5 Reasons Veterans Should Consider Trucking

May 31, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

The trucking industry is indispensable, and yet we’re still facing an ongoing driver shortage. Many companies have started raising salaries and improving benefits packages in hopes of attracting new, qualified drivers, but there are still thousands of job listings waiting to be filled. For veterans, jobs in trucking can be a perfect match for more reasons than one.

Veterans already have the skills for the job

Many of the skills that military personnel develop during their years of service overlap with those used by truck drivers every day. They’re usually tech-savvy, accustomed to picking up new skills in a fast-moving environment, and often have experience working with heavy equipment. Those who already have a commercial driver’s license might be eligible for a higher starting pay rate. Even those without one might be able to fast-track their licensure if their prior military experience meets certain requirements.

Veterans who have the easiest time transferring their existing skills to a career in trucking include those who worked in one or more of the following military specialties:

88M – Motor Transport Operator
3531 – Motor Vehicle Operator
2TI – Vehicle Operator
EO – Equipment Operator
92F – Fueler
2FO – Fueler
3E2 – Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator
14T – Patriot Launching Station Operator

The GI bill covers additional training

Many trucking schools are approved by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill helps veterans build on their existing experience to earn certifications for future employment. Vets can ask trucking companies hiring in their area for guidance. You can also review the VA’s guidelines for finding an approved school and compare benefit options.

Trucking offers job security for veterans

Having a CDL and a military background all but guarantees veterans a job in the trucking industry. As long as you have a clean driving record, no DUIs or drug convictions recently, and meet minimum age requirements, getting a job as a truck driver is a breeze. With a sharp uptick in online consumer spending habits since 2020, keeping that job is just as easy– As long as you’re reliable, of course. Luckily, this is rarely an issue for someone who committed their life to serving their country.

The pay and benefits are competitive and reliable

According to the American Trucking Association, trucking is a top five occupation in 30 states, and is the most popular job in two of them. Trucking companies are among the nation’s largest employers, and the employment of truck drivers is projected to grow 11% between 2021 and 2031. This is much faster than the average projected job growth overall. With short-term training requirements and no college degree needed, truck driving is a consistent and reliable career option.

Trucking jobs are also widespread across all 50 states, so there’s no need to relocate to find a great job. The median wage for drivers varies by state and by the type of company they work for. Still, according to Indeed, the average annual wage of truck drivers is around $83,000. For veterans looking to make a smooth transition to civilian life, truck driving is a solid option.

Veterans fit right in

It isn’t just hands-on experience with heavy machinery that gives veterans an edge. They have plenty of soft skills that trucking companies look for. For example:

Leadership skills
The ability to work well as part of a team
Good communication
Situational awareness
Attention to detail
Self-discipline

Vets pick up these and other similar skills while on active duty. Transferring them to trucking is a natural next move. To inquire about available positions working for BYX, visit our hiring page. We’d love to meet you!

Meet the Most Hazardous Materials on the Highway

May 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

It goes without saying that truck drivers are responsible for stocking the aisles of your favorite grocery stores and supermarkets. Truck drivers transport a lot more than food, clothes, and toilet paper, however. They transport everything. The most hazardous materials have to get from point A to point B somehow, and that dangerous job falls on the shoulder of truckers. The most common hazardous material transported isn’t anything fancy: It’s ordinary gasoline.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are both highly flammable, and they’re moved cross-country all the time. Fuel is far from the only dangerous material truck drivers have to handle. The following nine types of hazardous materials are routinely transported by trucking companies– And they need special precautions to do it without making an explosive appearance on the 6 o’clock news.

Class 1: Explosives

Explosives are the most obvious type of hazardous material truckers have to deal with. This cargo includes everything from dynamite, hand grenades, and commercial-grade fireworks to sparklers and model rocket motors. Every vehicle used for transporting explosive materials must be in good mechanical condition. That one’s a no-brainer, but the vehicle also needs to have tight floors made of non-spark-producing materials. Potentially spark-producing metal surfaces must be covered to prevent the possibility of detonating the cargo. Electric detonators can’t be moved in any vehicle equipped with a radio transmitter due to the risk of accidental detonation.

