 26,000 GVWR. But that doesn’t mean every company will hire someone without a CDL for a straight truck position. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your CDL B before applying, even though it’s not a federal requirement. 

What companies hire straight truck drivers?

Any company that utilizes a delivery service will employ straight truck drivers. Retailers that sell furniture and home appliances often offer delivery services via straight truck. Building product companies also employ straight truck drivers to deliver materials to and from worksites. 

Expedited freight servicers may be the biggest employer of straight truck drivers. These companies specialize in getting freight from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Businesses typically utilize them when their plan A for getting their freight to where it needs to go didn’t work out. These companies may work an entire region of the country as opposed to working locally. Courier servicers may also employ straight truck drivers, but it’s unlikely as their freight is usually too small to require a straight truck.  

What are the pros?

The biggest benefit to driving a straight truck is the consistent home time. Unlike OTR trucking, drivers are rarely, if ever, gone for more than a day. They usually get nights and weekends off as well, following standard business hours for delivery.  

Since Straight Truck Drivers rarely need to travel across state lines, it’s a great position for drivers under 21 who are looking to get valuable hours behind the wheel before they can do OTR work and cross state lines. Also, classes to earn your CDL B will generally be less expensive than those for a CDL A, making it a good option for drivers looking to start earning without putting down such a large investment.  

What are the cons?

One thing to know about straight truck driving is that there’s probably more to the position than just driving. Manual labor is present in a lot of straight truck jobs. Aside from just touching freight, many times it will be the driver who is responsible for delivering the product to someone’s door and maybe even setting it up inside the home or business.  

Another possible con is the customer interaction part of straight truck driving. Aside from delivering products to people, you may have to deal with an unhappy customer from time to time. While this won’t be a problem for some, many drivers got into trucking to avoid these types of interactions.  

Like with all driving positions, straight truck drivers are in heavy demand. This means that there’s a lot of variety out there for prospective drivers when deciding who they choose to work with. Straight truck driving is also a great steppingstone for young drivers who want experience before doing OTR or regional work.  

If you’re ready to find a trucking job that fits your needs, create a free Drive My Way profile and get matched with Straight Truck driver jobs in your area.  

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3 Perks of Working for a Family-Owned Trucking Company

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family owned trucking company
A family-owned company is any company that is owned in majority by at least two members of the same family. While the phrase “family-owned” might make you think of a small-time mom and pop shop, that’s not always the case. Technically, Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world is a family-owned company. Family-owned companies also outnumber corporate-owned companies by a wide margin. Studies show that 90% of all U.S businesses are actually family-owned.  

So, what does this mean if you’re a truck driver? Like with retail, construction, or any other industry, working for a family-owned trucking company can be a much different experience than working for a corporation. Here are three perks of working for a family-owned trucking company.   

1. Treated as a Person, Not Just an Employee

family owned trucking company

Terrance and David, Lansing Building Products

At some companies, it can feel like you’re a number instead of a name. Family-owned companies make an active effort to learn about you, your family and your life outside of work. This helps drivers tremendously when it comes to having a work life balance and taking time off. 

We talked to Terrance and David, two drivers for Lansing Building Products in Jackson, Mississippi. They shared with us what it’s like working for a family-owned company. 

“Working for a family-owned company makes you feel at home and valued vs. a non-family-owned company where you feel like you’re just another number,” shared Terrance and David.

2. Become Part of a Tight Knit Family

Probably the biggest perk of working for a family-owned company is the tight-knit culture. Working at a family-Owned company gives drivers the opportunity to really know their fellow co-workers and the people above them. Developing these long-term relationships is what many drivers enjoy most about working for a family-owned company.  

“The biggest benefit of working for a family-owned company is knowing that you can trust your employers to help you grow and boost your self-confidence. Also, having a caring family that makes you feel welcome gives you an incentive to work harder,” shared Terrance and David. 

It’s also not strange for drivers of family-owned companies to have a repour with the CEO of the company. Having this direct line to the top decision makers in the organization gives drivers the opportunity to suggest changes and improvements to how things are done. This means that they can have a direct impact on the company they work for.  

3. Develop New Skills Outside Your Role

Another perk about working for a family-owned company is the ability to wear more than one hat. As discussed, not all family-owned companies are small, but a good number of them are. This means that you may be asked to do some things outside your normal job description.  

