Truck Driver Trucking Employment Options

As a new truck driver, you have many trucking employment options that you can choose from. As a new driver, you are probably excited to hit the highways and start your career as a trucker. Before you jump into a cab of a truck, you should take time to fully understand your options. Long hauling trucking or, is the way many new drivers start off their career. For many, long hauling trucking is their first choice, but for others it is a stepping stone to eventually find local trucking jobs with smaller companies.

Just like any other job, when you are new, you have to start somewhere. Becoming a truck driver is no different. The reasons that new drivers start with long hauling trucking or over-the-road (OTR) trucking vary, but for the majority, it is a requirement that must be met before driving a truck for a small company and many local trucking jobs.

Most of the shipping and delivery companies that provide local runs require a minimum of two years of truck driving experience. The smaller trucking companies and many trucking companies that only do local runs, require the minimum 2 years of experience per their insurance requirements. It is more economical to insure a truck driver that has 2 years of experience and with a clean record, than it is to insure a new non-experienced truck driver. Also some insurance companies will not insure new drivers.

When you are considering your employment options, you should weigh them carefully. When deciding on a driving job, you should research and check out each trucking company. If possible, try to locate feedback from actual truck drivers for that company. Another aspect to consider is the condition of their trucks. A trucking company that does not properly maintain their equipment will cost you time and money while you are out trying to earn money.

Properly maintained vehicles also reduce your chances of getting a ticket as you pass through DOT inspections. Finding work as a truck driver is fairly easy to find because shipping companies are constantly hiring. Some employer's offers may include incentives if you sign on as a new driver. You will need to use caution when accepting a "sign on" incentive. Incentives normally come with a hitch, such as agreeing that you will drive for a certain number of years. This can be good or bad. Shipping companies that offer truck drivers an incentive, often have a very high turnover rate. You will want to ask yourself, why their drivers leave so often.

The best advice to any new truck driver that is contemplating a certain company or someone considering a new company is to decide which trucking company will best help you fulfill your goal. Whether it is hauling containers, flatbed hauling or boxed trailer hauling, finding truck driver jobs is plentiful throughout the country. There will be many options available to you and there are several great companies that will help you start your career as a truck driver.

If you would like to read more about trucking or find more information about tools, companies, truck stops please Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Dickson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5703790

The Truck Drivers Worst Enemy

Professional truck drivers have a lot of enemies. Many drivers perceive the DOT as one enemy... and without question it is the general public who looks at trucking as something that is just in their way: a big, slow 18 wheeler creeping up a hill at 25 MPH, making a huge wide turn that cuts them off, a dirty machine that smells of oil and diesel... enemies can even include entire towns or cities that proudly make it known by stating, "Truckers Not Welcome," such as was the case of Greenwich, Connecticut.

The world of the professional over the road truck driver is a secretive one that few on the outside ever experience. Mainly, the trucker talks and converses with other truckers... few else would be able to relate. The nine-to-fiver has no comprehension of how a long haul trucker will run more miles in one year, than they will drive in ten. For those who jump into OTR trucking as a new career... statistics prove that most will only last six months. It takes a ton of stamina to be a professional over the road truck driver... stamina, that most do not possess.

The truck driver will find enemies at nearly every turn... shippers and receivers who will treat them like they are less than dogs... law enforcement telling them that they will have to move their rig, even though they are parked out of the way on some small, forgotten empty lot overgrown with grass and weeds... enemies that even live within their industry itself... lies reported on their DAC report... a disgruntled dispatcher who will "cut" their miles because they refused to haul an illegal load... enemies everywhere.

Professional truckers will talk among themselves at the docks, rest areas and truck stops... talking about the abuses of the industry and keeping these insights quietly to themselves. They cannot let their company catch wind of such discussions... they can't afford to lose their jobs. The veteran driver knows that for every one truck driver that loves their profession... ten more hate it, due to the abuse that continues to survive within the industry.

As one trucker said to me a few weeks ago: "The trucking companies own us... we are nothing more than slaves."

I would not go so far as to referring to trucking as slavery, (we can all quit at anytime we want to), but for many thousands and thousands of OTR truckers... they are faced not only with a highly stressful, demanding and tiring vocation... but also with the daily misfortune of having to deal with so many misinformed outsiders who have no understanding of what over the road trucking is all about. Enemies who look at truckers and their big rigs as a nuisance of the roads and something that just simply slows down their ever increasing, fast paced way of life. None of these, however, are the truck driver's worst enemy.

