How NFI Industries is Leading the Way in Diversity and Inclusion

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 NFI Industries is one of the largest and most diverse supply chain solutions providers in North America, offering end-to-end logistics services across a range of industries. But beyond its impressive portfolio of services and customers, NFI is also a company that values and respects its employees, offering equal access to opportunities for all. As a company, NFI is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace and culture. This commitment benefits not only its employees, but also its customers and communities. 

NFI’s Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion 

NFI has taken action to ensure that its pledge to diversity and inclusion is more than just words. Instead, it is a promise to make a difference in the lives of its people and the world around them. In 2022, NFI’s CEO Sid Brown, signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge. This pledge is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and it outlines four key actions that signatories agree to take: 

  • Cultivate a workplace that supports open dialogue on complex and sometimes difficult conversations about diversity and inclusion.
  •  Implement and expand unconscious bias education
  • Share best practices and successful actions with other companies
  • Create and share strategic inclusion and diversity plans with their board of directors 

By signing this pledge, NFI demonstrates its dedication to fostering an environment that values and respects all individuals, offers equal access to opportunities, and embraces their individuality. 

NFI’s Focus Areas for Diversity and Inclusion

NFI’s diversity and inclusion strategy is led by the Vice President of D&I and the D&I Council. They oversee various initiatives and programs to enhance NFI’s culture and workforce. The strategy has five pillars: representation, advancement, inclusive culture, leadership commitment, and sustainability & accountability. To foster a sense of representation and inclusive culture among its employees, NFI offers seven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that celebrate and support the unique characteristics and interests of NFI’s team members. To ensure diversity in talent, NFI strives to attract, develop, retain, and advance a diverse talent pool that reflects the communities it serves. NFI also invests in the growth and development of its employees through mentorship programs, training courses, leadership workshops, and recognition awards. To create a positive community impact, NFI supports various causes and organizations that align with its values. 

NFI’s Employee Resource Groups 

One of the ways that NFI fosters a sense of belonging among its employees is through its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These are voluntary, employee-led, and NFI sponsored groups that are formed around common interests, backgrounds, or pursuits. Each group is open to all employees and helps to increase the inclusion and retention of our diverse workforce, drive employee engagement, and educate through programs.

 NFI currently has seven ERGs that employees can join: 

  • Women’s Initiative Network, Young Professionals Network, Veterans Engagement Team, Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD), APIDA Shared Identity Affinity Network (ASIAN), People Recognizing Our Unique Diversity (PROUD), and their newest addition, Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement (HOLA).

 NFI’s ERGs have been active in advancing NFI’s D&I goals and initiatives. They have hosted virtual events on various D&I topics and organized celebrations and campaigns for various cultural and historical events and months. The groups also participated in community service and fundraisers for various causes and organizations.  Newsletters are created to share D&I information and stories. The groups also collaborate with NFI’s talent acquisition team to attract and recruit diverse candidates.

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NFI’s Recognition for Diversity and Inclusion

 NFI has received several awards and accolades for its D&I efforts. These include: One of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek, which recognizes companies that have made diversity a priority; One of the Best Employers for Women in the U.S. by Forbes, which ranks companies based on their treatment of women employees; and A Delaware Valley Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer, which honors employers that have a strong culture of engagement. 

NFI’s Vision for Diversity and Inclusion 

NFI is proud of its achievements in diversity and inclusion so far, but it is ongoing. The company recognizes that there is always room for improvement and innovation and that diversity and inclusion is a journey that requires constant learning and adaptation. 

NFI’s vision is to be a leader in diversity and inclusion in the supply chain industry and beyond and to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

If you are interested in joining NFI’s diverse and inclusive team, visit their careers page to learn more about their opportunities and benefits at https://careers.nfiindustries.com/careers-home

Top 4 Reasons You Should Consider a Team Driving Job

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One of the many reasons drivers gravitate toward the trucking industry is the variety of jobs available. One popular option is team truck driving. Unlike a solo gig, team truck driving provides drivers with several unique benefits that driving alone simply cannot offer. You may be the perfect fit for a team driving job if any of the following benefits sound appealing to you. 

Why Should You Consider a Team Driving Job? 