While this might not be what all drivers are looking for, family-owned companies are a great place to learn new skills that will help you later in your career. These skills could be anything from hauling different types of freight l to learning the financial side of the business. If you want to become an Owner Operator or even own your own fleet one day; this kind of experience is invaluable.  

Deciding whether a family-owned Company is right for you comes down to what you’re looking for. If you’re happy with being part of a large workforce with set rules and guidelines, going the corporate route might be for you. If you’re looking for a driving job with a smaller team that will lead to new skills and experiences, then it’s time to look at family-owned companies.  

 

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6 Tips for Backing Up a Semi-Trailer

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backing up a semi trailer

Backing up a semi-trailer is one of the most difficult skills to learn as a driver and an even harder one to master. It’s a weakness for many new drivers straight out of school and even some more experienced ones. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are 6 of the best tips drivers use to back up a semi-trailer with confidence. 

1. Practice

This is obvious, but for good reason. Practicing is the number one way to become comfortable backing up a semi-trailer. If you’re able to, try finding an empty lot or truck stop to practice in. Perfecting your technique in an empty space is a lot easier than doing it when you’ve got shippers/receivers staring at you while you try to back into a difficult dock. 

We spoke to Natalie and she shared her advice for other truck drivers.

Do everything yourself in confidence. When I first got into trucking, I never wanted to back in. I was always looking for someone else to help me. I had to overcome that fear and that anxiety, so I said to myself one day, “no, I’m going to do this on my own.” I’ve gotten to the point now where I can back in and remain much more calm than I could at first, ” shared Natalie.

 

 

 

 

2. Watch Your Wheel

This is a tip usually learned during CDL training and one many experienced drivers still use. Simply put, place your left hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Whichever direction you move the wheel is the direction the trailer will move. If you move the wheel left, that’s where the trailer will go, and the same for moving it right. From there, it’s a matter of looking at your mirrors and not oversteering. It seems too simple to be true, but it’s a tried and tested technique.  

This can also be done the opposite way, where a driver puts his or her hand at the top of the wheel and moves it in the opposite direction of where he or she wants the trailer to go, but it’s all a matter of preference.  

3. G.O.A.L

Tyler, CDL A Driver

G.O.A.L “Get Out and Look” is the number one way to avoid damage to your equipment as well as your surroundings. It may seem like common sense, but some drivers avoid this method because they feel it makes them look like an amateur. But the results of not doing it can be disastrous. Here’s what Tyler, an experienced truck driver, had to say about the G.O.A.L method. 

“No matter how many times you have to get out and look, DO IT! Better to be safe than the person who backed into someone or something because they were too lazy to take a few minutes to check. Part of the job to not tear up your property or someone else’s. Lose the ego and get out and look. Do it ten times if you have to. It’s better than the alternative.” shared Tyler.

4. Use Experienced Spotters

Sure, anyone can spot you if you’re trying to parallel park a car on a side street. That doesn’t mean anyone can spot you backing a tractor trailer into a loading dock. They may be trying to help, but spotters without truck driving experience can do more harm than good, as they don’t understand the finer points of maneuvering a vehicle of that size. So, unless you know they’re an experienced driver, the G.O.A.L method is your best bet.  

5. YouTube It

Watching a video is no substitute for the real thing, but if you’re in a pinch and can’t find a place to practice, they can come in handy. YouTube has hundreds of videos from experienced drivers giving their tips and tricks on the best way to back up a semi-trailer. This can give you a great visual if something’s not clicking. 

Every driver is going to have a slightly different way of doing things, so do a little research and find a video that works for you. The best practice for finding some of the best videos is to choose based on view count or positive comments. Take this one for example, which has close to one million views and counting. 

6. Know When to Say No

In all parts of life, if your gut is telling you that something’s a bad idea, it’s probably a bad idea. The same is true for backing up a semi-trailer. There’s no shame in telling a shipper “No” if you honestly think your trailer won’t make it in. You know your vehicle much better than they do. If there’s debris or something like a stack of pallets in your way, don’t be afraid to ask them to be moved so you can safely back in. Your safety and the safety of your truck are more important.  

When it comes to backing up a semi-trailer, patience and practice are the keys to success. No one comes out of CDL school an expert at it. Just have confidence in your abilities as a professional driver, and you’ll be a pro at backing up in no time.

truck driver at loading dock

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What to Know About Driving a Lowboy Truck

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lowboy truck
If you’ve ever been on the highway and seen an “Oversized Load” sign on the back of a trailer, chances are, that was a Lowboy truck. These trailers are the go-to choice for hauling cranes, bulldozers and any other large equipment or machinery from point A to B.  

