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What Truckers Need to Know About the Vaccine Mandate

On November 4, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that employers with 100 or more employees must either ensure the complete vaccination of their staff, or obtain negative COVID-19 test results weekly. This ETS (Emergency Temporary Standard) requires full vaccination for all employees and paid time off for those needing to get vaccinated during their workday. And while the vaccination mandate goes for all covered employers, it does offer the exception for those willing to establish and enforce weekly COVID-19 testing along with mandatory face coverings while at the workplace. However, this alternative still upset those working in the trucking industry and the supply chains, which are currently fragile, leading to several legal challenges.

So, what does this ETS mean for drivers and others in the trucking industry moving forward?

How does the vaccine mandate affect businesses?

When the Biden Administration announced their latest vaccine and testing requirements, many private businesses, including travel-dependent industries, were left worried about the effect the mandates could have on their businesses. Specifically for the trucking industry, many drivers threatened walkouts and resignations to disrupt further the strained supply chains that have been suffering since early this year. However, as previously mentioned, there are a few exceptions to the requirements.

The current ETS regarding COVID-19 requirements for workplaces with over 100 employees include:

  • Businesses must ensure total vaccination for all employees come January 4, 2022.
  • Employers must provide paid time off to their employees obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine(s).
  • On January 5, 2022, all unvaccinated employees must wear proper face coverings while at their place of work, as well as provide weekly COVID-19 tests with negative results.
  • These rulings will supersede any and all state or local laws, including “laws that ban or limit an employer’s authority to require vaccination, masks, or testing.”

Who is exempt from the vaccine mandate?

With the trucking industry facing a severe driver shortage of approximately 80,000 drivers, White House and OSHA officials knew they would need to offer some exceptions. With hopes to avoid further driver depletion and supply chain disruption, which is responsible for things like food, fuel, medicine, and even the COVID-19 vaccine, they developed a shortlist of exemptions. 

These exemptions include:

  • Workers who do not report to a workplace where other people, including employees, clients, and/or patrons, are present.
  • Those who do not interact with persons at their point of departure or destinations.
  • Workers who operate alone (aka drivers who are alone in their cabs)
  • Remote employees
  • Exclusively outdoor workers

To the American Trucking Association’s delight, these exemptions apply to a large portion of the commercial truck driver population and provide a sense of security to the industry as a whole. Overall, the mandate would only apply to drivers operating in teams or those required to interact with others at their loading or unloading stations.  

What about international and cross-border truckers?

For drivers who cross borders to deliver goods, the mandate requirements are different. As of right now, both the U.S. and Canadian governments are requiring non-citizens to be fully vaccinated, regardless of their reasons for entry. And come January of 2022, the Department of Homeland Security will require all foreign travelers coming into the country to provide proof of total vaccination, an extension to the non-essential traveler requirement, which started in November of 2021. To meet this requirement, one must be fully vaccinated with any vaccine, including Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Covishield, Sinopharm, or Sinovac. However, if the vaccine requires two doses, the last dose must be administered within 14 days before entry.

Want more information like this? Check out these articles:

→ Are Truckers Included in the Third Vaccination Group?

→ How Truckers Can Prepare for the Holiday Season Amid COVID-19

→ How the Supply Chain Problem Will Affect the Holiday Season

Older Drivers: How to Stay Safe Behind the Wheel

It’s officially the first week of December, which means it’s Older Driver Safety Awareness Week! This national celebration was initiated in 2009 by the American Occupational Therapy Association to start a conversation around older driver safety. According to the CDC, there are currently 45 million motorists over the age of 65. In one year alone, approximately 250,000 of those older drivers were involved in vehicular accidents that resulted in severe injuries, and another 7,700 tragically died in traffic accidents. 

