Some people advertise self-driving trucks to be an answer to the truck driver shortage. However, the reality is that the technology is not enough ready for prime time. However, in many places testing of self-driving trucks is proceeding. Self- driving trucks may be on the road prior the end of this decade.   Who are the major players?   Major players in the testing stage involve Otto, Daimler, as well…

When it comes to autonomous vehicles, Volvo has kept busy. Starting from a project which allowed 100 motorists to test out a self-driving XC90 SUV in Gothenburg and ending with a self-driving garbage truck.   Renova, a waste management company, worked with Volvo in designing this truck. So, what is their goal? Well, there goal is to make a better working environment for drivers. The first time the truck travels…

You can think a self-driving truck can only be seen in the Hollywood films, but it is getting really close to be a reality. Automation, more than out-sourcing, has been replacing human labor for quite some time. Robots have taken over much of the manufacturing industries, and computers are increasingly being used to replace humans in the retail and fast food-industries, as well. Producing more with fewer people has become…

With the recent allowance of recreational Marijuana use, how does this effect truckers and the Department of Transportation (DOT) Drug and Alcohol tests. Some states now allow the use of recreational marijuana, does this mean that truckers can smoke while on the job in the borders of that state?   The Department of Transportation released a statement clarifying this issue. They made it clear that state initiatives do not impact…

Being a trucker means always being on the road, which also means having to make several stops to fill up the diesel tank. Being economical about fuel will help save money, reduce oil dependence costs and increase energy sustainability. Here are the things you can do to save fuel.   1.Keep Your Vehicle Clean  With dirty exterior a truck actually uses more fuel. A dirty air filter can cost you as…

A big reason many people find truck driving attractive is an opportunity to earn great money. Here are several ways that truck driver can earn even more money once they’ve entered the trucking industry.   CDL Endorsements - With endorsements truck drivers can drive specialized trucks or move cargo that might need special care.  It can also make you eligible for a higher rate. Endorsements have their special written and road driving…

The Truck Renting and Leasing Association, which is made up of Ryder, Penske and other commercial vehicle renting and leasing companies, is looking for an exemption from the electronic logging device mandate for trucks rented for 30 days or less. TRALA says the ELD mandate, which has a compliance date of Dec. 18, will “unfairly and adversely affect short-term rental vehicles.” While most drivers who rent trucks will use ELDs,…

Concrete pumper trucks that drive across state lines have been given amnesty from the mandatory federal 30 minute break. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration granted an exemption to the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) to allow all concrete pump operators, concrete pumping companies and drivers who operate concrete pumps in interstate commerce to count on-duty attendance time toward the 30-minute break. The exemption went into effect Tuesday, March 21,…

Three million miles a year, that is how many miles is driven by these unmarked 18-wheeler who carry the most lethal cargo out there. These 18 wheelers carry nuclear weapons to labs all across the nation. From missile silos, bomber bases, and submarine docks, they carry it all. These operations are controlled by the Office of Secure Transportation, which is an agency within the US Department of Transportation who is…

In February, for-hire trucking added 10,600 jobs, while overall payrolls increased by 235,000 according to reports on March 10. This was the largest gain in five years. Transportation and warehousing, which includes trucking, added 8,800 positions. The warehousing and storage section had a decrease in about 1,500 positions. The increase in February payrolls was followed by a 238,000 rise in January. The unemployment rate went down to 4.7%, and wages increased 2.8%…