Category: Trucker Safety

Drive Safe And Stay Safe: Important Trucking Tips To Know This Summer

Posted on June 20, 2022 by - ”trucking company”, driver safety, driving safety, Improve Trucker Safety, Trucker Safety

When driving a truck, there are several things every driver should know to stay safe on the road. ExpressTruckTax is here to give you some helpful tips to ensure that you stay safe this summer and that others around you stay safe too. Driving a big truck can be a big responsibility so it is always good to remember that it differs significantly from driving a standard car in many ways. 

A semi-truck has a greater braking distance than a standard car, so it is important to keep a large distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This prevents the vehicle from being rear-ended if you don’t have a big enough distance to stop when driving behind someone. If you make sure to keep your distance then you will not only keep yourself safe but also keep others safe too. This is also true for stopping at stop signs or intersections.

It is also important to check mirrors and your blind spots when driving. A semi-truck has especially large blind spots on the right side and back. Because of this, it is important to stay in the right lane when possible to prevent people from passing on your right side. If you do not see them then that can put both you and the other driver at risk. 

Another important thing to remember is that turning in a semi-truck is a lot different than turning in a regular vehicle. When turning it is important to remember that turning takes a lot of extra space than in an ordinary car. It is important to check your mirrors and surroundings to make sure it is safe to turn. If you do not check thoroughly, then you run the risk of hitting another vehicle and causing serious injury. 

Driving at a safe speed is another important thing to remember when driving a truck. This ensures that if you need to stop you can do so safely without slamming the brakes to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of you. It is important to also maintain a safe speed when turning or driving on curved roads to keep your vehicle from tipping over. 

Always remember to wear a seatbelt when driving a vehicle. This is especially important for preventing any serious injuries if an accident were to occur because many traffic-related deaths occur due to the lack of a seatbelt. 

Staying focused on the road and not being distracted by things like your phone is also important while driving. Talking or texting while driving without using hands-free features is illegal in many states. This is because it promotes distracted driving and could very well lead to there being an accident. 

When driving a truck it is important to keep your stamped Schedule 1 on hand in case you get pulled over. If you do not have your Schedule 1 in your truck then there is a good chance that you will receive a ticket or be penalized. In order to keep this from happening you must E-file Form 2290. The best way to do this is with ExpressTruckTax. With ExpressTruckTax, you can file your Form 2290 with ease and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes. What are you waiting for? File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax today!

The Best Trucker Tips For Shifting Seasons

Posted on September 24, 2019 by - driving safety, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, safety regulations for truck drivers, truck driver, truck driver survival kit, Truck Driver Tips, Trucker Safety, trucker tips, trucking

With hurricane season in full effect, it’s a crazy time to be on the roads.

The weather is shifting, so we put together some truck driver tips and a trucker survival kit to keep you safe.

Trucking industry safety has been a huge focus recently, as trucking is listed one of the most hazardous jobs.

Safety regulations for truck drivers are enforced, but many times, driving conditions or other drivers are the main issue.

Stay alert on the road.

Take note of these trucker tips and remain focused in any weather conditions. Remember, your life is more important than your job.

If you ever feel that you do not have complete control over your vehicle, pull off the road.

Trucker Safety in Every Season

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season always comes with tons of unknowns. Storms are hard to track, and weather reporters never seem to have a definite idea of what will happen.

Because of that, it’s important for truck drivers to carry emergency items with them to use in the event of a sudden storm.

Your truck driver survival kit should include water, nonperishable food, extra clothes, a reflective vest, hat, waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket, extra socks, and boots. Include an electric blanket if you have one.

Remember, if your nonperishable food includes canned food, bring a can opener.
Also, pack a utility knife, flashlight, batteries, portable charger, hand-crank radio, matches/lighter, first aid kit, portable heater, and extra fuel in your truck driver survival kit.

Basic Driving Safety Tips

Always pay attention to weather forecasts. Know what to expect before you get on the road.

If you do end up caught in a pop-up storm or tornado warning, slow down, turn your flashers on, and find shelter as soon as you can.

If you must pull off on the side of the road, be sure to pull far off, especially if visibility is low.

Never stop under a bridge or overpass, as they turn into wind tunnels during a storm and lots of debris will pass through them.

Trucker Safety

Above all else, your personal safety is most important. Be aware that safety regulations for truck drivers might not always be enough.

Exercise personal judgment. If you must abandon your truck or personal goods, do so.