I've always had a saying: "There is only right and wrong... and nothing in between." Fighting for a right is a much tougher battle than fighting for an obvious injustice. History proves this. Like water which takes the path of least resistance, it is much easier to join forces with the injustice, than it is to fight against it. How you know that the "right" is gaining ground to winning, is that the voices of the injustice grow louder. Right versus wrong has existed since the time of man and will continue to exist... it is just human nature. There are those in which their sole purpose in life is to argue, attack and to continue spewing hate... even when they know that they are wrong. I could make a post tomorrow about how the sky is blue, and I would be attacked by those who would say, "No... the sky is amethyst." Truth, or the "right" is meaningless to them... their pleasure comes only from continually provoking hate and discord.

Trucking companies in the United States have never worried about a trucker strike. These companies know that the brotherhood of truckers does not exist anymore and that many truck drivers could not get along, together, long enough to form a successful strike. An easy way to prove this is to simply turn on your CB radio and try to have a normal, decent, intelligent, adult-like conversation. You may make it for a few minutes... but it will soon be attacked by other truckers. It does not matter why or how the conversation is attacked, just that it is. It's the world we live in today.

It is understandable to have disagreements... it is more understandable to have professional and civil discussions. Yet, there have been truckers who have actually "attacked" a widow of a murdered truck driver: a women who is fighting to bring about a new law that will provide more safe and secured parking for our nation's truck drivers. No professional, civil or adult conversations... but written, verbal attacks against a lady who lost her husband who was a fellow trucker. "Professional" truck drivers filled with jealously and rage because somebody else is doing something of such importance, and it's not them... trucking organizations who came out strong in support of the new bill, only to fall weak and abandoned it when faced with losing their funding from those with special interests in mind. To her, I say forget about them and don't lose any sleep over it. These are the segments of truck drivers and industry "leaders" who prefer to follow the path of least resistance.

Fighting... discord... hate... jealously... pride... whatever the reason, a large majority of the nation's truck drivers will continue to follow the easiest path. The thousands of others who are professional and civil... may work quietly in the background or even raise their voices... but they will do it in a manner that shines with their professionalism and commitment to bringing change to an industry that needs change in several areas. There will always be those who will fight and wreak havoc just for the sake of fighting and wreaking havoc... the truck driver's worst enemy is the truck driver.

Anyone who has been in trucking for any length of time knows that trucking is a tough vocation. Over the road trucking is especially rough... hard on the body, the mind and apparently, even the soul. It no doubt has come around due to the hardships of the trucking life. It not only exists in trucking, but sadly, you can witness this fall in human kindness and decency throughout many aspects of our society. Personal attacks have become a past time favorite for many. A large majority of mankind now gains complete satisfaction from launching verbal and textual attacks against anything and anybody, purely for the sake of what they perceive as entertainment. They contribute nothing good or positive to society and they care not to.

The simple art of "believing" is nearly dead. When anyone attempts to work for something for the sole purpose of helping, it must be for "other reasons." In today's society, there is absolutely no way that anyone would take on a task for the sole purpose of "helping." That aspect is simply absurd! What the trucking companies have over a large vast of drivers, is that they can all "get along" with one another... they know the chances of this among drivers is next to nil. This is how companies can continue to abuse drivers through the use of the DAC Report... this is how trucking companies can work together to "blackball" a driver from the industry, a control tactic if you will. Together, they are a nationwide "team"... on the contrary, assaults and attacks are launched against drivers by drivers. Obviously, the trucking companies know that they do not have to do anything... the drivers themselves will do the job! The companies understand human nature and use it for their benefit.

Over the road trucking can wear you down. Enemies from all sides... the stress, the lifestyle, the demand... and so often the case, another enemy that can creep in if you allow it: cynicism.

Cynicism. This word is actually very interesting. It refers to a group of ancient Greeks called the Cynics, dating back to four B.C. Today, cynicism describes the opinions of those people who see self-interest as the main, primary motive of human behavior, and who fail to believe that anybody does anything simply out of sincerity or virtue. Cynics truly believe that no human being invokes any action of any kind purely out of goodness. Also, the way cynics express themselves, due to this belief, are through sneers and sarcasm.

