Professional Truck Drivers and Their Obligations

That load is not worth your life

In today’s transportation age, running freight harder and faster is a brutal reality. Many veteran drivers talk of being “planted in the seat” for longer periods than at any other time in their careers.

The new hours of service rules reflect this trend by allowing eleven hour driving shifts, up from ten. Also the fourteen hour “tour of duty” (total length of workday), results in having to run longer driving segments as to avoid exceeding those limits.

Pushing the road and “chasing the dollar” for many years brought me to the realization that truck drivers as a whole, are really just a commodity. Transportation is a numbers game in which truck drivers are a “dime a dozen” to many companies.

For large companies, orientation classes are usually full, while they also tend to loose as many as they hire. The point is reached where a certain amount of attrition is expected, and also accepted as the cost of doing business.

This also applies to losses due to accidents and other incidents. The common result is to put as much liability on the driver as possible. In other words, as long as your employer provides the proper record keeping, safety personnel, H.O.S. training, and equipment service, the trucking company’s legal responsibility ends.

As a professional driver, your responsibility far exceeds that of an ordinary commuter. Because of your training and the nature of driving very large vehicles, your actions while performing these duties will be scrutinized, and the expectations higher.

These days, law enforcement will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute the truck driver responsible for injury and fatality accidents. Simply loosing your job will be the least of your worries, since criminal prosecutions will usually precede any civil actions.

Expect your company’s lawyers to work on placing as much of the blame as possible on you and your actions. This is to limit any punitive damage awards against them in the future. This is a common tactic, resulting in a legal battle on two fronts.

Even if you can prove that you were “threatened” in some way to run illegal, it will make little difference. Ultimately, it is you who are responsible for your actions, and will pay the price if a tragedy occurs. Jury’s today will not have sympathy for that argument.

With this in mind, how much is that load really worth? How much are those extra minutes gained by aggressive and dangerous driving habits? Driving angry, forcing four wheelers over, tail gating, cutting off other drivers, are key signs of extreme stress and overwork. In these situations it is time to take a break and get a hold of your emotions.

Some truckers may not agree, and some may believe that their money is the most important thing. I would say to them, everyone’s luck runs out at some point, and the ones that crossed the line will not be found at the truckstop, or squawking on the two-way. They are now out of this business, bankrupt, and many are in prison.

Never allow a dispatcher to “bully” you into an unsafe situation. It is you who will decide if a load can be made on time or not, it is you who will decide if the weather makes it unsafe to drive, it is your logbook. Always “cover your rear” and make the right decisions on safety, maintain those logs, and shut it down if there are equipment problems or bad weather.

Remember to recognize stress as it takes you over, we are all human, and we all have to face tense situations and high pressure. We all have family and loved ones that drive “four wheelers”, consider that when overcome by anger and frustration. Don’t let it get the best of you, that load is not worth it.

Have a safe ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.

Visit his Home Page at: ZENTRUCKING.COM

Visit his Article Directory: Thought Search Articles

The Truck Driving Career

“SEE THE COUNTRY AND GET PAID”

And that’s how the sales pitch goes…
Well I started this blog to try to give some of you newbies an idea of what you’ll be getting into.
My name is Eric and I’ve been driving OTR for a little over 12 years with a handful of different companies.

Overall it’s been a decent living, $40,000 a year on average, no “boss” breathing down your neck, and some elements of freedom.

Yes, you will see the country and take in some amazing sights, sounds, and experiences. Just wanted to start in a positive note because the industry in general has been decent.

Now for the straight truth of what you’ll be getting into…

Be prepared for long hours, hard work, bad traffic, worse weather, and a whole lot of other trucks and cars on the road with you. All the things your recruiter will forget to mention.

In the last decade due to numerous federal tax breaks, the truck driving school industry has exploded.
Every major city has numerous training centers and some are pretty good, such as the one in your local community colleges. But yet many others are fly by night “ripoff” artists looking to cash in on some unsuspecting student.

These schools will range in price from a couple thousand to several thousand dollars, about as much as four years at community college.

My personal take on these schools is don’t do it! Do not go into debt just to learn how to drive a truck. Even the local college unless you have some kind of educational grant.

Unlike An Electrician, Carpenter, or other skilled trades, truck driving has no standardized pay rate upon completion of training.

With little or no experience expect to run “OTR” or Over The Road starting out.

No hourly rate because you will not get paid by the hour on OTR.

For some of you coming out of the manufacturing sector this may be a big shock.

Truck drivers are in one of the few professions that are not covered by federal minimum wage laws, another being food servers.

Now before I scare you off completely,let me add that generally you should make well above minimum wage.

Expect to make anywhere between $15-$20 per hour while driving- not while sitting in docks, but more on that later.

