Essential Tips for Truck Driver Safety

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Operation Safe Driver Week takes place every year to create awareness around safe driving habits for both passenger and commercial motorists. In honor of Operation Safe Driver Week taking place July 9-15, 2023, the team at Drive My Way compiled this list of essential tips for truck driver safety from pre-trip planning to post-trip inspections.   

When it comes to protecting yourself on the road, there are several factors to consider before you leave, while you are traveling, and once you reach your destination.  

Prior to Hitting the Road  

Truck driver safety starts before you even turn your rig on and get out on the road. By following these tips before you leave, you can help set yourself up for a successful haul.  

  1. Prioritize Your Health: Regardless of what happens on the road, you will be better prepared to handle whatever comes your way by ensuring you get enough rest prior to leaving. By taking good care of yourself, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, you will be physically and mentally ready for your next trip. 
  2. Have a Game Plan: It is important to take time before your trip to plan your route, check weather forecasts and road conditions, make note of any areas with construction or low bridges, and plan for any alternate routes should adverse conditions occur. If you are traveling a route that is known to have high winds for example, it is important to remember to stay close to the shoulder and reduce your speed. It is also important to know when to wait out poor conditions rather than pushing through and putting yourself and others in danger. Now is also the time to make sure your rig is up to date for maintenance, and you have an emergency kit on board.
  3. Create a Comfortable Environment: No matter the distance, you want to make sure you are comfortable for the trip. We recommend having good music/podcast to listen to, plenty of water and healthy snacks, and making adjustments to your seat to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Mapping out locations for your breaks will also help you stay on track and avoid being behind the wheel for too long at once. 

 

Truck Driver Safety on the Road  

Once you have begun your trip, there are several ways to ensure that your drive is as pleasant as possible, with few complications.  

  1. Pay Attention to the Little Things: While there are basic practices that every trucker knows like the back of their hand, it is also a good reminder to pay attention to the routine behaviors such as doing your pre-trip inspection, wearing your seatbelt, turning headlights on at appropriate times of day, using turn signals, and checking your mirrors. Some of them items seem so routine that they may get missed, especially if you are feeling fatigue, but they are something police officers are heightened to checking during Operation Safe Driver Week, and during summer travel in general, so it always good to be take note.Rookie drivers are especially susceptible to these types of errors, so whether you are mentoring a new driver, or working a team driving job, it is always helpful to remind your partner. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has several tips like these to help truckers stay safe on the road.
  2. Stay Alert: It is vital to stay alert during your drive to ensure you are able to handle changes as they come on the road. Whether it is safely changing lanes, watching blind spots, driving in construction zones, or practicing defensive driving, you will want to make sure you are alert and ready to handle evolving conditions. Defensive driving equips you with the tools needed to stay as safe as possible, reducing the risk of an incident by taking control of how you show up to the day’s drive. Unlike offensive driving, defensive driving allows you to let others adjust their driving based on your actions, rather than you reacting to them. This can reduce road rage, as well as reduce questionable liability in accidents with four wheels.

Staying alert also applies to stops just as much as it does while driving. Single drivers, especially women, are often targets on the road, so it is important to take note of your environment, report strange people or incidents to the proper authorities, and avoid truck stops that are not well-traveled.  

  1. Maintain Speed and Distance: The foundation of safe driving is consistency, so maintaining your speed and distance will go a long way in creating a safe drive for not only yourself, but for all the other drivers on the road with you. According to the FMCSA, two significant factors in large truck crashes include drivers traveling too fast for the conditions and drivers following too closely. Other common moving violations include:
  • Improper lane changes 
  • Improper turns 
  • Failure to yield to right of way 
  • Reckless driving 
  • Failure to obey a traffic control device  
  • Railroad grade crossing violations  

Safety Doesn’t Stop at Your Destination  

Even after you reach your destination, there are several truck driver safety tips to consider. 

