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
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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 Everyone has an opinion about truck driving and whether it’s a good or bad career, but ultimately, it’s your decision. Will you rely on uninformed opinions or do your research? Use this truck driving career advice to make a wise decision that’s best for you. Top 6 pieces of truck driving career advice for smart driversReflect on your whyIf you’re planning to start or grow in your career as a truck driver, it’s important to consider why. It could be as simple as earning a good living or supporting a family, but maybe there’s more to it. Before getting lost in the weeds of the how and what, focus your approach by pausing to reflect on why you’re doing it. Be sure you know the basics.Once you’ve got your why figured out, turn to how. You wouldn’t build a house without a foundation, and the same is true with a career. Start with the fundamentals:
Making sure you’re qualified and don’t encounter any clear deal-breakers could save you from wasting time thinking through the next pieces of truck driving career advice. Evaluate your pros and cons.Is truck driver a good career? Take a deeper look at the pros and cons of a trucking job to find out, including:
Your list custom to your needs will determine how you … Compare companies.Once you know why you’re taking the next step into a trucking career, how to do it and what you really want out of it, it’s time to explore who you might do it with — what is the best trucking company to work for? AllTruckJobs offers one of the most comprehensive trucking company directories. Once you find a few companies that interest you, be sure to explore trucking company reviews to see how they line up with your why, how, and what research. Just make sure you also … Look beyond the basics to evaluate the whole package.Every trucking company puts its best foot forward. Maybe one offers the highest cents per mile, but can they guarantee enough miles to make it worth it? Read the fine print, ask the hard questions — look at the whole picture to make sure you’re making a truly informed decision. You’ll want to consider total compensation, freight characteristics, realistic home time, equipment specs, company track record, and any other factors that fit on your pros and cons list. Talk to real drivers.Once you’ve done your homework, the best way to confirm or challenge your suspicions is to talk to truck drivers doing the work. Not sure about a certain company or career consideration? Find a couple of drivers who already work there and have been where you are. Of course, their why pros and cons and preferences may differ from yours. So any truck driving career advice you consider needs to be filtered through your needs. It’s ultimately your decision! Author: Schneider Schneider has been a leader in the trucking industry since 1935, offering a wide variety of truck driving jobs throughout the country that allow you to pick your freight type, number of drivers, and driving style. Schneider offers a multitude of pay packages, benefit offerings, home time configurations, leading equipment, and military-specific benefits. The post Underrated Truck Driving Career Advice to Avoid Bad Decisions appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d We’re about four months into the coronavirus outbreak and it’s certainly changed the landscape of almost every industry. We’ve written multiple blogs on the impact that the virus has had specifically on the trucking industry. From the changing job trends, to the guidelines and procedures for interacting with others outside of your rig, it’s no secret that we’re in uncharted water. One of the most recent changes has created quite a stir within the trucking community. Just recently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has modified a variety of hours of service changes in order to help drivers during this pandemic. While some see this has a good thing, others are not so sure. Below we’re going take a look at some of these hours of service changes that will affect drivers. Hours of Service ChangesThese hours of service changes have certainly left the industry divided. While some see these new changes as more lenient, others fear they will increase the chance of dangerous driving. These rules could change as early as September of 2020. The 30-Minute BreakOld Rule – The old rule regarding the 30-minute break says that truckers must take a 30-minute break in off-duty status within the first 8 hours of duty. This was implemented for driver safety and to prevent drivers from working long periods of time. Previously, drivers often would skip over this break in order to gain those extra miles, and extra money as well. New Rule – The new rule change would allow drivers to take their 30-minute break in on-duty, non-driving status within the first 8 hours that they are working. This will allow truckers to make money from that 30-minute break and will ideally encourage drivers to incorporate the 30-minute break into his or her day. Off-Duty SplitsOld Rule – The old rule states that drivers are allowed to break up their off-duty splits into eight and two. This means that drivers can use the 10-hour off-duty split and use the 2-hour split to count against the 14-hour clock. This gave drivers at least a little flexibility when it came to using his or her off-duty time. Essentially, this ensured that you were at least getting 8 hours of rest between driving. New Rule – This new rule provides a little more leniency when it comes to the off-duty