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Investing In Premium Trucks Attracts More And Better Drivers
Commercial trucking plays a major role in the American economy. About 70% of the U.S. freight moved each year is handled by trucks. Commercial trucking generates over $700 billion each year. However, a shortage of drivers is threatening the smooth functioning of the trucking industry. Companies large and small are finding it difficult to attract and retain well-trained, experienced, dependable truck drivers. One effective strategy a growing number of trucking companies are using to attract the good truck drivers they need is investing in the purchase of top of the line premium trucks.
Premium Trucks Attract Top Truck Drivers
Truck drivers tend to gravitate towards companies with high quality, well-maintained, premium trucks. With the looming driver shortage that is threatening to hurt this very lucrative, essential industry, savvy trucking fleet owners are paying attention to this fact and upgrading the quality of their fleet. One in five drivers who leave companies do so because the trucks they are asked to drive are old, not properly maintained, lack the right safety technology and don't run well. On the other hand, companies with the premium trucks find it easier to attract and keep all the drivers they need to succeed and grow.
Why Drivers Are Drawn To Companies With Premium Trucks
There are several simple reasons truck drivers want to work for trucking companies that have premium trucks. Truckers get paid based on the number of loads they haul and how many miles they drive. A premium truck enables a driver to transport loads over longer distances faster and easier. Plus, premium trucks work better and the driver does not
have to waste precious time and miss out on the opportunity to make more money because the truck they drive regularly breaks down and has to be repaired. Safety is another reason drivers want to work for companies with the best trucks. Truck drivers want to know they can make their runs in inclement weather and rough terrain safely.
have to waste precious time and miss out on the opportunity to make more money because the truck they drive regularly breaks down and has to be repaired. Safety is another reason drivers want to work for companies with the best trucks. Truck drivers want to know they can make their runs in inclement weather and rough terrain safely.
A Good Strategic Move
For trucking companies that want to ensure operational consistency and attract and keep top-caliber truck drivers, bolstering their fleet with new premium trucks is a good and smart strategic move. It enhances the company's image in the eyes of the drivers, shows they take driver safety and comfort seriously and want to make sure their drivers can
make as much money as possible. In an industry where keeping drivers happy and on the job is more important than ever before, investing in the premium quality trucks drivers enjoy driving is a winning strategy. It signals to drivers their safety, comfort and economic successes is important to you.
make as much money as possible. In an industry where keeping drivers happy and on the job is more important than ever before, investing in the premium quality trucks drivers enjoy driving is a winning strategy. It signals to drivers their safety, comfort and economic successes is important to you.
Having Quality Assets
Purchasing premium trucks benefits trucking companies in other ways. Customers will be more likely to do business with them because they know their trucks will be able to get to their destination on time while keeping the items being transported well protected. Good trucks are quality assets that add value to a trucking company. By having quality assets, a trucking company will be better positioned to get and keep good drivers and attract more business and take advantage of the lucrative opportunities available in the marketplace. Investing in premium trucks can lead to a great return on investment.
Safety, Efficiency And Accountability
Buying high quality trucks gives trucking companies the stability and flexibility they need in these uncertain economic times. Plus, it gives them the additional operational diversity they want as they handle challenges associated with the safety, efficiency and accountability of their fleet and their drivers. Investing in premium trucks can help trucking companies address some of their unique business challenges. It changes the way potential customers view you. They are more confident that fleet owners with new premium trucks will understand their business concerns, deliver the cargo intact and on time and will not leave them in a bind.
A Major Step
Purchasing a fleet of brand-new, premium make and model trucks is a major step. But if you talk to drivers, their consensus perspective is investing in premium quality trucks puts your company on a higher level. It shows your long-term vision for your company takes into consideration what drivers want and how best to provide them with it. When
a company gives drivers new, premium brand trucks with the latest safety, communication and infotainment technology to drive, it means they want to give drivers the chance to earn a huge salary. That enhances the company's image and attracts the top drivers.
a company gives drivers new, premium brand trucks with the latest safety, communication and infotainment technology to drive, it means they want to give drivers the chance to earn a huge salary. That enhances the company's image and attracts the top drivers.