Class 2: Gases

Helium doesn’t get to Party City by itself. There are three categories of hazardous gases, including flammable gas, non-flammable compressed gas, and poisonous gas. All are dangerous for different reasons. Flammable gas, such as that found in spray paint and lighters, can cause fast-spreading fires. Compressed gas can explode if handled roughly or exposed to heat. Poisonous gases, like chlorine, can cause trouble breathing, skin damage, blurred vision, and nausea to those exposed. The closer you are to a spilled hazardous material, the more severe of a health risk you’ll face. In other words, truck drivers are among the most likely to be injured on the job by hazardous materials. We don’t know of any desk jobs that put employees at risk of chemical burns, do you?

Class 3: Flammable liquids

Lighter fluid isn’t the only flammable liquid drivers have to tote. Most perfumes, paint, and any other alcohol-based fluid can catch on fire if exposed to a spark. Gasoline is also highly flammable, and truck drivers move that particular hazardous material all the time.

Class 4: Flammable solids are less common hazardous materials

Just because they’re less common doesn’t mean they’re not potentially harmful. It’s hard to say whether flammable liquids or solids are more dangerous to transport. We’d prefer not to have to choose. Match sticks don’t seem too risky, but some classes of flammable solids behave less predictably. Some materials can ignite when wet, like barium and lithium. Others can spontaneously combust. Don’t throw oily rags from your latest shop project into the bed of your pickup, because it’s possible for them to catch fire without warning.

Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Never heard of this one? We don’t blame you. No one really looks at the labels on the back of products like hydrogen peroxide, which is an oxidizer that reacts readily with most organic materials. Certain fertilizers are also flammable, as are all accelerants.

Class 6: Poisonous, toxic, and infectious substances

Would you ever think of nicotine as a hazardous material? According to the Department of Transportation, it is, along with arsenic, chloroform, lead, mercury, and everything else you’d strongly prefer not to ingest. While this class is less intimidating than explosives, toxic substances can still cause skin damage if drivers have to contain spills sustained during transport.

Class 7: Radioactive material

Truck drivers don’t have to be moving a nuclear weapon to be exposed to radioactive material. Even exit signs on roads contain nuclear fuels, usually tritium. This allows the sign to remain lit if the electricity in the area goes out, but it’s still dangerous to transport.

Class 8: Corrosives also count as hazardous materials

There’s a reason we’re strongly advised not to throw out old batteries and electronics. Most types of batteries contain corrosive acids. If the materials found in lead acid batteries or degreasing products are spilled during transport, it’s possible for them to burn a hole straight through the bed of the truck.

Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous materials

Some hazardous materials don’t fit neatly into one of the classes above. The ones remaining get tossed into Class 9. Most of the miscellaneous dangerous goods transported by truck drivers are ordinary lithium batteries or other seemingly ordinary products, like airbag modules.

Anyone responsible for transporting hazardous materials needs hazmat training

Yes, that includes truck drivers. Anyone who participates in the transportation of hazardous materials, whether by ground, air, or ocean, needs to undergo a training program. While some training requirements seem like more of an inconvenience than anything else, hazmat training isn’t just for lawsuit prevention: It’s for disaster prevention.

An unprepared truck driver transporting a truckful of fireworks could launch a spontaneous, deadly celebration in the middle of rush hour. As for the rest of us, we’re just happy that the most dangerous thing we carry around is a pack of sparklers. Stay safe, folks, and remember to thank your truck drivers.

After Months, Port Negotiations Are Finally Getting Somewhere

April 26, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

In case you missed it, operations at our local ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have been caught in the center of a vortex of port negotiations for months on end. The ILWU (International Longshore and Warehouse Union) represents longshore workers. The PCA (Pacific Maritime Association) represents shippers. The pair have been negotiating new contracts since May 2022. The previous contract expired on July 1, 2022. Nearly a year later, it looks like an agreement has finally been reached.

