matracksystem-blog

[matracksystem-blog]

After 16th December 2019, drivers maintaining record of duty status will have to mandatorily use electronic logging device. The ELD mandate was introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure that hours of service rules were followed diligently. It is important to note that the ELD mandate only attempts at making it easier for the drivers to record driving data, and improve safety and working environment for them. Read more http://bit.ly/2lQgAa2  #eld #eldmandate

[matracksystem-blog]

According to an analysis done by The American Trucking Association, it’s expected that there could be a shortage of 175,000 truck drivers by 2024.  One way to help overcome the truck driver shortage is to recruit more women drivers.  In 2010 only 4.6% of truck drivers were female.  Nowadays, the percentage of female drivers is slowly on the rise.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of January 2019, 6.2% of truck drivers are currently female. Women are steadily becoming more interested in truck driving for several different reasons.  Some are attracted to the ability to work independently on the job and others enjoy the adventures of the road.  Women have also expressed that they appreciate that men and women are paid equally in the industry.  According to CNBC, Ellen Voie, the founder of the non-profit organization, Women in Trucking Association when asked said, “Women and men are paid the same as drivers.  A carrier sets the pay based on mileage, hours or percentage of the load. It is not related to age, ethnicity or gender.” Additionally, there are some trucking jobs available in the industry that don’t require drivers to be gone for weeks together; which are suitable for women who have family responsibilities. Trucking jobs for women can include regional dry van routes, as well as port and rail driving jobs.  These types of trucking jobs allow women to be home every few days and work well for those women with family commitments. If women are given the support and respect they deserve in the trucking industry, the potential to attract more women to the trucking business could substantially help with the lack of drivers in America.  Watch this YouTube video and find out what it is that women love about truck driving.  

[matracksystem-blog]

Many of us may remember watching the cartoon TV show, The Jetsons, as kids. They rode around in flying cars and lived up in the sky high above the clouds.  As of now, we are still living here on Earth and cars are driving on roads; not flying in the sky.  But there is a new technological discovery that already has vehicles hitting the roads without drivers.  This technology could be especially useful in trying to solve the every growing truck driver demand by creating self-driving trucks.  Several self-driving trucks have already taken test drives across the country, covering thousands of miles, without relying on human drivers.  Using sensors on board as well as machine learning, these autonomous trucks can avoid obstacles and map out their surroundings.  The goal is to manufacture self-driving trucks that can drive themselves on freeways.  However, the autonomous trucks would still need a driver to help get on and off freeway exits, load and unload at shipping docks, and navigate around small cities or towns.  Will self-driving trucks be the way of the future?

[matracksystem-blog]

The mirrorless semi-truck, MirrorEye, is an innovation that potentially expands truck drivers’ vision, prevents collisions, improves aerodynamics and saves fuel. How do the mirrorless trucks work? The two large conventional 50 square inch side mirrors of the truck used for rear vision are replaced with an external multi-view digital camera system and an internal two video monitor system; one screen mounted on each pillar of the cabin in front of the driver. The FMCSA has deemed the digital camera system safe or possibly safer than external mirrors and has given Stoneridge, the company that makes them, an exemption from the law that requires the installation of the conventional two rear-vision mirrors in all commercial vehicles. 

So what are the benefits of mirrorless trucks? Stoneridge claims that by eliminating the bulky side mirrors, aerodynamics will be enhanced which results in lower fuel costs by roughly 2 to 3 percent. The driver’s vision of the road is also improved by using digital cameras with three different views, which helps eradicate drivers’ blind spots. It’s estimated that it could expand the driver’s view by up to 25%. The camera system also has overtaking warnings to alert the driver. The cameras even provide clear color night vision and have self-cleaning lenses and heaters to protect them from ice and frost. The expanded vision the cameras offer could significantly reduce collisions with other motorists and pedestrians, making the road a safer place for all.