A Variety Of Important Benefits
Investing in premium trucks provides trucking companies and drivers working for them with a variety of very important benefits. The company is viewed as a “premium brand”. Plus, it sends a strong message to the drivers that the trucks will be well maintained and they will be able to earn a high salary. The trucks will consistently deliver good fuel economy and performance, intangible and hidden costs that can negatively impact pricing loads are eliminated and uniform fleet management will be easier. When there is an entire fleet of new, high-quality trucks, every driver will be able to get lots of good loads.
A Win-Win-Win Proposition
When trucking companies invest in premium trucks, it creates a win-win-win proposition. Customers can hire those companies confident their cargo will be properly protected and arrive on time and intact. Drivers will be driving excellent trucks that run well and have all the latest driver-assistance and safely technology that enables them to make
more trips and more money more comfortably. Company owners will have their pick of the best drivers and jobs, make more profit and be able to quickly pay off their trucks. It can be of great benefit to all involved when trucking companies make the commitment to get premium trucks.
more trips and more money more comfortably. Company owners will have their pick of the best drivers and jobs, make more profit and be able to quickly pay off their trucks. It can be of great benefit to all involved when trucking companies make the commitment to get premium trucks.
Powerful, Durable Engines And Transmission And Diverse Safety Systems
Companies actually save money when they build their fleet using premium quality trucks. These vehicles have powerful, durable engines and transmissions that work smoothly for many years when they are properly maintained. The new trucks also have a diverse range of technologically advanced safety systems designed to protect the driver, the truck
and the cargo being transported. These safety systems qualify the company to get lower insurance rates that can save them thousands of dollars. When drivers are happy, they are more productive. When customers are happy they spend more money. And safer trucks makes the drivers, customers, insurance company and the trucking company owner happier.
and the cargo being transported. These safety systems qualify the company to get lower insurance rates that can save them thousands of dollars. When drivers are happy, they are more productive. When customers are happy they spend more money. And safer trucks makes the drivers, customers, insurance company and the trucking company owner happier.
A Waiting List Of The Best Drivers
There is a growing shortage of truck drivers. Some companies respond to this by cutting corners and still lose drivers. Some bold, savvy, trucking companies deal with it in another way. They invest in premium quality trucks drivers and customers love. Many of those companies now have a waiting list filled with some of the best trucking industry drivers from which to choose and a growing roster of lucrative clients. The decision to invest in the best trucks is already paying dividends. Offering drivers premium trucks that they enjoy using and treating them well, has helped many of the most successful trucking companies to attract more and better drivers even during a driver shortage.
Sources:
https://www.transportation.gov/data
https://www.bts.gov/topics/freight-transportation/description-bts-freight-data-programs
https://truckingdatabase.com/
https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2019/article/is-the-us-labor-market-for-truck-drivers-broken.htm
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10136441/premium-equipment-brings-higher-caliber-drivers
[Video] New Lube Service Reminders With Multiple Criteria Report
In the video below you'll discover how to use the new Lube Service Reminders with Multiple Criteria Report that was released in TATEMS Fleet Maintenance Software version 4.6.29.005
This new report lets you filter the Lube Service Reminders by Equipment Type, Lube Service Type, Location, Customer, Department or Area.
You'll can also sort the report by Equipment number, Sort Order Number, Miles/Km to Go, Hours To Go, Days To Go, Location, Department or Area, Customer or Lube Service Type.
You can find more training videos here:
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Advances in Trucking Fleet Management Make Life Easier
Advances in Trucking Fleet Management Make Life Easier
A number of different trends in trucking fleet management are coming together to make hauls more efficient and enjoyable. Software can now provide load- and truck-specific routes that cut down on drive times. That leaves more time for you and your family. What's also nice is that current trends like “bring your own device” (BYOD) are getting incorporated into trucking fleet management to make your routes easier to plan and navigate. The upshot is greater efficiency and more free time to do what you love.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Any modern device that runs on Android, Google's operating system, or iOS, Apple's operating system, will do as a BYOD device. As long as you bring along your smartphone, iPad, or Apple Watch, you should have access to thousands of trucking apps. By bringing your own device on the job you will have access to a number of helpful apps, including those that cover: navigation, load compliance, weigh stations, and possible vehicle inspections. For companies, BYOD policies can lead to reduced hardware costs, training expenses, and annoying software licensing fees.
