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16 • SEPTEMBER 2023 BUSINESS Thetrucker.com SAFETY SERIES Planning, awareness can help drivers find safe truck parking CLIFF ABBO<strong>TT</strong> | SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Every professional driver knows that the highway can be a dangerous place. From other motorists to construction, weather and other conditions, the list of possible hazards is enough to stress out even the best driver. It can feel awfully good to get safely parked and get some needed rest. Unfortunately, the stress doesn’t always end when the day’s driving is done. In fact, just finding a place to park can be one of the most stressful parts of a trucker’s day. The issue is one with which Jim Smith, vice-president of Specialty Safety at ProDrivers (an Employee Bridge company) is familiar. “A recent study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), says that 85% of drivers cited parking as the numberone cause of job-related stress,” Smith said. “Should the driver be stressed about their security — or even their ability to find parking — it could contribute to fatigue and ultimately, accidents.” There is no solution that works for everyone in every locale. In some areas of the country, there simply aren’t enough available spaces to accommodate all the truckers who need rest. Property values, local zoning laws and regulatory restrictions discourage the creation or expansion of truck stops and parking areas. Environmental laws that prohibit idling, or even running auxiliary power units, make it impossible to rest comfortably even if a parking space is found. Despite these obstacles, there are some things drivers can do to improve the chances of finding a parking place. One of the most effective is planning for parking during the initial trip plan. This an area in which technology can actually be a hinderance, as some drivers receive routing along with each dispatch, mandating which roads they must travel and where fuel is to be purchased. Where the driver will park for rest is usually not considered in the planning. Phone apps have taken the place of the old highway exit guide, although these printed guides do still exist. The iExit app is popular but isn’t specific to trucking. TruckerPath is widely used and allows users to enter comments to pass along information to others. A search for “truck parking apps” at the Apple or Google Play store will bring up a good selection. Look for apps that have information in real time and that allow user input. Be sure to check the number of downloads and user reviews; an app that has all the features you want but has poor reviews may not be much help. The major truck stop chains have apps of their own that can be useful for determining parking and even reserving spaces, but they don’t often tell you what else is nearby. Mapping websites and apps can be helpful, especially if they show aerial views of intersections and nearby businesses. Keep in mind, however, that those satellite views aren’t current; in fact, they may be months old. Even so, they can give drivers an idea of the size of the parking area and the ease of entry and exit. One way to increase your chances of finding a parking space is to reserve a paid space. Many truckers object to paying for parking on the grounds that their fuel and other purchases should be enough to rate a free space. While that argument has merit, the reality is that the greater the demand for parking in a given area, the more likely there is to be a charge for parking. If you drive for a carrier, it never hurts to ask if parking charges are reimbursed. If you’re working with a broker, making sure the load revenue pays well enough to Linda Garner-Bunch/The Trucker There is no easy solution to the shortage of available truck parking, but with planning and caution, drivers can increase their chances of finding a safe parking space so you can get the rest they need. cover parking is less stressful than accepting a cheaper rate and then searching for a free parking space. Once you find parking, keep this in mind: All the hazards you’ll face as a driver aren’t found on the road. There are usually pedestrians and pets in parking areas, and sometimes a few folks hanging out who are simply up to no good. Driving slowly and keeping up a continuous eye scan is mandatory. If at all possible, choose a space that’s well lit. It’s usually safer to pull through a space than to back in; you’ll want one that’s easy to get in and out of if it’s available. In some truck stops, the back row is a little quieter and may see less traffic, but if you need to enter the truck stop for a shower, meal or to buy necessities, the walk is longer. Pay close attention to your surroundings. While you’re in the truck, keep the doors locked. Some drivers use additional security measures, such as straps to hold the doors together so they can’t be opened from the outside even if the lock is defeated. If you need to leave your truck, carefully check the area for other people before unlocking the door. While walking, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Save responding to text messages until you’re safely in the building or back in your truck. Some drivers carry large flashlights, tire thumpers or other defensive objects like pepper spray while walking. Keep in mind that anything you use on another human being, even one with bad intentions, could make you liable for injuries and personal damage. Some products are illegal in different jurisdictions and their use, even defensively, could lead to arrest and imprisonment — so tread wisely. Parking in well-lit areas and being aware of your surroundings will deter most criminals. Parking lots are great places for collisions, too, especially if you’re parked at the end of a row or otherwise exposed to tired drivers who are trying to find a space. Parking on ramps or road shoulders can be very dangerous and is illegal in many jurisdictions, even if you don’t see signs prohibiting parking. Some drivers actually prefer these areas to truck stops and rest areas because of the seclusion they provide, but there’s a risk. Secluded areas are attractive to criminals, so if you must park there, be extra cautious. 