Why Times Are Tough For Truckers and Why It Concerns You

Published on: 22 September 2016 Last Updated on: 29 May 2021

It wasn’t all that long ago that truck drivers were paid competitive wages and offered benefits for doing their jobs. But in recent decades, a job that once provided stability and a comfortable paycheck has become much more trying for truckers.

When the trucking industry was deregulated in the 1980s, there was a rise in the number of trucking companies, leading to an increased demand for drivers. That need for more drivers has been a pox upon the trucking industry virtually ever since, and it shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. The American Trucking Associations says that the industry is currently short about 48,000 drivers. By 2025, that number will rise to approximately 890,000 drivers.

Ask a commercial driver who has been working a big rig for a long period of time and they will tell you how much times have changed. In many ways, drivers feel as though they are under siege, either through regulation or by the companies that find more and more ways to save the money they pay some of their hardest workers.

The changes in the trucking industry are important to everyone who shares the road with tractor-trailers. The fact that the industry is in limbo is a big concern for all of us.

Truck Driver Pay Isn’t Keeping the Pace

The trucking industry has been struggling to retain the number of drivers that they need in order to meet shipping demands. While the industry refers to this as a shortage of drivers, many labor experts also believe that it is really a shortage of truck driver pay. Workers that used to gravitate toward the role of a truck driver are finding other sectors that offer more pay, or at least similar pay for more optimal working conditions.

Truck drivers spend long stretches of time away from their homes and families. Unless adequate pay entices those workers to get behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, they will find other sources of income. This means that the current workforce is stretched thin. Truck drivers are increasingly being hired as independent contractors, which means they lack the benefits that they used to enjoy and end up footing the bill for downtime.

Self-driving Trucks are on the Horizon

Though not an immediate threat to those who choose truck driving as a profession, the possibility of self-driving trucks is an ever-present entity in the trucking industry. While many believe that the automated trucks of tomorrow will have a human being in the vehicle to oversee and intervene in case of an emergency, the possibility of self-driving trucks raises a number of questions that remain unanswered.

Now that companies are throwing their hat into the automated truck ring, the recent fatal crash involving the Tesla Autopilot system has also raised major concerns about the effectiveness and safety of a human operator taking over from an automated system. Until this technology is truly road-ready, it will remain a big question mark in terms of its impact on road safety and trucking labor.

Many Regulations Currently loom Over the Trucking Industry

A number of regulations have been hanging over the trucking industry in recent years. Electronic logging devices are slated to be mandatory on all trucks. Speed limiters are expected soon. These devices are promoted as being a boost to road safety by slowing trucks down and holding drivers and companies more accountable for hours spent on the road and for traveling too fast. However, many in the industry, including drivers, are concerned that these devices could cause more problems than they fix.

Some drivers feel as though logging devices are a way to shift blame for violations onto them, and there have been many concerns (and lawsuits) over how the information from these devices is used to harass and intimidate drivers behind the wheel. Likewise, many drivers are concerned about the implementation of speed-limiting devices, which inhibit the ability of a truck to exceed a predetermined speed. Some safety advocates say these devices will improve road safety, but others are concerned that speed limiters will limit the ability of a driver to be as flexible and adaptable as they need to be in order to avoid causing traffic congestion. Yet another concern with speed limiters is that they create large speed differentials with other vehicles on the road, which increases the likelihood of collisions.

Trucker Health and Sleep Apnea

One of the biggest challenges for truck drivers is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Driving a truck means being sedentary for long periods of time. Eating healthy while on the road is difficult. It’s easy to see why truck drivers, when compared to the average worker in the United States, have twice the rate of obesity and diabetes. Sadly, they are also twice as likely as all other workers to not be covered by an insurance plan.

These less-than-optimal conditions set the stage for the high rate of sleep apnea among truck drivers. The FMCSA says that close to one-third of commercial truck drivers have obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that affects the quality of sleep and diminishes daytime alertness, among other health concerns. One report found that truck drivers with sleep apnea are five times more likely to be involved in vehicle crashes.

