The trucking industry never stops moving. Even though we find ourselves isolated for much of the time, a lot has happened in the past few weeks. Here are some important trucking industry stories from the newsreels that you’re not going to want to miss.
FMCSA Implements an $80M Grant Program
In an effort to make our highways safer, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced an $80M grant program for critical safety enhancements, including:
- $45 million to the states for enhanced commercial motor vehicle safety efforts, including advanced technology improvements.
- $32.7 million earmarked for a commercial driver’s license program implementation (CDLPI) to improve the national commercial driver’s license (CDL) program.
- $2 million for educational institutions to help train veterans for commercial bus and truck driver jobs.
The program aims to inject funding where it is needed most–at the state, local, and educational level–to improve safety and reduce crashes.
Drivers See the Benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
While self-driving trucks are more science fiction and speculation than planned reality, drivers are warming up to the idea of technology in the cab. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, dash cams, and adaptive cruise control are now proven to improve safety, and drivers are taking note. And with constant recording systems, drivers are proven innocent (when not at fault) faster, putting them back in the cab and working with less hassle.
Out with Toilet Paper Shortages, In with Something Much More Serious
At the beginning of the pandemic, truckers hauling toilet paper laughed about potential hijackers. In the months that followed, we’ve seen shortages of everything from cleaning products to meat to Dr. Pepper. While people can easily substitute most of these items to get by, the FDA has recently announced a new issue with our supply chain that could become dire.
On August 14th, the FDA indicated a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, including examination gowns, surgical apparel, masks, and gloves, along with other critical supplies, including sample collectors, swabs, ventilator parts, and more. As manufacturers work to replenish the nation’s supply of essential medical gear, the trucking industry will be called upon to get these goods to their intended destinations as quickly as possible. With the hours of service emergency declaration still in place, your drivers can be the heroes who help get those supplies delivered.
Reminder: Keep Those Brakes Safe!
Last week, inspectors were out checking brakes as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) annual Brake Safety Week. Last year, CVSA determined that brake system and brake adjustment violations accounted for 45.1% of all out-of-service conditions. During 2019 Brake Safety Week, CVSA cited 13.5% of inspected vehicles for brake-related issues.
To keep your brakes and drivers safe, look beyond the calipers, drums, pads, and double-check brake hoses and tubing. Be sure they’re attached properly, undamaged, flexible, and not leaking any fluids. You’ll keep your trucks and drivers on the road, and you’ll help improve everyone’s safety.
Trucking Employment and Pay Hold Steady Through the Pandemic
While the past several months have given us all our share of challenges, it’s a good time to be a truck driver! The National Transportation Institute surveyed several hundred fleet owners and drivers and found that turnover is at a record low across the industry, and that driver pay is holding steady. In some cases, pay is increasing in response to heightened demand for drivers. The sectors seeing the biggest increase are spot hiring and last-mile deliveries.
If you’re looking to hire more spot drivers to fill your trucks, don’t forget about the F|Staff driver leasing app! We can help you get your trucks moving faster, without the hassle of driver hiring and onboarding. It’s free to use–you only pay for your drivers’ time. Just post your job, and a pre-qualified, DOT-verified, drug and alcohol screened driver comes to you. It’s that easy!