This week of awareness sheds light on those driving for personal reasons as well as our nation’s truck drivers. When long hours on the road are combined with harsh winter weather or age-related medical conditions, heavy-duty hauling can be dangerous to you and those around you. For these reasons, it is vital to recognize when the risks of driving outweigh the benefits and to learn different ways to stay safe in the meantime.

6 Safety Tips for Older Drivers

Older drivers are not only twice as likely to suffer from medical conditions that impair their driving skills, but they are also at a higher risk of getting injured or even dying in a car accident. However, these numbers don’t mean that those 65 and older have to fear getting behind the wheel; they just need to drive more cautiously, practice good judgment, and follow the CDC’s tips for older driver safety.

These CDC safety tips include: 

1. Obey all traffic laws. 

Follow speed limits and traffic signs, wear your seatbelt, and never drive under the influence. This is important for drivers of ALL ages.

2. Only drive under favorable conditions. 

If feasible, only operate your vehicle during the daytime and when the weather is decent. 

3. Keep an open line of communication with your doctor. 

Discuss any medical concerns or issues with your healthcare provider and determine if they could have an adverse effect on your driving. In terms of medication, determine if any potential side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, could interfere with your driving.

4. Have your vision and hearing checked at least once a year.

If either is impaired, be sure to obtain the proper prescription for your eyewear or hearing aids. It is imperative that you wear your glasses at all times when operating your semi truck.

5. Plan your route in detail. 

Before hitting the road, make sure you know exactly where you are going, what alternative routes there are, and where rest stops are along the way. It is always a good idea to have an up-to-date map with you as well. 

6. Adapt your truck to fit your needs. 

If allowed and/or feasible, add installable features or adaptive devices to your vehicle to help with proper vehicle maintenance.

By following these tips and regularly assessing your driving habits for any concerning shifts, you can continue driving safely and avoid at-fault accidents. However, if you notice any changes in your reflexes, vision, hearing, or physical or mental well-being, it’s essential that you stop driving and talk with your doctor. 

Click here to learn more about medical conditions that may affect your driving.

Observe Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

This week celebrates the role that transportation plays for older drivers and their communities. To celebrate Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, reach out to your favorite, experienced driver and start a dialogue about their safety and others. Drivers can observe this week by following the top six safety tips as recommended by the CDC.


Pro tip: Use the hashtag #OlderDriverSafetyAwarenessWeek when posting on social media this week!

How the Supply Chain Problem Will Affect the Holiday Season

Recently, multiple U.S. ports, which move around 70% of all U.S. trade, have reported record-breaking backlogs that have caused widespread shipping delays across the country. Responsible for approximately half of all U.S. imports, the Southern California ports suffer the most, with over 60 filled cargo ships currently waiting to ship goods. However, other smaller ports throughout the country are also feeling the weight of this issue, including the Port of Savannah, which has over 20 cargo ships waiting to ship.

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, many wonder how this supply chain problem will affect the spirit of the season and if anything can be done to limit the overall impact of this predicament.

→ What We Can Learn From Amazon Prime Day

What’s causing the supply chain problem?

In comparison to 2017 and 2019, the world’s most influential ports experienced above-average wait times and doubled the amount of time for container turnaround in 2021. For example, at the Southern California ports, it took a single ship approximately 6.4 days to dock and unload, as opposed to the standard average of 3.6 days, nearly five days longer than multiple ports, including a 24/7 port in Asia. Recently, these wait times have increased even more, with some ships waiting as many as three weeks. 

So, what’s responsible for this uptick in times and averages? The Managing Director of Global Energy Strategy and Digital Intelligence Strategy at the RBC Capital Markets found that most container ships carry around 30% more goods than before due to the intense rise in e-commerce. Another cause is the current employment shortage that is crippling many industries worldwide. Both Long Beach and Los Angeles ports found that they rely on approximately 28% fewer employees at their unloading docks. Pair this dip in employment with the increased freight movements, and you get a supply chain gridlock.

