Author: Christina DeBusk

Tired of a small hiring pool? Here’s how to get more people interested in driving a truck

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

Driving truck isn’t for everyone. But if you’re responsible for finding and hiring people to pick up or deliver your goods, it can be frustrating to have minimal options from which to choose.

Certainly, you can’t force people to apply for this position if they’re not interested. At the same time, there are a few things you can do to raise their interest level, giving you a larger hiring pool.

Lower the age requirement

States require that drivers be 18 to get their commercial driver’s license. If your drivers only operate in-state but you have the age requirement set at 21, lowering the minimum to this age can help you get more interested drivers. Your efforts may be even easier if you’re hiring between April and July as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that it is during these months that the youth labor force (which applies to those between 16 and 24 years of age) is actively looking for work.

Offer driving school incentives

Another way to spark interest in driving is to offer potential drivers incentives to help them get the schooling they need to work in this position.

One option is to cover the entire cost of driving school for qualified applicants with the understanding that they must work for you for a specified period of time or they have to pay some or all of the cost back.

If this expense is too hefty for your company, even paying half or giving new hires a certain dollar amount can help. Whatever the incentive, if they must work a certain amount of time in return, put the agreement in writing before they even start the schooling.

This helps prevent the scenario where they leave before their time is up and you’re still left paying the costs.

Embrace diversity

Take a look at your recruiting materials. Do they feature only one or maybe two demographics? If so, you may be missing others who might be interested in driving truck yet don’t apply because it doesn’t appear that you’re looking for someone with their background, ethnicity, or other life experiences.

Update your recruiting materials to represent all different types of people to show that your company welcomes drivers from diverse backgrounds. At the same time, update your other marketing materials as well (your website, brochures, etc.).

This shows interested applicants that diversity is a part of your company culture, which can increase their desire to apply.

Tap into subcultures

Some people have a genuine interest in trucks but may have never thought about driving for a living. Finding and connecting with these individuals can provoke them to consider turning their interest into an occupation.

Where do you look for these types of people? There are a few different subcultures to consider.

Individuals who enjoy monster trucks, for instance, might be a good place to try. Advertise your positions at a local monster truck rally, calling on interested applicants to apply. If you have a local racetrack, this is another option too.

Look at all the places in your area where people with an interest in trucks might go and advertise your job openings there.

It’s often said that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. While that may be true, you can make the horse thirsty. These are just a few ideas that can make potential drivers thirsty for the driving positions that you need to fill.

Want more recruitment tips? Check out our recruitment content library. 

Best audiobooks to fill your driving time

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

One of the challenges of being a driver is that your time behind the wheel can sometimes feel long. You can only listen to the same songs or radio commentary for so long before you start to feel stuck in a time loop. And if you turn the radio off, the silence can be deafening. The solution? Audiobooks.

Audiobooks help pass the time by providing the opportunity to become engrossed in a great story, listen to the life events that shaped someone of interest or learn about a topic you’d love to know more about. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to pick.

To help with that, here are the winners of the 2022 Audie Awards—awards issued by the Audio Publishers Association—which were released Friday, March 4, 2022, giving you a good place to start.

  • Audiobook of the Year: Project Hail Mary, written by Andy Weir
  • Audio Drama: Sherlock Holmes – The Seamstress of Peckham Rye, written by Jonathan Barnes
  • Autobiography or Memoir: Somebody’s Daughter, written by Ashley C. Ford
  • Best Female Narrator: The Parted Earth, written by Anjali Enjeti
  • Best Male Narrator: Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World, written by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
  • Business or Personal Development: Machiavelli for Women, written by Stacey Vanek Smith (who also narrates it)
  • Español – Spanish Language: La casa de Bernarda Alba, written by Federico García Lorca
  • Faith-Based Fiction or Non-Fiction: The Gift of Black Folk, written by W.E.B. Du Bois
  • Fantasy: Rhythm of War, written by Brandon Sanderson
  • Fiction: The Revival of Opal & Nev, written by Dawnie Walton
  • History or Biography: Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other, written by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish (who also narrate it)
  • Humor: How Y’all Doing?, written by Leslie Jordan (who also narrates it)
  • Literary Fiction and Classics: All Creatures Great and Small, written by James Herriot
  • Middle Grade: Playing the Cards You’re Dealt, written by Varian Johnson
  • Multi-Voiced Performance: Heresy, written by Melissa Lenhardt
  • Mystery: Later, written by Stephen King
  • Narration by the Author: A Promised Land, written by Barack Obama (who, obviously, also narrates it)
  • Non-Fiction: The Joy of Sweat, written by Sarah Everts
  • Original Work: Heroine, written by Mary Jane Wells
  • Romance: Reel: Hollywood Renaissance, Book 1, written by Kennedy Ryan
  • Science Fiction: Project Hail Mary, written by Andy Weir
  • Short Stories and Collections: Blackout, written by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon
  • Thriller or Suspense: Local Woman Missing, written by Mary Kubica
  • Young Adult: Be Dazzled, written by Ryan La Sala
  • Young Listeners: I and I Bob Marley, written by Tony Medina

Pick a title or two that sound interesting to you or a genre that you would normally read and you may notice that your time on the road goes by quicker. You might even find yourself excited to start the workday because you’re at a good chapter in the book!