Better Telematics
Telematics is the branch of information science that covers the sending and receiving of information, potentially across long distances. Sensors are the glue that makes better telematics possible in the trucking industry. Better sensors can tell fleet maintenance managers when a truck needs repair or some kind of adjustment to bring its performance up to a certain standard. As a trucker, you will receive a much richer picture of the current performance of your rig, and fleet maintenance managers will be clued into upcoming repairs. Updates on potential problems can inform overall fleet management (e.g., by indicating a truck needs to be taken out of commission).
Load- and Truck-specific Routes
Getting to the next waypoint on time can be stressful enough without worrying about the literal stress of 75,000 pounds of truck and material not being able to make the journey. The end goal shared by all truckers is getting to the next waypoint efficiently, safely, and ahead of schedule. Truck navigation software is already used by hundreds of thousands of truckers around the country, and the reach of this innovative navigation software is becoming global in scope. Trucking navigation software can enable you to:
- Receive customized messages based on trucking location
- Locate trade routes (not a feature of every navigation system!)
- Locate POI, e.g., safe and reliable overnight parking
- Locate constantly updated road closures and reroutes
- Ensure right-side approach for easier, safer pull-ins
Today's navigation software can factor in the size of your route and the foregoing kinds of data so that your ride is smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Solutions Working Together to Improve Fleet Management
Many of the solutions discussed above work synergistically to improve fleet management. For instance, bringing your own device to work will enable better telematics and access to helpful suggestions in terms of load- and truck-specific routes for your next haul. Why wouldn't you want to use these technologies?
Safe and Flexible Driving Rules
Driving hours have long been a part of trucking safety. Driving for too many hours can cause drowsiness and a lack of concentration. To drive long distances and sustain the necessary energy it takes to work in the trucking industry, many drivers plan ahead.
HOS
Hours Of Service
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was first adopted in 1937 for the safety of commercial drivers. The Hours of Service rules then specified what the operating hours should look like for truck drivers. Since then, the rules and guidelines have been changed to meet current standards.
Truck driver hours of service rules were changed on September 29th. The official new rules allow for more flexibility so that scheduling hours around breaks are now easier. Among some of these guidelines, two exceptional changes provide huge benefits to trucking safety: The Thirty Minute Rule and The Adverse Driving Conditions Exception.
Adverse Driving Conditions
The Adverse Driving Conditions Exception extends the maximum permitted driving time by two hours. Due to inclement weather conditions or traffic build-ups, it can be tempting to drive faster to complete the distance needed by the driving deadline hours. With two additional hours, unexpected driving conditions are not nearly as stressful for truck drivers.
The Thirty Minute Rule
The Thirty Minute Rule was created for mandatory break times. Continuous driving throughout the day can be hazardous without intermittent breaks. Without these breaks, drivers can become unaware of drowsiness or a lack of concentration and may cause harm to themselves or other drivers. The thirty minute break rule requires a break after eight hours of consecutive driving time. At this point, a driver can relax at a restaurant or take a nap before re-energizing for the next stretch.
Conclusion
Driving safety can sometimes be an afterthought when distance and time are of the essence. By following the guidelines set in place by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial motor vehicle drivers can remember to stay safe on the road.
The Top Safety Tips For Truck Drivers
When navigating the roads, it’s prudent to expect the unexpected. This advice is especially important for truck drivers to heed. With considerable caution and on-the-road safety tricks, you can ensure that you remain out of harm’s way while en route. Whether you’re preparing for a trip or traveling to your destination, here are some tips to consider while in the driver’s seat.