Those working through the supply chain crisis suggest that the only way to reverse the issue is for consumers to reduce the number of purchases they’re making significantly. However, industry professionals fear that the exact opposite will occur as the holiday shopping season commences.

→ Why Owner/Operators Should Run Hard This Holiday Season

How will this impact the holiday season?

With a highly-anticipated increase in in-store and online shopping just around the corner, companies are preparing themselves by stocking up in hopes of avoiding any significant inventory depletions. But with supply chains suffering, most, if not all, industries are expected to be impacted globally. For instance, the US Toy Association, which represents a total of 950 toy firms and sells around $3 billion in toys each year, is anticipating a significant setback in product delivery due to California’s clogged port system. 

Outside of the country’s ocean-side ports, many states and their companies struggle with congestion surrounding trucks and freight rails. However, thanks to solid, annual contracts with dedicated shippers, larger retailers won’t need to worry as much as smaller companies. So, how are companies, big and small, preparing for the holiday shopping season?

→ How Truckers Can Prepare for the Holiday Season Amid COVID-19

What can we do to prepare?

Acknowledging that the current situation shaking supply chains is not easily fixable, the President of the United States is working with America’s ports, shipping facilities, and companies alike to prepare for what is expected to be a long holiday season. The President announced that the Port of Los Angeles will commence 24/7 operations, unlocking an additional 60 hours of work. Major shipping companies, such as Walmart, Target, Samsung, Home Depot, FedEx, and UPS, will also increase working hours as we move into the winter seasons. The Biden administration enacted this plan to increase productivity and product movement and relieve the bottle-necked supply chains. When it comes to truck drivers and trucking companies, the administration encourages increased productivity, the ability to unionize, and wages. Biden followed this statement by ensuring federal support would be supported if needed, but he urged companies to step up and help this initiative.

Moving forward, the administration hopes to review the “just-in-time inventory” standards and “invest in greater resilience to resist the kind of supply chain shocks we’ve seen year after year, whether it’s weather, climate change, or cyber-attacks.” Biden also encouraged U.S. companies to limit their reliance on foreign countries and supply chains and instead bring this vital production to America. 


→ Long-Term Effects of the Pandemic on the Transportation Industry

6 Tips for Starting Your Own Trucking Business

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? How about starting your own trucking business? If you answered yes, you are in luck because there’s never been a better time to get started.

As the popularity of online shopping rises and the world’s shipping demands rapidly increase, owners and operators alike can anticipate more opportunities on their horizons. To meet the growing demands of consumers, the American Trucking Association (ATA) estimates that the trucking industry would need at least 900,000 new drivers on the road. These factors, plus the current driver shortage, strong freight market, and increased transportation rates, equal an abundance of opportunities for those wanting to start their own trucking business.

So, how exactly do you get started?

6 Tips For Starting Your Own Trucking Business

While running your own fleet operation can come with a number of enticing benefits, it can be challenging to get everything started if you don’t have the proper tools for success. 

Below, we’ll break down the steps you need to take and discuss how to create a solid trucking business.

1. Plan and prepare.

Not surprisingly, starting a business takes a significant amount of planning and preparation, regardless of having zero industry experience or years under your belt.

Some things to think about and plan for include: 

1) The name of your trucking business

Choosing a proper name for your business is crucial. Once you’ve decided on a name and checked to ensure another company is not using it, be sure to acquire a DBA if you chose a “fictitious name” or an LLC if you are operating under your name and/or professional alias. 

2) What’s your target market

Establishing your trucking business as a “niche carrier” (e.g., local hauler vs. refrigerated hauler) is vital if you want to avoid competition, optimize your opportunities, and streamline the costs and resources you’ll have to prepare for.

If you’re stuck deciding on your company’s niche, ask yourself:

  • Which industries, companies, and/or products do I find interest in? Is it in my target location? What’s my competition, if any?
  • What does this niche require in terms of product and logistics? Am I capable of meeting these requirements?
  • Who would my customers be? How will they benefit from me versus another company? How would I benefit from them?

