As coronavirus cases climb in the United States, Americans are waking up and acknowledging that drivers are essential. For those of us in the industry, the extra media attention on trucking and coronavirus reinforces what we already know. Trucking is the backbone of the American economy and a non-negotiable step in the supply chain. Billy-Big-Rig beware, in the midst of all the praise experts like Brain Fielkow president of JetCo Delivery, warn of a bumpy road ahead. An outpouring of support on social media has made this industry chuck-full of super-charged superheroes overnight. Although, trucking and coronavirus restrictions and precautions with have no-doubt made an already challenging job, much more difficult. An Unpredictable Future Now Unfolding“Coronavirus will likely divide trucking industry’s strong and weak players,” said Fieklow in an interview with Fox Business. “In trucking, you have the haves and the have-nots, and [unfortunately] I think coronavirus is going to divide the trucking industry even more.” When it comes to trucking and coronavirus it might not be the disease that slows industry down, but likely travel restrictions and layoffs. The halo of media attention surrounding trucking and coronavirus has made the driver a public servant, much like nurses. Accolades aside, however, “this pandemic may break weak players.” According to Forbes, KeepTrucking a multi-million-dollar startup “unicorn” is hitting a nosedive after launching its electronic logging devises ahead of new regulations in 2017. CEO Shoaib Makani sent an email to employees announcing layoffs, “of 18% of its global workforces – effective immediately.” Unfortunately, the relationship between coronavirus and trucking is affecting many owner-operations as well. In case you missed it, the majority of American trucking companies are not large organizations but “about 97% of carriers in the U.S. operate 20 or fewer trucks.” In the case of family-owned NWD located in Massachusetts, “business is down almost 60 percent.” In some states, businesses that order from or receive delivery are under heavy restrictions or are under strict Governor’s orders to close down completely. This shortage in loads is leading to an upturn on layoffs throughout the industry. Trucking and Coronavirus: Healthcare Hauls are Saving Grace For Some“If you’re in the right niche however, you might be alright” according to Fielkow. Some companies with hauls involving Clorox, medical supplies and dog food, have their hands full with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Tim McCormick, President, and CEO of FCC, “I’m sure that there are companies that haul different commodities that may not be seeing the increase in demand, but with our customer base, we’re actually having to turn down freight because we just can’t handle it,” he told the Fremont Tribute. For those still driving, players big and small are also facing challenges in the most unconventional places. Precautions happen with simple things like paperwork. Truck drivers handle a lot of it and are now being encouraged to rely much more heavily on electronic devices, like load boards. Drivers aren’t leaving their trucks or use a facility’s restroom. Instead, they conduct business from through their cab window. Ingrid Brown told American Trucker as a result of social distancing her paperwork was wet with Lysol. How Are Trucking Jobs Affected by COVID-19?Right now, we are seeing certain freight demands increasing and others dropping. Although we’re sure these numbers will fluctuate over the next several months, we are all wondering when – or if – the industry will ever return to normal. Once COVID-19 started spreading in the United States and many places went into a stay-at-home order, people were impulse buying. Truckers could hardly haul fast enough to keep the shelves stocked. Once the panic wore off, it seems that now certain supplies are no longer needed – since everyone bought so much in the beginning – while others are sitting going to waste because people are consuming less due to being at home. However, in that first month of COVID-19, from February to March, we saw reefer trucking jobs increase by 135% – the biggest job in job demand that we’ve seen so far. Flatbed jobs increased by 57% and dry van increased by 24%. On the other hand, we saw a slight drop in freight such as car haulers, tankers, and intermodal. Do you have experience in reefer or flatbed trucking? Consider applying to these in-demand jobs! ShutdownsDespite the changing job landscape that trucking and coronavirus have created, we’re unfortunately seeing a bunch of trucking companies close up shop amid a tough economy. Just recently, Action Specialized, formerly known as Stone Trucking Company has shuttered its doors, leaving over 50 employees without jobs. Sadly, this has become a frequent occurrence across the nation as more and more trucking companies are forced to close down amid a declining economy. Rest Stops in Need of RescueAt truck stops and rest areas, drivers are sharing a similar story. According to the Wall Street Journal, “truck-stop restaurants in some states have shut dining rooms and switched to takeout service to comply with health orders aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. Pennsylvania originally closed its state-run rest stops, cutting back significant parking space along key logistics corridors.” Not to mention, the lack of places to eat! Pennsylvania is now, reopening some