Category: driving jobs

5 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Driving in the mountains can be intimidating for truck drivers, and that is especially true for rookie drivers. However, you can quickly gain confidence on mountain routes by following some basic safety rules and taking advantage of safety features available to you. Here are the seven need to know trucker tips for driving in the mountains.

Trucker Mountain Driving Tips


#1 Slow And Steady

Taking it slow and steady is probably the best advice for driving mountain routes. So many drivers make the mistake of traveling too fast on the steep grade because they misjudged its elevation based on its appearance. It’s tough to tell the grade of a hill just by looking at it, so it’s easy to make this mistake.

However, once your truck gains momentum traveling down the grade, it is nearly impossible to regain control. So take it slow and steady so as not to put yourself in this situation.

Our advice is to let the jake brake do the work of maintaining the constant speed. Also, touch the brake occasionally to keep your unit straight as you go down the hill. 

#2 Pay Attention to The Weather

If you are planning a route into the mountains, you will need to check the weather conditions. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so it is essential to check the weather the day of. If you find bad or dangerous weather conditions, you can consider an alternate route hopefully without a steep grade.

You should prepare yourself for changes in the weather as you are climbing or descending the mountain. The difference in altitude can bring a slew of weather conditions, so it is essential for you to stay alert to any changes.

Also, if there is a chain sign, please respect it. Put your chains on at the bottom of the hill. Don’t wait until you spin out and come back down the mountain.

#3 Don’t Tailgate

Leave as much room as possible between your and the vehicles ahead of you. Never tailgate on a mountain road. In the case of an emergency and you need to straighten out the truck. If your unit gets out of shape, you will want plenty of space to adjust.

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

#4 Easy on Corners

Take corner on a mountain extra slow because your truck and trailer are extra vulnerable when not straight. Your rig is much more likely to jackknife when turning. You have much more controls over the unit when it is lined up traveling a straight line.

#5 Regaining Control

If you feel you are starting to lose control of the rig, try crowding the unit to the shoulder of the road if possible. This will hopefully allow you to catch gravel to straighten it out. Also gently tap on the trailer brake. This might be enough to pull your unit straight again.

Stay Safe Out There

Keep in mind, not every driver on the road is following all the proper safe driving rules and tips. They are just as likely to lose control or hit a patch of ice. Give yourself plenty of distance and be aware of potential dangers.

Also, before I let you go, I wanted to introduce our sister product, TruckLogics: the ultimate web-based business management software available. This program is designed specifically for the transportation industry with plans to fit the needs of fleet manager, leased owner-operators, and owner-operators alike. Sign-up for your free 15-day trial and see the difference TruckLogics can make in your trucking business.

Start My Free Trial 

No Credit Card Required & Zero Obligation

Roaring Good Time at The Bandit Series Race

This past weekend the ExpressTruckTax team attended the Bandit Big Rig Series race at the Hickory Motor Speedway. We have to tell you that it far exceeded our expectations! In addition to the nail-biting races we got to see fireworks, see some awesome customized rigs, and meet some of our hard-working clients. Here are some pictures of the race we just had to share.

Click here for the Bandit Series 2018 Event Schedule. Trust us, you don’t wanna miss out!

 

Roaring Time at The Bandit Series Race
Hickory Motor Speedway at the Bandit Series Race August 11th, 2018


Having a blast handing out flyers and koozies before the race!
Having a blast handing out flyers and koozies before the race!
The Bandit Series even had a blow-up bounce house for the kids.
The Bandit Series even had a blow-up bounce house for the kids.


The green flag drops at Hickory Motor Speedway
The green flag drops at Hickory Motor Speedway
Victory lane with race champion Ricky Rude of the #14
Victory lane with race champion Ricky Rude of the #14

(Top Row left to right: Bryan Hinson (Transportation Product Manager), Ariel Black (yours truly, Content Marketing Manager/PR Coordinator), Meredith Dotson (Business Development Manager), Andreas Hollmers (Client Relations), Amber Tabb (ExpressAmber Personality/ Director of Transportation Products), and Little Express Team Members (Cuteness Coordinators)
(Top Row left to right: Bryan Hinson (Transportation Product Manager), Ariel Black (Yours Truly, Content Marketing Manager/PR Coordinator), Meredith Dotson (Business Development Manager), Andreas Hollmers (Client Relations), Amber Tabb (ExpressAmber Personality/ Director of Transportation Products), and Little Express Team Members (Cuteness Coordinators)

You Can Catch Us At The Bandit Race This Weekend

You Can Catch Us At The Bandit Race This Weekend

On Saturday, August 11th, 2018 the ExpressTruckTax team will be attending the Bandit Big Rig Series at the Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. This series has brought big rig tractor trailer racing back to the short track. If you find yourself at the race please be sure to stop by and meet us!