Pre-Road Safety Hacks
Track The Weather
When bad weather rears its ugly head, driving becomes exponentially more dangerous. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 21 percent of vehicle crashes are weather-related. With that said, it’s critical to check the weather both before you’re driving and while on the road.
Get Comfortable
There’s nothing more bothersome than being uncomfortable in the driver’s seat. Fidgeting and constantly adjusting will only distract from what’s going on on the road. To keep yourself cozy and attentive, find your sweet spot before the trip begins.
On-The-Road Safety Hacks
Stay Alert
It’s all too easy to get distracted while driving. If you feel your concentration waning, take a break. As a result, you’ll give yourself the opportunity to refuel. Much like your truck, you don’t perform as well when you’re running on empty. To avoid an accident, it’s crucial to stay alert while behind the wheel.
Stay In Your Lane
Due to their large size, trucks are sensitive to wind, speeding cars, and other unpredictable elements. When these forces are too strong, it can cause you to swerve into the next lane. By keeping both hands on the wheel, you remain in complete control of the vehicle and, in turn, manage to stay in your lane.
Maintain Distance
If you have to come to a screeching halt, you’ll need about seven seconds to do so. With that in mind, keep a reasonable distance between you and the car ahead of you. When you do have to come to a stop, you’ll find comfort in knowing that you won’t plow into the vehicle in front of you.
Truck Maintenance Basics For Drivers
Repairs on the Road
Every seasoned trucker knows the feeling of coasting down the open road only to hear an unsettling screech, thump or bump radiating from the front end of the vehicle. Repairs are a part of trucking life and we have to decide right on the spot whether it is within our scope of knowledge, or if an outside contractor must be sent in to address the issue at hand. These types of decisions have to be made in the moment and as on the road trucking fleet operators, we have to prepare ourselves with the knowledge base necessary to make these types of decisions. There are several different common repairs that truckers have to address. There are those repairs that can be overlooked by the trucking fleet ownership and the trucking fleet operator must address them on the spot due to a lack of due diligence. These include oil changes and oil leaks. There are also routine repairs that must be made regardless of the ownership's upkeep of the vehicle, such as tire changes and battery jumps.
Oil Changes
All semi-trucks must undergo frequent oil changes. How often the truck will require oil changes depends upon many factors. If the truck is climbing steep terrain frequently, then it will require a frequent oil change. It also depends upon how many miles the truck travels in a period of time. The more miles on the vehicle, the more frequently the truck will require an oil change. As truck operators, we know that diesel engines require oil changes just like gasoline engines do.
Oil Leaks
Another issue that may arise on the road is an oil leak within the engine. Oil leaks must be addressed by experienced mechanics. If the truck operator happens to have a background in engine mechanics, by all means, he can perform the repair. However, more likely than not, the truck driver will have to call upon the help of a seasoned semi-truck engine mechanic. This can require being off the road for a longer amount of time than expected in order to allow for repair time for the vehicle. Oil leaks are indicated by a consistently low oil level gauge even when the oil has just recently been refilled in the engine.
Tire Changes
Routine tire changes must be made on the semi-truck vehicle. As semi-trucks frequently travel through rough terrain, worn roads, icy conditions, and generally hazardous environments, it is important to keep up a good thick tread on the tires. The tread on semi-truck tires gets worn down more quickly than on a standard vehicle both because of the extreme nature of the terrain and also because of the sheer amount of mileage being put on the tires. A seasoned semi-truck driver should become familiar with how to properly remove and install tires.
Battery
The life of a battery is very important when it comes to trucking because few vehicles that could stop alongside the road to help with a jumpstart would have battery power strong enough to jumpstart a semi-truck engine. It is important for the driver to consistently monitor battery life so that he never ends up in such a situation.
[Video] Odometer Readings Not Updated Since Before a Date With Custom Spreadsheet
This Video shows you how to use spreadsheet 138 to find all the equipment that has not had odometer or hours meter readings updates since before a specific date.
