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      Self-Driving Layoffs? Embarking On A New Journey

      Impact of the Economic Downturn on the Logistics Industry According to the latest reports, the logistics industry is witnessing a significant drop in employment as consumer spending shifts away from goods and towards services, causing a drop in e-commerce growth and a slowdown in freight demand. Trucking, warehousing, and parcel-delivery companies have cut jobs in response to the slowdown, causing many logistics companies to begin massive pullbacks on hiring. Beyond trucks, we saw the warehouse sector come face to face with one of the largest monthly drops in the past decade. It’s important to note that the majority of the job losses are in industries that thrived during the pandemic. Amazon, for instance, has already initiated a cost-cutting review, implementing targeted cuts to bring down costs. Other tech giants such as Facebook, Lyft, HP, and Salesforce have also announced layoffs to counteract the overgrowth that occurred during the pandemic. This raises an important question, is employment in these booming industries sustainable? Noble Beginnings Embark, one of the big names in self-driving big rig’s, was founded back in 2016 and has since raised over $115 million in funding. Beyond that, they began the process of making good on their promises. The company previously achieved successful public road tests and even partnered with major shipping companies such as HP and AB InBev to conduct pilot programs. Their main goal as a company has always been working to make commercial trucking safer, more efficient, and less expensive by enabling trucks to operate safely and efficiently without a driver on the highway. By taking out the human element, they believed that they could make the industry much safer and more efficient. This was echoed by Srikanth Saripalli, director at Texas A&M’s Center for Autonomous Vehicles and Sensor Systems, who described their main aim as automating the, “…dull, dirty, dangerous…,” tasks, leaving humans to focus on more complex and creative work! The House Automation Built If you remember way back to 2017, you’ll recall that the Texas Legislature passed laws allowing autonomous vehicles to operate on Texas roads. This exciting legislature began instantly attracting driverless car companies to the state. Embark, along with some other big names in the game, have been utilizing autonomous trucking technology being developed at Texas A&M University ever since. As they’ve gone on to explore this groundbreaking new tech, lots of new ideas have prospered and it really seemed as though the sky was the limit. At one point, there was even talk of expanding into Texas’ infrastructure and launching a first of its kind self-driving trucking lane between Houston and San Antonio! The Memo Nobody Wanted Sadly, despite the team’s hard work, undeniable accomplishments and high hopes, Embark CEO, Alex Rodrigues, acknowledged in a company-wide letter that can really be summed up by one line, “success was not guaranteed.” He expressed his disappointment having to lay off approximately 70% of the company. The remaining 30% of the company will turn their focus on an orderly wind-down of its operations, supporting its laid-off employees, and evaluating its options, including selling assets, restructuring, or shutting down completely. The laid-off employees have been reassured that they will receive severance, benefits, equity, and career support from Embark. Despite the closure, Alex believes that the work of the company has made a difference in pushing the autonomous trucking industry forward. In addition to the layoffs, the company also closed its offices in Southern California and Houston. Only time will tell the true impact of these setbacks on the industry as a whole. Greener Pastures Despite the recent economic challenges, there is still optimism in the logistics industry, as some top trucking company executives predict that freight demand will improve in the second half of the year due to an increase in orders from retailers. However, the Logistics Managers’ Index report for February showed that transportation prices contracted at the fastest rate in the index’s 6½-year history.  This highlights the importance for companies to remain vigilant and ready to adapt to the changing economic climate, and emphasizes the importance of considering just how sustainable astronomical growth is especially when that growth is based on something that’s not permanent such as a pandemic. Only the future can tell what impacts these setbacks will have on the automated trucking industry and logistics as a whole. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Quarter-Million Creme Egg Heist? Tax Repeal + New Rules

