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 ChecklistBrakes – 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. 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 The Cost of Not Doing Preventative Semi Truck Maintenance appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/K6I52qX
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Truck driving is one of the few careers where you have the chance to work with your spouse. There are advantages and disadvantages to this option, and things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge into truck driving with your spouse. Advantages of Truck Driving with your SpouseMore MoneyOne of the big advantages of driving together is that you have the chance to earn more money. With the current HOS regulations, a solo driver can only drive for 11 hours a day before they need to take a 10-hour break. When there are two drivers in the cab, one can sleep while the other drives. This means that team drivers can cover about double the amount of ground in the same amount of time as solo drivers. Time TogetherAnother obvious advantage of truck driving with your spouse is the time you get to spend together. Truck driving is a unique profession which takes you away from home for long periods of time. OTR drivers have it particularly tough as they may see their family for only a few days before getting back on the road for weeks at a time. Being able to drive with your spouse eliminates this issue. Less Need for Home TimeHome time is a crucial factor that drivers consider before accepting job offers, as many drivers are looking to balance their work and home life. If you’re truck driving with your spouse, this changes the equation entirely. You don’t have to take a local or regional job that may be lower paying in order to have more time with your spouse. Instead of your trucking career being a detriment to your home life, it could provide the chance to reduce loneliness and renew your marriage. Tips for truck driving with your spouseDepending on how you handle it, driving with your spouse can help you reconnect or can drive you further apart. Here are some tips for drivers who are considering hitting the road with their spouse. Have You Worked Together Before?If you two have had any previous experience working together in other professions; what was that like? Did you find your previous experience to be positive? Even if you didn’t work together, you may have worked on shared projects together at home. How is your work style while sharing domestic tasks? Did you have a big argument about which furniture to buy, or how to rearrange the kitchen? If you’ve had positive experiences while making joint decisions, it’s a good indicator that you’ll be comfortable working together behind the wheel. Make Alone Time a PriorityNo matter how much two people love each other, they can get on each other’s nerves if they spend too much time together, especially in cramped quarters. Make sure you both bring plenty of books, music, games, and other activities that can be used alone or in tandem. While your spouse is driving, you may want to be together part of the time, rest for another part, with the option to engage in a solo activity when needed. Still Take Time OffTruck driving with your spouse doesn’t have to be all work and no play! If you’re lucky enough that the arrangement works for you, make sure to get the most out of it. There can still be date nights and lazy afternoons even though you aren’t at home. Since you’re already on the road, get out of the truck and make sure to explore. There are beautiful scenic spots all across the country, and new towns and cities to explore together. You can even document your travels through photography and scrapbooks or engage in a new hobby together. Also, don’t forget the importance of days off. Just because you’re together more often and get more rest, doesn’t mean you don’t need time away from work.
We spoke with Angela, a CDL driver who drives with her husband, Larry. Angela told us about what it’s like driving with your spouse, and what she likes the most and least about it. How long have you two been driving together?
What do you like the most about driving together?
What do you like the least?
Do you have any advice for couples who are thinking about driving together?
Any interesting stories from your time on the road together?
Overall, truck driving with your spouse can offer incredible advantages if you have the opportunity to do it. Being prepared for it and having the right perspective can make the difference between a rewarding experience or a frustrating one. 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 Driving with Your Spouse: What to Know appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/K6I52qX 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 Pros1. Good pay for the industryTanker 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.
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 benefitsNot 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 timesLoading 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 nightTanker 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.
5. Can be no touch freightAs 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 timeWhen 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 haulsIf 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.
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 DOTWhile 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 equipmentIf 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.
During load and unload times, you will also wear safety glasses and a helmet with a face shield to reduce your risk. The Take AwayAs 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. 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.
