Times, they are a-changing. We have better roads, better vehicles, and better drivers. Due to these changes, many issues in the trucking industry have come under scrutiny. Most recently, it is the hours-of-service regulations that have been in the spotlight.

HOS are regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that govern the working hours of anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle. The rules limit the number of daily and weekly hours drivers spend on the road and the minimum amount of time drivers must rest between hauls or shifts. All drivers are required to keep a log of working hours, which is checked by DOT officers at weigh stations or by the highway patrol during stops. While some drivers use a paper logbook, others can use an electronic-on-board recorder (EOBR), which automatically records the amount of time spent driving. Because of the inconsistencies between these two methods of tracking HOS, there is some debate recently as to whether all motor carriers should use an EOBR.

The HOS rules have changed over the years, most recently in 2011. The Department of Transportation decided to take another look at the regulations and lop off a chunk of the number of hours a driver can spend behind the wheel in a week. The impetus behind the changes was a closer look at the impact of driver fatigue. The FMCSA states that the number of hours spent driving has a strong correlation to the number of fatigue-related accidents. According to numerous studies, the risk of fatigue is also greatest between the hours of midnight and six in the morning, and increases with the total length of the driver’s trip. So the redesign of the HOS was intended to prevent more accidents or injuries due to driver fatigue.

The final rule was released in 2011. It reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver’s workweek to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes.

The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their workweek by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty.

Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window. The final rule retains the current 11-hour daily driving limit, but that could also change, as the FMCSA continues to analyze further risks associated with driving 11 hours per day.

The deadline for compliance is fast approaching. Commercial truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1, 2013.

The FMSCA said that the objective of the rule is to reduce both acute and chronic fatigue by limiting the maximum number of hours per day and week that the drivers can work.

In addition, the rule limits the use of the “34-hour restart” to once a week, or 168 hours. If restarts are taken every 6 days, alternating 14 hours on-duty and 10 hours off, a driver would reach 70 hours in less than 5 full days. After a 34-hour break, the driver could then begin this same cycle again, totaling 70 hours on-duty every 6 calendar days, for an average of almost 82 hours per calendar week. So the purpose of the restart rule would be to limit excessive buildup of on-duty hours.

The American Trucking Association flew into action after the rule was proposed, saying it puts onerous restrictions on the driver’s ability to manage their schedules. The ATA claims there is simply no data to support the changes.

“The existing rules have a proven track record, and the agency’s purported reasons for tinkering with them were baseless,” ATA General Counsel Prasad Sharma said in an article on TruckingInfo.com. “We’re hopeful the judges will see through the agency’s mere pleas for deference and after-the-fact explanations for a rule that was agenda-driven rather than evidence-based.”

FMCSA recently denied a request by the ATA to delay the start of the new rules from its scheduled July 1 implementation.

How do you think the new HOS rules will affect the industry and you as a driver? Please comment below!

Mention the words “truck stop” to someone and it will often invoke childhood memories of taking long road trips squeezed in the back of a hot car with the occasional stop to get snacks. The truck stop was a kid’s dream – big diesel engines roaring to life under brightly colored neon lights, rows and rows of candy and chocolate, toys, gifts, postcards, coffee cups and silver spoons commemorating the city, T-shirts, and any kind of potato chip you could imagine. While some of these mom-and-pop truck stops still exist, many of them have been bought and turned into chains. Today we wanted to pay homage to the best truck stops in the nation by compiling a list of truckers’ favorites.

1. Iowa 80, “The World’s Largest Truck Stop.” This trucker heaven, based in Walcott, Iowa, has been in business almost five decades. The building boasts a 300-seat restaurant, 50-ft salad bar, game room, movie theater, driver’s den, barber, dentist, and a state-of-the-art fuel center. Truckers can order any truck part imaginable from the Iowa 80 catalog, or they can take a turn in the trucking museum, which houses antique trucks and memorabilia.

2. Willie’s Place at Carl’s Corner. While this truck stop recently went under due to financial problems, people still buzz about its amazing amenities. Located between Dallas and Ft. Worth on I-35, this place had it all: 13 diesel islands with “BioWillie” diesel fuel, a general store packed with Willie Nelson paraphernalia, and a night life theater featuring live music. Unfortunately, this truck stop never made any money and was forced to close its doors in 2011.

3. Little America. With locations in Arizona and Wyoming, this truck stop is more than just a bunch of restaurants. It’s a conference hotel and a recreation center nestled among 500 acres of ponderosa pine.