Sad, isn't it? We only have one life to live, which is so short, and one must live it through cynicism and failure to believe in anything right and good... living life by attacking others who are sincere in their goals, only to make themselves look like a "hero" and to bring attention to themselves. Another amazing aspect to this is that so many of them complain on a daily basis, yet will not even attempt to get involved and change things for the better. If things changed, they would no longer have the reasons they need to throw out their sneers and sarcasm. It is an odd characteristic.

For many, over the road trucking has worn them down. On the other hand, those stronger did not allow the OTR life to destroy them and they enjoy the trucking life and prove that it is possible to remain a highly trained professional in a very difficult lifestyle. The life of an over the road trucker can transform you into a bitter, jealous, hate-filled cynic.... but only if you let it. Remember, that the "truck" is not your home... your HOME is your home... remember, other truckers are not your family... your FAMILY is your family... and always remember, that the freight is NEVER more important than those loved ones waiting back at home.

So, for all of you new CDL students and drivers breaking into the industry... over the road trucking can provide a decent career eventually, but only if you are up to the drastic change in lifestyle. Will you follow the path of least resistance, or maintain the strength to stand up for what is right?

Before entering into the world of long haul trucking, you should answer yourself one question: "Will I be a follower or a leader?" Do not allow yourself to become your worst enemy.

Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking, and host of the number one trucking blog on the net, AskTheTrucker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aubrey_Allen_Smith

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3440904

Truck Driver Proves Technology Has Its Limits

Technology is a wonderful thing. At the same time, it does have its limits, as evidenced by a truck driver in Wisconsin who got his 16-ton rig stuck on a footbridge after allegedly being led astray by his GPS device. Fortunately, there were no injuries or reports of substantial damage due to the incident, which occurred on November 11 (2014) in Milwaukee.

Official news reports say the 53-year-old truck driver from Indiana drove his rig across a pedestrian bridge and onto a walking path before being stopped at the entrance of a second bridge by concrete barriers. In order to get to the first bridge he had to traverse several service roads and gravel roadways. Along the way, he damaged several trees, railings, and cosmetic portions of both bridges. Structurally however, the bridges remained sound.

When asked what happened, the driver said his GPS device led him to take the route he chose. He was cited for reckless driving and a failure to obey traffic signs. As for his rig, officials had to bring in a crane because there was not enough space to safely back it out.

Technology and Carelessness

Truck drivers all over the U.S. use GPS devices to help them find their way. It is important technology that has greatly improved efficiency and productivity. However, there comes a point when a driver must ignore GPS information and use common sense. Especially when it comes to road signs.

We can laugh about what happened in Milwaukee because there were no serious injuries or damage. Nevertheless, the story does underscore the fact that technology can make us careless. When we rely on technology as a replacement for common sense, it can often lead us down the wrong road – both literally and figuratively! In light of this, the trucking industry and government policy makers should tread very lightly where technology is concerned.

Treading lightly is especially important with safety technologies. Where the GPS device is more a matter of convenience, other types of equipment have everything to do with life and death. For example, the trucking industry in Great Britain is now in the midst of a debate over whether or not to fit trucks with technology designed to reduce collisions between truck and cyclists. The equipment in question utilizes a series of sensors and alarms intended to reduce accidents.

Here in the U.S., we are looking at technology that would help prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. It involves a set of cameras, facial recognition software and alarm systems that can monitor whether or not a driver's eyes are open. An alarm sounds if they are closed for over a specific amount of time.

In both cases, the technology has very valid uses that could help to reduce accidents. Yet neither should be implemented without addressing the drivers themselves. Think of it in terms of the arms race of the 1980s.

During this period in world history, the U.S. and Soviet Union were continually increasing and upgrading warfare capabilities. The idea was to never have to use the weapons they were developing by deterring one another from instigating war. We should view some of these new driver technologies the same way – they should be deployed in the hope that they will never be needed. In order to achieve that goal, driver carelessness needs to be addressed.

Ongoing Driver Training

One of the best ways to address driver carelessness is through training. This includes the initial training needed to acquire a CDL license as well as ongoing, remedial training at the fleet level. It is the latter form of training that is likely to have the most positive effect.

Human nature is such that we tend to be careless in our routine activities if not constantly reminded of the need to stay focused. This is true whether you are talking about a truck driver or someone working at a manufacturing line. So constant reminders through remedial training help to keep drivers focused on how to perform their duties safely. This kind of training can be effective even if it amounts to just a monthly safety meeting called to remind drivers of best practices.