If you haven’t already downloaded an audiobook app, you may also be wondering which one to use. Your options include Audible (provided by Amazon), Audiobooks.com, Google Play Books, B&N Audiobooks (provided by Barnes & Noble), and Scribd. All of these apps charge a subscription fee, though Google Play Books does offer some selections for free.

Want more to listen to while driving? Check out our playlist library. 

How can you show your drivers appreciation?

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

Driving a truck can be a rewarding career, but it also has its challenges. It can get lonely being by yourself all day, stress can rise in bad weather or with other drivers who don’t follow the laws of the road, and finding a good meal or clean bathroom isn’t always an easy task.

So, if you’re looking for ways to tell your drivers that you appreciate them and all that they do for your company, here are a few options.

Be vocal about why you value them

Harvard Business Review highlighted an important distinction between giving an employee recognition and giving them appreciation. To recognize them is to give them positive feedback for something they did. Conversely, to appreciate them is to give them positive feedback on who they are. Tell your drivers what you value about them as a person. When you do this, it can positively impact their feelings of self-worth, says Harvard. It also improves your relationship with them and the entire workplace culture.

Share your appreciation on social media

A Truckers News survey found that 82% of drivers are on social media. Facebook is used the most by truckers (63% of drivers), making this a good platform for sharing your appreciation. Create a post that spotlights the driver and the value they provide. Let the rest of the world know not just what a great driver they are, but how they shine as a person.

Give them something to make their days more enjoyable

Since spending a lot of time on the road isn’t always easy, give them something that will make their hours at work more enjoyable. One option is to offer a free subscription to SiriusXM radio or an audiobook club. You can also make their days more physically enjoyable by providing them with lumbar supports to prevent back pain while driving or seat heaters to help relax their tight, sore muscles.

Create driver care packages

Imagine walking into work one morning, only to be handed a gift bag full of items designed to say, “We appreciate you.” This can add some pep in your step and start your day out on the right foot. Create these types of care packages for your drivers, making them feel as special as if it were their birthday. Items to consider include refillable water bottles, individually packaged snacks, candies, hand sanitizer, little notepads and calendars.

Provide a free meal

All drivers need to eat. And what can make a mid-shift meal even better? If someone else pays for it. Every so often, give your drivers gift cards for food stops along their routes. You can make this token of appreciation mean even more if you get with them beforehand and ask about their favorite stops. Or you can give them the ability to eat pretty much anywhere with a gift Visa or Mastercard. Another option is to have a restaurant or eatery create grab-and-go lunch bags that your drivers can take with them before they start their shift.

Offer them a family experience

If your drivers are working long days and spending a lot of time away from home, they might appreciate a gift that enables them to have more quality time with the people they love. You can do this on a larger scale by planning a family event at a local venue, giving your drivers, their spouses and kids the opportunity to have fun and unwind with other drivers and their families. Alternatively, a couple of free tickets to a nearby theme park or entertainment venue would enable them to enjoy more time with their families on their own.

Learn more ways to get your drivers to stay with your company here.

4 exercises perfect for truck drivers

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults get a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week, along with two or more full-body strength training sessions. If this amount of activity feels overwhelming, the guidelines add that doing any physical activity offers health benefits.

Just as construction workers benefit from doing side bends and hamstring stretches, and nurses benefit from squats and lunges, there are a few exercises that are perfect for truck drivers. These can be done off the road or during rest breaks to help counteract the effects of sitting for long periods of time.

Here are four to consider, as well as the advantages they provide.

Running or walking

The great thing about running and walking is that you can do them anywhere. All you need is a pair of athletic shoes and you are good to go. Both of these activities can get your heart rate going, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. You also tend to feel better mentally after a walk or a run.

And if you do these cardio activities outside, you can increase your vitamin D levels naturally thanks to the sun’s rays. Vitamin D helps keep your bones and muscles strong. It also bolsters your immune system, making it more resilient against the latest bug or cold.

