When you’re on the road all day, it’s not easy to keep up with the current news. That’s where we come in. We’ve gathered the top trucking news stories from around the web.
5. Fuel Efficiency and Safety Training Only Effective with Refresher Courses
Refresher courses are paramount to fuel efficiency and safety training, according to a recent study by PIT Group.
“Our studies show that various ways to train drivers – including classroom, in-cab and simulator training – all have their advantages,” says Yves Provencher, director – market and business development. However, the lessons learned only last when refresher training and in-vehicle coaching technologies are used to address the behaviours that effect fuel use and safety.
Cruise control, proper acceleration and maintaining the correct road speed were all cited as having the biggest impacts on fuel consumption for long haul drivers. According to the research, truck drivers could save 9,900 liters of fuel per year by simply improving their practices.
Source: Fuel-saving, safety training should be refreshed, Today’s Trucking
4. World’s Largest Truck Stop is Getting Even Larger
When you’ve been on the road for a while, Iowa 80 Truckstop is a good place to stop. In addition to the 900 parking spots for trucks and 150 fuel pumps, Iowa 80 also features many food options, showers, a driver’s lounge, museum, and much more.
Now construction is underway on a $10 million expansion and remodeling project that will add 23,000 square feet to the already 100,000-square-foot main building. The expansion will create a larger convenience store, add more retail space and relocate and expand the food court.
The truck stop will remain open during construction and the project is expected to be complete by the end 2018.
3. US Highway Fatalities at a Decade High
Vehicles may be getting safer, but that hasn’t stopped the increase of US highway fatalities. In 2016, 37,461 people perished on U.S. roads, a 5.6 percent uptick over the previous year. According to experts, an overall increase in driving and a rise in reckless driving are primarily contributors to the increase in highway death rates.
This data comes from a report released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in October. The study also showed an increase in dangerous behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment, and failure to wear seat belts. With truck drivers spending so much time on the road, this issue is one that is gravely important to truck drivers. Do you have thoughts on how to make our roads safer? Let us know on our Facebook page.
Source: U.S. Traffic Fatalities Rose 5.6% in 2016, Wall Street Journal
2. Consumer Spending Could Increase Holiday Freight Demand
Consumers say they will spend approximately $970 this holiday season, which is a 3.4% increase over last year. Online shopping and mobile apps are an important factor for consumers who are spending less time in stores and more time buying products online.
The annual survey for the National Retail Federation also found that online shoppers will take advantage of free shipping and plan to take advantage of expedited shipping and same-day delivery. If this data holds true, trucking companies are in for a busy few months.
Source: Holiday Shopping May Drive Freight Demand, American Trucker
1. Trucking Company That Cheated Drivers Avoids Paying Penalties
Fargo Trucking was ordered to pay drivers $8.7 million back in 2015 for cheating them out of fair wages, but rather than pay, the company simply disappeared. They abandoned their clients, stripped the company of its assets, and are now back in business under a new name, Express FTC.
USA Today spent over a year investigating how Fargo and companies like it have used legal knowhow and shell companies to avoid making payments to the people who ensure their company stays afloat: the drivers.
Fargo Trucking isn’t the only company playing games with people’s livelihood. This investigation revealed that at least 12 other companies were found to have done the same maneuvering. This article is a must-read for drivers.
Source: Shell Games: How Trucking Companies that Cheat Drivers Dodge Penalties, USA Today