split. On top of the eight and two splits, drivers can instead use a seven and three splits, and neither shift counts against the 14-hour clock. This will provide more flexibility when it comes to being off-duty. Adverse ConditionsOld Rule – During adverse conditions, drivers can add two hours onto their 11-hour drive time, but they can’t add the two hours to the 14-hour on-duty clock. This was put in place to prevent drivers from losing money while stuck in adverse conditions. New Rules – The new rules allow drivers to add two hours to both their drive time and on-duty clock. This gives a little more flexibility and gives drivers the opportunity to essentially “make up for lost time” when driving in adverse conditions. Short-Haul ExemptionsOld Rule – Drivers working within 100 air-miles of their work base can work with no records of duty status and have a 12-hour on-duty limit. New Rule – Arguably the most significant change proposed, drivers, working within 150 air-miles of their work base are allowed to work with no duty status records. They also have a 14-hour on-duty limit. Made in part to help the growing demand for essentials. This gives local drivers the ability to log more hours. What do you think of these new hours of service regulations? Do you think they are helping or hurting drivers? Comment your opinion below! The post Hours of Service Changes | The Coronavirus Impact appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d If you are new to trucking, (or simply need a quick refresher course) here are the major offenses, traffic violations, and other revocations that all drivers NEED to know. CDL suspensions can bring your trucking career to a grinding halt, and in some cases, end your career altogether. There are numerous ways that a trucker can get his or her CDL suspended. From reckless driving to failing a drug test, drivers can lose license in a number of ways. Below we’ll take a look at some of the various violations that can cause CDL suspensions. The Lowdown on CDL SuspensionsNo matter the state that you currently reside or plan to move to all of your commercial driver’s license (CDL) information is transferred. This means that your violations will follow you. The information that will be transferred is anything ranging from violations, driving history, and other offenses that are on your record. This is why it’s so important that you keep your record clean. Your permanent residence will be notified of any offense that occurs outside of your home state. Many drivers will say that your CDL is your golden ticket to an industry with great job security. Given the current climate, job security is certainly something to strive for. Major Offenses Include:
For any grouping of the above offenses, you can either be charged with a first offense or a second offense; which can determine how long your CDL is suspended for. First offenses result in the removal of your license for one year, whereas a second offense results in your license taken away for life. This basically means that two strikes and you’re out, for good. All of these offenses are putting both your life and the lives of others in danger, which is why the punishment is so severe when it comes to CDL suspensions. Traffic Violations:
Within a three-year period if two traffic desecrations are committed you will lose your CDL for 60 days. Within a three-year period if three traffic desecrations are committed then this will result in losing your license for 120 days. These seem like small offenses, but they can quickly add up. Just a few violations and you’ll find yourself without a job. It’s often difficult for truckers to find a new trucking job as well with violations and CDL suspensions on his or her driving record. Sleep Apnea CDL SuspensionOne other CDL suspensions that you can expect to see is one for sleep apnea. Many drivers don’t know that doctors actually have the ability to take away a driver’s CDL. Driver’s suffering from sleep apnea can before a driving risk. Sleep apnea causes driver’s to become fatigued, and the chances of falling asleep behind the wheel become greatly increased. There are also railroad crossing violations that need to have the necessary attention as well as all of the other violations. Be safe on the roads and drive straight so that any of these CDL suspensions do not happen to you! Have you had your license suspended or know someone who’s had their CDL taken away? Let us know in the comments below! The post A Refresher Course in CDL Suspensions appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d We know you’re tired of reading about it, or listening to it, or even seeing it. It’s no secret that the coronavirus has completely changed how our society functions. Entire industries have been turned upside-down by COVID-19, and it’s looking like “normal” is still far from the horizon. We’ve already taken a look at how the Coronavirus is impacting the industry. From a decrease in drivers to more and more regulations when it comes to picking up and dropping off freight, this virus has affected all drivers. However, we think it’s important to look at the logistics of the virus. We’re talking about the entire process of driving, picking up freight, visiting weigh stations, the whole nine yards. Your company most likely already regulations in place, but below we’re going to point out a few tips for trucking through a pandemic. Trucking Through a PandemicThe Cab EssentialsLet’s first start with what you’re keeping inside your rig. When you’re trucking through a pandemic, the buzzword is gonna be “sanitization.” It’s a mouthful, but it’s going to be what keeps