3) Identify your rates

Deciding on your company’s rate can be a challenge. Your rate should generate profit, cover any costs, and compete with any neighboring competition.

To calculate your rate, follow these steps:

  • Choose your desired area and freight lane
  • Go to the local load site and find 10 loads going in the same direction
  • Contact the brokers of the 10 loads and inquire about how much they are paying
  • Calculate the average amount and add 10-15% to determine the price shippers are billed
  • Now, repeat these steps for shippers going in the opposite direction

2. Obtain the proper paperwork.

As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to obtain the proper permits and legal documentation needed to operate. This paperwork will vary based on the type of niche your company is.

Potential permits and licenses include:

  • US DoT and Motor Carrier (MC) Authority Numbers
  • Unified Carrier Registration (UCR)
  • International Registration Plan (IRP) License Plate
  • Heavy Highway Use Tax Return (Form 2290)
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Permit
  • BOC-3 Form
  • Weight/Distance Travel Permits
  • Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)
  • Electronic Logging Devices

3. Create a business plan.

For any business, a detailed business plan is an essential tool for success. A comprehensive business plan should detail sales and marketing strategies, operational activities, a pricing breakdown, your fleet management plan, company goals, a resource breakdown, and any other business processes that will help keep you organized as your business grows. 

A complete business plan may also include:

  • The company description
  • A market analysis and service business analysis
  • The company’s sales strategy and financial projections
  • A personnel plan with management and organization details
  • An executive summary
  • Any key activities, partnerships, & resources
  • Your customer segments
  • Any value propositions
  • Your company’s cost structure

4. Purchase company assets and insure them.

If you have substantial funding, now is the time to purchase your company assets, including your commercial vehicles. And while there is nothing wrong with getting the best deal, don’t neglect the quality of your purchases. When getting started, paying a higher price for a brand-new truck may not sound appealing; however, this will save you money down the road with less required maintenance and fewer repairs.

If you choose to buy a used heavy-duty truck, you should investigate the vehicle’s maintenance history and look for/at:

  • Signs of damage
  • Rust or deterioration
  • Proper tire tread
  • Mileage and other gauge readouts

Once you have purchased your assets, be sure to insure them immediately. By obtaining insurance, you protect yourself and your company against financial burdens and risks, including vehicle damages and employee injuries.

5. Hire your employees.

Who you bring onboard is arguably one of the most important components to growing your business. There are a few ways to handle the hiring process. Still, it’s recommended to go through certified screening procedures to determine if a potential employee holds any violations, crash reports, or unfavorable record hits.

Certified screening procedures include:

  • Running the applicant’s CSA profile and a thorough background check
  • Conducting a detailed in-person interview
  • Completing on-the-job tests and evaluations

6. Now, grow your business.

Now that most of the nitty-gritty details are taken care of, it’s time to grow your business! For optimal profitability, diversify your business and never allow a single client to account for over 20% of your revenue, meaning you should have at least five consistent clients. If you need more clients, you can use online tools, including freight boards, a company website, industry networks, and/or social media. With your company’s website and social media accounts, be sure to keep things professional, up-to-date, and consistent with relevant content like services, hours of operation, and company details. If you post any photos and/or videos, only use high-quality content and take the opportunity to interact with your followers any chance you get.

Other tools trucking companies use for growth and success include: 

  • Fleet management software
  • An ELD solution
  • Real-time GPS tracking, geofencing, and facility insight reports
  • AI-powered dashcams

These tools can optimize your company’s time, cut down excess expenses, help improve your driver’s productivity and safety, simplify insurance claims, and protect your business. Plus, they keep downtime to a minimum and keep clients happy, encouraging them to spread the word about your company.

Get started with Mission Financial.