Port negotiations for all West Coast ports have centered around two core issues

Port negotiations aren’t impacting our local ports alone. All ports on the West Coast, 29 in total, have been involved in the longstanding verbal ping-pong game. The original priorities of the ILWU were to address longshore worker wages and the role of automation in the industry. Most of the negotiations have taken place behind closed doors. In March, however, tensions intensified. Some employers accused unionized dockworkers of intentionally slowing cargo handling at both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

They’re two of the world’s busiest ports, serving as our nation’s most crucial gateway to international imports. Slowdowns create a concerning chain reaction, much like a minor fender bender can escalate to hours of traffic. When dockworkers stopped staggering work shifts during mealtimes, it led to two hour-longs shut down each day, causing frustrating delays. The ILWU president, Willie Adams, made a valid point: Everyone should be entitled to a lunch break, including dockworkers.

Union officials accused the PMA of glossing over other reasons for the slowdowns in order to influence public opinion. In early April, however, the ILWU Local 13 withheld workers from their shifts. This effectively closed both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The reason, according to the ILWU, was benign. The closure was intended to give union members who observe religious holidays time to spend with family over Easter weekend. Many shippers felt the withdrawal was done deliberately to intensify the need to come to an agreement.

This marked the first time the two organizations have publicly come to blows during this year’s negotiations, and we hope it’s the last– Especially considering much of our nation’s cargo was shifted from West Coast ports to the East Coast as a result of the ongoing workflow disturbances. As of April 20th, it appears that it will be.

After 10 months, a tentative end to port negotiations is in sight

All the way back in July of 2022, the union and the PMA announced that they had agreed on the terms of maintaining worker health benefits. They also shared a joint press release in February 2023 announcing that they were hopeful a deal would soon be reached. The two parties have continued meeting in San Francisco to collectively bargain. The early-April port shutdown served to twist the PMA’s arm. Whether intentional or not, it worked. Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero believes the end of port negotiations could potentially be finalized within 30 days.

That’s an encouraging sign, and it’s not the only positive worth noting. While the Easter weekend closures did cause a temporary slowdown, the drop in port container volumes is caused by more than contentious labor talks. It’s a sign of a shift back to normality after a surge in cargo in 2021 and 2022, following the lockdowns and supply chain crash in 2020. All West Coast ports have seen a steep decline in cargo year-over-year, some by as much as 35% or more. After three years of pandemic-related turmoil, this is a sign of a return to equilibrium. If the ongoing port negotiations continue moving in the right direction, the ports are forecasted to have a much less nervewracking and unpredictable 2023.

5 Ways Trucking AI Is Revolutionizing the Industry

April 10, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

AI, short for artificial intelligence, is the buzzword of the year. It’s making waves in every industry, but the implications in the trucking industry are dramatic. Trucking AI is gradually reshaping everything from how we drive to how we use our resources in the office. There’s a learning curve, without a doubt, but thus far, AI appears to be living up to its promise to make our lives (and those of our drivers and customers!) easier than ever.

1. Trucking AI equates to major improvements in efficiency

Right off the bat, AI is helping trucking companies to cut costs by improving efficiency. Tasks that have historically been handled manually can now be done by computer. Consider the tedious process of matching load deliveries with drivers. Manually keeping track of the schedules of each driver is time-consuming. Assigning the wrong driver can lead to overworked employees that are more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel.

AI systems solve this issue by automating the load-matching process. They can analyze multiple factors at a time, recognizing patterns and predicting outcomes much faster than a person can do it. This enables the right load to be assigned to the right driver with ease, avoiding burnout and improving productivity.

Additionally, trucking AI can identify the best possible route to take in real time. If road conditions change, AI notifies drivers instantly of faster, alternative route options. Effectively, this makes it easier for drivers to conduct deliveries on time, improving customer satisfaction and raising profit margins in one fell swoop.

2. New technology is dramatically improving fuel efficiency

Just one commercial truck easily uses $70,000 of fuel each year, or more. Fluctuating fuel costs are even more stressful for trucking companies than commuters. In reality, elevated fuel costs have a deeper effect on daily life than most people realize. When gas prices soar, trucking companies have no choice but to raise prices to stay afloat. This cost elevation transfers over to all businesses that rely on the transportation industry, who pass on the price hikes to consumers.

