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Could a Healthy Work-Life Balance Help End the Trucking Shortage?

 

The impact of the trucking shortage and how it can be fixed has been the primary topic of the trucking industry since the shortage began. To help fill more trucking positions, many trucking companies have upped the annual salaries they offer. In fact, a study published in 2018 revealed that the median salary for a truck driver has risen 15 percent since 2013. That is an increase of $45,000 to $53,000 per year. For a private fleet driver, the average salary has increased around 18 percent, which means these drivers are now taking home over $86,000 a year. However, even higher salaries are not enough to recruit the number of truckers needed to end the shortage.

Trucking Industry Must Meet Millennial Demands

As long-term truckers begin to retire, it is clear that the only hope of hiring enough drivers to sustain the industry is to meet the unique requirements of the millennial workforce. These workers, born between the 1981 and 1996 are not just after high-paying jobs. Instead, they are far more concerned with a job’s work-life balance potential. Work-life balance is so important to this new generation of workers, that it has surpassed compensation as the main factor a person considers when applying for a job.

In fact, a recent survey on the topic shows that 64 percent of workers said a work-life balance is the most important factor for job satisfaction, followed by job security (59 percent) and then compensation (54 percent.)

Creating a Healthy Work-Life Balance in the Trucking Industry

Trying to create an appealing work-life balance within the trucking industry can seem challenging. The long hours of driving, weeks away from home, and the not-so exotic locations along the highway can all be deterrents to the next generation of truck drivers.

Some industry experts ponder if requiring truckers to only drive regionally would be a valid solution to the problem. Instead of one trucker taking a haul across the country, truckers could trade off at designated stops, ensuring that every driver is able to make it home for dinner each night.

However, this solution may cause more harm than good. Alternating truckers and transferring loads between trucks would increase time and expenses for each haul. This difference in price could mean a jump in price on groceries and consumers goods as well.

How Drivers Can Improve Their Lives on the Road

While no work-life balance solution has been created, there are a variety of things truckers can do right now to improve their work-life balance. Here are a few things truckers can do every day to improve their quality of life on and off the road.

Stay Entertained

When driving down a seemingly endless highway for hours on end, it can be easy to zone out and go into autopilot mode. Keeping your mind stimulated is key to enjoying your travels instead of counting down the minutes until you arrive at your next stop. Luckily, there are plenty of audio-based ways to keep your mind engaged while you drive.

  • Audiobooks: Audiobooks are a great way to catch up on the latest titles while you’re on the road. With the average book giving you up to 8-13 hours of audio, even just one audiobook can keep you entertained through a long night’s drive.
  • Music: Listening to the radio can be a great way to stay engaged and entertained during a long trip. However, if the radio has too many commercials or plays the same songs over and over, there are a variety of better options out there. With new advancements like Satellite Radio and streaming services on your phone, you can start a station that only plays your favorite artists.
  • Podcasts: Podcasts are another great way to stay entertained during long trips. Now, there are podcasts covering just about every topic from true crime, news, fishing, sports, and anything else you can imagine. Keep your mind engaged by getting hooked on a new story, laughing along with a comedy podcast, or learning new things about your industry or hobbies.

Get Moving

Trucking obviously requires a lot of sitting still. Sitting in one position for hours can take a toll on your neck, back and legs. However, taking periodic breaks to work out your muscles and burn some calories can help both your body and mind. Whether it involves stretching, going for a jog, doing some push-ups, or taking a long walk, find a small routine that works for you. Getting some exercise in also releases endorphins to help keep you happy and comfortable when you get back in the truck. 

Work Hard and Play Hard 

When you are finally home after a few days or weeks away, be sure to soak up all the time you have with your family or friends. It can be easy to get bogged down with a long list of chores that need to be done or errands you need to run. Those things are important, but if you don’t allow yourself to have some fun with your kids, enjoy your favorite homemade meals, or go on a date with your spouse, your entire time at home can seem like even more work. Remember what makes your job as a trucker worth it and be sure to give those things and people the time they deserve.