Collaboration: While some drivers enjoy the trucking life because it offers the ability to work alone, many miss the collaborative nature that inherently comes with most jobs. Team driving jobs allow you to work alongside a colleague, with whom you share responsibilities of the haul, but also have around to enjoy small talk with, assess any issues that arise, and map out logistics. Having a partner on the drive keeps you from getting lonely and can make trips more interesting. The beauty of working as a team is you can also often pick your trucking partner, whether that be a spouse or friend, allowing you to not only enjoy the company of someone else, but spend more time with someone whom you care for in your life.  

Wellness: It is no secret that trucking takes a toll on a person’s body – mentally and physically. A team driving job allows you to relieve some of that stress by sharing the work with another person. By being able to take more frequent breaks, spending less time behind the wheel, and having someone else to bounce ideas off of, you can enjoy increased health and wellness.  

Financial Gains: One huge perk of team truck driving is the income and amount of work available. Team truck drivers typically earn more money per mile ran than solo drivers because they are making longer hauls. Even though the pay is split across the team, the additional compensation for the longer time well makes up for it. Team trucking jobs are also more in demand than solo gigs, so you never have to worry about finding a job when you need it. This is very appealing to many drivers, especially those who don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of their freedom by sharing their space with a fellow driver.  

Experience: Team truck driving is a great experience for any level of driver, whether you are a veteran or brand new to the industry. Team driving jobs allow you to learn from your partner, while offering your own input into the job at hand. First-time drivers can especially benefit from team driving jobs as they have the ability to sit next to someone who has been on hauls before and has potentially handled a variety of situations that are foreign to novices. If you are a new driver, you may also be able to find a job quicker by staying open to team driving opportunities.  

While there are several pros and cons to team truck driving, ultimately there are many great reasons to consider a team driving job. Team truck driving allows you to take more breaks and share the triumphs and downfalls of the road with a partner, rather than having to do it alone.  

3 Things Every Truck Driver Will Learn in Their First Year

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Choosing a career as a truck driver is an important decision that will impact your life, as well as your friends and family. It is a unique job in that every day will look different depending on the weather, road conditions, the road you’re traveling, and the type of cargo you are hauling. Trucking is an honest day’s work, but will require a game plan when it comes to how you will eat, live, and exercise, while making hauls. While truck driving is a rewarding opportunity, every first year truck driver makes several adjustments to life on the road. At Drive My Way, we provide trucking tips to help potential, and new drivers, understand what a career in truck driving will look like, especially in the first year.  

What Does Trucking Driving Look Like in the First Year? 

Adjusting to a new career is always tough for the first year and trucking is no exception. With trucking, you will want to determine if you’re going to work for yourself as an owner/operator or become a company truck driver. From here, you will have to learn the financial, emotional, and physical implications of driving a truck. Some of our favorite trucking tips for new truck drivers include:
 

  1. The More You Drive, the Better You Will Become: Practice makes perfect when it comes to any skill, including driving a truck. As a first year truck driver, you will become accustomed to the truck you are driving, driving in different weather conditions, and the differences between city and highway truck driving. As you accumulate seat time, you will feel more confident in the role and your ability to make sound decisions quickly.  
  1. Do Not Be Afraid of Hard Work: Chances are if you found yourself pursuing a career as a truck driver you have a tough skin and aren’t scared of a hard day’s work. Trucking can take a toll on your health and well-being, so it’s always important to get good rest, have a strong support system, and prepare yourself for different situations that can arise. While the work is hard, a career in trucking can be a wonderful experience and a solid income.  
  1. Stay Flexible; Trucking is a Moving Target: Trucking has always been a field that fluctuates depending on demand, fuel prices, and the economic climate. This has become even more apparent since COVID first surfaced. As a truck driver, you must not only keep up with the demands of the job, but also stay in the know about changes that may arise. By remaining flexible to different opportunities, staffing changes, and other unforeseen events, you will set yourself up for the most success possible.
     

Being a first year truck driver is an experience full of new possibilities and challenges. If you are dedicated to your work though, truck driving can become a very rewarding career. If you are newly licensed, or just gathering more information about truck driving, consider Drive My Way as the best place to find jobs in the trucking industry online. We offer trucking tips, a job portal, and ongoing resources for drivers and employers alike. We look forward to helping you steer into the right trucking position for you. 

 

NFI’s Commitment to Their Military Veteran Drivers

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NFI Military Veteran Drivers

How NFI Industries Supports Military Veterans

NFI Industries is a leading supply chain solutions provider that offers a range of services, including dedicated transportation, distribution, and global logistics. NFI is also a proud employer of veterans, who make up 12% of its driver workforce. 