In the case of the Milwaukee driver, the substantial fines he faces will likely be a sufficient deterrent to prevent him from making the same mistake. However, as an industry, let us work toward preventing carelessness before things like this happen.

Sources:

1  FOX4KC - http://fox4kc.com/2014/11/13/semi-truck-driver-blames-gps-for-getting-big-rig-stuck-on-bike-path-bridge/

2. FOX59 - http://fox59.com/2014/11/13/oops-gps-leads-indiana-truck-driver-onto-foot-bridge-in-wisconsin-park/

3.      C.R. England - http://www.crengland.com/truck-driving-schools

Getting Along with Your Dispatcher

When it comes to dispatchers, you will probably find a wide range of opinions about the performance of their job. From those who believe that they are the backbone of the office to believing their best friend and perhaps the worst enemy that a truck driver may have as well. The number of opinions about dispatchers is actually surprising considering that you may often find a wide range of opinions about the same dispatcher from every driver and employee of the firm.

So, when it comes to truck drivers who want to improve their hours on the road and perhaps get more weekends off from work, establishing a good relationship with dispatchers is a crucial part of the process. However, before you can start working on that relationship, it helps if you understand the view from the dispatcher who like the truck driver is trying to do what is best for their company.

How Dispatchers See Their Role 

Unlike the truck driver who is on the road, the dispatcher usually sits at a small workstation and is in contact with all the drivers who are out on the road. They have to balance not only your needs, but all the other drivers as well which means that there will be days when you will have to drive too many miles empty or some other unwanted situation will occur.

Dispatchers are typically bombarded with phone calls by drivers who ask them to do many different things. It can be very difficult for them to be dispassionate about their work especially when they get insulted or treated poorly for something that is beyond their control or worse, when they’ve made an honest error that is not well understood by the driver.

Admittedly, truck drivers are interested in getting to haul good loads over an appropriate distance so that they are well paid. It may seem strange, but both drivers and dispatchers are interested in the same thing, but all too often neither of them can see the other’s point of view.

How to Work with a Dispatcher 

Once you understand their role, then it becomes a lot easier to work with them. Here are some pointers that will help you build a good relationship with your dispatcher.

Keep Calm: Your relationship should be strictly on a professional basis which means that you will need to stay calm and composed when speaking to them. Naturally, you will have some disagreements, but phrase your view in how it affects what you do instead of lashing out at them. This will at the very least keep things calm between both of you.

Be Proactive: The more efficiently you can do your job, the better the dispatcher can help you out. Of course, there will be times when you cannot complete your run because of conditions beyond your control, but the more efficiently you can driver your rig, the easier you make it for the dispatcher to work with you.

Of course, there will be times when you might want to scream at your dispatcher, but you should definitely refrain from taking that action. If there is a real problem or perhaps something that is not being worked out, then you should go higher up in the company to see if it can be resolved. Otherwise, it really pays to spend a little extra effort working with your dispatcher. 

Minimum Truck Driver Age Reduced

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is looking to lower the truck driving age down to 18 years old. The primary reason is that the greater need for hauling freight has resulted in a truck driver shortage. In order to relieve the issue, the ATA is seeking to lower the minimum truckdriver age and place it in the new highway bill that is currently being debated.

The issue is not without controversy as many people, especially experienced truck drivers feel that 18 and 19 year olds are simply not mature enough to handle the rigors of driving large vehicles over a long period of time. Representatives of the ATA seem to agree that not everyone who is 18 or 19 should be behind the wheel of a big rig. However, they believe that there are enough young people with the capabilities of driving a truck who should not be denied after reaching what most people consider to be the legal age of adulthood.

The belief is that if the truck driver gets the right training and oversight, they can develop quickly into becoming excellent drivers on the road. However, there will no doubt be a great deal of monitoring on this issue. However, the ATA is also working on other issues as well such as changing back the hours-of-service restart and promoting a new fuel tax to help support the Highway Trust Fund which is sorely in need of new funding to help fix bridges and roads around the country.

The federal minimum truck driver age is 21. However this only applies to drivers who cross state lines. In states the age for becoming a commercial truck driver is 18, however they are usually not exposed to the very long drives experienced by those who cross state lines. So, while the question of whether an 18 year old can successfully handle a big truck is not really in question, it is still up for debate about whether they have the maturity to drive a truck for the long hours necessary across the country.