My advice to you is to have a trucking company pay for your training, but keep in mind when you go that route the company most times will require a signed contract stating you agree to work for them a minimum amount of time, usually a year.

Quitting or other breach of which will make you liable for the cost, normally several thousand dollars. Buyer beware!

While not singling out any particular trucking company, be aware that the treatment of drivers varies greatly between them. A simple search will find several forums, blogs, etc to find other experiences.

Never rely on solely on a company recruiter, talk to other drivers and search the web for all the info you can find before deciding.

After completing training and company orientation, expect to spend 3-4 weeks riding with a “driver trainer”.

This is a federal requirement and most companies require it.

While most of these ladies and men who train are very good and professional, many are not.

Some companies allow rookie drivers with as little as 3 months experience to train. This is regardless of there record or abilities. For the most part it’s all about getting “backsides in the seat”.

Don’t expect to make good money the first year. Though a recruiter may tell you to expect $40,000 or more in the first year, that is rarely the case.

A large chunk of that number will be the training itself, which some companies value as much as $10,000 toward your gross income.

Expect to spend a minimum of two weeks out on the road or more when starting out, though many companies try to get you home every weekend lately, often it will not be Friday night but usually Saturday while expecting you to roll out again Sunday to make Monday morning delivery.

Not a lot of time for family there.

A lot of times you will be sent home “Under a load” which means taking all the equipment and freight home with you. Having to find a safe place to keep an 18 wheeler may pose a problem.

All the real training begins once your “first seat” or as a solo driver for the first time. There will be very little support or any from the dispatcher, fleet manager, driver manager, or whatever your company calls them. Most times just ask other drivers and many of them can and will help.

There are many stressful aspects to this profession not the least of which being heavy traffic and other inconsiderate drivers.

A major headache will be finding shippers and receivers. most times the directions supplied will be off, or many times way off.

It will not be like driving your car, where when you miss a turn just flip a “U”. Most times missing a turn will mean a long drive to find enough space to turn around. On some occasions having to back up a long distance against heavy traffic. Then you’ll know stress.

“SEE THE COUNTRY AND GET PAID!”

If you decide to stick with it at least a year you will see many great sights out on the road. Though probably more Ohio, Pennsylvania, and east coast then you’ll ever want to.

Nothing against those places, but that is where most of the freight runs and where you’ll see most of your miles.

LEASING-

I have a few thoughts on that one, my advice is DON’T DO IT! Not if you’re new to the business. I’m sure many make a good living leasing a truck and they can write their own post, but if you do the math you’ll see.

When you lease, all truck expenses become your expenses. This includes fuel, maintenance, tires, insurance, taxes, etc. The truck will normally be used or near the end of warranty.

The company may have a fuel bonus but how slowly do they raise it when fuel prices go up? How quick do they lower it when prices come down again?

Small details like that can cost hundreds or more a year out of your pocket. This is all in addition to higher SSI tax payments and out of pocket health insurance.

Did you know as a lease operator, fuel costs will be more than the gross income of most company drivers?
$35-40,000 per year!

Do you know SSI tax will be double that of a company driver? out of your pocket!

Do you realize a tax return will have to be filed every 3 months?

Did you know some trucking companies charge for the “privilege” of pulling company trailers?

YOU WILL NOT BE AN “OWNER OPERATOR” if you lease!

Do you know Owner Operator rates vary depending on the load, weight, location, and freight. While lease operators rates stay the same no matter how heavy, (more Fuel), or how tough the load (New York, etc)?

Owner operators usually have access to a “board” containing a variety of loads in the area. That owner operators have the option of which loads to pull? Lease operators do not.

Decline a load? guess again and watch yourself sitting 24-48 hrs with no miles. That truck payment is still due.

Skeptical? Check the trucking forums or just turn up the CB.

If you are thinking about leasing, just make sure you do the math and know what you’re getting into.

“THERE IS A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF TRUCK DRIVERS!”

This is the theme of many news stories nationwide.
This is only part of the story. Anyone who commutes daily knows there are plenty of truckers on the road now.

All the freight in the country will get delivered eventually. It’s just a matter of when, and in this business “when” equals “how much”.

The shippers who pay the highest rates always get their freight moved while the cheap ones sit and wait.

Trucking companies scream “THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH DRIVERS FOR THE INDUSTRY!”

The truth is every trucking firm wants more drivers for themselves, and continually compete with each other for drivers.

Some even use underhanded strategies such as abusive exclusive employment contracts, failing to give references to prospective employers, false accident reports on your permanent record, false drug test results, etc. While these incidents are uncommon they do happen.