As the seasons change, hurricanes, storms, snow, and more arrive, and driving safety is compromised. Be sure that your truck is in perfect working condition at all times.

Keep up with truck maintenance to stay compliant with safety regulations for truck drivers.

Remember, you can do this with TruckLogics, a trucking management solution for all of your trucking needs. Take the paperwork out of trucking and stay safe on the road. Take advantage of your free 15-day TruckLogics trial.

Keep Your Holiday Cargo Safe with These Tips

Posted on November 3, 2017 by - Cargo, Cargo theft, driver safety, preventing cargo theft, Truck theft, Trucker Safety, trucker safety education

Happy November! We are officially cruising through the Holiday season and while we may be
excited for Thanksgiving and Christmas it’s important for truckers to realize that black Friday and a major retail boom is also on its way.

That means you may be hauling cargo that’s more enticing to thieves, so be sure to take measures to protect yourself from theft. But there’s no need to feel paranoid, it’s easy to increase your security by taking a few precautions.

How To Protect Your Cargo

1. Always Be Aware

No matter what you’re hauling, someone might want to take it. From a shipment of laptops to Q-Tips, if a thief thinks they can take it and sell it, then they will. Heck, sometimes they may just even want your truck.

Keep your wits about you and study your surroundings at all times, no matter what day it is or what time it is. Even though the highest rates of cargo theft happen on weekend nights, they can occur at any time, even in broad daylight.

If someone seems sketchy to you take note of what they look like and what they are wearing so you can accurately describe them to the police should you need to.

Remember that someone could be listening to you, so keep what you’re hauling to yourself. Never post it on social media for the world to see.

2. Put Yourself In Safe Surroundings

When you park your truck pick a well-populated area, and at night make sure you’re under lights. If you can, always be sure to park in range of security cameras. You can also back up against a wall or surface to block your trailer doors when you stop. Just be sure to back up extremely carefully to prevent damage.

If you aren’t sure if your terminal will have proper lighting, locked fencing, or security after hours you can call ahead and ask. If their security isn’t up to your standards then make arrangements to park in a safer location.

3. Plan Ahead

Think about your moves before you make them. Never just leave your truck unattended and idling, because that gives people more than enough time to jump in it and speed off. Keep your truck locked at all times, no matter if you’re inside or outside of it.

 

ExpressTruckTax supports trucker saferty education

Also, make sure the padlocks on your trailer doors are secure and look into purchasing vehicle locks like king pin locks, air brake valve locks, glad hand locks, or seals.

Try to minimize the time that your trailer will be sitting full of cargo. Try to make your delivery by the weekend. Make sure that your cargo will never sit in your lot for 24 hours because that gives a lot of thieves time to make a plan of action.

Check your route in advance to make sure it isn’t taking you through a bad part of town. Google maps is a good tool to use and look at

4. Hire The Right Team And Educate Them

Make sure you run background checks on your drivers, don’t just hire anyone. Then educate them on how to protect themselves and cargo to create a safety. For example, explain how it’s best to fill up before you pick up cargo to prevent thieves from following them for hours.

Be sure to track your drivers by placing GPS units on their rig or trailers. This way you will be aware of their location at all times and will be able to track the location of the vehicles if they are stolen.

Stay Safe

Rates of cargo theft increase during the holiday season but the risk actually occurs all year. People like to take whatever they can get their hands on, even if it seems boring and invaluable to you. You can keep your cargo safe by keeping your wits about you, making secure decisions in advance, and by staying in safe locations.

If you have any security tips please add them to the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax for more trucking blogs.

Prepare For Operation Safe Driver Week

Posted on October 11, 2017 by - Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, cvsa, Operation Safe Driver Week, truck drivers, trucker health, Trucker Safety, truckers, trucking, trucking industry

Learn about CVSA with ExpressTruckTax

It’s no secret that we care about trucker safety. The hard-working men and women who deliver goods all across the nation deserve to make it home to their families safely. They are incredibly brave to take on the trucking lifestyle, especially when trucking is considered to be the most hazardous profession in America.

Habits like speeding, driving distracted, driving tired, not complying with the laws, and more endanger our roads. That’s why the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) has put together a series of safety weeks to educate transportation professionals on safety and to enforce compliance. Their next safety check is Operation Safe Driver Week, and it will take place October 15-21st, 2017.

