June 14 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

The Future of Automated Trucking: Why Truck Drivers Will Always Be Needed

The future of truck driving is looking more and more driverless every day. With the advent of automated trucking and developments in the industry, many truck drivers wonder whether they will be replaced by automation. There are several reasons why truck drivers will always be needed in the industry. This blog post outlines the future of automated truck driving, its impact on the industry, and what this means for truck drivers. Stay tuned to learn more!

What is Truck Automation?

Automated trucks are semi-trucks that have at least some level of autonomy. Engineers delineate six levels of automation. Level 0 refers to trucks with no automated ability and need truck drivers to do all of the driving. Level 5 is a fully automated truck that is self-driving even in inclement weather without the need for driver operation. Automated trucks that offer assisted steering and warnings for lane departures are considered a level 1. Levels 2 and 3 are being implemented by some major companies in the trucking industry in controlled environments.

What Impact Does Driverless Trucking Have on the Industry?

While there is a lot of money and a growing interest in truck automation, truck drivers should know that their jobs are still secure. Smaller logistics companies also lack the resources and investor funding to implement these technologies. The impact of automation in the trucking industry means more safety for the driver, specifically during long-hauls, decreased ship times, and reduced highway traffic. While there is a lot to gain from automated trucking, the critical need for human truck drivers will never disappear.

Will Truck Drivers Be Replaced?

A common misconception is that automated trucks will replace truck drivers. Although automated trucks have been in development for the past decade and more companies have begun experimenting with this technology, truck drivers shouldn’t stress about their job security. Since companies are only testing levels 2 and 3, they cannot operate without a human truck driver. Even if the industry transitions completely into level 5 automation, professional truck drivers will still be needed to supervise at all times in the event of an error or accident. One of the key things that driverless trucks don’t have is experience. The insight to navigate difficult situations, experience on the road, and the ability for error correction. Truck drivers are the most important part of the future of truck driving, and that will always be the case.

The Importance of Truck Drivers

Truck drivers do more than just drive. Self-driving trucks cannot loan and unload freight or provide excellent customer service dispatching details about an order. This provides job security for truckers and will for the foreseeable future. Trucking experience can only be gained by putting in miles on the road. This advantage makes truck drivers necessary for the job, and apart from driving, they have the human element to delegate tasks and the ability to carry them out. There is also the issue of safety. While self-driving cars grow in popularity and can be found increasingly on the road, automated trucks are not the same. Semi-trucks are obviously larger and lack the ability to maneuver around a potential accident or roadblock. It also takes more time for a truck to come to a full stop after braking, and there is not much room to avoid cars or people on the side of the road. The potential problems with sensors being on top of a truck’s cab also raise concerns. With the sensors and cameras located at the top of the cab, there is potential for it to be blinded by the sun, have trouble distinguishing between cars and large signs, and become impaired in inclement weather. All of these factors contribute to problems for trucks in city settings where there are constant needs for stopping, turning, and tight spaces. Truck drivers need to be there to supervise these situations and navigate them if the technology fails.

Warrior Logistics understands that truck drivers are their greatest assets. It’s their core value. If you’re worried about your job being replaced, know that Warrior Logistics will always know the importance of truck drivers and their invaluable daily impact on the industry. They hire the best people and provide top-of-the-line training to create a superior environment for them to thrive. Ready to join the team? Contact us today!

May 31 2022 in Truck Driving, Logistics

7 Reasons Why Truck Drivers Have the Best Job in the World

There are many benefits to being a truck driver. Trucking is a vital part of our economy, and there will always be a demand for qualified drivers. But that’s not the only reason why truck driving is such a great career choice. At Warrior Logistics, we believe that truck drivers have the best job in the world! Here are 7 reasons why we know this is true!

7 Benefits of Being a Truck Driver

See the Country

Truck drivers get to see the country. One of the great things about being a truck driver is that you get to see all sorts of different places. You’ll never be bored on the job because you’re always going to be somewhere new. And, if you love to travel, this is the perfect career for you!

Meet New People

One of the advantages of trucking is you get to meet new people. One of the best things about being a truck driver is that you get to meet all sorts of different people. You’ll never be bored on the job because you’re always going to be meeting new people and making new friends.

Strong Salary

You can make great money. As a truck driver, you can make a very good living. If you’re willing to work hard, you can earn a great salary. And, if you’re savvy with your money, you can easily save up and retire early!

Always Something New

You’re always learning. As a truck driver, you’re constantly learning new things. You’ll learn about different places, different people, and different cultures. And, you’ll never be bored on the job, because you’re always learning something new. Truck driving is the perfect job for someone who loves to learn.

Recession-Proof

Of all the advantages of trucking, it is an in-demand profession and has proven to be recession-proof. There will always be a demand for essential truck drivers, no matter what the economy is like. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to transport the goods and materials we rely on every day. This is a vital role that comes with a lot of responsibility. And it’s a job that is always in demand! So, if you’re looking for a stable career, truck driving is a great choice.

Great Job Benefits

Employment benefits for truck drivers are well known to be generous. Many trucking companies offer their drivers excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. So, if you’re looking for a career that comes with great benefits that can change your life, truck driving is a perfect choice.

Keep America Moving

You’re helping keep America moving! As a truck driver, you play a vital role in keeping America moving. Without truck drivers, our economy would grind to a halt. You’re an essential part of the American workforce, and you’re helping to keep our country running. That’s something to be proud of!

How to Become a Professional Truck Driver

Now that you know all the benefits of being a truck driver, you’re probably wondering how you can become one. The process is actually quite simple! Just follow these three basic steps to get started on your way to a new career in no time.

First, get your commercial driver’s license (CDL). You can do this by taking a CDL training course at a truck driving school.

