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!

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!

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!

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

An Inside Look at the BYX Family

January 11, 2023/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

As you probably already know, Best Yet Express is a family-owned business. It’s led by Jay Newjahr, Owner and CEO, the son of founders Chris and Sherry Newjahr, and his wife, Lara Press-Newjahr, who serves as President. The husband-wife team has learned a lot along the way. In celebration of another successful year serving So-Cal, BYX sat down with Lara and Jay to get a closer look at what it’s really like behind the scenes.

How has doing business changed since BYX was founded?

Originally, much of the business consisted of one-off shipments. Companies with occasional shipments would hire us here and there, but they lacked the volume to offer steady business. This meant we were constantly chasing down the next lead, creating instability.

We still have some of those customers, but the focus of the business shifted to building partnerships with other businesses that rely on us to keep their operations going. We think of ourselves as an extension of these businesses that need us to perform to operate themselves.

Technology has also changed the business a lot. We’ve come a long way from two-way radios and handwritten post-it notes hanging on a pegboard. Everything is done online now and that has drastically changed efficiency. The company started with a pickup truck and a strict focus on trucking. Today, we’ve also expanded into the warehouse and brokerage space.

7 Things to Be Grateful for This Holiday Season

November 30, 2022/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

The holidays are one of the busiest seasons for business owners and logistics professionals alike. It can be stressful, but there’s also a lot to celebrate. If this year’s holiday rush is stressing you out, take a breather and think about these seven amazing reasons to be grateful this year.

1. Christmas shopping can be done from your couch. Who wouldn’t be grateful about that?

We’ve gotten so used to this one that we almost forgot how holiday shopping used to work. Black Friday was exclusively an in-person ordeal. Shoppers had to get up at the crack of dawn to camp out in front of Best Buy. There was a literal stampede at Walmart. If you wanted to get the best deals, you had to power through a day standing in line at the mall. Now, you can get the same deals while catching up on Netflix’s latest Christmas specials and snacking on leftover pie. Read more

5 Things Every BYX Customer Should Know

November 15, 2022/0 Comments/in News/by Best Yet Express

A lot has changed since BYX was founded over 40 years ago. As times and technology have changed, we’ve changed too. In 2022, we went the extra mile to make sure we live up to our motto: Our goal is to make the lives of our clients easier, one steady shipment at a time. We update our technology and improve our training practices on an ongoing basis to continue offering our customers the best, least stressful logistics services in all of Southern California.

For a quick recap, here’s what’s new at the end of 2022

We have a new warehouse
Our 100,000 sq. ft. racked warehouse facility boasts 32 ft clearance, 23 dock doors, state-of-the-art security cameras, and the latest tech to keep your valuables organized and safe
We’ve updated our fleet
With over 75 trailers and 45 power units, all with the latest tracking and safety tech, we can service more shipments in less time
We’re offering more storage solutions than ever
With all that additional space, BYX can now manage both warehousing and shipping needs all under one roof. Streamlined services simplify logistics for our clients, in addition to offering a more flexible and efficient shipping experience
We offer cross docking, transloading, and devanning services
The entire mission of BYX is to offer the most comprehensive logistics solutions possible. Our job is to make yours easier. In addition to offering fast, competitively priced shipping, we aim to streamline our customers’ supply chains and help their businesses succeed. Less turnover time and lower handling and storage costs are just a few of the perks.
Our team has gone up a size
With over 65 employees, including some key new managers, we have plenty of hands on deck to ensure reliable service around the clock.

14 Jobs in the Trucking Industry Other Than Driving

October 25, 2022/0 Comments/in Advice/by Best Yet Express

When most people think of jobs in the trucking industry, truck driving is the only one that comes to mind. There are over a dozen other jobs in logistics, however, that do not require a commercial driver’s license. Many of them don’t require applicants to step behind the wheel at all! If you’re curious about career options, keep reading for an overview of some of the most common trucking industry jobs below.

Note: The salary ranges are sourced from Indeed.com based on national averages. It’s safe to assume they’re higher in areas where the cost of living is higher, like right here in Los Angeles. The most lucrative ones are saved for last! Read more

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