Whenever you stop for a break or lunch, take a little walk, run, or jog around the area first. Hitting the pavement or trails after a long day behind the wheel is also a good way to get rid of the stress that has built up while on the road.

Shoulder shrugs

It’s not uncommon for drivers to hold tension in the shoulder area. If this tension continues to build without being released, you may notice tightness or tenderness in this area. This can make the workday feel even longer.

Sit upright in a seat and pull your shoulders back down. Then lift the shoulders toward your ears, as if someone asked you a question and you don’t know the answer. Hold for a few seconds before lowering the shoulders back down. Do this a couple of times to get your shoulders to relax.

Hand stretches

Just as the shoulders can get tight and tense when driving all day, resulting in pain and stiffness, the same is true for your hands. Your hands are constantly engaged as a trucker, whether holding the wheel, assisting with a turn, or shifting the truck. Take a few minutes several times a day to give them a bit of relief.

One hand stretch to try is pulling the top of the fingers back toward your body, holding them in this position for a few seconds. Another is to make a fist, then release the fist, straighten your fingers, and try to extend and spread the fingers as much as possible. Do this a couple of times every so often to get your hand muscles to relax.

Squats

Spend all day in a sitting position and you’ll likely feel it in your legs. This is partly due to the blood flow being restricted to the lower body after long periods spent in one position. You can get the blood flowing again by doing a few squats when you get out of the truck.

When doing squats, imagine that you are about to sit back and down onto a chair. Lower your body while keeping your back straight. This exercise is also good for building core strength, which helps support good posture when spending a lot of time behind the wheel.

As always, minimize distractions while driving and safety first, so please only do these exercises when out of your vehicle during rest breaks or off the road.

Want more lifestyle tips? Check out our content library for drivers here. 

Weight loss tips for truck drivers

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

Research indicates that as many as 53% of truck drivers are overweight, with up to 70% being classified as obese. Carrying excess weight increases your risk of developing major health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Studies have also connected obesity with an increased risk of a crash for drivers, along with sustaining more serious injuries and an elevated risk of death should a crash occur.

This makes losing weight especially important for those who earn a living by driving truck, improving both your health and safety while on the road. If you’re a truck driver interested in losing a few excess pounds, here are a few tips that can help.

Start your day with movement

Driving truck is a fairly sedentary job. To help combat the amount of time you spend sitting behind the wheel, do some type of physical activity at the beginning of your day. This might involve getting on the treadmill for a couple of minutes after you wake up, doing a few jumping jacks or sit-ups while waiting for your coffee to brew or walking in place while you watch the morning news.

Starting your day with movement raises your metabolism a bit, making it easier to lose weight. It also provides a feeling of accomplishment, which can propel you to continue to make healthier choices as you go about your day.

Find little ways to get more active

It isn’t always easy to stick to a dedicated exercise program. It can be even harder if you don’t enjoy working out. One way around this is to find ways to be more physically active throughout the day instead of focusing on a 30 or 60-minute exercise session that you never seem to find the time (or the energy) to complete.

Incorporate three 10-minute activity sessions into your day and you will have exercised 30 minutes by the time your day is done. You can do this by taking short walks on your breaks or lunch stop. Alternatively, do some type of movement 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes at night if you struggle to find time during your workday.

Pack your lunch

It is incredibly easy to take in a lot of fat and calories if your main food source during the day is fast food restaurants or other quick-eating food joints. You can avoid the temptation of these types of meals by packing your lunch and taking it with you. This provides maximum control over your diet while also including the foods that you enjoy most.

Healthy lunch and snack ideas include:

  • Turkey sandwich on whole-wheat bread with lettuce, tomato, and mustard
  • Lettuce and spinach salad with grilled chicken, cucumbers, carrots and low-cal Italian dressing
  • Shredded chicken mixed with low-fat mayo and relish, served on whole-wheat bread or a bed of lettuce
  • Fresh veggies and hummus
  • Fresh fruit
  • Apple and a tablespoon of nut butter
  • A handful of unsalted almonds

For more snack ideas, click here. 

Make your takeout healthier

If packing your lunch is great in theory but you know upfront that you won’t do it, you can at least minimize the damage to your waistline by setting a few guidelines when eating out. For instance, while it may be tempting to supersize your meal, stick with regular serving sizes to save yourself the additional fat and calories.

Also, look for ways to increase the veggies in your meal, such as substituting fries for a side salad or loading your sandwich with more vegetables than meat or cheese. This helps increase the volume of the meal, which helps improve satiety while also providing a good dose of fiber, which contributes to a healthier digestive tract and can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Losing weight in a largely sedentary job isn’t always easy but it is possible. And it provides a lot of benefits for truck drivers particularly, from better health to potentially reducing your crash risk.

