Category: Drivers

Celebrating Veterans Day at Centerline Drivers

Posted on by Brad Perkins

Brad Beeuwsaert learned in seven years in the Marine Corps to set aside personal interests to serve a larger purpose. His service showed him what “working for a common good” means.

Now, entering his ninth year with Centerline Drivers, connecting clients with drivers, many of whom are veterans, that mindset and experience continues to serve him.

“Military experience influences me in two ways, really,” Brad says. “For one: mentality. To include the inevitable, daily obstacles as part of a plan builds resiliency, keeps focus and maintain calm. The experience also exposed me to a wide swath of backgrounds, which, in turn, broadened my understanding of how people deal with the events in their lives.”

He also brings the Marine Corps mindset of process to his job every day.

“Applying a workable routine to each day helps keep priorities front and center on the schedule,” Brad says.

That, and his work with the Marine Corps Reserve, made for a less difficult transition when moving out of the military. And working in an industry that hires many veterans also helps.

“For the majority of my time, I served in the Marine Corps Reserve, so the transition was more of balancing mindset and priorities than readjusting to the civilian workforce.”

The 6 Most Common Causes for Flat Tires

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Long days on the road means the chances of experiencing truck trouble, such as flat tires, are high. And while no one enjoys getting a flat tire, it is important to know the common causes and some of the steps to possibly avoid flats.

1. Punctured tire

This is the most common cause of a flat tire. It often happens when a nail or a piece of glass punctures your tire. If possible, avoid driving over debris on the road or in parking lots.

2. Ripped or worn down tire

Ripped or worn tires can cause a flat as well as create a hazard to other drivers. Checking your tires for damage before driving can help detect these problems before they become a flat.

3. Separation of the tire from the rim

This can occur if you accidentally hit a curb or rub against a sidewalk while parking. When the tire slips from the rim, a slow leak can create a flat over time.

4. Over or under pumped tires

Over pumping your tires can cause the tire to pop and go flat. Be sure to properly check and fill your tire pressure before heading out.

5. Vandalism

An unlikely but possible reason for a flat tire is vandalism. Thankfully, this requires no repair to the tire and you can just reinflate it.

6. Road hazards

Potholes and unexpected debris can cause damage to tires. If safe, avoid these hazards on the road.

Regardless of what caused the flat, flat tires can be easily changed. If it happens frequently, be sure to mention it to your mechanic or dispatch to address a potentially more serious issue.

Inattentional Blindness: What it is and how it impacts you

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Inattentional blindness or perceptual blindness is as a psychological lack of attention that is not associated with any defects or deficits. In simple terms, its an event where someone fails to see an unexpected stimulus in plain sight.
It is becoming more and more common while driving due to modern advancements pulling our attention away from the road. As a truck driver, it can happen when you have been driving for long periods of time, lose focus by thinking of other things while driving and or are distracted by something such as your radio.  


Distracted driving vs. inattentional blindness
Distracted driving means that a driver is not paying full attention to the single task of driving. This can mean that you are texting, eating or talking on the phone, etc.
Inattentional blindness means that a person is missing critical information even when their eyes are focused on the road ahead. It can happen when you are very focused on only one thing while driving. For example, if you become hyperfocused on reaching a destination or exit, you can miss other things happening around you on the road.

What can you do to prevent inattentional blindness?
Inattentional blindness can never fully be avoided because our brains are wired to not absorb every single stimulus presented to us. If they were, our brains would be bombarded with information and we would never know what is critical information. However while driving, there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of missing important cues due to inattentional blindness.
3 steps to take to decrease risk of inattentional blindness: 
1. Minimize distractions and maximize your attention: Put your cellphone away. Even if you aren’t directly texting someone back or browsing the internet while driving, your attention could easily wander if your screen lights up, causing you to miss things while on the road. Also, understand that safety technology in your truck is there to supplement and not replace safe driving. You still have to pay attention in order to remain safe.
2. Look for cues: Road signs often warn of potential hazards but so do your surroundings. Farmland means tractors or animals, forests can mean deer, mountains can mean falling rock and cities can mean more distracted pedestrians. Stay alert and refocus when your surroundings change.
3. Be the professional: As a truck driver, you are the professional on the road. Watch for distracted drivers, pay attention to signals and leave room for those who are not paying as close attention
These tips can help you reduce the changes of looking without seeing.
In the event that you do get into an accident while driving on the job, here are 3 tips to handling accidents at any size.

