Truck driving is a dangerous profession. Getting behind the wheel of a 15-ton semi always presents risks, especially when the roads are crowded or there’s inclement weather. But, there are other parts of the on the road lifestyle that can present dangers as well. Stopping at truck stops and rest stops, especially at night, can lead to situations where drivers don’t feel safe. Almost every experienced driver has a story of when something went wrong or almost went wrong at one of these stops. For many of these drivers, taking precautions to protect themselves is what got them out of these situations safe and sound. Here are a few different ways to practice truck driver safety while stopping on the road. Limit Night Stops if PossibleWhile this isn’t always possible for OTR and regional drivers, limiting rest area stops at night is the best way to protect yourself on the road. When you do have to stop at a rest stop, avoid stopping at the nearest truck stop. Instead, do some research on the best ones on your route. Apps like Trucker Path can show you reviews of truck stops left by truckers before you. Before you hit the road, plan out where you’ll stop so you can avoid sketchy or poorly reviewed stops. If you do have to stop at a rest area, avoid leaving your cab unless you really need to. Watch for Dangerous SpotsThe same rules that apply to parking garage and parking lot safety also apply to truck stops. If you need to get out of your cab at night, there’s a few different things you can do to be as safe as possible. The first is to avoid walking directly next to a trailer or between two trailers. These areas are the perfect spot for someone to lay in wait if they wanted to. Also, try and avoid walking directly next to corners if you can help it. Having a flashlight or even better, wearing a reflective piece of clothing while getting out of your truck could be the thing to dissuade would-be attackers. If something were to happen, you’d be much easier for a passerby to spot if you’re wearing something neon yellow as opposed to black or brown. Arm Yourself (Legally)When people talk about protecting themselves, one thing usually comes to mind; firearms. While many drivers do prefer to carry while in their vehicle, there are some things you should be aware of if you plan on doing the same. To have a firearm in your cab, you’ll first need to obtain a concealed carry permit. This isn’t too hard for local drivers since they’re usually only driving intrastate, but for OTR or regional drivers, this is where carrying a firearm can be legally dicey. The issue is that since you’ll be crossing state lines, you need to make sure your concealed carry permit is valid from state to state. There isn’t nation-wide reciprocity, so the CC permit that you have in Missouri may not be valid the second you cross into Illinois. You can view this map to see which states a concealed carry permit is valid in. Aside from guns, there are any number of other things a truck driver could use to defend themselves if they needed. Think of things you probably have in your truck right now; wrenches, padlocks, hammers, tire iron, etc. Any one of these items could be used to defend yourself in a pinch. If you don’t have anything like those, doing something as simple as carrying your keys or some other sharp object between your fingers in a fist could be the difference between being a victim or not. Crime will always be a part of life, but that doesn’t mean that truck drivers have to be on the receiving end of it. Avoiding possibly dangerous situations, being aware of your surroundings, and staying prepared are your three best defenses as a truck driver on the road. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more. The post Truck Driver Safety: Protecting Yourself on the Road appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/Rmi2hsQ
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If you’ve recently passed the CDL driving test, you know the relief, pride, and satisfaction that comes along with it. Truck driving can be a great career, and if you’re thinking about becoming a driver, passing the CDL driving test is your first step. Here’s what you need to know to pass the CDL test with flying colors. What Does the CDL Test Consist of?It’s different in every state, but all tests will consist of a written knowledge test and a driving test. In some states, the written test is taken to get your CDL permit, while in others it’s taken to get your actual CDL. The driving test goes by different names state to state, but will always consist of some combination of these; pre-trip inspection, basic skills (or backing), and road skills. 1. Study, Study, StudyLike with any test, the best way to pass the CDL test is to study. Every state has some sort of guide or study material for their CDL test. There are a lot of websites that may ask you to pay for a study guide, but you can usually find a free version on the state’s D/BMV website. Once you’ve got your study materials, you’ll need to set a study schedule for yourself. Choose a target date to take the test and then spend a little time studying every day, preferably the same time every day so you can get used to the routine of it. Also, be realistic about the date you choose. You’ll want to be fresh for the test and stay motivated, so choose something relatively close. That said, make sure you give yourself enough time to properly study. For most people, 2-3 weeks is a good timeframe. Once you get to know the material, start taking practice tests. Many states offer free practice tests on their website. There are also third-party sites like Trucker Country that allow practice tests. Drivers can take a generalized test for a CDL license or practice tests that are for a specific endorsement. These practice tests are a great way to test your knowledge and find any areas that need more studying. But, just be aware that the CDL test is a little different based on what state you are in. Make sure you get a copy of