CSVA’s Operation Safe Driver Week

Operation Safe Driver Week is coming up in just a few days, so be prepared to pass inspection. During this week law enforcement personnel from all across the country will engage in increased traffic safety enforcement and education to fight unsafe driving practices exhibited by commercial vehicle drivers and their passengers.

In 2015, 3,852 people died in large truck accidents. 69% of these people were drivers and passengers in other vehicles, while 16% were drivers and passengers of commercial vehicles. CVSA hopes to reduce these numbers.

That’s why this safety check was created to decrease the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths involving large passenger and transportation vehicles, including trucks and buses due to unsafe driving habits and behaviors. The leading cause of accidents involving commercial vehicles is due to unsafe drivers.

A few things that officers will have their eye out for during this safety check include speeding, texting while driving, seatbelt usage, tailgating, improper lane changing, failure to obey traffic safety tools, and more.

If you or your passengers are identified as exhibiting any of these unsafe behaviors then you may be issued warnings or citations. It would be much easier to avoid this headache altogether by simply practicing safe driving habits at all times.

ExpressTruckTax recommends safe driving habits
Don’t text and drive!

Don’t think that you can do whatever you want on the road to get away with it. The bears, city kitties, foxes in the hen houses, and more will all be looking for you. Especially because FMCSA has joined forces with CVSA to sponsor Operation Safe Driver Week.

They also have tons of support from safety transportation organizations with the common goal of improving road safety by addressing drivers operating unsafely and their passengers on an individual basis.

There are a number of things you can do to start improving driver safety today. For example, slow down. Speeding is dangerous, and going slower will help you more gas efficient. You can also make sure you’re well rested and avoid driving tired, which is equal to driving drunk.

Also, you can put all of your electronic devices down to avoid driving distracted and make sure your seatbelt is always on. They really do their part when it comes to saving lives. Another thing you can do is give other vehicles enough space so you will have time to stop if they suddenly hit the brakes.

Keep Up Your Safe Driving

We know you can handle Operation Safe Driver Week! Just keep doing your part to make the roads a safe place and you won’t get a citation. The best way to promote safety is to spread awareness, so be sure to pass these tips along to fellow drivers. If you have anything about safety to add please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

New Bill Could Ban Human Trafficking Convicts From Getting a CDL

Posted on October 2, 2017 by - CDL Ban For Human Trafficking convicts, Fighting Human Trafficking, Improve Trucker Safety, truck drivers, Trucker Safety, truckers, Truckers Against Trafficking

ExpressTruckTax is partners with Truckers Against Trafficking because we believe in what’s being done in the trucking industry to save lives and fight human trafficking. Every part of the fight is to make our roads a safer place helps put an end to the human slavery that exists today.

Although there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, the trucking industry can celebrate a win in the fight against trafficking, because the U.S. Senate approved two bills that would greatly crackdown on human trafficking in commercial vehicles.

No Human Trafficking On Our Roads Act

The No Human Trafficking On Our Roads Act is the bill that if passed will disqualify anyone with human trafficking convictions from holding a CDL permanently. Meaning they would have a lifetime CDL ban. The act specifies that the CDL ban would be placed on any trucker “who uses a commercial vehicle in committing a felony involving an act or practice [in violation of] the Trafficking Victims Protection Act”.

Even though this bill has been approved by the Senate, it still has a ways to go because it needs to be passed by the House and president Trump would need to sign it for it to go into effect. Then it would greatly affect those in the industry who have been convicted of a human trafficking felony because they would lose their CDL.

Combating Human Trafficking In Commercial Vehicles Act

Another bill passed by the Senate is the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act which would create a major human trafficking effort across DOT agencies. As a result of the bill, which is sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar, the position of human trafficking coordinator would be established.

The secretary of Transportation would select someone to fill the position and along with coordinating with multiple DOT agencies to create efforts towards preventing trafficking the bill would increase human trafficking education, Reporting efforts at FMCSA, improve human trafficking outreach, and even provide financial assistance to CDL schools that provide anti-human trafficking education.

You Can Help 

Human Trafficking

With 20.9 people enslaved worldwide human trafficking exists in many different forms. We know that it exists outside of the trucking industry, but it also exists in the industry and it’s up the honest, hard-working drivers to do their part to put an end to it by spreading awareness.