[matracksystem-blog]

According to Our World in Data, “Every sixth death in the world is due to cancer, making it the second leading cause of death. In 2016, 8.9 million people are estimated to have died from various forms of cancer.” Conventional chemotherapy used in cancer treatment destroys both cancer cells as well as healthy cells. Since years researchers have been working on “vaccines” for cancer treatment that would trigger the body’s natural defenses to destroy cancer cells, and limit damage to healthy cells through injecting a combination of two agents that activate T-cells, a type of immune cell, to attack cancer in the body.Live Science reports, “In studies in mice with various cancers — including lymphoma, breast cancer, and colon cancer — the treatment eliminated cancer tumors in 87 out of 90 mice, even when the tumors had spread to other parts of the body, the researchers said.” The creation of the customized vaccine can be specific to each patient. First the tumor of the patient must be biopsied, then the DNA should be analyzed and accordingly the vaccine could be produced and sent back to the hospital to be administered to the patient.It may still be a while before new cancer “vaccines” are available to patients. For now, studies are still ongoing as to how safe and effective the “vaccines” are to humans. According to MIT Technology Review, “In December 2017, BioNTech began a large test of the vaccine in cancer patients, in collaboration with the biotech giant Genentech. The ongoing trial is targeting at least 10 solid cancers and aims to enroll upwards of 560 patients at sites around the globe.”

[matracksystem-blog]

Finding an authorized and safe place to park your 18-wheeler has always been a challenge in the trucking industry, especially with the ever-increasing amount of semis on the roads. Now with the HOS regulation being enforced by the ELD mandate, truckers are finding it even harder to find an adequate place to park. The American Transport Research Institution found that truck parking diaries revealed that drivers using ELD devices were more likely to spend over 30 minutes looking for available parking spaces than those drivers without ELD devices.

Trucks Park Here launched at the start of 2019 this year, is an initiative that uses technology to help truck drivers find an adequate place to park. Truck Park Here provides live details of parking availability to truck drivers across 8 Midwestern states. Drivers can receive real-time updates about parking availability through smartphone apps, message boards, and information websites. There are currently 127 parking sites feeding data into the system which equals about 4,500 sensors monitored spaces. Currently, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin are collaborating in the project to help provide timely parking information to drivers.

Trucks Park Here is hoping that the initiative will help drivers find a timely and safe solution to parking; thereby reducing the amount of time spent looking for parking spaces. This will, in turn, save money on fuel and wear and tear of the semi, reduce emissions, and prevent accidents otherwise due to driver fatigue and illegal parking.

[matracksystem-blog]

Finding an authorized and safe place to park your 18-wheeler has always been a challenge in the trucking industry, especially with the ever-increasing amount of semis on the roads. Now with the HOS regulation being enforced by the ELD mandate, truckers are finding it even harder to find an adequate place to park. The American Transport Research Institution found that truck parking diaries revealed that drivers using ELD devices were more likely to spend over 30 minutes looking for available parking spaces than those drivers without ELD devices.

Trucks Park Here launched at the start of 2019 this year, is an initiative that uses technology to help truck drivers find an adequate place to park. Truck Park Here provides live details of parking availability to truck drivers across 8 Midwestern states. Drivers can receive real-time updates about parking availability through smartphone apps, message boards, and information websites. There are currently 127 parking sites feeding data into the system which equals about 4,500 sensors monitored spaces. Currently, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin are collaborating in the project to help provide timely parking information to drivers.

Trucks Park Here is hoping that the initiative will help drivers find a timely and safe solution to parking; thereby reducing the amount of time spent looking for parking spaces. This will, in turn, save money on fuel and wear and tear of the semi, reduce emissions, and prevent accidents otherwise due to driver fatigue and illegal parking.

[matracksystem-blog]

At times, the life of trucking can be synonymous with boredom and isolation, especially for long-haul drivers who go weeks and even months without seeing their friends and family. Spending so much time in isolation on the road can cause truck drivers to become depressed and lonely. A great way for truck drivers to feel happier and more enthusiastic about their work is to bring their pets on the road with them. In 2016, The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute did a survey to explore the relationships between pets and their owners. It found that 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from pet ownership. Bringing a pet on the job can help truckers deal with stress and experience an overall sense of well-being and companionship. According to Healthy Pets, “Over half of all truck drivers are pet owners and 40% of them take their pets on the road.”

