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      Monthly Archives - December 2022

      Hauling In The New Year: Happy 2023!

      With The Holidays Behind Us As the holiday season has come to a close, we want to express our gratitude for all of your hard work and dedication throughout the past year. It has certainly been a challenging one, but your perseverance has not gone unnoticed. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. In 2022, we at Optimum were busy with several new projects, including the launch of a new website and other behind-the-scenes improvements. We also made updates to our online job search to make it easier for you to find opportunities in trucking. Additionally, we began publishing a weekly blog in an effort to educate and engage with our community. Looking Forward As we move into 2023, our goal is to ensure that you have the best experience in the trucking industry, whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out. Be sure to keep an eye out for our weekly blog posts, social media updates, and twice-monthly newsletters to stay informed about what’s happening at Optimum. We understand that many companies use marketing services to send a large volume of emails and notifications, which can be frustrating. At Optimum, we hate spam as much as you do. That’s why we promise that every message we send will have value and include an opportunity for you to give us feedback. A Little Resolution Help: 1. Health and Well-Being As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to think about the goals and challenges you want to tackle. One resolution you may want to consider is prioritizing your health and well-being. Trucking can be physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to take care of yourself to stay healthy and avoid burnout. This might involve making healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, or finding ways to manage stress and get enough rest while on the road. 2. Safety Another resolution could be to focus on safety. As a truck driver, you have a lot of responsibility on the road, and it’s important to always be vigilant and follow all safety protocols. This might involve reviewing safety guidelines, participating in training programs, or simply being more mindful of your surroundings while driving. 3. Career Goals Finally, you might consider setting goals related to your career. This might include expanding your skillset, seeking out new opportunities, or building your network. Whatever your goals, we at Optimum are here to support you and help you achieve success in the coming year. Before you go… The new year is a time for reflection and setting goals for the future. Whether your resolutions relate to health and wellness, safety, or career advancement, Optimum is here to support you on your journey. We appreciate your hard work and dedication and look forward to continuing to provide you with the best possible experience in the trucking industry. Together, let’s make 2023 a year of growth, success, and fulfillment. Happy New Year!The Optimum Logistic Team

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      Optimum Wishes You A Happy Holiday and a Very Merry Christmas!

      With the Holiday only a few days away, we wanted to take some time to thank you for all your hard work. Whether you’ve been with us for years, or this is your first season, we know the toll this time of year can take on drivers and their loved ones. As you begin to celebrate, do so knowing that your efforts have not gone. So, from all your friends at Optimum, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope that you’ll take some well deserved time to relax with your families and friends and enjoy this beautiful season that could not have happened without you. We know you’re busy this time of year, so we’ve kept this short and sweet but we can’t emphasize enough how much your hard work and dedication as a part of our team has meant and we’re so excited for the future ahead in 2023.

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      Christmas Gift Ideas for the Trucker In Your Life

      Christmas is the time for giving, we all know that. However, when you have a truck driver in your life it can be difficult to know the perfect gift to get them, especially if you’re not used to life on the road. No fear, we’ve written this blog to help. Here you’ll find a collection of some great gift ideas that will be the perfect fit for your truck driver. Rivbos Sunglasses Did you know that there were glasses specifically designed for truck drivers? RIVBOS Polarized sunglasses are a perfect choice for anyone who regularly drives long distances. The frames are made of high quality TR90 material, which is unbreakable. With the ability to withstand more than 500 pounds of pressure per square inch, you can be sure that they will be protecting your eyes for years to come. Plus, the lenses are polarized to reduce glare and improve visibility. This means you will have an easier time seeing during any time of day. They even have a pair featuring yellow lenses to help increase your visibility while on the road at night. Sunglasses – $21.98 Weighted Blankets We all have trouble sleeping when we’re not in our own bed. It’s natural. What if we told you there’s a secret hack that can assure you the same night’s rest anywhere? Using a weighted blanket can help you relax by applying subtle pressure on your body while you’re lying down. Weighted blankets are popular among people dealing with anxiety and general stress because of the negative effects dealing with such feelings can reap on the body. The coolest part? It’s scientifically proven. The pressure helps to regulate your cortisol levels and release feel-good hormones like endorphins, the same compounds released when we receive a hug. This can help to ease tension and make you feel more relaxed overall, leading to a restful night’s sleep. Blanket – $69 A Secret Safe Many truck drivers have been victims of thefts while out on the open road. These thefts can include items such as tools, food, and any other valuable items a driver may have. To prevent their valuables from being stolen, many truck drivers have a safe. Disguised as a book, this can be locked shut and requires a code or keys to open. The safe is small enough that it will not take up much room in the truck’s cab and will remain hidden either from view or in plain sight. The safe contains a space for money and with the addition of a fire safe envelope you’ll have the driver in your life set up and secure in no time. Safe – $19.99 Seat Cushion When driving long distances, particularly in a truck, it’s important to have a seat cushion. Long distance truck drivers often don’t have a lot of time to stop and rest. The driver must be able to remain alert and in a comfortable position while driving. Truckers can take comfort in knowing that their seat cushion was made to alleviate any aches or pains sustained during their travels. Truck drivers can be sure that the cushion will provide them with back support and is designed for maximum comfort during long drives. A seat cushion is easy to clean, affordable, and perfect for any long haul trucker who wants to feel comfortable on his or her next journey. Cushion – $51 Telescoping Flashlight Magnetic Pickup Tool The name is long, but it gets the job done, literally. This telescoping flashlight is perfect for illuminating the hardest to reach areas. Truck drivers know all too well just how hard it can be to get a really good look at something under the hood, this light saves the day by bending into those hard to reach places and illuminate everything you need to see. Beyond this, it’s magnetic. How many times have we dropped a screw, nut, bold, or heck anything metal and needed an extra hand finding it? Worry no more, now you can pull any lost object out of the abyss and back into your life. A true life saver when it comes to those hardest to reach places! Here – $22.99 A Perfect Pair If you’re a trucker, you already know how important it is to be able to eat healthy and nutritious meals while on the road. But when you’re traveling across the country, it can be hard to find time or space to cook your own food—especially when you have to do it in a truck that’s barely big enough for your bed. This is where this combo of items comes in. With a 12-volt Portable Oven and a Cup Holder Tray your driver will be able to not only prepare meals on the road, but sit down and really enjoy them. 12V Oven – $29 ; Cup Holder Tray – $39 Before You Go You may not realize it, but when it comes to buying gifts for truck drivers, the absolute best thing you can do is give them something that will come in handy and ultimately make their days easier. That thought that went into each of these items and we really think the value is unmatched. We came across a lot of choices while putting this together. If you have any additional suggestions that you’ve gotten in the past, definitely let us know in the comments below. As always, thank you for reading and be safe out there!

