ADS Logistics Supply Chain Management Blog

How Truck Driving Affects a Trucker's Family Life

The life of a trucker can have a very adverse effect on a family. Truck drivers are away from their families for extended periods of time which can cause a family to grow apart. Over the road (OTR) truckers can be away from home for more than two weeks at a time and even regional truckers must be away for several consecutive days. The big problem with being away from their families is the lack of communication. With less time spent together comes less communicating and more misunderstandings. “You want to make sure you are communicating as effectively as possible. That means practice not taking things for granted and not placing blame.” (See article for more info).

Trucking can have a major effect on a marriage. Being away from a spouse can cause the couple to grow distant which can cause problems later on down the road. The three keys to preventing this are personality, communication, and trust. Ideally, your spouse will be somewhat independent, which will make it easier to be apart from him or her without any problems. However, if your spouse is mostly dependant you must rely on communication and trust to avoid problems. The best way to communicate more easily is to put you in the others’ shoes. Seeing a situation from your spouse’s point of view can make it easier to come to a solution. If your spouse cannot envision your situation then take him or her on the road with you for a few weeks. Not only will it give you time to spend together, but it will make relating to problems much easier. This will ultimately reduce the impact trucking has on the marriage.

Lastly, there are trust issues that come with all marriages as well as marriages affected by trucking. Having one partner away from the other for so long can raise doubts and questions in both partners’ minds about what the other is doing. These questions can be answered most easily by communicating effectively. Generally, the two best ways to eliminate problems caused by trucking are to find a spouse that is right for you and to take him or her on the road with you. The bottom line is that trucking can exist in a relationship. It comes with many difficulties, but it is possible to have a family life as well as the life of a trucker. In another article on Life as a Trucker.com explains the hardships in more detail. The article starts out by saying, “The impact of trucking on the family can be devastating.”, and continues on to say, “Life as a trucker has little room for troubled relationships.” This can deter some people from truck driving, however you do not need to be that rash. The article concludes by saying, ”The impact of trucking on the family is not always a disaster. There are plenty of good big truck drivers who have driven a lifetime with wife and kids at home doing just fine.” The author also says, “These drivers were smart in choosing their spouse. That makes the biggest difference.” If you take that into account, communicate effectively, and just trust each other, you’ll make out just fine.

ADS Evaluates Leading Trucker Software

There are many different programs truckers can use to make them more efficient. The most popular of the technologies are GPS, logging software, and accounting programs. GPS is very useful for plotting and following the most efficient route, and board tracking. Logging software and log calculators are used to calculate available work hours and to issue warnings of overworking and being over the allotted amount of driving hours. Accounting software usually keeps track of monthly, quarterly, and yearly pay. It makes tracking income and expenses easier and more efficient. There are many different versions of each type of software offered from different companies for different prices. The best way to find software that’s right for you is to find your price range, then find the program that you feel most comfortable with.

Truckers Helper

TruckersHelper.com has several different packages that are built to fit anyone’s price range based on the number of features the buyer receives. Their programs are highlighted in a chart on their webpage. They bundle certain features together to create basic, mid-level, and advanced packages. They base their prices off of the number of trucks that are owned. Drivers need the least technology so they are given the most basic programs. Owner/operators need slightly more technology to keep track of expenses as well as income. Fleet owners and bookkeepers need the numerous programs to keep track of loads, payroll, and billing as well as everything owner/operators and drivers need to account for.

Diesel Boss

Other websites such as Diesel Boss offer each program separately so drivers can pick and choose which ones they need. They offer five types of software for owner-operators, independents, and company drivers. Services include log calculator, driver log, accounting software, fuel tax program, and route tools. Each program is explained and each feature it offers is highlighted on the website.

The driver log is one of the standard programs to have because it covers all the basic functions a driver needs to complete, such as logs and roadside inspections. Also, the software offers a GPS interface, which  makes tracking that much easier. They also offer 4 other programs for owners, fleet managers, accountants, and dispatchers. The programs offered are: log auditing software, a fuel tax program, route tools, and compliance spreadsheet. Some of the programs are similar to the ones offered for owner/operators but the others, such as the compliance spreadsheet, are offered specifically for fleet managers, accountants, and dispatchers. The program allows you to track up to 1000 drivers and 1000 pieces of equipment. It covers a wide array of features, including the ability to even track maintenance and inspections.