Trucking AI helps fuel efficiency in more ways than one. Firstly, it can automatically scan trucks to sound the alarm if there are any issues reducing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Aging parts can impact efficiency, for example. Optimizing routes can also minimize the amount of fuel wasted while idling in traffic. One 2018 U.C. Berkely report estimated that AI could save the trucking industry $35 billion in fuel efficiency gains, with a total of $168 billion saved by AI overall.

3. AI also helps with accident prevention

Accidents are one of the top issues faced by the transportation industry. Accidents involving massive trailer trucks can easily prove fatal. Unfortunately, they’re not uncommon, and human error is almost always to blame. In addition to the tragic loss of life, accidents are costly to companies, both in reputation and insurance premiums. Arguably the most impressive benefit of trucking AI? Its promise to reduce the number of accidents on the road.

AI uses complex data to strategize. Using its most simplistic applications, AI steers drivers away from accidents and unsafe weather conditions. In the future, the introduction of autonomous vehicles could almost eliminate accidents on the road. Even the best in the world isn’t immune to fatigue and distraction. Even with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s revised HOS, drivers still sometimes spend 11 hours straight on the road. Long hours behind the wheel impact concentration, elevating accident risk with every passing minute.

Initial updates to trucking tech include automatic braking, speed control, and lane-keep assist features to lower the chance of collisions. In the future, self-driving trucks could replace driver-operated vehicles. As eerie as that sounds, the virtually instant reaction time and limitless focus of autonomous trucks are likely to become literal lifesavers.

4. Predictive maintenance is saving companies money

Keeping track of maintenance for a family sedan is a pain. Maintaining an entire fleet of trucks is on a different scale of difficulty. It’s time-consuming, especially when sudden breakdowns puts a kink in your week’s dispatch schedule. Trucking AI offers predictive maintenance that will reduce the number of unexpected mechanical issues through proactive repairs– All with minimal human labor.

This prevents breakdowns on the road and improves the lifespan of each truck. It also helps lower maintenance costs in the long run by avoiding more expensive repairs and workflow disruptions down the line.

5. Trucking AI extends beyond the driver’s seat

Distribution Warehouse With Plexus, Automated Guided Vehicles And Robots Working On Conveyor Belt

Shiny, self-driving vehicles are attention-grabbing, but AI also helps the industry back at the office. Invoicing, payment processing, scheduling, and many other manual tasks will soon be done by AI. Even warehousing may one day require fewer human hands on deck. Less paperwork equates to more time for trucking companies to focus on growth and customer satisfaction.

There are risks of trucking AI, but the benefits far outweigh them

The possibility of data breaches is worrisome. Measures like cloud computing and blockchain, however, can minimize the risk of data falling into the wrong hands. The most obvious concern in regard to AI is the potential for self-driving vehicles to malfunction. This is an understandable, and real, worry, but autonomous trucks aren’t going to be driving down your block any time soon.

For now, most AI applications will be more subtle. Self-driving cars will likely still require a driver to be present initially, or one driver-operated vehicle will lead a fleet of autonomous trucks. They will be restricted to driving in certain lanes and avoiding city roads until the technology is better at adapting to unexpected changes, like roadwork.

As far as jobs are concerned, truck drivers are still indispensable. Even in the future, drivers need not fear for their job security. Retraining programs will most likely be offered by companies and the federal government, giving drivers new positions in the industry they know best.

For our part, we see it as a promising way to help serve our customers, and we look forward to exploring it further.

Semi trucks like this one have to follow stringent truck driver rules

Seven Surprising Truck Driver Rules Truckers Live by

March 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

Being a truck driver might sound easy, but it’s harder than you think. Long hours on the road are only half the battle. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, trucks can do far more damage in an accident than passenger vehicles can. Truck driver rules are enforced to minimize the risks associated with driving a massive semi.

Some of the rules, particularly those about sleep and speed, are tempting to break. Doing so, however, could lead to fines, lawsuits, or worse. Would you make it as a truck driver? If you can follow the rules below, which all apply in the state of California, you might want to switch careers, because you’d make an amazing driver.

Truck drivers need qualifications beyond that of regular drivers

A class C license, the type required for operating a regular passenger vehicle, won’t cut it for drivers who need to operate a tractor-trailer or a large box truck. Drivers have to get a CDL, or commercial driver’s license, on top of their regular driver’s license.

