– Teresa Madaleno:
Many truckers see their job as an opportunity to take in the countryside and experience a unique lifestyle. The choice to be a truck driver isn’t without its challenges though. In recent years, several obstacles have scared away those who would otherwise become new truck drivers. Here’s a look at some of the top challenges truckers face and a glimpse at how they can address most of the problems associated with being on the road.
- Operational Costs – Trucking can be expensive. We hear many drivers and fleet managers complain about rising operational costs. In fact, they say they see costs increasing weekly, including licensing, and permitting fees, as well as maintenance, fuel, tire, and insurance costs. Add in competition and it can be a big challenge to stay profitable. In our tech-driven world, there are several different digital solutions on the market to address problems truckers face, but having to juggle multiple solutions for each problem is cumbersome. This is where TruckSuite™ comes in. TruckSuite developed a comprehensive, all-encompassing mobile app that can help drivers and fleet owners tackle operational problems, as well as the other issues outlined here.
- Truck Parking – Most car drivers have experienced trouble finding a good parking spot at some point. It’s a bit of a nuisance. If you are driving a big rig parking can be a major headache due to an inadequate number of official truck parking spaces. Trucking industry insiders tell us that a lack of parking has been an issue for the last decade. Two years ago, the U.S Department of Transportation recognized the problem and awarded $40 million in grants to Florida and Tennessee to pay for additional truck parking spaces. Sounds good but it doesn’t address other jurisdictions that lack parking. Also, this is not a problem that is confined to the U.S. Canadian truckers also struggle to find appropriate parking spaces. The TruckSuite app can help truckers find parking, saving them time.
- Equipment Maintenance – No matter what you drive, there will always be the challenge of repairing or replacing parts. Due to current economic challenges; some of which are the result of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply disruptions, sourcing parts or even finding a qualified mechanic can be difficult. The TruckSuite app can make it easier to deal with maintenance and repairs.
- Health & Safety – It is common knowledge that truck drivers spend long hours driving and are away from home a considerable amount of time. Getting enough physical exercise, sleep and nutritious food on the road is hard so it puts health at risk. Hours of Service rules are meant to guide drivers by encouraging 30-minute rest breaks, but depending on the demands of the job, this may be difficult. Bad weather is another factor that can impact driver health. It not only puts physical safety, but also mental health at risk, as truckers try to navigate all kinds of storm conditions. If you are a U.S based truck driver who has concerns about health, then download the TruckSuite App through the Apple store or Google play to see how you can address your well-being.
- Old Technology – Like any other industry, obsolete technology holds you back. Outdated tech can cause inefficiencies and slow a driver down. Older technology can also lack security, as well as make it very hard to keep up with the competition. The TruckSuite app was designed by top tech experts who make security a priority.
The TruckSuite app can benefit U.S truckers today. Under the Sparta Group banner, the app is being tweaked to take the Canadian driver’s experience and regulations into account. Drivers in Canada can expect to benefit from the app when those tweaks are finalized soon.