Eliminating human trafficking from our Nation’s highways will help to put an end to human slavery. All you have to do to help is make a call Truckers Against Trafficking at 1-888-37-37-888 if you see the signs of trafficking. Making the call is free and it only takes a minute or two. Plus, the one simple call could save lives. To learn the signs and for more educational tools click here.

Thank You Doing Your Part 

The first part of fighting human trafficking is to be aware that it exists. The second part of the fight is to stand up for what’s right and to do your part to stop it by spreading awareness and by reporting the signs if you see them. Thank you for being brave enough to stand up for this cause, to end human trafficking, not just among commercial vehicles, but in all forms of its existence.

Please share your thoughts about ending human trafficking in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.https://www.expresstrucktax.com

Preventing Road Rage: Stay Calm And Keep Driving

Posted on September 29, 2017 by - dangerous driving, driving angry, Driving distracted, road rage, rookie drivers, trick drivers, trucker health, Trucker Safety, truckers

ExpressTruckTax emphasizes the importance of trucker safety

We have all gone hulk once or twice. Maybe it was for acceptable reasons and maybe it was a tragic overreaction to something. Either way, since birth people are taught to be in control of their own emotions because anger can be dangerous, especially when it enters our roads.

Recent Road Rage…

The Nation’s highways are already filled with dangers such as driving tired and driving distracted, and that’s only made worse when people are driving angry. Recently, in Allentown, Pa, a trucker named Ernest S.Weisburg was so consumed with road rage that he began hurling rocks out of his window, striking a van.

The victims followed the trucker until state troopers were able to pull the driver over, and when they did they found 3 more rocks behind Weisburg’s passenger seat. This is an example of incredibly dangerous road rage that could have lead to major wrecks and traffic deaths.

Thank you for being a responsible trucker and doing your part to keep other motorists safe, even though an influx of four wheelers can really test everyone’s patience. Let’s continue making our roads safer by taking a look at preventing road rage.

Identifying Road Rage

Road rage is known as aggressive or violent behavior coming from a driver’s uncontrolled anger towards fellow motorists and truckers on the road. Many things can cause road rage from a bad day at work to running late.

Often times road rage beings with aggressive driving such as speeding, tailgating, and not using a blinker. If you notice yourself doing these things take a moment to calm down before your situation escalates.

Road rage is extremely dangerous because it’s distracting. Usually when involved in road rage drivers are looking at other motorists instead of the road, making it easy to run into objects or other vehicles.

Drivers also have the tendency to make obscene gestures at other motorists, meaning they don’t have both hands on the wheel. With only one hand on the wheel is can be much easier to lose control of your own semi truck.

Those involved with road rage may also speed up and maneuver dangerously around each other, putting themselves and other drivers at risk. In severe cases, vehicles will try to push each other off the road or use weapons to cause harm.

Road rage could result in the loss of your life, traffic deaths, vehicle damage, physical damage, fines, going to court, going to jail, and more. It’s best to just keep calm and avoid it at all costs.

Preventing Road Rage

The best way to avoid road rage is to ignore other drivers, even if they are truck drivers. We sure you encounter a lot of angry people on the roads, and you’re good at not letting them get to you. Avoid eye contact with them and give them enough space to pass you so they can be on their way.

 

ExpressTruckTax wants truckers to stay safe

You can also play calming music or an interesting podcast to distract yourself from other drivers. If they seem to be getting to you just take a deep breath and go to your happy place for a few minutes until drive away. You can also pull over to gather your emotions or count backward in your head. Thinking about the consequences of your actions can also help you stay calm.

It’s a good practice to be mentally prepared for your drive. You can most likely expect other drivers who are upset during their daily commute, so go ahead and let that stress go before you even get in route.

If you find yourself in a situation that could quickly escalate into road rage it helps to wave and mouth the word ‘sorry’. Remember it’s much better to be the bigger person than another victim of road rage.

Keep On Trucking

As the holiday season approaches and more motorists get on the road remember to keep calm and continue driving safely. Road rage accounts for a high amount of traffic deaths and can be completely avoided by keeping your cool.

Please share your tips for avoiding road rage in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

Why Trucking Is The Most Dangerous Profession

Posted on September 15, 2017 by - dangerous driving, Dangers of trucking, Distracted driving, Driving Tired, Improve Trucker Safety, Make roads safer, trucker health, Trucker Lives Matter, Trucker Obesity, Trucker Safety

Truck Driving is the most dangerous job

You know what we think is a honk worthy cause? Trucker safety. Not only do we want you to be safe, but we would like for the safety of all drivers on our nation’s roads to be improved. We don’t want drivers to make an early trip to the golden highway in the sky, but unfortunately, truck driving is a dangerous profession.

