What Does the Future Look Like for Electric Semi-Trucks?

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electric semi-truckManufacturers and the industry at-large are viewing electric semi-trucks as the next big thing, already pouring billions of dollars into the effort. As a driver, you’ve probably heard about this phenomenon but may not know much about the trucks themselves or how they’ll impact the industry. Here’s what the future holds for electric semi-trucks.  

What is an Electric Semi-Truck?

An electric semi-truck is any semi that runs on batteries, specifically lithium-ion-cobalt or ion phosphate batteries. Despite that major difference from a diesel rig, driving an electric semi-truck is more or less the same. Manufacturers also claim that these trucks will cost less to maintain than traditional diesel trucks over the lifetime of the vehicle, and they’ll be much quieter than a standard diesel rig. 

What’s the Latest on Electric Semi-Truck?

Though there are a number of manufacturers out there pumping money into electric semi-trucks, it has yet to take over the trucking industry. That’s not to say that electric trucks only exist in theory right now. Large carriers have already bought electric semis for their fleets and are using them today. Freightliner recently announced that their electric eCascadia trucks have hit a combined one million miles on the road. 

Why are They Being Developed?

Concerns over humans and their impact on the earth have been growing steadily for decades, and many fingers are being pointed at the auto and transportation industries specifically for their heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Manufacturers see the tide turning and want to be on that first wave to capitalize on this new market for electric, sustainable trucks.  

Who are the Big Players?

1. Tesla

Back in 2017, Tesla announced their own electric semi-truck, simply called “Semi” but the trucks have yet to see the road, with the company pushing back production dates multiple times. As of right now, the trucks are set to go into production in 2023. These missed deadlines haven’t stopped companies from placing orders, with Walmart Canada placing an order for 130 trucks in 2021. According to Tesla, the Semi will come in two models, one that can travel 300 miles on a single charge, and one that can travel 500.  

2. Freightliner

Freightliner’s two main electric trucks are the eCascadia and the eM2. The eCascadia is your standard rig, suitable for carrying a 53’ trailer. The eM2 is an electric take on Freightliner’s classic box truck. Both trucks can travel up to 230 miles before needing to be charged.   

3. Volvo

Volvo’s electric semi is called the VNR. The truck is similar to the Freightliner eCascadia but has Volvo’s signature sleek look. According to Volvo, The VNR can travel 275 miles on a single charge, outperforming Freightliner slightly. Volvo recently had the largest order of electric trucks to date come in and aim to have half of the trucks they sell be electric by the year 2030.  

4. Nikola Motors

You’ve probably heard of the other manufacturers, but maybe not this one. That’s because Nikola is a startup company founded in 2014. Nikola states that their electric-semi, the “Tre” can travel up to 350 miles on a single charge. 

Will Electric Semi-Trucks Overtake Diesel?

Probably, but not for a while. Just as electric cars are taking more and more of the market share, it’s plausible that electric semi-trucks will do the same eventually. While they’ll steadily get more and more popular, it’ll be a long time before they overtake classic diesel trucks. 

The biggest reasons are their high sticker price, scarce availability, and OTR limitations. Right now, electric semis are only recommended for last mile and short-haul deliveries, not regional or OTR runs. This is mainly because a nationwide infrastructure of charging stations doesn’t exist for electric semi-trucks yet. 

Even if a carrier does pony up for the cost of an electric truck, it’s not just the truck that will cost you money. There’s a whole infrastructure, including electric grids and charging stations that need to be implemented as well to ensure the trucks will run smoothly. While manufacturers say electric semis will cost less in the long run, those initial costs are just too much for most fleets to justify spending on a new technology. Until these issues are in the rear-view mirror, electric semis won’t be overtaking diesel.  

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Drive My Way Hires Matt Wilson

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Matt Wilson brings digital marketing expertise to Drive My Way as a Digital Marketing Specialist.

matt wilsonDrive My Way announces that Matthew Wilson joins its team as a Digital Marketing Specialist. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Matt brings a background of marketing and visual communication to Drive My Way. As a recent graduate from John Carroll University, Matt has previous experience in radio production, event and project planning, social media coordinating, and digital marketing campaigns.