NFI greatly values their veteran drivers for their dedication, professionalism, and performance. Veteran drivers are not only reliable and safe drivers, but also loyal and engaged employees who positively contribute to NFI’s culture and mission. NFI operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything they do, and their veteran drivers uphold these standards and earn the trust and respect of their customers and colleagues. 

Additionally, NFI respects and appreciates the sacrifices that veterans have made for their country and their families. Veteran drivers enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay and benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development. 

NFI understands the challenges and opportunities that veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers. That’s why they offer various programs and resources to help veterans succeed as professional drivers and grow within the company. 

NFI’s Veteran Support Programs and Resources

Some of NFI’s programs and resources include: 

  • The Veterans Engagement Team (VET), an Employee Resource Group (ERG), supports NFI’s military veterans with the different resources they have available, uplifts them, and partners up with local veteran outreach organizations like Hiring Our Heroes. The VET also gives veteran drivers a voice and a platform to share their feedback and ideas with NFI’s leadership team. 
  • The Troops into Transportation program, which helps veterans obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) through training and tuition assistance. This program is designed to help veterans transition from the military to the trucking industry by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and efficiently 
  • The Apprenticeship program provides on-the-job training and mentorship for new drivers, as well as a monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program is registered and partnered with the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program and has SAA approval that allows veterans to use their GI Bill benefits. 
  • The Military Friendly Employer designation, which demonstrates NFI’s commitment to hiring, retaining, and advancing veterans within the company This designation is based on NFI’s policies, practices, and outcomes related to veteran employment and career development. 
  • The Veteran Driver of the Year award, which recognizes and honors a veteran driver who exemplifies NFI’s core values and delivers exceptional service to customers. This award is presented annually during NFI’s Driver Appreciation Week. 

NFI Industries is committed to recognizing and supporting its veteran drivers and providing them with rewarding and fulfilling careers. NFI appreciates the skills and experience that veterans bring to the trucking industry and how their values align with the company’s vision. NFI is always looking for more veterans to join their team. 

To learn more about these programs and other ways NFI supports veterans, go to https://careers.nfiindustries.com/us/en/veterans  

Advantages of Truck Driving Jobs for Veterans

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truck driving jobs for veterans

The Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs for Military Veterans

Trucking jobs offer flexibility for veterans to spend time with family and explore the country. CDL jobs provide good salaries, job security, and career advancement. They also play a crucial role in our economy by transporting goods across the country.

Why Veterans Should Consider a Truck Driving Career

Military veterans have a natural edge when it comes to truck driving careers. The skills learned in the military, across various branches and roles, can be effortlessly applied to truck driving. With a successful military career, you most likely already have the traits that make for a great commercial truck driver. Don’t be surprised to realize how much potential you have in this line of work.

Work Environment

Truck driving careers offer a unique blend of independence and camaraderie. Drivers enjoy the freedom to choose their own hours and income while also being supported by their carrier and a tight-knit community of fellow drivers. With the potential for high earnings, a career in truck driving is an attractive option for veterans seeking a fulfilling and flexible career path.

Skills and Requirements

Truck driving demands a thorough understanding and adherence to rigid government safety regulations and company policies, which include mandatory rest periods and defensive driving practices. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for truck drivers to enjoy a long, prosperous career. Most veterans already possess the fundamental skills that trucking companies seek during intensive training and field experience, such as situational awareness, dependability, leadership, management, and teamwork. Furthermore, disciplined and committed military veterans won’t have any trouble acquiring specific driving skills through CDL training and driver orientation.

Waive the skills test!

Veterans with significant military driving experience may be eligible for a skills test waiver, and those with a CDL from their time in the military can start their driving career with a higher pay rate.

Job Security

Veterans seeking job security, a steady income, and retirement options should consider a truck driving career. Your talents are in high demand. It’s an excellent career transition option for retired veterans with the added benefit of company benefits.

The trucking industry needs skilled and dedicated drivers. Fortunately, military veterans possess the qualities and capabilities that make them ideal candidates for a successful career in truck driving. With the added benefits and support available to veterans, this path offers a promising and fulfilling option for those seeking a new direction.