  1. Check for Safe Parking: Once you get to your destination, make sure you have a safe spot to pull into before parking your truck. A previous truck may have even left a path that you can follow to safely park your rig. Once you have parked, make sure that your headlights are turned off and that you have locked everything up. 
  2. Take Care Unloading Freight: Your cargo may have shifted during the drive, so it’s important to take care when opening the door. If you are lifting any items, make sure to bend and lift with your knees to avoid throwing your back out. It is also vital to remember to check for workers and other drivers before closing doors or moving your truck away from the dock. 
  3. Inspect Your Truck and Call It a Day: Every company requires post-trip inspections, so it is important to complete these before retiring for the day. Items on these inspections may include checking for flat tires, checking fluid levels, ensuring all headlights are working, etc. You may also need to record any damage that your rig sustained during the trip, especially if you encountered poor weather conditions, such as hail or high winds. For new truck drivers, these steps are especially important as you familiarize yourself with your truck and completing hauls. 

Operation Safe Driver Week is an opportunity to remember these truck driver safety tips to ensure safe hauls every time you get out on the road.  

Need a Big Break? Visit Iowa 80 

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 Have you been to the world’s largest truckstop? Located off exit 284 on I-80, just west of the Illinois border, Iowa 80 is three times the size of an average truckstop and provides a wide variety of unique services for rest, recovery, and relaxation.  

 

Iowa 80 Truckstop is open 24/7, and hasn’t closed its doors once since opening in 1964! From a dentist office to a movie theater to this year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the world’s largest truckstop.  

 

What to Expect When Visiting Iowa 80 Truckstop  

They don’t call this stop the ‘Trucker’s Disneyland’ for nothing. Home to 10 restaurants, 23 private showers, and 900 parking spots for trucks, Iowa 80 is the perfect place to recharge, refuel, and meet other drivers passing through.  

 

Iowa 80’s Fleet Fuel Program ensures that you can fill up quickly and efficiently using their automated card reading satellite pumps. The ‘TRUCKOMAT’ Fleet Wash Program will leave your rig spotless, an important part of preventing corrosion and long-term damage. There’s even a certified CAT scale and a self-serve pet wash to provide baths for your traveling companion!  

 

In addition to these helpful features, Iowa 80 has many more luxury services that set it apart from most truckstops. Here is a list of some of the services Iowa 80 Truckstop offers year-round: 

  • Truck Service Center  
  • Movie Theatre  
  • Chiropractor  
  • Dentist  
  • Barber Shop  
  • Laundry Area  
  • Trucking Museum 
  • Custom Printing Shop  
  • Tesla & ChargePoint DC Fast Chargers 
  • Library 
  • Workout Room 

 

This Year’s Truckers Jamboree (Taking Place July 13th-15th 2023) 

Iowa 80 Truckstop is also famous for celebrating truckers in their annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree. The festival is full of food, music, and the coolest rigs from across the country, and this year is sure to be no different!  

 

The jamboree has been held since 1979 and features an antique truck display, porkchop cookout, live music, the Super Trucks Beauty Contest, and more. The event is always free, and Iowa 80 encourages drivers and non-drivers alike to come out and enjoy the celebration.  

 

“We’ve got a lot to be thankful to professional drivers for,” says Heather DeBaillie, Vice President of Marketing at Iowa 80. “Drivers deserve to be celebrated, and we’re happy to host an event that does just that. Professional driving can be a thankless job, but without trucks on the road, consumers wouldn’t have food on the table or a variety of other goods we need and use on a daily basis. It’s an important job.” 

 

Not in the Neighborhood? 

As an OTR trucker, you’ve got the chance to see all corners of America. Although there’s nowhere quite like Iowa 80, if you find yourself far from I-80 there are still some great stops along the way.  

 

Jubitz Travel Center, located in Portland, OR, is sometimes called the ‘World’s Classiest Truck Stop.’ Here you can find a movie theater and barbershop, along with jacuzzis, free dancing lessons, and more!  

 

Noble’s Restaurant and Truck Stop in Corinth, KY, might not be known for its size, but it’s an “Old School Truck Stop” famous for its homestyle country cooking and excellent prices.  

 

Little America in Flagstaff, AZ, has everything you need when passing through the beautiful southwest. From private showers (with a tub!) to a hot grill and deli, this chain of truck stops is perfect when driving through the west.  

