Automated Port

Last week I went to APM terminal aka (MAERSK) and noticed they transitioned from a semi automated port, to a fully automated port. I haven’t been to this port in roughly three months so it’s amazing how quickly things can change in that short of a timeframe.

I extended my research and the ILWU has actually been opposed to automation until they recently agreed to a contract that guarantees longshoremen 40 hours a week up until retirement if they are unable to obtain work for any reason, including automation. Fully automated ports have actually been implemented since 1993 at a Dutch port complex which was really surprising to me. In order to secure our future we must be able to adapt and be flexible as well as be aware if our industry can replace us with advanced technology.

(FN) I have attached a photo of my trip to APM ports in Long Beach, California. #jobsearch #truckdrivers

Driver Shortage or Pay Shortage

I look across the job board and I see everyone is hiring. Companies are advertising what they can pay, from lease-options, to how they can fit your schedule. My opinion its not drivers dont want to work, I believe its the low-ball offers these companies want you to work for. Im always checking to see whats out there. For example I have been on several interviews, even with several endorsements to be low-balled. My first response is know one is going to work that job for that pay, you have to do better. What you think? Is it the drivers or pay???

#truckdrivers #jobsearch #interview #application #wordsofadvice

Truck Map

Whether you’re an experienced commercial driver or not, sometimes we travel in unfamiliar territories which can lead to a costly mistake for us drivers. There are certain roads that prohibit us from driving down due to weight restrictions. There are many reasons why these roads have weight restrictions, which can be to eliminate tractor trailers driving down residential streets to possible sink holes that will cause the road to collapse.

There is a solution to avoid something that can have a catastrophic outcome which is an app called “Truck Map”. Truck Map is a GPS similar to Google Maps, but for commercial vehicles. Truck Map provides everything a truck driver needs such as, the nearest weigh station, rest areas, parking, etc. Most importantly Truck Map allows drivers to adjust the settings to truck weight, height, length, hazmat loads, etc. Once you adjust these settings the GPS route will direct drivers and assist in avoiding streets where commercial vehicles are prohibited. I highly recommend new drivers to use this app.

(FN) I have attached a photo of the Truck Map app for a visual.

#jobsearch #truckdrivers

Automated Ports

Older ports have people working inside them assisting crane operators, moving containers around, guiding traffic, etc. But there are the newer ports that are automated and have very few people working inside them. Automated ports do have mechanics and yard goats, but other then that, the cranes being operated are automated.

This has caused some scrutiny amongst the unions and other longshoremen because all the ports want to become fully automated. Less profits trickle down to people, jobs are cut, and more profits go into the companies that are publicly owned. These companies are actually owned by the state and are government controlled. These automated ports actually are quicker and help drivers get out of the ports faster since machines do not take lunch breaks or make drivers wait around for shift change. I must say I do like these automated ports because port workers are rude half the time and are always trying to ban drivers from entering the ports for something petty. In my opinion port workers are the only negative aspect of working inside the ports. What do you think of automation at the ports?

(FN) I have attached a photo of an automated port I was at in Thursday.

#jobsearch #truckdrivers

Hardest Part of Working As a Truck Driver

I get this question asked all the time especially by people looking to come into the industry. I can't say being a truck driver is always the easiest thing to do but I can say it is definitely rewarding. I normally tell them the long hours. Its just something you cant really get around. Do you other driver's feel the same or maybe different. Chime in on your thoughts please. # #advice #wordsofadvice #jobsearch #truckdrivers

Hauling Explosives

Truck Drivers can make anywhere from $70,000-$130,000 annually. Truck drivers can quickly increase their pay by adding endorsements to their CDL. The more flexible you are, the more valuable you are. If you want to increase your annual salary, I recommend drivers that are interested to get a permit to transport explosives.

Once you are approved for this permit through the ATF, you can apply for a company that specializes in hauling explosives. Depending on the company you apply with, the annual salary can be around $130,000 and up. There are extra precautions such as route planning that is required, so hauling explosives can pay some dividends for those that are interested. I have attached a photo of what the application consists of. This is only 1 of 6 pages of the permit application.

#jobsearch #truckdrivers

Women Truck Drivers

In a male dominated industry, more and more women truck drivers are starting to fill our trucking shortage by getting their CDL and hitting the road. There are 1.6 million women truck drivers since the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics starting tracking the numbers in 1990. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics male truck drivers ages from 25-45 have actually declined from 96% to 88% from 1960-2020.

If you are a woman and have considered truck driving, believe me when I tell you it’s not difficult at all. It’s not back breaking work, and you can make up to 6 figures. I personally recommend working the ports which requires very minimal driving and long wait periods. My hours are normal with 10-12 hour days and weekends off.

When I first started truck driving I noticed a female driver walking nonchalantly across the yard looking for a container and I asked my trainer “what does she do”? “I was like she don’t do what we do.” My trainer said “she works the ports.” She looked so relaxed and cool I started to research the ports and how to get in the ports. I ended up getting in the ports two months later all because I was inspired by this woman. I’ll always encourage women to get into the trucking industry every chance I get. I tell them my story of how I was inspired by a woman that led me to working the ports today. I’ve never been so relaxed at a job, and it would have never happened if I would have never seen her walking around looking so relaxed and content with her job assignment. I hope this inspires any woman looking to get into the truck industry the way a woman inspired me.

#jobsearch #truckdrivers

Do you feel these scores and reports are fair/ necessary from a drivers perspective? Chime in please! Give your opinions! #truckers #truckdrivers #advice # opinions #safety