Some truck drivers prefer driving at night when the roads are quieter with less traffic. There are definitely pros and cons to driving at night. Sometimes it is a choice and sometimes you cannot avoid it. Whether you choose to drive at night or have no choice but to do it, we wanted to gather up a few tips that might help.
Be Seen
Make sure all the lights on your truck are in good working order and clean. This includes the identification, clearance, reflectors, marker and taillights. Not only should you make sure they are working when you start your journey you should double check periodically while you are on the road. As important as it is for your truck to be seen, if you need to get out of the truck make sure you can be seen. Wear a high visibly vest when you need to get out of the truck.
Be Heard
Not only is important to be seen, it is important to be heard. Make sure that your horn is in good working order so that if people cannot see you on the road, they can hear you. You could also carry a whistle incase of emergency. It is easy to alert anyone around you quickly if you are caught by surprise.
Fight Fatigue
Plan for a few stops throughout the night, a chance to stop and stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Use caution when you stop at rest areas, be aware of your surroundings.
A few other steps that can help to fight fatigue during the night is to eat light and as healthy as possible. Greasy, high-carb food will only make you more tired. Have a plan to get a good sleep during the day when you do have a break. Keep the temperature on the cooler side inside the cab.
Another tip that might help is to find something to entertain you without distracting you. Some of your favorite music or an interesting podcast would be a good example.
Watch Your Speed
It is always imperative to watch your speed on the road but it is even more critical at night. Often roads have lower speeds posted in the night. Make sure that you are respecting the posted speed limits and slow down if the conditions are not ideal. Be cautious of other drivers too, it is more likely for drunk and distracted drivers to be on the road at night.
Driving in the dark, can be done safely but extra strategies should be considered. Hopefully, some of the advice above will help you get to your destination on time and safely.
Is There Still Room for CB Radios in the Trucking Industry?
CB Radios in semi-trucks have been around since the 1940s. Of course, they have evolved by improving wattage, changing licensing agreements and growing the channels from 23 to 40. Before cell phones, CB radios were the main source of communication and entertainment for truckers on the road.
Even with today’s technology most trucks are still outfitted with CB radios although they are not used as frequently. There was a time they were used for fellow truckers to communicate things such as, police sightings or speed traps, whether the weight station is open, asking for directions, finding out about road conditions up ahead as well as dock assignments.
Even though, CB radios seem outdated now there is definitely still a function for them in a big rig. There are still many areas across the country that do not have cell service. If that is the case, a CB radio can be used to communicate with other trucks drivers if you are having trouble or to find out about conditions ahead.
In a survey that Overdrive Online conducted in 2021, 54% of truck drivers said that they still use their CB radio daily for all sorts of purposes while 8% of drivers claim not to have a CB radio in their truck while 10% of drivers reported they have one but rarely even turn it on.
The next question is, if you are looking for a radio which one should you choose? The Galaxy-DX-959 SSB CB Radio can transmit up to 12 watts, has a noise cancelling filter plus it has a digital channel display with a dimmer. If you are looking for the most economical radio, the Uniden PRO510XL radio is a great option! This cheaper radio is an all-in-one package with the microphone, CB radio, mounting bracket, mounting hardware coming together. One more to mention is the Cobra 29Lx, it provides NOAA weather channels and a clock and an alarm. With an easy-to-read display and a very durable microphone. All of these CB radios are good option if you are looking for a CB radio for your truck.
With the introduction and advancements in mobile phones, it is true, there is a lot less need for a CB radio in trucks but they are still important. CB radios are still used to communicate accidents on the road ahead which allows for more time for a driver to plan, loaded 18 wheelers do not just stop on a dime. CB radios also come in handy when you are travelling in places that do not have cell reception, they are an affordable with most of them being less than $100, CB radios help to keep drivers connected and a part of a community as well as they help to communicate with shippers and receivers.
With all of this information, it is safe to say that having a CB radio in your truck is worth it. It is not a large investment and can be convenient when your cell phone is not working or to talk to fellow truckers on the road.
There is no doubt the technology of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has changed the trucking industry. A GPS can be a great tool to identify best routes, traffic situations, speed and time. In the 1960’s GPS was developed to aid the military but there have been many advancements with the technology since. Many trucking companies use GPS for all the benefits that it has to offer. Most fleets have systems built into their trucks, if not, a system can be installed in the truck. They gather a lot of valuable information for both the company and the driver.
Dispatchers are updated in real time so they can efficiently help drivers find the best route, know who is out on the road and when they are arriving at their destinations. It can also assist in letting drivers know if there is heavy traffic, construction and alternative routes. This saves time for both the driver and the company which in the end saves money.