 

 

Truckstops are a necessary part of every driver’s experience, and the best ones will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back on the road and finish that job. Iowa 80 does that, and more, creating a true home away from home.  

 

What are your favorite experiences at the World’s Largest Truckstop? Is there another truckstop you think deserves the spotlight? Let us know on our social media! 

How NFI Industries is Leading the Way in Diversity and Inclusion

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 NFI Industries is one of the largest and most diverse supply chain solutions providers in North America, offering end-to-end logistics services across a range of industries. But beyond its impressive portfolio of services and customers, NFI is also a company that values and respects its employees, offering equal access to opportunities for all. As a company, NFI is committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace and culture. This commitment benefits not only its employees, but also its customers and communities. 

NFI’s Pledge for Diversity and Inclusion 

NFI has taken action to ensure that its pledge to diversity and inclusion is more than just words. Instead, it is a promise to make a difference in the lives of its people and the world around them. In 2022, NFI’s CEO Sid Brown, signed the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion pledge. This pledge is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and it outlines four key actions that signatories agree to take: 

  • Cultivate a workplace that supports open dialogue on complex and sometimes difficult conversations about diversity and inclusion.
  •  Implement and expand unconscious bias education
  • Share best practices and successful actions with other companies
  • Create and share strategic inclusion and diversity plans with their board of directors 

By signing this pledge, NFI demonstrates its dedication to fostering an environment that values and respects all individuals, offers equal access to opportunities, and embraces their individuality. 

NFI’s Focus Areas for Diversity and Inclusion

NFI’s diversity and inclusion strategy is led by the Vice President of D&I and the D&I Council. They oversee various initiatives and programs to enhance NFI’s culture and workforce. The strategy has five pillars: representation, advancement, inclusive culture, leadership commitment, and sustainability & accountability. To foster a sense of representation and inclusive culture among its employees, NFI offers seven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that celebrate and support the unique characteristics and interests of NFI’s team members. To ensure diversity in talent, NFI strives to attract, develop, retain, and advance a diverse talent pool that reflects the communities it serves. NFI also invests in the growth and development of its employees through mentorship programs, training courses, leadership workshops, and recognition awards. To create a positive community impact, NFI supports various causes and organizations that align with its values. 

NFI’s Employee Resource Groups 

One of the ways that NFI fosters a sense of belonging among its employees is through its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These are voluntary, employee-led, and NFI sponsored groups that are formed around common interests, backgrounds, or pursuits. Each group is open to all employees and helps to increase the inclusion and retention of our diverse workforce, drive employee engagement, and educate through programs.

 NFI currently has seven ERGs that employees can join: 

  • Women’s Initiative Network, Young Professionals Network, Veterans Engagement Team, Black Organization for Leadership and Development (BOLD), APIDA Shared Identity Affinity Network (ASIAN), People Recognizing Our Unique Diversity (PROUD), and their newest addition, Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement (HOLA).

 NFI’s ERGs have been active in advancing NFI’s D&I goals and initiatives. They have hosted virtual events on various D&I topics and organized celebrations and campaigns for various cultural and historical events and months. The groups also participated in community service and fundraisers for various causes and organizations.  Newsletters are created to share D&I information and stories. The groups also collaborate with NFI’s talent acquisition team to attract and recruit diverse candidates.

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NFI’s Recognition for Diversity and Inclusion

 NFI has received several awards and accolades for its D&I efforts. These include: One of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek, which recognizes companies that have made diversity a priority; One of the Best Employers for Women in the U.S. by Forbes, which ranks companies based on their treatment of women employees; and A Delaware Valley Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer, which honors employers that have a strong culture of engagement. 

NFI’s Vision for Diversity and Inclusion 

NFI is proud of its achievements in diversity and inclusion so far, but it is ongoing. The company recognizes that there is always room for improvement and innovation and that diversity and inclusion is a journey that requires constant learning and adaptation. 