According to the government’s workplace fatality census, truck driving was the most hazardous job last year, so stay educated on the dangers included with your occupation and take the measures that you can to become a safer driver. Let’s check out the leading causes of dangerous trucking to spread awareness.

The Dangers On Our Roads

Distracted Driving

We understand that cell phones have gotten way better over the years, and they can do a ton of cool stuff, making them be incredibly distracting. When you’re tweeting, posting, and snap chatting behind the wheel your eyes aren’t on the road and that’s extremely dangerous.

Put your phone down unless you’re safely parked. If you need to make a call use one of the many modern hands-free devices that are available. Other causes of distracted driving include reading while driving, eating, fixing your hair, rubber necking, messing with your radio or navigation system, and more.

Driving Tired

Trucking is an exhausting job, make sure that you get the rest that you need. Driving tired causes impaired reaction time, judgment, and vision. It can also cause decreased performance, vigilance, and increased aggression. It’s basically like driving drunk. Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep a night and if you’re tired take a break to get in a power nap.

Sometimes people don’t know that they aren’t well rested because they have sleep apnea, the silent killer. If you wake up feeling exhausted, with headaches, feeling confused, out of breath, or wake up due to coughing consider getting screened for sleep apnea, so you can take the steps towards correcting the issue to greatly improve your safety and quality of life.

Living An Unhealthy Lifestyle

You’ve probably seen some strange things around truck stops, including people with their bare stomachs hanging out of their shirts. That’s because truckers can gain so much weight so quickly that they grow out of their clothes before they notice. A poor diet and lack of exercise can quickly put you up the creek without a paddle.

 

Trucker Safety

Obesity can quickly lead to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. It can also increase your risk for strokes, heart attacks, gout, osteoarthritis, and more. Trucking involves a lot of sitting but you don’t have to let it destroy your health.

Pack your own meals or choose from some of the healthier fast food options. Grilled salads with avocado and hard boiled eggs are actually incredibly filling options these days. Just go easy on the dressing, cheese, and croutons. You could also try grilled chicken wraps or fish. Also, get rid of sugary soda for green tea or black coffee.

Do your best to move around a little. By taking the time to briskly walk around truck stops or your rig you will burn a sufficient amount of calories. There is also quite a bit of nifty strength training equipment you can take in your rig. 

Stay Safe Out There

We know that this information is grim, but it’s important to spread awareness in order to make our roads a safer place. On a good note, the rate of trucker fatalities has been decreasing each year. By pulling together to drive safer and to practice healthier habits in the trucking industry we can continue to improve safety.

Please add your tips about trucker safety in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

Prep Your Rig For Storm Season With These Emergency Items

Posted on September 13, 2017 by - truck driver, Trucker Emergency kit, Trucker emergency tools, Trucker Safety, trucking, Trucking through floods, Trucking Through Storms, trucking throwing snow

Truck Driver Emergency Kit Needs

Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Jose, and more, oh my! It’s been quite the crazy hurricane season and we’re still smack dab in the middle of it. If you haven’t been affected by one of these monstrous storms, consider yourself lucky.

However, has a road veteran with hours of experience behind the wheel then you may know that it’s easy to find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Pop up storms, blizzards, tornado warnings, and more can strike, some without warning. When you start the day a few states away in an area with perfect weather it can be difficult to know what to expect along your route. Unfortunately, you can’t predict Mother Nature’s actions, but you can be prepared when she strikes.

How To Safely Truck Through Storms

No matter if you’re OTR or a local driver you should carry emergency items in your cab just in case you’re caught in an urgent situation where the tools could save your life. Also, if you find yourself stuck for a few hours or even a few days these items could make a major difference for your comfort level. So, what emergency items should you have?

It’s important to have some bottles of water and nonperishable food. Canned items and packages of crackers will do the trick, just don’t forget your can opener. A fork may come in handy as well.

Be sure to bring an extra change of clothes in case you’re stuck somewhere for a few days, and make sure the clothes fit the season. Pack an extra jacket and warmer clothes in the cooler months and clothes that you won’t overheat in during the summer. Always have a reflective vest to be visible to other drivers if you have to get out of your truck.

Since winter is coming up remember to have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and warm boots. Extra blankets are also great to have, including an electric one.

