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Showing posts from July, 2019

Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving

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The average tractor-trailer weighs about 80,000 pounds, more than 20 times the weight of the average automobile. The tractor trailer will take nearly 550 feet to make an emergency stop. The average car or small truck takes about 315 feet to stop. Federal traffic officials say nearly 95 percent of traffic crashes stem from distracted driving. What do all these numbers mean? Simply, distracted driving poses a serious danger to life, limb and property. However, experts say taking some simple precautions to avoid both distracted truck driving and distracted driving in cars can prevent most crashes, like putting away your phone. FMCSA Establishes Traffic Regulations for Trucks The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bars CMV drivers from both reaching for mobile devices or using them during driving. Drivers are also prohibited from pressing more than one button on mobile devices while driving. However, they may use hands-free devices to communicate provided t...

How You Can Manage Truck Driver Stress

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Taking on the life of a truck driver isn’t an easy decision. Your new lifestyle will consist mainly of you and your truck and you have to work to reduce truck driver stress. Driving can be a rewarding and pleasant career though. For example, think of refrigerated truck drivers as the people who deliver the fresh flowers and candy so that millions can celebrate Mother’s Day. Even with the reward at the delivery point, getting used to driving the long haul isn’t easy at first. Here are some tips for helping you cope with truck driver stress. Career Development Some companies will have “driver assistant” programs for rookies. This is a kind of mentoring relationship where you can turn to a more experienced driver for guidance. Solid trucking companies are always concerned with helping your career. Many will help you get CDL licensed and find the right opportunities for your situation. If your company has such a program, make sure to take advantage. Time Mana...

Be Proactive! Preventive Vehicle Maintenance Saves You Time & Money

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Your work van or truck is a complicated collaboration of gears and machinery. Modern vehicles incorporate more electronics than ever, too. The best way to keep yourself on the road and make your deadlines is to minimize unexpected breakdowns by keeping up with your preventive vehicle maintenance. Importance of Preventive Vehicle Maintenance Having a work truck or work van is critical to your job. Without it, you don’t just lose your means of transportation. You lose your mobile office, your mobile garage or your mobile toolshed. It’s organized just the way you want it. Bottom line, your vehicle keeps you working. Unexpected issues will eventually happen. But preventive vehicle maintenance keeps you on the road longer and more consistently – avoiding most of the hundreds of potential issues automobiles face. Here are some of the key benefits of staying on top of your vehicle’s maintenance: It Saves Money An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of medicine. Most ...

How Ladder Racks Benefit Service Fleets

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It’s important to select the right type of ladder rack for service fleets, because ladder racks can improve productivity, worker safety, and cargo capacity. Before you select a ladder rack, review the strengths and limitations of different types of ladder racks as well as the benefits of adding ladder racks to your service fleets. Benefits of Using Ladder Racks More Cargo Space When ladders go on the rack and not in the back of the vehicle, adding a ladder rack to your cargo fleet can improve the interior cargo space. You will be able to store more tools and equipment in your van when the ladders are stored on a rack. Since ladder racks can accommodate all sorts of items, not just ladders, this opens up the carrying capacity for all vehicles in your fleet. Reduced Risk of Injury  Since hauling a ladder rack in and out of a vehicle can cause injuries, installing ladder racks cuts down on injuries. This makes loading and unloading safer. Secure Stora...