NFI’s vision is to be a leader in diversity and inclusion in the supply chain industry and beyond and to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

If you are interested in joining NFI’s diverse and inclusive team, visit their careers page to learn more about their opportunities and benefits at https://careers.nfiindustries.com/careers-home

Top 4 Reasons You Should Consider a Team Driving Job

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One of the many reasons drivers gravitate toward the trucking industry is the variety of jobs available. One popular option is team truck driving. Unlike a solo gig, team truck driving provides drivers with several unique benefits that driving alone simply cannot offer. You may be the perfect fit for a team driving job if any of the following benefits sound appealing to you. 

Why Should You Consider a Team Driving Job? 

Collaboration: While some drivers enjoy the trucking life because it offers the ability to work alone, many miss the collaborative nature that inherently comes with most jobs. Team driving jobs allow you to work alongside a colleague, with whom you share responsibilities of the haul, but also have around to enjoy small talk with, assess any issues that arise, and map out logistics. Having a partner on the drive keeps you from getting lonely and can make trips more interesting. The beauty of working as a team is you can also often pick your trucking partner, whether that be a spouse or friend, allowing you to not only enjoy the company of someone else, but spend more time with someone whom you care for in your life.  

Wellness: It is no secret that trucking takes a toll on a person’s body – mentally and physically. A team driving job allows you to relieve some of that stress by sharing the work with another person. By being able to take more frequent breaks, spending less time behind the wheel, and having someone else to bounce ideas off of, you can enjoy increased health and wellness.  

Financial Gains: One huge perk of team truck driving is the income and amount of work available. Team truck drivers typically earn more money per mile ran than solo drivers because they are making longer hauls. Even though the pay is split across the team, the additional compensation for the longer time well makes up for it. Team trucking jobs are also more in demand than solo gigs, so you never have to worry about finding a job when you need it. This is very appealing to many drivers, especially those who don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of their freedom by sharing their space with a fellow driver.  

Experience: Team truck driving is a great experience for any level of driver, whether you are a veteran or brand new to the industry. Team driving jobs allow you to learn from your partner, while offering your own input into the job at hand. First-time drivers can especially benefit from team driving jobs as they have the ability to sit next to someone who has been on hauls before and has potentially handled a variety of situations that are foreign to novices. If you are a new driver, you may also be able to find a job quicker by staying open to team driving opportunities.  

While there are several pros and cons to team truck driving, ultimately there are many great reasons to consider a team driving job. Team truck driving allows you to take more breaks and share the triumphs and downfalls of the road with a partner, rather than having to do it alone.  

3 Things Every Truck Driver Will Learn in Their First Year

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Choosing a career as a truck driver is an important decision that will impact your life, as well as your friends and family. It is a unique job in that every day will look different depending on the weather, road conditions, the road you’re traveling, and the type of cargo you are hauling. Trucking is an honest day’s work, but will require a game plan when it comes to how you will eat, live, and exercise, while making hauls. While truck driving is a rewarding opportunity, every first year truck driver makes several adjustments to life on the road. At Drive My Way, we provide trucking tips to help potential, and new drivers, understand what a career in truck driving will look like, especially in the first year.  

What Does Trucking Driving Look Like in the First Year? 

Adjusting to a new career is always tough for the first year and trucking is no exception. With trucking, you will want to determine if you’re going to work for yourself as an owner/operator or become a company truck driver. From here, you will have to learn the financial, emotional, and physical implications of driving a truck. Some of our favorite trucking tips for new truck drivers include:
 

  1. The More You Drive, the Better You Will Become: Practice makes perfect when it comes to any skill, including driving a truck. As a first year truck driver, you will become accustomed to the truck you are driving, driving in different weather conditions, and the differences between city and highway truck driving. As you accumulate seat time, you will feel more confident in the role and your ability to make sound decisions quickly.  
  1. Do Not Be Afraid of Hard Work: Chances are if you found yourself pursuing a career as a truck driver you have a tough skin and aren’t scared of a hard day’s work. Trucking can take a toll on your health and well-being, so it’s always important to get good rest, have a strong support system, and prepare yourself for different situations that can arise. While the work is hard, a career in trucking can be a wonderful experience and a solid income.  
  1. Stay Flexible; Trucking is a Moving Target: Trucking has always been a field that fluctuates depending on demand, fuel prices, and the economic climate. This has become even more apparent since COVID first surfaced. As a truck driver, you must not only keep up with the demands of the job, but also stay in the know about changes that may arise. By remaining flexible to different opportunities, staffing changes, and other unforeseen events, you will set yourself up for the most success possible.
     