facilities on a priority basis, but only due to mass protests on social media! They still have nearly half of all state rest areas closed to prevent the spread of disease and non-essential travel. What’s Next? So, what else should truckers be on the lookout for? Well, you’ve probably already heard about the possibility for a second wave, which could put truckers and the industry itself in a tough spot once again. While some states are opting to take a slower approach to opening back up, other states have already opened up retail stores and restaurants, which has created a spike in new cases. Some experts believe that a second wave could peak sometime in the early Fall. Another thing you should keep an eye one is your healthcare. One of the biggest concerns of industry experts is a spike in healthcare costs. Healthcare facilities have actually become hotbeds for COVID-19 cases, which has forced many away from these facilities. Instead, they are opting for telehealth or simply not seeking medical treatment at all. Trucking companies should expect to see a significant impact on healthcare plans. If truckers aren’t actually going to the doctor, or filling subscriptions, this is costing trucking companies thousands of dollars Don’t Forget to Focus on the Positive | Video!Although we admit that things are a little uncertain right now, there are still positive things to direct our attention to. Check out this video to hear five positive things that are happening in trucking right now! Another thing to consider when talking about trucking and coronavirus silver linings is the amount of data that we’ll have on hand. Hindsight is 20/20 and you can rest assured that we’ll be using a ton of this data to plan and prepare for something as disruptive as this in the future. We can also expect some of these guidelines to stay for the foreseeable future. Certain forms that were often signed in-person will be moved online. Even when the virus is not as prevalent, this will help streamline pickups and deliveries and still save time in the long run. Company culture and the overall opinion and perception of truck drivers should also increase. We’re seeing just how valuable truckers are to keep the world running, and we should ideally see truckers compensated and treated accordingly.
BONUS: Podcast | Coronavirus and TruckingWant more information about coronavirus and trucking? Check out our latest Big Rig Banter Podcast! What do you think we truckers should be doing during this crisis? Comment below! Find Trucking Jobs Here
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We’re just over four months into the COVID-19 pandemic. That means we’ve already spent one-third of 2020 dealing with this deadly virus. Some industries ground to a halt, sports leagues across the world found themselves stuck at home like the majority of us. Other sectors, like healthcare, went digital. Patients found themselves in a virtual waiting room and spoke with health professionals via video chat. One industry, however, found itself (pun intended) trucking away as usual. While there were certainly changes in guidelines and regulations, the transportation aspect has remained unchanged. One positive aspect to come out of all of this is the ability to look back and learn. Like any major catastrophe, we’ll learn from it, and become more prepared for the future. As we still battle the virus, it’s important to stop and take a moment and think about the trucking lessons from COVID-19 that we’ve learned. Let’s take a look! Trucking Lessons From COVID-19Truckers are ImportantOkay, okay. You might have laughed out loud reading that first one. However, while it’s obvious to those in the industry that truckers are important, your average Joe might not have fully appreciated what truckers do until now. Could you have ever imagined the pandemonium that a toilet paper shortage could cause? While toilet paper is certainly important, imagine if there was an insulin shortage or water shortage? These catastrophic shortages are prevented by, you guessed it, truckers. Although it may have taken a worldwide crisis, truckers are finally getting the recognition they deserve. “Truckers keep America running,” isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s a fact. Diversify Your SuppliersOne of the trucking lessons from COVID-19 that we quickly learned dealt with the personal protective equipment (PPE). As healthcare facilities and retail stores struggled to supply enough PPE to meet demand, it was quickly determined that a bottleneck in the supply chain was the cause of the shortage. Many stores and healthcare establishments get their products from a single source. While most of the time, this is a non-issue, the rapid increase in demand paired with a single supply chain created a massive shortage that left many without the PPE they needed. So, what did we learn? We need to diversify the people and places that we’re buying from. Essentially, many places we caught with all of their eggs in one basket. Instead, finding multiple suppliers will greatly decrease the chance of a bottleneck and shortage. Consistency is KeyLet’s face it, very few people predicted something like this happening. While of course, a few will say “I told you so,” the fact of the matter is, we were not prepared for a global pandemic of this caliber. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t learn from our mistakes. This wasn’t the first, and it certainly won’t be the last virus to impact the majority of the population. Luckily, one of the biggest trucking lessons from COVID-19 is that we need more consistency. Consistency starts from the top down. While the governmental landscape will continue to change, we should have regulations already in place when it comes to combatting a future pandemic. One of the biggest issues truckers are coming across is the irregularities of state-wide policies. Some states are reopening while others remain quarantined. This is forcing truckers to drive through different states with different guidelines. Not only does this create a ton of red tape, but it puts drivers at risk as they try to keep up with rapidly changing guidelines. These are just a few of the many trucking lessons from COVID-19 that we’ve learned so far. This pandemic doesn’t seem to be disappearing anytime soon. However, that means we’ve still got time to learn and adapt. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from the COVID-19 pandemic? Let us know in the comments below! The post Trucking Lessons From COVID-19 | What We Know appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d Every year, hundreds of lifelong truck drivers grow nearer to their retirement. After clocking thousands of miles driving all across the United States, it comes time to consider what’s next. For many drivers, retiring from trucking is exciting, although it can also bring certain challenges and anxieties. Like many different professions, trucking also requires a significant amount of planning before retirement is within reach. So what are the main things truckers need to know? What’s the typical truck driver retirement age? We’ll discuss that here today! Of course, retirement something most everyone considers at some point, although the earlier you do the better! Although it’s the end of your career, retiring from trucking is the beginning of a new phase of life. According to a Gallup poll, the average age for retirement in the United States is now 61, up from 59 a decade ago. Furthermore, OOIDA states, “Most independent drivers plan on retiring at 67 years of age with the largest majority of them expecting social security to pay for their retirement.” 5 Considerations When Retiring From Trucking:Today, people are waiting several more years to retire and the reasons are simple. Most people aren’t ready to stop working, they need financial security, and the healthcare benefits many company-driving jobs provide are invaluable. As very common thoughts for most retirees, truck drivers end up considering a lot of the same things. For lifelong truckers, this is the only life they’ve known, and the thought of sitting at home, staying stationary is a tough pill to swallow. 1. Financially Secure Enough?For each year spent working, most experts say you should have two to three years of retirement coverage. Being able to cover all of your expenses with enough left over to continue living a healthy and comfortable life are the main goals. So long as your nest egg remains intact until your actual retirement date, you should be in a good place financially. In some trucking company situations, benefits rise an additional 8% for each year you delay taking these benefits between 62 and 70. You might even want to consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure that you’re in a good place before you park your truck for good. 2. Is my Nest Egg Enough?In order to tell whether your nest egg is truly prepared for retirement, you’ll need a balance sheet. This will help you break down your assets and liabilities to determine your net worth. Taking into account all of your personal possessions of value like jewelry, real estate, automobiles, and other valuables helps to determine what non-monetary wealth you have. Generally speaking, figuring out what debt and legal obligations you have to constitute your liabilities. Next, you’ll need to generate a list of your monthly expenditures in order to calculate how much you need to live comfortably each month. Be sure to account for any and all expenses, especially those emergency funds! Budgeting is going to be your best friend as you head into retirement. 3. Estimate Out-of-Pocket Medical ExpensesYears of wear and tear from trucking have probably made you acutely aware of what medical costs you’ll want to consider in retirement. Although it’s incredibly difficult to predict exactly how much money you’ll need to dedicate to medical expenses, this can’t be overlooked. As more and more costs shift to consumers, it could be wise to take a close look at this area of your expenses in the coming years. If you need to get your own private health insurance, you will want to do that research as well. It’s also possible that you can apply for Medicare, depending on your age. 4. Do You Have a Clean Slate?Once retiring from trucking is finally within reach, debt can often put a damper on things… If you have high balances on your credit cards, loans, or any other outstanding debts it might be wise to visit a financial counselor. Discussing objective ways to bring your debt down before retirement is extremely important to lead a sustainable life. In many cases, credit cards usually have the highest interest rates, followed closely by automobiles. If you’re still making payments on your rig, that’s something to need to consider as well. In some cases, selling your rig might be the best option. Most experts will recommend dealing with your mortgage last because it usually has the lowest