Author: Trucker Talk Radio

According to a recent report by FinditParts, truck driver salaries are not keeping up with wage growth in other industries or inflation, showing a $3,500 shortfall. The analysis, which focused on truck driver job satisfaction, examined data from various sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Trucking Associations, and the American Transportation Research Institute, covering the years 2019 to 2023. BLS statistics indicate that the average annual salary for truck drivers increased from $46,850 in 2019 to $55,990 in 2023. However, average earnings across all professions saw a more significant rise, from $53,490 to $65,470, resulting in a…

Estes Express Partners with Burnalong for Driver Wellness In May, Estes Express began utilizing Burnalong, a digital health platform that provides online classes, programs, and tailored experiences. So far, over 1,000 of its 17,000 full-time employees—primarily truck drivers—have registered for the service, according to Sara Graf, VP of sustainability, culture, and communication at Estes. The company is a leading U.S. package and less-than-truckload carrier, ranked 11th on the FleetOwner 500: Top For-Hire Fleets of 2023. Personalized Virtual Classes for Drivers Burnalong offers custom virtual classes designed specifically for Estes drivers, including both recorded and live videos featuring participants in parked…

BOSTON — While many look to a groundhog for signs of spring, Bostonians celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with the Red Sox’s “Truck Day.” Though snow blanketed Boston overnight, Monday signaled the unofficial kickoff of Spring Training. While players won’t take to the fields in Fort Myers, Florida for another week, the team’s equipment truck was packed with gear outside Fenway Park on Monday morning. After the packing was completed, a festive send-off took place, creating a warm atmosphere outside Fenway Park. “Seeing the truck here brings a sense of warmth,” remarked Ethan Pott, a Boston University student from…

Understanding “Ice Road Truckers” and Its Dangers History’s series “Ice Road Truckers” delves into the perilous lives of truckers navigating the Arctic’s treacherous ice roads. Every year, these drivers traverse vast stretches of frozen waters to fulfill their delivery routes. With continuously shifting ice and harsh blizzards, being an ice road trucker involves constant threats and challenges. The Competitive Element of Trucking As the series highlights the extreme conditions, it also underscores the competitive aspect of the trucking profession. Incidents of conflict arise when truck drivers suspect their peers are encroaching on their business. Longtime viewers of the show are…

Incident Overview In December 2011, Seattle media outlets covered a strange incident involving a mattress and a three-car collision. A couple—comprising a man and a woman—had not fastened their mattress securely on their SUV. While driving along I-5, the mattress broke free and fell into the center of the highway, leading to a three-vehicle crash. Reaction During the Incident As two bystanders stopped to assist, the female driver jumped back into her SUV and fled the scene, abandoning her male passenger to face the consequences. Shortly after, one good Samaritan also left. A few miles further, he noticed a man’s…

Growing Support for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act WASHINGTON — There is increasing backing for the Trucker Bathroom Access Act. On February 13, Representatives Brian Babin (R-Texas) and Jefferson Van Drew (R-N.J.) expressed their commitment to advancing this legislation through Congress for presidential approval. Details of the Bipartisan Measure The bipartisan bill, known as HR3869, aims to guarantee that truckers have access to restroom facilities while picking up or delivering cargo, receiving notable support from within the industry. Industry Endorsements The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has expressed strong endorsement for the proposal. Todd Spencer, president and CEO of OOIDA,…

During his working years, Larry Heine drove a truck for eight hours daily. He enjoyed nightly family time, owned a home, successfully put both children through college, and took his wife to Hawaii whenever he earned some overtime. As part of the Teamsters union, Heine benefited from solid healthcare and a pension. He retired at 51, celebrating with a cake and a $250 gift card to a fishing store on his final day. According to a 2010 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, truck drivers in 2020 averaged 60 hours of work weekly, with one in…

Image courtesy of Getty Images. A targeted health initiative—featuring health education sessions, fitness trackers, and specific workouts for lorry cabins—can temporarily boost the physical activity levels of long-distance heavy goods drivers, as indicated by new research from Loughborough University. Dr. Stacy Clemes, leading the ‘Structured Health Intervention For Truckers’ (SHIFT) randomized controlled trial published in BMC Medicine, aims for the study’s results to promote changes in policy regarding driver training, ultimately enhancing driver health and road safety. With around 300,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers in the UK, the industry currently grapples with driver shortages and recruitment issues. HGV drivers…

Earl Adams Jr. on Trucking Safety Earl Adams Jr. highlights the urgent need for trucking safety, stating, “Every day, we experience the equivalent of an Airbus or Boeing jet’s worth of fatalities on America’s roadways—40,000 lives are lost annually.” Experience and Insight With over 20 years in regulatory advisory, public policy, and safety advocacy, Adams held the role of Deputy Administrator at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and previously served as its Chief Counsel. His extensive experience provides valuable insight into regulatory priorities. Focus on Safety “No matter the administration, the focus of the FMCSA and the U.S.…

Mike Dorfman’s Career Shift Mike Dorfman, part of the fourth generation in his family’s trucking insurance business, faced pressure when he announced his departure to cofound Koffie, a startup in the same industry. “My great-grandfather established a trucking-insurance agency in New York in 1921,” he shared with Insider. “I’m the first in a century to choose a different path.” Identifying a Market Gap Dorfman recognized a significant opportunity to assist small trucking companies by innovating the insurance underwriting process. “I’ve witnessed many trucking firms going under because they couldn’t keep up with premium costs,” said Dorfman, who currently serves as…