Being a first year truck driver is an experience full of new possibilities and challenges. If you are dedicated to your work though, truck driving can become a very rewarding career. If you are newly licensed, or just gathering more information about truck driving, consider Drive My Way as the best place to find jobs in the trucking industry online. We offer trucking tips, a job portal, and ongoing resources for drivers and employers alike. We look forward to helping you steer into the right trucking position for you. 

 

NFI’s Commitment to Their Military Veteran Drivers

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NFI Military Veteran Drivers

How NFI Industries Supports Military Veterans

NFI Industries is a leading supply chain solutions provider that offers a range of services, including dedicated transportation, distribution, and global logistics. NFI is also a proud employer of veterans, who make up 12% of its driver workforce. 

NFI greatly values their veteran drivers for their dedication, professionalism, and performance. Veteran drivers are not only reliable and safe drivers, but also loyal and engaged employees who positively contribute to NFI’s culture and mission. NFI operates with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything they do, and their veteran drivers uphold these standards and earn the trust and respect of their customers and colleagues. 

Additionally, NFI respects and appreciates the sacrifices that veterans have made for their country and their families. Veteran drivers enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay and benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development. 

NFI understands the challenges and opportunities that veterans face when transitioning to civilian careers. That’s why they offer various programs and resources to help veterans succeed as professional drivers and grow within the company. 

NFI’s Veteran Support Programs and Resources

Some of NFI’s programs and resources include: 

  • The Veterans Engagement Team (VET), an Employee Resource Group (ERG), supports NFI’s military veterans with the different resources they have available, uplifts them, and partners up with local veteran outreach organizations like Hiring Our Heroes. The VET also gives veteran drivers a voice and a platform to share their feedback and ideas with NFI’s leadership team. 
  • The Troops into Transportation program, which helps veterans obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) through training and tuition assistance. This program is designed to help veterans transition from the military to the trucking industry by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and efficiently 
  • The Apprenticeship program provides on-the-job training and mentorship for new drivers, as well as a monthly stipend from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program is registered and partnered with the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program and has SAA approval that allows veterans to use their GI Bill benefits. 
  • The Military Friendly Employer designation, which demonstrates NFI’s commitment to hiring, retaining, and advancing veterans within the company This designation is based on NFI’s policies, practices, and outcomes related to veteran employment and career development. 
  • The Veteran Driver of the Year award, which recognizes and honors a veteran driver who exemplifies NFI’s core values and delivers exceptional service to customers. This award is presented annually during NFI’s Driver Appreciation Week. 

NFI Industries is committed to recognizing and supporting its veteran drivers and providing them with rewarding and fulfilling careers. NFI appreciates the skills and experience that veterans bring to the trucking industry and how their values align with the company’s vision. NFI is always looking for more veterans to join their team. 

To learn more about these programs and other ways NFI supports veterans, go to https://careers.nfiindustries.com/us/en/veterans  

Advantages of Truck Driving Jobs for Veterans

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truck driving jobs for veterans

The Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs for Military Veterans

Trucking jobs offer flexibility for veterans to spend time with family and explore the country. CDL jobs provide good salaries, job security, and career advancement. They also play a crucial role in our economy by transporting goods across the country.

Why Veterans Should Consider a Truck Driving Career

Military veterans have a natural edge when it comes to truck driving careers. The skills learned in the military, across various branches and roles, can be effortlessly applied to truck driving. With a successful military career, you most likely already have the traits that make for a great commercial truck driver. Don’t be surprised to realize how much potential you have in this line of work.

Work Environment

Truck driving careers offer a unique blend of independence and camaraderie. Drivers enjoy the freedom to choose their own hours and income while also being supported by their carrier and a tight-knit community of fellow drivers. With the potential for high earnings, a career in truck driving is an attractive option for veterans seeking a fulfilling and flexible career path.

