Tag: Terminal Tractors

FMCSA Grant Helps Cover Costs to Train Vets to Become Semi Truck Drivers

Vets Get Funding to Train as Semi Truck Drivers from FMCSA
Vets Get Funding to Train as Semi Truck Drivers from FMCSA

Over the past few years, the trucking industry has been facing a driver shortage. In efforts to encourage more people to become truck drivers, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is offering a grant for veterans to receive training.

Effects of Driver Shortage

The driver shortage doesn’t just affect the trucking industry. It has also had an effect on warehousing, with deliveries taking longer in general. This has kept warehouse employees busy moving warehouse items around and ensuring that there’s enough space to store items until they’re ready to be picked up.

From employees who stock warehouse shelves to those who operate a powered trailer dolly to move items around, those who work in the warehousing industry need to make sure that they’re able to keep doing their jobs safely.

FMCSA Grant

The FMCSA grant should help alleviate some of these problems. Under the terms of this grant, veterans who are eligible for the Trucking with the Troops program receive assistance with fees and tuition at Hawkeye Community College. The college offers a six-week or 16-week program that teaches veterans how to safely operate commercial vehicles, so that they can get their license and become truck drivers.

With the driver shortage in effect, this offers a solid opportunity for well-paying employment for those who have served in the Armed Forces. The grant is also available for spouses and children of veterans, making it more affordable for them to become truck drivers. This financial assistance should help increase the number of truck drivers who are on the road.

If you need a powered trailer dolly for your company, please contact DJ products. We offer several high-quality trailer products that help your employees work as safely as possible.

Feds Propose Banning Mexico-Based Rigs from Driving on US Highways in New NAFTA Negotiations

DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trailers
DJ Products Supplies Motorized Trailer Dollies for Moving Semi Trailers

Long-haul trucking companies may need to add more motorized trailer dollies soon. The long, controversial history of the North American Free Trade Agreement could be adding another chapter.

Renegotiating NAFTA

During recent NAFTA negotiations, President Donald Trump’s team put forth an extensive list of demands to be met in order to keep the agreement in effect. One of the conditions was removing the Mexican long-haul industry from a NAFTA chapter on cross-border services.

While the U.S. Trade Representative’s office has remained mum on the content of their proposals, a number of sources close to the negotiations have reported this particular demand. It was described as a “broad industry exclusion” that was submitted during October’s round of talks.

U.S. and Mexico Trucking Industries: A Contentious Relationship

Even after NAFTA went into effect, the U.S. put up several roadblocks to Mexican truckers operating in the country. Initially, they could transport loads only a short distance across the border before transferring them to American truckers.

In 2001 a dispute resolution panel found in Mexico’s favor, but the U.S. refused to comply, causing Mexico to impose retaliatory tariffs. Finally, in 2015, the U.S. granted licensed Mexican truckers the right to haul cargo across the country.

If the new proposal goes into effect, it could be a step toward restricting Mexican truckers once again. Without the advantages and protections afforded by NAFTA, Mexico would have a hard time challenging future trucking requirements imposed by the U.S.

Motorized Trailer Dollies from DJ Products

Did you know that most injuries and damage to trailers occur in the yard? Visit our website to learn why motorized trailer dollies such as our Electric Yard Dog are your solution for safer and more efficient operations.

DOT Add Opioids to List of Drugs Drivers to Be Tested For January 1

Drivers Are Now Being Tested for Opioids
Drivers Are Now Being Tested for Opioids

With the increase in opioid abuse over the past several years, the Department of Transportation will be requiring truck drivers to be tested for them soon. This testing is being done to help ensure that truck drivers are able to safely operate their vehicles. It’s also being implemented as part of a nationwide effort to address opioid abuse.

New Drug Testing Rules

Starting on January 1st, truck drivers will be tested for four different kinds of opioids as part of routine testing. These include hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone and oxymorphone, which are all semi-synthetic opioids that are used as prescription painkillers.

The DOT will be adding this new testing panel to routine urine testing for those who operate commercial vehicles. Whether driving on the road or operating a semi trailer mover, it’s important for those in the industry to stay safe and not put others at risk on the job.

Support and Opposition to the New Rules

These new rules have been met with both strong support and opposition. Supporters are in favor of these new rules in order to reduce safety risks associated with truck driving and opioid abuse. They also believe that the new rules are necessary under the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, which determine the types of drugs that federal agencies can test. Those who oppose the new rules cite concern that truck drivers who are taking prescription pain medication under their doctor’s orders could be unfairly punished.

If you need a reliable semi trailer mover for your business, contact DJ Products to learn more. We offer a wide selection of products to help keep your employees safe on the job. These products lower the risk of injuries and save you time, money and manpower.

Watch for Higher Freight Rates in Early 2018 As Carriers Negotiate Contracts

DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trailers
DJ Products Supplies Equipment for Shunting Trailers

Chances are that your freight company will be doing a lot more semi trailer moving in 2018. Thanks to a number of industry trends and events, average contract rates are expected to increase in the new year by as much as 10 percent.

Manpower Shortages and Tight Capacities

A shortage of drivers is the most significant factor driving rate increases. According to Bob Costello, chief economist of the American Trucking Association, the number of drivers in the industry stands at only about 50,000.

– The driver shortage has also led to a crunch in capacity rates, which hit 90 percent in the second quarter and are approaching 100 percent with the impending holidays.

– There are fears that the December 18 deadline for implementing electronic logging devices to track service hours may cause even more drivers to leave the industry.

– Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have tightened capacity and pushed spot market rates up.

– The economy continues to become more robust, as indicated by 4.1 percent unemployment and three percent rise in GDP during the third quarter.

Solving the Driver Shortage

David Jackson, CEO of Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, says the industry has been hurt by its dependence on baby boomers. The average age of drivers is in the mid-50s, and younger drivers aren’t entering the field quickly enough to counteract attrition.

Jackson suggests that raising pay rates is essential to attract new drivers. Andrew Lynch, president of logistics firm Zipline, adds that increased contract rates can provide the necessary funds to raise driver pay.

Simplified Semi Trailer Moving from DJ Products

Move semi trailers safely and efficiently with our electric Yard Dog terminal tractor. Visit our website and learn more about our full line of electric tugs and movers from our sales engineers.