Waterproof gear is extremely important because you will be much happier if you can stay warm and dry. Plus, you don’t want to come into contact with flood water. Flood waters are contaminated with feces and chemicals, so if you have to get out of your truck you’ll want to be wearing stuff to keep that water off of you.

How to truck through rain and snow

Other emergency items that are great to have include utility knives, flash lights, batteries, an extra phone battery or portable charger, a hand crank radio, matches or a lighter, a first aid kit, an auxiliary power unit to heat your cab without the engine running, a portable heater, and extra fuel.

To avoid being caught off guard in inclement weather pay attention to the weather forecasts. Know what to expect during your route and if bad weather is a factor reroute to avoid it or delay your trip until the storm passes.

If you find yourself in a pop-up storm with a tornado warning then slow down, turn your flashers on and find shelter. Pulling off to the side of the road is pretty dangerous when visibility is low, pull off as far as you can. Also, you should never stop under a bridge or overpass as they turn into wind tunnels and lots of debris pass through them. If you can’t find shelter park safely and lay in a ditch or low area.

When it’s snowing or raining heavily and you decide to keep driving at your own risk use tail light in front of you as a guide to follow to make sure you stay on the road. Also drive slowly, you don’t want to hit the person in front of you.

If you find yourself caught in a flash flood find high ground and if the road is flooded to risk driving through water. The current could over power your rig or you could get stranded. Turn around, don’t drown!

Stay Safe Out There

Winter is coming, along with it come hurricanes, storms, snow, and more! Be sure to be safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Know what weather to expect during your routes and have the right tools in your cab in the event of an emergency.

If you have more safety items to include or tips on how to drive a semi truck safely during inclement weather please share them in the comment section below. For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com.

Are You Participating In A Day Without Truckers?

Posted on August 18, 2017 by - A Day Without Truckers, Cargo theft, Memorial Procession, NRA, TLM, Trucker Lives Mater, Trucker Rights, Trucker Safety, truckers, veteran truckers

The trucking community is full of hardworking men and women who dedicate a majority of their time to the road in order to deliver goods all across the nation. As a result, our economy keeps moving. Without truckers, everything would come to a screeching halt.

Everything around you, your coffee mug, clothes, snack, and more were most likely on a truck at some point. If you like being able to go into a convenience store to pick up a drink or a pack of gum then thank a trucker.

People don’t realize how hard truckers work, and how dangerous of a job it is. Aside from the traffic danger and health risks, drivers also face murder. During the past decade, over 500 transportation professionals have been murdered. That’s why Trucker Lives Matter (TML) has created the event. ‘A Day Without Truckers’ on September 5th to spread awareness.

A Day Without Truckers

A Day Without Truckers is an event that will be held in front of the U.S. Capitol where all truckers are invited to gather to and ride in a memorial procession in memory of their fellow truckers who have been murdered. Those who cannot make it to Washington for the event are encouraged to shut down for the day. Also, everyone participating will be wearing all black.

Hundreds of truckers are expected to peacefully attend this event on September 5th, which is the first day back to work after Labor Day to bring awareness to the gun violence directed towards truckers and how they need self-defense and gun rights.

TLM has evolved from the equal protection bill named for Michael Boeglin, a trucker who after being murdered was burned in his trunk in Detroit during June 2014. TLM is working towards allowing every American to legally carry guns across state lines, which is quite the goal to have.

As of right now, truckers, as well as everyone else, cannot legally carry a gun across state lines even if they have concealed carry licenses and permits unless the states that the individual is traveling to and from have an official agreement.

Recently, Keith Odom was shot. The 49-year-old trucker from Tennessee was the victim of a random robbery at 8 AM in Baton Rouge on August 8th. He pulled over to repair a tire and was robbed of his belongings. He was shot even though he complied with the robber. Aside from being robbed of their personal belonging truckers face the dangers of cargo theft and road rage.

To deter people who want to cause you harm, park in well-lit areas, always be aware of your surroundings, stay calm, and have someone monitor your truck from dispatch. It also helps to park in areas with surveillance.

Stay Safe Out There

Whether you are participating in A Day Without Truckers, shutting down for the day, or simply wearing all black, be sure to remain alert and stay safe. We want to thank you for all of your hard work you do all across the nation and our hearts go out to those who have lost their lives.

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your thoughts about A Day Without Truckers in the comment section below.