Skills and Requirements

Truck driving demands a thorough understanding and adherence to rigid government safety regulations and company policies, which include mandatory rest periods and defensive driving practices. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for truck drivers to enjoy a long, prosperous career. Most veterans already possess the fundamental skills that trucking companies seek during intensive training and field experience, such as situational awareness, dependability, leadership, management, and teamwork. Furthermore, disciplined and committed military veterans won’t have any trouble acquiring specific driving skills through CDL training and driver orientation.

Waive the skills test!

Veterans with significant military driving experience may be eligible for a skills test waiver, and those with a CDL from their time in the military can start their driving career with a higher pay rate.

Job Security

Veterans seeking job security, a steady income, and retirement options should consider a truck driving career. Your talents are in high demand. It’s an excellent career transition option for retired veterans with the added benefit of company benefits.

The trucking industry needs skilled and dedicated drivers. Fortunately, military veterans possess the qualities and capabilities that make them ideal candidates for a successful career in truck driving. With the added benefits and support available to veterans, this path offers a promising and fulfilling option for those seeking a new direction.

ultimate guide to truck driver recruiting

Ultimate Guide to Truck Driver Recruiting

Current ways of recruiting truck drivers just don’t work anymore. That’s because recruiting isn’t a transaction. This ultimate guide helps carriers recruit for retention.

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How Truckers Against Trafficking is Making a Difference

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Truckers Against Trafficking

What is Truckers Against Trafficking?

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) was founded in 2009 and has since become a powerful force in the fight against human trafficking. Working alongside trucking industry associations, motor carriers, government transportation agencies, law enforcement agencies like the FBI, as well as truck stops and travel plazas, TAT has trained over 730,351 drivers and personnel to identify and report instances of human trafficking. Their efforts have resulted in over 2,250 calls to the national trafficking hotline by truck drivers, leading to the identification of 612 human trafficking cases and the rescue of 1,133 victims. By partnering with TAT, trucking and busing professionals become an invaluable asset in the fight against this atrocious crime, as they possess a unique vantage point to root out traffickers who exploit our transportation infrastructure for their own selfish purposes.

Truckers Against Trafficking has spread its wings and taught members of state trucking associations to be vigilant in identifying and reporting cases of human trafficking. Today, all 50 state associations have received training, making the powerful network of truckers, bus lines, and major airlines provide a watchful eye to ensure that human traffickers have nowhere to hide. Additionally, some bus lines and airlines now offer travel vouchers to survivors of human trafficking to ensure their safe return home. This growing network of eyes and ears makes our roads safer for everyone. TAT has formed partnerships with numerous companies in the transportation industry to raise awareness about the signs of human trafficking. By working together, these companies and TAT are making a tangible difference in the fight against this heinous crime.

There is a Hotline For Reporting Human Trafficking

Before the establishment of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), truckers only reported sporadic tips about human trafficking. However, with TAT’s efforts, there has been a significant increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, text 233733. In 2017, TAT reported that nearly half of the cases generated by truckers’ calls involved minors. TAT’s collaboration with the trucking industry and law enforcement agencies has made a difference in the fight against human trafficking.

Available Resources for Education/Training about Human Trafficking

Get free training materials from Truckers Against Trafficking, including a DVD, wallet cards, and window decals, to educate and train individuals and organizations on identifying and reporting human trafficking. Once trained, register with TAT and help fight against human trafficking. Contact truckers@gmail.com for your materials today.

Other Ways to Help

Stay alert for suspicious activity and report any signs of trafficking. This includes young people around truck stops and code words like “lot lizard” or “Commercial Company.” Report any indicators, no matter how insignificant they may seem, to the tip lines. Educate yourself about the issue by ordering Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children, a gripping account that exposes the dark underworld of the trafficking industry through the stories of those who live there. Available in paperback, e-book, and audio book formats, so you can listen on the road.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. No industry is exempt, and it’s up to all of us to take action. We can’t rely solely on our police departments. It’s time for companies and individuals to step up and do their part. We all travel on our nation’s roads, and with that comes a responsibility to educate ourselves on this national epidemic. Let’s work together to put an end to it.

Sources:

“How Truckers Can Stop Human Trafficking”, American Trucker, Nov.1, 2017.

