If trucks stopped moving even for a day, the impact would be felt by every single American. But sometimes you need a little help finding the perfect driver for local routes.
That’s where Centerline Drivers comes in
Author: Casey Nighbor
NPTC Safety Article- June 2024 -Maintaining Composure on the roads
As a professional driver, you work daily on poorly maintained and overcrowded roads and highways. You often encounter other motorists who lack common courtesy, are distracted, or are compromised in some other way.
These behaviors are a breeding ground for aggressive driving. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, aggressive driving is defined as any unsafe driving behavior performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety.
When you are confronted with an aggressive driver or road rage, how should you respond?
Accidents on the rise: 6 essential safety tips for truck drivers
In recent years, road accidents involving trucks have been on the rise, posing significant risks to both drivers and other road users.
Reports from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System showed fatalities increased more than 10% from 2020. Over 42,900 lives were lost—the highest total number recorded since 2005.
Our 2024 State of Trucking added to this worrying trend with a concerning 60% of drivers say they do not feel safe on the road today from everything from other drivers on the road to driving in unsafe areas.
Truck drivers, who spend long hours on the road, face unique safety challenges. Here are 6 ways to help reduce accidents.
- Prioritize adequate rest
Ensure you get enough sleep before hitting the road and take regular breaks during long journeys to combat fatigue. Follow regulations regarding hours of service to avoid driving while excessively tired.
- Minimize distractions
Keep electronic devices out of reach while driving and avoid engaging in activities that divert your attention. But more than just your phone, eating or navigating can also pull your focus away from what’s happening on the road. Pull over to a safe location if you need to do any activity that requires your attention.
- Maintain your vehicle
Conduct pre-trip inspections to check for any signs of wear or mechanical issues. Regular inspections are a proven way to avoid not only accident-causing issues on the road but also delays. Address any maintenance concerns quickly and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before starting your journey.
- Adjust driving to weather conditions
It’s always a good idea to exercise caution when driving in adverse weather conditions. Reduce speed, increase following distance and use headlights and windshield wipers as needed to maintain visibility.
- Follow traffic laws and watch for work zones
This should go without saying but always adhere to speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, and use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. Avoid aggressive driving behaviors and prioritize safety over haste. This goes double for work zones.
- Stay vigilant
Continuously scan the road for potential hazards, including other vehicles, pedestrians and road obstructions. Using the Smith System recommendations can help you stay alert and focused on the task of driving at all times.
As road accidents involving trucks continue to increase, truck drivers must prioritize safety and adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks on the road. By prioritizing safety on the road, you can help do your part to reduce
As a truck driver, it’s your job to keep things safe on the road. It’s not just a matter of making safety a priority, it’s your responsibility to uphold it.
Your complete guide to centerline’s mobile solution
The transportation landscape has shifted rapidly in the past few years and businesses are scrambling to keep up. Couple that with a driver shortage and you have a recipe for disaster. But Centerline is here to help.
And for many customers, our Mobile solution is the perfect fit for the challenges you face each day. But what is Mobile and how can it help your business?
This short guide dives into this unique solution and how our expert teams are ready to help you keep your business moving forward.
NPTC Safety Article- May 2024 -Buckle Up
Every year, thousands of people die in vehicle crashes because they are not wearing a seat belt. In 2020, more than 38,000 people died on the road—a 7% increase from 2019. In that same year, in accidents involving commercial vehicles, nearly 5,000 people died and more than 146,000 were injured.
According to surveys conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 14% of all commercial motor vehicle drivers do not wear a seat belt. In fatal crashes, approximately 50% of large truck occupants who did not wear seat belts lost their lives.
Federal regulations require commercial vehicle drivers to buckle up. So why are drivers not using seat belts? Frankly, there are a lot of myths out there. Let’s set the record straight.
Navigating Safely – Pedestrian Safety
At Centerline your safety is our number one priority. In this video, learn how to operate safely, even when pedestrians and other non-motorists may be unaware of what it takes to operate a big rig.
5 easy pre-trip inspection tips
Ensuring safety and compliance with regulations is paramount for truck drivers. A good way to keep safety top of mind is to always (always!) conduct a pre-trip inspection. Inspections eliminate downtime, violations and mitigate incidents on the road.
Here are 5 quick tips to conduct your inspections with ease.
- Establish a routine
The best way to always be able to complete all the necessary inspection steps is to establish a consistent process. Knowing the step-by-step process backward and forward means you can complete your inspections faster and more efficiently each time.