These issues represent some of the greatest obstacles in the path of the trucking industry. As long as there is a demand for shipping, these companies will no doubt find a way to meet it, but the price is being paid by those who are behind the wheel. The fact that we all share the road with them means that we, too, have a vested interest in these struggles.

There will be many changes to come for the trucking industry in the years ahead. Unless those in charge find a way to keep these drivers healthy, happy and better-taken care of, many of the problems mentioned above will only get worse.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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How Many Wheels Are In The World? – Are You Excited To Know?

Have you ever wondered how many wheels are there in the world? The first answer that will come to the fore is that there are actually plenty of wheels, which are infinite in number. However, in this article, we will look at this interesting question a bit differently and find out how many wheels are in the world in particular. With the Automotive Industry growing in leaps and bounds every year, the number of wheels depends upon the large number of vehicles being produced. Estimations have speculated that the number of wheels could be anywhere around 37 billion globally. Furthermore, in this article, you will also know why this question is there in the first place and what is the motivation behind finding out how many wheels exist in the world. You will also know about the fact why many people want to know how many wheels are there in the world estimate, as well as the views of the people. How Many Wheels Are In The World Total? – General Background Many users on the internet and social media (Twitter in particular) organized a popular poll, which was mainly about whether there are more doors or more wheels in the world. Hence, there were two different opinions from different users, and the reasons that people came up with were also interesting and, in some cases, extremely funny. On the one hand, many people were of the opinion that there are more doors in the world since there are many buildings and a single building has several doors. On the other hand, others claimed that since there are too many vehicles in the world, the number of wheels outnumbers the doors. Many people from around the world participated in the poll, and many people enjoyed the answers on the poll. The poll was featured in many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Ireland, and many more. The person who started this poll is Ryan Nixon. According to him, he found similar questions in Quora, from where he took the idea. According to Ryan, the question he found on Quora is, “If you could have one superpower, what would it be?” To answer the question, Ryan replied, “The ability to know the answer to any question I wanted.” This is how he found the idea of asking the question to people on the internet. Although it may sound strange to you, this is actually how the poll started and got popular in no time. More Doors Or More Wheels – What About The Post? Image Source: static.tweaktown.com Ryan Nixon posted the poll on March 5, 2022, on his Twitter account with the Twitter ID @NewYorkNixon. In the poll, he posted, “My mates and I are having the STUPIDEST debate...And I am here for it. Do you think there are more doors or wheels in the world?” As of February 22, 2023, we found that there are 223,347 votes. The final results are already out. The poll results were close, as 53.6% of people voted for more wheels, while 46.4% of people voted for more doors. There are 4823 retweets of the post and 19,200 likes on the post. Furthermore, 4414 people quoted the tweet. From the moment Ryan posted the tweet, it went viral in no time. Within three days, the post was one of the most viewed on the internet. Many experts are of the opinion that the reason behind the post being popular is that it was truly unique, and different people have different opinions about the post. Additionally, the post got popular quite fast on Facebook, Reddit, and other social platforms as well. What People Are Saying About The Doors Vs. Wheel Post? Image Source: media13.s-nbcnews.com You must have already understood that the post was unique and got popular due to it being interesting and funny