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Ultimate Guide to Truck Driver Recruiting

Current ways of recruiting truck drivers just don’t work anymore. That’s because recruiting isn’t a transaction. This ultimate guide helps carriers recruit for retention.

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How Truckers Against Trafficking is Making a Difference

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Truckers Against Trafficking

What is Truckers Against Trafficking?

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) was founded in 2009 and has since become a powerful force in the fight against human trafficking. Working alongside trucking industry associations, motor carriers, government transportation agencies, law enforcement agencies like the FBI, as well as truck stops and travel plazas, TAT has trained over 730,351 drivers and personnel to identify and report instances of human trafficking. Their efforts have resulted in over 2,250 calls to the national trafficking hotline by truck drivers, leading to the identification of 612 human trafficking cases and the rescue of 1,133 victims. By partnering with TAT, trucking and busing professionals become an invaluable asset in the fight against this atrocious crime, as they possess a unique vantage point to root out traffickers who exploit our transportation infrastructure for their own selfish purposes.

Truckers Against Trafficking has spread its wings and taught members of state trucking associations to be vigilant in identifying and reporting cases of human trafficking. Today, all 50 state associations have received training, making the powerful network of truckers, bus lines, and major airlines provide a watchful eye to ensure that human traffickers have nowhere to hide. Additionally, some bus lines and airlines now offer travel vouchers to survivors of human trafficking to ensure their safe return home. This growing network of eyes and ears makes our roads safer for everyone. TAT has formed partnerships with numerous companies in the transportation industry to raise awareness about the signs of human trafficking. By working together, these companies and TAT are making a tangible difference in the fight against this heinous crime.

There is a Hotline For Reporting Human Trafficking

Before the establishment of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), truckers only reported sporadic tips about human trafficking. However, with TAT’s efforts, there has been a significant increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, text 233733. In 2017, TAT reported that nearly half of the cases generated by truckers’ calls involved minors. TAT’s collaboration with the trucking industry and law enforcement agencies has made a difference in the fight against human trafficking.

Available Resources for Education/Training about Human Trafficking

Get free training materials from Truckers Against Trafficking, including a DVD, wallet cards, and window decals, to educate and train individuals and organizations on identifying and reporting human trafficking. Once trained, register with TAT and help fight against human trafficking. Contact truckers@gmail.com for your materials today.

Other Ways to Help

Stay alert for suspicious activity and report any signs of trafficking. This includes young people around truck stops and code words like “lot lizard” or “Commercial Company.” Report any indicators, no matter how insignificant they may seem, to the tip lines. Educate yourself about the issue by ordering Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children, a gripping account that exposes the dark underworld of the trafficking industry through the stories of those who live there. Available in paperback, e-book, and audio book formats, so you can listen on the road.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. No industry is exempt, and it’s up to all of us to take action. We can’t rely solely on our police departments. It’s time for companies and individuals to step up and do their part. We all travel on our nation’s roads, and with that comes a responsibility to educate ourselves on this national epidemic. Let’s work together to put an end to it.

Sources:

“How Truckers Can Stop Human Trafficking”, American Trucker, Nov.1, 2017.

“More States Signing on to Enlist Truckers Against Human Trafficking”, Trucking Truth, June 24, 2019.

Everything to Know About Being a Company Truck Driver

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company truck driverAs it stands right now, 91% of all truck drivers on the road are company drivers. Since these drivers make up such a huge part of the industry, it’s important to know the pros and the cons of being one. Here’s everything you need to know about being a company driver.  

What is a Company Driver?

A company driver is a truck driver who works under the authority of someone else, usually a trucking carrier or private company.  

How much do Company Drivers Make?

There’s no set salary for a company driver. It all depends on your experience, your location, and what you haul. That being said, there’s a rough estimate that the average company driver in the US makes around $65,000 a year. But don’t get too attached to that number, it can be higher or lower based on the factors mentioned above.  

Pros of Being a Company Driver

Great for Beginner Drivers

If you’re just starting out in trucking, it’s almost a certainty that you’ll be a company driver at first. These jobs are a great way to learn the ropes as a driver without having all the financial risk of being an owner operator.  

Benefits Packages

Health insurance isn’t cheap. As a company driver, you’ll more than likely be able to buy into a health insurance plan offered by your carrier. This means that you can rest easy knowing that you and your family are covered for medical expenses at a reasonable rate. 

