Monthly Archives: August 2009

The Manhattan Carrier Product Suite

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C.R. England continues to stay ahead of the technological curve, this time by employing the Manhattan Carrier product suite (offered by Manhattan & Associates), a series of programs designed to decrease empty miles and improve how the trucking company utilizes all of its resources.  For example, the Driver&Load system matches certain C.R. England drivers with the best available load, depending on its location and distance to the destination.  The suite also includes the Drop&Swap program which can diagnose any operational issues within the England fleet while cutting down on slack time and managing each driver’s hours of service and time at home.  Learn more about the Manhattan Carrier suite and C.R. England’s implementation of the technology by clicking here or visit the official Manhattan website.

Are Truckers Undervalued?

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A recent survey by the Trincon Group (an Ohio-based consulting company) was conducted at truckstops throughout the country determine whether or not truckers feel they are respected and valued.  The survey found that approximately 50% of truckers feel their profession suffers from a continual lack of respect and that yes, truckers as a whole are downright undervalued.

Do you agree?  Are you given the respect you feel you deserve or should truckers be given more respect and valued far more than they are considering they are the foundation of the American economy?  Truckers, after all, are the only ones who can deliver goods directly door-to-door.  No other mode of transportation can claim that.

Trucking in the Middle East

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If you think trucking is a tough business here, imagine what it’s like in the Middle East.  I recently came across an interesting article published by NPR about trucking in Afghanistan, detailing the dangers of the business that is proving to be quite profitable.

Many trucking companies in the Middle East have contracts with the U.S. Military to transport goods.  They transport everything from construction equipment to food to air conditioning units and everything in between.  But it comes at a risk – the trucks are often targeted by the Taliban.  The drivers (who are often of Middle Eastern descent) may be stopped, robbed, and even killed.  Some trucking companies have started adding armed escorts though it doesn’t always keep the drivers safe.

As difficult and discouraging as the recent recession has been, this article should serve as a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a free country where we can pursue the career we want without the fear or dangers experienced by drivers in the Middle East.

How to get a HazMat Endorsement

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Truckers who want to haul hazardous materials are required to adhere to special requirements, which have become stricter in the years since 9/11.  Here’s how to get a hazmat endorsement:

•   Since hauling hazardous materials require placarding, most (if not all) states requires truckers to successfully pass a hazmat exam that is administered by your state’s department of transportation or motor vehicles department.
•   HazMat endorsements now require a federal background check along and in addition to state fees, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a fee of $100 for the background check and to process the paperwork.
•   You will be also required to fill out a HazMat application to verify your identity, legal residency status, and that you are in possession of a current CDL.
•   If you have been convicted of a serious crime within the past seven years, you will be disqualified from obtaining a HazMat endorsement.  You will also be disqualified if your prison release date for any of these convictions is less than five years.   Disqualifying convictions include (but are not limited to) arson, assault with intent to murder, robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated sexual abuse, extortion, and smuggling.
•   If interested in obtaining a HazMat endorsement, contact your state’s department of transportation to determine the regulations that govern HazMat endorsements in your state.

Trucking Schools Continue to See Increase

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As the economic downturn continues (though many believe we are now in the recovery stage), trucking schools are still experiencing a high boost in enrollment as many people seek out new careers, including one as a long-haul trucker.  Trucking will remain an important component of the economy since nearly everything consumed in this country – from toys and cars to lumber and fabric – is transported by commercial truck at one point or another.  Subsequently, the high enrollment at trucking schools across the United States is expected to remain unusually high throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall.

Love to drive and want to see the country?  If you are one of the many interested in learning what it takes to begin a new trucking career and how you can get started, check out C.R. England’s four trucking schools located throughout the country.