When starting your own trucking business, it’s essential to obtain proper coverage. At Mission Financial, we not only offer direct lending, but we also offer dealership lending. Our specialized loans cover first-time owners/operators, drivers with limited experience, and owners/operators with bad credit, bankruptcies, child support, or tax liens, plus small fleet loans. 

To obtain a loan from Mission Financial, you will need to complete and submit three online forms, including a credit application, vehicle spec sheet, and sales order.

Get Started

How Does Prop. 22 Affect App-Based Drivers?

Rideshare Employees vs Independent Contractors

In November of 2020, California passed Proposition 22, an initiative that would allow certain rideshare and delivery companies to classify their drivers as independent contractors. The statute overruled California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), which was signed over a year prior in September of 2019. AB 5 instituted a three-factor test for acquiring independent contractor status. 

To be categorized as an independent contractor, the bill requires the person/employee to be: 

  • Free from a hiring entity’s control in regards to their performance and work completion
  • Performing tasks/work outside of the hiring entity’s usual course of operations
  • Engaged in an established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed

The passing of AB5 and its test led to an abundance of gig economy workers being labeled as employees instead of independent contractors. This classification change took a toll on benefits, wages, and other occupational aspects. So, what does Proposition 22 mean for rideshare and delivery employees?

→ What’s the Difference Between an Owner/Operator and an Independent Contractor?

How does Proposition 22 affect app-based drivers?

Proposition 22 was a California ballot initiative that responded to the state’s recently passed Assembly Bill 5. AB 5 codified the California Supreme Court’s decision in Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court of Los Angeles that required employers to classify workers as employees unless they met the qualifications of an independent contractor according to the bill’s “ABC test.” And while AB 5 included exemptions from the Dynamex test for certain occupations, app-based rideshare drivers were not among the list. Since the bill’s passing, rideshare companies and delivery services have faced numerous legal suits disputing driver classification. With Proposition 22, companies like DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft could continue classifying their California drivers as contractors. 

More specifically, the proposition allows these companies to label their drivers as independent contractors so long as they don’t:

  • Provide specific dates, times, or a minimum number of hours a driver must work
  • Require drivers to accept specific delivery requests
  • Prevent drivers from taking employment with other rideshares and/or delivery services or any other lawful business

In exchange for this allowance, the proposition requires these rideshare and delivery businesses to offer specific compensation and benefits for their drivers. The initiatives’ statement of purpose declares that it intends to enact labor policies specific to California rideshare companies and drivers. These policies will protect the legal rights of rideshare drivers and ensure that they are afforded employment protections and benefits, including minimum wage, healthcare subsidies, automobile accident insurance, and more.

Proposition 22 also states:

  1. Rideshare drivers are entitled to 120% of California’s mandated minimum wage for their engaged time (i.e., the time between accepting a service request and fulfilling/completing said request) in addition to 30¢ per engaged mile.
  2. Rideshare companies will provide drivers who average a minimum of 15 hours per week with a healthcare subsidy that is consistent with the requirements stated in the Affordable Care Act.
  3. Rideshare companies will provide occupational accident insurance (with at least $1 million in coverage) to drivers for medical expenses and lost income resulting from an injury sustained while active on the company’s app.
  4. Rideshare companies must obtain automobile liability insurance (with at least $1 million in coverage) to protect and compensate third parties that sustain any injuries and/or losses caused by a driver during their engaged time.

→ How the PRO Act Could Affect Owner/Operators

Why was Proposition 22 declared unconstitutional?

While companies like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash praised the passing of the ballot, others were not so enthused. Some even saw the proposition as unconstitutional, including Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch. In August of 2021, he ruled in favor of a lawsuit filed by the Service Employees International Union, calling the initiative “unenforceable.” He stated that multiple sections negated specific California laws, including a stipulation that required a seven-eighths majority for amendment approval, making any attempt at change nearly impossible. The judge also agreed that the proposition’s ban on workers’ rights to collective bargaining violated California ballot measures that limit single subject provisions.

