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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?

New BYX COO

BYX Grows Management Team, Welcoming Michael Pearson as COO

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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

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

An Inside Look at the BYX Family

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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.

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Consumer spending trends

Consumer Spending Forecast: Expect Trends to Continue Until 2024

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With 2023 around the corner, business owners are all asking the same question: As inflation continues, what does it mean for us? Consumer trend predictions through the end of 2022 and beyond suggest that consumer spending will remain high for some time. It’s good news, giving us time to prepare for the less predictable years ahead. 

Let’s look at the current consumer spending stats

While complete data isn’t yet available for Q4, monthly consumer spending is trackable. Retail sales through October were elevated 8.3% year-over-year. That figure includes gas and food, but even with those out of the picture, retail alone was up 7.5%. Of course, inflation changes those figures significantly. Adjusted for inflation, however, retail sales were still 0.5% higher than they were this time last year. Spending continues to hover at an almost unprecedented high. Read more

Things to be grateful for

7 Things to Be Grateful for This Holiday Season

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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

BYX fleet

5 Things Every BYX Customer Should Know

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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

More space, more warehousing options

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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