For asset-based companies and brokers alike, capacity and the spot market can have major impacts on rates and rate predictions for freight. As we’re nearing the end of Q1, it only seems fitting to take a look at predictions for 2017 and how they’ve played out so far in terms of the market. There were quite a few expectations for change, including promises of increased demand from President Donald Trump’s plans to boost business in the states, but initial reports suggest shippers can back down slightly from their concerns about big price hikes for the time being.

While the price hikes aren’t immediate, there is still a noticeable boost in freight demand for the United States this quarter. Market predictions by industry analyst Stifel suggests truckload demand will continue to rebound while supply will stay down between two to three percent; in part from efforts to protect utilization and driver compensation, but also due to some of the looming federal regulations  (e.g. FSMA, ELD Mandate). With supply decreasing and demand continuing to rise, Stifel believes the “prospect for positive pricing momentum is building” in the truckload sector.

Capacity Challenges

There are many factors that could affect capacity, with different factors impacting different modes of transportation. According to Stifel, due to weak 2015 and 2016 demand, intermodal and truckload carriers are reducing capacity to boost returns on investment, while less-than-truckload (LTL) and air carriers are also staying on the conservative side, not adding much capacity ahead of upcoming safety-focused regulations. Probably the most notable upcoming regulations are the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), set to go into effect for non-exempt carriers on April 6, and the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate set to take effect in December. There are concerns that some carriers may choose to leave the business or remove some trucks from circulation due to the impacts from these requirements. Carriers are being encouraged to take the necessary compliance steps as it seems less likely that these rules will be set aside or postponed as they have already survived a number of legal hurdles.

How Trinity Combats Capacity Challenges

With tightening capacity challenges, we continue to rely on the relationships we build with our network of 32,000 carriers. We have an entire Carrier Relations team dedicated to helping carriers join Trinity’s network, answering questions, and studying the latest industry changes and regulations to educate carriers and Trinity’s team members. With our network of vetted carriers potentially growing every day, we can combat challenges with tightening capacity. We also work with a network of intermodal carriers, and can arrange the movement of freight that isn’t necessarily time-sensitive via rail.

Strengthening relationships with our carriers and encouraging those who are non-exempt to become compliant with these regulations is something that we plan to continue through the implementation of upcoming regulations and industry challenges.

Other Potential Impacts

There’s a lot of talk now about some e-commerce and ride-sharing companies venturing into the world of last-mile delivery and order fulfillment, and autonomous trucks are hitting more headlines as companies test out beer runs and other highway convoy trips. Stifel predicts that the so-called “uberization” of truck brokerage will not happen anytime in the near future as there are still some hurdles, and it may be a few years still until autonomous trucks are technically ready to operate.

As a full logistics solutions provider, we are committed to helping our customers and potential customers understand the impacts of these industry changes. Look for an update on the Food Safety Modernization Act ahead of its implementation on April 6.

Our rates are directly impacted by any changes in these regulations and the market. We will continue to stay competitive and work with on our carrier relationships to get you the best rate for your freight, and to get it delivered safely and on time.

The phrase “looking a little green around the edges” used to have a negative connotation, but for years “going green” has been something not only desirable for consumers and companies, but also something backed strongly by governmental regulations.

During President Obama’s time in office, the Environmental Protection Agency enacted standards for strict fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gases. Environmental groups feel better fuel economy would not only save consumers billions of dollars, but would also push vehicles to be more efficient, slashing pollution.

Watchful eyes are on the Trump administration, as the EPA plans to take a different route, reviewing the 2022-2025 standards set in place at the end of the Obama administration. The EPA plans to open the door for comments from the auto industry and other affected persons, paving the way for potential changes or relaxations to the current measures.

With so much uncertainty, you can rest assured that your Trinity Logistics team is staying on top of the latest changes in the industry, encouraging our carrier network to participate, and finding the answers for you.

Going green is something that is important to our company. That’s why we take measures to stay in check!

EPA SmartWay

The Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Since 2008, Trinity has proudly participated in this federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution created by freight transportation.

The SmartWay partnership is a way for shippers, carriers, logistics companies, railyways, and other transportation stakeholders to measure, benchmark, and improve logistics operations to reduce their carbon footprint.