Low Risk

As a company driver, there’s little financial risk involved. You don’t have to worry about costs, accounting, and the overall financial health of the carrier you work for. You show up, drive, and collect your paycheck.  

Your home time is yours as well. You’re not spending your free time worrying about cutting your costs or finding the best insurance policy. 

Cons of Being a Company Driver

Less Money… Usually

It’s not a secret that on average, owner operators will make more than company drivers. Instead of the carrier handing you your slice, the whole pie is handed from the customer directly to you.  

Take this con with a grain of salt though. While it’s possible to make a lot of money as an owner operator, you need business savvy as well.  

When you’re a company driver, you have little to worry about aside from getting your haul from point A to point B. As an owner operator, you’re not only doing that but running your own business as well. You need to think about all your costs, including insurance, healthcare, fuel, and more.  

There’s even the possibility that you could be doing everything right as an owner operator, but get blindsided by a hit to the freight market like we saw post-COVID. This is why many drivers spend their whole careers as company drivers. Less money, but less risk as well.  

Less Control

As a company driver, you have little control over what you haul or where you’ll go. Sure, you have options when you’re looking for a job, but once you start, you’re bound to what the boss man tells you.  

This control can sometimes go beyond telling you what to haul and when to haul it. Carriers can put driver-facing cameras inside your cab while you’re driving, put speed limiters on the truck’s engine, and have GPS systems that track every turn the truck makes.  

While some drivers won’t mind this oversight, others might and begin to think about their options setting out on their own as an owner operator.

The bottom line is that if you’re still relatively new to trucking, it’s best to stay as a company driver. Once you feel like you have enough experience under your belt and are financially ready to purchase a truck, then it’s time to consider making the switch.

If you’re looking for a new job as a company driver, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. We match both CDL and non-CDL drivers with jobs that match their qualifications and lifestyle preferences. 

two men in a truck

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Buying a Semi Truck: 4 Tips to Consider

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buying a semi truck
Should you buy new or used? How can you know if it’s really a reliable vehicle? What are my financing options? Buying a semi truck is a big decision, and there’s a lot of factors that go into making it. If you’re thinking about taking the leap to become an owner operator or you’re expanding your fleet, read this list before you buy your next truck.

1. Know Your Specifications and Preferences

The first step for serious semi truck buyers is to know your specifications. Consider what types of loads you want to haul, and find out exactly what your minimum specifications are. Then, don’t even look at trucks that don’t meet those specifications. If you’re not confident in the specifications you will need in your rig, find other drivers in similar roles. Ask them what has worked for them. Verify that the specifications that you’ve seen online are really enough to get the job done. 

Once you’ve met your minimum specifications for your haul type, it’s time to be realistic with yourself. Do you have any strong tractor preferences on vehicle type or features? While there may be some features you will ultimately sacrifice for cost, it’s important to know your personal “must-haves.” You’re going to spend a lot of time in this truck, so don’t waste your money on something you don’t love.

2. Decide New vs. Used

There are pros and cons to both new and used trucks. The choice between the two depends a lot on your needs and preferences as a driver. 

We spoke with Alessandra Szul, President of Flatbush Freight Express about buying new vs. used trucks, and she shared that their decision is based heavily on whether they are financing the truck.

“If we aren’t financing, we typically buy used trucks that have less than 300,000 miles on them (nothing older than 2016) and a flawless maintenance record. It allows us to scale more, hire more drivers, and still have very reliable units that we can easily own outright. If we we’re financing, we’d go with a new truck.”

Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both paths. It’s important to choose the option that allows you to stay financially stable in the short and long term while meeting your goals.

New Trucks

A new truck is arguably a more reliable initial investment. Since you are the first owner, you know the vehicle’s history. The seller will give you detailed information on the vehicle before you decide whether to buy the truck. Also, new trucks won’t require significant replacement parts or maintenance for a while. They may also come with a factory warranty to see you through the first few months or years of truck ownership. If there is a factory warranty, make sure to read the fine print closely to know exactly what is and is not covered and for how long. The biggest downside of a new truck (and it’s no small thing) is cost. New trucks are considerably more expensive than used trucks. For some drivers, the peace of mind may be worth it, but many drivers look for a reliable used truck to reduce the cost. 

