News
The Unsung Heroes of the Trucking Industry: Diesel Technicians
In the world of trucking, the spotlight often shines on the drivers, however, there is an unsung group of professionals who keep the wheels turning in this vital industry. Skilled diesel technicians are the lifeline of the supply chain, ensuring that those big rigs keep rolling and swiftly resolving any unexpected challenges they encounter.
Just as there are specialized training programs for aspiring drivers, aspiring diesel technicians have a variety of options to kickstart their careers. Local community colleges and technical schools offer comprehensive programs to provide the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, high school trade programs often collaborate with local businesses that rely on mechanics and technicians, often leading to valuable apprenticeship opportunities.
But what about those high school students and recent graduates who haven’t yet discovered their true career path?
Love’s Travel Stops now proudly offers a new opportunity for ambitious individuals looking to launch their career in the fast lane or make a fresh start.
The Love’s Truck Care Academy is a unique program developed in collaboration with Speedco that is helping aspiring technicians get the training they need to fast track their careers.
Since its opening in April 2022, Love’s Truck Care Academy has made waves in the field. Executive Vice President Gary Price proudly shares that this program, the first of its kind, has already produced an impressive 300 graduates – a testament to its success.
Enrolled students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands-on experience in seven key heavy-duty truck systems. Upon completion, graduates enter the workforce equipped with a state-of-the-art tool set valued at $3,500.
Currently, Love’s Truck Care Academy operates training centers in Amarillo, Texas, and El Reno, Oklahoma and has plans to expand its reach by opening two more facilities in Arizona and Indiana. With this expansion, Love’s aims to double the number of graduates from its diesel technician program in the coming year.
“We have the largest over-the-road workforce of diesel technicians and mechanics, and we want to help them realize their career goals,” Price said. “This truly is the application of the American Dream.”
Love’s Truck Care Academy provided Keven Avalos with the essential training he needed to kickstart his career in Tolleson, Arizona. Hear firsthand why he believes it was the best choice for him to pursue his passion in the industry.
“In school, I was always getting in trouble because I had to be working on something with my hands,” Avalos said. “I also knew what it was like not having transportation because of mechanical issues.”
Avalos was inspired by his uncle’s work on cars and wanted to use his skills to help people solve mechanical problems. He was particularly drawn to the profession because he knew there were many truck drivers on the road who needed affordable mechanical services. He wanted to offer reliable and fair-priced services to those who had been overcharged by other providers.
“My plan right after high school was to go to a technical institute,” Avalos said. “It’s a trade school for all types of mechanical classes.”
Avalos faced a dilemma – trade schools were more affordable than traditional colleges, but his family couldn’t afford to send him. Luckily, Avalos’ sister, a Love’s employee, informed him about the program.
“You should look into working with Love’s,” she told her brother. “They teach you the mechanical training and how to change tires, oil changes and other jobs.”
Avalos’ future was solidified during that conversation, and now he takes great pride in his work for Love’s.
“(Drivers) come to our shop, we do the repairs for a fair price and they get back on the road, get home to their families and get back to making money,” he said. “But my favorite part of the job is meeting new people and new drivers every day. It’s great to go home knowing I helped someone. I made someone’s day better.”
Avalos credits Love’s program for paving the way to a bright future.
“It helped me so much,” he said. “I was really motivated to catch on quickly. I knew it would be going to school for four weeks, six days a week. I had to get on my horse and ‘go, go, go’. I still have a long way to go, but I’ve learned to be a better mechanic, and I want to take advantage of all the opportunities Love’s has given me.”
Source: The Trucker
Supply Chain Turmoil Hits Drivers as Costs and Shortages Persist
“Due to the exorbitant cost of shipping, we have had to raise prices to our customers as well as order eight months’ worth of inventory, eight months in advance.” — Hanna from The Crown Choice
The anticipated recovery year turned into ongoing supply chain disruptions, with raw material shortages and factories in China operating on limited schedules. The cost of shipping containers has skyrocketed, impacting small businesses and their ability to order inventory effectively.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Shipping costs are at an all-time high, which could mean higher operating costs for you as a driver. If you’re hauling goods for small businesses, expect them to pass these costs along in the form of higher order rates or delayed payments.