More than 3,000 companies and organizations are now a part of SmartWay. Since 2004, it has helped its partners save 170.3 million barrels of oil, which is equivalent to eliminating the annual energy use in over six million homes.

To maintain our SmartWay partnership, we report our annual freight and emissions activity to the EPA, and demonstrate commitment to constantly improve our efficiency.

Responsible Care

Trinity Logistics became part of the Responsible Care Partnership in 2009, furthering our commitment to the hazmat chemical industry we’ve served since 2002. We’ve strategically developed operating procedures in line with the key principles of Responsible Care, to ensure the safe arrangement of chemical shipments. Through Responsible Care, we commit to improve company performance through community awareness and emergency response, security, distribution, employee health and safety, pollution prevention, and process and product safety.

Intermodal (rail) Shipping

If freight isn’t extremely time sensitive, intermodal shipping is an excellent, eco-friendly alternative to truckload shipping. We have an entire team dedicated to arranging rail shipments, and encouraging our many loyal customers to consider sending some of their freight via this mode.

According to the Association of American Railroads, trains are on average four times more fuel efficient than trucks, reducing highway gridlock, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing pollution. In 1980, railroads in the United States moved a ton of freight an average of 235 miles per gallon. That same ton of freight per gallon will go an average of 273 miles today, up 101 percent. Read their full report here.

Top Green Provider for 2016

In 2016, we were named to Food Logistics Top Green Provider list, which recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry. We have entered again for 2017 and hope to continue boosting our green initiatives, so we can reduce our carbon footprint.

A little less than a year ago, we were talking about why the human touch isn’t dead, especially when it comes to customer service and freight shipping quotes. Technology exists to make our lives easier, safer, and more productive, but many people have ideas of what shouldn’t. Sure, I would trust a robot or artificial intelligence to turn on the lights in my house, make snacks in a factory, start my car, or even build my car…but when I first started hearing about autonomous trucks, I tried to imagine what could be the future of transportation as we know it.

In 2017, we’ll dive a little deeper into some of the emerging technologies, touching on anything from self-driving trucks to drone delivery. The reality we are facing now is that robots could very soon play an integral part in delivering goods to stores and front porches around the world.

What Exactly is an Autonomous Truck?

If you hear “autonomous truck” and your first thought is “Optimus Prime,” don’t worry, you’re not alone. While the technology behind an autonomous truck is highly sophisticated, you won’t see these big rigs turning into out-of-this-world robot leaders. What you can expect is to see a handful of these trucks on major highways, with a driver on board to monitor the trip and to be on standby for potential emergencies. The one main difference you’ll visually notice is the driver of an autonomous truck isn’t touching the steering wheel.

The autonomous truck “Otto” made headlines in October 2016 when the truck made its first beer delivery for Budweiser. The truck drove itself 120 miles from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, while its driver monitored conditions (and read magazines) away from the cab.

Google was the driving force behind Otto until Uber bought it in August 2016. Right now there are more than 30 big auto manufacturers and ride-sharing companies capitalizing on the development of autonomous vehicles. Tesla has been doing something similar with its Autopilot, equipping all vehicles with full self-driving hardware, which includes eight surround cameras and 12 sensors and radar to see its full surroundings.

How Does it Work?

Depending on the brains behind the operations, driverless trucks may have different types of functionality, but the main premise behind the technology is this: motion sensors, cameras, lidar (laser light), and software all work together to tell the truck to drive, navigate bends and bumps in the road, stay in their lane, and how to react to environmental changes.

It seems very simple. A driver gets the truck started on its journey, and then can essentially switch to “auto-pilot,” and be free to roam the truck while the truck continues to drive itself.  The computer system driving the truck can steer the wheel, adjust its speed, and brake, all while keeping a safe distance between the truck and other vehicles on the road.

Some systems can operate alone, while others are designed to operate together; two or three trucks connected wirelessly in a convoy. In April 2016, small convoys consisting of semi-automated trucks from six of Europe’s largest vehicle manufacturers made a groundbreaking voyage through the Netherlands using wireless “speech.”

Legislation Behind Driverless Trucks

In September 2016, the Obama administration issued its policy for automated driving, giving vehicle manufacturers guidelines to create technology to start the transition of “replacing” human drivers with computerized systems.  The Department of Transportation and the National Highway Safety Administration say these guidelines would reduce the number of roadway deaths as more than 94 percent of crashes in 2015’s data “can be tied to a human choice or error.”