Used Trucks

new or used semi truck

The alternative to a new truck is a used truck. Used trucks are less expensive and can be a great option, but pay close attention to details when buying a semi truck. First and foremost, buy from a reputable source. Reputable dealerships should be able to give you a complete history of the truck. Individual owner operators looking to sell a truck can also work well, but we recommend only buying from a trusted driver who you know well.

In either case, it’s a good idea to talk to the truck’s previous drivers if possible. They know the truck better than anyone else. When we asked Alessandra about her criteria for buying used trucks, she shared this advice:

If you’re going used, MAKE SURE you’re buying an extended warranty that INCLUDES critical components coverage. READ the warranties, so you’ll never have any surprises! Also, we recommend going with a certified pre-owned that used to be part of a huge corporate fleet. They usually take care of their vehicles really well and have great records. Ask what hasn’t been replaced, what has been replaced…”

She went on to say,

“The biggest tip is to spend the extra money to get a 3rd party to do an independent inspection and ask for a copy of it. Don’t just take the dealer’s word for it, no matter how “big” of a dealer they are. Spending a little extra for the peace of mind from a fair and honest inspection is well worth the cost. If you’re able to get a full vehicle history and the inspection comes back clean, you probably have a great rig on your hands at a fraction of the “new” price.

Test the Truck

Before you walk off the lot with a new semi truck, make sure you test the truck. You know what a good truck sounds like. Start the engine and do a thorough inspection as you look and listen for anything that seems out of order. Take the truck out for a test drive. Does it handle smoothly? Is there anything in the movement of the cab that could be a sign of trouble below?

Trucker Style Shawn

Trucker Style Shawn

We spoke with Trucker Style Shawn, a truck driver and now fleet owner, and he shared his advice for what to look at before buying a semi truck:

“Get an oil sample so you know you are getting a healthy motor. Replacing wiring, brakes, valves and other items like that all add up, so take that into consideration as well before buying.”

Just as important as truck performance is comfort. Spend some time in the cab. Is it a good fit for you? Is it comfortable enough to spend thousands of hours in? Be honest with yourself about comfort. You might be able to compromise on some features if everything else looks good, but a truck that is not comfortable is not a good investment.

4. Know When to Walk Away, and Know When to Run

If you’re buying a semi truck, you might not buy the first, or even the 10th truck that you look at. Be patient. An investment this big is worth taking your time on. Do your research ahead of time, and create a list of your most important features, specifications, and your price range before you visit a vehicle. This list will keep your priorities front and center – an important thing when you’re tempted by a nice-looking vehicle that doesn’t meet your criteria. 

Trucker Style Shawn left us with this great advice:

“Make sure the truck is ready and able to be driven on the road without worries of failing a DOT inspection. Remember your livelihood is dictated by the truck, if it isn’t healthy your pockets won’t be.”

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The Cost of Not Doing Preventative Semi Truck Maintenance

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semi truck maintenance

As an owner operator, preventative semi truck maintenance is extremely important to not only your truck’s longevity, but your financial health as well. Preventative maintenance can be the difference between paying a couple hundred bucks and a couple thousand for a repair.  

As a company driver, you may be thinking that preventative maintenance isn’t your problem, so it’s something you’re not going to worry about. While It’s true that you won’t be on the hook financially if something goes wrong with a truck, it could end up costing you something even more valuable than money; your time.  

If you notice something is wrong with your truck while doing your pre-trip inspection, let your carrier know immediately. While it might not be an issue for this run or the next one, it’ll become a problem eventually; A problem that could leave you stranded on the shoulder of the highway waiting for a maintenance truck to come.  

Here are the most important things you should be looking at on your truck in terms of preventative semi truck maintenance.  

Semi Truck Maintenance Checklist

Brakes – In terms of road safety, brakes are undoubtedly the most important part of your truck. They can also be one of the most expensive parts to replace. Here’s a helpful video on how to check your brake lining during your pre-trip inspection.  

Tires – if your brakes are the most important thing to do preventative maintenance on, then your tires are a close second. During your pre-trip inspections, look at all your tires to make sure there’s nothing unusual about them, like bulges or cuts. Also, make sure you’re practicing proper tire safety in the winter if you’re going to be driving in the snow. Check out our guide on how to properly chain up your semi-truck tires for more information.  

Electrical System – Your truck’s electrical system should be checked as well during your pre-trip inspection. Do a quick walk around your truck to ensure that all your lights on both your cab and trailer are functional and that there are no cracks in the lenses that house the lights. Also, do a quick check under the hood to make sure all cables and wires are correctly tightened and that there’s no corrosion or strange smell coming from your battery.  