Want more lifestyle tips? Check out our content library for drivers here. 

The ultimate guide to the top CDL schools

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

You’ve decided that you want to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) but aren’t sure which school to attend to learn the skills necessary to obtain this designation. You may be asking yourself, “What are the best CDL schools near me?”

Certainly, there are many factors to consider, some of which include the quality of the training, the cost, the hours involved and more.

To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top CDL schools in the nation. They are:

Sage Truck Driving Schools

Sage Truck Driving Schools has 23 locations across the U.S., from Florida to New York to Washington to Texas. It offers three training programs:

  • Comprehensive Tractor-Trailer Driver Training – for students with no prior knowledge or experience in truck driving; 150-160 hours of instruction over 4-5 weeks
  • Commercial Driver’s License Essentials – for students with no or minimal driving experience; includes classroom instruction, labs, and driving time on both a practice range and public roads
  • Advanced Class A CDL Training – for students with some experience or training; 80 hours of instruction with 30 hours drive time over 2-3 weeks

Sage’s student-to-truck ratio is one-to-one and it offers classes both during the day and at night. If you need help covering the cost of training, financing options are available.

To apply, you must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license with a driving record that contains no serious violations, a DOT physical and be able to pass a drug screen.

Roadmaster Drivers School

Roadmaster Drivers School has 17 locations nationwide, with options in Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, Nebraska and more. It offers one CDL course which, upon completion, provides the qualifications needed to earn your Class A CDL license.

At Roadmaster, you will complete 180 training hours. This training begins in the classroom and covers topics such as basic vehicle safety, hazard awareness and pre-trip inspections. Next is driving training, which includes working on your backing skills and real-world driving.

To qualify, you need a valid driver’s license and must be able to pass a drug screen. Financing is available if needed (and if you qualify). The school also provides access to recruiters from trucking companies to discuss opportunities available, in addition to providing job placement assistance through its Career Services division.

HDS Truck Driving Institute

HDS Truck Driving Institute offers accredited CDL training in Tucson, Arizona. You can choose between two different training programs:

  • Class A & B License CDL Training Program – a more comprehensive training program that includes both classroom and yard training; also includes three endorsements: tank, doubles/triples and hazardous material
  • Class B License CDL Driver Training Program – complete your training in just four weeks; includes classroom instruction, yard training and hands-on road training; includes a passenger endorsement

Daytime, evening and weekend classes are available. After completing a CDL training program at HDS, you can do a paid externship with a qualified trucking company (if you qualify). Financial aid is available and the school offers job placement and career planning assistance.

To apply, you must be at least 21-years-old by the time the training is complete if you want an interstate license or 18 if you want an intrastate license, possess a high school diploma or GED and have at least one consecutive year of driving experience with a standard operator’s license.

Midwest Technical Institute

Midwest Technical Institute is another accredited school that offers CDL training. This program is provided at its Springfield, Missouri location. It takes 20 days to complete and includes 168 hours of training (40 in the classroom, 16 on the range, 16 over-the-road, and 96 hours of remedial training).

Both daytime and evening classes are available and, in addition to obtaining the skills necessary to earn your CDL, you will also learn more about defensive driving, shipping and receiving, and life on the road.

Financial assistance is not available for the CDL training course offered by Midwest. Application requirements are not provided on the institute’s website.

Questions to ask before choosing a CDL school

If you’re looking for the best CDL school for you, it helps to do your research before making your final decision. Look at the school’s website and social media pages, read reviews from others who’ve attended that school and make sure it provides the schooling you want.

To help with this, here are a few questions you may want to answer:

  • Is the school accredited?
  • Is the school certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute or Commercial Vehicle Training Association?
  • How long is the program?
  • What is the drive time?
  • What is the student-to-truck ratio?
  • How old are the trucks?
  • What is the cost?
  • Is financing available?
  • Does the school help with post-graduation job placement?

The more you know about the school and what it offers, the greater your ability to decide the best school for you! 

Interested in driving for Centerline? Learn more about our company or check out our open jobs here. 

3 ways to attract more female truck drivers to your company

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

Taking action to attract more women drivers offers companies many benefits. One, it helps reduce the impact of the current driver shortage, which American Trucking Associations warns could go from being around 61,000 short at the end of 2018 to 160,000 short by 2028.

Drawing more women into the truck driver role is also good from a financial standpoint. According to research published in the journal Management Science, when the number of women on the team increases, so do profits (up to the 50% mark). Conversely, teams with fewer women than men tend to have lower sales and profits.