at the same time. This is because hardly any people think about the number of doors and wheels in their own houses and cars, let alone the world. The funny part about the post is the way how many people came together to vote on the poll and have a debate in the comment section of the post. The question was, although simple, it was intriguing as well. For example, one person even commented, “Who is voting doors??? There’s wheels on everything. I have wheels on my garment rack, makeup storage holder, rubbish bin. It’s definitely wheels.” In return, Ryan Nixon replied, “You have more wheels in your house than doors? Think about cupboards, the pantry etc. Think about how many doors there would be in something like an apartment building or hotel...” Such conversations and opinions made the post extremely interesting. Some of the other comments that added fuel to the fire are: “Very solidly wheels. All cars have 4 wheels but 2-4 doors. An average home might have 6-10 doors but it also has 3 suitcases with 6-12 wheels. A collection of toy cars might have 400 wheels.” “How many suitcases with wheels on have you got in your house? I’ve got eight. That’s 32 wheels just there.” “Doors. Four door cars and trucks nullify themselves. All ships have doors, no wheels. All buildings have doors, no wheels. Doors.” “Doors by far. Most things with wheels have at least a 2:1 door-wheel ratio, and then you have all the other doors in the world.” “In my household there are 29 doors including fridge, cupboards, washing machine, tumble dryer and car. Got 4 wheels on my car and the hamster has a wheel, can’t think of any more wheels I’m saying doors." "Using the ideology that wheels are only for vehicles and doors only count if they can be walked through. Think it’s quite clear that doors win. Let me know if I’ve missed anything major or something needs explaining.” "Think it’s quite clear that doors win. Let me know if I’ve missed anything major or if something needs explaining.” "Doors. Four door cars and trucks nullify themselves. All ships have doors, no wheels. All buildings have doors, no wheels. Doors." "Easily doors There's double the number of homes in the world than there are other types of buildings too, eg shops, businesses etc Then on top of that, most vehicles have many doors too," "Must be wheel. Wheels is one of the earliest human inventions. Not only in vehicles, but also in rollerblades, suitcases, chairs, etc. Wheels also made each day more than doors." "Just to confuse this debate do you mean EVER or NOW? as this very much alters my answer. Also, is a broken door or wheel still a door or wheel? I need some rules here." "You have ruined my life, I've lost sleep over this." "This has sent me into a spiral and I can't escape it." What Is The Exact Answer To The Question? In every way, it is very hard to find out the exact number of wheels or doors. If, for example, you think about only cars, you have to consider it has four wheels and at least two doors. There are wheels in other vehicles as well. Furthermore, there are so many doors in houses, furniture, etc. On the other hand, there are also wheels in toys like Hot Wheels and Legos. Realistically speaking, the numbers are just too much for a person to count, as they are infinite. Hence, we will not be able to give you even a close idea. How Many Lego Wheels Are There In The World? Image Source: m.media-amazon.com In answer to how many Lego wheels there are in the world, you will need to estimate the number of car toys Lego produces. In a year, almost 17 billion toy cars are produced. Lego has sold approximately 6 billion wheels until now. As per a 2010 report, we found that Lego produces 318 million tires every year. Despite all these data, it is still hard to find out the number of wheels in this case too. Summing Up It is really hard to find how many wheels are in the world or even how many doors there are. Who knows! There can be billions of wheels and doors in the world. However, the best part about the question is that it is interesting and unique, and the post from where the question is inspired was a head-turner. Moreover, the post was funny, and the results were even funnier. Read Also: How Long Can You Go Without An Oil Change? What Type Of Vehicle Is Ideal For Off-Road Driving? How To Choose The Best Wheels And Tires For Your Vehicle?