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      How Truck Drivers Make ADAS Work For Them This Winter

      During the winter, the elements are quite unforgiving for the average car owner. Snow, sleet and rain can cause a significant amount of damage to any vehicle. Truck drivers are no different, as winter brings on a whole new set of problems that can cause substantial damage to their expensive, heavy-duty rigs. With the inclusion of ADAS on trucks becoming more standard with every new truck release, it’s important to add maintaining this system to your checklist this winter. Meet your System If you’ve driven a newer truck, chances are you’re familiar with some form of Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS. The system works through a collection of cameras and radars that automatically identify road markings, signs, surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and any other threat you could potentially be facing on the road. ADAS is an unmatched addition to your tool belt, not only ensuring your safety, but allowing you to take your driving skills to an even higher standard of quality. In this article, we’ll break down the most common systems included and ensure you’re ready to keep them clean and clear. Blindspot Monitoring For blind-spot monitoring, ADAS uses sensors near the rear bumper to alert you when a vehicle is coming up behind you. Just like our eyes, snow can confuse these radar signals and limit their ability to notify you. To maintain these sensors, instead be sure to keep the rear bumper area free of snow and ice. Tip: Utilize mud flaps to redirect road spray away from the sensors. Lane Departure Lane departure warning systems use cameras, laser, & infrared to detect visible road markings and warn if you are unintentionally crossing out of your lane. These sensors are great in the warmer months, but in the winter it’s likely they will have trouble identifying clear road markings that are hidden by snow, slush, salt or ice. These sensors can usually be found on your mirrors as well as being mounted in other areas. If you’re unsure of their location, it’s important to ask someone who will be able to identify them. Keeping these clean is easy — just make sure they’re wiped off and you’re good to go. Forward Collision One of the most lifesaving features available is the forward collision warning system. This system uses front-facing cameras or radar to take corrective action, sometimes even on your behalf, if your vehicle is about to collide with another. Just as with the other systems, the key is clarity. Find yourself an automotive-specific detergent. Give em a shine, you’ll be fine. Tip: slippery roads = longer braking distances; In winter weather you will need more distance when stopping, that’s why it’s always important to keep your eyes on the road and never fully rely on these systems. In the end they’re just tools, you’re the driver. Tip: Be gentle, as salt and dirt can quickly turn a soft cloth into sandpaper and absolutely demolish the paint job. Final Thoughts Until these sensors become self cleaning, it’s our responsibility to know our systems and keep them performing exactly as expected. During pre-trip inspections, make sure that the entire vehicle is clear of snow, salt and ice. Note that if you are driving in snowy weather, you may need to clear off the sensors more than once during your route. It’s easy, even expected, to get comfortable having these systems at hand. You could argue that’s the whole point. But it’s important that you always maintain a distinction because at the end of the day ADAS is a tool. While, yes, they’re game changing. Keep in mind that you’re the experienced driver and ADAS is just a tool. Always count on yourself first, and take the extra steps to drive as if ADAS isn’t watching. One last tip, while the majority of this post has to do with roadways, remember droves of holiday shoppers are gonna be in full swing both in and out of their vehicles. Stay aware and stay calm and we’ll make it through this special season just fine. As always, thanks for reading.