While all of this is great, truck driving jobs don’t always appeal to women. What can you do to change this, increasing your number of female truck drivers?

1.  Create a workplace that appeals to women

You can’t expect women to walk into the ultimate bachelor pad and feel right at home. The same general principle applies in the workplace. If you want them to be excited to work for your company, you need to create an environment in which they feel welcome.

Since their primary work environment will be in the truck, consider what you can do to make this a more female-friendly place to be. For example, one study found that, when compared to men, women spend more time on their phones while on the road. Equipping your trucks with hands-free calling would likely appeal to this demographic of drivers.

Data provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reveals that women tend to be more focused on safety than men. So, keeping your trucks in good (and safe) working order is another way to appeal to these drivers’ general safety sense.

Think about what you can do to make the outside-of-the-truck environment more attractive as well. Create driving routes that give ample bathroom stops to better handle women’s unique physical needs (namely, monthly periods). And if there is a particular aspect of the job that women may struggle with more than men, come up with solutions that allow them to hold this role while still getting the job done.

2.  Think about your women drivers when it comes to benefits too

Another way to attract more female truck drivers is to offer benefits that many women would love to have at work. Options to potentially include are:

  • Equal pay, so they earn the same rate as their male counterparts
  • Child care benefits, either by offering services in-house or by partnering with a local child care agency that can work around a driver’s typical schedule
  • Flexible work schedules to better handle their outside obligations, such as getting children to school or taking them to medical appointments
  • Maternity leave that provides enough time off for the new mother to care for her infant child without feeling as if she has to rush back to work
  • Sick leave, for the female employees who are also trying to care for sick or elderly parents or spouses

3. Use recruiting materials that speak to women drivers

Take a look at your current recruiting materials. Do any of them really speak to women? Do you use images of women drivers, for instance? And if you currently have female truck drivers on staff, do you highlight any of them in your recruiting pamphlets, posters, or videos?

The more you can help women picture themselves driving for your company, the more effective your efforts will be. Don’t use just one woman in your recruiting materials, either. Use a variety of women, including all different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Aim to speak to women from numerous backgrounds. Let them know that you want them and the uniqueness that they bring.

Centerline was voted one of the top transportation companies to work for as a woman. Read more about this award here.

How much does truck driver turnover cost?

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

In a perfect world, a driver would be hired, stay with the same company the entire length of their career, then retire happily to enjoy the fruits of their labor. But this isn’t reality.

Drivers leave their positions all the time. Sometimes it is because they’ve put in years of service and are ready to retire. Other times, they’ve secured a driving job someplace else or, in some cases, they’ve decided to leave the transportation industry completely and enter a new field. No matter what the reason, driver turnover comes at a cost.

Average cost of truck driver turnover

Every company has a different number for turnover costs, but one study conducted by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute estimates that the average cost to replace a driver is $8,234. Some companies paid less and others paid more, with a range of $2,243 to $20,729 per driver replacement.

What type of expenses contribute to driver turnover costs? Here are a few to consider.

Recruiting costs

Do you place ads when looking for a new driver? Or maybe you pay to post a listing on internet-based job search platforms. Certainly, there are no-cost ways to recruit new drivers—such as asking current employees for referrals or hanging a help wanted sign in the window—but these are limited in reach.

If you want to get the broadest pool of applicants possible, this often requires paying for increased exposure via an advertisement of some type. Advertise in multiple places and these costs go up.

Hiring costs

Hiring a new truck driver can be a lengthy process. The more comprehensive you are in researching potential applicants’ qualifications and interviewing the candidates you’d like to learn more about, the more time this process takes.

While it’s certainly beneficial to make sure you bring the right driver on board, you’re also paying current staff to sift through the applications, screen qualified candidates based on your criteria, and conduct the necessary interviews. If you have a high driver turnover rate, this payout can quickly add up.

When considering your hiring costs, think about how many hours it takes your staff to perform these tasks. Additionally, is the hiring process putting them behind with their other work, causing them to work overtime? If so, there may be even more costs associated with the time it takes to bring a new driver on board.

Testing and screening costs

Once you’ve selected the driver you want, you transition into testing and screening costs. This might include costs associated with pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, securing the desired candidate’s driving record, and conducting a criminal record search. Each of these screening measures costs money.

Although it may be money well spent, it still adds to your total driver turnover costs. So, these expenses must be considered when calculating how much you spend to fill an open driving position.

Training costs

Congratulations! The job candidate has passed the screening process. Now it’s time to train that employee which, again, comes at a cost.