The driver turnover rate for most large OTR (over the road) companies varies some say as high as 200%.
For LTL (less than truckload) or many unionized turnover is much lower.

Though many leave the industry completely, many more just go to other places hoping the grass will be greener.

Most times you’ll start with an OTR or”long haul” company simply because unionized or local jobs are the most coveted and hard to get.

If you are all ready driving and just looking for another place, try to talk to other drivers first.
Also check out the equipment, specifically the trailers.

Most will invest a ton of money into tractors, which is good. But one that keeps up all their equipment is usually better managed and better to work for.

You will not be paid for every mile you drive. Since the miles for each run will be precalculated using mapping software such as Rand McNally or the Home Movers Guide.

Many times your driving miles will be as much as 10% over paid miles. This is just the way it is because that is also how the shippers pay the trucking industry.

When the truck needs a repair on the road you will not be paid for your time in most cases.

There will be a lot of sitting and waiting to get loaded and unloaded, expect not to be paid for this either.

Yes some places advertise “detention pay” their claims are dubious at best. To actually receive it is rare.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time sitting in truck stops during slow freight periods.

Be prepared to loose a lot of sleep during heavy freight periods.

Freight volume will vary from week to week, and region to region depending on the company size and trucks on the road.

In closing I hope this little lens enlightened you just a little. This is all just my take from my own personal experience. Ultimately, you’ll draw your own conclusions…

Ready to get OUT of the truck? Trucking life not at all what you expected or were promised? I left the trucking life and started a home internet business. Built it all from my laptop, and so can you! Join me at http://www.zentrucking.com/.

Have a great ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

Why 18-wheelers drive more slowly

Commercial tractor trailers have evolved in the last twenty years beyond the simple beasts they once were. In the old days, trucks were hulking monsters billowing black smoke and rumbling down the road, shaking the pavement as they rolled by.

Todays eighteen wheelers have some of the most advanced technology available, computerized engine management, twin turbos, modern emission systems, automatic transmissions, and air ride suspensions. But even with light weight aluminum bodies and modern aerodynamics, the biggest expense for trucking companies is still fuel.

Skyrocketing diesel costs has led most major transportation companies to use “governors” or “limiters” on their engines. The largest companies keep those governors set usually between sixty two and sixty eight miles per hour.These slower speeds keep costs down and in many instances increase safety.

Another strategy is to lower the “horse power” rating of the engines. This is accomplished through the computerized engine management system. This however, has the effect of much slower speeds while climbing hills, and slower acceleration in general.

Transmissions and rear-end gear ratios also play a roll. Since heavy trucks are made-to-order at the factory, these specifications vary greatly. Companies will “spec” these trucks according to their various needs and nature of their business.

With new congressional laws on the horizon, owner operators also will have to contend with governor regulations. Soon we will see an entire nation of trucks governed around sixty five. Independents will have little choice but to comply, or risk loosing their “authority” or right to transport goods “interstate”.

Lower governors usually mean less “momentum”, momentum allows heavy trucks to maintain speed over hilly terrain. This allows a higher average rate of speed that would otherwise be far below the speed limit.

These issues, combined with the massive weights trucks carry, (around eighty thousand pounds or forty tons), will contribute to the “slowing” if the nations highways in the coming years.

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

What to Expect of a Career in Trucking

Once finishing truck driving school, your instructor hands you a certificate and sends you on your way. But your not a truck driver yet. Thats right, you have your diploma, CDL, and maybe even a hat with the school logo. But your education is just starting. Driving schools teach just the basics and thats it. Double clutching, parallel parking, basic logging, and a gigantic lot to learn backing in.

Unfortunately, real life trucking will be a whole lot harder. Once hired by a trucking company, the next step is to “run” with a “driver trainer” for three to six weeks. This is when the fun begins. All sorts of drivers train students, and many are very good and professional. Many are not. Many of these companies allow rookie drivers with as little as a couple of months experience train newer drivers. Like “blind leading the blind” many of these “trainers” are clueless as to the serious business of driving a truck, and train mostly for the money. Some trucking outfits see this as an opportunity to run that truck as a “team” operation, which means running as hard as two veteran drivers in the same truck. Those trucks will normally run day and night, with very few stops.

The trainers like this because all miles paid are paid to them, potentially doubling their income. The companies love this because team trucks are far more profitable than solos. But where dose the leave the trainee? Being new to the business it will take time to adjust to those long driving shifts. For some, trying to sleep while the truck is moving will be nearly impossible. As for pay, the trainee usually receives a small paycheck during this time, but it’s usually just enough for some food and expenses, not very much. Some companies will even continue to team you with another rookie driver, even after the initial training! They say the extra “teaming” with another student improves your skills.