Fuel costs are also likely to be affected as ripple effects from supply chain disruptions impact pricing. Keep an eye on fuel surcharges and budget accordingly to avoid surprises in your expense sheet.
If you’re relying on contracts with big retailers, be prepared for potential delays. Mass retailers are struggling with empty shelves, which might lead to fewer loads as they adjust to the new normal.
Load availability may shift as businesses look to diversify their supplier base. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your routes based on changing demand and supply scenarios.
How are shipping costs affecting my job?
High shipping costs are driving businesses to increase prices, which may lead to fewer shipments or altered contracts. Be prepared to adjust to these changes.
Will this affect fuel prices?
Yes, supply chain disruptions can influence fuel prices, so keep an eye on trends and potential surcharges that may affect your operating costs.
What about load availability?
Load availability could fluctuate as businesses adjust their supply chains. Flexibility in routes and contracts will be crucial to maintaining steady work.
How can I prepare for potential delays?
Keep in close contact with your logistics partners and clients. Understanding their challenges can help you anticipate delays and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate these costs?
Consider renegotiating rates and contracts to account for increased costs, and explore new markets and clients who may offer more stable opportunities.
Key Strategies for Effective Remote Worker Time Management
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
The article discusses various strategies and tools to enhance time management for remote workers. It covers setting expectations, choosing appropriate time tracking tools, and maintaining accountability to improve productivity in a remote work environment.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
For drivers who also manage remote workers or work remotely themselves, the right time tracking tools can streamline operations and improve productivity. This could potentially reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
Setting clear expectations regarding availability and communication can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce downtime, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.
Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your work hours, allowing more time for driving or managing logistics without affecting performance.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your time management practices can help identify inefficiencies, allowing you to make changes that enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of income.
How can I improve time management for my remote workers?
Set clear expectations for work hours and communication, use effective time tracking tools, and establish routines to optimize productivity.
What are some recommended time tracking tools?
Popular options include Toggl, BuddyPunch, RescueTime, and Harvest, each offering different features suited to various needs.
How often should I review my time tracking practices?
Regular reviews, ideally monthly, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure your practices remain effective and aligned with goals.
Why is accountability important in remote work?
Accountability helps maintain productivity and motivation, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
What should I do if my current routine isn’t working?
Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine or try new tools and strategies to find a setup that maximizes productivity and fits your work style.
An Illinois-based trucker, Moath Musamih, from Orland Park, has been formally indicted in Ohio on grand theft charges for allegedly avoiding nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls. The indictment, filed on April 21 by a Williams County grand jury, accuses Musamih of a fourth-degree felony relating to unpaid tolls, with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and restitution.
Prosecutors assert that Musamih’s truck was monitored with open-road tolling technology for close to two years. Despite receiving multiple payment notifications, the tolls remained unpaid. The indictment also includes a clause to confiscate the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia allegedly used in these offenses.
County Chief Investigator Andrew Skiles noted that the Ohio State Highway Patrol had been keeping tabs on Musamih for some time due to the unpaid tolls. According to Skiles, Musamih is an owner-operator whose vehicle, reportedly registered under his wife’s name, was regularly tracked traveling extensive distances on the Ohio Turnpike using an E-ZPass transponder.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol officer encountered Musamih at a service plaza on eastbound Interstate 80, where an incident report was filed for “Theft by Deception.” The report included accusations of theft without consent and engaging in corrupt activities.
Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman opted for criminal proceedings against Musamih due to the significant total of approximately $21,991 in unpaid tolls over an extensive period from April 2024 to April 2026. The decision to pursue a fourth-degree felony charge was influenced by Musamih’s alleged repeated offenses and the proposed forfeiture of his semi-truck as it was deemed contraband linked to the criminal activity.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, through its advanced open-road tolling system launched in April 2024, identified Musamih. Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed emphasized the aim to maintain optimal conditions on the turnpike while highlighting the challenges posed by companies that fail to settle their toll liabilities, despite numerous reminders and collection attempts.
In a broader context, the commission recently disclosed a list of 315 trucking companies accused of evading $5.2 million in tolls over the past two years, indicating a widespread issue with rogue operators.
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