When you are back on the road, be sure to take a little bit of home with you. Take a picture of your family to put on your dash, and bring along some of your favorite homemade snacks for the road. Also, don’t forget to stay in contact with the ones you love. A daily phone call home can go a long way with keeping you connected to your family.

Having a healthy work-life balance as a trucker may be difficult at times, but it is not impossible with the right habits. In the future, commercial trucking companies will have to have more of an emphasis on balancing work and life to appeal to millennials.

Staying Healthy On The Road

 

Choosing healthy snacks on the road can be a tedious task. From over-processed snacks at truck stops to greasy fast food, finding a healthy snack that also tastes good may seem impossible. However, eating healthy on the road is imperative to living a long, happy life as a commercial truck driver, and it is not at challenging as it may seem. Here are some great, healthy options for snacks on the go.

Raw Vegetables

You may not find a surplus of raw, crunchy vegetables at your usual truck stops. However, you can count on any grocery store along your route to have a variety of vegetables for you to snack on. Easy, on-the-go vegetables include baby carrots, celery sticks or broccoli. If those aren’t your favorites, don’t worry. There are plenty of other nutritious options out there.

Hummus

If raw veggies on their own isn’t your thing, try dipping them in some hummus. Hummus is a great source of protein, fiber and antioxidants, and with yummy flavors like chipotle and roasted garlic, hummus is the perfect way to liven up your snack. Try hummus with carrots, sliced bell peppers, or even some pita chips for a healthy snack.

Fruits

Fruits are another excellent snack for the road. They are packed with important antioxidants and vitamins, and they can give you the boost you need to get through a long drive. Many grocery stores and even truck stops offer pre-cut and washed fruit cups for easy snacks on the go, and just about every gas station has bananas and apples on hand. Just be careful not to purchase fruit cups packed in sugar syrup. Fruit is plenty sweet on its own without the added sugar and extra calories to weigh you down. Try snacking on a fresh apple to give yourself a boost of energy or have some watermelon to stay hydrated on the road.

Beef Jerky

Jerky can be a satisfying and tasty snack on the road when you are craving something savory and are limited to a truck stop. However, be sure to choose a healthy jerky that is low in sodium and sugar. A good rule of thumb is to choose jerky with less than 500g of sodium and 5g of added sugar per serving. Even if you are a little on the picky side, you should still have plenty of jerky to choose from.

Boiled Eggs

Boiled eggs are a great snack for the road because they are high in protein, filling, and easy to eat; just be sure to keep them cool while traveling. Peel your boiled eggs ahead of time and keep them in a cooler on the road. If boiled eggs are a little bland, liven them up by adding hummus or avocados.

Protein Drinks

When you just want a healthy, filling, and easy option to store in the truck at all times, there is nothing wrong with stocking up on protein shakes. You can buy protein shakes in powder form to simply mix with water, or you can buy the shakes pre-bottled for easy access. Protein drinks can also provide you with many essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that will keep you healthy on the road and may otherwise be difficult to get.

Snack Bars

Snack bars can either be a great, healthy snack or a secret source of sugar and fat. If you choose the right bar, they can be a great source of protein, keep you full between meals, and maybe even satisfy your sweet tooth with honey and berries. However, there are some bars on the market that might as well be candy bars with all of the sugar and fat they have packed in. Be sure to choose bars that are high in protein and nutrients and low in sugar and fat.

Water Bottles

This may not be a snack or even a food but drinking plenty of water can be a great way to stay healthy, energized and full. It may be tempting to avoid water while driving long distances because it will cause more frequent bathroom stops. However, allowing your body to become dehydrated by limiting water all day will cause you to become drowsy and fatigued. Being dehydrated can even cause you to start craving sweets and junk food. Instead, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and snack on fruits that are high in water content. This will keep you hydrated and keep your sugar cravings in check.

Healthy Habits for Truck Drivers

Staying healthy and energized on the road can be a challenge, but you should take the time to pack nutritious snacks and meals before you head out on your next trip. In addition to eating better, try implementing exercises and stretches into your driving routine as well. Start making your health a priority, and you will feel happier, have more energy, and enjoy a better quality of life every day.