New hires that have minimal driving experience will generally require more training time. If you decide to hire someone with no experience, the company may pay to send them to training. Truck driving school can cost thousands of dollars per attendee.

Even experienced drivers must be trained to a certain extent to teach them about the company’s processes and procedures when it comes to the transportation and delivery of goods. Every hour (or day) a current employee spends providing this training adds to driver turnover costs.

Sitting product costs

If one driver leaves, the company may be able to rearrange the other drivers’ schedules to help cover the transport and delivery of the open position’s goods. But if you lose several drivers at a time or are operating with minimal drivers to begin with, this can lead to sitting product costs.

Delayed delivery means delayed payment for the goods being delivered. If this becomes a regular occurrence, products not being delivered on time can result in losing customers. They might choose to do business elsewhere to ensure that they get their goods as promised.

So, not only can it cost a company to have goods with no movement, but the damage this can do to its reputation has a ripple effect that can negatively affect profits well into the future – sometimes having a permanent impact.

Concerned about your driver turnover cost?

If you’re concerned about your driver turnover costs, contact Centerline today. Our streamlined solutions are designed to fully handle the recruitment and management of your driving staff.

These solutions can also help reduce turnover as we have a 96% retention rate for drivers. 

Curious what the cost of a sitting truck costs you? Download our free infographic to see what not having a driver could cost your business.

Top podcasts to listen to when truck driving

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

Even if you love driving truck, there are times when each mile can feel like the last. One way to occupy your mind on days like this is to listen to podcasts. Podcasts help to keep your mind engaged while educating or entertaining you along the way.

Here, we provide some of the top podcasts to listen to when driving a truck, whether you want something industry-related or totally off-topic.

Trucking-related podcasts

If you like to learn more about what is going on in the field of trucking, here are a few podcasts that you may want to start following.

  • Talk CDL Trucking Podcast. The Talk CDL Trucking Podcast covers several topics, from the best trucking brands to stories of how some drivers have handled disagreements on the road. These 40 to 60-minute podcasts are sure to both educate and entertain. A new episode is released weekly, so you can easily stay updated on what is happening in the world of trucking from the comfort of your cab.
  • The Lead Pedal Podcast. The goal of The Lead Pedal Podcast is to increase your success in the transportation industry. From tips on how to save money on truck parts to inside interviews with driving trainers and veterans of the road, you have a huge selection of episodes centered around the area that interests you most. Each one is designed to raise your education and awareness as a driver, hopefully providing greater levels of success within this career path.
  • What the Truck?!? Looking for a podcast that interviews some of the biggest players in the trucking industry? Then you may want to listen to What the Truck?!? Each episode features a different interviewee, some of whom are company CEOs, fellow trickers, brokers, and more. This gives you insight into a variety of opinions within the field, each coming at a topic from a different viewpoint.
  • The Trucking Podcast. Another industry-related listening option is The Trucking Podcast. New episodes are released about once a month (sometimes less) and cover topics such as whether free load boards are worth it, truck breakdowns, and why big trucking companies broker out some loads. Each one is roughly 40 minutes in length.
  • Trucking After Hours. If you like a little banter in your podcasts, you may want to listen to Trucking After Hours. In each episode, a father and son duo share their thoughts about driving truck and life outside of work as a driver. They cover important topics such as staying healthy when behind the wheel all day, what it’s like to drive for musicians, and free truck driving negotiation tools. New episodes are released sporadically, but there are quite a few past episodes to tune into in the meantime.

Non-trucking podcasts

Do you prefer to occupy your mind with topics outside of the trucking industry during the workday? Here are a few to consider.

  • Crime Junkie Podcast. If you love true stories of criminals and their crimes, Crime Junkie Podcast is a great way to pass the time while going from one delivery to the next. Each episode focuses specifically on one crime or spotlights a certain criminal. Episodes cover missing persons, tales of murder, mysterious deaths, and more. What makes this podcast live up to its name is, not only does it delve into some of the most jaw-dropping crimes and the criminals behind them, but it also gives back to agencies devoted to helping crime victims as well as sending support directly to the victims and their families.
  • The Bill Simmons Podcast. This podcast covers a variety of sports, sometimes interviewing the athletes that play them. Listen to The Bill Simmons Podcast and you will gain insight from those in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. If you have a lot of time to drive, these episodes are great because many are around two hours in length.
  • What a Day. If you like to stay updated on what is going on in the world around you but find that the news is too heavy at times, the What a Day Podcast may be perfect for you. In each episode, the hosts break down some of the biggest news stories that day, yet in a humorous way. Who says the news has to be boring and dry? Not this crew!

