The final phase of the ELD mandate is quickly approaching.  By December 17^th, all trucks still using Automatic On Board Recording Devices (AOBRDs) are required to make the switch.

The biggest question is, will we see the same effect on rates that be saw previously? The final phase of the switchover could potentially lead to lower productivity and higher rates.  In 2017 we saw a reduced capacity with led to higher rates and they stayed high all throughout 2018.

There are still millions of trucks that have not made the switch.  Analysts estimate about 40% of Class 8 trucks still need to replace or upgrade the systems.  For many, it is just a simple software update, but for others it could involve installing new hardware.  Donald Broughton, transportation financial analyst said, “Some AOBRDs were cell phone apps that didn’t plug in, and those will soon be non-compliant, including many of the legacy systems from companies we all think of as the dominant players in the industry.”

One of the most important things with the switchover is making sure drivers get the proper training to avoid hits to their CSA scores.  Vice President of Risk Services for Reliance Partners and a former FMCSA investigator, John Seidl said, “We could see a reduction in capacity due to shippers and 3PLs who impose a firm CSA threshold for carriers,” said Seidl, who previously worked as an FMCSA inspector and served on the National ELD Implementation Team. Seidl said these are areas drivers will need to watch out for:

• Understanding how to properly transfer the data file to the roadside inspector.
• Proper use of personal conveyance and yard moves.
• Retaining required ELD paperwork in the cab of the truck.

One big change with the ELD and paperwork, is that drivers must always be in possession of the ELD manual, instruction card, and directions for transferring the data file and handling malfunctions, according to Seidl.  Drivers will be penalized up to three CSA points, one for each missing document.  This is a change from the AOBRD rules of one point.

Truck driver shortage

It is no surprise we need more truck drivers in America.  This shortage of drivers is causing shippers to have to delays on their shipments and causing them to require buyers to pay higher prices to allow on-time delivery of goods.

According to the American Trucking Association, the industry needs to hire more than 900,000 drivers to account for the rising demand.  In the United States, over 70 percent of our goods are moved by trucks.

Derek Leathers, CEO of Omaha-based trucking company Werner Enterprises, tells Here & Now‘s Meghna Chakrabarti that truckers drive the American economy, but in recent years the industry has struggled to attract new drivers.

The trucking industry is in dire need of drivers.  According to DAT Solutions, only one truck was available for every 12 loads needing to be shipped at the start of 2018, which is the lowest ratio since 2005.  Not only is there a lack of drivers, there is also a lack of qualified drivers.  This is very big problem for the industry, economy, and supply chain as a whole.

One contributing factor to this issue, is the age and gender of the drivers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average age of a driver is 55 years old, while the industry is heavily influenced by males.  Women only make up 6 percent of the industry.

The trucking industry doesn’t provide for a very good lifestyle. As a truck driver, it is understood that you will be on the road and away from family for extended periods of time.  As well as, working for long hours, for a medium annual wage of $41,340.  “Pay in the industry’s come up considerably. Here at Werner our pay’s up 17 percent over the last couple of years,” Leathers says. “First-year entrants into the industry now make around $50,000 a year depending on what part of the business they go in. So, it’s a good job. It pays well; you can build a family around it. It’s about getting that awareness out there.”

7 Things You Need To Know About The DOT Truck Inspection

The unfortunate part about being a truck driver, is the DOT inspection.  While it can seem like such a hassle, in the long run it could save your life.  At some point, you will have to have the inspection, either roadside or in trucker slang at the “chicken coop” (aka check station).

States run their inspections and “chicken coops” all differently.  If you are the lucky pick of the day you will be pulled aside upon entering the station.   However, if you are lucky enough to get through, no need to stop!

This article will help you become prepared in case you are chosen!

Step 1: Driver Pre-Trip Inspection

With any car or truck, it is smart to always do regular checks on your vehicle to prevent any accidents or damage.  Truck drivers should refer to the DVIR or driver vehicle inspection report from time to time and make sure the items listed are in good working condition.  By taking a little extra time, you could save yourself from potentially receiving violations.  Some items on this report include: battery, clutch, lights, and steering just to name a few for the truck itself.  For the trailer, this can included hitch, brakes, and tires.

According to the DOT these reports are actually supposed to be done every day! A mechanic will then check this list also, making any needed corrections and then giving his signature of approval.  During the inspection, inspectors check these reports to make sure the vehicle is in tip-top condition, making sure any repairs get done.

Step 2: DOT Truck Inspection: The 6 Levels

While many think that they DOT is in charge of determining how many levels an inspection consists of, this is incorrect.  A partnership between the government and the trucking industry actually works to establish the national standards for the inspection.  The federal government works to create the rules, and the industry state partners decide how they should be enforced.  This involves making decisions on the requirements for inspection, training law enforcement, and deciding what the out of service criteria is.