Happy Driver Appreciation Week: Thank you to our drivers!

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

At Centerline, our business would not be possible without our drivers. As we look back on this past year, the “new norm” has become an environment of constant change. Yet, what hasn’t changed is the tremendous work that our drivers to do keep our economy running and America moving forward.

Happy Driver Appreciation Week! 

Traveling safe in construction zones

Posted on by Mary Lorenz

Safety in the age of COVID-19 often refers to stocking up on hand sanitizer, practicing social distancing and wearing masks. For truck drivers, who encounter dangerous road situations as a regular part of their job, staying safe adds another layer.

This is particularly true when it comes to navigating busy construction zones, which can be challenging for even the most seasoned truck drivers.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 30 percent of all work zone crashes involve large trucks, and many of them prove to be fatal. From 2014 to 2018, work zone crashes led to 1,000 fatalities and over 18,000 injuries, according to the FHWA’s most recent data.

Avoid being another statistic and use these tips to navigate construction zones safely.

Plan ahead

Before you get on the road, check your GPS or use a travel app, such as Waze, to see if there is construction on your route, and consider leaving earlier in anticipation of reduced speeds. Better yet, look into an alternative route. It may be slightly longer, but chances are you will ultimately save time–and frustration–by avoiding construction-related traffic and road hazards. 

Follow the signs

Those cones, barrels and work zone signs are there for a reason (and that reason is not “to annoy you”). They’re there to help you navigate the construction zone and keep traffic moving as much – and as safely – as possible.

Don’t try to game the system

It may be tempting to speed through a construction zone when you think the coast is clear, but it is absolutely critical that you stick to the reduced speed limits. In 2018, speeding was to blame for over 25 percent of fatal work zone crashes.

Even if you think you’re perfectly capable of getting through a work zone without slowing down, the drivers around you may not be so adept. Should something unexpected happen, you will be in a better position to stop or navigate around it if you’re obeying the speed limit.

Watch for flaggers

Oftentimes, traffic routes and detours change so quickly during construction, it’s easier to have a flagger out on the road conducting traffic. If you see a flagger, pay attention and follow their direction as you would any other work zone signage. After all, they’re not out there for their health – they’re out there for yours.

Play defense

If ever there’s a good time to practice those defensive driving skills you learned way back in driver’s ed, this is it. While you may be paying attention, the drivers around you might not be. As you’re driving, be mindful of other drivers who may be trying to merge at the last minute, speeding or driving erratically.

Give yourself space

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of work zone crashes and accounted for 21 percent of fatal work zone crashes in 2018, according to the FHWA. Leave plenty of distance (about three to four seconds) between you and the driver ahead of you, as you never know when they may stop suddenly. 

While you’re at it, try to see what’s happening further down the road, so you can prepare to slow down or change your route if necessary.

Keep your eyes on the prize

 A distracted driver is a dangerous driver. Avoid texting, eating or checking out the construction around you – anything that forces you to take your eyes off the road, even if it’s “just for a second.”

Accidents can happen in an instant, so stay alert and focused on the task at hand for your safety – and everyone else’s.   

The #1 priority at Centerline is safety. Learn more about safety topics by visiting our safety resource center here.

Top 10 hot weather prevention tips

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

The summer months are quickly approaching and based on your current location, you may already be experiencing the heat.

However, just because snow storms and icy roads have diminished, doesn’t mean truck drivers will experience perfect road conditions. The extreme heat can cause health risks to drivers if precaution isn’t taken, so how do you ensure drivers stay safe through the summer months?

Here are the top 10 best practices for staying safe on the road during the summer months.

  1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water – about 16 ounces before starting a route and about 5-7 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Avoid dehydrating liquids. Coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt you more than help during extreme heat.
  3. Wear protective clothing. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated.
  4. Pace yourself. Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your own limits and ability to work safety in the heat.
  5. Schedule frequent breaks. Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area.
  6. Use a damp rag. Wipe your face or put it around your neck.
  7. Avoid getting sunburn. Use sunscreen and wear a hat if working outside.
  8. Avoid direct sun. Find share or block the sun if possible.
  9. Eat smaller meals. Eat fruits high in fiber and natural juice. Avoid high protein foods.
  10. Be alert to signs of heat-related illness. Know what to look for and check on other workers that might be at risk.

