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.

Manufacturers around the world are experiencing shortages in components, supplies, and even labor. And the semi-trailer industry has been hit hard by these global supply chain issues. 

The shortage of materials was initially sparked by government-mandated plant shutdowns at the height of the pandemic. And even as the world has opened up again, other economic factors have created a backlog in new semi-trailer builds. 

For many owner-operators and smaller fleets, working with a trailer dealership on financing can be a stressful and confusing process. How do you know you’re getting the best deal? What kind of credit score do you need to get the payments you can afford? Can you find someone who has the experience and knowledge to find the lenders that are the best fit for you? 

At CRTS, we take a thoughtful approach to trailer financing. We believe a dealer should do their homework on behalf of their customers so that you can get the best financing option to fit your needs and goals. Your buying or leasing experience should be as straightforward as possible. 

Many dealerships handle financing by turning you over to a finance company and stepping away from the process. They’re often very friendly people, but they aren’t thinking about your financing needs or options. Your credit application could be sent to as many as six or seven separate lenders, in a bulk group email, to see which lender will approve the financing. 

Every fleet is different. Your trucks run a certain product to certain parts of the country, making a certain series of stops along the routes. Your operation has its own set of business and financial goals and you have your own set of uniques. 

As a result, you have specific challenges that other fleets don’t have. The success of your business depends on hauling trailers that best fit your own unique needs. 

At CRTS, we understand the importance of equipping your trailer with the right options. That’s why we work with you to understand your situation and offer trailer customizations that can help you run more efficiently. Here’s how we do that.

Your fuel costs are the largest expense in your fleet’s budget, and your trailers are the biggest contributors to fuel consumption. Trailers are heavy, boxy, and enormous, creating a great deal of wind resistance that guzzles fuel. 

Trucking is critical to keeping the nation running. Over 72 percent of all freight in the U.S. is transported by semi-trailers. In a time when supply chain is more important than ever, the trucking industry is at the core of America’s economy and business.