The American Trucking Association released its index, stating that shipment weights for commercial trucks rose 6.8% in December 2011 for November. This may seem likely due to the holiday season, but numbers are season-adjusted  and accurately reflect an increase.

In addition, the full year of 2011 saw an increase of 5.9% from the previous year. This is the largest such increase since 1998.

Causes of Weight Shipment Increases

So what is causing the weight of shipments to increase? The simple answer: the earth’s gravitational field is increasing, thus making objects weigh more than they once did.

Okay, maybe that solution is not simple, nor is it practical.

The real answer is that the weight increase is the result of a reversal in post-recession spending habits. Stores that were afraid to over-commit to stock-piling merchandise are now more confident to fill their storage rooms with extra products. While this inventory increase is an optimistic sign, it in no way suggests that America is fully recovered from the recession.

The 5.9% weight rise also suggests that manufacturers are more confident to produce and ship more items. They had to cut back their business in 2008 and 2009 out of fears that merchandise would go unsold, but those concerns are subsiding.

Commercial Truck Insurance

With the recession’s effects diminishing (for now), it would appear that the trucking industry has gotten some positive news. This could mean an increase in positions and the necessity for additional vehicles. Of course, this means more commercial truck insurance policies. Check out Royalty for terrific comprehensive commercial truck insurance plans. And visit our blog for more weekly Trucking News.

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States Plan to Change Camera Ticket Laws

In Connecticut, Senators are pushing for the adoption of red-light traffic tickets similar to other states. These tickets would be as high as $124, with 30% going to the state and the rest to the community.

Like other states who have adopted this law, the belief is that the threat of ticket would prevent drivers from running red lights.

Washington State already has these laws in place, but wants to expand them to all communities, along with yearly reports detailing accident prevention and effects of the red-light cameras.

Iowa, Florida, and Missouri are actually opposed to the measure and seek to remove cameras and reverse the ruling, comparing it to “Big Brother.”

Natural Gas Prices Drop; Oil Prices Rising

Going green has never been more beneficial to commercial truck businesses as diesel and oil prices continue to climb and natural gas decreases.

Obviously you can’t just switch, because you will need to buy brand new vehicles to take advantage of these prices. But as companies find themselves replacing old vehicle, it will be a common theme to see them finding greener technology, as explained in a previous column about hybrid trucks.

Natural gas is cleaner burning, has a smaller carbon footprint, and is safer, but it is also harder to find. Whereas most gas stations have diesel, only a select few stock natural gas. Finding it is half the battle. But as oil become more expensive, perhaps gas stations will find no other choice than to start offering natural gas.

Commercial Truck Insurance

For more trucking news, check out our blog where we post weekly articles for your convenience. If you are looking for commercial truck insurance, talk to a Royalty employee about lowering your rates.

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A combination of economic recession, high diesel prices, and desire to reduce emissions has contributed to the rise in demand for hybrid trucks, both in medium duty and heavy duty models.

The report from Pike Research estimates that a 92% growth rate is expected for 2012 for sales of plug-ins and hybrid trucks worldwide.

Another factor in the increased orders for hybrid medium and heavy duty trucks is the gradual rebounding of the retail industry. As economic fortunes turn and retail recovers, the commercial trucking industry will continue to advance as well, creating a demand for new transport vehicles.

Instead of purchasing regular diesel trucks, trucking companies can spend more upfront for hybrids and plug-ins for a reduction in fuel prices over time. The company can also benefit by claiming environmentally friendly practices, which give them a leg-up versus the competition.

Commercial Truck Insurance

If you have recently purchased or are thinking about purchasing a battery operated vehicle for your business, call Royalty to ask what sort of commercial truck insurance options we have available. We can also supply information detailing the advantages of hybrid trucks.

Check out our blog where we have trucking news and opinions, like this article about DOT rules changes, and follow us on Twitter @RoyaltyTruckIns

Let me begin with a disclaimer: safety is always a priority when it comes to trucking. Being in the commercial truck insurance industry, I have seen my fair share of life-ending accidents and any measures that could be used to reduce those are valuable.

