Even the most important trucking technologies are "all kind of a mixed bag," according to Steve Viscelli , author of The Big Rig: Trucking and the Decline of the American Dream. Viscelli, who spent six months as a long-distance trucker to research his book, told me that satellite-linked computers give managers more power to track drivers' speed and location, introducing "big brother" into the cab.
Government-mandated electronic logging devices, which are synchronized to the truck's engine and record every second on the road, have been the most controversial among truckers. The ELD, or elog, is meant to enforce a federal law that drivers don't exceed their maximum of 11 hours of driving in a hour period.
But ELD mandates also give truckers no control over their schedules or breaks and make their jobs less flexible. If drivers exceed their on-duty hours, they could risk a federal violation or a fine. Viscelli said that long-haul truckers often feel they've been downgraded to "professional steering wheel holders" because technology has deskilled the job over the last decade -- drivers don't need to read a map, shift gears or manage their own time. And modern logistics and shiny app technology hasn't translated into efficiency gains for drivers, who still spend hours waiting for loads or for delivery appointments, even more so with the supply chain strained under COVID.
More often than not, this nondriving wait time is unpaid since most truckers receive compensation based on the number of miles they ride. As for an eco- un friendly reputation, the typical semi truck produces far more carbon dioxide than the standard passenger vehicle, gets an average of six miles per gallon and guzzles 20, gallons of diesel a year.
Medium and heavy-duty trucks are responsible for about The trucking industry depends on diesel fuel and has been slow to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or increase fuel efficiency.
Though some truck manufacturers have made steps toward leaner and cleaner, solutions to improve truck performance and fuel economy haven't been widely commercialized. A major challenge with long-haul trucks is the fact that they operate in two distinct environments, each requiring different technologies to make them more efficient.
On the interstate, which was designed for fast travel over long distances, trucks could benefit from better aerodynamics to eliminate drag and reduce fuel consumption. But in congested urban areas, where drivers deal with traffic and pedestrians, and spend time maneuvering and braking, trucks could benefit from hybrid electric motors to limit pollution.
From to , trucking was like a public utility. The US government regulated all aspects of the industry, set freight rates for commodities except agriculture and limited new competition by carriers. The s was "the golden age," when movies like Smokey the Bandit and Convoy were trending and free-wheelin' cowboys were cool.
But that all changed when the US government deregulated the trucking industry with the Motor Carrier Act of That legislation removed restrictions on the number of haulage firms and got rid of price controls on truckload shipments.
With shippers able to move freight cheaper and faster, the gritty competition of the free market prevailed in a "race to the bottom" atmosphere. Today, practically anyone can jump start a trucking business in the US: There are 1. The major shippers and big-box retailers like Walmart and Amazon, which have expanded their supplier networks and distribution centers, have reaped the benefits.
Along with increased reliance on the globalized trade market, trucking deregulation in made it possible for American consumers to have wider access to goods, and at much lower prices.
Most long-haul truckers, who are paid on a per-mile basis and generally exempt from overtime, earn far less. Union membership also plunged with the explosion of new low-wage nonunion carriers. Truckers' collective bargaining power declined along with safety and stability, said Michael Belzer , author of the book Sweatshops on Wheels: Winners and Losers in Trucking Deregulation.
Though you'll find news stories talking about a "nationwide shortage" of truck drivers, many industry analysts say the real problem is the retention of drivers due to grueling work conditions and low pay. From the start, some contractors wind up in the red, owing money to the trucking company that leases their vehicle. Rodriguez told me his income is usually reasonable, but since he gets paid per mile and per stop and can't collect overtime, his earnings fluctuate based on traffic conditions, road construction and time spent dealing with customers.
Marhoefer described an "unseen caste system in trucking," where company drivers employed by known carriers with stronger labor contracts get an easier ride, such as more predictable schedules, steady wages and other perks. But other drivers have to hustle to find loads by negotiating with third-party freight brokers. He called it the "Wild West" of unregulated trucking and pointed to a paradox: These so-called independent outlaws -- often lured into the job with the promise of being a small business owner -- are actually getting swindled by middlemen.
When an extra mile on the road means an extra penny, truckers are under pressure to traverse deeper into the hinterland to escape that load of debt. An over-the-road driver can average up to , miles per year. Some live in a perpetual state of houselessness, snoozing in the small room behind the driver's seat -- a sleeper cab -- and bathing at truck stops.
In there were only four cars registered in all the United States. Two of them collided with each other in St. Accident projections for By the year there will be 33 million people 70 years or older in America.
This segment of the population will be growing 2. Slowly but surely Senior Citizens have developed a higher accident ratio than teenagers. And also, by , the total costs for motor vehicle accidents in the United States will exceed billion dollars. Just for your information. In , it was smashed into by a truck. How many accidents are alcohol related and what days do most accidents happen? Up-to-date statistics clearly reflect that 1 out of every 5 Americans are involved in an alcohol-related car crash at some time in their lives and the day in which motor vehicle accident injuries occur most often is Saturday.
Sunday is second. What speed can an injury occur? Can there be after effects from a accident and their effects? The symptoms arising from an injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident do not necessarily present themselves immediately following an accident. Medical research and clinical experience have accumulated enough information to demonstrate that the delay of an injury symptom is the norm. Studies have established that the delay of a symptom does not eliminate the possibility of severe injury.
What are some facts about truck driving accidents? Commercial trucks are involved in 2. Trucks are 3 times less likely to be in an accident than a regular motor vehicle. One person is injured or killed in a truck accident every 16 minutes. How many truck accidents occur every year?
The United States Department of Transportation estimates that over , truck accidents occur every year. How many people are seriously injured in a truck accident? Nearly 5, people are killed in truck accidents every year. US sees strong jobs growth as wages edge higher. Shipping boss: Christmas 'safe' from shortages. Image source, Getty Images. The shortage of truck drivers in the US could hit , in the next 10 years.
Image source, Sunny Truck Driving School. Back to school. Muhammad Sohail training for his Class A commercial driver's licence. Despite incentives, not enough people want to work as drivers and turnover in the industry is very high. Hanging on to drivers. Backlog at Los Angeles and Long Beach: Thousands of containers waiting to be loaded on trucks and trains. Tough working conditions. Independent fleet owner Brandon Whitehead is coping with high running costs including rising fuel prices.
Related Topics. A unique on-the-road lifestyle Another stereotype that has negatively impacted the trucking industry is that the trucking lifestyle is challenging. Schneider has made the truck driving lifestyle more desirable and enjoyable by: Expanding our variety of home time configurations to ensure drivers can find the home time they need. Encouraging driver health by providing healthy diet and exercise tips on our Slice of Orange blog.
Providing a sleep apnea program for drivers. Sharing educational videos about how to make life easier on the road. Upgrading trucks and driver equipment to ensure comfort on the road. Looking for a rewarding career in a high-demand industry? Find a job near you. Related posts. Previous 7 steps on how to get your CDL. Is truck driving worth it?
Pros and cons to consider. How much does it cost to get a CDL?
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