How to Install Tire Chains On Your Truck

Winter is on it’s way and there are times the law says you have to use chains. Some times it’s just plain common sense to use tire chains.

 There are many narrow, mountain passes you can’t drive safely, or legally, without them. There are other cold and snowy roads they may just speed your trip. You need to use the right chains, installed as the manufacturer intended, to get their full benefit of the traction chains provide. Here are a couple videos showing you how to install tire chains on a truck and trailer.

 
How To Chain Your Tractor And Trailer Tires  
 
How To Chain Up!

How OSHA Protects American Workers at Central Transport LLC

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the US Department of Labor regularly monitors the safety of employees and workplace safety environment of many US businesses to ensure that no one has to sacrifice their life. Today, US employees in many sectors of industry risk their lives while on the job. Although the number has fallen substantially over the latter half of the 20^th century, in 2013, there were still just over 4,400 workers who died as a result of their work, according to OSHA.

It is through the use of citations that OSHA gets its message across, particularly when a company has disregarded several notices of its violations. The recent news have pointed out one of the newest culprits of this brutal problem and it turned out to be a trucking company known as Central Transport LLC. They were recently cited for not one, but five (!) safety violations this year (2014), including 3 that were repeat violations and 1 “willful” violation, which was done in complete disregard to previous accusations.

The price tag for just one of these willful violations reached $60,500 for serious defects found in the operating conditions of forklifts. For example, one headlight and tires from one of the forklifts were entirely damaged and had not been taken out of service. There were a host of other problems with other forklifts, including problems with brakes and battery cables. Other problems stemmed from the terminal dock itself, where hazardous working conditions included uncleanliness, leaking roofs and a lack of overhead doors.

No doubt, the company had been aware of these problems for quite some time now, yet nothing was ever done to resolve them, as is evidenced by the repeat violations. Exposing employees to such conditions are indeed hazardous and could have resulted in serious injuries due to slips and falls or other forms of physical harm.

Overall, the total sum of all citations for CentralTransport LLC came out to $145,420, a large penalty to pay for problems that could have been resolved much sooner. The company is currently in the process of contesting these penalties and we shall await and see how much they will have to pay in the end.

OSHA regularly protects US citizens from hazardous working conditions and asks the public to inform them upon finding anything suspicious in their working environment that may warrant further inspection. They can be reached toll-free at (800) 321-OSHA (6742).

September 2014 BTS Freight Transportation Services Index

The Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI), which is based on the amount of freight carried by the for-hire transportation industry, rose 0.3 percent in September from August, rising for the third consecutive month, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The September 2014 index level (121.5) was 28.5 percent above the April 2009 low during the most recent recession. 

The level of freight shipments in September measured by the Freight TSI (121.5) reached its all-time high. BTS’ TSI records begin in 2000. 

The August index was revised to 121.2 from 120.9 in last month’s release. There were smaller upward revisions for each of the previous months in 2014. 

The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments by mode of transportation in tons and ton-miles, which are combined into one index. The index measures the output of the for-hire freight transportation industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. 

Analysis: All freight modes grew in September except rail carloads, which were unchanged. During the month, several other indicators of related parts of the economy that often impact transportation increased. In particular, industrial production grew 1 percent after several months of slow or negative growth. Manufacturers’ shipments and inventories both increased – inventories have increased for 22 of 23 months to reach an historic high. 

Trend: The Freight TSI increased for the third month in a row in September, reaching an all-time high. The increase was a return to growth after a decline in June. Third quarter 2014 also represented a return to growth after two quarters of modest quarterly declines. The quarterly growth (2.3 percent) was the most rapid since the fourth quarter of 2011. After dipping to 94.6 in April 2009, the index rose 28.5 percent in the succeeding 65 months. 

            See Freight TSI Press Release for summary tables and additional data. See Transportation Services Index for historical data and methodology.

What is a Dashcam?

A dashcam (this is also referred to as dashboard cameras) is an onboard camera that is connected to a vehicle's internal windscreen by either a provided suction cup or a tape mount. This device successively records the route in front of a trucker, while the vehicle is driven on the highway or in motion. However, if an accident occurs on the road, video evidences are generally provided with the aid of dashcams. Several types of dashcams can be purchased in the market, ranging from basic and simple video cameras (camcorders) to those which additionally records variables such as time, date, speed, location and G-forces.

Although it may be promising to use almost any recording device as a dashboard camera, purpose-built dashcams are essentially the best to use. There are actually are a few key factors that distinguishes them from other portable and handheld recording devices. These key factors also make dashboard cameras stress-free and more appropriate than the other alternatives.