 

If you’re considering a career as a commercial truck driver and need help with a loan, contact Mission Financial today. We offer first time buyer loans for drivers with low credit scores.

Why More Millennials Should Become Truck Drivers

 

Millennials are now the largest demographic segment of the workforce. This generation, which consists of those born from 1981-1996, is primarily defined as the first generation to grow up with access to modern technology, particularly the internet. This, along with other factors, has caused them to have different requirements, expectations and desires as they search for jobs. And with booming industries like tech and engineering tempting millennials with large salaries and room for growth, many have never considered a career in commercial truck driving.

 

However, with the trucking shortage leaving many driving jobs unfilled each year, companies are willing to make truck driving worth a job hunter’s time. Here are a few reasons why millennials should consider becoming truck drivers.

 

Stereotypes are Changing

 

The truck driving industry has a lingering reputation of only being suitable for brawny men with long beards who practically live in their trucks. However, this stereotype is long overdue for a makeover. The days of heavy lifting and hard to maneuver big-rigs are in the past. You don’t need extra muscle to be a truck driver, which is one reason why trucking is now a career enjoyed by women all over the country. Trucks now have more luxurious cabs with power steering, state-of-the-art technology, and everything from hood releases to dollies are now hydraulic. Everything works with the push of a button, which means the world of trucking is more accessible than ever before.

 

Because more and more women are becoming truck drivers, new safety priorities are being established, which are changing the way trucks are designed and the trucking culture as a whole. Trucks can now come with their own private bathroom units and security systems, and truck stops are no longer exclusively full of male truckers.

 

The Trucking Demand Means Competitive Wages 

 

According to Jon Gilbert of PLG Consulting, “The average age of commercial truck drivers is 55 and rising rapidly. The concern is that older, qualified truck drivers are retiring, and we are not getting adequate replacement drivers.”

 

As the age of truckers rises, more and more trucking jobs are becoming available. This increased need for truckers is only making starting salaries increase as well. In 2017, the average starting wage for a trucker was around $40,000 per year. Truckers are also typically offered excellent benefits including 401Ks and healthcare. And while $40,000 may be the starting salary, there is plenty of growth in the industry. Some truckers even make upwards of $80,000 based on experience and mileage.

 

Advancements in Autonomous Vehicles

 

While many people have feared that autonomous vehicles may cause truckers to lose their jobs, the opposite is actually the case. In fact, advancement in AI in the trucking industry would only make truckers’ lives easier by solving any problems they may currently be facing.

 

Autonomous vehicles will still require drivers to be alert and present in the vehicle at all times. However, with advancements such as platooning, which links trucks together via WIFI to reduce fuel consumption and accidents, drivers would not have to be as active in controlling the vehicle. This would allow drivers to not become mentally exhausted after long hours behind the wheel, and most importantly, it would mean their jobs were safer.

 

Truck Driving Requires Minimal Requirements

 

Unlike most jobs that have starting salaries around $40,000, commercial truck driving does not require an expensive college degree. To become a trucker, one only needs to complete an accredited training course. These trucking schools typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000, which is far less than a four year degree. Additionally, it does not take long to become a qualified driver. The average school will only take seven weeks to complete, meaning a new trucker can be out on the road within a few months of making a career change.

 

Possible Roadblocks

 

One concern the trucking industry faces when it tries to recruit young people right out of high school is current law against interstate travel. Currently, truckers must be at least 21 years old to travel over state lines. This means that people hoping to become truckers out of high school must only drive within their state for a few years before getting to take the higher paying, cross country trips.

 

However, lawmakers have recently started taking steps to reduce the interstate age to 18. This change is a direct response to the shortage of truckers. If this new law passes, many trucking companies, restaurants, and retailers believe it would put more truckers on the road and increase the efficiency of goods being delivered across the country.

 

Now is a great time to start a career in trucking. If you are considering becoming a commercial truck driver but need a first-time buyer loan, contact Mission Financial today.  