In addition to passing a written and vision test, prospective truck drivers have to get a DMV-approved medical exam to ensure they don’t have any underlying conditions that might make it unsafe to operate a large vehicle. They also have to pass a skills test, unless they have a CDL from another state or from prior training in the military.

The stakes are higher when you’re operating a semi, so one of the truck driver rules addresses age. Drivers have to be 18 or older in California to acquire a CDL. Operating a commercial vehicle across state lines isn’t legal until you’re at least 21.

Tailgating and speeding aren’t options

If you’re one of those people who weave in and out of traffic to miraculously make it to work on time, trucking isn’t for you. Truck drivers can’t top 55 mph on California freeways. They also make a rule of leaving a seven-second gap between them and the vehicle in front of them.

During rush hour, this is a nightmare to maintain, but it’s non-negotiable. Trucks take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles, and a fender bender with a semi can be deadly.

Trucks also avoid changing lanes unless it’s absolutely necessary. They have large blind spots because of their sheer size, so lane changes have to be done with extreme caution.

Breaking laws is taken more seriously when you’re a truck driver, too. In terms of DUIs, the legal limit for most drivers is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08. The limit for commercial vehicle operators is 0.04. Anyone CDL holder charged with a DUI will lose their license and face civil, even criminal, penalties.

They have to use a dedicated fuel pump

If you can block traffic like this, a trip to the gas station looks a little different.

This isn’t so much a truck driver rule as it is common courtesy, but truck drivers always use a gas pump set away from the rest if one is available. If a dedicated fuel pump isn’t an option, truck drivers have to get gas in a hurry. One semi-truck can easily block half the gas pumps at a busy station, in addition to getting in the way of traffic. If another one shows up, they’re going to end up in a frustrating logjam. No lollygagging allowed.

If there’s a truck lane available, they’re required to use it

Ever noticed those “trucks only” lanes on the side of the freeway? If you’re a truck driver, those aren’t optional. Since trucks take up so much space and drive slower, using the allocated lanes helps to keep traffic moving smoothly. If no truck lane is available, they should keep to the far right. The second to the right is acceptable on a highway with four or more lanes. Soon-to-be-truckers, kiss the fast lane goodbye!

They’re responsible for maintaining their equipment

There are thousands of mechanical components under the hood of a large commercial vehicle that allow it to operate safely. Neglecting to inspect and maintain worn parts can result in potentially fatal consequences. Truck drivers are obligated to inspect their vehicles before, during, and after each trip. If they notice any problems, they’re required to make a written report and confirm that the problem is resolved before taking the vehicle on the road again.

They also have to check that cargo is secure once within the first 50 miles of driving. After an initial inspection, drivers have to re-check every 150 miles or every three hours, whichever comes first. Drivers also have to be more cautious about driving in inclement weather. Since they often get paid per mile, not per hour, slowing down isn’t fun. Guess what’s even less fun? Hydroplaning and taking out an entire lane of commuters. No, thanks.

Truck drivers legally have to take breaks

Rest stops on family road trips are more about bathroom breaks and stretching your legs than anything else. For truck drivers, rest isn’t optional. Drivers have hours-of-service laws to prevent drowsy driving.

For driving within the state of California, drivers:

Can’t drive more than 12 hours after being off for at least 10 consecutive hours
Must stop for at least 10 hours after 16 hours of work, even if the work is unrelated to driving
Can’t drive commercially for more than 80 hours in an eight-day period

If they cross state lines, drivers:

Can only be on duty for up to 14 consecutive hours, and only if they’ve had 10 consecutive hours off
Can only be behind the wheel for 11 of those 14 hours
Must take at least a 30-minute break if they’ve been driving for eight or more hours

These truck driver rules are tempting to ignore, particularly if drivers have a tight schedule to keep or need to make extra money. Ultimately, driving any vehicle is dangerous, and doing so while sleep-deprived isn’t worth the risk. (Or the legal ramifications!)

The most tedious truck driver rule? Keeping a detailed logbook

If taking notes wasn’t your cup of tea in high school, don’t become a truck driver. According to FSMCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) rules, drivers must log where and when they stop, the frequency of their rest breaks, vehicle inspections, and more. Logs used to be done by hand, but electronic logging devices are now required.