4. Bosselman Truck Stop. This Nebraska-based stop-off of I-80 is a favorite of many truckers, who cite the super-clean bathrooms, good food, fun displays, and even a CB shop as proof.

5. Porky’s. Stop here in South Carolina for a bite to eat or stay a few days – there’s enough to keep you busy in the surrounding town. The truck stop features fueling stations, a wedding chapel, a viewing tower, restaurants, antique shops, and an indoor flea market.

6. Jubitz. Lauded as the “world’s classiest truck stop,” Jubitz calls I-5 in Portland, OR, home. It has a great restaurant, a lounge featuring live music and up-and-coming country singers, a Laundromat, medical clinic, deli, and a movie theater.

Do you have favorite truck stop? We’d love to hear all about it!

The Mid-America trucking show held last month was a truck driver’s dream. Lots of shiny chrome and new gadgets drew truckers from all over the United States. Because trucking is such a large industry, companies who make these tech innovations are always looking for ways to improve upon tools truckers use. Here is a list of some of the newer gadgets that have caught our attention:

• Rand McNally’s IntelliRoute GPS. The IntelliRoute® TND™ 520 is a GPS specifically for truckers. It’s trucker tested and trucker approved. For weather, it shows current conditions and forecast, or truckers can choose from 10 different map overlays, including precipitation and wind speed. Truckers can also search for fuel prices by brand or on the map. They can receive traffic information from anywhere, even rural areas. The handy fuel log allows them to track purchases by state and date, while the quick planner allows drivers to calculate mileage and profitability between two cities or towns. The virtual dashboard also allows access to key metrics to monitor progress and productivity, such as sunrise and sunset time, trip progress, and yard time.

• CoPilot Live Truck, version 9. Truckers call this GPS the ultimate road mapping tool. It runs on laptops or tablets. It features the most practical routing ability, zip code entry mode, Hazmat specific routes for Explosives, Inhalants, and Radioactives, clear view lane assistance screen, fresh points of interest, and a night mode to reduce glare and eye strain. You can also live update Facebook and Twitter when you arrive somewhere.

• Apple iPad. This is a must-have for any trucker (or a similar tablet). The newest iPad’s faster A6X processor adds extra system speed and graphics power. Improved worldwide cellular compatibility makes the LTE model more appealing. Truckers will find tons of great apps to make their life a lot easier on the road.

• Blue Parrot headset. Voices always come across as clear and distinct through the Parrot’s headphones. It fits comfortably and doesn’t cause ear fatigue or strain. It has extreme noise suppression, pairing, and mute controls, plus truckers can talk for up to 16 hours on a single charge.

• Koolatron’s Cooler. This is the mother of all trucking coolers. It’s designed to fit in snug areas like behind a truck or van seat. unit features a 12-volt cooling system that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter. The cooler’s motor blows cold air over your food and beverages, keeping them 40 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. The cooler also doubles as a warmer.

• Galaxy CB Radio DX979. The Galaxy DX979 combines Single Side Band with Galaxy’s StarLite illuminated faceplate. It features the same main circuitry as Cobra 148, but with Galaxy’s quality and 2 year warranty. The StarLite Faceplate All of the control information is backlit for easier viewing at night, while the AM and SSB (Single Sideband) Operation Allows use of both AM and Single Sideband modes.

What gadgets have caught your eye that you would love to have in your truck?

What do truckers love more than driving trucks? Looking at trucks, for one thing. And in the U.S., there are plenty of beautiful trucks to enjoy. From classic Peterbilts to rebuilt Kenworths and International trucks, there are literally thousands of trucks from every year to showcase. Classic truck shows are venues where working trucks get their time in the spotlight. Held year-round, some of these shows are can’t-miss events for the trucker who loves beautiful semis. Some of our favorites include:

• The Big Iron Classic. Held in September in Kasson, Minnesota, this truck show features semi-trucks and trailers, along with Bobtails, Combo, and custom trucks. There’s also a truck pull that is the show’s main draw, where a road truck pulls a 60,000 lb sled down a dirt track. Friday night at dusk the big rigs line up and run their lights, creating a multicolored light show. With entertainment to boot, this classic show is an excellent event for truck enthusiasts.

• 75 Chrome Shop Truck Show. This annual show held in Wildwood, Florida, features Overdrive Magazine’s Pride and Polish Truck Beauty Contest. The next show will be held April 26, 27, 28, and those who want to display their own rigs can register for a $75 fee.

