How Far Will You Go? Deciding how far to deadhead for the next load is never an easy choice. Recently, we delivered to an area that left us with little exit strategies. Once the delivery was complete, we debated which direction we should go next? I wanted to head one way, while my husband preferred another route. After talking it over, we decided to go the direction he suggested because it also gave us an opportunity to take care of a maintenance concern. Once the repair was ...

Where Do You Park? Finding safe and reliable parking is one of the biggest ongoing challenges in the trucking industry. Every driver understands that semi-truck parking is limited, especially during peak evening hours when drivers are trying to comply with Hours of Service regulations. The struggle to find a place to stop for a mandatory 30-minute break or an overnight rest period is something nearly every truck driver experiences on a regular basis. It is common to see drive...

Each May, the nation observes Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of emotional and mental well-being. For those in the trucking industry, this message carries even greater significance. Driving a commercial vehicle is more than just a profession - it is a lifestyle that often includes long hours, demanding schedules, high stress, and extended periods away from family and friends. While truck drivers are essential to keeping America mo...

Down, But Not Out As I write this week's article, we are living out of a hotel room while our truck is in the shop getting some much-needed TLC. For nearly three weeks, we had been trying to get the truck in for preventative maintenance. That can be easier said than done when your preferred service center isn't close to home and your routes don't naturally take you near their location. Yesterday, we finally got her in. We already knew we'd be here for several days because the...

Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) brings together law enforcement agencies, motor carriers, and drivers across North America for a unified effort aimed at improving roadway safety. In 2026, Operation: Safe Driver Week is scheduled to take place from July 12 through July 18, continuing its mission of reducing dangerous driving behaviors and saving lives on our highways. What Is Safe Driver Week? Operation: Safe Driver Week is a collaborative initiative s...

Small delays can escalate into multiple setbacks, impacting schedules, opportunities, and revenue; managing timing pressure is key to maintaining control in expedited freight....

Should You Be a Team? Recently, I met someone interested in team driving. She had a potential partner lined up, but that arrangement fell through. Now she's searching again, open to either a male or female co-driver. This isn't about helping her find someone-it's about encouraging you to think carefully before deciding if team driving is right for you. Driving as a team can sound appealing. More miles, potentially higher income, and the ability to keep the truck moving almost...

"Nothing But Net" Revisited Nearly a year ago I wrote an article about the net in the sleeper and the importance of using it when the truck is moving. Our friends who I referred to in the previous article have suffered lasting physical injuries that are preventing them from driving again. The financial strain of ongoing medical care has still not been resolved. Another couple experienced an accident of their own. In their case, a car was traveling the wrong way in their lane....

Life on the road as a commercial driver comes with its own unique pressures. Tight delivery windows, traffic delays, unpredictable weather, and long hours behind the wheel can all take a toll. Add in the constant stream of news and the uncertainty of the world around us, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The truth is, we all carry responsibilities, goals, and personal challenges-and sometimes it feels like those pressures never let up. But there's a powerful mindset shift th...

Commercial truck drivers spend a significant portion of their careers not only driving, but also waiting-waiting for dispatch, waiting during mandatory breaks, waiting while freight is being loaded or unloaded, or waiting between loads. While downtime can sometimes feel unproductive, it can actually become one of the most valuable parts of a driver's schedule if used properly. Learning how to manage downtime effectively can improve health, finances, organization, and overall ...