Author: Casey Nighbor

The State of Trucking 2021: A Centerline research study

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

So much has changed since our last survey. A global pandemic hit and changed life as we know it. With it came good shortages, a volatile economy and general uncertainty.

For trucking, it highlighted just how important trucks are to our economy. Truck drivers became even more critical as they helped move food, essential goods and medical supplies across the country.

Our second annual State of Trucking survey hoped to gather how the pandemic has impacted employers and drivers and what challenges they face outside of it.

We checked in with both employers and truck drivers to see how the pandemic, the driver shortage and changing regulations have impacted business. Our survey also covered peak season, recruiting and retaining drivers, wages in the industry and more.

We hope this survey offers valuable insight into where the industry stands and what challenges may emerge in the future.

Download our 2021 State of Trucking guide

State of Trucking 2021: A driver’s guide

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

So much has changed since our last survey. A global pandemic hit and changed life as we know it. With it came good shortages, a volatile economy and general uncertainty.

For trucking, it highlighted just how important trucks are to our economy. Truck drivers became even more critical as they helped move food, essential goods and medical supplies across the country.

Our second annual State of Trucking survey hoped to gather how the pandemic has impacted drivers and what challenges they face outside of it.

We checked in with truck drivers to see how the pandemic, the driver shortage and changing safety measures have impacted their lives.

See how you measure up against your peers, where the industry stands as a whole and what the future may bring.

Cleared2Drive serviced by Centerline Drivers

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Your driver compliance process can be complex, time consuming and expensive. It doesn’t have to be this way. Centerline can help remove complexities in your business by managing the compliance process of your drivers from start to finish.

Introducing Cleared2Drive serviced by Centerline. If you are ready to learn more about how we can help mitigate risk and ensure your drivers stay compliant, talk to an account representative today. 

Cleared2Drive serviced by Centerline Drivers [Info Sheet]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Your driver compliance process can be complex, time consuming and expensive. It doesn’t have to be this way. Centerline can help remove complexities in your business by managing the compliance process of your drivers from start to finish.

Introducing Cleared2Drive serviced by Centerline. If you are ready to learn more about how we can help mitigate risk and ensure your drivers stay compliant, talk to an account representative today. 

NPTC Safety Article- February 2021 -Managing Driver Fatigue

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Fatigue can result when you do not get enough sleep or quality sleep, being awake for many consecutive hours or not getting enough sleep over multiple days. Use these best practices on how to best manage driver fatigue.  

Stay up to date with the NPTC x Centerline Drivers Safety Newsletter with January’s article and recent announcement of our partnership!

Announcing our new Driver Safety Recognition Program

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Here at Centerline, our team takes pride in our drivers and ensuring the safety of those around them. We want to recognize our safest drivers that go above and beyond. Our new Driver Safety Recognition Program will reward drivers who make safety a priority.

Who is eligible?

You must be a current, active driver* at Centerline to be a part of this program. You must also work the entire quarter to be eligible for that reward period. Drivers hired after the start of a quarter will be eligible the following quarter for the program.

What are the safety requirements?

In order to be rewarded for safe driving, drivers must meet these requirements:

  • Be free of preventable accidents
  •  Must not violate any safety policies or procedures
  • All daily responsibilities must completed, such as pre and post trip inspections
  • Failure to report damages will disqualify driver from program entirely
  • Work the entire quarter

The following issues will prevent you from earning points within the program:

  • Failing a RSV Inspection
  • Having adverse incidents or remediation for accidents
  • Getting a violation by a local, state, or federal regulatory
  • Getting a violation per the company policy

What are the rewards?

At the beginning of each quarter, three Centerline drivers will be nominated and recognized through a quarterly bonus reward.

The prizes are:

  • 1st place: $1,250.00
  • 2nd place: $750.00
  • 3rd place:  $250.00

Each bonus will be paid out quarterly. The first-place winner will also be highlighted on Centerline’s website across all marketing and social channels and to your peers for your recognition.

How can I learn more?

Contact your local branch recruiting manager or our Service Center at (888) 213-7483 for any questions about the new program.

*In order to eligible for this program, you must be a flexible or mobile driver only

3 insights from our State of Trucking 2021 survey

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

It’s that time of year again for our State of Trucking survey—and everything feels different this time. The pandemic shook up the trucking industry in so many ways, from drastically increasing the need for truck cargo to stressing the supply chain.

And while the world seems to have changed, it has also stayed very much the same in some ways. All in all, our survey gave an interesting look into where the transportation industry stands right now and what the future may hold.

Here are three key insights from the survey.