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, since 2012, at least 34 states and Washington D.C. have considered legislation for autonomous vehicles, while nine: California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, and Washington D.C., have actually passed legislation related to driverless vehicles. In August 2015, Arizona’s Governor Doug Ducey signed an executive order directing state agencies to “undertake any necessary steps to support the testing and operation of self-driving vehicles on public roads” within the state. A similar executive order was signed by Massachusetts’ Governor Charlie Baker in October 2016 to “promote the testing and deployment of highly automated driving technologies.”

While there have been no major announcements yet from President Donald Trump’s administration about this policy, the driverless car industry seems to be pleased with Transportation secretary, Elaine Chao.

When Will Driverless Trucks be the “Norm?”

While many companies are still in the developmental stages for their driverless cars and trucks, others are ramping up testing.

According to Otto’s developers, the truck is being tested on highways primarily, with the driver taking over in heavy traffic and for more difficult to navigate side roads. Uber says its goal is to develop a kit that would transform existing trucks into these self-driving versions, so existing carriers would be able to keep their original fleet.

Will robots replace the nearly 3.5 million professional truck drivers in America? Probably not in the near future. Developers say not even in the next decade, as drivers can monitor for potential issues, and can take over when it comes time to navigate narrow side streets or parking. A driver is still needed for the more personal things a truck just can’t do: filling out paperwork or unloading the vehicle.

So, it seems the human touch is still alive and well in the trucking industry, although the way that looks may shift over the next 20 years.

We work with a network of more than 30,000 authorized carriers on a daily basis. If you have a shipment you would like moved and need a quote, give us a call (866) 603-5679 or fill out our form here to get a quote!

2017 has arrived and that means we are fast approaching the compliance deadlines for several laws, some that have been years in the making and could impact you and your operation. On April 6, 2017, most businesses involved in the transportation of human and animal food will need to be in FSMA compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, the most sweeping reform of United States food safety laws in 70 years. We’ll go over the basics and go into a little more detail about the FSMA since we last told you about it in June of 2016.

What is the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act?

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) shifts the focus from responding to food contamination, to preventing foodborne illness altogether. The Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 4, 2011. FSMA consists of seven rules that put measures into place for all people and businesses that handle food in order to ensure that food is produced, handled, transported, and stored properly.

Here are the rules and when they were finalized:

Preventive Controls Rules for Human and Animal Food: Sept. 2015
Produce Safety Rule: Nov. 2015
Foreign Supplier Verification Rule: Nov. 2015
Accredited Third-Party Certification: Nov. 2015
Sanitary Transportation Rule: April 2016
Intentional Adulteration Rule: May 2016

Has anything changed in the FSMA Update?

We last updated you about the latest with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act’s final rule for the sanitary transportation of human and animal food back in June. We discussed what the final rule is, when you need to begin complying with this rule, and what is expected of shippers, loaders, carriers, and receivers. Since the Sanitary Transportation Rule was finalized in April 2016, the Intentional Adulteration (IA) Rule has also been finalized as part of the FSMA. This rule is aimed at preventing intentional adulteration from acts intended to cause wide-scale harm to public health. The IA Rule was finalized May 27, 2016. The TIA has also revised contracts that cover FMSA rules.

What is the goal of the Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation?

The rule’s goal is to prevent transported food from becoming filthy, putrid, decomposed, or otherwise unfit for food, or being rendered injurious to health from any source during transportation operations. These rules apply to shippers, receivers, loaders, and carriers involved in any transportation operations of food. The addition of loaders to these new rules was a fairly recent revision.

What does the Final Rule on Sanitary Transportation mean for brokers?

Under this rule, freight brokers are covered under the “shipper” category since they arrange for the transportation of food by a carrier or multiple carriers. The reason for this is that the broker can be an extra step in keeping shippers accountable to this rule. Brokers will also provide carriers with information such as the specifications for the transportation equipment to maintain sanitary conditions, developing a written procedure about how they are going to comply with the regulations and verify that vehicles are sanitary, retaining records that the shipper provided the required specifications to carriers, in addition to any written agreements allocating responsibility.

What to Watch?