The Impact Of Electric Bikes On Urban Mobility

E-bikes, also known as electric bikes, have evolved as a game-changing force in city transportation, transforming how people traverse urban landscapes. By easily conquering hills and spanning longer distances, e-bikes have increasingly become the go-to option for commuters who desire a quicker, more effective, and environmentally friendly substitute to conventional transport methods. As cities struggle with overcrowding and ecological issues, e-bikes step up as an appealing answer to counter these metropolitan problems. The Influence Of E-Bikes On Traffic Congestion One of the key benefits Vélos électriques bring to urban mobility is their potential to reduce traffic congestion. In densely populated city areas, traffic jams are a commonplace nuisance, causing wasted time and increased pollution. E-bikes present a speedy and compact means of transportation, allowing riders to weave through traffic and bypass heavily congested zones. Integrating e-bikes into city transport systems can result in a notable reduction in traffic congestion, ensuring improved traffic circulation and shorter commute times for all. Enhancing Accessibility And Inclusivity The emergence of e-bikes has contributed to the widening of cycling's appeal to a more diverse audience. E-bikes present an equalizing opportunity for those who might perceive traditional cycling as physically demanding or strenuous. Individuals from different age groups, fitness levels, and physical capabilities can now consider cycling as a practical means of getting around. This promotes not only healthier living but also a strengthened sense of community as more people can actively engage in the urban cycling scene. E-Bikes And Public Transportation Integration E-bikes seamlessly complement existing public transportation networks, providing a solution to the first and last-mile challenge. Commuters can combine e-bike rides with buses, trains, or subways, extending the reach and convenience of public transit. This integration reduces reliance on personal cars, promoting a more sustainable and efficient urban transportation ecosystem. E-bikes serve as a versatile and eco-friendly link between various modes of public transportation, enhancing the overall connectivity of urban mobility systems. Reducing Carbon Footprint As cities worldwide grapple with the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, e-bikes emerge as a green alternative for urban commuting. With electric assistance that lessens the physical strain on riders, more people are inclined to choose e-bikes over gas-guzzling vehicles. By promoting the adoption of e-bikes, cities can significantly decrease air pollution and contribute to their environmental sustainability goals. The quiet and emission-free nature of e-bikes aligns with the global push towards cleaner, greener transportation options. Health And Well-Being Contrary to concerns about sedentary lifestyles, e-bikes offer a unique blend of physical activity and convenience. Riders can choose the level of assistance they need, allowing for a customized and adaptable workout. E-bikes encourage individuals to be more active, providing health benefits without the perceived exertion associated with traditional biking. The increased physical activity associated with e-biking contributes to improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress levels, and a more active urban population. The Impact Of Electric Bikes On Urban Mobility E-bikes, also known as electric bikes, have evolved as a game-changing force in city transportation, transforming how people traverse urban landscapes. By easily conquering hills and spanning longer distances, e-bikes have increasingly become the go-to option for commuters who desire a quicker, more effective, and environmentally friendly substitute to conventional transport methods. As cities struggle with overcrowding and ecological issues, e-bikes step up as an appealing answer to counter these metropolitan problems. The Influence Of E-Bikes On Traffic Congestion One of the key benefits Vélos électriques bring to urban mobility is their potential to reduce traffic congestion. In densely populated city areas, traffic jams are a commonplace nuisance, causing wasted time and increased pollution. E-bikes present a speedy and compact means of transportation, allowing riders to weave through traffic and bypass heavily congested zones. Integrating e-bikes into city transport systems can result in a notable reduction in traffic congestion, ensuring improved traffic circulation and shorter commute times for all. Enhancing Accessibility And Inclusivity The emergence of e-bikes has contributed to the widening of cycling's appeal to a more diverse audience. E-bikes present an equalizing opportunity for those who might perceive traditional cycling as physically demanding or strenuous. Individuals from different age groups, fitness levels, and physical capabilities can now consider cycling as a practical means of getting around. This promotes not only healthier living but also a strengthened sense of community as more people can actively engage in the urban cycling scene. Read Also: Tips About Mobile Car Detailing to Avoid Any Costly Maintenance E-Bikes And Public Transportation Integration E-bikes seamlessly complement existing public transportation networks, providing a solution to the first and last-mile challenge. Commuters can combine e-bike rides with buses, trains, or subways, extending the reach and convenience of public transit. This integration reduces reliance on personal cars, promoting a more sustainable and efficient urban transportation ecosystem. E-bikes serve as a versatile and eco-friendly link between various modes of public transportation, enhancing the overall connectivity of urban mobility systems. Reducing Carbon Footprint As cities worldwide grapple with the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, e-bikes emerge as a green alternative for urban commuting. With electric assistance that lessens the physical strain on riders, more people are inclined to choose e-bikes over gas-guzzling vehicles. By promoting the adoption of e-bikes, cities can significantly decrease air pollution and contribute to their environmental sustainability goals. The quiet and emission-free nature of e-bikes aligns with the global push towards cleaner, greener transportation options. Health And Well-Being Contrary to concerns about sedentary lifestyles, e-bikes offer a unique blend of physical activity and convenience. Riders can choose the level of assistance they need, allowing for a customized and adaptable workout. E-bikes encourage individuals to be more active, providing health benefits without the perceived exertion associated with traditional biking. The increased physical activity associated with e-biking contributes to improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress levels, and a more active urban population. Overcoming Urban Infrastructure Challenges Urban infrastructure often poses challenges for cyclists, with insufficient bike lanes and storage facilities being common issues. E-bikes, with their compact design and flexibility, navigate these challenges more effectively. They require less parking space, making them a practical solution for crowded urban areas. Additionally, the rise of e-bikes encourages city planners to invest in better cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and secure parking facilities, thereby enhancing the overall cycling experience in urban settings. E-Bikes As A Lifestyle Choice E-bikes offer more than just practical benefits; they're shaping a cultural transformation in urban mobility perceptions. As individuals increasingly adopt e-bikes for transport, they experience newfound delight during their commutes, interacting with their environment. E-bikes represent not just a mode of transit, but also a lifestyle that fosters sustainability, health, and urban community bonds. Ultimately, electric bikes significantly transform urban mobility by addressing major city challenges. They alleviate traffic, promote inclusivity, foster greener environments, and encourage healthier lifestyles. As cities develop, incorporating e-bikes into their mobility plans may lead to sustainable, accessible, and dynamic urban spaces. Read Also : Washing Your Car: 7 Dos And Don’ts Tips For Reducing Car Insurance Costs 5 Signs Your Car Needs A Tune Up