Despite the judge’s ruling, the proposition remains in effect. The Protect App-Based Drivers & Services Coalition (PADS) and other committees and companies in favor of Proposition 22 plan to appeal the ruling to keep it in effect. However, other organizations, like the “No On Proposition 22” coalition, are fighting against those in favor and working to have copycat bills in other states overruled.

What are the pros and cons of Prop 22?

As previously mentioned, Proposition 22 would give rideshare companies the right to classify their employees/drivers as independent contractors and guarantee things like minimum wage, occupational benefits, and more. However, there are some concerns in regards to the effect this initiative could have on would-be employees.

The pros and cons of Proposition 22 include:

PRO: Drivers will have guaranteed minimum earnings, calculated at 120% of minimum wage.

CON: Earnings are based on a driver’s engaged time and do not cover the time spent waiting for a service request.

PRO: Drivers will receive a 30¢ reimbursement for engaged miles.

CON: Reimbursements will not be given for gas, maintenance, cleaning, or necessary PPE (i.e., disposable face masks, sanitizer, etc.).

PRO: Employers will subsidize 41% of healthcare at a weekly average of 15 hours (engaged time). At 25 hours or more, employers will subsidize 82%.

CON: On average, ⅓ of a driver’s time is spent waiting for a service request, meaning it could take at least 20 hours to reach the 15-hour requirement.

PRO: Rideshare companies are required to provide occupational accident insurance (with coverage equaling at least $1 million), automobile liability insurance (with coverage equaling at least $1 million), and disability payments. Accidental death insurance will also be made available to the driver’s spouse, children, and/or other dependents.

CON: Insurance coverage and disability payments will be dependent on a driver’s engaged time. For instance, if an accident occurs while the driver is awaiting a service request, the coverage may lapse. Regarding disability payments, the driver will only receive 66% of their average weekly earnings (calculated from the month before the sustained injury).

In addition, rideshare workers would not have access to paid paternal/family leave, paid sick leave, or unemployment compensation or benefits with Proposition 22. However, there is no way of knowing whether or not this will become an amendment in the foreseeable future. The Legislative Analyst’s Office also said that with the passing of Proposition 22, app-based companies wouldn’t be forced to pay their employees as much, which would keep fares and fees low for customers.

How to Identify When a Clutch is Failing

5 Signs of a Bad Clutch

For heavy-duty trucks, the clutch plays a crucial role in the rig’s full functionality. The mechanical piece acts as the link between your engine, transmission, and driveshaft and allows drivers to shift between gears while hauling freight. The clutch also optimizes your engine’s performance, maximizes your rig’s fuel economy, and helps drivers achieve top-notch safety, when properly maintained.

While most clutches are designed to withstand long hauls and excessive use, these mechanical links are not indestructible. The fact is, at some point in your driving career, you’re guaranteed to replace a clutch or two. How often you replace them depends on several factors, including how well you operate the equipment and the amount of maintenance you put into it—but you’ll still replace the piece, eventually.

Signs of a failing clutch and how you can fix it.

As previously mentioned, the life of a clutch can vary depending on the application, hauling frequency, and the weight of your cargo; even the amount of traffic you face can have an effect. And while some modern rigs offer a maintenance light for the clutch, older rigs don’t have the luxury. So, how do you determine a failing clutch before it becomes a dangerous problem?

Here are the most common indicators to listen and feel for when determining the state of your clutch:

1. The engine is running fast, but the rig is moving slow.

When it feels like your engine is running faster than your rig, you may be experiencing “clutch slippage.” This issue occurs when the clutch’s ability to generate friction is compromised. 

The issue is, the clutch relies on this friction to turn the flywheel, and without it, the clutch has to work harder to produce less energy, resulting in the engine running harder than your truck. This could also cause your engine to be noticeably louder when accelerating.