Want more to listen to while you drive? Check out our collection of driving music playlists.

5 tips for veterans returning to the job market as truck drivers

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

If there’s one thing that we want you to get from this article as a veteran who is re-entering the workforce in a driving position, it is that we thank you for your service.

Second, we also want you to know that we are committed to making your transition from active duty service member to civilian driver a success. That’s why we wanted to share a few tips for returning veterans looking for trucking jobs that can make this process as seamless and as enjoyable as it can be.

#1: Remember that you have quite a few skills that already make you a good truck driver

If you’ve never worked as a commercial truck driver, the idea of entering this field may bring about some anxiety. However, it’s important to remember that a lot of your skills acquired in the military make you perfect for this type of position.

In addition to operating heavy equipment and larger vehicles, you’re also good at remaining calm in difficult circumstances, like an unexpected traffic backup when you’re facing a deadline. Plus, you know how to respond in emergency situations, such as if you witness a car accident. These experiences already make you a good fit for the job.

#2: You can count your time driving military vehicles toward your CDL

Typically, to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must pass a skills test. Under the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, as long as you’ve had two years’ experience safely operating military vehicles similar to those driven commercially, this portion of the test can be waived.

That is, as long as you apply within one year of having a military position that provided this driving experience. There are a few other requirements that have to be met as well, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that more than 19,000 current and former military personnel have already received this waiver so it may be worth checking into for you as well.

#3: The FAST Act provides veterans certain advantages

FAST stands for Fixing America’s Surface Transportation and this act was signed into legislation on December 4, 2015. In it, there are certain provisions for veteran drivers.

For instance, it offers time extensions if you’re applying for the skills waiver. It also enables you to get your Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification exam—which is needed for the CDL license—from the Department of Veterans Affairs if you wish.

#4: Continuing your fitness regimen may help

The military is known for getting service members in top shape. While it may not seem like it, driving truck is a physical job. From securing your load to constantly getting up into and down from the truck, retaining your higher level of fitness can make all of these actions easier.

This might involve working out before you even start driving or exercising as a way to wind down after a long day behind the wheel. You can also fit in little bouts of movement throughout the workday, such as doing a few jumping jacks every time you stop for a restroom break or jogging around the restaurant parking lot before eating lunch.

#5: If you feel like you’re lost or struggling, ask for help

Transitioning back into the workforce is a major change. So, it’s not unreasonable to think that there may be a few challenges along the way. If you’re finding that this transition is difficult or that you’re struggling with some aspects of it, reach out for help.

Talk to your supervisors or colleagues about what you’re feeling. There are so many people who are ready and willing to help guide you through the process. They can answer your questions, help you overcome obstacles, and create a more seamless and enjoyable experience.

Centerline is committed to helping our veterans in any way we can. Search for avaliable jobs here or get in contact with a member of our team to learn more about our company here. We appreciate your service and are here for you in return!

Having trouble recruiting truck drivers? A bit of creativity may help

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

The shortage of truck drivers has found its way into the news quite a bit lately, causing some of the top news sources to refer to current conditions as a “trucking crisis” or “critical driver shortage.”

While some blame the pandemic for making it hard to find and retain drivers, others credit an aging workforce and truck driver lifestyle. The Journal of Commerce adds that “nearly every period of economic growth is accompanied by a driver ‘shortage,’ including the recovery that began in 2009.”

No matter what the reason, if you employ truck drivers, you may be wondering what you can do to draw in more applicants. Here are a few ideas for recruiting truck drivers that extend beyond the same old advice to pay more, offer better benefits, or make your company a great place to work.

Post videos featuring your current drivers

If you have drivers who have a unique way of approaching their job, make short video clips featuring whatever it is they do. Let them share their talent with the world.

Not only does this show prospective drivers that you celebrate your employee’s individuality, but it also sparks interest in your company. Post these videos on your website and social media pages. Encourage others to like, comment, and share.

Create a FAQ webpage for interested applicants

One study found that, after reading a job post, 64% of candidates will research the company before deciding whether they’ll apply. If they’re unable to locate the information they want, it’s the end of the road for 37%.

To keep as many potential applicants engaged as you can, dedicate an entire page of your website to answering the questions that job seekers typically ask. Topics you may want to touch on include benefits, flexibility, growth opportunities, company values and culture, your management style, and any other things that come up often during the interview process.

Collaborate with other local businesses

Hold a recruiting drive on your own and you might not have many people show up. Partner with other local companies that are also hiring and not only are you more likely to draw a bigger crowd, but you might even spark the interest of a job seeker who didn’t know you were hiring or who hadn’t considered driving.