Drivers Daily Log

There are some websites that specialize in just one program such as Drivers Daily Log. It offers 3 different versions of the same program: Lite, Full, and iTruck. All of these are versions of a drivers’ daily log software. It does everything a normal logging program can do depending on which version you choose. For example, the Lite version does not offer GPS interface, expense records, or fuel records. Drivers who want those features must upgrade to the Full Version or iTruck.

The best way to evaluate which trucking programs to purchase is to first, pin point your needs and see which company offers software that satisfies your needs. Many sites offer free trials through which you can demo the product and see if it is something you’re interested in. Be sure to conduct throughout research so you do not end up needing to buy extra software later on or end up paying more for features you won’t use.

FMCSA ADMINISTRATOR TO SHIPPERS, “STOP WASTING DRIVERS' TIME.”

In what can only be heralded as a historic address, FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro spoke to the National Industrial Transportation League at their Washington Freight Transportation Policy Forum in Arlington VA June 10th.

In her remarks, Administrator Ferro told attendees that wasted “down time” at loading docks was a constant complaint that drivers said negatively impacted safety at numerous public listening sessions this past winter and spring.

Ferro went on to say, “I ask you to increase your stake in motor carrier safety.  Practices that leave truckers waiting at the port or terminal for hours at a time do not take account of how long drivers may drive. I ask each of you today to take responsibility in your businesses to increase your stake in motor carrier safety.  Between now and the end of the year, take the time to re-examine practices that short change the driver's ability to drive safely.” (The full text of her remarks can be found here.)

Clearly, time spent waiting at shippers and consignees to get loaded or unloaded is putting severe pressure on carriers' and drivers' ability to meet customer expectations while complying with federal hours of service regulations.

Shippers who do not respect drivers' regulated hours will likely find it more difficult to attract carriers to haul their product.  (Drivers are limited to 14 hours of on-duty time once they start their day.  Hours spent waiting to get loaded or unloaded reduce drivers' remaining work and driving time.)

Shippers and consignees must examine their operations and procedures and work with their trucking partners to find ways to expedite loading and unloading.  Failure to do so may very well result in carriers diverting their trucks to more carrier-friendly customers leaving less carrier-friendly shippers with product on their dock or in their warehouse and no trucks to haul it.

Carriers must be able to get their trucks loaded and underway in reasonable time if they are to get maximum use of the equipment and driver.  This is just good business practice and necessary for any kind of reasonable return on investment (ROI) on the $100,000+ they have tied up in a tractor and trailer.

Article posted by Kevin Mullen: Director, Safety- ADS Logistics

CSA 2010 Now CSA 2011

A report came out late last month about the delayed implementation of the CSA 2010. The new safety ranking system that began to be implemented in April 2010 and was scheduled to be fully installed by this July is now being delayed until the spring or possibly summer of 2011. The announcement was presented by Anne Ferro, Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to the House of Representatives as well as two other committees specializing in highway transportation. The six-part report explains the CSA 2010, its goals, how it will improve off of SafeStat, how it will be tested, and how it will be implemented.

Before the CSA 2010 could be implemented, it had to be tested. The test came in the form of a nine-state field test in which the CSA and SafeStat, the system the CSA would replace, will be compared side by side. The test started in only four states: Colorado, Georgia, Missouri, and New Jersey. Each state was divided into two groups; one group was assessed by the CSA 2010 and the other by SafeStat. In the spring and fall of 2009, the Agency added five more States to the test – Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and Montana. However, for these five states the CSA 2010 interventions were applied to all motor carriers instead of just half. Ferro states that:
“Since the test began, the Agency has sent out more than 5,500 warning letters to motor carriers in the test, and the letter has proven effective. Approximately fifty percent of all carriers receiving a warning letter have logged onto the FMCSA website to review information on their deficient BASIC.  In addition, FMCSA has received letters of response from some of these carriers in which they thank the Agency for bringing to their attention information on the deficient BASIC, and describe their corrective action to address the safety problem.”

CSA 2010 is effective according to other investigations as well. Off-site investigations proved to be 25 percent more efficient, while on-site focused investigations were 45 percent more efficient, and on-site comprehensive investigations were 30 percent more efficient.