you happy and healthy. You’re going to want things to sanitize both your rig and yourself at all times. When you leave your rig, whether it be to unload your haul, use the restroom, or simply stretch your legs, you’re going to want to sanitize when you get back in your cab. We recommend getting some sanitary wipes to wipe down the inside of your rig when you return. You should be wiping the entirety of your cab if possible, with special attention to your door handles, steering wheel, and ELD. The virus can remain on surfaces for quite some time so it’s important that you’re disinfecting. We also recommend having hand sanitizer on hand as well. While you should still be wearing gloves (more on that later), it’s still a good idea to have sanitizer on hand. The WearablesNow let’s venture outside your rig. No, you don’t need a gas mask and a spacesuit. However, there are a few essentials that you should be wearing at all times when you’re outside your rig. First, we recommend that you wear gloves. Rubber gloves that you can buy in bulk are essential when traveling through a pandemic. It’s nearly impossible to go about your workday without touching things or interacting with people. These gloves add yet another layer of sanitary precautions. The second thing you should be wearing is a mask. Ideally, you want a medical N95 mask. However, with dwindling supplies, you can use cloth masks like a bandanna as well. These two wearables should always be on hand when trucking through an epidemic. Person-to-Person EtiquetteAnother thing to consider when trucking through a pandemic is how you’re interacting with people while you’re working. Most companies will have regulations in place to limit the amount of person-to-person contact. These regulations will include zero-contact loading and unloading. Many companies are asking truckers to remain in his or her rig during the loading and unloading process. Forms that usually need to be signed in-person are now going digital. You might be asked to sign-off on something online or they might even waive the signature altogether. When trucking through a pandemic, it’s important to be aware of the new guidelines that both your employer and other businesses that you’re interacting with. Eating establishments have also changed. Many truckers have become frustrated with the lack of eating options on the road. While this is extremely unfortunate, we recommend keeping non-perishable food items in your rig in case you can’t find a place to stop. What are some steps that you and/or your company is taking to stay safe and healthy while out on the road? The post A New Road | Trucking Through a Pandemic appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d Does the new law on DOT physical sleep apnea for truck drivers have you confused? Join the club! Drivers don’t know if they have to get sleep apnea testing, and, if diagnosed, whether they can still drive. There’s a lot of maybes and what-ifs involved in answering these questions, but let’s try to get some facts clear. Got your CDL? Apply today for trucking jobs across the U.S. For starters, there is no new law on DOT physical sleep apnea for truck drivers. As it stands today, the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, does not require sleep apnea testing for truck drivers. However, DOT does require that truck drivers get a medical examination in order to hold a CDL license. The medical examiner is the one who decides if the driver needs sleep apnea testing. DOT says that it’s up to your medical examiner whether or not your medical condition will interfere with your driving. If diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea, you are considered unsafe to drive and will lose your CDL until you’re treated for sleep apnea and deemed safe to drive again by your medical examiner. Essentially, whoever examines you during your CDL physical will determine your sleep apnea status, and therefore, your ability to safely drive. That seems pretty straightforward, right? So, why all of the confusion? Lack of a New Law on DOT Physical Sleep Apnea Arouses ConfusionThe confusion stems from the fact that government officials can’t make up their minds. Last year DOT planned to pass a new law on DOT physical sleep apnea that would require sleep apnea testing for drivers. Medical examiners, carrier employers, and drivers hoped that a new law would give the industry more direction, as there’s confusion on exactly what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to drivers with sleep apnea. However, that law never passed. President Donald Trump reduced regulations across industries once he was elected. As a result, government officials scrapped the proposed law. This change of plans triggered a debate across the trucking industry on whether required testing truck drivers for sleep apnea is good or bad. Some feel that the government should regulate truck drivers with sleep apnea. Others feel it is unnecessary and invasive. No one knows what they’re actually supposed to do about sleep apnea. Common Questions on the Non-Existent New Law on DOT Physical Sleep ApneaWhat is sleep apnea?Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person’s breathing stops and starts while they are sleeping. This affects the quality of sleep they get. Sleep apnea can affect all age groups, ethnicities, and sexes. There are several factors that place people at a higher risk of sleep apnea such as being overweight, smoking or alcohol use, and a family history of sleep apnea. The issue with driving and sleep apnea is that several studies suggest it is unsafe. People with untreated sleep apnea are at risk of falling asleep or being slow to respond. In recent years, many accidents have occurred in the transportation industry as a result of someone driving with untreated sleep apnea. Do I need sleep apnea testing to drive truck?If you meet a certain criterion you may need sleep apnea testing. For example, medical examiners typically test drivers for sleep apnea who have a higher Body Mass Index. The drivers will go through testing and, if diagnosed, must accept treatment, before they can receive their CDL. If I have sleep apnea, can I still get my CDL?Yes! You can still drive with sleep apnea as long as you are managing your condition. If your medical examiner confirms that you’re managing your sleep apnea and it won’t interfere with your ability to drive safely, you’re good to hit the road. If you do not manage your sleep apnea, then there’s a chance your CDL will be denied until your condition is under control. Keep in mind that state laws vary. Check out what your local Department of Motor Vehicles has to say about sleep apnea regulations in your state. How does sleep apnea cause trucking accidents?We’ve talked about what sleep apnea is, but really, how is it causing these accidents. Sleep apnea affects your ability to stay is restorative sleep. Basically, restorative sleep is why we don’t feel so groggy or lethargic after a good night’s sleep. Just because a trucker might be in bed with his or her eyes closed for a solid eight hours, does not mean that they’re actually getting a good night’s sleep. In fact, if you’re suffering from sleep apnea, your body and mind will feel like it only got two or three hours of sleep. This leads to the obvious cause of accidents – sleep deprivation. Your body and mind just don’t function properly when you’re lacking sleep. Your reflexes will slow and your ability to keep your eyes open becomes harder and harder with each passing minute. Accidents usually happen after a drive nods off at the wheel or fails to maneuver their rig in time. BMI and sleep apnea correlationAnother thing that we do know is that sleep apnea directly correlates with a person’s Body Mass Index (BMI). Statistics and studies show that the higher your BMI is, the more likely you are to have sleep apnea. Will I lose my CDL if I test positive for sleep apnea?If you have moderate to severe sleep apnea, your ability to maintain your CDL could change. The government puts temporary holds on CDLs when drivers are diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea. Your CDL will be returned to you once a medical examiner says you are managing your condition. More frequent examinations may happen in order to keep your CDL active. This is to ensure that your health is monitored for safety. Do I have to use my CPAP machine?If you have a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, you have to use it to keep your CDL. Medical examiners won’t sign off that you can drive a truck safely until they are sure that you are using your CPAP and treating your sleep apnea. The post There is No New Law on DOT Physical Sleep Apnea… Yet appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d Getting comfortably numb with your hauls? Don’t stop believing in the industry! Just like a rolling stone, when it comes to trucking nothing’s going to stop the traditional dry van, freight, and flatbeds. That sort of trucking is rock-steady. For some, the day-to-day drive is nothing like the fast-paced life our favorite trucking movies promised us. If you’re sick of those regular loads, stop hauling them and get out there and hustle for your dreams. If your routes are boring and taking too much time away from your passions, there’s no better time to make the change to concert tour trucking! You might be surprised just how lucrative that choice is.
If this is describing you, listen up!
So, what happens when you’ve taken it to your limit? What could possibly be the answer to tired-old trivial transportation? It’s time to try your hand on tour with the best-kept secret in the transportation industry, concert tour trucking.
Are you ready to grow out those sideburns and become the roadie you’ve always dreamed of! You might be surprised to learn that the concert tour trucking is one of the most lucrative niches out there. According to LiveNation, in 2019 concert revenue grew to 10.8 Billion dollars! Are far as to demand Live Nation Concerts, the attendance was a handsome 93 Million spectators.
What that means for the operators in these niches, for those about to rock, so does the bankroll. With all of those head-bangers hungry for their eardrums to bleed, apparently so too do their wallets! For the men and women who move the stage, lighting, and rigging equipment, work is accustomed to more like a family.
Here are five traits you need for a career in concert tour trucking:
Love MusicOne of the benefits of working in concert tour trucking is of course, working with musicians and famous artists! For every live tour across America, there is a tour bus! If you’re looking for the chance to be a part of a large production, concert tour trucking ifs for you!
Love EntertainmentEverything from the Superbowl to Coachella this type of trucking is the heartbeat to the operation. Every piece of sound equipment right down to the stage itself needs to be hauled from city to city. Having a truck on the caravan makes the trip a whole lot easier. Get Ready to Work When it comes to concert tour trucking, get ready to work long hours. According to one hauler, the staff are on call 24 hours a day! Not to mention the long tours are just as long for the drivers as they are the musicians!