When it comes to fuel efficiency, GPS can assist by providing information that you may not have without the system in place. It provides the foresight of traffic jams, direct routes and speed. With this information, this is another way companies can save time, fuel and money.
GPS can help with safe driving and insurance rates. Fleet managers can monitor the driver’s activities on the road such as speed, braking or any other safe or dangerous driving habits. This can encourage drivers to be on their best behavior when out on the road representing the company. A lot of insurance organizations reward driving companies for having GPS installed by reducing their rates. The insurers feel more comfortable knowing that if, for example, the truck was stolen it would be easier to track and not have to replace the truck. Insurers also know that GPS encourages safer driving.
The biggest barrier to smaller companies or owner/operators is cost but there are payment plans that can be put in place, plus it can be argued that GPS can save money on the bottom line. Some drivers feel like a GPS is an invasion of privacy by knowing what the drivers are doing at all time on the road. If employers follow regulations and respect the privacy of their employees there should be no concerns there.
All in all, the pros of GPS far outweigh the cons and can really benefit companies by saving time, money and frustrations.
An after-market bumper can change the look of your pick-up quickly. It is not just for looks though; it can be very functional. Most bumpers have a place for winches and will fit properly around headlights. A bumper will also protect your truck if you are in an accident (with another vehicle or an animal) or getting through mud, bushes or any other material that might cause damage to the front of your truck.
Pick-Up Bumpers
Pick-up bumpers come in many different shapes and sizes depending on what vehicle you are going to be on. The main function of these bumpers is to protect your truck, not only that, it can change the look of your vehicle for the better. The bumper is typically lightweight, usually less than 200 lbs. They are a full bumper replacement, providing full protection for the front of your truck and are made of aluminum or carbon steel.
Bull Bars
Bull bars are a full replacement for the factory bumper that is on your vehicle. It can be directly mounted to your vehicle. Bull bars typically provide more protection for the middle of your vehicle, so change the look of your vehicle less than a pick-up bumper. They are made of welded steel or aluminum tubing. The bull bars mount directly to the chassis and provide slightly less protection then a pick-up bumper.
When you are trying to decide between and pick-up bumper and a bull bar it really just depends on what you are looking for in both function and appearance. If you are looking for full protection with a more rugged look then you should go with a pick-up bumper. If you are looking to alter the appearance of your truck with less protection then a bull bar is the way for you to go.
Ali Arc provides both pick-up bumpers and bull bars. They are both made with high tensile aluminum that mount directly to your vehicle. Both the pick-up bumper and the bull bar is a full bumper replacement with the bull bar having slightly less coverage. They have a high polish finish but have custom options if that is something you are interested in.
You can visit our products page here to see our line of bumpers. Feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team if you have any questions by emailing sales@aliarc.com or calling 1-877-725-4272.
The sentinel bumpers are part of our pick-up line. They are built with a ½’ thick bumper channel just like we have for the semi bumpers where as our traditional pick-up bumpers are ¼’ thick. They do not have the bottom rake as the bumper channel goes down as far as our pick-up bumpers with the bottom rake. These are not made for all models but we do have them for our most popular models. We have an exclusive line of sentinel bumpers that are designed for ambulances. They come with ambulance themed cut outs. The is a heartbeat line in the middle and the star of life cut outs for speakers. The cut outs can be changed to better suit the needs of your ambulance.
Pick-up Bumpers
Pick-up bumpers, obviously named for pick-ups, are similar to bull bars but are more H-shaped frame. Pick-up bumpers are also used for protection from wildlife and anything else that may cause damage to your truck. Although pick-up bumpers weight about the same as bull bars they typically cover a larger portion of the front end. Pick-up bumpers, made of aluminum, replace your existing bumper and are mounted directly to your chassis. Pick-up bumpers come standard with a high polish finish but can be customized.
Ali Arc bumpers has many bumpers available and can be customized to fit your truck. If you have any questions or would like to place an order you can email sales@aliarc.com or call 1-877-725-4272.
NEW Quick Release Bumper
At Ali Arc we have had many requests for a quick release bumper. We worked with experienced engineers to create just that. Our new stainless steel Quick Release Bumper made its debut at the 2022 World Truck Show in Toronto, Ontario.
Benefits Our Quick Release bumpers take away the need to unscrew the eyebolts and will save you time by using your foot or hand to release the bumper from the hood to access your engine for maintenance and pre trip checks. While we were designing this new bumper, we made sure that it would easily latch when you put it back in place. When you are driving down the road you will notice there is no rattling noises and it needs no oil or grease, so very little maintenance. We worked hard to make the safest product possible and that is why you will soon discover our bumper is self-tightening so there is no risk of it rattling open while you are driving down the road. This also gives you piece of mind knowing you will not have to make any adjustments.