• Midwest Pride in Your Ride. This two-day event is held the first weekend in May at the Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa. The show features working class show trucks and beautiful antique farm tractors. There’s also a truck pull and a truck and tractor rodeo. All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Center’s Relay for Life. Last year the event raised almost $50,000!

• Cummins Big Rig Truck Nationals. Held in Budds Creek, Maryland, this show features several kinds of working trucks, including semis and dump trucks.

• American Truck Historical Society National Truck Show. The next show will be held in Yakima, Washington, and will showcase some of the oldest, most beautiful antique trucks in the nation. Last year over 850 trucks were registered and on display.

• Class 8 on the Lake Truck Show. Held by Truckers Helping Hands in Geneva on the Lake, Ohio, this truck show offers free admission and a family-friendly format. There is a parade, a BBQ, and an auction, along with a bevy of gorgeous trucks on display.

• The Carlisle Truck Nationals. Held in Carlisle, PA, this show calls itself one of the most action-packed truck events in the world. There will be plenty of restored classics along with chromed out big rigs. Annually, more than 2,000 trucks are part of the judged showfield.

What shows have you been to that you’d like to include? Please comment below!

For those in the market for a great truck, 2013 promises to be a great year. Trucks have been redesigned to be smoother, more fuel-efficient, and easier to handle on the road.

The 2013 Kenworth W900 is the perfect truck for those who prefer the classic stretch hood design. Dual high polished chrome stacks and a stacked sleeper cab make this truck stand out among its competitors. The W900 features a slide-in logbook holder, two 12-volt outlets, onboard navigation system, and Bluetooth wireless technology equipped with the Kenworth NavPlus. The luxurious premium seats have lumbar and lateral support to cushion the back on those long hauls. Other features include lighted trim panels, roof-mounted lamps, polished fuel tanks, steel tool boxes, and stainless cowl-mounted air cleaners.

For those who like a sleeker design, the 2013 Peterbilt 579 has a lot to offer. Five years of testing went into this model, and Peterbilt has called it the best truck it’s ever built. The 579’s headlamps were tested in ten countries to ensure consistent beam distribution and solid road coverage. The truck also features Peterbilt’s SmartNav system, an integrated telematics and infotainment system that provides real-time truck monitoring, truck-specific navigation, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. SmartNav features a 7-inch touch screen that provides real-time vehicle monitoring, a truck-specific Garmin navigation system, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, a fully integrated audio system with satellite radio as well as MP3, USB and iPod capabilities. aerodynamic performance is enhanced through modular aero packages that meet the EPA’s SmartWay designation. The aero packages are designed to meet customer optimized requirements, with variable length chassis fairings, sleeper extenders and rubber flares, under-cab close-outs and under-fairing skirts. The detachable sleeper is loaded with practical luxuries including ample storage and an integrated entertainment center that can accommodate a 22-inch flat panel television.

The 2013 International Lone Star is also a breathtaking truck. The LoneStar features the quietest cab in its class, and at 89 inches, it’s also one of the largest. The LoneStar features a 50-degree wheel cut, roll stability control, and proprietary air-cushioned front and rear suspensions. Fuel economy is on par with aero tractors and exceeds traditional long-nose conventionals by 5-15%. The MaxxForce Big Bore engine delivers excellent fuel economy without added weight.

Kenworth’s T680 has been hailed by American Truck Dealers as the commercial truck of the year. The T680 is available in 76″ sleeper and day cab configurations and is standard with the PACCAR MX-13 engine rated up to 500 hp and 1850 lb.-ft. of torque. It has earned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay award and is the most aerodynamic truck in Kenworth’s 90-year history. The T680 features a PACCAR MX-13 Engine and a 2.1-meter-wide cab.

For those that are looking to purchase a truck, Greatwide is proud to offer a truck purchasing program. Details can be found here.

Which 2013 truck is your favorite?

Truck shows have something to offer everyone in attendance. Traditionally these shows have been conventions about business and recruiting matters related to trucking, but more recently they have evolved to include entertainment and contests. They are educational resources for those wanting to know all the latest trends in the trucking industry, they link business owners to vendors, and they are recruiting grounds for people looking for jobs. But most importantly, they are venues for those in trucking to network, exchange business cards, and talk about ways to become more efficient and productive in the coming years.