It will be interesting to watch and see if there will be any changes to the FSMA under the Trump Administration. In September of 2016, Donald Trump’s campaign proposed getting rid of the Food and Drug Administration’s “food police,” and said they “dictate how the federal government expects farmers to produce fruit and vegetables and even dictates the nutritional content of dog food.” According to the NY Times, the list of regulations to be eliminated was short lived and was removed from the campaign’s website shortly after it was initially displayed.

Who is affected?

This rule established requirements for shippers, loaders, carriers by motor vehicle and rail vehicle, and receivers engaged in the transportation of human and animal food. The regulations include practices to make sure that food is properly refrigerated during transport, that vehicles are properly cleaned between loads, and other best practices to make sure that food does not become adulterated. Read the full rule here.

What happens if a truck is found in violation?

The DOT is authorized and trained to conduct transportation safety inspections to identify any food shipments that are in violation of these new regulations. If a truck is found in violation, the FDA can stop the shipment and/or seize the food. Criminal prosecution is also possible as a part of this rule.

FSMA Compliance Dates for the Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food Rule

Most businesses are required to be in compliance with the rule April 6, 2017, one year from the rule’s publication date. According to the FDA, there are some exceptions and delayed FSMA compliance dates, depending on the size of your business.

Delayed Onset:

– Small businesses, employing less than 500 people: April 6, 2018
– Motor carriers, having less than $27.5 million in annual receipts: April 6, 2018

Exemptions:

– Transportation activities on a farm
– Shippers, receivers, or carriers that have less than $500,000 in average annual revenue
– Transportation of food that is completely enclosed by a container except for foods that require temperature control for safety
– Transportation of food that is transshipped through the U.S. to another country (i.e., Mexico to Canada)
– Transportation of compressed food gasses and food contact substances
– Transportation of human food by-products transported for use as animal food without other processing
– Transportation of live food animals, except molluscan shellfish

Will I Receive FSMA Training or Assistance?

Part of the requirements for FSMA is mandated carrier training. All transportation operations personnel will need to know the responsibilities of the carrier, have awareness of potential food safety problems that may happen during food transportation, and basic sanitary transportation practices to address those potential problems. Documentation of this training is required. Read the latest on the FDA’s path to working with the public and private partners to provide FSMA training for those who will be required to follow the new FSMA standards here.

FSMA Final Rule Updates

We are watching FSMA closely and will continue to update the blog during the implementation process. We encourage you to go to the FDA’s website and read through the published ruling if you want more detailed information about how this rule will impact your business.

Your trusted Trinity advisor is also being trained on the rules and regulations so you can manage your shipments to follow the FDA’s new standards.

If you’re interested in working with Trinity for your produce, refrigerated, or packaged food shipments, fill out our form to get a quote now.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated to reflect the current weather predictions of the 2019-20 winter season. 

The Postal Service has no official motto, but there’s a phrase that has become a tribute to the job that works through all conditions. It states “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”  This can also be said of those in the trucking industry, since a severe weather day doesn’t necessarily mean a day off from work. While it’s not exactly an episode of “Ice Road Truckers” every time bad weather strikes; fog, rain, wind, snow, and ice can still have major impacts on the way you get the job done.

This Winter’s Outlook

Whether you go by the Farmer’s Almanac, or you look to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook, parts of the United States are expected to experience colder and wetter temperatures for the 2019-20 winter season.

NOAA’s outlook shows an absence of El Niño or La Niña conditions; this is when the Arctic Oscillation drives winter weather and can result in large swings of temperature and precipitation. Overall, this winter looks to have warmer-than-normal conditions, with wetter-than-average conditions predicted in northern and eastern regions of the United States, and drier-than-average conditions in southwestern parts of the country. The Farmer’s Almanac shows an exceptionally cold winter season in the Pacific, Desert Southwest, Pacific Southwest, and Hawaii, but above normal winter temperatures elsewhere. Some parts of the country are predicted to have a long-lasting winter well into spring. It is predicted to have strong storms of rain, sleet, and frequent snow storms. Northwest could see a repeat of record-breaking extremes, while the middle of the country and New England area can look forward to snow and slush, freezing during the overnights.

Drivers: Check Before you Leave

Before we dive into ways that extreme weather can impact transportation, we just want to remind you of the importance of being prepared before you hit the road. Take time to check the weather forecasts along your route, plan for extra transit time if you believe there could be some hazardous conditions, and make sure you have any emergency equipment that you could possibly need.