Fluids – Checking your fluid levels and scanning for any leaks before you start a run is another way to practice routine semi truck maintenance. Always keep spare fluids like oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid in your cab so that you can make those quick changes when you need to. This is especially important during the winter months.  

Performing preventative semi truck maintenance on your truck may seem like a lot of work, but once you get into the routine of doing it, it’s just another part of your run. The most important rule is if something seems off with your truck, investigate it. The extra 5-10 minutes you take to do it will be well worth it if it turns out to be a problem that could cost you thousands of dollars if gone unchecked.  

two men in a truck

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Pros and Cons of Being a Tanker Truck Driver

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When someone says they’re a truck driver, some people might think that’s all there is to it. But if you’re a driver, no matter if you’re in your first year or a seasoned veteran, you know that there are many types of driving jobs. Today’s spotlight is on being a tanker truck driver. What do drivers love about hauling tanker trucks? What would they change? Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking about becoming a tanker truck driver.

The Pros

1. Good pay for the industry

Tanker truck drivers average $20.32/hour across the United States. That’s higher than the average hourly wage for many other driving positions. As with any job, pay increases with endorsements and experience.

Some tanker truck drivers may have longer hours. The good news is that most of these jobs are also hourly. If you have a long run, you’ll get paid for your time. 

The pay also depends on the material you haul. Hazmat driving typically earns more because of the experience required and extra job risks. 

2. Good benefits

Not all tankers drive Hazmat, but many do. Because being a tanker truck driver is considered slightly more dangerous than other types of CDL driving, the benefits are also better. Good health insurance, life insurance, and vacation days are all standard for tanker drivers. 

3. Typically short load/unload times

Loading and unloading a tanker truck is done with a big hose. While you might wait for hours to get your dry van or reefer unloaded, you’re usually in and out in 15 – 20 minutes when unloading a tanker. Getting loaded usually takes around 45 minutes. 

4. Many drivers are home every night

Tanker truck jobs are typically regional or local hauls. Frequent home time is a huge perk of being a tanker truck driver. You get to spend more time with your family and stay closer to home while doing a job you love.

If home time is a priority for you, becoming a tanker truck driver might be a great way to be home every night or nearly every night. 

5. Can be no touch freight

As a Hazmat driver, you’re often no touch. Frequently, your clients will take care of loading and unloading, so you don’t have to worry about heavy loads or the liability of handling freight. You may still be hooking up hoses, but you won’t have to tarp a load on a windy day.

The Cons:

1. Driving takes some adjustment time

When driving a tanker truck that isn’t full to the top, there is room for your load to move when you start and stop. This is called “surge.” Basically, if you slow down too quickly, the liquid in your load will be a little bit behind. A moment later, you might feel the liquid slam into the front of the tank. The force can be enough to slide your whole truck forward several feet! It’s challenging at first, but most drivers say they adapt quickly and use safe driving habits.

2. Can be more dangerous than other hauls

If you’re a tanker truck driver, there’s a good chance you’re hauling Hazmat. Whether that’s chemicals, hot oil, gasoline, or something else, it does increase your risk.

Normal activities like checking your load and your driving time can be more dangerous.

Even if you’re hauling food grade or other non-hazardous materials, climbing on top of a tanker truck in icy conditions can be dangerous.

3. Draws more attention from DOT 

While there aren’t any studies that officially confirm this, some drivers report that Hazmat drivers tend to draw more attention from DOT. This also may depend on the reputation of the company you’re driving for and the region you’re driving in.

4. Safety equipment

If you’re a hazmat driver, you will have a few extra safety requirements. A big one is the uniform you wear. If you’re a tanker driver, you typically wear fire resistant coveralls and an H2 monitor as protection from toxic fumes.

If you live in a hot part of the country, it’s not always comfortable, but it’s a small price to pay to keep yourself a little safer.

During load and unload times, you will also wear safety glasses and a helmet with a face shield to reduce your risk. 

The Take Away

As with any job, there are pros and cons to being a tanker truck driver. If home time and good pay are a high priority, this might be the perfect job for you. There are extra risks for tanker truck drivers, but there are also specific rules to help drivers stay safe. Overall, most drivers who haul tanker trucks say they love it and are never going back.

two men in a truck

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