Communicating with dispatch through digital communication systems such, Qualcomm and text messages, has become part of the daily routine for many truck drivers. It's fast and it's easy, so long as you can understand what is being communicated. Many dispatchers use abbreviations when using Qualcomm, as there is a per character charge. Sometimes it's easy [...]
Submitted by Jeremy Derricks A few months ago I was delayed at a shipper. When the fork lift guy came out to tell me the load would be delayed, he immediately got defensive when I asked how long of a delay; even though I had asked politely. I then explained that I just needed to [...]
With the popularity and rise in real-time text-based communications, such as Facebook, Twitter, and instant messaging, came a new text language. This text language is designed for quick and compact communication. The trucking industry has incorporated the use of this technology to help run fleets. It has made communication between drivers and the home terminal [...]
Last week’s article gave truck drivers a list of expenses that can be written off on taxes.Make sure that you have all of your receipts for the expenses you are claiming and fill out the Statement of Employment Expenses (form T777) when filing. If you’re new to truck driving you many not be aware that you [...]
There is a lot of planning in your average long haul trip. Experienced truck drivers generally can do more miles than newer, less experienced drivers because they do proper trip planning. We can't cover it all in one article so we'll talk about one aspect of trip planning here. Use Your Down Time Wisely As [...]
With a month and a half left to file our taxes, many of us are pouring over our receipts, calculating our log books, and asking ourselves “can I write that off?” While we’re not tax experts we can offer some guidance in the area of what truck drivers can write off. We do suggest that [...]
If you’ve been following our blog then you’ll know that we’ve been going over the various aspects of a pre-trip inspection. Your pre-trip is a very important part of your daily routine. Completing a proper inspection will ensure that your equipment is in good working order before you start your day. In this, our third [...]
In part two of vehicle inspections we'll focus on things inside the cab. You need to inspect your truck before each trip and the beginning of each day while on your trip. Malfunctioning equipment is a safety issue and can make you the target of costly tickets. Finding problems before you start your trip or [...]
The purpose of the spring road restrictions is to protect the highways from break-up during the spring thaw. During the spring, when warmer temperatures cause the road surface to break up and generally deteriorate, the highways most affected are restricted to lower axle weights and speed restrictions. Signs indicating that a road is posted for [...]
Pre-trips are important to trucking safety and truck maintenance. Pre-trips should be done when you start your trip and at the beginning of each work day. By completing a pre-trip you can avoid unnecessary break downs on the road, which come with hefty tow and road side assistance fees. In today’s article we’re focusing on [...]