Always complete your pre-trip inspection before hitting the road, even if you don’t expect any extreme weather.

Severe Weather Impacts

Whether it’s dense fog, rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, or ice, severe weather can have significant impacts on commercial motor vehicles and the infrastructure they travel on. From the first few drops of rain, to when the mercury dips below 32 degrees, weather can cause decreased visibility, make it harder to handle your truck, or cause a travel time delay.  We’ll go over some of the most common severe weather instances and how they can impact transportation.

Even if you feel that you are skilled in driving in bad weather situations, you could be indirectly affected by passenger cars stopping in breakdown lanes or driving hazardously around your vehicle.

Some of the weather events we will go over include fog, strong winds, snow, and ice.

Fog

There’s a reason many schools decide to delay opening on a foggy morning. Even the slightest bit of fog can reduce visibility distance. With that, you can expect traffic speed to be affected and a higher accident risk.  Expect prolonged travel time when dealing with a foggy day.

Rain

Rain is the most common type of “bad” weather. Just a few rain drops on the road can cause issues with pavement friction, as water mixes with oils already on the roadways. As with fog, heavier rain can impact visibility distance, in turn slowing traffic speeds, and can increase travel time.

Water on the roadway could require increased braking distance. With water under your tires, there’s also an increased likelihood of wheel spinning and hydroplaning. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), wet roads can double stopping distances.

As heavy rains continue, roadways could flood, posing more dangerous driving conditions and detours due to road closures.

Wind

While hurricane-force winds can be a nightmare for big rigs, even the slightest gusts of wind could make it harder to control your truck. After 50 mph winds, maintaining control of your truck is a significant challenge, at 60 mph, it’s nearly impossible. Bridges and overpasses can become especially dangerous, and may even be closed, so take caution.

Mix any of the other weather conditions with wind and you could potentially have a recipe for disaster. Research forecasted wind speeds before you hit the road, or you may find yourself facing wind restrictions, or even waiting for conditions to improve.

Snow

When the temperatures start to drop, that’s when travel concerns begin about freezing rain, snow, and ice. The main impacts of freezing rain and snow are decreased visibility and traction. Further impacts can include delays, road closures, and other driver control problems as bridges and ramps freeze.

When driving in snow, make sure that you have working wipers and a windshield defroster. Use your low beams to help with visibility and increase your driving distance to allow for safe braking.

Ice

With snow, freezing rain, and dropping temperatures, ice becomes a major travel concern. Significant risks associated with ice on the roads include difficult traction and control. You could also run into potential obstructions along your route due to fallen trees, electrical wires, utility poles, or other vehicles. On the weekend of Dec.17 to 18, 2016, icy conditions in Baltimore and Washington D.C. caused huge pile-ups of vehicles, including tractor-trailers. Listen to reports and watch your speed when icy conditions are possible.

Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before main roadways, so expect significant travel delays due to decreased speed in those areas.

If you must continue your trip in icy conditions, the Federal Highway Administration recommends dropping to a lower gear to improve traction, or slow to 10 or 15 miles per hour. Keep your eyes on the vehicles ahead of you for any potential black ice situations, where you can’t necessarily see the layer of ice on the road.

Recap

While many of you reading this are professional drivers, it’s always important to remember that most of the other drivers on the road along with you don’t have the same training under their belt.

Here are the most important things to remember about weather events and their impacts on transportation:

1. Check the forecast for your route before you leave and make a contingency plan for bad weather.
2. Be prepared to wait out severe storms or high winds.
3.Expect travel delays.
4. Be alert for the actions of other drivers on the road.

Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn so you can stay up-to-date on industry news and trends. Thanks for reading!

AUTHOR: Brittany Siegel

Lumper. It’s not a four-letter-word, but to many in logistics, a lumper fee is often times viewed in a negative light.  A lumper fee is charged to the carrier when a shipper utilizes third-party workers to help load or unload the trailer contents. Lumpers are often used at food warehousing companies and grocery distributors. These fees are often reimbursable to the driver by the shipper or the freight broker.

Why lumpers?

Some receivers outsource to lumping services that are independent of their core business, especially in the grocery distribution business. Lumpers allow for truck drivers to catch up on rest and save energy for their driving, and can sometimes save time for drivers.