While there are countless truck shows held annually, here are some of the top venues. If you go to any this year, at least try to make one of these:

• The Great West Truck Show. Held in Las Vegas from May 30-June 1, the GWTS is for anyone utilizing heavy or medium duty trucks within their businesses, including owner operators, private fleets, company drivers, and for-hire trucking company management. The GWTS claims to be the only major truck show held annually in the western United States. In 2008, over 18,000 people attended the show, which also features a truck beauty competition and 300,000 square feet of trucks, trailers, parts, and services. http://www.greatwesttruckshow.com/2012-great-west-truck-show-information/

• Trucking Virtual Career Fair. Virtual job fairs are typically attended by some of the best carriers in the nation. These fairs allow truck drivers to connect with employers through the Internet at a designated URL. Candidates can have live conversations with recruiters and submit resumes. http://truckingvirtualcareerfair.com/

• The Great American Trucking Show. Held at the Dallas Convention Center from August 22-24, this show is the second-largest trucking trade show. There are more than 500 exhibitors representing truck, trailer, engine, component and parts manufacturers, as well as services catering to the heavy and medium-duty truck industry. Attendees can apply for jobs, attend education seminars, and get the latest updates from industry leaders.  http://www.gatsonline.com/2012-gats-show-information 

• Charlotte Diesel Super Show. This two-day event held annually in October is a place for trucking professionals, enthusiasts, and guests. The weekend is typically filled with truck drags, entertainment, and demos. https://www.dieselsupershow.com/products-page/the-charlotte-diesel-super-show/

• The Mid-America Trucking Show. This Louisville, Kentucky-based show is a huge draw for thousands of trucking professionals. Held March 21-23, it is a forum for the heavy-duty trucking industry, providing face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking professionals. MATS offers concerts, truck beauty contests, seminars, and fleet forums. There’s something for everyone at this show. http://www.truckingshow.com/

What shows have you attended? What did you come away with? We’d love to know your experiences, comments and recommendations!

Truck squad units across America are constantly on the lookout for unsafe trucks and truck drivers. Inspections can be conducted anywhere by the proper authorities. Make sure you are always prepared for these surprises.

There are six primary levels of DOT inspections:

A level I inspection is a detailed check of the driver, vehicle, and load. The driver will be interviewed about his/her trip and his/her load. The driver will be questioned if drugs, alcohol or weapons are present either on the driver or in the truck. He or she may be asked to provide supporting documents such as fuel and/or toll receipts. Inspections must be performed and CVSA decals affixed by North American Standard Level I and/or Level V certified inspectors. The focus of the Level I inspection includes:

1. Inspection Site

A safe location will be chosen to conduct the inspection.

2. Driver and Vehicle Requirements Checks

An inspector will check the driver’s license, medical card, medical waiver (if applicable), record of duty status (logbook) and seatbelt.  The inspector will also check the driver vehicle inspection report, shipping papers, registrations, insurance card, proof of annual inspections and fuel tax (IFTA).

3. Hazardous Materials Check (if applicable)

The driver will be asked questions regarding the presence of hazardous materials.

Placards, leaks, spills, unsecured cargo, markings and labels will be checked.

4. Inside Cab Checks

This check includes the defroster, sleeper berth (if applicable), fire extinguisher, seatbelt, triangles/flares, fuses, etc.

5. Front of Tractor

The front of the tractor will be checked, including the headlights, wipers, horn, turn signals, windshield, etc.

6. Left Front Side of Tractor

Tire and rim will be checked.

7. Left Saddle Tank Area

Fuel tank, tractor frame, exhaust system, USDOT # and carrier name will be checked. 

8. Trailer Front

Air and electrical lines, front end protection, lights, reflectors, etc. will be checked.

9. Left Rear of Tractor

Brake lights, taillights, reverse light, marker light, tires, rims, fifth wheel, etc. will be checked.

10. Left Side of Trailer

Frame, hoses, electrical, lights, reflective tape, cargo securement, wheels, rims, tires, etc. will be checked.

11. Rear of Trailer

Taillights, turn signals, brake lights, clearance lights, reflectors, load securement, etc. will be checked.

12. Right Side of Trailer

(Same inspection items as described in Step 10)

13. Right Rear of Tractor

(Same inspection items as described in Step 9)

14. Right Saddle Tank Area

(Same inspection items as described in Step 7)

15. Right Front of Tractor

(Same inspection items as described in Step 6) 

16. Steering Axle Area Inspection

Steering system, suspension, brakes, frame cracks, oil leaks, fuel leaks, etc. will be checked.