Join in the fun and bring your four-legged friend with you also. Here are a few trucking companies that are pet-friendly and will allow you to take your furry friends on the road; Roehl Transport, LTI trucking services, JB Hunt, Interstate Distributor, and Knight Transportation. Each company has their own rules and regulations in regards to pets onboard so have a look into which one suite you and your pet best and don’t miss out on the great chance to bring your furry friend with you.

[matracksystem-blog]

Did you place an online order? Well, don’t be surprised if your items are one day delivered by a flying drone right to your doorstep! That’s right, you read correctly, this is not science fiction. Thanks to new advancements in technology, drones like Amazon’s drone model, are able to travel at 50 miles per hour, transporting packages that weigh up to 5lbs straight to your door in 30 minutes or less! Amazon named their new delivery option as “Prime Air,” and predicts that these drones could cut the delivery cost to less than $1 per package. Amazon is currently building and testing its drones in the United States as well as several international countries such as the United Kingdom, Austria, France, and Israel. Amazon’s first drone delivery was completed back in 2016 in Cambridge, London. The delivery drones use GPS systems to navigate and Amazon says they are working to ensure safety through an air traffic management system to map out each individual drone’s flight path. While the technology for drone delivery is already available, due to federal regulations, it still could be quite some time before we actually see drones flying down our street making deliveries. However, if permission is in fact granted for the use of these drones, drone delivery could be a beneficial solution for the ever growing issue of increased consumerism and decreased truck drivers in America. It also could help save fuel, time and money for both produces and consumers. Amazon is not the only company that is experimenting with drones. Companies like Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc, UPS, and even Domino’s pizza are also devising drone models and testing them. So watch out for the flying pizzas and don’t forget to order extra cheese!

[matracksystem-blog]

How can a disabled person ski? What was previously thought impossible has become possible thanks to the hard efforts of the University of Utah Health and Modern Technology. Jeffery Rosenbluth M.D. and the University of Utah Health have come out with the Tetra Ski, enabling people with minimum arm function to direct their ski chair down the slopes with the use of a joystick. For those with no arm function at all, they can direct their ski chair by blowing and sucking on a tube placed inside their mouth. Many disabled people are already starting to benefit from the Tetra Ski.

The following is just one of the many inspirational stories of those benefited by the Tetra Ski. Derek Sundquist was an experienced skier, spending his days on the slopes of the Alta Ski Area in Utah. Unfortunately, one day due to a serious fall, he was left paralyzed from the neck down. Now thanks to the Tetra Ski, he has hit the slopes again and is feeling the joy and thrill of doing what he always loved best. Disabled veterans of our country are also joining in on the fun in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Utah. During the Sports Clinic, they also have a chance to try out the Tetra Ski, helping them gain self-confidence and allowing them to experience the freedom and joy of cruising down the snowy slopes.

[matracksystem-blog]