“We are thrilled to have Matt join our team,” said Kerry Marinchick, Drive My Way’s Marketing Demand Generation Manager. “Matt brings relevant digital marketing and communication experience to Drive My Way and will help us continue to expand our digital footprint in the trucking industry.”

About Drive My Way

Drive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Our driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention.

Drive My Way Hires Kilie Erickson

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Kilie Erickson brings sales, management, and deep industry expertise to Drive My Way as an Account Executive.

Kilie EricksonDrive My Way announces that Kilie Erickson joins its team as Account Executive. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Kilie brings over a decade of experience in driver recruitment and retention to Drive My Way. As both a former driver recruiter and experienced sales professional, Kilie has a unique understanding of the struggles employers face while recruiting drivers and creating innovative solutions. In her previous role, Kilie excelled as the National Recruiting Director at PTS Worldwide. In that position, she fostered driver relationships and streamlined the recruiting and onboarding processes.

“As a professional who has experience in all sides of the industry, we couldn’t be more delighted to have Kilie join our team,” said Beth Potratz, CEO of Drive My Way. “She is the perfect person to welcome prospects to Drive My Way as we help them make hiring personal.”

“Personal connections and meeting the client’s needs are at the foundation of every strong customer relationship.” said Kilie. “Drive My Way is fundamentally changing trucking through meaningful relationships with employers and drivers.”

About Drive My Way

Drive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Our driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention.

Kilie Erickson

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Thank You Truckers! You’re the Real Coronavirus Heroes

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thank you truckers

Truckers move America. Last September, we wrote a piece called, “Imagine a World Without Trucking.” Well, because of the coronavirus, a lot of the United States is grinding to a halt or trying to change gears to work remotely. Thankfully, there’s one group who isn’t slowing down. Truckers, this is for you. 

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU TRUCKERS!

We’ve been with you through job changes when many people didn’t recognize your value. Now, the truth is even more clear—America runs on truckers. From groceries, to medical supplies, to clean water and so much more. We couldn’t keep going without you. Thank you, truckers.

As you put in long hours on the road, here are a few things to help you keep going.  

Finding Food

There is no single list of restaurants that are staying open, but Feed the Truckers has a good list started. If you’re looking for a hot meal on the road, try a Texas Roadhouse or one of these local joints. They’ll bring a takeout order to your truck. Many fast food chains are also allowing drivers to walk through their drive thru window. 

Major truck stops are also doing their part. TA/Petro is still allowing you to reserve showers and place take out orders from Iron Skillets. Pilot/Flying J also has showers and laundry open and all restaurants are available for take out. Love’s travel stops will keep their stores and facilities open, but food is only available as a drive through/carry out order. 

Many local restaurants have also taken to social media to offer parking, restrooms, and food to drivers. The Facebook Page Trucker’s has a lot of offers for help coming in from all parts of the country. From coast to coast, Americans are stepping up to help the drivers who are helping us. 

What food should drivers be eating?

We also spoke to Kristin Kirkpatrick, a nutritionist who has appeared on Dr. Oz and The Today Show. She shares advice for the best food and snacks for truck drivers during COVID-19.

Keeping the Cab Clean

Your cab is your house. Many Americans are on stay at home orders, but your home is cruising the highway at 65 mph. Make sure you have what you need in your truck. To protect yourself from coronavirus as much as possible, take a few extra cleanliness measures.

wash hands

1. Wash your hands (the best one we heard was to “wash ‘em like you were cutting jalapenos and have to change your contact lens!”)

2. Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow (because no one touches their face with their elbow)

3. Avoid contact with others or stay 6’ apart whenever possible

4. Clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially if you’re slip seating. 

Get some gloves and clorox wipes and make sure you clean steering wheels, seats, dashboard, shifter knobs, grab handles, CB microphones, cell phones, ELD screens and buttons, keys, clipboards, tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, cups, desks, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

HOS & COVID-19 Relief Loads

Truck drivers are operating under a Declaration of Emergency. That means hours of service regulations are waived. Since the HOS are not in effect, FMCSA does not require drivers to maintain a logbook. If you are keeping records with an ELD, you can make a note in the record to show that you were driving under the emergency declaration or record the time as “authorized personal use” which you will then need to note as emergency declaration drive time. Your employer may also have a specific policy. The FMCSA has a good FAQ section on what are essential loads and other common questions. Truckinginfo also has answers to common driver questions. 

What if I’m Actually Losing Loads?

Your current work depends on the loads you usually carry. While some truck drivers are working around the clock, others were unfortunately displaced due to the Coronavirus.

If you have been displaced from your job, we have resources to help you navigate the transition. Drive My Way can help you find a new trucking job that matches everything you’re looking for.

We match truck drivers to jobs based on professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences. Search our jobs or give us a call at 800-411-5840. We’ll help you get back on the road.

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Drive My Way Hires Blake McClary

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Blake McClary brings trucking industry expertise to Drive My Way as a Customer Success Associate.

Blake McClaryDrive My Way announced that Blake McClary has joined its team as a Customer Success Associate. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Blake brings extensive experience in customer success, sales, and account management to Drive My Way. In his previous role, Blake served as a Business Account Executive at Worldwide Express, where he designed client operating procedures, retained customers, and coordinated prompt freight arrivals.

“As a customer success and sales professional in the trucking industry, we’re thrilled to have Blake join our team,” said Beth Potratz, CEO of Drive My Way. “We look forward to having him spearhead our strategic channel partnerships and expand our footprint in the industry.”

“After years of experience in the telecom industry with solution implementations and customer success, I moved to logistics for a fresh experience with a vital industry. I am BEYOND excited to begin working for a company that cares about the drivers that are out there acting as the backbone for all American industries,” shared Blake.

About Drive My Way

Drive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Drive My Way’s driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention.

Drive My Way Hires Julie Moran

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Julie Moran brings SaaS technology expertise to Drive My Way as a Customer Success Manager.

Julie MoranDrive My Way announced that Julie Moran joined its team as a Customer Success Manager. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Julie brings over a decade of experience in customer success and customer retention to Drive My Way. As an experienced professional, Julie is dedicated to serving and retaining customers. In her previous role, Julie served as a Proposal Specialist at Medical Mutual and a Trial Manager at Asurint, where she onboarded new clients, nurtured current customer relationships, and collaborated with clients for continued success.

“As a professional who has thrived in the industry for years, we’re thrilled to have Julie join our team,” said Beth Potratz, CEO of Drive My Way. “We look forward to her working with our customers to help them recruit for retention.”

“A successful customer relationship stems from developing and nurturing a personal relationship that revolves around the client’s goals,” said Julie. “Drive My Way is transforming the trucking industry by making hiring personal again.”

About Drive My Way

Drive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Drive My Way’s driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention.

Drive My Way Hires Milan Devic

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SaaS technology professional brings expertise and strategy to Drive My Way as Customer Success Manager.

milan devic

Drive My Way announced that Milan Devic has joined its team as the Customer Success Manager. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Milan brings over 10 years of experience in customer success, process improvement, and customer retention to Drive My Way. An expert in the field, Milan is dedicated to making an impact. In his previous role, Milan served as a Retention/Renewal Associate Manager at OnShift, where he developed, managed, and grew customer relationships.

“Milan’s devotion to customer retention supports our strategy for this year,” said Beth Potratz, CEO of Drive My Way. “We’re thrilled to have him as an integral part of our team and look forward to see his impact on our team, with our customers, and throughout our community at large.”

“Retention starts with developing a personal relationship,” said Milan. “Drive My Way is transforming the industry by focusing on meaningful connections with drivers and employers.”

About Drive My Way

Drive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Drive My Way’s driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention.