Trucker Path App
Here’s a useful app for any new or experienced truck drivers. 📱
I personally don’t use any trucker apps because I haul out of the ports and go to the same local locations to drop off my loads. But using trucker apps can be very useful if you’re an OTR driver. These apps will tell you where the scales and rest areas are at. They will also help you avoid city streets with weight limits on them. I used to use TruckMap, but there are many others you can pick and choose from. I recommend looking at the ratings before you download them. 🚛
Horror Story on a Return to Duty Program
Here’s an interesting article on a female truck driver named Jeanne Irwin. Jeanne has been truck driving since 1973 and has actually been struggling to find work because she used a CBD product that caused her to test positive for a THC metabolite which is different from testing positive for THC. CBD is sold over the counter and is used to treat pain in the bones or joints cause by arthritis. Once you test positive for an illegal substance, driver’s must complete a “Return to Duty” program to get back in the road. According to Jean the process has been a nightmare.
To new and experienced drivers, I highly recommend staying away from CBD products. This is not the first time I’ve heard a story about a driver testing positive for THC when they only used CBD. Companies that sell these products are misleading consumers and are causing catastrophic results for anyone that gets randomly drug tested.
Read the article here. ⤵️
What to do if you get in an accident with a semi-truck
Being that a semi-truck hit me on Friday, I thought this video would be a good share wether you’re a truck driver or not. There’s a lot to process when this happens so it’s best to remain calm and collective if you’re not seriously injured.
Accident
Yesterday I was driving from the county recorder’s office and on my way to go take a drug screen for a new job offer I had received on Thursday and a semi-truck hit me. The truck driver failed to use his mirrors and decided to change lanes. His front tire hit my driver’s side door digging his lug nuts all the way to my back door. His response was “Sorry” and laughed. I filed my claim with my insurance and retained an attorney the same day.
If you ever get in accident be sure to call the police, exchange information, get a statement, take pictures, file a claim with your insurance and an attorney. My Mercedes is pretty messed up and I have back pain, but it could have been worse. As a truck driver myself, there are blind spots everywhere so always keep your head on a swivel when you’re driving next to semi trucks. He could have avoided this accident by using his mirrors that are on the hood. All in all my Mercedes can be replaced and I’m alive so I’m in good spirits.
my experience with smaller CDL trucking companies.
i'm starting to believe they are all criminal anyone know a decent smaller trucking outfit in or near Dallas tx? #jobsearch #CDL #Trucking #truckdriver
California Diesel Ban for 2036
Looks like trucking manufacturers Ford, General Motors, and Daimler have agreed to the California’s diesel ban that is set for 2036 avoiding a drawn out legal battle. This is a huge win on both sides including the environment with the goal to lower emissions.
Although I’ve been noticing more and more electric semi-trucks at the Long Beach ports, manufacturing the batteries for these electric vehicles are still harmful to the environment. They also need to use large amounts of electricity to charge these semi-trucks which isn’t very economical for carriers, consumers, and our grids. This will cause the cost of goods to increase and possibly put another dent in the U.S economy. So in other words, we are trading one problem to inherit several other problems.
The solution the manufacturers are planning to implement is to manufacture hydrogen fueled semi-trucks. Although the idea is great and environmentally friendly, the hydrogen infrastructure is terribly bad and will take some team work from the trucking industry to correct by 2036. To create a whole new infrastructure can take decades, but apparently the manufacturing giants believe they can get it done. As a truck driver myself, I’m definitely rooting for these industry leaders to get the job done for the sake of our environment and economy.
Article: ⤵️
Doubles & Triples Endorsement
Here’s a training video of a Fed Ex driver demonstrating how to hook a double trailer. You’ll see Fed Ex, Estes, and drivers that haul dirt pull double trailers normally. This is a good endorsement to have if you want to work for a mega carrier like Fed Ex. They pay great and have amazing benefits, but you’ll need at least two years experience and a flawless driving record.
There are also triple trailers, but it’s illegal to haul triples in California. You’ll generally see triples in states like Arizona and Texas. I have my doubles & triples, but I have zero intention of hauling double trailers. It just makes me more valuable and flexible to a company even if they don’t haul doubles.
How to load a car hauler
There are a variety of hauls a truck driver can do. This is a video demonstrating how to load a car hauler. These guys make 6 figures and are mostly over the road (OTR) drivers. So if you like traveling from state to state this might be ideal for you. Companies that haul cars normally want at least two years driving experience. But it’s possible with one year experience if you find a team driving company.
There are 6 steps in order to “Return to Duty” if you fail a drug screen as a truck driver. Watch this video. ⤵️
Tips on how to pass your DOT physical. From my own personal experience you’ll need to complete a DOT physical before you take the knowledge and air brake test at the DMV. You will not be allowed to take the permit test without a medical certificate. A DOT physical can be taken at an urgent care for around $100.