Tesla plans to formally launch its all-electric heavy duty semi-truck sometime this year in 2019 and we may see it cruising down the freeway before we know it. Certain companies as Sysco, Anheuser, Busch, Wal-Mart, Loblaw, Deutsche Post/DHL and PepsiCo have already placed pre-orders on the truck. Tesla’s electric truck has four motors, up to a 500 mile driving range and some self-driving capabilities. Mega chargers will be available throughout the US to recharge trucks up to a 400 mile range in 30 minutes. Although the exact price of the electric semi-trucks is not yet confirmed, it’s expected that the cost will be around $150,000 for the 300 mile range trucks and $180,000 for the 500 mile range trucks. Most long-haul diesel trucks cost $120,000. These electric semis could provide many benefits such as reduced costs, increased safety, and help protect the environment by slashing fuel emissions and improving overall maintenance of the trucks. Some companies feel that due to savings on fuel and better maintenance with Tesla’s electric semis; they could potentially pay back the cost of the truck in a relatively short time and save large amounts of money over the life-span of the truck. According to Reuters, Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation at DHL Supply Chain said, “We are estimating that we could have a pay back within a year and a half will be based on the energy usage and as well as lower maintenance cost...The maintenance savings can be enormous as well. Just because the engines are much simpler in terms of the number of parts, and the complexities of the parts.” According to The Verge, “Tesla claims its all-electric Semi will provide more than $200,000 in fuel savings alone over the life span of the truck.” In addition to the slashed fuel and maintenance costs according to Tesla’s website, another major benefit of the electric semi is safety. This ultimately means the money saved on insurance costs. The Tesla all-electric semis have some self-driving capabilities such as automatic lane keeping, automatic emergency breaking, and forward collision warning to help avoid collisions with other vehicles. The windshield is made of Tesla Armor Glass to protect the driver in the case of a collision. Also in Tesla’s all-electric semis, the driver is supposed to be positioned in the center to help enhance visibility and control of the vehicle. The driver seat also has a low center of gravity to provide rollover protection. This could mean better driver safety and also reduced insurance costs for fleet managers. Tesla’s new all-electric semis seem to be pretty competitive in the market with many potential benefits of using electric energy in semis. The all-electric semi-trucks have a potential pay back of less than two years and can help save money otherwise spent on maintenance, fuel, and insurance costs. The trucks will also help reduce pollution and protect the environment. It’s no wonder so many companies have already pre-ordered their all-electric semi fleets. Visit us for more details, <a href="https://www.matrackinc.com/">Matrack Tracking System</a>

[matracksystem-blog]

Many truck drivers find themselves gaining unwanted weight due to the sedentary lifestyle of their work and lack of healthy food options on the road. Information from the National Institute of Health show that more than 50 percent of truck drivers are obese compared to the national rate of 26.7 percent. Weight gain can also contribute to problems such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. According to the Obesity Action Organization, “Indicators for risk of hypertension include obesity, abdominal obesity and weight gain.” They also state that, “Being overweight or affected by obesity greatly increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.” Studies have even shown that obesity in truck drivers can cause more accidents. According to the NRCME, Healthy Trucking Association of America found shocking results, “’That’s when the data stood up and shouted at us,’ says Jon Anderson, a biostatistician at the University of Minnesota, who co-authored the study. ‘We found really clear evidence that the highest body mass index drivers are at higher risk of having an accident.’” So what are some ways truck drivers can lose weight and reduce their risk of disease and accidents? Exercise in short breaks It may seem hard to find time to exercise when you are on the road, especially for long-haul drivers. Most importantly, use whatever little time you do have to get in shape. If you are waiting to be loaded up or unloaded, grab the chance and exercise for a bit. Or even if you just have 10 to 15 minutes at a rest stop, a few times a day, walk briskly, do jumping jacks, or run in place. According to the American Heart Association, you should get 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise five days a week, totaling 150 minutes spread out over a week. But those 30 minutes five days a week, can be spread out over 2 or 3 smaller sessions a day. In addition abdominal crunches and push-ups are two examples of exercises you can do just about anywhere, even inside your sleeper cabin. Blast you favorite music to get enthusiastic and do small 10 min work outs two or three times a day. Eat Healthy Eating healthy is essential to losing weight. Avoid fried, fatty and processed foods. Try to eat more fresh foods. Keep a stock of fruits, precut veggies, roasted nuts, and boiled eggs and cheese in your refrigerator or cooler in your truck at all times. This will help you to avoid snacking on junk food while on the road. When you stop at truck stops for meals be mindful as to what you order. Try to eat more proteins from lean meats, vegetables, whole grains and lentils. Making sure you get enough protein will help you to feel full and not overeat and you will have more energy also. Reduce Sugar IntakeSugar intake should also be monitored to help you lose weight. According to Every Day Health, “Registered dietitians and public health officials alike agree sugar consumption is a major cause of weight gain and obesity in the United States, but the relation between sugar and weight gain is little complex. While natural sugars found in fruits and dairy are healthy as part of a whole food, the problem, experts say, is the sugar that’s added to our packaged, processed foods. In addition to containing added sugars, which offer no nutritional value, these foods are usually high in calories and unhealthy fat.” If you have the craving for something sweet opt for fresh or dry fruits. Dates and figs especially are perfect for the sweet tooth. You can also look at health stores for desserts that are sweetened with agave or stevia which will taste good and be good for your body as well. Stay HydratedStudies show that most Americans are not drinking enough water. According to The Quench Survey, “Nearly 80 percent of working Americans say they don’t drink enough water.” Staying hydrated is the key to staying healthy. Our bodies actually depend on water to survive. The human body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove water, and lubricate joints. Staying hydrated can also help us lose weight. Hydration not only boosts our metabolism but also helps us to distinguish between hunger and thirst. We may feel extremely hungry but it might actually be that we are just thirsty. Staying hydrated will ensure that we eat only when we are actually hungry. In addition, studies have proven that drinking a glass of water before a meal can help people avoid overeating and have showed a reduced calorie intake per meal. It’s essential for drivers’ health and safety to avoid obesity and keep their weight in check. Short periods of regular exercise, eating fresh foods and lean proteins, avoiding sugar, and staying hydrated are the most effective ways for drivers to lose weight even while on the road. With a little cautious decision making and short breaks for 10 to 15 min exercise twice a day it’s definitely possible for drivers to be physically fit even while on the job. Don’t wait until tomorrow, start today and soon you won’t just look great, you will feel great too! 