Level 1

Complete DOT inspection.  The complete inspection involves the driver, paperwork, and truck being checked. Every aspect of the truck will be inspection. Yes, even crawling under it.  Typically, this is completed at the station.  If you pass, you get a sticker!

Level 2

This involves the inspection of the driver and vehicle.  No crawling under or climbing over the truck, just checking the paperwork and making sure the truck reflects what it says.

Level 3

This level is all about checking the driver and credentials.  Inspectors will check their electronic log and any other necessary paperwork onboard.

Levels 1-3 are pretty routine.  Drivers will encounter these basically every day.

Level 4

Special checks.  Pretty much a “special check” is an inspection done because the DOT wants to gather more specific information.  They are looking to collect info to support a study or to refute the data of a previous study.  Most of the times this is mechanically. However, in some cases in can involve the driver.  Special checks, are mostly done for common violations found during an inspection.  Typically, is it is done for a driver, it related to hours of service.

Level 5

Drivers, your safe on this level (or not), it’s all about your truck.  This inspection is mostly done as a compliance review or a safety audit.  Additionally, they can be performed per the company’s request.

Level 6

A level 6 inspection is only done for truckers that haul transuranic waste or radioactive material.  This type of inspection is very thorough not only for the driver but for inspectors as well.

Step 3: What to expect?

If you’re the lucky one to be chosen, you will be greeted by an inspector who will take you into your own lane.  You will have to turn the truck off and in some cases, remove the key from ignition.  Wheels chocked, brakes released, and hand over your electronic log device.  This begins level 1 of the inspection.  One of the most important things, is to be organized.  This will not only help the inspector, but it can also help speed up the process.  A couple tips to move it long, know your dashboard, know where your controls are.  Know how to work your electronic log, you will need to access it and be able to email your logs.  Organizing your permits will also help to save time.

If you have pets, you need a plan.  Pets have to be secured before the inspection can begin.

Step 4: The Paperwork

You will be required to show the following:

• Driver’s license
• Electronic log
• Truck and trailer registration
• Insurance
• IFTA Card (International Fuel Tax Agreement)
• Permits
• Bill of landing, shipping papers or invoices
• USDOT Hazmat permit
• FMCSA Safety Permit (high risk loads)
• Special Permit (hazmat materials)
• State Hazmat Permit
• Emergency Response Information or MSDS
• Written Route Plan (hazardous materials)
• Copy of FMCSR Regulations
• Oversize Load Permits

Step 5: Common Violations

Some of the most common violations found during an inspection include the electronic log not being up-to-date.  This could also include the log being falsified.  The 14-hour rule and the form of which the log is done in could be incorrect.

With the truck, typical violations include:

• Brake problems such as out of adjustment
• Tires
• Load securement
• Lights
• Oil leaking
• Windshield damage and obstruction
• No proof of annual inspection

Lastly, hazmat loads:

• Improper placards,
• Improper marketing
• Expired permits
• No permit
• Violations with shipping papers

Step 6: The outcomes

The best outcome every driver hopes for; no violations! Many companies actually have incentive programs to influence drivers to get clean inspections.

With violations, there are two types: non-out of service and out of service.

Non-out of service:

These violations can still warrant a ticket.  An example of this type would be an error in the form and manner on the electronic log, or as simple as a clearance light.  Sometimes these violations can be “forgiven” and no ticket is issued.

Out of service

This violation is one of the federal regulations listed by the CVSA. It must be listed in the criteria or it falls under non-out of service violations.  You will get a ticket whether you own the truck or you drive for a company.  It is important to listen to the officer because every state is different.

You may be asking yourself, now what?  It is important to have a plan in place making sure you have a list of numbers to call to get a service truck.  Most often, officers will escort you to the nearest town so you are left stranded.

Step 7: Be prepared!

The most important thing to do is to be prepared.  Complete a pre-inspection yourself, you might be able to catch things that might warrant you a violation and be sure to make note of these on your driver inspection report.  Be organized, keep all of your documents in one easy to access place.  This will help move the process along faster and your inspector will thank you! Listen to instructions and what the officer is telling you.  If you don’t understand, just ask.  Lastly, be polite! They are there for your safety and making them mad will not help you in the end!

What hazards should truck drivers be aware of?

There are many things that could be consider a hazard for any driver on the road.  As defined by Webster’s Dictionary, a hazard is classified as an unavoidable danger or risk, even though often foreseeable. Many things can be defined as a hazard to a driver. For example, a driver in front of you all of the sudden braking hard.