Because of this, Lowboy Truck Drivers need to not only be excellent drivers, but skilled at the loading and securing of cargo. We talked with Angel, a Lowboy Driver with 10+ years of experience. 

lowboy truck

Photo Courtesy of Angel

“I got into low bedding about 10 years ago by leasing on with a buddy of mine. I had always wanted to get into it and boom! One day I finally had the opportunity. I’d recommend anyone looking to getting into it to start with a Landoll or step deck moving smaller pieces and crane parts. Learn how to get your axle weights right, have a long fifth wheel slide and a long neck on the trailer. Always double and triple check your securement, know the local and state laws where you’re hauling, because they are all different. Other than all that, just take your time and be safe. If you’re looking to getting into lowbed/lowboy work, good luck and take it slow,” shared Angel.

What is a Lowboy Truck?

You may also hear the Lowboy truck referred to as a double drop, low loader, low-bed, or a float. While it goes by many names, the one unmistakable trait of a Lowboy is its two drops in deck height. The first is right behind the gooseneck and the second is right before the wheels. The reason? These drops let it carry loads up to 12 feet in height, which other trailers can’t. This makes lowboys the preferred trailer for carrying large construction equipment and other oversized loads.  

The main difference in Lowboys is the neck that comes in two main types, gooseneck and fixed neck. Goosenecks offer a ramp for quick loading. This is a huge advantage since you won’t need a crane to load cargo onto the ramp. Fixed necks are lighter, meaning you can carry a higher load capacity. The downside is they don’t have a ramp, making them more difficult to load. Goosenecks can be either hydraulic or mechanical. Mechanical goosenecks are more difficult to operate, but cheaper and lighter. Hydraulics are the opposite; easier to operate, but more expensive.  

License Needed

Anyone planning on driving a Lowboy will need to have their CDL A and a doubles/triples endorsement depending on the state. Even after having these endorsements, it’s likely that companies will choose their more experienced drivers with a Lowboy truck, due to the increased difficulty of operating it. In general, companies will want drivers to have at least two years of CDL A experience before driving a Lowboy.  

Safety Precautions

There are a few different things that make a Lowboy more difficult to operate than your standard trailer. Since Lowboys are mostly used for the transport of heavy construction equipment and oversized cargo, loading, securing, and unloading these can be a bear. Making sure you’re loading and unloading the easiest way and fastening cargo at every point to prevent shifting takes an experienced and detailed-oriented driver. 

We talked to Jimmy, a Lowboy Driver out of Pennsylvania, and he shared his tips for drivers considering Lowboy work.  

lowboy truck

Photo Courtesy of Jimmy

“1. Your chains weigh as much in the well or a headache rack, as they do on the load. Don’t be lazy, use your chains!

2. Watch your speed. You can go too slow, 100 times, but you’ll only go too fast once.

3. Always ask yourself, “What’s around that curve?” or “What’s over the crest of that hill?”, it could save your life or someone else’s one day,” shared Jimmy.

Lowboy Truck Drivers should also be checking their brakes more than they would with a standard trailer. This is to avoid accidents when carrying an oversized load. Due to the lowered deck on a Lowboy, there’s also a possibility of bottoming out when driving across raised terrain like a speed bump.  

Work Environment and Schedule

Lowboy Truck Drivers need to be both experienced and comfortable driving in and around construction zones and high traffic areas. This means they should be prepared for everything that comes with that, including heavy machinery, loud noises, the elements, and more.  

Since most Lowboy Drivers are employed by construction companies, drivers can expect to work similar shifts to your typical construction workers. They should be prepared to work mornings, afternoons, and nights as needed. The good news is that Lowboy Truck Drivers are almost always local/regional, meaning they are home every night or at least several nights a week.  

Companies that Hire

Any construction company that uses bulldozers, cranes, or other oversized equipment will have Lowboy Drivers on their payroll. Companies that specialize in excavating and paving are two examples. Working for a heavy equipment rental and sales company is another option for prospective Lowboy Truck Drivers. These drivers haul construction equipment to and from work sites. 

Like with all other trucking jobs, there’s a big need right now for Lowboy Truck Drivers. If you’re an experienced and careful driver who doesn’t mind working and driving through construction and road work zones, Lowboy driving might be the job for you.   

truck driver at loading dock

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