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      Is Tesla’s Semi for the Birds?

      Before you start scrolling, this is not just another story about Elon, promise. The most shocking part, it has ALMOST nothing to do with Twitter. Unbelievable? Think again. Whether you’ve got a fresh CDL or are an established member of the trucking industry, you’ll definitely want to read this. In the seemingly ancient year of 2017, Tesla mentioned venturing into the trucking industry. Now, 5 years later, they’ve actually done it… or so it seems. Tesla has finally brought their technology to the trucking industry with an all electric semi-truck cleverly dubbed: The Tesla Semi. Now the real question, can it take on a market that has been absolutely dominated by diesel-power for decades? Semi-Sweet Beginnings The Tesla Semi The Semi was first mentioned all the way back in 2016 in the ‘Tesla Master Plan’ with an actual concept vehicle being unveiled in November of 2017. They quickly caught the attention of the media, touting things such as a consistent savings of around 20 ¢/mi to operate when compared to that of a traditional diesel truck, when charged at a ‘Megacharger’ that is. A dream of the company which they claimed could guarantee a price of 7¢/kWh. With the original production being slotted to begin in 2019, Tesla aimed to supply 100,000 trucks per year by 2022. Clearly, that’s not quite how it worked out. The start of production ended up being delayed until October 2022 and finally, the delivery date of December 1st arrived. Today, we now have the best opportunity to take a look at what exactly Tesla is bringing to market. A Bit of a Weight Problem When Elon Musk made the announcement back in 2017, a lot of feathers were rustled. The majority of engineers at the time agreed, with where Tesla’s and battery tech in general was in 2017, the weight would need to be nearly double for the semi to remotely stack up against the diesel competition. This was even backed up by theoretical analysis by researchers at the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering, concluding that while feasible for short or medium range hauling, long distance would take up more than the weight allotted by current U.S. Law. One estimate for the battery weight was a shocking 26,000 lbs, a whopping third of the payload, increasing the capital cost to nearly double the equivalent diesel rig. Where There’s A Will, There’s A Weigh? That was 2017, fast forward through the ups, downs, and shortages of the past 5 years and finally in October 2022, Elon announced on Twitter the start of production of the 500-mile (800 km) range model would be delivered to PepsiCo on December 1, 2022. Tesla team just completed a 500 mile drive with a Tesla Semi weighing in at 81,000 lbs! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 27, 2022 In light of that news and without further ado, I give you Tesla’s idea of the future of trucking: According to Tesla, fully loaded at 82,000 lbs the vehicle reaches 60 MPH in a remarkable 20 seconds all while utilizing less than 2kWh per mile of energy consumption allowing for an estimated range of 500 miles. These outstanding feats are accomplished through three independent rear-axle motors which provide instant torque and unrivaled power at any speed allowing for the safety we’ve come to expect from a professional driver even when climbing steeper grades. Some online math wizards actually took this information the extra mile concluding that the projected weight of the truck itself. Our best clue to date for the weight of the 500 mile Tesla Semi. The load, 11 jersey barriers at 4K lbs each, is ~44K lbs. A 53 ft flatbed weighs about 10K lbs empty. Assuming this was the 500 mile test, total weight was 81K lbs so tractor is 27k lbs, 2000 lbs lighter than Tre. https://t.co/yKOTWtASai — Nikola Insider (@InsiderNikola) November 30, 2022 Safe Travels Capabilities are great, but what about safety? You’re probably aware that Tesla is no stranger to safety-related criticisms and they certainly have had their hands full these past couple years. It seems that, with semi, they’ve definitely attempted to place themselves on a firm foundation with this latest release. Semi claims it comes with active safety features that pair with both the advanced motor and brakes to allow traction and stability regardless of weather conditions. The most unique feature is found in the cab. A cab which looks like something out of Star Wars, uniquely sits the driver in a centralized seating position allowing the driver premiere visibility. The all electric architecture of the vehicle also aids in decreasing rollover risk and cabin intrusion in cases of accidents. At What Cost? Charging with electricity is approximately 2.5 times cheaper per mile than refueling with diesel. Tesla claims that this estimate is based on California’s diesel prices between February and July of 2022. If true, operators will see savings of up to $200,000 within their first three years of ownership. This paired alongside remote diagnostics, over-the-air software updates and fewer moving parts to maintain, operators will find themselves spending less time at service centers and more time on the road, doing what they love, and taking advantage of their investment in every sense of the word. Will The Tables Turn? With these new trucks finally reaching the open road and in turn the true beginning of their journey, we can only wait to see how PepsiCo and the others who preordered, go on to utilize this exciting new technology. The future of trucking could very well be at hand. However, only time will tell if they truly are able to stack up against their established, diesel competition. As always with stories like these, we’re all bound to have differing thoughts and ideas. We would love to know yours in the comments below and thank you as always for reading. Does Tesla Deliver? Today there will be a live event to mark the delivery of the first Tesla Semis. You can tune into the live stream below…

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