8 Truck Parking Club expands to nearly 150 locations in 8 states iStock Photo Truck Parking Club offers web and mobile apps that provide drivers with real-time availability of free parking. So far, the service has 143 locations in eight states. THE TRUCKER NEWS STAFF MARIE<strong>TT</strong>A, Ga. — Truck Parking Club now has free rest stop truck parking availability in eight states across the U.S., including Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. In total, the company has opened 143 rest stops to over-the-road truckers looking for a safe, clean parking place, according to a news release. The release noted that the Truck Parking Club team “has been driving nationwide to find more truck parking — driving 25,000 miles in three months while adding dozens of properties owned by businesses and investors.” During this journey, the group made a point of visiting with truck drivers in an effort to better understand the challenges posed by the parking shortage. As a result of those conversations, Truck Parking Club has implemented a complimentary rest-stop truck-parking service. Evan Shelley, CEO of Truck Parking Club, says not having access to real-time availability of truck parking is one of the biggest issues faced by drivers. To solve this issue, he said, Truck Parking club provides drivers with a real-time view of open spots. “Truck Parking Club is proud to offer free rest-stop truck parking availability services across eight integral states to help our nation’s truckers find legal parking,” he said. Truck Parking Club offers a web and mobile app that allows drives to check parking availability and book a space at their desired location. The TruckParkingClub.com app currently includes real-time availability at nearly 150 accessible rest stops and 120 premium parking locations, with added services like overnight, multi-night and monthly stays, and reserved spaces. By creating an account on the website or on the mobile app, drivers can store their information for future bookings. In addition, property owners can list their parking sites on the website or mobile app by creating an account and answering a few questions; then the Truck Parking Club team converts the property owner’s unused space and transforms it into truck parking. Typical property members on the platform include trucking companies, storage companies, tow truck companies, CDL schools, truck parking operators, real estate investors and more. Truck Parking Club plans to announce new locations and new features in the near future. For more information, call 888- 899-PARK or visit TruckParkingClub.com. 8
Thetrucker.com BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2023 • 17 Does your ‘full coverage’ insurance have you fully covered? INSURANCE INSIGHTS DEBORAH GRAVES OOIDA TRUCK INSURANCE DEPARTMENT FACTORING cont. from Page 15 OOIDA truck insurance agents get calls every day from drivers who are asking for full coverage. Once the agent asks a few questions, it turns out these callers just want what is legally and contractually required. For many, “full coverage” includes Physical Damage coverage. However, most folks don’t realize that a variety of optional coverages are available, and a combination may be needed to ensure a driver is fully covered. For example, if your truck develops a mechanical problem and you end up stranded on the side of the road, there’s a coverage for that. It’s called Roadside Breakdown coverage. You could be reimbursed for the tow to the nearest qualified repair facility and/or for the labor costs of roadside assistance, up to the policy limit (parts not included). If you find you can’t operate your vehicle because of a covered loss under your Physical Damage policy, Rental Reimbursement coverage will provide reimbursement for a rental vehicle. Check with an agent about maximum coverage limits. If you haul for a shipper or motor carrier that requires you to be responsible for damage to their trailer while you are pulling it, you can add Trailer Interchange coverage. If you have an accident that results in a total loss and you find yourself upsidedown on a vehicle loan, you can put your mind at ease by opting for Gap Insurance. This coverage provides protection for the difference between a loan payoff and the market value in the event of a total loss by collision, and it’s available for both tractors and trailers. If you have a brand-new tractor and are the first owner, you might want to consider Limited Depreciation. During your first few years of ownership, your truck’s value will depreciate considerably. Limited depreciation will virtually eliminate the depreciation in the event of a covered loss. If you want your personal items protected, you should ask your agent about Personal Property coverage. You already know that being down because of an accident can cause you some financial hardship. Optional Downtime coverage provides additional protection for those times when your truck is down for repairs following a covered physical damage claim. Supplemental Towing & Clean-up coverage can help with the cost of removal of debris and cleanup of the immediate vicinity of an accident following a covered loss as well as providing coverage to tow away your truck and/or trailer. Be sure to reach out to your agent to discuss your options. You can reach an OOIDA truck insurance agent Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST, at 800-715- 9369. Do you have an insurance topic you would like to know more about? If so, email us at insuranceinsights@ooida.com. We will be covering a new topic each month and will do our best to address everyone’s questions. 