Be QuickDepending on some contracts, you’ll need to be quick. Late deliveries or missed show can not only lead to bad PR from the artists, but also for the trucking company. According to some sources, if a load is damaged or late it could cost the hauler to “buy-the-house.” In other words, pay back the employees and all of the fans for their seats and time! Stay OrganizedBecause of your knowledge and practice with the same load, likely you’ll be in charge of the groupies who move the equipment. When it comes to hauling and unloading, it sometimes falls to the trucker to be leading voice during the offload. Be FriendlyOne of the biggest benefits of working long tours is that you bond with your co-workers far more deeply. It’s not unlike a team of truckers and movers to bump elbows with the celebrity! It’s far more common to head out for drinks and enjoy the perks of a free concert!
Be Up Late and Ready to RollWith some concert tour trucking, be ready to work the nightshift. With most concerts getting out at 2 am on a Friday or Saturday night, once the last song is played, be ready to hit the ground running!
Concert tour trucking, sometimes known as entertainment or event hauling is the trucking industry’s best secret. Whatever you call it, this niche position transports the stage and show equipment essential to tours and traveling productions! This industry is jam-packed. The pay is usually weekly.
Fix your day-to-day haul. Try something new and consider the work of a concert tour trucking.
Looking for your next assignment? Whether it’s in concert tour trucking or just something new! Check out all of our postings at AllTruckJobs.com/jobs! Start your next adventure here!
The post Concert Tour Trucking | For Those That Rock, So Does the Bankroll appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d In the great wide world of trucking, there are all sorts of different jobs commercial drivers can take advantage of. Once you get your CDL you’ll always be able to find the solid paying jobs you need. Still, sometimes drivers want to expand their skill sets and take on other types of driving jobs. If this sounds like you, the next question is probably, which trucking jobs are paying the best right now!? Throughout the industry, lots of drivers are switching to flatbed trucking as a means of earning extra cash for the foreseeable future. With the onset of COVID-19 in the United States, we’ve seen demand for flatbed trucking jobs increase. Let’s dive in: Switching to Flatbed TruckingIf you are considering switching to flatbed trucking, there are some important things you should think about. First, we already touched on the fact that job demand is high in this field. With that, pay is usually competitive as well. However, with that pay comes a certain level of responsibility and skillset that is unique. Below we’ll explain the skills needed for flatbed trucking and some of the technology that could improve the workload for this profession. Skills Needed for Flatbed TruckingWhile there are many financial indicators suggesting switching to flatbed trucking is a wise move, it’s all about having the right skills. Drivers comfortable with dry van, reefer, and other types of hauling that have fewer physical requirements need to increase their knowledge to land flatbed jobs. In most cases, flatbed trucking requires specialized tarping skills to secure loads safely and efficiently. Similarly, drivers entering into the world of flatbed trucking must have skills hauling oversized freight. While wide loads may not constitute too many loads, having the ability to take these jobs will certainly increase your net income! Another critical aspect of switching to flatbed trucking is the amount of physical labor involved with each haul. Compared to working a dry van job, flatbed drivers must complete all of the same tasks in addition to load securement. This also means keeping the entire load dry through the use of tarps and chains. In that way, these jobs demand more physical strength and knowledge on how to properly secure loads to these types of trailers. Once a load is completely secured, flatbedders also need to consider how loads shift throughout a haul, especially during bad weather conditions. One of the worst mistakes rookies switching to flatbed trucking make is having their tarps fly up like parachutes in the wind! Because you’ll be hauling a wide range of different loads, it’s up to you to learn how best to shield the freight from the elements during your route. This also means you’ll need to dress for the weather you’ll encounter each haul. Flatbedding can require you to get out of your truck to check on a load during your time driving. Always be sure to pull off in a designated and safe area! Technology Improvements and LagLike most of trucking, technology constantly shapes the future of flatbed driving jobs. Some of what experts expect to see include things like roll top or curtain van type configurations for increased safety. These can also serve to reduce the time it takes to tarp a load. Additionally improvements in aerodynamics look to eliminate bad fuel mileage. This would make it more cost efficient to haul flatbed loads. Still, due to the fact that some things just don’t fit in traditional trailers, flatbedding is only going to remain a great type of trucking job you can take advantage of today!
The post Switching to Flatbed Trucking | Main Considerations appeared first on AllTruckJobs.com. https://ift.tt/2JG3t4d |
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