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Veterans make great truck drivers

5 Reasons Veterans Should Consider Trucking

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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

Veteran truck driver

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

Truck driver

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! 

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

Seven Surprising Truck Driver Rules Truckers Live by

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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

Truck driver rules

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!

Truck driver who has to undergo marijuana testing

Could Marijuana Testing Impact Shipping Prices? It’s Possible

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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?

What would happen if truck drivers went on strike

What Would Happen If Truck Drivers Went on Strike?

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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 

Day One

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

Logistics facts

Logistics Facts and eCommerce Stats Everyone Should Know

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Did you know the biggest ship in the world could easily transport the Eiffel tower? It’s true, and some of the more practical logistics facts are just as intriguing. The logistics industry is huge, and life as we know it wouldn’t exist without UPS, Amazon delivery drivers, and companies like yours truly. 

The shipping industry is changing, however, and it affects every person who relies on shipping to do business. (Plus, the consumers who shop from them!) Whether you’re a shipper or a shopper, these logistics and eCommerce stats are handy to keep in mind.  Read more

Tesla semi

The New Tesla Semi Might Be the Biggest Trucking Development in Decades

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Whether the cars of the future will be electric or gas-powered used to be up for debate. Not anymore. California is moving to have all new vehicles sold in California be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2035. Not everyone is happy about it since electric vehicles remain less affordable than gas models, but the perks of driving electric are undeniable. Elon Musk recently announced that a new Tesla Semi is in production, and the good news couldn’t have come sooner. 

A quick look at the Tesla Semi’s specs

Originally intended for release in 2019, the Tesla Semi is finally coming out in December 2022. Pepsi is scheduled to have its first Tesla Semi on the road by December 1, and even with the three-year delay, the development is revolutionary. An electric semi is something no company has ever produced, placing Tesla (unsurprisingly) miles ahead of the competition. 

Interestingly, it’s one of Tesla’s most cost-effective vehicles yet. It’s also powerful enough to have real applications in the trucking industry. Reportedly, the new vehicle has the following features: 

  • The ability to haul the largest possible semi-truck payload of 80,000 lbs
  • Enough juice to accelerate 0-60 mph with a full payload in 20 seconds
  • Full highway speeds up a 5% gradient with a full load
  • A battery 8.5 times larger than that of the Model S
  • A range of 500 miles with a full payload
  • Recharging abilities to 70% in 30 minutes

Read more

Jobs in the trucking industry

14 Jobs in the Trucking Industry Other Than Driving

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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

Drive safely

How to Drive Safely Around Trucks (Or in One)

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We all think we drive safely, but do we really? August 16, 2022 started out like any other day. 71-year-old Larry Lee Atham, President of a West Virginia-based trucking company, got behind the wheel for a routine day of driving. At mile marker 132 on the I-79, everything changed. He lost control of the truck, hitting a guardrail, skidding across traffic, hitting the guardrail again, and catching fire. That was his last drive. Just a day later on a winding mountain highway in Buffalo, Wyoming, another driver, Texas-based Javier Cardoso-Reyes, couldn’t slow down, rolled over a guardrail and down an embankment, and never made it home. He was only 47. 

29 truck drivers lined up their vehicles to pay their respects after Atham’s memorial service, rolling slowly past the funeral home to say goodbye. As touching as their gesture was, the loss of Atham, and just a day later, Cardoso-Reyes, in single-vehicle trucking accidents, raises serious concerns. Just one driver lost is one too many. Are we doing enough to prevent casualties?  Read more

labor shortage

In 2022, Small Businesses Are Still Facing a Labor Shortage. Here’s Why.

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COVID-19 hit the U.S. at full force in March of 2020. Small businesses were among the hardest hit. Many were forced to close their doors permanently. As a company with decades of experience and stability, BYX was able to weather the storm. Sadly, the full ramifications of the pandemic are still unfolding. Even now, we’re struggling to find qualified, reliable workers, and we’re not the only ones. Businesses around the country are facing a frustrating labor shortage, and there appears to be no end in sight. What gives? Read more

Truck driver with sleep apnea yawning

3 Reasons Sleep Apnea Is a Concern for Truck Drivers

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It’s late. You’re driving on an open stretch of road, it’s quiet, and your eyelids begin to droop. We’ve all been there, and man, isn’t it scary? Driving is such an ordinary task that it’s easy to forget how dangerous it is. A moment of distraction can easily become your last moment ever. Sleepiness is even more dangerous, and truck drivers who work long hours or night shifts need to be especially cautious. Concerningly, getting enough sleep isn’t always enough to fight back fatigue. Sleep apnea, one of the top five most common sleep disorders, can lead to persistent fatigue and drowsiness. Many drivers don’t even realize they have it. 

Sleep apnea is a bigger health concern than you might think.

Truck driver sleeping

Truck driver sleeping. About 35 years old, African male.

The most obvious symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. The disorder is more complex than that, however. In people with obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the throat relax during sleep to the point that their airway temporarily becomes blocked. They stop breathing briefly before awakening abruptly to gasp for air. These episodes are so brief that the individual often doesn’t recall having ever woken up. 

While one night of interrupted sleep is no big deal, people with untreated sleep apnea suffer from a wide range of symptoms that can significantly affect their health and daily lives. There are three main reasons truck drivers should be on the lookout for signs of sleep apnea: 

  1. It leads to more serious health problems.
    At first people with sleep apnea may notice nothing more than waking up with a headache, irritability, and snoring loud enough to wake the neighbors. Over time, the symptoms become more serious. They often develop brain fog, insomnia, and intense daytime sleepiness.

    If left untreated, it can also lead to or worsen high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain is another common side effect. All of these issues are often linked, each one magnifying the others. The ramifications go beyond productivity, impacting drivers on every level.
  2. It endangers drivers and others on the road.
    Daytime sleepiness and general fatigue are extremely dangerous when your job entails long hours on the road. Those with sleep apnea are up to five times more likely to get in a car accident than people with normal sleep patterns. Falling asleep at the wheel can be lethal not only to the driver but to other drivers and passengers as well– Especially when the driver is operating a massive truck.
  3. Irregular sleep schedules can make sleep apnea side effects worse.
    Sleep apnea is problematic enough for people working a 9-5. It’s even worse for truck drivers who work night shifts. Odd hours don’t worsen sleep apnea itself, working during the night often leads to increased drowsiness. Drivers are more likely to rely on unhealthy energy drinks to stay alert, further damaging their health in the process. 

All truck drivers should be screened, just in case.

If we’re making sleep apnea sound like a big deal, that’s because it is. Fortunately, treating it is much less challenging than living with it. If you or someone you know is experiencing any symptoms that could be tied to sleep issues, like persistent sleepiness, morning headaches, irritability, or loud snoring, visiting your PCP is the first step. 

They’ll likely order a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment can entail using a breathing machine at night or wearing a special night guard to help keep your airways open. It’s a headache, but it’s much less of a headache than falling asleep at the wheel. For trucking companies like BYX, it’s always a good idea to inform drivers about the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. Better safe than sorry.