The first alteration in the law was to shorten the work week from 82 hours to 70 hours. The idea is that this reduction will give workers more time to rest and relieve the burden of being overworked. The downside is that it also reduces the potential earnings of hourly truck drivers who relied on those additional 12 per week to pay their expenses. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association (FMCSA) appears to have accounted for this objection with the “34-hour restart.”

As its name implies, the “34-hour restart” lets drivers restart their work weeks if they spend 34 consecutive hours resting. This provision allows drivers to still get their required 82 hours in a week, while also forcing them to take a break in the middle.

We think that this is a good compromise; it doesn’t hurt truck driver earnings and increases road safety by mandating a break.

Another change is the required 30 minute break after an eight-hour shift of unimpeded driving. This seems like a fair compromise, because thirty minutes is not too long to throw drivers off schedule, but long enough to recharge the mind.

One safety concern regards the continued use of the 11-hour work day. It was believed that this number would be reduced to 10-hours, a more manageable maximum time to be driving, but the 30 minute rest seems to be the compromise to maintain the 11-hour max. There is enough evidence from sleep studies to suggest that 11 hours is too long to work and a change should be made.

So what are the overall opinions about the DOT’s changes to trucker laws? They are better at reducing fatigue to drivers, but ignore the bigger issues. Truck drivers still do not get paid overtime for exceeding 40 hours per week, forcing them to push themselves beyond their limits. These changes just add more regulation to an already over-regulated industry. They also require the use of additional drivers to make up lost hours from the reduced work week, putting more inexperienced truck drivers onto the road.

While the intentions behind the changes may have been for driver safety, the results hurt the wallets of truckers and don’t make a big enough impact. Hopefully new regulation will replace the old laws to decrease accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the DOT, accumulated information and statisitcs from sources in the trucking community, like commercial truck insurance companies, trucking businesses, and law enforcement. In addition, they hosted public forums around the country to get direct input from truck drivers.

In the end, the new rule from the FMCSA reduces a truck driver’s maximum weekly work hours by 12. The previous maximum was 82 hours; the new HOS rule changes that to 70 hours.

Also, commercial truck drivers are required to take a thirty minute break after a shift of 8 hours. This is designed to reduce the tension caused by long shifts.

There will be a “34-hour restart” provision implemented as well, which allows the driver to restart his or her work week by taking a consecutive 34-hour break.

Finally, one aspect of the old rules was maintained: the 11-hour driving limit in a day. Further research is being done to determine if this time limit is appropriate.

One reason behind the rules changes is that they force truck drivers to get at least two-nights of rest to restore their bodies. Drivers who maximize their work week still need sleep during the body’s key resting hours from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Fines for these offenses will be high, with some exceeding $10,000. The purpose is to keep the roads safer for truckers and pedestrians and hopefully the rule changes help in that regard.

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Before you even start, make sure to scrape all ice off of the windshield, windows, mirrors, and headlights. This will optimize your visibility while driving.

Items to Pack

In addition, there are some extra supplies you need to bring with you before departing in case of an emergency:

Flash light and gloves: These will help you change a tire or repair your vehicle when it is cold and dark outside.

Blankets: If you get stranded, these will prevent you from getting chilled.

Extra food: You will need carbs to survive if you cannot leave your truck for a few days, in case you get stuck in a snow bank.

Snow chains: It is easier to put these on before your journey, but ensure you have them regardless and know which states require them.

Tips for Driving in the Snow

Maintain a full tank of gas. Keeping you tank as full as possible reduces condensation in fuel tanks. If you stop at a gas station to stretch and relax, fill your tank before resting.

Be cautious: Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you. Reduced friction on the road, coupled with increased risk of running into a sudden accident, means you want as much stopping time as possible.

Slow Down!: Adjust your speed based on your current situation, like road and weather conditions, rather than speed signs and maintaining a schedule. This means avoiding using the cruise control to determine your speed.