How to identify hazards

Hazards become emergencies when there is little to no time to act.  One example would be someone cutting you off, but if you had more time to prepare for this you could have slowed down or switched lanes to prevent the accident.   Drivers who do not see it coming would make a quick reaction of slamming on their brakes or switching into another lane.  Which in turn could lead to an accident.

Most often there are signs of hazards when driving.   Once you are able to learn what these potential hazards are, you will be more aware of them when driving. Some hazards include:

• Work zones: This is always a hazard. This can include people on the road, narrow lanes, uneven surfaces, and even sharp turns.  It is important to watch other for other drivers as they could be distracted.  Additionally, construction vehicles could be entering and exiting the road.  Driving at a slower speed and using more caution is essential in work zones.
• Drop-offs in pavement: Quite often roads have sharp drop-offs on the end due to the pavement.  Be sure to avoid driving on this as it could cause you to wreck, getting the edge of your tire stuck on it, making it hard to steer.
• Objects in the road: Anything that has fallen in the road, that shouldn’t be there is a hazard. This can cause severe damage to your tires and rims, electrical and brake lines, or even potentially get stuck between dual tires.  Even objects that look harmless could potentially cause harm.  It is important to remain alert for objects in the road and be able to plan on how to avoid them.
• On and off ramps: Exit and entrance ramps cause be very dangerous for truck drivers. Posted speed limit signs indicated the speed for cars, but not necessarily the safe speed for trucks or other heavy vehicles.  Trucks should exercise caution going downhill or around sharp turns.

ELD Mandates Improve Safety in the Transportation Industry

Last year the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA announced the electronic logging device (ELD) manage to improve safety in the industry.  This is a device that is able to record the driving time automatically on a vehicles engine.  This not only provides a greater level of safety for drivers and other drivers on the road, but it also simplifies the process of logging time and is more accurate than the traditional paper log method.

This new mandate, according to the FMCSA, is to provide more compliance with hours of service regulations.  The mandate helps regulate the hours a driver is on the road to prevent tiredness that could cause potential unsafe situations for other drivers.  Not only does the ELD record their driving hours, it is also able to monitor other things such as location, miles, and movement.

Many concerns from drivers are being raised with this mandate.  One being, that this will impact their pay and hours.  With this mandate, it also strictly enforces 55-hour work week limits.  Which will affect their pay.  This is inconvenient to drivers and shippers, because of supply and demand.  If drivers, meet their legal limits they will be unable to go over to meet the high demands of shippers.

Drivers are not the only ones affected by this but shippers also.  This brings on an additional cost to them because to install one in a truck, it can cost an average of $584. Additionally, there is a monthly subscription free of $20.

One concern that has arose from this, is that due to drivers logging less time, they will feel the need to drive more aggressive and speed causing potential accidents to haul loads faster to move more and make more money.

While this is just one concern of many, there are benefits of this mandate.  This includes more monitoring of drivers, safer roads, automated processes, less fuel consumption, and saving shippers money.

Is A Career As A Truck Driver Worth It?

A career in truck driving can be very challenging and rewarding.  However, it’s not for everyone.  Over the years wages have changed and many people think truck drivers aren’t paid adequately for the nature of the job.  Being on the road so much and away from family and friends also turns many people away from the industry.

In a blog, written by Brett Aquila, he talks about what he loves about the industry.  He mentions of quality of the trucks.  Stating that today’s trucks have the best technology and comfort yet.  The industry has made great strides to provide truckers with the best technology and safety features available.  This also includes communication and navigation systems.

On average, truck drivers make around $40,000 – $50,000 a year.  For a blue collared job, this is pretty good pay.  However, over the last 25 years or more, pay has been steady.  This year, we have seen a high demand for more drivers.  Many companies offering huge pay incentives for those who sign up.  They also are offering many bonuses including those for safe driving.

Now, drivers can be more regionalized.  This is a huge plus for many drivers.  They get more opportunities to be at home.

On the other hand, Aquila mentions many things that he does not like about the industry. One being the process is a pain.  To become a driver, you must pass background checks, drug tests, physicals, credit check, fingerprinting, employment verification, and many rules and regulations.

Also, enforcement is strict.  There will always be cameras on you inside the truck at all times.  Driving reports will also be sent to your company.  Your trucks every movement is tracked.  You will endure regular inspections and could be pulled over for an inspection at any given moment.  Companies will know everything that is going on every second of the day.

One of the biggest complaints today is traffic.  It is growing by the day. More and more drivers are distracted causing more wrecks.  Drivers have to be aware of this and drive with an extra level of caution.

Lastly, while the pay is pretty good, it is also not increasing.  Aquila states he has had the same pay since he started in 1993.