- Address issues quickly
Inspections are only useful if the vehicle defects or deficiencies are noted and corrected. It’s crucial that you notify someone if any problems are found so they can be fixed as soon as possible.
- Check it twice
This is not the time to second guess. It’s okay (and a good idea!) to double-check or triple-check the pre or post-trip inspection items if you are unsure of what you previously checked. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Inspect yourself too
You are also an important part of the inspection process.
Ask yourself:
- How are you feeling?
- How is your attitude?
- Are you distracted?
- Keep it clean
A clean and well-maintained truck not only reflects professionalism but also increases safety. Keep the exterior and interior of your truck clean and free from clutter. Ensure that cargo and loose items in your cab are properly secured.
By following these five easy tips, truck drivers can prepare effectively and increase their safety on the road.
Watch our pre-inspection video here.
The Mobile Drivers Difference: A Q&A with Virginia Barragan, Manager of Centerline Mobile
At Centerline, our people make everything possible. Our Mobile Driver solution allows us to temporarily relocate experienced, reliable drivers to high-need markets and remote locations where the driver pool is small.
We spoke with Virginia Barragan, Manager of Mobile Services, to learn more about what makes Mobile different and how our team brings this unique solution to life.
- What’s your background and how did you get into this business?
I have nearly three decades of experience in transportation, with about half of that time dedicated to staffing. My journey began in the freight brokerage sector, overseeing operations for truckload, LTL, rail, OTR, and air freight. I invested numerous years in this industry, even owning my own brokerage firm for several years. Roughly two decades ago, I made the transition to Centerline, where I’ve been stationed, aside from a brief hiatus focused on startups within the staffing industry. I’m currently managing the mobile division for Centerline.
- How many drivers does your team support and how do you match drivers?
Our Mobile team has an amazing pool of drivers that we connect with jobs across the country.
Typically, we manage a pool of drivers between 100-150 on average during peak seasons.
Depending on client demands, our team could have close to 200 drivers operational at any given time.
The Mobile team dedicates itself to meticulously matching our drivers’ skill sets with our customers’ requirements. We ensure that our drivers possess the necessary experience and expertise to excel in their assignments. Our priority is to equip them with all pertinent information and details to ensure their success on-site with our clients.
Depending on client demands, our team could have various drivers with tanker, hazmat, flatbed, multiple-stop delivery, and over-the-road skills in our pool at any given time.
- What do you love most about your role?
What I cherish most about collaborating with the Mobile team is our ability to offer job opportunities to our drivers. This isn’t just about work; it’s about supporting their families and ensuring their well-being. It’s incredibly rewarding to forge connections with these drivers, hear their stories, and match them with roles they genuinely enjoy. This aspect of our work holds immense power and impact.
I also find immense joy in being part of the Centerline team. The culture here, fostered by both the leadership and the Mobile team, is truly exceptional and unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. There’s a remarkable willingness among our team members to support one another, our drivers, and our clients. We stand united to tackle challenges and ensure tasks are completed, and I believe this camaraderie reflects in the satisfaction of our drivers and customers.
- What makes mobile different from other solutions?
The Mobile division at Centerline stands out for several reasons, with the exceptional quality of our drivers being paramount. Consistently, our customers highlight the professionalism and skill of our drivers as unparalleled in their experience. I’m proud to say that our team puts in considerable effort to recruit top talent in the industry. Moreover, our Mobile team distinguishes itself by going the extra mile in communication with both our customers and drivers. This dedication truly sets us apart and makes a significant difference in our service delivery.
- What’s one thing you wish people knew about mobile?
One thing I really wish more people knew is just how dedicated our Mobile drivers are. Every single day, I witness their unwavering commitment to their roles and the immense dedication they bring to their jobs. These drivers sacrifice a lot, often spending weeks or even months away from their families while on assignments. Not only that, but they also face a wide array of challenges, constantly having to adapt to different types of assignments. One week they might be behind the wheel of a flatbed truck, and the next they could be delivering food services. While this diversity keeps their skill sets sharp, it can also be incredibly challenging to navigate these varied experiences while being away from home. Yet, despite these obstacles, our drivers handle it all with incredible grace and professionalism. Their resilience and dedication truly deserve more recognition.
Thank you Virginia for being the absolute champion of Mobile. The expertise you bring to the team and to our drivers is unmatched.
To learn more about our Mobile solution or request Mobile drivers, get in touch with our team here.