I don’t know how teaming with another trainee can improve your skills, it just seems like they’re trying to squeeze the trainees for all the profit they can. Since many drivers refuse to run team, team trucks are hard to fill. First year drivers are paid far below average, so don’t expect top rates when starting out. I know what your recruiter told you, they told me the same things. Just remember that recruiters are paid to fill seats, and they’re paid very well. Your education has only just begun.

Have a safe ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

Buying a Rig for your Trucking Business

With the many big trucks on the road, often we see many familiar trucking company names and colors. But the vast majority of freight is still hauled by “Independents” or owner operators. Owning a tractor-trailer and running your own “authority” is similar to running any small business. A good amount of thought must be put into planning and starting your trucking business.

Many truck owners opt for a “lease contract” with a large logistics/brokerage company. By doing this they ease the burden of having to hunt for customers themselves. In essence, the company is leasing YOUR services, truck and time. This also means an obligation to run only said companies freight and no other. for those starting in the industry, this may be a better choice until more experience is gained.

When buying that shiny new ten wheeler, don’t let emotions get involved. Some new luxury “Road Trucks” can cost upwards of $125,000. Or the price of a new home in most of the country. After your “spec” and other options it could run nearly $200,000. For many this will simply be too much to get started, try looking for a good “new/used” tractor and keep the miles around 200,000 with plenty of drive train warranty remaining.

When buying an older used or “reconditioned” tractor, familiarize yourself with terms like “dyno testing” and “oil analysis” these reports are critical to the overall value of the truck. Check the warranty on the reconditioned or rebuilt motor, was the build “long”(complete engine) or “short” (top half). And like with any vehicle, check the history report for any “rolls” or major wrecks. Next is tires, drives, (“caps” or new), steer tire odd or uneven wear (clues to steering problems). Is there ANY leakage, cracks or welds on the frame rails? Rebuilt rears, drive shafts,clutch, and turbos? Such items could cost ten times as much to replace in a ten wheeler than in a standard “half ton”

In closing,just remember while some add-ons may be critical (aux power unit,deer guard) however, be wise as to extra expenses. Forget about the ten “low-pro” wheels and tires until you’ve achieved some success. Just remember to go at it like a business person, conserve cash, reinvest, be frugal, and most of all be safe!

Ride with pride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles

Why do so Many People Hate Big Trucks and Truck Drivers?

Truck regulation is a politically popular topic these days. With the explosion of commercial truck traffic and many stories of catastrophic accidents on the highways. Accidents involving large vehicles usually end in great destruction and fatalities. Over the past several years federal regulation of the trucking industry has tightened, and fatality accidents have actually decreased, in relation to freight miles driven. But why then do so so many menacing trucks seem to be still on the road?

Remember that all sorts of people drive trucks these days, gone are of the days of the stereotypical “Trucker”, usually southern or mid-western based. These drivers normally came from outlying and rural areas. Usually friendly and helpful, these guys built a reputation for professional trucking that still exists today in most of the country. But these days a large number of truck drivers are newer or “rookie” drivers. The reason for this are the baby boomer’s.

Like every industry, trucking has been experiencing record retirements. Because of the tough nature of truck driving, retirements tend to come earlier. Health problems and the inability to pass a physical, move many drivers out of the industry earlier than most professions. Combined with record freight growth, the large number of drivers required, and stringent physical requirements, refilling those seats is a tough task. This leads to lesser qualified applicants being accepted, and less than adequate training in some cases.

While out on the road, you tend to meet people from all walks of life. From former factory workers to professionals, such as former doctors and engineers. Many having experienced a major life change, or maybe just nomads at heart. Most take to the road as a means of escape, or for spiritual growth. Whatever the reasons, whenever you have so many people of varying personalities and backgrounds, there is bound to be conflict.

Haven’t we all experienced the sight of a big grill and blazing headlights in the “rearview”? Trucks running too fast, kicking up stones, cutting you off, or running into your lane? While many factors can contribute to erratic trucks, primarily wind. Many drivers today simply seem too aggressive or poorly trained for such a critical job. While the vast majority of drivers practice safety and courtesy, a few “bad apples” give the industry a bad name.

Please don’t condemn all truckers for the actions of a few “steering wheel holders”, these types tend to weed themselves out quickly. While “Truckers” will always be with us. Just practice defensive driving around trucks, give them plenty of room, and if you happen to see an aggressive, unsafe truck driver, don’t hesitate to report them. The rest of us want them off the road too!

Have a great ride!

About the Author…

Eric Lorence was a “long haul” truck driver for twelve years before leaving the industry to start various internet businesses and engage in other pursuits.
Visit his Home Page at ZENTRUCKING.COM

Read More Articles Here: Thought Search Articles