[matracksystem-blog]

GPS technology is very beneficial to the trucking industry. By using this technology with ELD devices fleet managers can largely cut costs in their companies. Fuel costs can be reduced by omitting unnecessary idling, aggressive braking, and speeding. This will also save fleet managers money on unwanted repairs caused by wear and tear of the vehicles. Also through the use of GPS technology fleet managers can identify risky behavior of drivers and also closely monitor HOS so their drivers don’t receive any violations and don’t drive over time which could cause accidents due to fatigue. This will in turn greatly reduce insurance premiums for fleet managers and ensure the safety of their drivers and other motorists on the road. GPS technology can also be used to direct drivers to optimal driving routes to ensure timely delivery of freight; thereby profiting the company as a whole.

 It’s 2019 and time to make the final switch from AOBRD to ELD devices.whether GPS technology of ELD devices potentially help trucking companies save money? The answer is YES. Every year thousands of dollars is literally guzzled away in unnecessary idling, aggressive breaking, speeding, poor maintenance, and costly insurance premiums. The average operating cost for the trucking industry is about $1.38 per mile and the average total yearly cost of operating a commercial truck comes to $180,000 a year. The GPS technology used with ELD devices can help slash those figures and save you money and time. Let’s take a detailed look into the benefits of using GPS technology in your fleets and how it saves you money.

Reduce Idling to Save Fuel and Maintenance Cost:

Same like managers, with the help of GPS technology, you will get transparency into when and for how long your trucks are idling. According to the US Department of Transit, “Typically, a long-haul truck idles about 1,800 hours per year, using about 1,500 gallons of diesel. Stop drivers from speeding and aggressive breaking:

Speeding and aggressive breaking can rapidly drain fuel supplies; thereby causing increased and unnecessary fuel expenses. According to a National Geographic interview with Glen Kedzie from American Trucking Association, “On average, a truck traveling at 65 mph instead of 75 mph will experience up to 27 percent improvement in fuel consumption. ‘As a rule of thumb, for every one mile per hour increase in speed, there is a corresponding 0.14 mpg penalty in fuel consumption,’ said Kedzie.” The GPS technology of ELD devices makes it possible to have a real-time view, 24/7, into the speeding and aggressive breaking habits of drivers. This allows fleet managers to correct negative driving patterns and save money on fuel and wear and tear of the vehicle; as well as promote safety for truck drivers and other motorists on the road.