The ATA is also convinced that they are losing 18 to 21 year olds who come out of high school and looking to go into some type of trade rather than college. However, because they are prevented from driving a truck across state lines many of them will go into the fields rather than becoming a truck driver. The ATA hopes to reverse that trend by allowing 18 year olds to achieve the same status as older truck drivers.

Another issue that is hoped to be addressed is the average age of the truck driver which has steadily gotten older over the past few decades. If the trend is not reversed, then it will put a large crunch on the transportation industry as the Baby Boomer generation retires and far fewer drivers take their place. Reducing the minimum truck driver age just may be the boost needed for the industry which has been suffering in recent years from a dearth of new, skilled drivers entering the work force. 

This article is sponsored by: SpearsJobs.com

Truck Driver Winter Driving Tips

Nothing can raise the hairs on a driver’s neck like several hundred tons of trailer taking control of a rig on a winter road. Icy conditions, poor driving from other vehicles and sudden changes in weather can all have an adverse effect on a rig’s behavior. With a few tips and reminders about winter road condition habits, a driver can keep themselves safe and on the road when others are burning time on the side of the road or in the repair yard.

Be a Defensive Driver

It stands to reason that no matter how careful and mindful you are of the road and winter conditions, the driver next to you hasn’t a clue about paying attention to winter driving tips. Greenhorn truck drivers, small box trucks, and those guys with a brand new four wheel drive pick-up always seem to think they have a better understanding of the road during icy weather than anyone else. Keep a close eye ahead of you, to the sides, and in your rear mirror for drivers exhibiting fool hearty behavior and keep your distance. Be over cautious when winter weather sets in, and always be prepared for the other driver to do something stupid.

Plan Your Trip

Keep up to date on shifting weather patterns and be ready to adjust your route accordingly. The initial route may have shaved a few hours off your drive time, but even a light dusting can create backups on the highways. Be prepared to run secondary roads when available, and keep the radio on. Vehicle pile ups can happen even after a storm has passed, so be ready to skirt them as well.

Keep Up With Inspections

A good truck driver inspects their rig every chance they can, and a great driver inspects even when it’s 20 below outside. Things are more likely to go wrong when the weather gets frigid, so keep up the routine of pre-trip and enroute walk-throughs to ensure everything is ship shape. Knowing your rig’s condition and capabilities will give you that much more information when deciding on how best to handle winter weather on the road.

Keep the Proper Gear Stowed

When cold weather hits, be sure to have an expanded emergency kit to handle whatever Mother Nature wants to throw your way. Have extra bedding in case of snow ins, as well as extra socks and clothes for when yours get wet. A warm change of clothes can do wonders. The same can be said for a good pair of dry boots with solid treads. Round out your preparedness kit with extra anti-gel, flashlights, batteries, food and drink items, and anything else you can use to stay comfortable.

Winter can be a bear, but paying attention to winter driving tips can make it more manageable. Stay safe, and stay focused.

  

How Much Do Truck Drivers Earn

Truck driving can be an excellent career option for many people. It can accommodate many different lifestyles and can offer people very comfortable wages to live on. The one thing you have to be ready for is to work many long hours if you choose to go into trucking. Many people are initially unaware that the ensuing truck driver deficit of modern years is primarily due to a high driver turnover rate. And the primary reason? People initially thought that they would be making more money as promised by the many attractive truck-driving earnings publicized on national TV and radio.

While the dreams of making a $70,000 truck driving salary may seem possible quickly as a result of these ads, the reality is that it can take many years of experience before achieving this kind of income. In fact, making six figures may only occur if you end up owning your own trucking company one day. Nevertheless, truck drivers working for distribution centers and shipping companies can expect to bring in a comfortable salary, while attaining long-term financial security for themselves and their families.

An independent truck driver can make the greatest amount of income as they can negotiate their own rates as well as factor in the costs of any travel accommodations while negotiating with clients. This is particularly true of independent truckers who have to travel more than 700 miles weekly.

Getting Paid Per Mile Vs. Per Trip

One popular way of getting paid as a truck driver is to get paid per mile.

Less experienced or newbie truckers can expect to make as little as 30 cents a mile with seasoned truck drivers making over $3.00/mile. As an example, entry-level workers can generally expect to make a truck driver income of about $35,000 a year with such wages. Experienced truck drivers or those that deliver hazardous materials can make much more.