10 Safety Tips For Overnight Travel

 

Overnight drives can be a blessing or a curse. On the plus side, you have the whole road to yourself. You don’t have to worry about traffic holding you up as you pass through cities, and you can go at whatever pace you please. However, overnight drives also mean staying up all night, which could potentially be a shock to your system. It’s easy to become sleepy with nothing but a dark road ahead, but it is important to your safety, and to those around you, that you stay awake and alert while driving. Additionally, if you are not used to night drives, you could be at a higher risk of drifting off. According to Instructional Technologies, if you do not typically drive at night, you are more likely to experience fatigue than frequent night drivers.

Whether you are a seasoned night driver or are about to venture on your first overnight assignment, here are 10 tips to help you stay sharp during those late night trips. 

1. Avoid High Contrast Light

According to Trucking Truth, bright lights in the cab can create a harsh contrast to the dark road outside. This can cause your eyes to struggle to adjust and become tired quickly. It may seem like the opposite of what you should do to stay awake, but be sure to turn down the light in your truck. Even turning down the lights in your dashboard can help your eyes stay wide awake during a late night drive. It is also important not to stare into the lights of oncoming vehicles as they pass. Be sure to always keep your eyes in your own lane.

2. Maintain a Level Head

Before you get behind the wheel for a long journey ahead, be sure your emotions are in check. If you’ve had a stressful day or are upset about something, be sure to put it all behind you before putting the truck in drive. It may be easier said than done, but if you spend the entire night fuming about past events, you are likely to wear yourself out. Emotions can drain your energy and leave you feeling exhausted; this is even true of positive emotions. If you had a great day or have something to celebrate, be sure to keep your excitement in check as well. Try to keep your radio singing to a minimum and focus your attention on the road.

3. Watch What You Eat

Eating on the road can be tricky. It’s tempting to grab a quick burger or a bag of chips at the gas station. However, if you choose to eat something heavy in carbs or sugar, it will make you feel sluggish and sleepy later on. Obviously your options on the road are limited, so plan ahead with a cooler full of your own healthy foods. If fast food is your only choice, avoid the greasy burgers and fried chicken. Mix it up with a salad, fruit cup or grilled meat. Most fast food chains have added healthier options like these to their menus, which will help you feel more energized and ready to stay up late.

4. Grab a Coffee

This one may seem obvious, but don’t forget the coffee! Coffee will help boost your energy and keep you fresh throughout the night.

5. But Don’t Overdo the Caffeine…

That being said, be sure to keep your coffee consumption in check. Too many coffees or energy drinks can make you jittery and will eventually make your energy crash. This is also true of drinks full of sugar and artificial flavorings. Large amounts of soda and sugar-loaded juices can make your blood sugar spike and crash, which could lead to you falling asleep behind the wheel.

6. Drink Lots of Water

Coffee is important to sip on while driving overnight, but nothing is more important than water. Staying hydrated is the easiest way to remain awake and feel alert. You may think it is a better idea to skip the water to avoid constant bathroom breaks, but drinking coffee without water can actually create more of an urge to urinate, and can lead to headaches and other health issues.

7. Check Your Truck’s Temperature

The temperature in your truck can also affect your energy levels. If you keep it nice and toasty in your truck, you may find yourself becoming drowsy on long drives. Instead, be sure to keep your air a little cooler than comfortable to keep your body attentive.

8. Take Your Vitamins

Vitamins are another great way to boost your energy. Taking some Vitamin B and Vitamin D after a healthy meal can help you feel more energized and stay awake longer without an energy crash later. 

9. Take a Walk

If you start to feel sleepy, try getting out of your truck in a safe area for a nice, brisk walk to help revitalize your system. Going for a walk will get your blood pumping and muscles moving again, which will not only wake you up, but it will help your body stretch out after being cramped in the same position for hours. It is important for anyone who remains stationary for long periods of time to contract their muscles and move around frequently; these are the best ways to avoid blood clots.

10. When All Else Fails, Take a Nap

Sometimes, no amount of caffeine or vitamins can replace a quick power nap. If you are feeling too tired to go on, don’t be afraid to park your truck in a safe place and take a nap. Just be sure to set a timer to avoid oversleeping. A 20-minute nap can do wonders for your energy, but if you accidentally sleep for a few hours, you could wake up feeling even more groggy, and your shipment could be running late.