Be prepared: Know about approaching truck stops and have a sense of when the weather is supposed to get worse.

Truck Insurance

Remember that sloppy driving doesn’t just put you at risk; it also is a threat to your fellow drivers on the road. Also, poor and negligent driving can have the consequence of raising your truck insurance rates. Employees with high truck insurance have a harder time getting hired, because they cost more to insure. This winter, drive smart and stay safe.

Check out our Blog with articles like this one about the trucking jobs added in 2011. And follow Royalty on Twitter for more news and truck tips @RoyaltyTruckIns

That strong November puts the trucking employment up by 33,800 jobs from the past year, or equivalent to 2.7% from November 2010. These numbers are optimistic for a reeling economy and unstable job market.

The trucking figures follow nationwide trends, where the entire U.S. economy added around 120,000 jobs in November 2011. This number could be due regular holiday-fueled consumerism, with an increased need for deliveries, but the upward trend is positive.

Truckers are optimistic about the news, especially coming just two years after jobs hit the recent low, in March 2010. Employment is up by 62,600 jobs since then, or 5.1%.

The numbers only reflect newly created jobs and do not account for replacements made in previously existing positions, meaning the number of truckers no longer jobless could actually be higher.

Happy Holidays!

With holiday spending up from 2010, let’s hope that the job rate continues to increase to support the need for extra deliveries and that they become permanent positions. If this is a signal that the economy is on the rise, maybe the trucking industry will reach its employment peak from January 2007 before the market crashed.

Happy Holidays from Royalty Truck Insurance! May you all have safe deliveries and avoid the winter weather!

Follow Royalty on Twitter @RoyaltyTruckIns and check out our blog, where we make news announcements and gives truck insurance policy advice. Check out this article on Form MCS-90.

Not only are these issues deadly, they can also cause truck drivers to lose their licenses. The Federal Motor Safety Commission mandates medical evaluations to ensure that drivers do not risk having a critical health problem, like a heart attack or stroke, while operating a vehicle. This could result in safety issues to the driver and other motorists.

So here are some weight loss tips for truck drivers who want to shed a few pounds.

Weight Loss Tips

Tip #1: Count Calories

The biggest problem that truck drivers face is the inability to perform regular exercise. When you spend all day on the road and use your down time to sleep, it is hard to squeeze in exercise, and even harder to motivate yourself to do so.

So what is the solution? Count calories.

Unlike fad diets, where people tend to gain back the weight they’ve lost after they quit, cutting calories is aimed to make long-term changes that are engrained into your eating habits. You can still eat the same foods, you just need to track how much you eat.

Helpful Hint: There are iPhone apps that allow you to set weight loss goals, calculate how many calories you require, and track your daily caloric intake to keep you on schedule.

Tip #2: Cut Out Junk Foods

This can be one of the most difficult tips to follow. After a long day of truckin’, you often just want a quick, hearty meal. But all those fast food hamburgers and delivery pizzas add up around your waistline just as quickly as you order them.

Chips and soda seem like the perfect road companion; they come in easily disposable containers and are cheap, but they too will become layers of fat. Completely removing these will be hard at first, but keep you happy in the long run.

Tip #3: Substitute in Healthy Foods

Every time you eat out, instead of getting greasy foods and red meat, try to select health conscious meals. Fish, chicken breast, steamed veggies, and salads all provide necessary nutrients and minimal calories.

Tip #4: Eat Healthy Snacks Frequently

Contrary to popular belief, snacking is actually beneficial to weight loss! Snacking keeps your metabolism going, fills you up to prevent binge eating during meals, and provide you with energy to keep you going. But it only helps if you indulge in healthy snacks like carrots and skip the chips, beef jerky, and candy.

Some examples of healthy snacks include low-fat cheese, fruits, whole grain crackers, vegetables, and nuts.

Helpful Hint: Make sure to get a small amount of protein with each snack. Protein maintains metabolic rates to better process foods. Try almonds, humus, and peanut butter.