1. 1 in 2 employers are having a difficult time filling truck driver jobs 

Half of employers are struggling to find enough truck drivers and sadly the pandemic has not made this better. It is the exact same percentage as last year’s survey. The reasons why may have changed slightly, but the pandemic has only made the driver shortage more obvious.

We’ve gathered some ideas on how to address the driver shortage here.

2. 63% of employers plan to increase safety measures at their organization

This should not be a huge surprise, but rather a relief. Safety has always been a priority in the trucking industry, and it is now even more important. Overall, companies have been proactive and diligent about keeping their drivers and customers safe.

Want to ensure your drivers are safe during COVID-19? Download our free cleaning checklist. Or trying to increase your general driver safety? Download our ultimate guide to driver safety for best practices.

3. 96% of employers think the launch of vaccine will have a positive or neutral impact within the trucking industry 

Most employers are optimistic about the vaccine’s impact on the trucking industry. Employers believe the vaccine will protect drivers and allow them to safety take on more work. This, in turn, will help businesses and grow the economy.

Download the full results from our State of Trucking research report here. 

Classical Drive [Playlist]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Sometimes you just need the soothing sounds of classical music while you drive. Take the edge off with this instrumental driving mix. 

Music is one of the best ways to keep yourself entertained, but the radio doesn’t always cut it. We’ve made Spotify playlists of some of our favorite happy driving songs for your listening pleasure.

If you’re not already a subscriber to Spotify, you can download the app for free on both iPhone and Android.

Enjoy this classical driving playlist. 

Fresh Start [Playlist]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Recently, times haven’t been the best. As an essential worker, you are most likely stressed and working overtime. We wanted to offer a small amount of joy to you in these hard times. 

Music is one of the best ways to keep yourself entertained, but the radio doesn’t always cut it. We’ve made Spotify playlists of some of our favorite happy driving songs for your listening pleasure.

If you’re not already a subscriber to Spotify, you can download the app for free on both iPhone and Android.

Enjoy this happier days ahead driving playlist. 

NPTC Safety Article- January 2021 -International Roadcheck Results

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

On September 9-11, 2020, federal and state motor carrier inspectors conducted more than 50,000 North American Standard Level I, II, III and V inspections during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) three-day International Roadcheck commercial motor vehicle and driver inspection and enforcement initiative. Overall, one out of five vehicles were placed out-of-service in North America. The rate for Level I, II and V Inspections combined was 20.9% — slightly higher than we’ve seen in the past few years.

International Roadcheck is an annual 72-hour inspection and enforcement event to identify and remove unsafe commercial motor vehicles and drivers from roadways.


Digging deeper into the results allows us to better understand the critical vehicle inspection item out-of-service and driverrelated violations. 

Delivery Drivers [Info Sheet]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

As e-commerce explodes, the demand for non-commercial delivery drivers is growing. To meet the growing needs of the transportation industry, we have expanded our offering to delivery driver staffing. We offer driver recruitment expertise to find the right fit for you, and our drivers.

CSA point values: What do drivers and employers need to know?

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Compliance, Safety and Accountability Points (CSA Points) were created to ensure that drivers and their employers comply with safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Anytime a violation occurs, points are assessed and added to a fleets’ overall score. Points range from 1 to 10 with 1 being the lowest.

Why you should care

CSA points remain on a drivers’ individual record for up to 36 months. While it is unlikely the FMSCA will take action against a driver, a high score could impact your job search.

Driver points are added to a fleets’ overall CSA score—fleets strive to have the lowest CSA score to ensure they receive a high ranking from the FMCSA. Fleets will be unlikely to hire a driver who they deem a safety risk.

How do you earn points? 

Because CSA Points could impact a driver’s job search, it is important that drivers understand CSA violations and the points associated with them.

There are 5 major categories of CSA Point violations that truck drivers need to be aware of:

  1. Driving Violations: Everything from speeding to failing to meet physical qualifications are covered in this category.
  2. E-Log and/or EOBR Violations: Failure to submit electronic on-board computer information can affect your CSA score in this category.
  3. Hours of Service Violations: Operating a vehicle fatigued or failing to comply with HOS rules will earn you serious violations.
  4. Mobile Device Violations: Using a mobile phone, whether speaking or texting, could cost you 10 points.
  5. Paperwork Violations: Failure to ensure your license or logs are up-to-date and correct could cost you anywhere from 1 to 8 points.

There are also points categories of vehicle maintenance, drug/alcohol and hazardous materials violations . 

For a more detailed outline of the violations can be found online. Review this outline, and never hesitate to reach out to Centerline for help understanding these violations.