Why the negative light?

The “can sometimes save time for drivers” is viewed just like that – sometimes. If you read any trucker forums, you may find many truckers state they have run into headaches when choosing to use lumpers because the lumpers often do their restacking on the trailers, which can be rather time-consuming. However, if the truck drivers decide against using lumpers, they could find themselves trying to unload with hand-jacks and possibly taking additional time to learn their way around a new warehouse.

Lumper Fees vs. Paying Driver

Many trucking companies do not want their drivers unloading freight unless it is part of their normal job duties. In order to keep their drivers well rested and ready for the road, trucking companies will choose to pay lumpers to unload freight rather than have their drivers expend energy or risk injury doing so. There’s no “industry standard” on this, some trucking companies won’t offer to pay their drivers additional money to unload freight to deter them from doing so, or others will offer to pay lumpers significantly more than they would their own drivers.

Service or Scam?

If there are truckers concerned when they go to unload their trailer, that lumper services will be focused upon them, there are protections under United States Law. Forcing a carrier to pay a service for unloading without reimbursement is illegal under Title 49 of the United States Code, § 14103. It says carriers should have the option to unload their own trucks, and if they are not given the option without being compensated for the lumper fee by the shipper or the receiver, then the law has been violated. If a driver is ever put in that particular situation, they should know that being coerced to pay out of pocket for lumper fees is prohibited.

3PLs

If you are a carrier working with a third-party logistics company, or looking to become a carrier for one, ask if they cover lumper fees. Most freight brokers include this in their carrier payment. Just make sure the covering of the lumper’s bill is submitted right away to prevent any delays.

Thanks for reading our blog! Make sure you subscribe to receive the latest updates. If you are a shipper and would like a freight quote, click here.

Being confined to a truck for long stretches of time can lead to a less-than-stellar lifestyle in regards to health for truckers. We decided to talk to some truck drivers and get their best tips on what drivers can do to help maintain and improve their physical and mental health while on the road.

1. A sleep routine is key.

We realize that having an exact sleep schedule might not always be doable week to week, or even day to day, depending on the shipments you might be hauling. However, there are still some simple steps you can take to prepare your body for a restful sleep.

Try these time-tested strategies before you get some shut eye:

Stop drinking caffeine at least 6 hours before bed
Stop eating, especially large meals, at least 2 hours before bed
Turn off all electronics and bright lights at least an hour before bed

2. Enjoy the area around you.

Some shipping lanes can bring you to and through some of the most beautiful places the U.S. has to offer. When your breaks come up, plan out some time to enjoy a walk or jog through the local towns or parks. Enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding areas around you can help get you out of the cab and make your shipment feel more like a road trip.

3. Make friends or adopt a furry companion.

As some truck drivers told us, having friends on the road can be really crucial for mental health. If you make new trucker friends, or have friends that live somewhere along your route, schedule a time to meet up for a meal, or to just hang out. This can boost your mood and feel like a break from the long drive ahead of you.

If human friends aren’t your thing, consider adopting a dog or cat, if you are prepared for the responsibility. We’ve talked to plenty of truckers who have pets that ride shotgun with them. They keep them company, give them a reason to get outside, and just make the drive more enjoyable.

4. If you have to dine out, cruise the salad bar.

While preparing food yourself is the best option for healthy meals, it’s not always the most realistic option when you’re driving. Check out restaurants near your route that offer salad bars and fresh options.

Often, salad bars also include cold prepared salads and other sides, so you won’t just be stuck with a plate full of greens. Eating a burger and fries isn’t the obvious choice when trying to be healthier, but if you do have to go that route, try getting the smaller burger and swapping the fries for a salad.

5. Keep in contact with friends and family on a daily basis.

This tip came straight from a truck driver. It makes sense to stay connected to those at home, as it may help to feel like the distance between you is just a little less. This can also be your “something to look forward to” in the day and help you develop a routine.

Don’t forget you can still be involved in events going on at home with Skype and Facetime. Seeing your loved ones’ faces can make the time pass just a bit faster and boost your mood.

While these tips aren’t sure guarantees for healthy bodies and minds, they are a good start. Your physical and mental health should be number one while you’re on the road, especially on long hauls.

To learn more about joining Trinity’s carrier network, click here.