In order to really see what sets dashboard cameras apart from general purpose recorders, it is crucial to have an in-depth knowledge of how a dashcam actually functions. An archetypal dashboard camera comprises a few of basic components which include:

• a video camera
•  hard-wired power inputs signals
•  Integrated or detachable storage media

Function follows form in the event of dashcams, so you can probably get a pretty good idea of how they function by observing the sparse list of mechanisms.

A dashboard camera is characteristically wired or built into a circuit and automatically becomes operational only when the ignition key is in the start or run position. And without any recording controls, dashcams are usually made to record continuously whenever they are turned on. With that at heart, it is possible to see how these basic devices were created to automatically switch on and start footage whenever the car is driven, without any significance of any effort or interaction of the driver in any way.

This can be distinguished from the all-purpose portable recording devices. Even though any recording device can be used as a dashcam, it is imperative to know that these devices are manually turned on by the truckers and set to record every time they enter the truck. If by any chance the truck driver forgets to switch it on and just happens to be involved in an accident, then such event is never recorded.

These devices have accomplished enormous reputation in Russia, where video evidence of traffic accidents is desirable than spoken evidences in court. In Russia, dashcams are well-known as a kind of surveillance, further evidence in court and also as a guard against insurance scam and police corruption. They have been referred to as ever-present and an on-line obsession. In fact, in the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor, dashcam footage was the most common footage which was recorded from different viewpoints or directions. Numerous videos which have revealed car accidents, close calls, and attempts of insurance fraud have been uploaded to video sharing websites like YouTube.

However, in countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland, dashcams are prohibited by law. Also, in Poland and Australia footage on public roads is allowed, provided that the recording does not infringe upon an individual’s privacy in a way that may be considered wrong in a court of law.

Married to a Truck Driver

The wife of an experienced trucker understands the fact that getting married to a trucker can be very challenging because her husband is always on the road and never around for both her and the kids. It is however understood that these events can be very devastating, particularly to a newly married trucker’s wife.

For a trucker’s wife new to this kind of lifestyle, it seems as though her world is crashing; every project seems much more difficult, taking care of the kids alone can be really challenging and the thoughts of your man not being around makes it worse. However, it is imperative that such an individual learn to adapt.

There are some tips and recommendations that can be helpful in this process of transition or adaptation. Some the tips include:

Communication: Keeping in Touch

This is one key ingredient every relationship needs to have, particularly a family that has the head of the house as a trucker. A trucker spends most of his time on the road and this can however, create a barrier between him and his family. Lack of communication can be a real torture and devastating for the couples.

This barrier can be overcome if the couples learn to keep in touch such as the use of cellphones for chatting and texting. This can help ease the tension and also make life bearable.

Learning about the Trucking World

The trucking world is a lifestyle: it has a language of its own. For a newlywed trucker’s wife, this world is strange to her. Thus, she may feel left out. In order to keep up or adapt with this world, she needs to know about it. There is a lot of information within her reach such as website, publications, books etc. that may prove supportive.

Trust

This is another key ingredient needed in the marriage of a trucker. Earning and giving trust from both partners can be difficult. It may be frightening to envisage your husband traveling, exposed and all by himself. On the other hand, he may also feel the same way about his wife.

Being separated from each other for a long time can be devastating. Trust is what is what keeps the worries away from the mind. Keep in mind that if your hubby was trustworthy when he was around, then trust should be there that he will be trustworthy when he hits the road. However, truckers work so hard and their utmost priority is their family and wife. In the same vein, do not give him reasons to be suspicious of your activities when he leaves the home.

Keep Yourself Busy

The general agreement among truck driver's wives is to remain active and busy with activities, particularly if such individual is new to the trucker’s lifestyle. This includes performing household chores, learning a new hobby or spending some time with friends and family.

Always Plan for his Return

The trucker’s wife should plan for the return of her husband whenever he is coming home. This could be achieved by cooking his desired meal, planning to spend time as family by watching a favorite movie together and also keeping the atmosphere in the home generally warm and welcoming.

OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association)

If you are a truck driver then you will want as much information about Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association as you possibly get. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association which is also known as OOIDA has been in operation for forty one years. They are here to support and fight for the rights of truck drivers.

OOIDA has become an organization to fight for the rights of truck drivers because no one else does.  Sometimes truck drivers are over looked and made out to be the bad guy. However, this is not always the case because truck drivers are sometimes the good guys. It is not always a truckers fault.

OOIDA is an organization that you will want to be a member of because it makes sure you are treated fairly no matter what has happened. The organization looks for new ways to make truck driving better and even look for ways to improve the old ways of doing things.

The Owner-Operator Independent DriversAssociation has already accomplished a lot of little things in our history and has even accomplished huge things. Some of things it has accomplished are the leasing laws for trucks to ensure they are fair and balanced for both the trucker and the company. It has also been fighting to stop Mexican trucking in the USA. OOIDA does not think it is right for Mexican trucks to be able to cross the boarder with goods that we can deliver ourselves. They are simply taking our business away from American truckers.