The sad reason? It was too common for trucking companies to falsify logbooks to avoid penalties. Electronic logging devices leave an electronic trail that can’t be faked. Keeping logs can be a pain, but it keeps drivers accountable for practicing safe driving habits.

Well, what’ll it be? Are you ready to get a CDL and hop behind the wheel?

Until then, your cargo is safe in the capable hands of the drivers at BYX. If you haven’t shipped with us before, don’t forget to get a free estimate today!

Busy dispatch manager planning shipments

Meet Our Latest Hire: A New Dispatch Manager!

March 13, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

Best Yet Express is always growing. The more customers we serve, the more efficiency becomes a priority. In a busy warehouse and shipping yard, there are so many moving parts to keep track of. To help us continue fulfilling our pledge to provide the best service around, we’ve brought on a new dispatch manager, Keith Oliver.

He’s been in the business for decades, but that’s not the only reason we hired him. Here are a few fun facts about one of the most important behind-the-scenes players on BYX’s team.

Our new dispatch manager started out as a mail carrier

As a family-owned company with humble beginnings out of the back of a single pickup truck, we admire anyone who works their way up. Keith did just that, starting out as a courier for FedEx Express in Quincy, Illinois back in 1992. Knowing firsthand what it’s like to be behind the wheel is a significant asset when you’re managing drivers day in, and day out. He knows our drivers because he’s been one and that only makes him a better team player. Read more

So-Cal Storms Are Risky. Here’s How to Drive in the Rain

February 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

Los Angeles drivers get a bad rap for not knowing how to drive in the rain, but that reputation isn’t entirely undeserved. Every time a major storm rolls in the number of accidents on the road rises. Considering more than 3,000 people are killed in car accidents in California each year, driver safety is nothing to scoff at. Driving is such an ordinary, everyday activity that it’s easy to have a false sense of security. We should know since driving is our entire business!

Being cautious saves lives, and our drivers keep that in mind every time they get behind the wheel. Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Plan ahead and change your wet weather driving habits to avoid a slippery fender bender…or worse. These simple tips from truck drivers can help you stay safe, no matter what type of ride you’re in.

1. Leave early

We know more than anyone how challenging it is to get out the door, through school drop-off lines, and through morning traffic, but rainy days are no time to rush. Leave early, or be late. Get ready at least 30 minutes earlier than usual. If accidents or poor conditions make it impossible to get to your destination on time, so be it. Being late is better than being hospitalized.

2. Slow down

The speed limit doesn’t apply when you’re driving in a downpour. Apply the “take 5” principle. Drive at least five miles slower than you normally would when it’s raining. If you’re approaching a curve, slow down by another five mph. In heavy traffic, slow down another five. Towing a light trailer? I think you’re sensing the pattern here. Don’t worry about annoying other drivers. Their failure to prepare for slower traffic conditions is not your problem. Avoiding a collision is.

3. Turn on your headlights anytime you drive in the rain

Even in the middle of the day, flip on those lights. The entire point of headlights is to increase visibility. It doesn’t have to be midnight for adverse weather conditions to obscure visibility on the road. Cloud cover, fog, and heavy rain all make it harder for other drivers to see you, so keep your lights on at all times.

4. Increase your following distance

Wet roads equate to less traction, which means it takes your vehicle longer to come to a stop. In rainy weather, give the car in front of you extra space to allow extra time to brake. The larger your vehicle, the more generous you should be with your following distance.

5. Give large vehicles a wide berth

Speaking of giving other vehicles space, try to give trucks and busses even more than usual. For one, if a much larger vehicle loses control while you’re hovering in its blind spot, you’re in trouble. Secondly, their large tires disperse more spray, further obscuring your vision if you’re driving dead on their heels.

6. When you drive in the rain, look out for pedestrians and cyclists

This is for a couple of reasons. Most people aren’t thrilled to wait for the bus in the rain, and they’ll be even less thrilled to get sprayed by a speeding vehicle. It’s also harder to spot pedestrians in the rain, so keep your eyes peeled. Give cyclists extra space, just in case one of you slides on the slick pavement.