In this video, you'll also discover
- How to link this excel spreadsheet to your live TATEMS database
- How to use other filters to see only a specific Equipment Type or Location
Here is a screenshot example of what the spreadsheet looks like:
You can download this spreadsheet directly from here:
https://tatems.com/download/TATEMSOdometerAndHoursWithCustomerLocationDeptAreaOutOutService.xlsx
And you can see all the available spreadsheets here
https://tatems.com/spreadsheets
Thanks for watching!
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[Video] All Work Orders by Work Order Number Report
In the video below you'll discover how to find and use the All Work Orders By Work Order number report
The descriptions in this report come from the short descriptions in each work order.
The report sorts by work order number only
The video shows you how to choose criteria to see the costs for a specific semi-truck, trailer, or equipment.
You can also just choose a date range to see all the work orders for the entire fleet and get the total costs for that date range.
You can find more training videos here:
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You should also subscribe to our Youtube channel to get notifications of new TATEMS videos
[Video] See How Long To Go for All Lube Services with Spreadsheet 137
The video below shows you how to use the custom Lube Service Reminders Spreadsheets number 52 and number 137 and how to link them to the live TATEMS Fleet Maintenance Software database.
You can download the spreadsheets directly from here:
TATEMS-LubeLubeServices-LastDone-NextDue-MileageKmHoursDaysToGoTillDue.xlsx
And you can see all the available spreadsheets here
https://tatems.com/spreadsheets
Thanks for watching!
You should also subscribe to our Youtube channel to get notifications of new TATEMS videos
Preparing Your Truck and Yourself For Winter Driving
With winter just a few weeks away, this seems an appropriate time to discuss winter weather preparation and driving.
Bad Weather And Wrecks
The majority of weather-related auto accidents in the U.S. occur in late fall and winter. This fact shows the importance of getting your rig and yourself ready for winter driving.
Think Tires
Run tires with lug tread on your driving wheels. The deeper track on lugs makes them better suited to winter driving. Cold lowers tire pressure so check your air pressure regularly. Continually inspect your tires for signs they need replacement. Use tire spray to gauge road conditions. Lots of tire spray, the roads are just wet. A reduction in the mist indicates icing.
Emergency Supply Kit
There is always the risk of becoming stranded in a storm. Carry extra clothing, including shoes and socks in case the clothes you are wearing get wet. Keep a folding shovel, sand, and tire chains handy and pack water and protein bars. Remember a flashlight, cellphone charger, and a blanket.
Pressure Test
With the heater control valves on and the engine cold, pressure test your cooling system and the radiator cap. Check for hoses that are hardened, cracked, or softened. Make sure hose clamps are secure. Replace the warm weather water/antifreeze mix with straight antifreeze.
Braking
To keep your brake lines from freezing, routinely inspect the air dryer and air dryer filter. On slick roads allow at least ten times the usual braking distance. Pump rather than slam on the brakes. Sometimes, it's better to maneuver around an obstacle than to use the binders. Remember, that mound of snow could be a car.
Load Test Your Battery
Load test your battery to be sure it has enough life left to get through the winter. On the subject of things electrical, use headlights when visibility is reduced. Don't use cruise control if you are using your wipers. Pay extra close attention to the taillights ahead of you.
Carry Anti-Gel
Gelling from cold temperature turns diesel fuel to wax. To keep your engine running in wintry climes, use a high cetane (55) fuel and anti-gel. Always have extra anti-gel on hand. You might also think about installing a block heater.
Intersections And Ramps
When roads are slippery and visibility is reduced, use extra caution at intersections. Even if you have the green light, double-check that another vehicle isn't sliding through the opposite corner. On hazardous roads, disengage the engine brake when approaching a bridge or ramp. Remember, bridge decks freeze before pavement.
Use The AC
Yes, we are still talking about winter driving. Running the air conditioner helps the defrosters work more efficiently. Clean your lights, mirrors and reflectors. To determine a safe following distance start counting after the lead vehicle passes a marker like a road sign. If you pass the marker before getting to 15, you are following too closely.