17. Underneath Truck Inspection

Brake adjustment and operation, brake linings, drums, chambers, slack adjusters, shoes, rotors, air leaks, brake hoses, frame, suspension, etc. will be checked.

18. Test Air Loss Rate

Low air warning device will be checked (either light or buzzer must work).

19. Tractor Protection System

Valve that prevents air loss if trailer becomes detached will be checked.

20. Check Steering Wheel Lash

21. Check Fifth Wheel Movement

At the end of the inspection, an inspection form will be completed documenting all the violations. The driver will be informed if either the vehicle and/or driver are to be placed out-of-service. An out-of-service order means that the vehicle cannot be driven until all of the mechanical (out-of-service) violations are fixed, or the driver requirements have been met. The out-of-service order will be explained in detail. If a truck passes the inspection without certain critical mechanical problems, a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance decal will be applied to either the truck and/or trailer, notifying others that the truck has recently been inspected.

Other inspection levels include an inspection of the driver only, special inspections of a specific item, a walk-around inspection that doesn’t involve getting physically under the truck, a vehicle-only inspection, and an inspection for radioactive experiments.

In general, vehicles displaying a valid CVSA decal are not subject to re-inspection; however, if an obvious defect is noticed on a vehicle with a current CVSA decal, nothing prevents a party from re-inspecting that vehicle.

Many of those who have achieved successful careers in trucking attribute it to becoming owner-operators on a dedicated business model. An owner-operator is a self-employed commercial truck driver or a small business that operates trucks for transporting goods over highways for its customers.

Job security and higher pay are two big reasons drivers choose this career path. According to The Trucker’s Report, thousands of these truckers have found a way of remaining profitable – regardless of a sluggish economy, low freight rates, and high fuel costs.

Those that have achieved success as owner-operators can also go on to become fleet owners. Fleet owners typically purchase, manage, and assist in operating a small fleet of trucks.

The life of an owner-operator is entrepreneurial. There are highs and lows, as with any business venture. If you choose to lease on to a carrier, you can lessen some of the financial hardships and burdens that go along with being fully independent. For example, you can gain access to fuel cards, money transfer systems, consistent load and freight, access to fleet rates on insurance, and company-paid tolls.

Chuck Pearson, a Greatwide owner-operator from Pauls Valley, OK, recently spoke about becoming a profitable owner-operator.

Greatwide: What is it like being an owner-operator?

Pearson: Being an owner-operator means many things. First and foremost, an owner-op is a small business owner.  Small business owners need to know many things about their business and probably the most important thing one needs to know is how to make the business profitable. 

 GW: How does an O/O achieve success?

Pearson: An owner-operator is a small businessperson. The profit or loss of one’s business, regardless if it’s trucking or not, should always be front and center on the radar screen. For an owner-operator, the old adage of “a penny saved is a penny earned” is extremely important. For example, an owner-operator’s number one expense is diesel. So a successful owner-operator is always looking for the cheapest fuel price. Assuming their truck runs 2000 miles a week and gets 6 mpg, that is approximately 333 gallons of diesel per week.  If the owner-operator can save .05 cents on those 333 gallons, he saved money that week and positively contributed to his profitability.

 An owner-operator needs to be familiar with his equipment. If he can fix something himself, he saves money.  Most shops charge at least $80 per hour labor plus mark-up the price of parts the use on one’s truck. Something as simple as replacing an air line and glad hand would probably cost one $130 or so in a shop; the owner-operator can do the same for about $30.

 In a nutshell, in the trucking business as an owner-operator, one of the primary ways you make money really is by saving money and making smart business decisions relative to the operation of your equipment.  Pick good loads, work on your own truck if you have the knowledge and time to do so, be proactive with maintenance, and above all, protect your driving record and be safe.

GW: What other advice would you give to those looking to becoming O/Os?

Pearson: The first thing a new owner-operator does is buy a truck, obviously. Be smart with this decision. There are many, many resources out there for locating new and used tractors. Do not pay, for example, $10,000 more for a truck than what it is worth. I would also suggest not buying a truck if you know absolutely nothing about and do not care to learn about simple mechanics.  If you don’t care to buy a 9/16 wrench and change your own batteries or know how to change a fuel filter, this is not for you – remain a company driver. 

 Being proactive is a big part of success. Have extra air lines, have a good set of tools, have a spare set of fuel filters and air governor, etc. Another piece of advice is to have a mechanic you can trust to do a good job at a fair price. Have that person in your phone directory.