The nine-state field test is the main reason why the full implementation of the CSA 2010 will be delayed. FMCSA is using feedback from its partners, stakeholders, the public, the nine-state field test, and written letters to the CSA 2010 public docket, to fully optimize the new policy for all parties. “FMCSA will roll out CSA 2010 in the fall of 2010 instead of the summer of 2010 as earlier reported.  This relatively minor movement in our rollout timeline will enable the Agency to be more responsive to the feedback, as well as the lessons learned from our field test.” In the fall and winter of 2010, the FMCSA will be taking 3 major steps towards the complete installation of CSA 2010. First, SafeStat will be replaced with the Safety Measurement System (SMS). Second, warning letters will be sent to carriers nationwide. Third, a revised nationwide Inspection Selection System for roadside inspectors that is based on SMS rather than SafeStat will be implemented. An Operational Model test concluded in June and consequently the nine test states will soon complete all CSA 2010 interventions. CSA implementation will then continue into 2011 for the remaining 41 states.

Understanding Perceptions

Perception as defined by Merriam-Webster:

1a: a result of perceiving; observation 1b: a mental image; concept
 2: obsolete; consciousness
 3a: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> 3b: physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience 
4a: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition; appreciation 4b: a capacity for comprehension

Recently I received an anonymous email that, though very well written, contained perceptions of the author. In this email, specific drivers were named along with the author's allegations of unfair favoritism. As with any information-claiming issues of safety, fairness, or favoritism, the facts are being pursued. The author’s perception that some drivers are performing their duties and “are not getting anything from the Company in return” is blatantly incorrect.

First off, our drivers are compensated for the loads that they move.   Secondly, every driver that is a part of our organization is an individual who has different abilities, needs, priorities, and goals. Historically, Area Transportation has been much more compassionate to accommodating our driver’s needs than most carriers, whether it is to care for family, maintain a stable home life, or to allow drivers to participate in activities not related to work.

It seems that the perception of what is good and what is bad, as part of human nature, is often only applied to the advantage of the individual. As in most cases when light is shed on the facts, the perceptions change from alarming concern to minor inconvenience. I like to quote the Paul Harvey catchphrase, “Now for the rest of the story.”

Perceptions can make or break an individual, group, organization, company, or corporation. Take the time to get the facts for yourself. Don’t get caught up in rumor mill, the “Yeah, whatever it was he said” misperceptions that always seem to be more appealing than the facts.

I have been with Area Transportation for over 15 years, I have been in the transportation industry for 30 years. I have been directly involved with start-up operations that have started with negative perceptions that ultimately became very successful once those perceptions were overcome. We are not in a perfect world and fairness is a goal that everyone at Area Transportation strives for. Life is not fair. No matter how the rules are written, or how they are applied, there will always be someone who feels slighted. When anonymous individuals or groups make accusations about things not being fair it makes me wonder if it is because they are not willing to give up accommodations for their individual needs in the interest of “fairness”.

Article written by Mark Andersen, Area Transportation.

Results of Early CSA 2010 Testing

The results from the early CSA 2010 testing opened quite a few eyes when the data first started to surface. The early reports showed that out of the 1,500 carriers who were tested; 69% of them will face some sort of federal intervention. Warning letters will be issued during the Fall and Winter of 2010. Roadside inspections will also start around the same time. All of this is in an attempt to lower the number of violations in future years.

To rate fleets, CSA 2010 will use 7 different criteria known as the BASICs. The 7 are:

• driver fitness
• unsafe driving
• fatigued driving
• controlled substance/alcohol
• crash indicator
• vehicle maintenance
• improper landing/cargo securing

The fleets are given a score based for each category and their score will determine whether or not intervention will occur. Out of the 1,500 carriers who were rated, 396 had one score above the intervention threshold, 288 had two, 163 had three, 76 had four, 34 had five, 9 had six, and 4 were above threshold in all seven. (more info at FleetOwner.com) The 4 that were over threshold in all seven of the BASIC categories were all in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) largest fleet. The FMCSA’s largest fleet contains carriers with a peer group rating of 500 power units or more. Drew Anderson, Director of Sales at Vigillo, (the risk management company that created the CSA 2010 scorecard) “I don’t believe that larger fleets are less safe. I think that statistic points out the inequity of [FMCSA’s] peer group rankings based only on the number of power units.” He continued, “I think once they introduce miles driven into the (rankings), the number of larger carriers (above the intervention thresholds) will go down.”