Preventing driver fatigue: Tips to stay awake and healthy on the road

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Sleep deprivation and fatigue has always been a hurdle for truck drivers. But not being alert as a driver can create a variety of problems. Not only are you at a higher risk of causing an accident due to an impaired response time, but chronic fatigue is bad for your general health and longevity.

In fact, the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash.

Learn some tips to reduce driver fatigue to stay alert and safe on the road.

Tips to prevent driver fatigue

1.Maintain a healthy lifestyle

An easy way to ensure a good night’s sleep is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating regularly or eating at odd times can make your blood sugar irregular and impact your ability to fall asleep. Also eating big meals or going to bed hungry can also keep your awake. Having healthy snacks with you can make sure that you’re always properly fueled and able to get a good night’s sleep.

Also generally practicing healthy habits like staying hydrated and cutting off caffeine in the afternoon can help ensure you are able to fall asleep normally and naturally.

2.Create an optimal sleeping environment

When you are falling asleep, there are some things you can do to create an ideal sleep environment. Having the room at a cool temperature, minimizing light and noise and getting off electronic devices an hour before bed are all tried and true methods. Experiment with your bedroom environment to figure out what works best for you and your needs.

3.Try not to drive when your body get naturally sleepy

While it is always recommended to get an adequate amount of sleep each night, it’s also a good idea not to drive when your body gets naturally sleepy. This is typically between the hours of 12-6 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

This is not always possible but it’s something to keep in mind if you’ve been getting less sleep than normal.

4.Know the signs of drowsiness

Know when you are getting drowsy and tired before it becomes a hazard. Some signs include frequent yawning, blurry vision, heavy eyes or trouble focusing. Learn how your body tells you that it’s tired and respond accordingly.

5.Take a nap

When safe, you should take a nap when feeling drowsy or are becoming less alert. A good nap is at least 10 minutes long but less than 45 minutes. More than that can impact your ability to fall asleep later. Always allow 15-20 minutes to fully wake up from a nap before continuing to drive.

What doesn’t work

With these tips, there is also things you shouldn’t be doing or trying. The only true method of conquering fatigue is adequate sleep. Coffee, nicotine, soft drinks, and energy drinks are not conducive to a healthy lifestyle or staying safe on the road. Things like blasting the radio or opening a window are alertness “tricks” that don’t actually help you stay awake or alert safety on the road. If you are becoming sleepy or drowsy while driving, you should pull over at a safe location and rest.

Importance of proper hydration for truck drivers

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Drinking enough water is critical to both your mental and physical health as a truck driver. Although it can be tempting to not drink a lot of water in order to eliminate stops, the consequences of that to your health can be detrimental.

Learn how drinking more water can benefit your health and learn how to increase your water intake.

The benefits of proper hydration

The benefits of drinking enough water is almost too many to list. Basically all body functions are impacted in some way by water and can easily go awry if you are not properly hydrated. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Promotes cardio health: Dehydration lowers your blood volume. This means that your body has to work even harder to pump blood through your body to get enough oxygen to your cells.

Cleanses your body: Your kidneys are the organs that can help filter waste out of your body. Without water, your kidneys cannot function properly.

Keeps your body cool: If you are dehydrated, it takes longer for the blood vessels to expand and cool your body down.

Keeps muscles and joints working properly: Water is critical to ensuring your muscles get proper nutrition and lubricating joints.

Increased alertness:  Your brain is very impacted by how hydrated you are. Studies show that even mild dehydration can impair aspects of brain function, mood, concentration and alertness.

Reduced stress on the body and mind: Being dehydrated generally creates stress in the body. Not having enough water to do bodily functions slows down and stresses your internal organs. The stress of dehydration also stresses your body and impacts mental health and focus.

Ways to stay hydrated

Now that you know how important hydration is, it is time to switch focus on how to stay properly hydrated. These 3 tips can help you work towards reaching proper hydration.