7. Don’t drive through standing water

It doesn’t take much water on the road to wash away a vehicle. Even if you drive a truck, driving through flooded roads is a recipe for disaster. At best, you’ll get stuck. At worst, you’ll lose control or end up in much deeper water than you anticipated. It’s not worth the risk.

8. Know what to do if you hydroplane

Starting to slide is a terrifying feeling, but stay calm. When you drive in the rain, braking suddenly or jerking the wheel can easily send your car spinning out of control. Ease up gradually on the gas pedal and steer straight ahead until your vehicle regains traction.

9. If conditions are unsafe, get off the road

Where do you have to be that’s so important, it’s worth risking your life for? The answer should be nowhere. If the weather conditions feel too dangerous to drive safely, pull off the road as soon as you safely can. Don’t pull over on the side of the road. Just slow down and wait until you find a rest stop or exit to wait out the weather. When in doubt, don’t go out.

The good news? All our drivers know how to drive in the rain

It’s always possible that wet weather will lead to delays, but we always do our best to complete every pickup and delivery as safely and efficiently as possible. Don’t forget to get a free quote today!

Truck driver who has to undergo marijuana testing

Could Marijuana Testing Impact Shipping Prices? It’s Possible

February 21, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

You might be wondering, “How on Earth is marijuana testing related to how much it costs to move a pallet or two?” At first glance, the two issues seem completely unrelated, but anything that affects the ability of drivers to do their job affects the logistics industry as a whole. In 2022, 41,000 truck drivers tested positive for cannabis. That’s a 32% increase from 2021, and it’s a major problem.

At the moment, professional drivers can’t use marijuana, period

Anyone who drives trucks or operates heavy machinery is not legally permitted to use marijuana, even when prescribed by a doctor. It’s a hotly debated issue for a number of reasons. There’s no question that cannabis can impair your ability to drive. Unfortunately, unlike alcohol, cannabis is detectable for up to 30 days after use. This is dramatically longer than the duration of the drug’s intoxicating effects, which typically last less than 10 hours.

Driving under the influence is unacceptable, but there’s no easy way to determine whether a driver who fails a drug test ever drove while high. Because of this, there’s a blanket rule banning all marijuana use by professional truck drivers.

Marijuana use is worsening the existing truck driver shortage

In some states, including California, the laws regarding marijuana use by drivers don’t match up with changing social norms. In our state, recreational marijuana use is now legal. Most people have accepted it as relatively harmless when used occasionally, similar to how having a glass of wine or two over the weekend is no big deal. Transportation laws, however, have not kept pace with evolving attitudes.

The shift is so dramatic that many of the drivers who fail drug tests that they deem unfair and discriminatory never complete the required treatment plan and return-to-work process. Out of the 166,000 drivers who have failed a drug test, 91,000 were so put off by the experience that they moved on to other employment options. When that many drivers throw in the towel, finding replacements is a losing battle. This is especially true when new hires are likely to be young, progressive, and unwilling to give up their off-day activities because of an outdated policy.

Currently, marijuana testing is a federal requirement for truck drivers

It’s not up to trucking companies to decide whether or not to enforce marijuana testing. It’s still federal law, but it’s based on outdated technology that doesn’t match up with modern life. If nothing changes, the driver shortage will likely continue to escalate over the next decade. It goes without saying that operating any vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or other narcotics is unacceptable.

At the same time, drivers aren’t routinely tested for alcohol use or the use of any other substance. Given that fact, why is testing mandatory with a drug that’s legal in many states?

In our opinion, marijuana testing should be left up to employers

At the moment, there’s a divide between federal law and state law. It’s legal in California to use cannabis, but the federal government still mandates testing. Not even Martha Stewart could write a more perfect lawsuit recipe.

Drug testing with reasonable suspicion is logical. If a truck driver has a pristine driving record and there’s no evidence that they’ve ever shown up to work while under the influence, however, is testing necessary? Considering several recent university studies have shown that U.S. cannabis legalization actually reduced the number of heavy truck accidents in the eight states studied, perhaps a continuation of the war on drugs is off-base. It’s effectively turned into a war on the transportation industry, and on the people it serves – Which is, to say, everyone!