Please note that Trinity Logistics is not authorized to provide medical advice. These tips are suggestions only.

As winter weather sets in for most of the country, you should take precautions to keep not only you and your truck safe, but also others on the road. We’ve put together ten useful tips to help you get your loads delivered safely this winter.

1. Monitor the weather

This one might seem really obvious, but knowing ahead of time that a storm is brewing is key to staying safe.  If a blizzard or wintery mix is predicted in your area, you can set into motion your plan of action for pickups and drop offs. Since weather predictions ahead of time can be faulty, don’t forget to stay tuned to the radio, radar maps, or the Weather Channel for information on real-time road conditions.

2. Plan your trip

Before getting on the road, take the time to plan and map out your route according to the weather. Take into consideration that some roads may be closed or too rough to navigate. If possible, plan the times you will be going over overpasses to be after the snow has melted, or at least, plowed. Calculate your driving speed for heavy snow weather to be about 25 mph and plan safe parking places and pick-up and delivery times accordingly. This way, you won’t be facing possible issues with your Hours of Service (HOS) before making it to a safe resting stop. Make sure to have a few alternate safe stops planned, just in case conditions get too bad in other places.

3. Check equipment pre-trip and mid-trip

It’s always vital to check your equipment before you hit the road, but especially so when winter weather strikes. Check that all lights are working properly, air is drained from the truck’s and trailer’s tanks to avoid frozen brake lines, and tire pressures to prevent a disastrous flat.

After hitting rough patches of snow or ice, make sure to make a safe stop to knock off tire flaps and undercarriages. This could prevent damage to your rig, but also other vehicles when the packed ice eventually comes off.

4. Have extra equipment on board

Be prepared for the iciest conditions by having some of the best snow gear on board. You should make sure to have:

• chains (the right size)
• bungees
• waterproof gloves
• reflective vest
• flashlight
• kneeling pad
• boots with good traction
• warm clothing
• extra washer fluid
• anti-gel

5. Maintain as much space as possible

One of the most common factors in winter accidents is following too closely behind other vehicles. You may not be able to control the cars behind you, but you can do your best to make sure there is enough cushion space between you and the car ahead of you. This leaves you with options if your brakes aren’t working as quickly as they should.

6. Slow down

Put the posted speed limits into context. If roads are covered in snow or ice, it might not be safe or feasible to maintain that 50 mph speed limit. Going faster leaves more room for error with stopping the truck and trailer, as well as reduces your reaction time. Slow down and only go as fast as you are reasonably able to. Keep to the right and let other vehicles pass you if they want – don’t feel pressured to speed up if they are following too close behind. You are driving with everyone’s safety in mind when you go easy on the pedal. 

7. Know what to do if you lose traction

There’s no fool-proof method for not losing traction in bad weather. It’s important that you know what to do if it happens, since this lessens the severity of any possible accidents. The number one thing to remember: never use the clutch or engine brake when traction is lost, as this could make the situation worse. Just gently let your foot off the pedal and steer in the direction that the back end of the vehicle is going, which should allow you to then gain back control.

8. Be careful getting in and out of the truck

Again, this might seem obvious, but just remember that steps will most likely be slippery. It’s not unheard of for a driver to fall and seriously injure themselves by underestimating the condition of truck steps. Make sure to wear boots with good grip and take your time going up and down. Also, always keep in mind your surroundings. Take extra caution getting in and out of the tractor on roads with low visibility. Always wear an orange safety vest.

9. Hold your steeling wheel firmly and with confidence

Winter weather is not the time to be reaching for a snack or answering a text. Always keep your hands firmly on the wheel in case you hit a rough patch of snow, or need to react quickly to unforeseen conditions on the road. At the same time, be confident in your driving skills. Try to remain calm and avoid sporadic driving.

10. Know your and your vehicle’s limitations

There may come a point in which the weather simply makes the roads too unsafe to travel. Don’t push your luck if conditions are bad – yours and others’ lives are at the top of the priority list.  Take this time to make a safe stop and wait the storm out. Catch up on some rest to get back on the road as soon as possible.

As we gear up for Heart Health Month, Trinity would like to invite you to take a look at heart facts!

According to the American Heart Association every American has at least one risk factor for heart disease. Are you willing to take these risks?

What is heart disease?