Contemplating an Aluminium Ute Canopy For Your Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

If you own a pickup or utility vehicle (ute), you might be planning to invest in a canopy. Ute canopies come in different sizes, shapes, materials, colours, and designs. The most popular material used for ute canopies across the globe is aluminium. That is due to the many benefits of aluminium ute canopies. In fact, aluminium is lightweight, durable, strong, and resistant to corrosion at the same time. On the other hand, you can easily customise aluminium ute canopies to suit your own liking and specifications. On the other hand, a canopy made of aluminium does not need reinforcement. Hence, it works well for most people out there. Such a canopy will provide complete protection from harsh weather elements - thereby protecting all the items stored inside the canopy. That is why you should invest in a ute canopy made from aluminium for your vehicle. Here are the benefits of aluminium ute canopies. An aluminium canopy will protect your luggage at the back the utility. Your luggage cannot be stolen or damaged by weather elements when you install such a canopy. Hence, a canopy is a great addition to your business utility vehicle. In case you operate a business out of your commercial vehicle or truck and need to carry tools and other equipment around, a ute canopy is the best solution. In fact, a canopy can be made to specifically hold the tools you require neatly and conveniently. The canopy is usually dry and clean at all times. Hence, your tools will be protected and have a prolonged lifespan in your vehicle. You can easily customise the canopy to organise the tools and equipment as you wish. That is why you should invest in an aluminium ute canopy for your truck or pickup without further delay. An aluminium canopy will add flair and elegance to your utility vehicle. In fact, your truck or pickup will look really great with the canopy on. They are now available in high-quality and sleek designs to match any type of truck or pickup on the market. On the other hand, an aluminium canopy will increase the resale value of your vehicle. You can sell the vehicle for a higher price due to the advantage that the canopy would provide. These are some of the many important benefits of an aluminium ute canopy for your truck or pickup. When buying an aluminium ute canopy for your truck or four-wheel drive, there are many important factors that you should consider. The first thing is the preferred canopy style. In fact, you should pick the type of configuration that best suits your needs. Make sure you are clear about the type of canopy you require such as a full, partial or even a tool module. A full canopy is sealed against weather and dust. They will protect your valuable equipment against theft and adverse weather conditions. Your research plays a big part when choosing the right canopy for your truck or pickup. Read Also: Top 5 Motorhome Tips How Car Detailing Can Keep Your Vehicle In Top Shape

Why Times Are Tough For Truckers and Why It Concerns You

Truck Driver Pay Isn’t Keeping the Pace

Self-driving Trucks are on the Horizon

Many Regulations Currently loom Over the Trucking Industry

Trucker Health and Sleep Apnea

Role of messaging apps in enhancing a company’s market prospects

How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver?

Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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How Many Wheels Are In The World? – Are You Excited To Know?

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Contemplating an Aluminium Ute Canopy For Your Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

Why Times Are Tough For Truckers and Why It Concerns You

Truck Driver Pay Isn’t Keeping the Pace

Self-driving Trucks are on the Horizon

Many Regulations Currently loom Over the Trucking Industry

Trucker Health and Sleep Apnea

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Role of messaging apps in enhancing a company’s market prospects

How To Shop For A Car With Your Teen Driver?

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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