As a group, rent a local hall or meeting room. Draw up materials to market your recruitment event and ask everyone involved to share them via all of their marketing channels. Create even more buzz by sharing the event with local media (TV, radio, news) and inviting them to attend.

Reach out to an influencer

Find an influencer in the trucking industry and reach out to them to see if they are willing to assist you with your recruitment efforts. If you’re not familiar with this term, an influencer is a person, group, or business with a large social media following and, as a result, can influence their audience’s actions and decisions.

Maybe they could interview you about a hot trucking topic, giving you the ability to also talk about how you’re looking for new drivers. Or you could supply a blog post about a trucking-related topic which they then share online. Do a search for “trucking industry influencers” and contact one or two.

These are just a few options to consider. Hold a brainstorming session with your colleagues and see what other creative ideas you can come up with to recruit truck drivers. Try them out and you may find one that works!

If you are still having trouble recruiting, we can help. Our Centerline team are experts in finding the most qualified drivers for the job. Get in touch now to see how we can help your business. 

Tips for flatbed truck drivers to maximize safety and efficiency

Posted on by Christina DeBusk

The world relies on flatbed trucks to transport certain items from one location to another. This makes flatbed truck drivers critical to keeping our country up and running.

If you drive this type of truck, here are a few flatbed trucking tips that can help keep you and your load safe while maximizing your efficiency at the same time.

Keep your truck in park whenever your load is not secure

Of course, you never want to drive down the road with an unsecured load, whether you have an enclosed bed or not. Yet, you may be tempted to move your truck small distances before taking the steps needed to secure your load, such as to enable the next driver to take your spot and get his or her load while you tarp or strap up.

Moving your truck before the load is completely secured can create a couple of problems. For instance, even relatively small movements can cause your load to shift. Not only does this increase the risk of damage to the product but it is also a huge safety issue for anyone around your truck. In short, the only time your truck should leave park is after your load has been properly secured.

Know the rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for setting cargo securement rules. These rules apply to flatbed carriers involved in interstate commerce and are designed to increase safety while securing your loads, also reducing the potential for load shift during transit.

For example, one rule is that your load must be able to withstand certain levels of acceleration and deceleration (0.5 gravity acceleration in either a rearward or lateral direction and 0.8 gravity during deceleration). Another rule is that, if your trailer is equipped with rub rails, the tiedowns must be located inboard of these rails when practicable. Some rules relate to specific load types, such as if you are transporting logs, metal coils, concrete pipes, or heavy machinery.

The FMCSA publishes all of the cargo securement rules online so drivers have access to the most up-to-date requirements. Familiarizing yourself with these rules ensures that you are compliant with federal guidelines. It also keeps both you and your load safe during all stages of transport.

At the same time, it’s equally as important to know any rules set by your employer. Following these rules keeps you in good standing with the company. If you’re a new employee, ask your supervisor if there are any additional regulations you need to be aware of before setting out with your first load.

Develop the philosophy that “there’s no such thing as too much”

There are instances where you can have too much of something. Consume too much sodium and you risk developing high blood pressure. Drive too fast and you’ll likely get a speeding ticket. At the same time, there is some value in having the opposite philosophy when it comes to being a flatbed driver.

One way that this way of thinking can benefit you is when deciding how many straps or chains to use to secure your load. Using too few could lead to problems while there’s no real drawback to using more than you need. The latter also provides a greater level of security that your load is going to be okay even if one of the straps or chains fails.

Along the same lines, keeping extra straps and chains on hand can prevent you from being in a bind should one break. You simply grab a different one and you’re ready to go.

It may even be helpful to carry extra pieces of other equipment so you always have it on hand and accessible. This could include gloves, safety glasses, hard hats and any other items you use regularly as a flatbed truck driver.

Check, check and check again

The last thing you want to happen while transporting a load is to be driving down the road and look in your side mirror only to see the load falling off your truck. Or to be faced with a quick stop only to feel the load shift forward more than it should.

Make it a point to double-check your load before you get in the truck’s cab. If it’s helpful, develop a pre-transport checklist that you can use to ensure that you didn’t forget anything.

Additionally, take the time to stop within the first hour or so of your drive to check the load again. Verify that the straps, chains, and tarps are still in their proper place. If anything looks questionable, take the steps needed to rectify the issue so it doesn’t become a problem down the road.

Following these tips can help flatbed truck drivers maximize both safety and efficiency when transporting a load. This provides greater peace of mind and everyone on the road is safer because you choose to not only do your job but to do it well.

To learn more about driver safety and other truck driving safety tips, visit our content library here.