Lifestyle

Experienced Truckers Share Valuable Driving Tips You Need to Know

Published

2 years ago

June 21, 2022

America is currently facing a logistics crisis partly due to disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic and an acute shortage of truck drivers. If you have ever wanted to be a trucker, there is never a better time than now.

But the conditions and the pressures of work can easily have a toll on truck drivers, making it one of the riskiest professions. But some truckers have been in it for a lifetime and have managed to drive incident-free.

Keep reading as we share some valuable tips from experienced truckers that you may want to know early in your newfound career.

American Trucking Industry Statistics

The trucking industry employs approximately 3.5 million Americans representing 5% of all full-time employees. This industry is male-dominated, with only 10% of all truckers being women.

Other statistics indicate that the industry is 80,000 truckers short, a figure expected to rise as older truckers approach retirement. As a result, the existing truckers are often pushed to the limit to ensure that trucking companies meet the deadline, a significant contributor to truck accidents in recent years.

In 2020, over 4,865 people died in truck-related injuries in the U.S., representing a 1% decrease from 2019 but a 31% increase since 2011. If you want to get an in-depth look at the trucking accident rates, this list of truck accident statistics can be a good read for you.

Safety Tips from Experienced Truckers

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving means driving with an awareness that you could be the only driver on the road with safety in mind. According to most experienced truckers, many drivers do not know how to drive safely around big rigs. A study conducted by a Michigan university showed that over 80 percent of all crashes involving a trailer are caused by other vehicles rather than the truck.

Some defensive driving tips for truckers include being cautious about your blind spots, which can be relatively broad, and maintaining a wider following distance than an average car. With up to 80,000 pounds in tow, you will require a longer distance to come to a stop than an average car.

Ensure Your Truck’s Maintenance Is Up to Date

The responsibility of ensuring that the truck’s maintenance is up to date lies with the trucking company. Your life is at risk when driving a truck, so you may want to ensure that the company does what it is supposed to do.

You do not have to wait for the maintenance schedule to look for mechanical issues. Regular inspection of your truck before getting on the road is vital to ensure everything is in its right working order.

For example, you may want to physically examine the wheels to ensure they have the right pressure and that there are no loose screws. You may also want to ensure that all your brakes, brake lights, and turn signals are functional before getting on the road.

Get Adequate Rest and Sleep

Adequate sleep and rest are essential when operating big rigs. If you do not get enough of any, you risk sleeping while on the road creating a significantly high risk of getting into an accident. Federal laws stipulate a maximum of 60 to 70 driving hours per week and regular breaks that vary depending on the driving regime.

Most trucks come with automatic logs that indicate the number of hours they have been on the road. However, logging out doesn’t always mean the driver will get adequate rest.

Some truckers use the brakes to engage in other activities such as drinking, which could mean they don’t get enough rest to drive the following day safely. According to experienced truck drivers, if you feel drowsy during your drive, it is best to pull over into a rest area and take a break before proceeding.

Lifestyle

The Evolution of eCommerce: How Online Shopping Has Changed in the Last Decade

Published

8 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Michelle Langton

Over the past decade, eCommerce has transformed from a convenient alternative to brick-and-mortar shopping into a dominant force shaping global consumer behaviour. This evolution has been driven by advancements in technology, shifting customer expectations, and innovative logistics strategies that ensure purchases reach doorsteps with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Let’s explore how online shopping has evolved and what it means for businesses and consumers alike.

The Rise of Mobile Commerce

One of the most significant changes in eCommerce is the shift towards mobile shopping. Smartphones have become the preferred device for browsing, comparing, and purchasing products. According to recent studies, more than 70% of online transactions now occur on mobile devices. User-friendly apps, seamless payment gateways, and mobile-first website designs have played pivotal roles in driving this trend.

For businesses, this shift has meant a greater focus on responsive design and mobile-optimised platforms to enhance user experience. It has also encouraged the rise of social commerce, where platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become integral to shopping journeys, blending entertainment with eCommerce.

Personalisation and AI Integration

A decade ago, personalisation in online shopping was rudimentary – limited to broad product recommendations. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have revolutionised how retailers engage with customers. eCommerce platforms can now analyse browsing habits, purchase history, and even real-time preferences to deliver highly tailored shopping experiences.

From personalised email campaigns to dynamic website content that adapts to user behaviour, AI has allowed businesses to forge stronger connections with their audiences. This evolution not only boosts sales but also fosters customer loyalty in a competitive market.

The Amazon Effect and Expedited Delivery

The “Amazon Effect” has been another game-changer, setting new standards for eCommerce logistics. The expectation of fast, often same-day delivery has become a benchmark for online retailers worldwide. To meet these demands, businesses have invested heavily in supply chain optimisation and partnerships with reliable logistics providers.

The integration of advanced eCommerce freight solutions has been crucial in ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery. These solutions streamline the movement of goods from warehouses to customers, enabling retailers to stay competitive while managing rising logistical complexities.

Sustainability in Online Shopping

As awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainability has become a major focus for eCommerce. In the last decade, consumers have increasingly demanded eco-friendly practices, prompting businesses to adopt greener approaches.

From sustainable packaging to carbon-neutral shipping options, online retailers are now incorporating environmental responsibility into their operations. This shift not only aligns with consumer values but also provides businesses with a competitive edge in a market that prioritises ethical consumption.

The Power of Data and Analytics

Data has always been integral to eCommerce, but its role has expanded significantly in the past ten years. Advanced analytics now allow businesses to understand consumer trends, optimise inventory management, and enhance marketing strategies. Predictive analytics, for instance, can anticipate demand fluctuations, helping retailers avoid stockouts or overstocking.

Moreover, data-driven insights have made omnichannel retailing more cohesive, ensuring customers have a seamless experience whether they’re shopping online, in-store, or through a combination of both.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the evolution of eCommerce has brought remarkable progress, it hasn’t been without challenges. Rising customer expectations, cybersecurity threats, and the complexities of global trade are just a few hurdles businesses face. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation.

By adopting cutting-edge technologies, fostering strategic partnerships, and focusing on customer-centric approaches, businesses can continue thriving in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape.

As you can see, the past decade has been transformative for eCommerce – reshaping how we shop, sell, and interact with brands

From the convenience of mobile shopping to the precision of AI-driven personalisation, the industry has continually adapted to meet the needs of modern consumers. As technology advances and consumer expectations evolve, one thing is certain – eCommerce will remain at the forefront of global retail innovation for years to come.