Trucking in the Age of Big Data
March 17, 2014
Things have changed quite a bit since the early days of trucking – the nostalgic Wild West days when drivers could hit the road for months at a time with nothing but a CB radio and a map. Truckers drove old rigs with bad brakes, manual motors and no air conditioning. Rest stops, showers, qualified mechanics, and sleep were all hard to come by, but many look back on those rough-riding times as the glory days.
Today, Truckers drive brand new big rigs with all the comforts and curses of modern technology. Computers keep track of logging hours and driving habits, as well as facilitate communication, navigation and accident prevention. The result is a safer road for everyone to travel. However, the new push for safety is also having unintended consequences.
For example, automated logging and federal regulations have proven to be especially tricky for long haul drivers travelling through congested cities, roadblocks, and severe weather. Any slight delay could mean a hefty ticket for a trucker, and the simple act of finding a place to park often sends drivers 15-30 minutes over their allowed time.
Another issue is a drastic driver shortage due to high turnover. Many old school truckers aren’t too happy about the new wave of safety regulations and amped-up supervision. Meanwhile, youngbloods must submit to drug testing, and have to be ready for real-time analysis of their driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and logging hours. Fleet managers and risk assessment companies are constantly analyzing, planning and directing operations, which means that there is no longer a feeling of “freedom on the open road”.
But it’s not all bad. GPS and geo-fencing technology can help identify problem areas before the driver gets trapped in one. Automatic logs help prevent company owners from forcing long driving hours on their employees. And, the young recruits that get on the safety and supervision bandwagon are sure to be some of the most professional and qualified drivers on the road.
It’s certainly not a bad time to be a trucker, it’s just a bad time to be a “risky” trucker.
Law and Order: CDL Unit
March 17, 2014
The trucking industry has seen a lot of crime lately. First, a company owner was convicted of forcing his employees to work over hours and falsify their logbooks. He ended up with a 2-year prison sentence. Then, another dumb company owner was caught in a conspiracy that involved the stealing of five trucks and 17 trailers, which he allegedly purchased for use in hauling his own legitimate loads. He faces 45 years in jail. And, of course, there’s the run-of-the-mill cargo theft that is always prevalent.
However, what’s really gaining traction in the world of trucking crime is the deceptive pickup. Truckers show up for the delivery, sometimes in a very convincing uniform, and then drive off with the goods without much trouble at all. This is happening with shippers that companies have come to trust, too. After a few successful shipments, paperwork is overlooked and the thieves are allowed to drive off without any questions asked.
Temp drivers can become unexpected pawns in this game, as well. A driver could get a call from Company X, told to pick up Y, drop it off at Z, and told that the paperwork is in the back of the trailer. So, be cautious when working for a new fleet, and don’t be too offended if the next company you deliver for gives you a suspicious look.
Truckers on Strike
March 16, 2014
The Vancouver Sun’s Peter Hall makes the case for truckers on strike. Basically, when truckers suffer, we all suffer. Read the full story here.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Opinion+should+care+about+truckers+strike/9578238/story.html