Heart disease describes a health problem related to buildup in the walls of the arteries. The more buildup in your arteries, the slower the blood flow, which creates heart health concerns.

What are the symptoms?

Common factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, family history, and lack of exercise.

Are you aware of the uncommon factors?

Lack of Sleep: can double your risk of heart issues, particularly if you get five or fewer hours per night. As a driver you know the importance of time.  What we tend to forget is that we are actually reducing our time when we don’t stop and relax.  Sleep can help prevent illness, help muscle repair, memory, and much more. Find out what happens when you sleep.

Chronic stress: contributes to cardiovascular disease as it amps up blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight. Deadlines are crucial in the transportation industry; traffic, accidents, detours can all add up and make deadlines seem impossible.  Here are a few relaxation techniques you can do in your truck.

Gum disease: doubles your fatal heart attack risk. It’s a silent problem that causes few symptoms in its early stages. Studies suggest nearly 75 percent of adults live with periodontal disease. With fewer choices out on the road for health food, sugary sweets are quick and easy.  Sweets can cause bacteria growth in our mouths.  Bacteria create plaque, which without proper removal can result in tartar buildup.  Learn how to treat your teeth behind the wheel.

Psoriasis a chronic skin condition that also triggers inflammation in the body raises heart disease risk almost as much as smoking. Although psoriasis is not a condition you can prevent, you can still treat the symptoms.  Few treatment options are skin lotions, ointments, there are some prescription medicines you would need to discuss with a doctor.  Learn more about psoriasis.

There are over 2 million licensed truck drivers across the nation. With truckers on the road—in fact, they’re on pretty much every road—every single day, they have a huge presence on our highways. This puts them in a very powerful position. Passing thousands of cars each day and spending their rest time at truck stops, truckers frequently witness criminal activity, whether it’s illegal drug use, drug trafficking, drivers under the influence, or—the most troubling—human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies and nonprofits alike have recognized this vital fact, and they’re reaching out to truckers in order to educate and encourage them to report what they see. Truck drivers are happily obliging, and they’re saving lives in the process.

In Ohio, state troopers have designed a voluntary training program for truck drivers to illustrate what kinds of criminal activity they may witness during their travels and which tell-tale signs to look out for. Another important aspect of the program is simply to encourage truckers to call in and report their suspicions, no matter how small or how insignificant they may seem. Many truck drivers witness crime every single day and think it’s not a “big enough deal” to call 911. After going through the training program, the drivers reported that they felt much more “relaxed” about calling the police about the things they saw.

The most important thing for truckers to be aware of is human trafficking. Most people assume that human trafficking—essentially, girls being kidnapped and forced into prostitution—is an international problem, something that doesn’t occur here in the USA. Unfortunately, this assumption couldn’t be farther from the truth. Right here in America, underage girls are actually kidnapped and forced to sell their bodies (and threatened with death if they don’t).  What’s most alarming: the most common destination for these girls is truck stops. They’re forced to walk from cab to cab, knocking on each door, usually dressed in skimpy clothing, offering their services to truck drivers.

Many truck drivers, uneducated about human trafficking, assume the girls are simply prostitutes by choice. But in reality, these girls are trapped, fearing for their lives and doing whatever it takes to survive. Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) is a nonprofit organization created in order to spread awareness in the trucking industry and educate truckers about this horrifying reality. The organization has a hotline open 24/7 for truck drivers to call if they witness any suspected incidents of human trafficking or young girls at truck stops.

In TAT’s informational video, a young woman shares the tale of how she was kidnapped at 15 years old while walking to Wendy’s. She was forced into prostitution and was only saved when a truck driver called 911 after witnessing her going from door to door at a truck stop. Now, thanks to the vigilance of a concerned trucker, she is married with a baby and lives a happy, normal life. Her mother expressed a tearful and grateful thanks to the driver who saved her life, whom they have never met.

If you are in the trucking industry, you can make a difference—share the TAT website with your fellow drivers and coworkers and encourage them to share it as well. Truckers have the power to put a huge dent in the human trafficking industry, but only if armed with the knowledge to do so. Here at Trinity, we fully support the efforts of the TAT to end this disturbing reality, and we encourage and extend our greatest thanks to truck drivers who keep an eye out for crime while on the road. You are heroes in disguise!