About The Bandit Big Rig Series

The Minimizer Bandit Big Rig Series brings a day-long racing entertainment experience to trucking professionals, their families, and trucking enthusiasts alike. Since their inaugural season in 2017 with an Eastern Division, the series has continued to focus on delivering an affordable racing opportunity to local speedways.

The trucks are kept basic and simple, which limits costs and increases accessibility, The Minimizer Bandit Big Rig Series does whatever it takes to maximize competition and deliver an exciting product with world-class trucks & drivers.

Meet The ExpressTruckTax Team
If you are in attendance be sure to tweet us as #ETTGoesRacing or tag us on Facebook!

Let’s Go Racing!

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

We are sure that you are very well aware that summer is here in full force. Whether you have recently received your CDL license or are a seasoned veteran, you will want to take precautions as the summer continues to heat up. We know you are putting in a lot of hours on the road, maybe even in areas with record-breaking high temperatures. Even though you are in your vehicle, you still face the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, overheating, and even heat stroke. Summer means a whole new set of issues for those in the trucking industry so to help here is how to stay cool and survive summer trucking.

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Sitting in a hot cab all day long can be brutal and even dangerous to your health. Follow these tips to beat the summer heat while driving your trucking business to new levels.

 

Stay Hydrated

It is easy to forget to drink water while on the road, however, it is critical to stay adequately hydrated particularly during these next two months. Keeping a few bottles of water within reach while driving will serves as a constant reminder and make it practical for you to drink water throughout your drive. Also, it is worth mentioning that sodas and other carbonated drinks are no substitution for drinking water. The sugar and caffeine in sodas will dehydrate you and will not replace the fluids you are losing while you sweat.

Check Your Tires Constantly

The chances of tire blowouts increase dramatically during the summer months because of the high temperatures. What you can do to try and prevent this is to check that your tires are adequately inflated each time you stop for a required break or when you are pulling out in the morning. Under-inflated tires are more likely to blowout, so it is essential to be prepared.

Check Traffic Reports

Families, teenagers, and college students are all hitting the road during summer vacation, so it is crucial that you stay on the lookout during all hours of the day. You should remain alert and cautious while on the road this season. Heavier traffic means more danger for truck drivers, so you will want to check the traffic report and be aware of your surroundings.

Check Your Brakes

Hot summer temperatures can lead to brakes fading or even losing friction when brake components can’t absorb any additional heat. Always be sure to check your brakes to make sure they are functioning correctly before leaving on your next haul. It is recommended that you bring spare brake pads before leaving home. This will not only potentially save you but also some money because you won’t have to pay the service center. 

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Spending several hours a day driving means you will have a lot of sun exposure on your left side. Don’t believe that just because you are in your cab that you are protected from the sun. While the sun is shining through your window, it is still a serious health risk that can lead to sunburns and even skin cancer. We recommend you wear a long sleeve shirt, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as much as possible while on the road.

Bring a Hardhat

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Because of the warmer temperatures, more construction companies will be out working on the roads. You should always be careful when passing through construction zones and remember that the Get Over law is still in effect in every state. It is required by law that if you see an emergency vehicle or someone on the side of the road you must get over or slow down. Your rig is likely over 55,000 Ibs, and it does not stop on a dime, make sure to hit the breaks sooner rather than later.

Fines and other fees also skyrocket in construction areas, and likely officers are waiting to get someone. We don’t want it to be you.

Also, bring a brightly colored hardhat with you on the road. People are statistically more likely to take notice of you on the roadside if are wearing a hard hat. If by some unfortunate circumstance you find yourself on the side of the road, be sure to wear it.

Have a Great Safe Summer

While summer is hot and we like it, UV rays and high temperatures can do a number on our bodies! So remember to protect yourself while you are either hauling or enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

For more trucking tips and advice click here and be sure to share this blog with your fellow drivers!

If you have yet to file your HVUT Form 2290 click here to learn more! The Form 2290 due date is August 31st. Trust us you don’t want to be late and have to pay insane IRS penalties and fees.

Start My Form 2290 Filing Now