Not only is OOIDA about making sure that the laws are fair for truckers and the companies that they work for but it makes sure that the federal taxes are not being corrupted as well. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will make sure that all truckers are allowed the same benefits as others when it comes to taking taxes out of pay checks and paying certain taxes.

Being an owner operator of a truck means you are in charge and in control of everything. However, that does not mean you do not need someone on your side when it comes to the law. That is what OOIDA does; stand up and fight for the rights of our members. Do not fight this battle alone; all you need to do join our organization today and get someone on your side to help you fight for what is right.

Things To Pack For CDL School

INTRODUCTION

Generally, getting ready and packing up for a truck driving school can be a herculean task. This is because new truck drivers are faced with the challenges of what to bring along (this includes the essentials) and what not to. It is tough to remember all the vital items that would be used on a daily basis and also considering the fact there is a limited space in the truck. In order to avert this, there are key items that a student driver can consider taking along to the CDL School. Some of these items include:

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are one of the important items to carry along. This is as a result of the fact that sunglasses protect the eyes from direct sun rays which could have a detrimental consequence on the eyes as well as cause headaches. Also, glare can be a major challenge for some drivers. Having a pair of convenient shades will not only protect you, but also other drivers.

However, it is a good idea to have a sunscreen which helps to shield the skin from sunburn

.

Photographs of Family

Generally, people get home sick when they stay away from families for too long and student drivers are no exception especially if the distance of the CDL school is far. Pictures of families and friends serve as a point of motivation for the drivers.

Snack

A student driver may also pack a few snacks which can be a life saver. The idea of snacks is not a bad idea for the student driver, especially if the snacks can only be in his hometown or it is home made.

Laundry

Laundry is clearly one of the most important things to carry along. However, it could be devastating for an individual who has refused to pack them. It is imperative to know the number of clothing that is required during a student driver's stay in the CDL school. Also, the students should ask from the school if they can be permitted to wash.

If so, you need to make sure you bring detergent (concentrated detergent is going to not be heavier and take up less space than standard detergent as you will not want as much) and anything else you normally use to wash your clothes.

Toiletries

Toiletries should also not be overlooked by as it is also an indispensable supply for the new drivers. Toiletries such as toothpaste, comb, toothbrush, deodorant should be in the possession the student driver. However, student driver should consider bringing his own towel and soap, in case this is not provided. As an alternative to carrying large bags when you need to bath, it really is easier to really have a little bag that is real just large enough to place solitary change of clothing and your toiletries in.

However, other items that a student should take along include:

Classroom Materials

Calculator

Pens

Note pads

Headphones

Head gears

Poncho or other rain gear

Water bottles

Personal Items

Profile of Werner Enterprises, Inc

Werner Enterprises, Inc. is a premier American logistics and transportation company founded in 1956 by Clarence L. (C.L.) Werner. Werner's entrepreneurship drove him to start his own business with only one truck, at the age of 19. Using his car as a down payment, Werner. bought a gas powered 1956 Ford F800 truck and began hauling cargo for other companies within Nebraska and interstate. By hauling grain, watermelon and fence posts, he was able to grow his company organically. Werner expanded his company one truck at a time, mainly hauling in regional areas.

As a testament to Werner's entrepreneurial spirit, the company went public in 1986. The fleet of trucks had grown to  630 trucks. Today, the fleet is comprised of almost 7,500 tractors and 25,000 trailers. The company boasts more than 11,500 associates and independent contractors.

Among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States today, Werner Enterprises is the portrait of what other trucking companies aim to be. It is a global enterprise, which now manages multinational transport, and international trade. Werner Enterprises, also known as Werner Trucking, maintains its global headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Additionally it has regional offices throughout the North America, Australia, and China.

Werner Trucking is among the five largest truckload carriers in the United States.  The company's largest customer base remains in the retail and consumer product industries. Manufactured products and grocery products, round out the remainder of the company's commodity shipping services.

Additionally, Werner Enterprises offers truck brokerage , freight management, domestic and international services. Werner’s global and domestic subsidiary companies helps it carry out its international opearations which include air, ground and ocean transportation, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage.

Trading on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol WERN, Werner Enterprises has provided consistent profitable growth. Today it is trading at a 900% premium over its initial public offering.

Werner Enterprises offers many opportunities for drivers, throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada within the various Van, Flatbed and Temperature Controlled services. Their diversity of services allows their drivers flexibility to drive for services that suit their lifestyles, with the added benefit of living in any area of the country they prefer.  As a member of the Werner Trucking team, you receive personal attention and your fleet manager knows you by name.

To View Werner Truckings CSA Score visit: Werner Enterprises, Inc CSA