8 to receive payment quickly instead of waiting 30 to 40 days.” Smartphone technology has helped factoring grow in popularity. “Drivers find it easier to use their phones to access their information instead of going through longer processes like submitting an invoice … during a truck stop,” Hamade said, adding that more drivers are using factoring companies to manage their accounting functions, from invoicing to collections. “Thanks to factoring, truckers have more time and ease to focus their attention on other areas of the business,” Hamade said. “At RoadEx, our ‘for truckers by truckers’ mantra guides how we support our customers and we’re always looking for ways to scale our services to further meet the needs of drivers, Hamade said. “As our industry navigates through a challenging trucking recession, rates are lower than ever and payments are higher, which makes it hard for drivers to have positive cash flow. RoadEx RapidPay will directly address this pain point for owneroperators who need to pay their drivers or pay for emergency repairs.” He describes RoadEx RapidPay as a “onestop shop” for owner operators. “Factoring funds can go toward a client’s insurance, or fuel without dealing with multiple vendors. Trust and transparency are key components to a great owner-operator and factoring partner relationship,” Hamade said. “At RoadEx, we have dedicated and knowledgeable account representatives, who work to help truckers get reasonable rates and top-notch customer service.” When looking for a factoring company, owner-operators should do their research and be familiar with the services provided, as well as the company’s reputation. “Whether it’s hidden fees or the amount of time it takes to receive funds, it’s important for owner-operators to do their research on a factoring company by checking reviews and making calls,” Hamade said. “Doing the research prior to a contract commitment will help trucking companies find the right factoring partner to support their business.” 8 FLEETWORTHY CLOSE-UP Human interaction is key for successful use of ELDs An electronic logging device (ELD) is the best tool available to capture HOS data and measure against the HOS minimums set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These devices are relied on heavily in our industry to act as the de facto HOS clock, referred to in audits, roadside inspections and litigation. HOS rules are specific, and are expected to be followed. Because of this, ELD manufacturers design their devices so that the required information can easily be accessed by fleet operators as well as law enforcement. FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY? But what if that ELD is not painting an accurate picture of compliance or risk and instead is providing a false sense of security for your fleet? Are you depending on your ELD to manage your HOS, or are you an active participant in the process? There is no doubt ELDs make it easier to track HOS data — however, that data still needs to be analyzed and managed by a safety professional. According to the CSA enforcement program, HOS violations in 2022 accounted for three of the Top 10 violations resulting in out-of-service (OOS) orders, including No Logs When Required (No. 2) and False Logs (No. 3). The top HOS violations include exceeding the 11- or 14-hour limits, not taking 10 hours off and false logs. These statistics reveal that management is relying too heavily on ELDs and should start manually reviewing logs daily and hold their drivers accountable for following HOS rules. HAVE ELDS IMPROVED SAFETY? This is a hard question to answer because of factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in several HOS exceptions, as well as the HOS changes made in 2020. However, if you look at the most recent data (October 2022) published by the FMCSA regarding crashes involving fatality or injury, it shows ELDs are not effective as “safety devices” on their own. In fact, rates for “accidents by 100 million miles” have actually increased since the ELD mandate went into effect in 2017. In 2019, this figure actually increased 10% from 2016 — the year before the ELD mandate was enforced. This proves that relying strictly on ELD data is not an effective HOS management tool for your company or the public safety. Considering the cost of implementing these devices, one would expect to have an ROI that can be pointed to, specific to reduction in accidents/injuries/fatalities. Instead, an increase in accidents, risk and significant lawsuits have proliferated SPONSORED CONTENT as indicated in the average size of verdicts since the ELD mandate went into effect. According to a study by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), HOS was a significant factor in 95% of “nuclear” verdict cases. In many of these cases, the driver’s HOS were clearly in violation, and the motor carrier was found to be responsible and/or negligent. MANAGE THE DATA How a motor carrier manages their drivers’ ELD compliance — including reports, trends and data output — is critical to going beyond the minimum requirements while not falling victim to complacent compliance. Are you equipped to manage all elements of the FMCSA’s HOS compliance regulations without assistance? If an audit is called tomorrow, how confident are you that you’d receive a satisfactory rating? Would your feeling of confidence increase knowing you had a partner in compliance that has the experience and tools needed to provide support? Fleetworthy Solution’s team of subject matter experts and their intelligent compliance platform, CPSuite, can decipher all the information coming from your ELDs, identify trends and actionable data, and provide recommendations to improve your safety department and your overall standing within the HOS Basic.. Each driver’s HOS records are at your fingertips, along with the ability to manage other safety-regulated and risk-minimizing requirements such as DVIR/EVIR, maintenance records and driver qualification records. Having these resources at your disposal allows you to focus on the right areas and free up time to maintain the personal interaction needed with one of your most valuable resources — your drivers. With Fleetworthy Solutions, you’ll go beyond the minimum standards of compliance. Reach out for a demo of our industry leading products and services and see for yourself what going “Beyond Compliant” can do for your organization. Together, we can help minimize the number of daily accidents one driver at a time! For information, visit fleetworthy.com or email marketing@fleetworthy.com.
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