So, what causes slippage, and how do you fix it? Generally, slippage is caused by wear and tear on the clutch or heat damage from “burning the clutch.” The problem can also be due to an oil or transmission leak, or occur when the pressure link is damaged or does not transmit adequate force due to a blockage or rust damage.

2. When the clutch pedal is pressed, you hear a squealing or chirping.

If your clutch pedal is squealing or chirping, it’s likely due to an issue with the throwout or pilot bearing. To avoid this problem, regularly check the parts and keep them well-lubricated to avoid frequent rubbing.

3. The pedal is noisy, sticky, spongy, or loose.

If you notice the pedal making any abnormal noises or feeling sticky/spongy, you may be looking at an issue with the clutch fork. This problem can be due to inadequate lubrication or general deterioration and can be determined/fixed by a technician.

If the pedal squeaks or feels loose, you may need to replace the pedal’s spring or another ill-fitting component.

4. The clutch won’t engage.

A few different things could cause this issue of a sticky or unresponsive clutch. For starters, there may be an issue with the clutch pedal not being compatible with a specific part or component. However, you could also be looking at a problem with the clutch disc or pressure plate. 

The possibilities for this problem are somewhat endless, so it’s best to have a technician run further diagnostics tests to determine the cause and solution.

5. You hear a grinding noise.

This grinding noise is often called a “dragging clutch.” While this could result from an issue with the pressure plate or throwout bearing, it’s typically a problem with the release mechanism. 

When you press the clutch pedal, your clutch should release so you can change gears without grinding them. However, if there’s a problem with the release, the gears will create a grinding sound and, in turn, damage your transmission.

You will most likely need a new clutch assembly to resolve this problem, but you should have a technician inspect your pedal to ensure all components are correctly installed.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s vital to make an appointment with a trusted mechanic or service technician. They will be able to diagnose your clutch’s issue properly and determine which parts and/or repairs you may need.

How to optimize the life expectancy of your clutch.

Whether you’re replacing parts of your clutch system or replacing the entire mechanism, every truck driver will eventually be forced to replace their clutch. However, with proper maintenance and regular inspections, you can optimize the life and performance of your clutch and keep on trucking. 

Below are the best ways to keep your clutch in top shape: 

1. Don’t ride the clutch.

You’ve probably heard this statement before, but it’s essential for a long-lasting clutch. After a long haul, it can be easy to rest your foot on the clutch pedal or leave it halfway down to make changing gears more manageable. But, in the long run, the minimal amount of comfort you will achieve is not worth the excessive amount of damage to your clutch and transmission.

Bottom line, when you aren’t shifting gears, keep your foot off of the clutch. Instead, use the dead pedal or the floor.

You should also avoid using your clutch as an alternate brake or as a way to prevent your rig from rolling back on hills.

2. Be sure to shift gears properly.

To properly change gears, only shift after you’ve fully engaged the clutch and keep the pedal down until you’re in gear. Once you’re where you want to be, come off of the pedal quickly and smoothly.

It’s vital to the longevity of your clutch to make decisive changes. And while a few modulations may be necessary when coming out of first gear, it’s essential to not leave your clutch in between the “engaged” and “disengaged” positions for too long.

3. Always park in neutral.

When parking your heavy-duty truck, be sure to park while in neutral. To do so, put your transmission in neutral, then apply your parking brake. After that, shift into first gear if facing uphill, or reverse if facing downhill. Following these steps will not only prevent your rig from rolling away but will also ensure that there is no excess pressure on your clutch.

How a repair loan can help.

When your truck breaks down or needs parts and repairs, your income and livelihood are put at risk. And if the repairs or parts required aren’t within your budget, you could be facing quite the predicament. Fortunately, Mission Financial Services can help by offering specialized commercial vehicle repair loans that assist in covering the cost of repairs and help get your rig back on the road. 

To obtain a commercial vehicle repair loan, you will need to complete and submit three online forms, including a credit application, vehicle spec sheet, and sales order. 

Get Started Today

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