CSA 2010 compared to SafeStat

Under the current system, SafeStat, only 1.3 percent of the same 1,500 fleets will undergo intervention. That is only 20 fleets compared to the 1035 fleets that will require intervention within the CSA 2010’s standards. By Spring 2011, the CSA 2010 will be fully implemented which will impact over 750,000 companies. (additional details: TransportTopics.com). Although the CSA 2010 will not be in effect until the middle of next year, companies have been previewing their own data since April 12th and will continue to preview it until November 30th. (see the CSA 2010 Rough Timeline). The CSA 2010 was originally scheduled to take full effect in December 2010, but it was delayed so more data could be gathered. Once the full implementation is complete intervention will begin. The before-mentioned warning letters and road side inspections will be accompanied by on and off-site investigations, safety plans, and out-of-service orders.

Consequences of CSA 2010

    The actions brought about by the CSA 2010 should vastly decrease each fleets score and make for much safer driving. About 80 percent of all violations are “driver controlled” such as moving violations and improper vehicle maintenance. The tighter guidelines should bring down the number of violations altogether, but it will also decrease the number of driver-related infringements. Another surprising statistic that has come to light as the result of these early reports is that 53 percent of all speeding tickets result in a warning and not a citation. This is good news for drivers, however it makes it more difficult for the CSA to account for all moving violations. This could mean that there are possibly more infractions than are reported; a scary thought considering the already elevated scores some fleets were given by the CSA 2010.

How CDL Traffic Violations Affect Truckers

How can a city generate income when low on funds...target commercial truck drivers of course! Everyone knows that traffic tickets, whether written for commercial drivers or regular drivers generate income for the county the ticket is written in. Commercial drivers, in particular, are the easiest to write multiple tickets on for various reasons. Here are just some of the reasons that truck drivers can get pulled over and fined:

Serious Trucker Traffic Violations:

 

• Speeding 15 miles or more over speed limit
• Reckless driving    
• Improper or erratic lane changes
• Following the vehicle ahead too closely    
• Offenses tied to a fatal accident    
• Driving a CMV without a CDL or wrong type of endorsement     
• Driving a CMV without a CDL in your possession (producing it at a later date will nullify the offense)    
• Violating a Driver or Vehicle out-of-service order

NON-CMV violations can also affect your Commercial Driving Status:

•     2 convictions within 3 years is a 60-day suspension
•     A 3rd conviction is a 120-day suspension
•     Non-CMV convictions will count towards suspension of your CDL if it results in suspension of your Non-CMV License

Penalties for Violating Out-of-service orders:

•     1st conviction starts with a minimum 90-day suspension
•     A 2nd conviction within 10 years brings a minimum 1-year suspension
•     3rd and subsequent convictions increase suspension to a minimum of 3 years

All violations of railroad/highway grade crossing laws carry mandatory suspensions:

 

• 1st conviction minimum 60-day suspension
• 2nd conviction minimum 120-day suspension
• 3rd and subsequent convictions minimum 1-year suspension

If a CDL holder is convicted of a "law related to motor vehicle traffic control" other than parking violations, including violations that occur outside of work when driving a personal vehicle, you must notify your employer! Additionally, you must report a loss of driving privileges or suspension of CDL to your employer by the end of the next business day. It is important that you drive safely and professionally as your CDL is literally your meal ticket.  You should fight every erroneous violation and keep your record (MVR & CSA 2010) free of negative Safety Rating statistics which follow a driver from company to company.

Posted by Kevin Mullen, Director: Safety

Be Mindful of Motorcyclists!

What's the most dangerous part on a motorcycle?   The nut that connects the seat to the handlebar.

Even though I am one of “those nuts", I think that joke is funny!  Having fun when you are out on your motorcycle, enjoying the ride, reveling in the moment, finding awesome back roads that you would never have found if you were in a car or truck, are only some of the good things about being on the road.  

I wasn’t always the ‘driver’.  In fact, riding behind my husband on our Wing was what I thought to be… “the best place in the world”.  However, during one of our many (over 1000 mile) road trips, something took place that made me realize that I should try to learn to drive a motorcycle so I could take over driving if I ever needed to.  Therefore, after a year of talking myself into it, I signed up for an ABATE class…. Me, who was afraid to drive a motorcycle and never had in the past.  Still to this day, it is hard for me to believe that these ABATE instructors can teach folks like me how to operate these machines.  Yes, I passed, received my motorcycle endorsement, and bought my bike in all of 2 months.  I asked my ABATE instructor “what makes you want to give these classes every Saturday?” and his comment was “If someone like you is going to be on the road with me, then I want to make sure you know what you’re doing”.  With that said, I have been on the road many times, oh, and off the road once… that is a whole other story.  End result was that I was not hurt very badly, but that was due to the fact that I was wearing the necessary apparel, boots, and helmet as safety measures.