      Wild Stories You Won’t Want To Miss Get ready for a wild ride in the trucking industry this week! From a daring theft of 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs to a call-out of a speeding trucker on Twitter, the headlines are packed with unexpected events. But that’s not all, as new bills take aim at outdated taxes and regulations, while rest stops in Missouri are getting a makeover to provide safer parking for commercial vehicles. Buckle up and join us as we dive into the latest news from the world of trucking. New Bill Takes On Outdated Trucker Taxes Senators Ben Cardin and Todd Young have introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2023 to repeal the outdated federal excise tax (FET) on heavy trucks and trailers. The bipartisan bill has garnered support from industry groups such as the American Trucking Associations, American Truck Dealers, and Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA). The FET, established over 100 years ago to support World War I efforts, is now the highest percentage excise tax on any product and acts as a barrier to investment in cleaner and safer trucks and trailers. Repealing the tax will promote growth, competitiveness, and cleaner technology, while creating jobs and reducing emissions. Over 90% of truck drivers are men. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, over 95% of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 84% of delivery truck drivers were men. FMCSA Wants To Ensure Drivers Get Paid On Time The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended the comment period for its proposed rules to regulate broker and freight forwarder financial responsibility. The NPRM, which covers areas such as immediate suspension of operating authority and surety or trust responsibilities in cases of financial failure, was set to expire on March 5th, but has been extended until April 6th to allow for a public listening session. The session will be held on March 31st in Louisville, KY, and will run concurrently with the Mid America Trucking Show. The FMCSA hopes that this extension will encourage public input on the proposed rules. Missouri Closes 2 Rest Stops for Safer Truck Parking The Missouri Department of Transportation will be closing two rest areas, the southbound Platte County Interstate 29 and Clinton County Interstate 35, to all motorists next week as work begins to convert them into commercial vehicle parking. The $3.8 million project, expected to be completed by the end of October 2023, aims to meet the needs of commercial vehicles, which make up an estimated 35% of the annual daily traffic on Missouri’s interstates. By converting traditional rest areas, MoDOT hopes to decrease the costs of upkeep while ensuring safer parking for commercial vehicles. U.K. Man Steals 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs A man has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs worth an estimated £40,000. Using a metal grinder to break into an industrial unit in Telford, the 32-year-old from West Yorkshire used a stolen cab to drive off with the chocolate goods. He was stopped by police and will be sentenced on March 14. The prosecutor described the crime as requiring some “significant planning” since the defendant was the leader in the offense, including using a stolen tractor unit. All the stolen items have been recovered in good condition. Nebraska State Patrol Calls Out Speeding Trucker on Twitter A trooper from Nebraska State Patrol called out a “Peterbuilt” driver on Twitter for traveling at 101 mph. The post asks if a Peterbilt can actually reach that speed and encourages drivers to slow down, as speed is a factor in many crashes and their severity. The post doesn’t note the highway the driver was caught on, but a photo shows the truck running bobtail. You’re All Caught Up! We hope you enjoyed this week’s roundup of important trucker news! We definitely won’t be forgetting about the theft of 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs any time soon! From the proposed financial responsibility rules all the way to the introduction of a new bills and closing rest areas, there’s always something happening in the world of trucking! We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on these stories, so be sure to leave your opinion in the comments below. Together we can stay informed and engaged . Don’t forget to check back next week for another edition of our weekly trucker news roundup. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      10 Ways Women are Shaking-Up Trucking: Happy International Women’s Day!

      Happy International Women’s Day! It comes as no surprise to learn that the trucking industry has historically been a male-dominated field, with men accounting for the vast majority of truck drivers. However, in recent years, women have been making inroads and advocating for more inclusive and equitable workplaces. With industry leaders and policymakers taking notice, here are 10 surprising ways that women are shaking-up in the trucking industry: 1. Over 90% of truck drivers are men. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, over 95% of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 84% of delivery truck drivers were men. 2. Women already comprise around 6.75% of industry workers. While the percentage may seem low, it has already doubled in just over the past two decades. 3. Gender diversity is making significant progress in securing leadership roles within the trucking industry. The 2022 Women in Trucking Index reports that the number of women occupying executive positions at trucking companies has increased by 23.3% over the past year. Additionally, more women are being appointed to the board of directors of trucking organizations, seeing a 20% increase. 4. The American Trucking Associations launched a Women in Motion initiative. This new initiative aims to bring more women into the trucking industry and continue efforts to break down barriers that may hinder their success. 5. The Biden-Harris administration established a Women in Trucking Advisory Board to support and bring more women into the trucking industry. The board aims to address challenges faced by women in trucking and promote gender diversity. 6. Advocacy groups are pushing for change as well. Groups such as REAL Women in Trucking and Women in Trucking have committed to creating a safer, more equitable environment for women in the trucking business. 7. Truck design is changing to be more inclusive. Trucking giants such as Ryder and Volvo have even gone as far as to make changes to truck designs themself in order to make them accessible and operational for a variety of body types. 8. Women face other unique challenges in the industry as well. In recent years, widespread claims of sexual harassment and assault have risen to the surface. These issues have become the major focus for the industry and making efforts to rid the industry of these issues. 9. Women make less than men in trucking. Male truck drivers make 1.3 times what women drivers make, according to the BLS. 10. Women find freedom and independence in trucking. Despite the challenges, increasing numbers of women are finding community and independence as truck drivers, with many citing the freedom, time for self-reflection, and even space for self-discovery that these job offers. It’s Clear Women are making significant progress towards gender equity in the trucking industry, breaking down barriers and pushing for a more inclusive and supportive future. While challenges may persist, the industry is clearly eager to take the necessary steps towards recognizing and addressing the unique obstacles faced by women in the industry, with advocacy groups leading the way for these changes. With continued support and progress, the path ahead for women in trucking is promising and offers new opportunities for female drivers and industry leaders. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Tennessee Volunteers To Lead New $2M Transportation Education Center