Being paid per mile makes it easy to monitor your wages and has become the most customary manner in which truck drivers are paid these days. The trick to maximize such truck driving income is to always find alternate routes that can prevent traffic delays in order to get the most mileage. Becoming comfortable with an area and finding roads that allow you to avoid expensive traffic delays can be the key to success.

The disadvantages of being paid per mile basically come down to unavoidable traffic delays that can impede the amount of miles a driver will be able to finish in one day. Also, trucking jobs that required driving primarily on municipal and city roads can lower the number of miles a driver can finish and that is not factoring in weather conditions that make the journey even slower. Yet, with all of these potential drawbacks, the ultimate truck driver salary of drivers that get paid per mile still ends up being more than those that are a flat rate paid per trip.

Tips for a Truck Stop Shower

A truck driver is a representative of the trucking company which he works for, have the need for cleanliness at all times as first impression last longer. Securing a contract for such trucking companies can either be lost or won depending on the first appearance of the truck driver. Personal hygiene is act practiced by individuals which includes using the bathrooms or showers. Majority of the truck drivers cannot access those normal toilet facilities, considering the fact that they are always on the road. Depending on the time spent on a journey, they may be separated from these facilities for as long as it takes them to return home.

Majority of the truck stops possess truck stop showers. Usually, the truck stops showers are enclosed areas using a lockable door. If a trucker buys fuel at a truck stop (between 50 to 100 gallons) he is automatically entitled to use the truck stop shower for free. A trucker with a reward card for various truck stops can also use the truck stop shower. However, their use is not restricted to truck drivers alone. Non-truckers can also use the truck stop shower. They are charged around $7 to $10 to access the truck stop shower.

With respect to the truck-stop, personal identification number or a key could be issued by which an individual gets the room that was given. The consumer is provided a towel and wash cloth and occasionally, a paper bath tub mat. Ideally, a truck driver should have a spare towel, once in a while the towels in these truck stop showers are either worn-out or poor.   Sometimes there is a hair dryer in each room. Some truck stop facilities also have fan or heater unit installed in each room in order to lessen or stop fogs on the mirror. Other items that could be found in the truck stop shower include:

A mirror, which could be either used for shaving or to see one’s dressing

A functioning electrical outlet for appliances such as hair dryers.

A tub or sink with clean running water and effective drainage.

With respect to the size of the truck stop, some showers are usually not large while some are enormous (which includes those for disabled users or for couples that are truck drivers).

Depending on use by the others, the services there could possibly be a waiting list or might be accessible right away. It is a good idea to take good care one’s self as soon as you possibly can, because others could be waiting while we've never discovered a time limit in using a bath.

In case you learn that the room to which you are assigned is not up to that company's normal standard of cleanliness, be sure to inform the management.

However, larger truck stops give credit known as shower credit if the trucker purchases about 50 gallons of fuel. This credit facility, when not used, expires five days after the fuel purchase. If he is not plying this route during this period, he can give the card to no other trucker on the route.

Garmin nuvi 465LMT 4.3-Inch Trucking GPS Navigator Review

Garmin nuvi 465LMT 4.3-Inch Trucking GPS Navigator  

Lifetime Maps & Traffic (vehicle power cable is traffic receiver)

Lane assist

Hands-free calling with Bluetooth

Product Description

The nüvi 465LMT is the first nüvi designed specifically for the over-the-road trucking industry. It includes free lifetime maps and traffic, preloaded National Truck and Trailer Services (NTTS) Breakdown Directory, truck-friendly points of interest, and specialized routing options throughout the lower 48 states and Canada. Create custom vehicle profiles tailored to what you’re driving and what you’re hauling.

Includes Lifetime Map Updates

Right out of the box, the nüvi 465LMT comes bundled with nüMaps Lifetime. Which means you can download the newest map data when it becomes available — no monthly fees or maintenance costs — for the lifetime of your device.

Includes Lifetime Traffic

A combination power cable/traffic receiver in the box gives you traffic services for the life of your device. You’ll avoid traffic jams and keep moving when your nüvi alerts you and offers detours. No additional purchases are necessary — it’s 100% subscription-free traffic

.

Navigate with Confidence

nüvi 465LMT is the first navigation device to provide locations in the NTTS Breakdown Directory to its trucking-relevant points of interest. The NTTS Breakdown Directory is the most comprehensive guide to semi-truck repair facilities nationwide, including those offering 24-hour road services.

