As a professional truck driver, you know the road can throw unexpected challenges your way. Navigating treacherous weather, heavy traffic, and varying road conditions requires skill, experience, and the right equipment, including reliable brakes.

Semi-trucks rely on brake performance to stop in a controlled manner, especially in emergencies. Inclement weather aside, a fully loaded semi-trailer requires approximately 250 feet — almost the entire length of a football field — to come to a complete stop when traveling at 60 miles per hour.

With this in mind, the braking system should be a high priority when shopping for a new or used commercial semi-trailer.

Purchasing a reefer trailer — also known as a refrigerated trailer — is a big deal. It's a considerable investment, and if you plan to transport perishable goods, finding the right trailer is critical to ensure the quality and safety of your cargo. Nobody wants melted ice cream, after all!

In this post, you'll learn what to look for when buying a reefer trailer — from understanding the importance of reliable temperature control to evaluating the durability and efficiency of purchasing new versus used.

Whether you're a seasoned professional, considering swapping out your dry van, or are new to the industry, understanding the key factors and considerations can make all the difference in selecting a reefer trailer that meets your specific needs.

As a semi-truck driver, you carry enormous responsibility on the roads and highways. 

Other motorists and pedestrians can behave erratically with little understanding of the pressure you experience to keep yourself and those around you safe, your load intact, and your truck (your livelihood) in optimal working condition.

For this reason, ensuring your semi-trailer is in excellent condition before hitting the road is critical. One of the essential steps to take in maintaining your semi-trailer is checking and repairing damaged parts.

Millions of transport trucks crisscross the United States on any given day to deliver precious cargo. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2020, trucks moved 11.84 billion tons of freight, accounting for 72.5% of the total freight tonnage transported in the country.

Trucking is a preferred mode of transportation thanks to the flexibility of trucking to transport goods to almost any location, the speed of delivery, and the ability to track trailer shipping in real time. 

But, with the large volume of trailers on the road, selecting the correct type of trailer for a specific shipment is essential to ensure that the cargo arrives at its destination safely and on time.

How can you know which trailer is right for your logistics management? Below we'll break down seven types of trailers and their main application in shipping and logistics.

Keeping your semi-truck and trailer in top working condition is paramount to staying safe on the road and keeping maintenance costs in check. Frequent stops for repairs or other inconveniences can impact your livelihood as it takes up precious time and money.

Performing regular daily checks on your equipment is critical to the extending the life of your asset. It will also help you detect any changes in the performance to minimize repair costs.

For example, if your fuel efficiency has decreased, your tire wear patterns are uneven, or the steering is suddenly veering to one side, your commercial truck could be out of alignment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor lists tractor-trailer truck driving as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. It makes sense with large loads, long drive times, and unpredictable traffic and weather. 

As a professional truck driver, you most likely know this all too well. 

There's a good chance you've had some close calls or have even been in an accident. It's easy to get caught off guard if you aren't prepared for rapidly changing conditions like a sudden blizzard through a mountain pass or high winds through flatlands. 

The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your safety while operating your semi truck in dangerous driving conditions.

Staying safe on the road is essential for any professional semi-truck driver. While it’s exciting to pick up your load and hit the road, a pre-trip inspection will keep you safe while delivering your load assignment and prevent possible delays at inspection points that could slow you down and cost you money.

It’s easy to get complacent, but when you’re operating a large commercial vehicle, skipping this step could end up costing you your career. Whether you’ve been driving for years or are new to the trucking industry, a pre-trip equipment check should be part of your regular routine.

But what should you check on your semi-trailer before hitting the road?

Check the following six things on your equipment, so you don’t run into surprises at inspection points. 

There's a good chance you chose the trucking industry to avoid typical strategies other businesses employ, like networking. 

But the truth is, there's no better way to meet like-minded people than through networking. Everyone can benefit from a connected network, including semi truck drivers.

While networking may not be synonymous with trucking, it's time to change that.

The holiday season can be an intense time of year for professional truck drivers. December brings an increase in holiday travel, with trucks scrambling to deliver packages on time and people traveling by car to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. 

Driving long distances can leave your tractor-trailer susceptible to damage. Commercial trucks and trailers experience anything from minor wear and tear to more severe issues requiring full-service maintenance.