The Mobile Drivers Customer Experience: A Q&A with Jennifer Overmyer, VP of Mobile Drivers and Recruiting
At Centerline, our people make everything possible. Our Mobile Driver solution allows us to temporarily relocate experienced, reliable drivers to high-need markets and remote locations where the driver pool is small.
We spoke with Jennifer Overmyer, VP of Mobile Drivers and Recruiting, to learn more about what customers should know about Mobile and how our team brings exceptional experiences to each assignment.
What’s your background and how did you get into this business?
Like a lot of people in this industry, I sort of fell into staffing. My degree is actually in psychology and I graduated early and was contemplating going to grad school. I ended up applying to a staffing company to earn money until the fall and ended up loving it. I originally started with a light industrial staffing company and then eventually transitioned into transportation about 12 years ago. And that’s where I really fell in love and found my passion. I loved (and continue to love) how genuine transportation customers are and how down-to-earth our drivers are. I came to Centerline almost 4 years ago now.
What do you love most about your role?
This is an easy one—the people. I absolutely love the staff within the mobile team. They are the most hard-working and dedicated group of people I’ve ever worked with. They are so supportive of each other and all cross-trained so no one blinks an eye if anyone needs help. They are so committed to our customers and our drivers and it shows every single day. It’s really inspiring working with such hardworking and passionate people and I’m so grateful to be apart of this team.
What types of challenges is the mobile team able to solve for customers?
The Mobile team is really able to support in any area that is ‘critical’ and that can mean a variety of things depending on the customer. For example, a company could have just won a brand new customer and they need to make sure every driver is on top of it and showcasing what you can do for this client—we’re there to help. Another possible scenario is a peak season where a customer is busy and its high revenue generating, we can bring in short-term drivers to help them with that. Or if there is a natural disaster or another type of crisis that impacts a certain area of the country, we can bring in additional resources with our drivers. So I think overall, Mobile can help customers when they are in a no-fail situation. With our Mobile solution, we can bring in qualified and experienced drivers to drive your vehicles and be an extension of your workforce. And we can do it pretty much as quickly as needed. In 24-72 hours, the Mobile team can get drivers into seats.
What type of customer experience should clients expect when working with the Centerline Mobile team?
I think customers should expect an urgent response and a team that treats their needs as their own. The Mobile team provides exceptional experiences because we truly care about our customers and the challenges they are facing. And they should also expect top-quality drivers. Our customers should expect excellent tenured drivers that come with the certifications and experience they asked for. The Mobile team works very hard to build a customized solution for each customer and match the perfect driver for their needs. And once those drivers land, they are ready to work and go above and beyond. All in all, the Mobile team is here to make our customer’s lives easier.
What’s your favorite thing about mobile?
My favorite thing is that we offer a solution that our competitors do not. Centerline is one service, in three different ways. With Mobile being part of that, we really do offer the complete solution. Our team handles absolutely everything from matching drivers to booking travel and accommodations all the way to managing payroll and benefits. And that comprehensive solution is something that drew me to Centerline in the first place. Everyone is here to solve our customers’ challenges and we want to make their lives easier.
Thank you Jennifer for being a cheerleader for not only Mobile but Centerline. Our company and our customers are better because of your expertise.
To learn more about our Mobile solution or request Mobile drivers, get in touch with our team here.
Who needs a mobile drivers solution [Infographic]
![Who needs a mobile drivers solution [Infographic]](https://www.centerlinedrivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Checklist_Mobile_Solution.png)
Our Mobile Drivers solution is a great fit for a lot of businesses facing complex transportation problems.
Take this short quiz to see if our Mobile Drivers solution is the best option for you.
When Do I Need a Mobile Driver Solution? [Checklist]
![When Do I Need a Mobile Driver Solution? [Checklist]](https://www.centerlinedrivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Checklist_Mobile_Solution-1.png)
Our Mobile Drivers solution allows us to temporarily relocate experienced, reliable drivers to high-need markets.
Not sure if Mobile is right for you? Use this checklist to see if your needs match up with this unique solution.
What is the true cost of an empty truck? [Info Sheet]
![What is the true cost of an empty truck? [Info Sheet]](https://www.centerlinedrivers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMAGE_Duotone_RED-43.jpg)
According to our State of Trucking survey, 64% of those surveyed said they have had trucks sit for more than a day due to not having enough drivers. The cost of having a truck sit empty is high. And it can quickly impact an operation’s bottom line.
Not sure how much empty trucks cost your business? Let’s do the math.