Get the Big Picture

nüvi 465LMT has a 4.3" (10.92 cm) high-resolution touchscreen display and is pre-loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. It speaks street names and delivers turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions, such as “turn right on Main Street.” nüvi 465LMT also comes standard with Lane Assist, guiding you into the right lane at the right time — especially helpful when navigating complex highway interchanges.

Know the Way

nüvi 465LMT provides specialized routing to support truck-related restrictions in the U.S. and Canada (customizable by height, weight, length, width and hazardous materials). Simply enter dimensions and load restrictions and nüvi 465LMT guides you according to your requirements. Enter multiple-point routing for more efficiency between stops along your trip. And with HotFix satellite prediction, nüvi calculates your position faster to get you there quicker.

Steer Clear of Hazards

nüvi 465LMT warns you of upcoming road conditions and possible hazards along the route, such as sharp curves and steep grades. You’ll also get lateral wind warnings and notification when the road narrows.

Make Hands-Free Calls

For hands-free calling, nüvi 465LMT integrates Bluetooth® wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Just pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the 465LMT while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with nüvi's touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap the screen and speak into its built-in microphone. Enjoy convenient 1-touch dialing for contacts and points of interest.

Free Lifetime Map Updates entitle you to receive up to 4 map data updates per year, when and as such updates are made available on the Garmin website, for this specific Garmin product only until this product’s useful life expires or Garmin no longer receives map data from its third party supplier, whichever is shorter. The updates you receive will be updates to the same geographic map data originally included with your Garmin product when originally purchased. Garmin may terminate your Lifetime Map Updates at any time if you violate any of the terms of the End User License Agreement accompanying your nüvi product.

Lifetime traffic extends for the useful life of your Garmin traffic receiver (as long as you own a compatible Garmin GPS) or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier, whichever is shorter. Traffic content not available for all areas.

What's in the Box:

¨     nüvi 465

¨     Pre-loaded City Navigator NT for North America

¨     Lifetime maps and traffic (indicated by "LMT" after model number on the box)

¨     FM traffic receiver with 12/24 volt power cable (vehicle power cable is traffic receiver)

¨     Dash mount

¨     USB cable

¨     Quick start manual

SOME REVIEWS BY CUSTOMERS

·       I purchased this for my husband for Father’s Day. He is a truck driver and loves it. He can input the truck’s profile and this model Garmin then generates a route to meet the restrictions for that particular truck. Furthermore, it converts to automobiles. Cost-free lifetime maps and traffic is also a plus. It is also has Bluetooth technological innovation. He doesn't generally drive exactly the same truck so his only complaint is the fact that it didn't include a windshield suction mount. It includes a long lasting adhesive disk to get a dashboard mount. It displays a temporary adhesive disk, but he did not acquire that one particular.

·       This really is an extremely good GPS with packed complete of features especially for men and women who are truck drivers and have to have support finding to places they have no concept of where they’re at. I have only been sent don a no truck road when and also other than that the unit is quite effortless to make use of and it’s also quite accurate and seeing it map you as you go is very uncomplicated to use. Setup also was pretty easy. Doesn't have the best battery life but that is certainly not that big of a handle the integrated cigarette lighter charger. In case you are a truck driver I’d recommend this unit, it’s way better than the other possibilities on the market to select from. General pretty great though.

·       Not only is this a reasonably priced trucker GPS but you could switch to automobile. Works well for by far the most portion and with lifetime map and targeted traffic updates this can be single to get. My job needs me to drive a tractor trailer but on road trips I use a regular automobile so that is the only one particular I will need. Love the lane assist, truck cease locations, truck profile works properly and the haz-mat settings.It updates conveniently and I’d advocate it to drivers, just need somewhat popular sense as soon as in awhile.

·       I am very happy with this Garmin product. I live and drive a truck in the Washington DC area where there are many interchanges and the Garmin will highlight the lanes you need to be in when you get within a mile or two of your interchange. I also drive up north thru Baltimore, Phili and NYC where I am less familiar with the roads. The other thing I like about this Garmin is that it always displays the speed limit of the road you are traveling .The only real problem that I have with this Garmin compared to my old "car version" is that even though I have the volume @ 100% its not as loud as my older Garmin . All in all I recommend this product . This is my second Garmin (spilled coffee on my other one)and I am happy with Garmin products . Dont buy your gps products @ a Truck Stop, they over charge .