 

Overnight drives can be relaxing, but it is important that you stay perceptive and safe. If you think you have what it takes to be a commercial truck driver, visit our website and get started with a loan today.

Trucking: No Longer a Man’s World

How Women are Changing the Trucking Industry

 

Trucking is no easy job. With late nights and operating heavy machinery, truck driving is a demanding career that often has its employees far from home. It has been a male-dominated profession since it began, however, that is beginning to change. Over the past few years, women have started getting behind the wheel and becoming truckers themselves. This rise in women truck drivers is dramatically changing the trucking industry for the better. It has been the perfect solution to the shortage in truck drivers across the country, and it is empowering women to be more independent. However, while there are many positives to women entering the trucking industry, the change does not come without its challenges.

Women Truck Drivers Met with Skepticism

The gender gap is closing in the trucking industry, but women still have to prove their place at transportation companies. In an interview about her journey from truck driver to VP of environmental affairs and domestic plant engineering at UPS, Tamara Barker recounts her size coming into question when applying for a driving position. Referring to the human resources recruiter, Barker states, “She explained that the job of a UPS package delivery driver was a very difficult one, where candidates would be required to drive large vehicles safely and deliver 300 to 400 packages a day. She questioned my stature and ability to do that.” Despite the recruiter’s apprehension, Barker became a UPS driver and then worked her way to the top of the company.

Other women truck drivers have experienced similar skepticism and even recount male truck drivers closely watching as they back their rigs into decks. One driver with 15 years of experience states, “I’ve had men tell me, ‘Why aren’t you home having babies?’” However, it is these same women who encourage others to pursue their passions despite any challenges that may come their way.

Barker says in her interview. “I encourage women to know who they are, know what they want, and have a plan to get there. Find your style of management and be confident.”

How Women are Improving the Trucking Industry

While there may be growing pains, the influx in women truck drivers is doing a lot of good for the trucking industry as well as communities all over the country. Most importantly, women are helping end the trucker shortage. Trucking isn’t an easy job, and since it requires long hours and oftentimes dangerous weather conditions, the industry has suffered a deficit in interested candidates. However, thanks to the increase in women, the trucker shortage is ending. This means that less stress is being put on current truck drivers and trucking businesses, and communities are able to get their goods delivered more effectively.

New truck driver Faye Clark discusses why she enjoys her job as a truck driver saying, “My favorite thing is knowing I can handle something that big on the road, and be able to transport the merchandise people need these days.”

Looking to the Future

As of 2018, only 6% of the US’s truck drivers are women. However, there are many initiatives working to raise that number by showing women and girls that truck driving could be a good choice for their futures. The CDS Tractor Trailer Training program recently worked with Virginia Western to create a billboard ad on the back of a tractor trailer to help recruit women to their training program in Roanoke, Virginia. The ad has proven to be a success, and many women have said the billboard allowed them to see themselves behind the wheel of the tractor trailer for the first time. “We’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of women who have come into our program,” said Crystal Kennedy, of CDS Tractor Trailer Training. “We’re up to about 10 percent of our student population being women.”

As a way to introduce trucking as a career option to young girls, the Women in Trucking Associating worked with the Girl Scouts of America to create a Girl Scout Transportation Patch.

These initiatives, along with other recruitment tactics, will not only ensure that more and more women choose truck driving as a career, but they will also allow women to be educated about their career options at every age.

Overall, the rise of women in trucking is doing a lot of good for the industry. Not only is it filling job positions and helping end a trucking shortage across the country, but it is putting a stop to workforce stereotypes. Encouraging diversity in any industry allows new voices to be heard, which will lead to new ideas and progress in all areas of business. On the subject, Tamara Barker says, “While I have seen more women in leadership roles over the years and it’s important to be at the table, it is far more important to have a voice that is heard. Once the voices and opinions of all are equally considered, regardless of gender, we will see changes in the industry.”