“More States Signing on to Enlist Truckers Against Human Trafficking”, Trucking Truth, June 24, 2019.

Everything to Know About Being a Company Truck Driver

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company truck driverAs it stands right now, 91% of all truck drivers on the road are company drivers. Since these drivers make up such a huge part of the industry, it’s important to know the pros and the cons of being one. Here’s everything you need to know about being a company driver.  

What is a Company Driver?

A company driver is a truck driver who works under the authority of someone else, usually a trucking carrier or private company.  

How much do Company Drivers Make?

There’s no set salary for a company driver. It all depends on your experience, your location, and what you haul. That being said, there’s a rough estimate that the average company driver in the US makes around $65,000 a year. But don’t get too attached to that number, it can be higher or lower based on the factors mentioned above.  

Pros of Being a Company Driver

Great for Beginner Drivers

If you’re just starting out in trucking, it’s almost a certainty that you’ll be a company driver at first. These jobs are a great way to learn the ropes as a driver without having all the financial risk of being an owner operator.  

Benefits Packages

Health insurance isn’t cheap. As a company driver, you’ll more than likely be able to buy into a health insurance plan offered by your carrier. This means that you can rest easy knowing that you and your family are covered for medical expenses at a reasonable rate. 

Low Risk

As a company driver, there’s little financial risk involved. You don’t have to worry about costs, accounting, and the overall financial health of the carrier you work for. You show up, drive, and collect your paycheck.  

Your home time is yours as well. You’re not spending your free time worrying about cutting your costs or finding the best insurance policy. 

Cons of Being a Company Driver

Less Money… Usually

It’s not a secret that on average, owner operators will make more than company drivers. Instead of the carrier handing you your slice, the whole pie is handed from the customer directly to you.  

Take this con with a grain of salt though. While it’s possible to make a lot of money as an owner operator, you need business savvy as well.  

When you’re a company driver, you have little to worry about aside from getting your haul from point A to point B. As an owner operator, you’re not only doing that but running your own business as well. You need to think about all your costs, including insurance, healthcare, fuel, and more.  

There’s even the possibility that you could be doing everything right as an owner operator, but get blindsided by a hit to the freight market like we saw post-COVID. This is why many drivers spend their whole careers as company drivers. Less money, but less risk as well.  

Less Control

As a company driver, you have little control over what you haul or where you’ll go. Sure, you have options when you’re looking for a job, but once you start, you’re bound to what the boss man tells you.  

This control can sometimes go beyond telling you what to haul and when to haul it. Carriers can put driver-facing cameras inside your cab while you’re driving, put speed limiters on the truck’s engine, and have GPS systems that track every turn the truck makes.  

While some drivers won’t mind this oversight, others might and begin to think about their options setting out on their own as an owner operator.

The bottom line is that if you’re still relatively new to trucking, it’s best to stay as a company driver. Once you feel like you have enough experience under your belt and are financially ready to purchase a truck, then it’s time to consider making the switch.

If you’re looking for a new job as a company driver, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. We match both CDL and non-CDL drivers with jobs that match their qualifications and lifestyle preferences. 

two men in a truck

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Buying a Semi Truck: 4 Tips to Consider

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buying a semi truck
Should you buy new or used? How can you know if it’s really a reliable vehicle? What are my financing options? Buying a semi truck is a big decision, and there’s a lot of factors that go into making it. If you’re thinking about taking the leap to become an owner operator or you’re expanding your fleet, read this list before you buy your next truck.

1. Know Your Specifications and Preferences

The first step for serious semi truck buyers is to know your specifications. Consider what types of loads you want to haul, and find out exactly what your minimum specifications are. Then, don’t even look at trucks that don’t meet those specifications. If you’re not confident in the specifications you will need in your rig, find other drivers in similar roles. Ask them what has worked for them. Verify that the specifications that you’ve seen online are really enough to get the job done. 

Once you’ve met your minimum specifications for your haul type, it’s time to be realistic with yourself. Do you have any strong tractor preferences on vehicle type or features? While there may be some features you will ultimately sacrifice for cost, it’s important to know your personal “must-haves.” You’re going to spend a lot of time in this truck, so don’t waste your money on something you don’t love.