·       This GPS has been a life saver. It has helped me avoid low bridges and non truck routes. I have hauled cars for almost two years and this is the best GPS I have found.

·       I'm a truck driver and this thing has saved my butt more times than I can count. It's gotten me into a pickle or two as well but for the most part it's pretty accurate except in Canada, but that is because there is so much construction up there. I wish it would tell me the truck speed when I have it in truck mode but I can live with that since I have free lifetime maps. Overall great GPS. Also you can get a program through Garmin so that it's spongebob's voice telling you where to go. Cracks me up.

Health Issues of a Truck Driver

When we think about dangerous professions, trucking does not come to our mind instantly. We often think of professions such as various emergency workers, the police and fire fighters. Yet, being a truck driver is fundamentally a dangerous profession. A recent study showed truck driving as one of the ten most dangerous professions in America.

Endless hours of driving on the highways and interstates by these truck drivers create a higher risk associated with serious accident. Nevertheless, these risks are much greater than the obvious . . . an unusual work program, extended periods of sitting, lifting heavy things, unhealthy diets, anxiety, and tiredness  can cause severe health issues.

Due to these long intervals of driving, many truckers fighting apathy often acquire smoking habits. Also, sleeping and living in a truck also poses a threat to the health status of truck drivers.

According to the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) Journal, truck drivers that are long distance haulers (OTR trucking) rank high among professions of people who suffer from significant health issues. Lifestyle as a truck driver includes several factors that make truck driving a high risk profession. Some studies actually suggest that normal life expectancy is reduced by as much as 5 to 10 years. This is truly a significant number.

Various factors such as the workplace conditions affect the health status of truckers, having a negative effect on such trucker. This workplace consists of not only the truck stops on the routes but also other aspects of the transportation environment. These include:

¨     Loading areas

¨     Warehouses

¨     Terminals

Health Issues of a Truck Driver

A truck driver faces a variety of health issues resulting from his workplace environment. They are both physical and psychological in nature. According to a 2009 study in the AAOHN Journal, "male and female drivers both reported common health problems." Among the most common ones are:

·       Obesity

·       High blood pressure

·       Diabetes

·       Sleep apnea

·       Exhaustion

·       Back pain

·       Sinus problems

·       Headaches

·       Arthritis

·       Depression

The stresses involved in being a truck driver result in many of these health-related problems. The actual physical environment creates a breeding ground for others. The job, itself, is responsible for increasing the likelihood of certain health problems.

Truck driving is a dangerous occupation. The problem goes beyond vehicular accidents. There are serious and significant health issues affecting those who are employed as OTR drivers. For men health issues in trucking may extend beyond the physical into the psychological. The same applies for a woman truck driver. With a steadily increasing amount of trucks on the road, we all need to look seriously at improving the health of truckers.

The necessity to improve or enhance the well-being of our nation’s truck drivers is no longer an alternative. It requires urgent attention and will involve changes in the working environment and within our healthcare delivery model. The environment for drivers must be conducive to good health. Truck stops and fleet terminals must begin to offer healthy food products and make fitness equipment gear available and accessible. Drivers also need to have improved access to health education resources and technology such as health kiosks.

FMCSA concerned about truck and bus drivers’ use of GPS navigation systems

Why is FMCSA concerned about truck and bus drivers’ use of GPS navigation systems?

FMCSA believes the information concerning commercial vehicles crashing into bridges suggests that some drivers may have used electronic navigation systems intended for passenger car drivers rather than truck and bus drivers. The Agency is working with its State partners and industry to make sure professional truck and bus drivers recognize the importance of using navigation systems intended for commercial vehicles. These navigation systems provide truck and bus drivers with important route restrictions, such as low bridge overpasses.

What tips is FMCSA providing for the safe use of GPS navigation systems?

• Select an electronic navigation system intended for use by truck and bus drivers
• Before drivers begin their trip, they should type in all relevant information about their vehicles so the system can provide the appropriate route
• Follow the route recommended by the navigation system, but ALWAYS obey traffic signs and advisories (such as low bridge overpasses, axle weight limits, detour signs, variable message signs, etc.)
• Do not engage in distracted driving! Avoid typing or entering addresses or information into the navigation system while driving
• If your navigation system does not provide automatic updates of the maps, be sure to obtain updates to ensure you are following the most current route planning information

FMCSA GPS Visor Card