Cut Insurance Costs:

 The use of GPS ELD compliant devices will keep a better check on drivers and improve driver safety. Insurance premiums are currently based largely on CSA scores. ELDs are connected directly to the truck’s engine which allows carriers to monitor driver safety and identify risky behavior that could result in higher CSA scores. Also with the use of GPS technology of ELD devices you can make sure your drivers don’t exceed HOS and thereby eliminate driving violations which would cost your company higher premiums. In order to that, the GPS technology of ELD devices can give the insurance industry with additional data to consider when determining risk models. This can reduce the impact CSA scores have on insurance premiums. Lastly, using ELD compliant devices to monitor HOS and make sure your drivers don’t drive too long without proper rest will ultimately prevent accidents due to driver fatigue and save endless lives and money.

Improve Routing and Driver/Manager Communication:

 GPS technology can help make sure your drivers take the most efficient routes, which will help cut fuel costs and time, thereby making your business more profitable. Everyone in the trucking industry knows that time matters when it comes to transporting freight across the country. Through using GPS technology and ELD devices you can make sure that your drivers are on the fastest route possible and avoid traffic jams. Complete Driver Transparency to make sure your drivers are safe, honest and profitable:

 Managers must keep tabs on their employees for the success of any business, and there is no difference in the trucking industry. In many professions, employees work in a well-monitored environment which helps managers have a better knowledge of their employees’ behavior and accomplishments. With the freedom truck drivers have out on the road for weeks at a time, it’s crucial for fleet managers to have a way of knowing what is going on with their trucks and drivers. According to the FMCSA out of the ten states with the highest average fatal large truck and bus crashes in 2014-2016, 51% of those fatal crashes involved at least one large truck or bus. Fleet managers need to feel comfortable that drivers are safe, reliable, and honest. While this may have not been possible in the past, it is now thanks to GPS technology. Now they have managers can have complete driver transparency and monitor all the movements of every vehicle in their fleet 24/7 to make sure their drivers’ performance is safe, beneficial and profitable to the company.

GPS technology is very beneficial to the trucking industry. By using this technology with ELD devices fleet managers can largely cut costs in their companies. Fuel costs can be reduced by omitting unnecessary idling, aggressive braking, and speeding. This will also help to save fleet managers money on unnecessary repairs caused by the wear and tear of the vehicles. Also through the use of GPS technology fleet managers can identify risky behavior of drivers and also closely monitor HOS so their drivers don’t receive any violations and don’t drive over time which could cause accidents due to fatigue. This will in turn greatly reduce insurance premiums for fleet managers and ensure the safety of their drivers and other motorists on the road. GPS technology can also be used to direct drivers to optimal driving routes to ensure timely delivery of freight; thereby profiting the company as a whole.

Visit us for more details, <a href="https://www.matrackinc.com/">Matrack Tracking System</a>

[matracksystem-blog]

One of the immense dangers that truck drivers face on the road are passenger car drivers. Many times the small cars try to cutoff or follow the truck way more closely than they should. Any miscalculation on the part of any of the driver can result in fatal accidents. There are a few things passenger car drivers must keep in mind while driving along the trucks to ensure that the roads are safer for all:

Whenever a truck stops on the highway, move to the next lane and give them some space. Truckers stop on a busy highway only if it is critically important – the truck is either in need of maintenance, or if there is any issue with safety. Give the truck drivers a space to cater to the emergency situation.

A truck driver also have a blind spots as a passenger car driver have. They do have a rear-view mirror on the right, however due to the difference in height, the entire right side is a blind stop for truck drivers. It is safer to never try to pass them on their right.

Trucks and trailers are huge, and can weigh more than 80,000 pounds. They cannot stop abruptly, and there is a huge gap in application of brakes and response time. Also, trucks and heavy vehicles use air brakes, which function differently than the brakes in a four-wheel car. therefore,unless there is enough space passenger driver should not try to overtake.