Most folks that ride motorcycles are very mindful of their surroundings when on the road.  Additionally, drivers of cars and trucks should be watchful when driving around motorcycles.  Below I have listed 10 tips that I found while reading an article written by the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) that lists “things that drivers of cars and trucks should know about motorcycles”:

1.    There are more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t recognize a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally).  Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at intersections.

2.    Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is.  It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed.  When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or in/out of a driveway, predict that a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3.    Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (trees, bushes, fences, etc).  Take extra time to thoroughly check the traffic, whether you are changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4.    Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is.  Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5.    Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, therefore not activating the brake light.  Allow for more following distance.  At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

6.    Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self- cancelling; therefore some riders (especially beginners) may forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change.  Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

7.    Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind.  Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not necessarily to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8.    Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9.    Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult.  Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime”.

And the very last and most important thing….

10.    When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as a motorcycle; think of it as a person.

Article posted by Rose Cyphert, ADS Logistics

Common Courtesy- Pass It On!

Have you ever wondered why as you pass by someone that you don't know, why that person said hello or just smiled and nodded? Maybe they felt like being nice, or they thought you could just use a friendly gesture to brighten your day.  Some of us may find this annoying at times, but then other times it truly has made our day that much better.  Just because someone has made you upset at work or home doesn't mean you should take it out on a stranger by giving them an attitude.  A genuine "hello" or friendly wave may even make you feel better about your day or yourself.  

We have all had days where we just don't want to be bothered, which is fine.  Just remember that even if we are a having a bad day, it doesn't mean we should make someone else's day any worse. So think about this, the next time you are at the truck stop or at your terminal dropping off paperwork, say "hello" or smile at someone just because you can.  They in turn may pass it on.

Posted by Janet Starcevic- Payroll, ADS Logistics

5 Supply Chain Challenges of the Future

A recent study has found that B2B Companies, which comprise many of ADS Logistics Customers, will likely face 5 key supply chain challenges as they seek to take advantage of the economic recovery, according to a new study by PRTM Management Consultants.

The study, Lessons Learned from the Global Recession, (you have to fill out a form to read the full report so we did it for you) found that most of the 350 manufacturing and service companies surveyed now believe there will be a significant upturn in demand from their customer base over the next few years.

However, the study also warns that many companies lack the supply chain infrastructure critical for meeting the emerging demands of managing an increasingly complex global market.

The 5 emerging demands identified by the study are:

1. Supply chain volatility and uncertainty have permanently increased
: Market transparency and greater price sensitivity have led to lower customer loyalty. Product commoditization reduces true differentiation in the B2B environments, and companies need to respect this reality.

2. Securing growth requires truly global customer and supplier networks
: Future market growth depends on international customers and customized products. Expanding supply chain globalization and complexity need to be managed effectively. Thus, finding supply chain management companies with integrated services such as ADS Logistics will play an increasingly important role.

3. Market dynamics demand specialized, cost-optimized supply chain configurations: 
Customer requirements and competitors necessitate custom-tailored supply chains and product offerings.

4: Risk management involves the end-to-end supply chain: 
Risk and opportunity management should span the entire supply chain—from demand planning to expansion of manufacturing capacity—and should include the supply chains of key partners.

5. Existing supply chain organization are not truly integrated and empowered
: The supply chain organization needs to be treated as a single integrated process. To be effective, significant improvements require support across all supply chain functions.

More than 85 percent of companies expect the complexity of their supply chains to grow significantly by 2012, yet many did not strengthen critical capabilities during the Recession. Additionally, more than two-thirds expect a higher number of product variations will be required to fulfill local customer expectations. Having an integrated and reliable supply chain process will be critical.

The study concludes with a 5-Point Agenda for Chief Operating Officers over the next 2 years to help them strengthen their supply chain process:

1. Improve customer access to supply chain data
2. Increase upstream and downstream supply chain flexibility
3. Focus on total supply chain cost engineering
4. Implement end-to-end supply chain risk management
5. Integrate and empower the supply chain organization

Ultimately, the main challenge for many companies is not to redefine their organization models, but to transition and manage the organizational change. When it comes to the metals industry, a company like ADS Logistics is ahead of the curve by providing integrated services such as their online inventory management system. The next 20 years will be particularly insightful as winners and losers emerge across all industries in this new economy.