 

Looking to start your trucking career? Mission Financial Services can help with all of your financing needs and get you behind the wheel in no time.

Hurricane Season: What Does it Mean for the Freight Industry?

 

 

This year, hurricane season rocked the coast as we’ve grown to expect. This September, Hurricane Florence swept the Carolinas at a category 4, leaving destruction in its wake. When natural disasters arise, our focus shifts to families in need. When survivors need supplies, semi trucks are pulled from regular circulation to deliver aid to those in need. Many truck drivers and members of the commercial vehicle workforce may be wondering what this means—and how hurricane season influences the freight industry.

FEMA and Freight Load Demand

Mandatory evacuation is closely linked to the commercial transportation industry during a hurricane. In order to support the traffic flow associated with mandatory evacuation, some major highways usually need to be reversed. Simultaneously, September begins a busy season for the commercial transportation industry in preparation for higher consumer spending during the holidays. During emergencies, FEMA pulls trucking capacity from all over the country for help delivering supplies. Tight seasonal capacity compounded by the demand for capacity in an emergency has the power to affect the flow of goods nationwide. FEMA can even pay truckers competitive rates to incentivize help to affected areas quickly.

Considering that truck drivers today are already in great demand, it’s easy to see that a large storm carries implications for the efficacy of the freight industry. According to Dial-A-Truck, or DAT, the freight market is affected in three key stages during a natural disaster: before, during and after.

Before the storm hits, FEMA might increase demand for loads to be transported out of the storm’s path of destruction. During the storm volume will drastically decrease due to unsafe road conditions and closed roads. After the hurricane, FEMA will call for emergency freight, often posted on the DAT Load Boards.

The aftermath of a hurricane prevents trucks from safely returning to the road. Practically speaking, flooded roads, downed trees, and damaged infrastructure slow drivers ability to meet the demands waiting for them. For example, in 2017 following Hurricane Harvey, the number of freight loads nationally dropped 10%. Because Houston is a major city and transportation/freight hub, the potential effects on the industry were amplified. Freight loads out of Houston immediately following the storm fell 72%.

What This Means Today

Hurricane Florence affected the Carolinas including Charleston this September with winds strong enough to cause widespread power outages and uprooted trees. Large sections of I-95 and US Route 70 were flooded for days following the storm, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation instructed all drivers to avoid driving in the state completely. Recommended detours included routes through Tennessee and Virginia. While parts of major highways were cleared for use just ten days later, hundreds of other roads in North Carolina stayed down.

After a hurricane, floods can also damage warehouses and fulfillment centers, preventing drivers from returning to work. Days can translate into weeks when goods start to back up and overflow other centers. For some time after the storm, many shipments in and out of the area could be allocated to rebuilding damage. So how does the backup influence market prices?

Price Increases

Price increases are normal after a natural disaster. This has to do with the relationship between supply and demand. After an initial dip, demand increases following hurricane season, but supply can still be stifled. For example, according to the DAT Trendlines, load to truck ratios increased for van, reefer and flatbed equipment types in the week following Hurricane Florence. National average rates slipped in the week following the hurricane as well. Spot market loads have increased 2.9%  and spot market capacity has increased 1.4%. Following Hurricane Katrina, for example, spot rates rose 7 percentage points for a solid five month stretch.

After a hurricane, it’s also common for gas and food prices to increase. Following hurricane Florence in September, fuel prices are up .3%. This is mild compared to the influence of Hurricane Harvey, which made landfall in Texas last year. Because Texas is a major U.S. petroleum production site, the impact was significant. 14 refineries shut down as a result of hurricane damage. Gas prices nationally after Hurricane Harvey rose a whopping 15% according to CNN. Luckily, Hurricane Florence has made less impact on gas prices. This translates to good news for the trucking industry.

Positive Outlook

Ultimately, the commercial transportation industry is resilient. Following a hurricane or natural disaster, supplying relief and supplies to those in need takes priority.Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Florence this September. To keep you on the road, remember that a semi truck repair loan could help you cover the cost of damages caused to your truck in the event of an emergency. To learn more about your options, visit https://www.missionfinancialservices.net today.

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