While entering or exiting the highway, most truck drivers can see other passenger cars and heavy rigs, and wait for them to pass. However, if the situation arises that they cannot move, it is better for both their safety that the passenger car gave way to the heavier truck. This is simply because trucks are huge and heavy, and it is difficult for them to move. Trying to cut or not yield will only waste the time of both drivers.

Truck and heavy rig drivers and passenger car drivers often communicate with each other through trailer lights, headlights, and turn signals. Repetitive flashes means the driver needs to be more attentive of the road ahead. This could be due to excessive traffic, road construction or maintenance, or any other situation. As trailers are long and huge, truck drivers are often confused about whether it is safe for them to change lanes or not. A simple flash of light from fellow traveler can assure the truck driver that he has enough space to change lanes.

Making turns is another challenge for truck drivers. They have to make wide turns, and the safety of these turns depends on fellow drivers. There are white stop lines at intersections, and other drivers must pay attention to them when they see a heavy trailer trying to make a turn.

Truck drivers go through intense training, and are well versed in all the rules and regulations pertaining to road safety. Because of the sheer size of their vehicle and heavy haul attached to it, they have to be extra careful. It is highly unlikely for trucks to be driving at a fast speed, as the drivers know that they cannot make an abrupt stop in any situation. So,road safety is equally important responsibility of all drivers, no matter the size of their vehicle.

Visit us for more details, <a href="https://www.matrackinc.com/">Matrack Tracking System</a>

[matracksystem-blog]

One of the immense dangers that truck drivers face on the road are passenger car drivers. Many times the small cars try to cut off or follow the truck way more closely than they should. Any miscalculation on the part of any of the driver can result in fatal accidents. There are a few things passenger car drivers must keep in mind while driving along the trucks to ensure that the roads are safer for all:

Whenever a truck stops on the highway, move to the next lane and give them some space. Truckers stop on a busy highway only if it is critically important – the truck is either in need of maintenance or if there is an issue with safety. Give the truck drivers a space to cater to the emergency situation.

A truck driver also has a blind spot as a passenger car driver have. They do have a rear-view mirror on the right, however, due to the difference in height, the entire right side is a blind stop for truck drivers. It is safer to never try to pass them on their right.

Trucks and trailers are huge and can weigh more than 80,000 pounds. They cannot stop abruptly, and there is a huge gap in the application of brakes and response time. Also, trucks and heavy vehicles use air brakes, which function differently than the brakes in a four-wheel car. therefore, unless there is enough space passenger driver should not try to overtake.

While entering or exiting the highway, most truck drivers can see other passenger cars and heavy rigs, and wait for them to pass. However, if the situation arises that they cannot move, it is better for both their safety that the passenger car gave way to the heavier truck. This is simply because trucks are huge and heavy, and it is difficult for them to move. Trying to cut or not yield will only waste the time of both drivers.

Truck and heavy rig drivers and passenger car drivers often communicate with each other through trailer lights, headlights, and turn signals. Repetitive flashes mean the driver needs to be more attentive of the road ahead. This could be due to excessive traffic, road construction or maintenance, or any other situation. As trailers are long and huge, truck drivers are often confused about whether it is safe for them to change lanes or not. A simple flash of light from fellow traveler can assure the truck driver that he has enough space to change lanes.

Making turns is another challenge for truck drivers. They have to make wide turns, and the safety of these turns depends on fellow drivers. There are white stop lines at intersections, and other drivers must pay attention to them when they see a heavy trailer trying to make a turn.

Truck drivers go through intense training and are well versed in all the rules and regulations pertaining to road safety. Because of the sheer size of their vehicle and heavy haul attached to it, they have to be extra careful. It is highly unlikely for trucks to be driving at a fast speed, as the drivers know that they cannot make an abrupt stop in any situation. So, road safety is an equally important responsibility of all drivers, no matter the size of their vehicle.