the study guide from the state where you’ll be taking the licensing test. 2. Demonstrate Technical ExpertiseWith the written portion of the CDL test done, it’s time to show off your driving skills. First and foremost, make sure you know the truck. The last thing you want is to try and make a simple air vent adjustment and be fumbling with the buttons. With the evaluator watching, even routine adjustments can feel like they have a lot of pressure. Know the inside of the cab like the back of your hand. Aside from knowing the inside of your cab, there are a few skills that you absolutely have to get right to pass the CDL driving test. Some of them are obvious — don’t stall and no shifting at intersections. Others are skills that you may need to be more conscious about. For example, it’s very important to use proper exit and entry techniques when you are getting in and out of the truck. Similarly, train yourself to notice weight limit signs as you’re driving. An examiner may ask you about a posted weight limit sign shortly after you’ve passed it. You need to know what it said. Any time you are driving, even in a personal vehicle, try to notice details on the road like weight limit signs. We spoke with new CDL driver Brittany, and she shared this advice:
3. Make the Basics ObviousWhen you take the CDL driving test, it’s easy to focus on the things that will be challenging, but don’t forget the basics. These are the things that are probably almost second nature to you, and you do them any time you drive. Keep two hands on the wheel. Check your mirrors and scan regularly. Signal all lane changes. Keep an eye out for speed limit signs and make sure you’re driving a few miles per hour under the speed limit. All of these are common sense basics, but make a point to make these obvious when you take your licensing test. 4. Beyond PassingMake sure you know the automatic failure points so you can avoid them, but set your sights higher. Don’t focus on just barely passing. When you are in the cab with the evaluator, remember to stick to your purpose. You’re not in the cab to make friends, so don’t get too chatty. Some evaluators may consider this distracted driving. Above all, stay calm even if you make mistakes. You will likely encounter at least one small unexpected surprise while doing the CDL driving test. Take in the new information and keep moving forward. If you made a mistake, fix it for the next time. A calm personality and the ability to respond well to unexpected changes are key for drivers. Demonstrating that skill in a road test will impress your evaluator and give them confidence in your ability to be on the road professionally. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more.
The post Tips for Passing the CDL Driving Test appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/Rmi2hsQ Drive My Way announced that Elijah Cramer has joined their team as a Sales Account Executive. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences. Elijah has over six years of experience in the driver recruiting/retention sector of the trucking industry. During his time, he’s helped industry leaders formulate best practices that focus on improving the relationship and onboarding process between drivers and carriers. Lance Pshigoda, Vice President of Sales with Drive My Way had this to say about the hiring,
Starting in the industry in 2016, Elijah has leveraged his connections with social media outlets, background check providers, leading applicant tracking systems and now Drive My Way to help multiple carriers’ level up their driver recruiting teams.
About Drive My WayDrive 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. IT’S TIME FOR SOMETHING NEWStart Recruiting for RetentionDrive My Way partners with employers to help them recruit for retention. Book a meeting with Lance Pshigoda to discuss how Drive My Way is making driver recruiting personal again. The post Drive My Way Hires Elijah Cramer as Sales Account Executive appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/HU9MdB0 Nobody likes detention. Not the carrier, not the shipper, and definitely not the truck driver. But, since detention is such a universally disliked part of the trucking industry, why does it happen so often? Here’s what truck drivers need to know about detention delays and detention pay. What is Detention Pay?Detention Pay is what a driver earns after waiting at a shipper or receiver for an extended period of time. This detention pay will usually come out of the shipper’s end, with the carrier charging a detention fee for however long one of their drivers has to stay at a location. There is usually an agreed upon grace period (usually 2 hours), but anything over that and the shipper will have to pay. What’s the Point of Detention Pay?If a truck driver’s not moving, they’re not earning. Without detention pay, a driver being stuck at a shipper or receiver for four hours means they’ve just lost four hours of income. Aside from this financial aspect, no driver wants to be sitting around waiting for hours on end when they could be on the road getting to their next stop or getting home. Detention pay is a great step to help drivers mitigate some of the financial loss from waiting, but ideally the driver wouldn’t wait at all. Why Causes Detention Delays?The biggest reason for detention delays is poor logistics on the part of the shipper. Everything from an inefficient process for loading and unloading, too few hands helping out in the yard, or lack of space for trucks can lead to long detention times. The ELD mandate has given carriers better data around driver detention time. According to a study done by Zipline Logistics, carriers are starting to become more selective in which shippers they do business with, and more and more are refusing to go to certain shippers that have a reputation for long load and unload times. But as we all know, the logistics chain is a long and messy one. Shippers can do everything right and there could still be