2. Decide New vs. Used

There are pros and cons to both new and used trucks. The choice between the two depends a lot on your needs and preferences as a driver. 

We spoke with Alessandra Szul, President of Flatbush Freight Express about buying new vs. used trucks, and she shared that their decision is based heavily on whether they are financing the truck.

“If we aren’t financing, we typically buy used trucks that have less than 300,000 miles on them (nothing older than 2016) and a flawless maintenance record. It allows us to scale more, hire more drivers, and still have very reliable units that we can easily own outright. If we we’re financing, we’d go with a new truck.”

Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both paths. It’s important to choose the option that allows you to stay financially stable in the short and long term while meeting your goals.

New Trucks

A new truck is arguably a more reliable initial investment. Since you are the first owner, you know the vehicle’s history. The seller will give you detailed information on the vehicle before you decide whether to buy the truck. Also, new trucks won’t require significant replacement parts or maintenance for a while. They may also come with a factory warranty to see you through the first few months or years of truck ownership. If there is a factory warranty, make sure to read the fine print closely to know exactly what is and is not covered and for how long. The biggest downside of a new truck (and it’s no small thing) is cost. New trucks are considerably more expensive than used trucks. For some drivers, the peace of mind may be worth it, but many drivers look for a reliable used truck to reduce the cost. 

Used Trucks

new or used semi truck

The alternative to a new truck is a used truck. Used trucks are less expensive and can be a great option, but pay close attention to details when buying a semi truck. First and foremost, buy from a reputable source. Reputable dealerships should be able to give you a complete history of the truck. Individual owner operators looking to sell a truck can also work well, but we recommend only buying from a trusted driver who you know well.

In either case, it’s a good idea to talk to the truck’s previous drivers if possible. They know the truck better than anyone else. When we asked Alessandra about her criteria for buying used trucks, she shared this advice:

If you’re going used, MAKE SURE you’re buying an extended warranty that INCLUDES critical components coverage. READ the warranties, so you’ll never have any surprises! Also, we recommend going with a certified pre-owned that used to be part of a huge corporate fleet. They usually take care of their vehicles really well and have great records. Ask what hasn’t been replaced, what has been replaced…”

She went on to say,

“The biggest tip is to spend the extra money to get a 3rd party to do an independent inspection and ask for a copy of it. Don’t just take the dealer’s word for it, no matter how “big” of a dealer they are. Spending a little extra for the peace of mind from a fair and honest inspection is well worth the cost. If you’re able to get a full vehicle history and the inspection comes back clean, you probably have a great rig on your hands at a fraction of the “new” price.

Test the Truck

Before you walk off the lot with a new semi truck, make sure you test the truck. You know what a good truck sounds like. Start the engine and do a thorough inspection as you look and listen for anything that seems out of order. Take the truck out for a test drive. Does it handle smoothly? Is there anything in the movement of the cab that could be a sign of trouble below?

Trucker Style Shawn

Trucker Style Shawn

We spoke with Trucker Style Shawn, a truck driver and now fleet owner, and he shared his advice for what to look at before buying a semi truck:

“Get an oil sample so you know you are getting a healthy motor. Replacing wiring, brakes, valves and other items like that all add up, so take that into consideration as well before buying.”

Just as important as truck performance is comfort. Spend some time in the cab. Is it a good fit for you? Is it comfortable enough to spend thousands of hours in? Be honest with yourself about comfort. You might be able to compromise on some features if everything else looks good, but a truck that is not comfortable is not a good investment.

4. Know When to Walk Away, and Know When to Run

If you’re buying a semi truck, you might not buy the first, or even the 10th truck that you look at. Be patient. An investment this big is worth taking your time on. Do your research ahead of time, and create a list of your most important features, specifications, and your price range before you visit a vehicle. This list will keep your priorities front and center – an important thing when you’re tempted by a nice-looking vehicle that doesn’t meet your criteria. 

Trucker Style Shawn left us with this great advice:

“Make sure the truck is ready and able to be driven on the road without worries of failing a DOT inspection. Remember your livelihood is dictated by the truck, if it isn’t healthy your pockets won’t be.”

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