Posted on Mon, Jul 26, 2010 @ 10:26 AM
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.
Posted on Tue, Apr 27, 2010 @ 11:06 AM
Here are 10 simple but important principals for any truck driver who desires to have a successful career:
1. Comply with all Company Policies and procedures and all Federal, State and local laws, regulations and ordinances. A Professional Driver knows the regulations and complies with them.
2. Watch your speed. Speed is the most often cited contributing factor in accidents. A Professional Driver obeys speed limits and reduces speed when road, weather and traffic conditions dictate. Speeding decreases time to react to unforeseen events and increases the distance necessary to safely stop. Speed is not the answer to customer service. A Professional Driver knows that exit ramp speed limits are maximums for cars and his speed should be slower.
3. Drive defensively. A Professional Driver anticipates the errors other drivers commit and positions himself to avoid collisions.
4. Be aware. A Professional Driver recognizes the need for focusing all his attention on his driving. He does not carry on conversations (on the CB or cell phone) and he does not text or operate his Qualcomm while driving. The Professional Driver understands a hands-free device does not eliminate the distraction caused by the conversation.
5. Drive safe equipment. A Professional Driver conducts a thorough pre-trip daily to ensure his vehicle is safe to operate and does not pose a threat of equipment failure and possible injury to himself, his cargo, and the people with whom he shares the roads. A Professional Driver takes care of his equipment so that it can provide him with a steady income.
6. No job is complete. A Professional Driver understands that paperwork, however burdensome, is a necessary and unavoidable part of the job. His logs and delivery paperwork are completed accurately and neatly and submitted timely.
7. Look the part. A Professional Driver dresses appropriately. His clothes are clean, neat and comply with Company and customer guidelines. He recognizes that he represents the Company, not just himself.
8. Know when to go. A Professional Driver knows when to go and recognizes when it's time to shut down, whether it is due to fatigue or road and weather conditions. A Professional Driver knows no load is so hot that it won’t cool off in a ditch or the median and no load is worth endangering his life or the lives of the people with whom he shares the road.
9. Protect your freight, protect your job. A Professional Driver knows that all we provide is service. If he doesn’t take care of the customer, someone else will. He protects his freight thereby protecting our customer and his job.
10. Work safely. A Professional Driver works safely. He recognizes hazards and avoids them. He reports hazards that can be corrected to management. He works at being safe so that he, his co-workers and the public can return safely to their families every day.
If you try to follow these 10 tips you will contribute to the success of the Company, be recognized as a valuable team player, and position yourself for continued professional growth.
Posted by Kevin Mullen- Director: Safety
Posted on Fri, Apr 16, 2010 @ 09:05 AM
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) this week published its long overdue Electronic On-Board Recorders rule (EOBR). The rule was ready a year ago but was pulled back to allow the incoming Obama Administration to review it. It is schedule to go into effect June 1, 2012.
The rule, the first requiring EOBR’s, is limited to carriers with serious patterns of hours-of-service (HOS) violations as a result of Compliance Reviews. The FMCSA estimated that 5,700 truck and bus companies would be required to purchase, install and use EOBR’s after the first year of implementation of the new rule. Carriers with ten percent (10%) or more HOS (log) violations discovered during a Compliance Review will be required to install and use EOBR’s in all their vehicles for at least two years according to the FMCSA.
The rule also contains long-awaited technical requirements for EOBR’s, long a concern among competing manufacturers of the devices.
In a related story, David Bradley, President of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (Canada’s largest trucking advocacy group with more than 4,500 carriers as members) said EOBR’s should be mandatory for all truckers operating in North America. He went on to say the FMCSA will “inevitably” move toward broader EOBR requirements if not a universal mandate.
US carriers which voluntarily use EOBR’s will be exempt from some of the FMCSA’s requirements regarding retaining the retention of documents to support HOS enforcement.
Published by Kevin Mullen: Director-Safety