1. Set goals

The first step to making sure you are properly hydrated is to figure out how much water your body actually needs. 8 glasses is the standard rule of thumb but that may not be adequate for everyone. A better rule to follow is to drink between ½-1 ounce of water for each pound you weight. For example, a 180 pound person should drink between 90 and 180 ounces of water a day.

To find out if you are drinking enough water is to check the color of your urine (it should be clear) and also to monitor if you are thirsty throughout the day. Thirst is an indicator that your body is already dehydrated so the goal is always to drink enough water that you are rarely thirsty.

2. Track your water

Now that you’ve set your water goal, the next step is to track it. There are a few ways to do this.

There are a many water bottles on the market now that track the amount of ounces you are drinking. Tracking your water is also now as easy as entering it into an app. Many fitness apps have water trackers and there are separate water tracking apps that track ounces and remind you to drink water if you are behind on your daily goal.

3. Add flavor

It can often be difficult to drink more water if you are used to drinking soda or energy drinks with sugar and flavor.

But drinking more water doesn’t have to be boring. There a quite a few options for making your water more flavorful. Adding fruit, vegetables or herbs to your water is a healthy way to bump up the flavor in your water. You can also add sugar-free water enhancements like lemonade or other flavors. There are a lot of options available at your local grocery store. Even making iced tea without sugar is a good way to consume more water. Herbal tea is an even better option because it doesn’t contain caffeine and often has additional health benefits.

Experiment what works for you and what helps you drink more water throughout your day.

Are you prepared for spring driving? 5 tips to stay safe

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

Winter may have released its icy grasp, but spring brings a new set of road condition issues. From weather to safety to maintenance, drivers can take these steps to keep their vehicles and themselves safe as weather warms up and traffic increases.

Centerline Drivers presents these tips based on discussions with industry safety leaders, including the National Private Truck Council, to help all drivers make the most of their next road trip or commute.

If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes

Sunshine, warmth … and ice? Spring weather can be just as unpredictable as winter. With fluctuating temperatures, rain, hail and even tornadoes, you need to be prepared for everything, including ice, which can form when temperatures drop at night. Stay ready by checking the weather before you leave and having a weather app on your phone.

Beware of water

When it’s wet slow down – even a little water can cause hydroplaning. Be careful of underpasses, bridges or anywhere else where there’s standing water. You don’t want to get stuck in a deeper-than-expected pool. And if rain or hail diminish visibility, slow down or stop where and when it’s safe to do so.

Do your spring cleaning

After a long winter, your vehicle can be worn out from dealing with salt, sand, snow, ice and cold. Take time to give your vehicle an inspection. Use spring as a time to check tire tread, lights, wipers and brakes. And treat your vehicle to a wash – getting rid of salt and grime will not only make it look nice, but also prevent rust that can damage the vehicle and cause safety hazards.

Give ‘em a brake

Nicer weather means increased traffic and the start of construction projects. It can also mean potholes and traction problems from salt and sand left on the roads. Use a GPS device to find an alternate route around construction or traffic, slow down in construction zones and around potholes and always keep distance between the vehicle in front of you.

Watch for wildlife

As weather warms up, animals start to come out. Be watchful for animals on or near the road, slow down and don’t swerve if you encounter one in the road.

“Whether you’re a professional driver, commuting for work or taking a road trip, staying safe on the roads is always a top priority,” said Jill Quinn, president of Centerline Drivers. “Following these tips will ensure that all drivers protect themselves and everyone around them while safely getting to their destinations.”

Read more tips on navigating seasonality in the transportation industry. 

Country Driving [Playlist]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

We know truck driving can be stressful and sometimes lonely.

Finding things to pass the time and keep yourself focused on the road can be difficult. 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 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 country sounds driving playlist. 

90s Truck Driving [Playlist]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

We know truck driving can be stressful and sometimes lonely.

Finding things to pass the time and keep yourself focused on the road can be difficult. 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 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 90s themed drive.

Truck Driving Songs [Playlist]

Posted on by Casey Nighbor

We know truck driving can be stressful and sometimes lonely. 

Finding things to pass the time and keep yourself focused on the road can be difficult. 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 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.