For more information on becoming an owner-operator with Greatwide, please click here.

When the sun is so hot that people are baking cookies on their dashboard, it’s hard to fathom snow or even a breeze chilly enough to tug on a light sweater. But fall is just around the corner, and with it, the looming presence of winter. Truck drivers are lucky – they get to experience many seasons, even in the space of one week. Drivers can coast from a mild Washington winter and then suddenly slide into a treacherous Chicago ice storm. Then they may descend into a balmy Florida, where the only snow in the state exists inside ornamental globes. Wherever a driver may be, it’s important to prepare trucks for any kind of weather.

There are a handful of basic maintenance procedures that need to be performed on your truck to equip it for the winter blast. Always replace tires that are showing signs of wear, and load up chains if you are running into snow or ice. Inspect chains for worn or damaged links. Remember when you’re filling the tires that cold can affect pressure. Check fuel filters and change them to ensure no water is inside. Weather changes can create condensation in fuel tanks. It’s always a smart idea to keep extra filters on hand in case the condensation leads to your truck shutting down. In addition, use some fuel additive to prevent jelling.

Check the batteries in your truck by disconnecting and checking each one individually, since one weak battery can drain all of them. You don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road in frigid temps because of a dead battery. If your air valves freeze up in cold weather, your brakes and air suspension may not work optimally. You’ll want to empty your air tanks. Do this by removing the drain plugs and allowing them to dry out. Add air line antifreeze to the lines, but do not drain the tanks after this. Use the dummy air line connectors on the rear of the cab when not connected to a trailer to prevent debris and excess water from getting into the system.

Always check antifreeze levels. Use an antifreeze testing gauge for this, and then make sure you have the proper levels to get you through some tough hauls. You may also want to flush out your cooling system and replace the antifreeze.

What good is a winterized rig if the driver isn’t warm? You’ll definitely want to inspect your heater. Replace the in-cab filter and test vents and heater door panels. Then move on to the electrical system and inspect the alternator and starter. Always make sure you have emergency fuses on hand, along with warm blankets, a first aid kit, food, and survival supplies in case you are stranded. Add winter blend wiper fluid so the fluid doesn’t freeze during colder temps. Inspect blades for wear and tear and replace if necessary.

For repairs and maintenance, Greatwide proudly offers a Greatcare plan for our drivers, which includes discounts on maintenance, parts, and truck purchasing.

Do you undergo special preparations before the winter? We’d love to hear about it!

As the truck driver shortage increases, the number of perks companies are offering to entice drivers is also growing.

Launching competitive fuel discount programs is an example of a perk trucking companies are implementing.  Greatwide re-launched its fuel discount program in 2012 providing even better fuel discounts for drivers by partnering with Pilot Flying J.

Some businesses are remodeling their fleets to showcase bigger cabs, GPS systems, and satellite radios. Others have launched healthcare programs that focus on promoting truck driver health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and helping truckers make better nutritional decisions.

Companies like Greatwide connect drivers to affordable health insurance, retirement, and tax services. The Greatcare program created by GW focuses on offering Owner Operators deep discounts and facilitating services that are the most relevant for drivers. For example, owner operators can purchase tires, wash their trucks, and buy Thermo King-Idle Solutions at a premium discount. Through the program, truck centers offer discounts on parts and labor. And hotels such as LaQuinta and Wyndham are able to give GW drivers discounts on their stay.

Companies value their drivers, which is the driving reason behind these programs and perks. A recent article on Reuters highlights how sought-after today’s drivers are and what an important role drivers play in shaping our economy.

Meanwhile, small, grungy truck stops are being replaced by super-marts that cater to drivers.  Truck stop operators have spent millions of dollars renovating their showers, restaurants, and lodging space and adding jogging trails, gyms, clinics, and private showers.

Menus that once displayed only fried and fatty foods now have healthier choices such as grilled chicken and salads. Some truck stops are even employing chefs on-site to upgrade the quality of food.

Reuters reports that both Pilot and TravelCenters of America have shelled out big bucks to invest in extras that will appeal to road-weary drivers.

Pilot spent $135 million on upgrades to showers, restrooms, delis and restaurants and plans to invest $49 million more by the end of 2013, while TravelCenters spent $171 million in 2011 and $40 million in the first quarter on upgrades.

What kinds of perks would you most like to receive as a driver? To take a look at all that Greatwide Dedicated Transport offers, visit www.driveforgreatwide.com