interest rate. 5. Do You Have Life InsuranceAt the age of retirement, term and permanent life insurance are commonly expensive. If you have the opportunity to purchase this insurance before you actually retire, it’s possible that you’ll get a better rate. If you believe that it’s possible you’ll need long-term care in the future, there is also a specific type of insurance for this. Overall, if you can afford it this type of insurance will cover what’s necessary if you’re unable to provide for your family. A Note on the Driver ShortageIt’s no secret that a driver shortage has put the industry on its heels. One of the biggest reasons for the shortage is simply that drivers are aging out of the industry. Like we discussed above, many drivers are retiring, and the amount of new drivers just isn’t making up for the number of drivers who are leaving the industry for good. These are just some of the main things people retiring from trucking will want to consider. Are you thinking about your retirement? What considerations are you making? Let us know in the comments below! The post Retiring From Trucking | 5 Main Considerations appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d A career spent on the road can get lonely, long, and monotonous. Without a passenger, the next best shotgun-rider to turn to is music. There are hundreds of songs dedicated to life on the road. Music can be relaxing, empowering, and can even help get your blood pumping. Below are a handful of songs that are perfect for your long haul. Check out our compilation of the best trucking songs. Not all of them are about trucking, but they’re all great for listening as you put the pedal to the metal. Best Trucking SongsAC/DC – “Highway to Hell” These Australian rockers have become one of the most popular rock n’ roll outfits to ever grace the stage. Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young create a foot-stomping rhythm for this tune. This is a great song for that last push during your late-night journey. From the opening riff to a solo and fast and as heavy and the reight you’re hauling, this is easily one of the best trucking songs. Dave Dudley – “Six Days on the Road” This classic country ballad has the twang and old-school swagger to appeal to truckers of all ages. Never as big as his peers like Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr. Dave, Dudley would sell over a million records and this hit would lead the way to a successful music career. Country music and trucking go hand in hand. It’s no wonder why this has quickly become one of the best trucking songs out there. Red Sovine – “Phantom 309” A haunting track, the singer-songwriter from West Virginia tells the tale of a singer who is picked up by Big Joe and his rig the Phantom 309. Big Joe drives the hitchhiker through the night and then drops him off at a rest stop in the morning with change to buy coffee. As he’s getting his coffee, the singer is told that Big Joe died years before; he crashed while trying to avoid a school bus full of children. I’m always a fan of songs that tell a story, and this does just that! Roger Miller – “Me and Bobby McGee” Most famously covered by Hall of Famer Janis Joplin, the great Bob Dylan, and original songwriter Kris Kristofferson, Miller’s original recounts the tale of picking up the hitchhiker named Bobby McGee. Together they embark on a journey to California, sharing stories to pass the time. Unfortunately, the song ends when Bobby leaves our singer in search of a more stable life. Alabama – “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” Rounding out a dozen number-one hits for the quartet from their namesake, “Roll On” was a huge hit for truckers in the seventies. In the song, a trucker is coming home to his wife and kids when his rig jackknifes in a blizzard. However, at the end of the song, the family receives a call from the trucker, saying he’ll be home, and tells them to keep rolling on. The southern rockers continue to keep on trucking, touring most of 2016. Who doesn’t like a good trucking story? This trucking tale with a happy ending makes it one of the best trucking songs. Zac Brown Band – “Highway 20 Ride” Inspired by the trip between Georgia and South Carolina to drop off his son at his mother’s house, Brown laments about life on the road and the many pitfalls. The Georgia-born musician reflects on how his son will perceive him as he grows older. I’m sure plenty truckers can relate when it comes to that home and life balance. Grateful Dead – Truckin’ This track from the psychedelic-rock Hall of Famers eventually became a heavy favorite at their shows. It’s not explicitly about being a trucker. However, musicians and truckers bare a variety of similarities that truckers and Dead Heads can bond over. Jerry Reed – “East Bound and Down” Arguably the most popular trucking song of all-time, Jerry Reed wrote this tune for the movie Smokey and the Bandit. It spent 16 weeks on the Billboard charts back in 1977 peaking at number two and has since been re-recorded several times, most recently featured in the hit TV show Archer. This trucker anthem will keep you rollin’ These are just a handful of trucking tracks to accompany you on your travels, what are some of your favorite songs to travel to? Let us know in the comments below! The post TruckTracks: 8 Songs to Keep You Rockin’ and Rollin’ appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d |
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