[matracksystem-blog]

Trailer tracking and fleet management are often mistaken to be the same thing, and the terms are used interchangeably. However, there is one huge difference between those two. Trailer tracking is a subdivision of a much wider system of fleet management. To understand this difference properly, let’s take a look at both of them separately:

Trailer Tracking system is a combination of computer software and an electronic device. The device is installed in the trailer gathers information, which is processed by the software. It permits the owner to track the location of the trailer, along with several other features like geofencing, temperature control, security, and provides real time data for better execution.

Some of the qualities of a well-designed Trailer Tracking device like MA-1080 by Matrack Incorporation are:

Long lasting Battery life

Supports high Speed Data

Real-time insights

Weatherproof

Alerts through SMS and Emails

Compact in size

Together with a GPS enables cloud based application and service, trailer tracking system proves to be most beneficial in case of hijacking and theft, and helps in speedy recovery.

Fleet Management, however is a much wider concept. Apart from being aware of the location of one trailer, a fleet manager has several other duties and responsibilities:

Purchase and replacement of Vehicle

Compliance with regulations  and rules such as IFTA and ELD, set by local and state authority

Maintain electronic database of drivers, vehicles, trailers, customers, equipment, and labor

Plan and schedule routes

Provide workshops  and relevant training to other employees

Manage maintain cost-effectiveness and fuel requirements

Optimize the entire fleet operation

Ensuring safety and security of assets and drivers.

Fleet management platforms support a fleet manager in fulfilling the above mentioned duties and much more with better efficiency and organization, thereby increasing the ROI. An effective fleet management system is placed on the principal of IoT (Internet of things). Electronic Logging devices, generally known as ELD, like Matrack’s MA 3000 are equipped with implanted software and sensors are connected to the vehicle or assets through on-board diagnostics. It collects various data like speed, driving hours, engine status, maintenance requirements, and location.

The data is sent to an analytical program that utilizes this information and generates reports for mileage, safety, fuel consumption and others. MA 3000 also helps in compliance of DOT’s hours of service rules, and as it incorporates Bluetooth technology, fleet owners and managers can be in constant contact with their vehicles.

Trailer Tracking is an important part of fleet management. Together, they allow owners  and managers to operate their fleets at maximum capacity and improve profitability. It also ensures that all assets are maintained periodically and utilized properly. The reports generated are accurate and help in safety protocols and tax compliances.

MA 1080 is compact, simple and easy to install. It comes with powerful inbuilt magnets, 3 years of battery life, and faster and better connectivity. Together with its application, MA 1080 can send geofencing warnings, has proactive tracking mode in case of hijacking or theft, and sends location alerts via email and SMS in real time. The device is made to develop in harsh conditions and any kind of weather.

Matrack also proffers a wide range of fleet and asset tracking devices. All the devices are integrated with a user-friendly platform, available to you on any mobile device of your option. Once you have installed MA -1080, you are provided user credentials to the platform, and can approach it anytime, from anywhere around the world.

Visit us for more details, <a href="https://www.matrackinc.com/">Matrack Tracking System</a>

[matracksystem-blog]

Driving a truck for lonely  and longer routes can take a toll on physical and mental health of a driver. Truck driving profession is not one of the healthiest – irregular sleep routine, lack of exercise, greasy food at rest stops, and being away from family – make it difficult for a driver. Here are a few tips to extend your career as a truck driver, while staying healthy and safe. Before getting ready for a longer drive, take an interval.It is always better to pack some healthy meal options like fruits, vegetables with you.See a physician, and ask them to prescribe best vitamin supplements for you.If you are feeling tired, pull over, get down from your cabin, stretch your legs, and grab some air. It will help you in feeling carefree.Contrary to the beliefs, water keeps you more free than any other drink. Sure caffeine will make you feel better, but once the effect wears off, it will leave you more tensed.Listening to your favorite music in higher volumes can actually make you more attentive and alert.If you cannot make a stop, and are feeling tired, open the window and let some fresh air in and it will give you the much needed boost.