Technical Information Are you wondering what we used to create the latch of our Quick Release bumper? We have developed a one-piece machined aluminum latch housing with class 10.9 zinc plated locking fasteners. The oilite bearings that we have used require no grease or oil with stainless-steel, heat-treated latch pawls. The stainless-steel brackets have been laser cut for precision.
Truck Models So far, we have created Quick Release bumpers for the following trucks: • 2nd Gen Kenworth T680 • 2nd Gen Peterbilt 579 • Volvo VNL • Freightliner Cascadia
If you have any questions or would like to order our new Quick Release bumper, please reach out to our knowledgeable team by emailing sales@aliarc.com or calling 877-725-4272.
How Team Driving Works in the Trucking Industry
Often truckers who do not have personal experience with team driving have a lot of questions about it. From the outside, it seems like a great idea if you are getting paid by the mile and the truck is running 24/7. Team driving is exactly what it sounds like. There are two qualified drivers in the truck who share the responsibility of operating and maintaining the truck. There are pros and cons to team driving, depending on your situation it might be an idea to consider.
PROS
If you have a partner in the truck with you it can be a good thing, it gives you company and allow you to learn from another person if need be. It is important to build a strong partnership with someone you can trust in the truck. Items that need to be discussed before you even hit the road are scheduling, pay division, personal habits and control. If all of that can be decided before you hit the road it can make things easier and will hopefully cause less issues on the road.
When you are team driving you can often secure more lucrative jobs because you can get the job done the quickest on the road. With being able to drive almost 24 hours a day a team can get a load delivered the quickest.
Team driving often attracts husband and wife teams. This can be the ideal situation for them as they can be on the road together and already know each other’s habits and will have an easier time communicating with each other about any issues that may come up on the road. The other advantage is usually with the pay it will be going into one account so there will be no conflict about who is getting paid what.
CONS
There are times that team driving can be less profitable then driving on your own because of all of the profits are split equally, or should be.
Sleep can be an issue if the truck is moving all the time. It can be very difficult to be comfortable when the truck is moving and you are trying to rest especially if it is daylight outside as well. If you do not get quality rest it can make it very dangerous to drive for your shift.
Breaks can also be an issue for team driving. If one driver wants to stop for a break it may not be convenient for the other driver. There could be a scenario where you finally get to sleep in the back bunk and the other driver needs to stop for some reason. It could cause tension in the truck.
A few other issues that might come up as a team driver is that you might be away from home for longer stretches, what to do if one or both of the drivers are ill and just getting along with your co-driver day to day.
Overall, team driving can be a good choice in the right situation. The most important thing to take into consideration is that you feel like you can trust your driving partner and there is an open line of communication.
The Difference Between Live Loads and Drop & Hook Loads
Live Loads
A live load simply means that the driver waits for the load to be loaded and unloaded and then continues his trip with the same trailer. The pros to live loads are that they can save time for shippers, shippers do not require space to store the containers and no shunting truck is required.
For many drivers, the cons to live loads is that they have to wait for their trailer to be loaded and unloaded. This can be considered a ‘waste of time’ for drivers as the wait time can be up to 2 hours. When this is happening, a driver is usually just sitting idle. For the shippers, if there is a delay in loading or unloading trailers, they can incur detention fees. If the process is not running smoothly, it can cause a que of trucks or a backlog which is a con for both the shipping company and the driver.
When the live load strategy is used drivers must book an appointment before they show up at the shipper’s location to be loaded or unloaded. Live loads are most commonly used when the shipper does not have enough space to hold loaded or unloaded trailers, the driver does not have a load to take out with them or a shortage of man power.
Drop and Hook Loads
Drop and hook loads are exactly what they sound like. A driver simply drops off their loaded trailer and picks up another trailer that is ready to go from the shipping location. This can save the driver a couple hours at each drop off/pickup location which can add up once the driver is done his shift. The other advantage to the drop and hook model is that it allows for more flexibility for the shipper. It gives them more time to load and unload trailers without the pressure of a driver waiting for them.
If the trailer they are picking up is ready and in position it can be a quick and easy transition but the reality is, that is not always the case.