Tip #5: Exercise When Possible

I know I said that exercising on the road is difficult, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. And regular exercise is an important part of staying healthy and losing weight.

Exercise increases metabolism, making you burn calories faster, as well as strengthening the heart to reduce cardiac attack. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise, five days per week. That can be a large chunk of time, but can be broken down into smaller portions.

Allow for 10 minutes during each truck stop to take a power walk, do jumping jacks, or perform squats. This routine will let you get your recommended exercise and shed some pounds.

Hopefully these weight loss tips can help you and other truck drivers lose weight and live a healthier, longer life.

Follow Royalty Truck Insurance on Twitter for more Tips for Truck Drivers @RoyaltyTruckIns, like this one about preparing for the winter weather.

While this news does bring slight optimism to commercial truckers, it is still too early to predict if the trend will continue.

During the previous three weeks, diesel rose by 17.1 cents, quite a steep incline. In fact, even with the drop in price on Monday, diesel is still 77.1 cents higher that it was on the same week in 2010.

Likewise, gasoline is 55.9 cents above 2010’s prices for the equivalent week, despite a drop of 2.8 cents on Monday, the third consecutive week with a downward trend.

What will the future hold for the prices of gasoline and diesel? It is hard to say. With the planned withdrawal of US troops from Iraq in the following months, unrest may ensue, bringing instability to the region and fuel prices.

In addition, the price of oil was over $95 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, higher than any closing price in three months. Time will tell how the volatile market will respond.

Commercial Trucking Insurance

With soaring diesel and gas prices looking in the distance, it is important to take advantage by lowering other costs to your business. One way is to find cheaper commercial trucking insurance. Talk to a Royalty customer service representative about lowering your rates: 1-866-989-8998

Find other helpful hints and truck insurance news on our Commercial Truck Insurance Blog, including this article on preparing for the winter weather.

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But there are precautions you can take that will help prevent an accident from ever happening, so that you will not have to deal with filling out forms, getting your truck repaired, having your claims checked, or recovering from an injury.

Here are some common truck maintenance procedures that will help relieve long-term stress.

1) Change the oil: Sometimes, the simplest things cause the most trouble. While every automobile requires its oil to be changed, it is often ignored. And commercial vehicles are pushed even harder than private ones, making this trivial task even more essential. A good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 2 to 3 thousand miles with high quality motor oil.

2) Rotate and replace tires: One of the most dangerous accidents occurs when large semi-trucks blow a tire and skid off the road. Without proper traction, it is difficult for the truck driver to control, and semis can cause a lot of damage to fellow drivers. Rotate tires every 3,000 miles, which will give the auto-mechanic an opportunity to check the brakes and brake pads as well. In addition, you can check the air pressure on a weekly basis to ensure it meets standards. When tread gets worn down, replace the tires before an accident happens.

3) Change transmission fluid: When hauling a load, transmissions wear out faster than a normal car, nearly ½ the rate. Changing the transmission fluid and filter are an important procedure to prevent this from occurring. It is recommended that you change fluid every 25,000 miles, in order to prevent having to replace the entire transmission.

4) Check coolants: Commercial trucks run more frequently without stopping, making them overheat more regularly. Automatic transmissions require even more attentions. Check your coolants on a normal basis.

5) Do not rely on computers or scheduled maintenance: Modern truck have computers onboard that tell you when situations arise, fluids must be changed, and the engine needs to be checked. But don’t let a blinking light on your dashboard dictate when you perform truck maintenance. Also, some drivers wait for scheduled appointments with mechanics. This may let a problem sneak through the cracks, only to rear its ugly head at an unfortunate time. Don’t rely on schedules or computers, perform regular maintenance.

Commercial Truck Insurance

With these tips, hopefully you can take better care of your truck maintenance and prevent a major accident that may raise your cost for commercial truck insurance.

If you would like to speak to a commercial truck insurance provider, contact Royalty Truck Insurance. And keep up with our weekly blog, with entries like this one on how to report a claim when you get into an accident.

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