Ideally, better testing methods will be developed so that it’s possible to tell if drivers used cannabis while on the clock. In the meantime, penalizing them for legal activities they engage in during their off-hours seems unfair. As long as it has no impact on workplace safety and performance, there’s no reason to put thousands of drivers on pause.

Marijuana testing could lead to elevated prices. Is it worth it?

Mandated testing means fewer drivers on the road. Fewer drivers mean higher demand, and climbing prices to move goods from point A to point B. We’re all for enforcing safe driving practices, but we believe a middle ground is possible.

If trucking companies were able to determine their own policies, they could elect to test drivers only when given reasonable cause. This might include getting a traffic ticket for a moving violation or receiving an unsafe driving report. Otherwise, we will continue to lose excellent drivers just because they use marijuana responsibly on their time off. That said, this is an issue that affects us all, and safe driving is always the top priority. What do you think? Are testing laws fair, or too extreme?

BYX Grows Management Team, Welcoming Michael Pearson as COO

February 14, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

BYX, one of SoCal’s premier logistics companies, teams up with new COO Michael Pearson to continue building momentum for growth in 2023

GARDENA, Calif., Feb. 14, 2023 – Best Yet Express, better known as BYX, has served the greater Los Angeles area for over 40 years. After undergoing an expansion to a new, state-of-the-art warehouse, the implementation of a new warehouse management system, and the onboarding of several new team members in 2022, BYX is proud to announce the addition of Michael Pearson as its new COO.

Hailing from Rancho Palos Verdes, Pearson brings an extensive background in the transportation and logistics industry to the table. His results-focused, quality-driven mindset matches the philosophy of BYX to a tee, and his experience speaks for itself. Pearson has a history of excellence in numerous logistics leadership positions, previously serving as the Director of Operations and Compliance for MNX Global Logistics, VP of Americas for B&H, and Executive Vice President of Operations for Alba Wheels Up International.

“After years of serving as COO of BYX, I was reluctant to hand over the reins to just anyone,” says Lara Press-Newjahr, former COO and current BYX President. “The position requires a unique combination of business acumen and experience in a highly specific industry, and that’s what Michael brings to the table. His contribution gives us an opportunity to leverage last year’s wins, opening new doors to business growth in 2023.”

Pearson’s role began in the last quarter of 2022. He will be reporting to owner and CEO Jay Newjahr, overseeing BYX’s ongoing business operations. This also marks a new era for BYX’s executive team, facilitating improvements in service availability and future expansions.

For more information about this and other BYX news, visit: https://www.bestyetexpresstrucking.com/

Best Yet Express is a trucking and logistics company based in Gardena, California. The company offers a full panel of services including pickups, drop-offs, warehousing, cross-docking, and more, all with competitive pricing and a deep investment in local SoCal businesses.

Reliable service is a click away! Schedule a shipment or contact us for help today.

What Would Happen If Truck Drivers Went on Strike?

January 31, 2023/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

Running a trucking company is rewarding, but challenging. If the entire BYX team decided to call it quits and sell ice cream on the beach in the Bahamas, however, our customers would be less than thrilled. Just one trucking company hitting the breaks would be enough to slow down the daily operations of dozens of businesses. Imagine if truck drivers went on strike nationwide.

Life as we know it would grind to a halt. To appreciate how important the logistics industry is to our economy, let’s look at the timeline.

If truck drivers went on strike, problems would start within 24 hours

Once truck drivers quit, it wouldn’t take long to start noticing the effects. Within one day, gas shortages would start. The most popular fuel stations need gas deliveries multiple times a day. They’d run out in just a few hours, leading to traffic-stopping lines at any station still stocked.

Hospitals, nursing homes, and any other facilities that rely on medical supplies to function would be in immediate trouble. Although they’ve likely prepared for emergencies, they would still have to resort to extreme measures to conserve their remaining supplies. Syringes, catheters, and other products needed to save lives would be reserved for those in critical care.

The manufacturing industry would also fly into a panic. Many manufacturers, like those in the tech industry, produce goods at the last minute to avoid making more than they can sell. Without any reserves to fall back on, they wouldn’t be able to continue production for long. Read more