Often times, a driver will have to wait for the trailer to come from a different location or be brought to a position where the driver can get access to be able to hook the trailer up. If it is a heavier load or the driver is not familiar with difficult dolly handles, this can also cause a delay. The drop and hook model becomes tricky for owner/operators as they are often personally own their trailer so it would not make sense for them to leave it there to take another one. Drop and hook works best for large enterprises with a large fleet.
No matter which way you look at it, there are advantages and disadvantages to both the live load and drop and hook model. As a driver, you may have experience with both and likely have a preference but cannot always control what model you use for the job.
What to do if You Are on the Road for the Holidays
Being away from your home and family as a truck driver is difficult no matter what time of the year but it can be especially difficult if you are away for the holidays. The holidays can be lonely on the road and it often when the weather is the coldest and the road condition can be less than ideal.
Take Extra Caution on the Road
During the holiday season, the road will likely be busier than usual plus the road conditions could be questionable this time of year. Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination so that you do not have to rush. Be patient on the road and be sure you are prepared for the road conditions. If the weather turns bad and you need to wait for roads to open be sure you are prepared with enough food, fuel and warm clothes. If you are in the mountains, be sure you have chains for your tires. If you do need to wait on the side of the road until they are open again, take advantage of the time and connect with family and friends.
Participate and Spread Holiday Cheer
If it is possible, participate in nearby holiday festivities. If time allows, find a nearby activity that you can participate in to help get you in the holiday spirit. If that is not possible, try listening to holiday music, decorating your cab and pick yourself up a special treat to help celebrate. When you meet other truck drivers that are on the road, spread kindness. Be sure to wish everyone happy holidays and even consider having treats that you can hand out to other truck drivers and truck stop employees.
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Thankfully, with technology today it is easier to stay connected with family and friends. When it is safe to do so, video chat with family and friends. You could also consider sending packages home from where ever you are to remind your loved ones that you are thinking of them. Send pictures of where you are and ask them to send you pictures of what they are doing so you feel a part of the holiday celebrations.
Use Your Time Off Strategically
If you are going to be on the road during the calendar holidays, talk to your loved ones about celebrating either before you leave or once you are home. There is no rule that you have to celebrate holidays on the actual calendar date. Be flexible and encourage your friends and family to be flexible as well so that everyone can enjoy holiday traditions, no matter when that is.
Loved Ones of a Truck Driver
If you are a loved one of a truck driver and you know that they will be on the road for the holidays, consider helping them get through the holidays on the road. Some ideas might be to pack them a homemade care package, connect with them often by sending holiday inspired photos/videos and plan your holiday festivities around their schedule when possible.
No matter what, being on the road for the holiday season can be difficult but hopefully some of these ideas can help you get through the season the best way possible.
When you are a truck driver you spend hundreds of hours on the road, there is no way to avoid it. So, what can you do to increase your comfort on the road and allow you to do your job properly and in a timely manner? Below we explore some ideas for accessories that might help and how to help give you a smoother ride in your truck.
Truck Driver Accessories
There are many accessories available to truck drivers today that could help make your hours in the truck more comfortable. The most common complaint of pain for truck drivers is their back. Take time to stretch before you get in your truck and whenever you have a chance to stop. Be conscious of your posture and look for a memory foam cushion and lumbar support that you can use. These have been proven to help with back pain and even hip and leg pain.
Use a cell phone mount. When used properly a phone is a great tool to have on the road. It is important it does not become a distraction on the road and you can keep your hands on the steering wheel. This way you are not looking down and hurting your neck even when you are safely stopped.
A seatbelt cover is a simple yet great accessory to use on the road. It can prevent uncomfortable chaffing on your collar bone and across your stomach.
Keeping the temperature regulated in your cabin can add to your comfort. Sometimes it can be tricky to find the balance but a fan can be a handy tool to use. It will keep the air moving in the truck and help to keep you comfortable while you are driving and can also help you to get a quality sleep.
Keep Your Truck Driving Smoothly
There are a couple things you can do to help your truck ride smoother. You can replace your shock absorbers with lighter ones. It is also suggested to replace the springs in your truck with lower rated leaf springs.
Tires can also make a difference in your ride. Make sure they are properly sized for your type of truck and that the air pressure in them is what is specified by the manufacturer.
If your truck is vibrating one way to help is to consider double-stacking the rubber rings on the coil springs. They can sometimes be noisy but one way to avoid the unnecessary noise is to coat them in grease before setting them in place.
There are many things you can do to stay comfortable while driving in your semi truck. Drinking lots of water and eating a balanced diet will also help with your overall physical comfort. It can help to avoid headaches, body aches and stomach pains.
Keep all of these tips in mind when you hit the road and hopefully you can have a comfortable and productive trip in your truck.