Next, find a truck company that you would like to work for. Once you’ve found a company that you’re interested in, fill out an application and undergo the necessary background checks.

Finally, once you’re hired, complete the truck driver training program with your chosen company. After you’ve successfully completed the training program, you’ll be ready to start your new career as a professional truck driver!

So, if you’re looking for a great career, look no further than truck driving. It’s a great way to see the country, meet new people, and make a good living. And, at Warrior Logistics, we know that truck drivers have the best job in the world! Contact us today to learn more about becoming a truck driver. We’d love to help you get started on your new career!

April 12 2022 in Truck Driving

Essential Laws Every Trucker Needs to Know

Driving a truck can be a great job. You choose your own schedule; you can get paid well and you become your own boss. But before you begin making the tough decisions of what trucking job to apply for, make sure you check out the list of trucking regulations and laws every truck driver should know before getting behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. Don’t let your big dreams lead to big fines and a big-ticket.

Headlight & Windshield Wipers Law

Many states have a specific law that requires all drivers to have their headlights turned on any time that they have their windshield wipers on. This is usually so that other drivers can easily spot your vehicle as it travels down the road. It also helps prevent accidents by helping those behind see better when visibility is low—and this includes not just cars but also larger trucks like yours!

Distracted Driving Law

The laws regarding cell phone usage in trucks vary from state to state, so it’s important to know the rules for where you’re driving. In general, you can have phones and MP3 players in the vehicle, and you can use a hands-free phone device in most states (some, like Wisconsin, don’t allow phone usage at all unless it’s to report an emergency). Just be sure that your device is mounted somewhere that won’t obstruct your view.

Speed Limits

When you’re driving an 18-wheeler, it’s not just the speed limit that matters. In some states, a trucker can be ticketed for going too slow. Even though you’re hauling a heavy load, you’ll still have to pull over and let traffic pass if you’re in the left lane and moving slower than the flow of traffic. That said, if you’re on a road with a posted minimum speed limit, pay attention to it—it’s there for a reason. For example, on many highways, the minimum speed is 45 mph.

Move Over Law

This law applies on most public roads with two or more lanes going in the same direction. It means that when you see an emergency vehicle pulled onto the shoulder with its lights on, you must make every effort to move over into an open adjacent lane when passing. If you can’t change lanes safely (i.e., if it’s rush hour or there is no other lane), then you must slow down by at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. This law also applies when approaching a stationary vehicle with its hazard lights on, including tow trucks and construction vehicles.

The Warrior Way

No matter where your trucking journey takes you, it’s important that you understand the laws and regulations of the states you’ll be traveling through. For more commercial truck driving tips and training resources, contact Warrior Logistics today.

February 23 2022 in Truck Driving

Tips for Better Sleep While on the Road as a Truck Driver

Can’t sleep while traveling? It’s hard enough as it is to get the right amount of sleep as a modern adult, then factor in the endless hours of being out on the road as a truck driver. So how can you possibly get quality sleep in order to stay alert and focused when on the move? We’ve gathered some of our favorite sleeping tips for truck drivers to help ensure a good night’s rest wherever you are on your route!

Park your truck in an area that’s both quiet and safe

Safety is always ALWAYS our #1 priority at Warrior Logistics. Ideally, you’ll be able to find available space to park at a truck stop or rest stop that is well lit yet secluded enough to not be too noisy for you about an hour or so before your body typically needs to start winding down to sleep. If all these conditions are not available to you at once, we recommend that you of course prioritize safety first.

Meditate before bed

It’s hard to sleep anywhere if you’re still feeling stressed and cognitively active when it’s time to snooze. Meditation is a proven method for relaxation that can be done literally anywhere. It can even help you improve your focus and mental clarity during the day by helping to combat anxiety and naturally lower blood pressure. Never meditated before? There are many apps, podcasts, and resources for a guided meditation to get you started. The Headspace app and The Mindful Minute podcast are some of our favorites!

Block out all light

Making your sleeping quarters as dark as possible will help encourage your body’s natural production of melatonin. Blackout all incoming light as best as possible with a sunshade at your windshield, all truck shades are drawn, and a mask covering your eyes. Curtains can be made of material specifically designed for blocking out any light, especially helpful for truck drivers who drive at night and thus need to sleep during the daytime.

Use earplugs or a “white noise” machine to block out noises

If you are not able to find a quiet space to park your truck overnight, invest in a quality pack of foam earplugs or a white noise source such as a fan to help create a peaceful environment. Just make sure not to forget to set your alarm at a volume loud enough to keep you from oversleeping in the morning!

Be mindful of timing naps and caffeine

While caffeine can be a very useful tool when you’re needing a little help getting through a day of driving, be wary of its often lasting effects. Take note of your particular sensitivities to caffeine. If you’re not sure of yours, remember that it can stay in your system five or more hours, so start tracking by planning not to consume coffee or caffeinated tea and sodas for at least six hours leading up to when you intend to fall asleep for the night and adjust from there!

Other great drink options that contain no caffeine to enjoy are:

Juice
Carbonated water with flavoring
Ginger ale
Milk
Decaf coffee
Good ol’ fashioned still water

But what about how to get just a quick sleep in? If an occasional nap helps you stay focused and safe during your drive, do your best to keep them to only 30 to 40 minutes at a time. That way, you’ll ease your fatigue but not impact your body’s regulated signals for bedtime later on in your route.

Maintain posture while driving

Easier said than done, we know! But keeping our bodies healthy during the drive starts a healthy cycle that supports easier sleep when it’s time for resting. If you need a little extra help in achieving good posture while in the driver’s seat, consider adding a supportive lumbar pillow or more ergonomically designed seat cushions. Many of these products come with a massage option these days, too!

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