some issue that leaves the driver waiting for an extra X hours. Having drop and hook appointments instead of live loads will generally mean less wait time for drivers, but this isn’t always the case. How Much Do Drivers Get Paid for Detention?The amount paid for detention varies carrier to carrier but is usually around $20-30 per hour. Most companies start detention pay after two hours of waiting, but some start it as early as one hour. How Can Drivers Get Detention Pay?It used to be that few carriers offered detention pay for drivers. But as carriers are finding it harder to hire and retain drivers, more and more are offering detention pay as a way to attract top driver talent to their company. If you’re looking for a new CDL job, always check the job description for any mention of detention pay. If there’s nothing in the description, ask the recruiter or HR manager when you talk and get a firm answer. Even if the job description does mention detention pay, still ask them about it just so there’s no confusion later on down the road. If you’re an owner operator, you’re able to get detention pay as well. Just make sure the contract specifies detention time, your rate, grace period and any other pertinent information before you sign it. If you don’t get it in writing, there’s a strong chance you won’t get detention pay. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more. The post What is Detention Pay and Why Does it Matter? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/VhrtXyA Truck driving isn’t a one size fits all type of job. Drivers have choices for everything from the kind of freight they haul, how far they drive, and where they drive. But before they decide if they want to haul dry van or hazmat, or run OTR or local, they need to make two decisions first; Whether they want to drive under their own authority and what kind of trucking carrier they want to drive for. Here’s a breakdown of the difference between company drivers, owner operators, and lease purchase drivers as well as private and for hire carriers. Company DriversCompany drivers work as employees under the authority of a trucking company. This arrangement is where most truck drivers fall. The biggest benefits of being a company driver are the health benefits and lack of financial investment on the part of the driver. As an owner operator, drivers must cover the cost of their truck, any maintenance to it, their own insurance while on the road as well as their own health insurance. For many drivers, especially those who are new to the industry, these costs are too much to manage, which is why they stick to company driving. Not all carriers who hire company drivers are the same. They break down into two main categories; private and for hire carriers. Private CarriersThese are companies that have a private fleet of vehicles to transport their own goods. While for hire carriers make their money solely by transporting goods, private carriers don’t. They’re larger companies that make their money in other areas, usually by selling the goods they transport themselves. Some notable examples of private carriers would be big box retailers like PepsiCo and Tyson foods. These companies have their own trucks and drivers and don’t rely on for hire carriers to transport their goods for them. Most national companies that transport goods around the country will have a private fleet. For Hire CarrierFor hire trucking carriers transport freight for a number of different customers. The business model for for-hire carriers centers around transporting goods. There are two main types of for hire carriers; common carriers and contract carriers. Common carriers offer their services out to the general public. This means they can transport goods for private citizens as well as businesses, usually in a one-time only arrangement. Some examples of common carriers would be final mile delivery services or LTL carriers. Contract (or dedicated) trucking carriers work with specified customers for a set period and rate that is all agreed upon in a contract. This is an option usually for larger companies that don’t want to worry about managing their own private fleet. Lease Purchase DriverTruck drivers can make a lot of money bring an owner operator, but the initial costs associated with it can be too much for many drivers. This is where lease purchase programs come into play. Certain trucking carriers offer drivers the option of purchasing their own truck from them via a series of lease payments. These drivers then drive for the company for a set period of time, while making lease payments on the truck back to the company. In addition, the driver usually assumes all responsibility for maintenance and up-keep of the truck as needed. At the end of the lease, the driver completes the terms and will then own the truck. For a driver looking to bridge the gap between being an employee and an owner operator, it’s worth a look to see if a lease purchase program is right for you. These types of programs can put you on the fast track from driver to owner. Owner OperatorAn owner operator is a truck driver who owns (or has financed) his or her own truck and drives under their own authority. Generally speaking, drivers will only become owner operators after years of experience on the road working as a company driver. We’ve already talked about the costs associated with being an owner operator, so why do so many drivers do it? Experienced, financially savvy drivers can make a lot of money as an owner operator. Aside from that, owner operators have total freedom in who they haul for, where they’ll go, and when they’re home. If you’re an experienced, financially stable driver with a solid home life, there’s nothing stopping you from becoming an owner operator. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more. The post Which Type of Trucking Carrier Should You Drive For? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/tpJNBXS |
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