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What is a Moving Violation?A moving violation is quite simply a violation that occurs while the vehicle is in use. This most often means when the vehicle is actually in motion, but there are some moving violations that can occur with a stopped vehicle as well. MVR vs. PSPWhen you are preparing for a CDL job change, it’s a good idea to check both your MVR and your PSP. They are not the same thing, and employers are likely to check both before moving forward with an in-person or virtual interview. Here are the basic differences:
There are some violations, such as a speeding ticket, that can appear on both an MVR and a PSP. In that situation, the violation is only counted once. Drivers are not double penalized. Both MVRs and PSPs use a point system to indicate a driver’s safety levels. Every violation is assigned a point value and may be weighted by how recently the violation occurred. Then, the point total gives an overall indicator of a driver’s safety record. For an MVR, the specific point values vary by state. PSPs are federally regulated. The bottom line? Low scores are better. What Counts as a ViolationThere is a wide range of things that can be safety violations. Everything from speeding tickets to CSA violations can show up on your record. Some offenses (like speeding 5 mph over the limit) will typically result in only a few points, while others (like an expired inspection sticker) can add quite a few points to your record. There are a few moving violations that can land you an automatic license suspension from the FMCSA. Excessive speeding, leaving the scene of an accident, Drunk Driving and Driving While Impaired (DWI), and criminal conduct are all serious violations that may disqualify you as a professional driver. One of the most important things to realize is that your MVR is not only impacted by your time operating a commercial vehicle. Any violations that you get while driving your personal vehicle will also show up on your professional record. If you see an incorrect citation on your MVR or PSP, you are able to contest it. For an MVR, a good place to start is with your employer. If you believe there is a mistake, they may be able to help correct your record. For a PSP change, use the FMCSA’s website to request a review of a specific citation. You can also ask your employer to advocate on your behalf. They also want their drivers to have clean records to keep CSA scores and insurance costs low. Who Will See My Driving Record?Future employers are the most likely people to check your driving record. Any time you apply for a new job, you can put money on the fact that they’re checking your MVR and PSP. If you have too many violations on file, a company with a high CSA score might consider you too risky to bring on because they can’t afford more incidents. At the same time, a company with really low CSA scores might also say no because they want to keep their scores as strong as possible. As a driver, YOU can also check your MVR and PSP. And you should. Don’t get blindsided by an unexpected citation when you thought you had a clean record. It’s usually quick and cheap to get an MVR from your local DMV. You can get a copy of your PSP for $10 online. Looking at a copy of your MVR and PSP is the only way to be completely confident in what your future employer will see. It’s well worth your time. If you do have violations on your MVR and PSP, don’t assume you are out of the running for a new job. Drive My Way Account Executive and former Hiring Manager, Kilie Erickson shared her perspective:
If you made a mistake, take responsibility. The best drivers also share how they have changed their driving habits to make sure it doesn’t happen again. A good driver isn’t perfect, but they are safety-minded and focused on improvement. Find a Truck Driving JobDrive My Way matches you with a CDL job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post The Impact of Truck Driver Moving Violations on Your CDL appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/8bPtRJa Drive My Way announced that David Gottsman has joined the team as a Senior Account Executive. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences. David has been an account executive for over a decade, helping fleets of all sizes navigate various technology purchases. His knowledge of the industry spans his entire lifetime, as his father held many roles in the transportation industry from shipping manager, company driver and eventually, owner-operator before retiring. David joins Drive My Way as a Senior Account Executive to help some of the nation’s most established fleets achieve their recruiting goals, while helping drivers find fulfilling, long-lasting careers they can be proud of. David holds a Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. He now resides in his home state of Florida with his wife and small dog. He is an avid fisherman and may be spotted from time to time on the cover of Kayak Angler magazine.
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. Comprehensive CDL Recruitment SolutionsReady to start recruiting the right drivers? Our solutions experts are happy to answer any questions and show you how Drive My Way uniquely approaches CDL driver recruitment. The post Drive My Way Hires David Gottsman as Senior Account Executive appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/bxOARVu Drive My Way announced that Mike Scansaroli has joined their team as the Director of Integrated Marketing. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences. Mike graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. The central theme of his 22 years in marketing has been working with products and services that help people improve their lives. He currently resides in Central Florida and enjoys the outdoors as we as raising tropical fish.
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. Comprehensive CDL Recruitment SolutionsReady to start recruiting the right drivers? Our solutions experts are happy to answer any questions and show you how Drive My Way uniquely approaches CDL driver recruitment. The post Drive My Way Hires Mike Scansaroli as Director of Integrated Marketing appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/bxOARVu For truck drivers, the path to increased earnings comes with experience and endorsements. Endorsements are special designations given to certain truck drivers so that they can drive specialized types of vehicles or haul materials that are dangerous or difficult to haul. Two of the most popular endorsements are the “N” and “X”. Here’s what you need to know about those endorsements including their requirements, differences, and the jobs you can get with them. Are There Different Tanker Endorsements?Yes, there are two different tanker endorsements. The “N” endorsement allows drivers to haul a tank trailer. The “X” endorsement also allows a driver to haul a tank trailer with HAZMAT material inside. This means that the “X” endorsement is really just a combination of the “N” and “H” (HAZMAT) endorsements. “N” EndorsementThe “N” endorsement allows a driver to haul a tank or “tanker” full of liquid or gaseous materials that the FMCSA doesn’t consider dangerous. These jobs are often higher paying and usually are local or regional runs, so you’d have more home time than some other jobs. A tanker truck driver needs to be able to adjust to having his cargo constantly moving around if the tank is not full. Dealing with the “surge” caused by the movement of the liquid in the tank while driving takes some practice and skill development. “X” EndorsementThe “X” endorsement allows a driver to haul large loads of liquid or gaseous HAZMAT cargo inside of a tanker. Having an “X” endorsement even further separates these drivers and their skill sets from the rest. If a driver has any plans to be in the gas and oil hauling business, an “X” endorsement will certainly be required. What are the Requirements for an “N” or “X” Endorsement?As of right now, all that’s needed to secure an “N” endorsement is to take an additional written knowledge test. This can be done at a testing location in your state. Visit your state’s DMV/BMV for more information on where to test and what information the test will cover. Because of the dangerous nature of hauling HAZMAT liquids and gases, obtaining an X endorsement is a little more involved. In addition to passing a written test, you need to pay for and pass a TSA background check as well. These requirements are on top of what’s required to hold a CDL A. What are the Benefits of Getting an “N” or “X” Endorsement?More OpportunitiesCompanies that haul any type of liquids or gases will require drivers to have either an “N” or “X” endorsement. By securing that, you’re already opening yourself up to a number of high-paying jobs that many truckers can’t get into. More MoneyDrivers with additional skills and endorsements often find that they are paid more than drivers without. Driving a tanker requires additional safety skills due to the unstable nature of hauling liquids. Therefore, drivers with tanker endorsements are many times some of the highest paid truckers on the road. The payoff of seeing those paychecks increase certainly outweigh the up-front costs to pay for a tanker endorsement and training. Getting your “X” or “N” endorsement can be very beneficial to any CDL truck driver, regardless of what career stage they’re in. With a tanker endorsement, the job pools is bigger, the pay is likely higher, and overall earning potential as a trucker increases. If you’re looking for tanker truck driving jobs, you’re in luck. Drive My Way partners with carriers who have open tanker positions for drivers with “N” and “X” endorsement. Complete your driver profile below, and be sure to include that you have that endorsement. We can match you to a great new job that best fits your lifestyle and driving preferences. Find a Tanker CDL JobWe match you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post Should I Get an “N” or “X” Tanker Endorsement? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/Qj4oC76 Some truck drivers love being on an empty highway at night, while others prefer to do their hauling during the daytime. No matter which you prefer, most truck drivers will put in their fair share of night driving at some point in their career. Depending on what you drive, what you’re hauling, and who you drive for, night shifts might be your normal routine, or something you only do once in a blue moon. If you’re a new driver looking for information about what it’s like to drive at night, here are 7 things you should know about night truck driving. 1. Your body’s natural rhythms are at a lullMost people’s energy level and alertness will drop during the late night and early morning hours. If you stay up throughout the night consistently, your body will eventually adjust to the change, it just takes a while. While you’re in that period of adjustment, it’s important to do whatever you can to stay alert. Caffeine can help, but overreliance on it can cause its own issues. Consider listening to an audiobook or podcast to keep your mind active and engaged. A good diet and exercise can also help your body adjust to night driving faster. 2. Your visibility is weakenedHumans don’t have great night vision. When the sun goes down, your peripheral vision weakens, and you won’t be able to see as far ahead. This can make it hard to see animals that jump out at the last minute or other obstructions in the road. It also means your response time to other drivers and events on the road is likely to be a little slower. This is why you should leave yourself extra space whenever possible. The normal stopping distance that trucks need during good weather conditions is around 370 feet. When you’re driving at night, try and give yourself even more than that, closer to 600 feet. 3. Traffic is usually lighterMuch of the world operates during the day, so if you’re night driving, you will rarely have a problem with traffic. That said, the other drivers who are out are also at a low point of alertness. Keep your distance and drive defensively. You never know what other kinds of drivers are on the road. 4. Deliveries can be more dangerousAt night, there are fewer people around, and you’re more likely to run into bad characters. Some drivers say this is especially true in urban areas when you’re making a delivery. Always stay alert and take every precaution you can if you need to get out of your cab. If you’re traveling to a new area, try to learn what you can about the drop before you go. Street view on Google maps is a great resource to see exactly where you’re going. 5. You’re on your ownMost dispatchers and customers aren’t operating 24/7. This means less after-hours assistance if you run into trouble or need last-minute directions to the customer. If you’re an independent driver who loves being self-reliant, this most likely won’t be an issue for you. If you’re a new driver, don’t let this scare you. As long as you’re sufficiently prepared and keep a few essential tools in your cab, you’ll be good to go. 6. Parking options are betterNight drivers aren’t competing for parking in the same way that other drivers are during the day. Most of the time, you won’t need to dock early or plan your route around the places you know you can stop. That can be a huge time saver (not to mention the headache you avoid!). If you do need to look for parking or gas, try TruckerPath or GasBuddy to get you where you need to go. 7. You should keep your windshield, headlights, and mirrors cleanGlare can be a big problem for night truck driving. Luckily, a little glass cleaner and elbow grease usually does the trick. Reducing glare from your mirrors and windshield will go a long way toward increased your visibility and keeping you safe. Similarly, try not to look closely at oncoming traffic. The bright white lights will temporarily impair your vision. Look slightly down and to the right (or at the white road line) to avoid the negative effects. Like everything, night truck driving has its pros and cons. Having less vehicles on the road is a huge pro for many drivers, but it comes at the cost of increased danger. There are three times as many crashes that happen during night as opposed to during the day. If you’re ever in a position where you feel that you’re not sure if you can stay awake, pull over immediately. No load or deadline is worth your life or the life of other drivers 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 7 Things to Know About Night Truck Driving appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/Q6MXtvB |
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