      UTK leading Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded a $2 million a year grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to lead a new and exciting venture: a multi-institutional University Transportation Center aimed at improving the mobility of people and goods across the country. The Center for Freight Transportation for Efficient and Resilient Supply Chain will partner alongside these universities: Texas A&M University University of Illinois Chicago Oregon State University North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University California State University, Long Beach. Supply Chain Innovations The center will be led by Mingzhou Jin, John D. Tickle Professor in UT’s Tickle College of Engineering, who expressed excitement over the opportunity to work with other institutions to develop innovative technologies and solutions that maximize the capacity of existing roadway infrastructure and ensure the just-in-time delivery of goods that support America’s retail and manufacturing economy. The goal is to enhance supply chain resiliency by addressing the challenges in freight transportation system design, planning, operations, and innovations in national and global supply chains through research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer activities. UT’s Commitment to Future Mobility The new center will be located in UT Knoxville’s Center for Transportation Research. The overarching goal of the facility will be to lead the way in new and transformational work paving the way for the future of the industry. Through support of both new technology advancements and the creation of a skilled workforce for Tennessee and the nation there is no doubt that this will have a monumental impact. According to UT Vice Chancellor for Research Deb Crawford, the state of Tennessee already plays a critical role in the U.S. freight network, and UT is committed to amplifying the impact of its research outcomes by building research capacity. Why Tennessee? Quick Facts! Tennessee is home to nearly 14K Distribution and Logistics establishments The second busiest cargo airport in the world is located in Memphis, TN 231K+ Tennesseans are employed in the Distribution and Logistics industry $4 Billion in capital investment from industry projects since 2017 Although the trucking and logistics industry has experienced its share of ups and downs in recent years, we’re seeing positive developments that largely suggest a much brighter future. Established universities, as well as institutions like Ivy Tech and New Castle Career Center, are making significant efforts to strengthen the industry’s foundation. For example, we recently featured the new CDL Scholarship program from Ivy Tech and New Castle Career Center. These efforts are likely to have a huge impact on the industry’s future. If you made it to this part of the article, we’d just like to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to read it. Be safe out there and as always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Indiana CDL Scholarship: New Castle and Ivy Tech Team Up!

      Future Drivers, Get Ready To Start Your Engine! Exciting news coming out of Indiana! The New Castle Career Center (NCCC), a vocational education center located in New Castle, Indiana has teamed up with Ivy Tech, a leading Indiana community college. Together they’re using their educational forces for the future of trucking. The two have come together to launch an awesome new program for high school students who want to pursue a career in trucking and other supply chain jobs. A CDL Scholarship? If you’re in your junior or senior year of high school, you can take part in the new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program. This program offers two pathways to choose from: the Transportation Pathway and the Supply Chain Pathway. Transportation Pathway The Transportation Pathway is for seniors who want to earn six credit hours while getting their CDL A or B license certifications. During the program, you’ll learn all about safety and take part in hands-on learning experiences. In the second semester, you’ll actually work in the transportation industry four days a week while continuing your studies. This is an excellent opportunity to get actually qualifiable, hands-on experience while continuing to learn about the transportation industry. Supply Chain Pathway This pathway is open to anyone who wants to earn six credit hours and may participate in the program for one or two years. During the Supply Chain Pathway program, you will: Logistics Management Supply Chain Strategy Planning and Design Customer Service Purchasing Forecasting Warehouse Management Transportation Systems In your second year, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning and gain valuable experience. Only Six Spots Available – Apply Now! Space is currently limited for the Transportation Pathway, with only six students accepted into the program. To apply, you must have reliable transportation to Ivy Tech in New Castle, where all classes will be held. Don’t hesitate – this is an incredible opportunity to pursue your dreams and gain valuable experience in an essential and growing industry. Henry County is very fortunate to have such a strong Career Center in our area. Mackenzie Jackson, Director of the Career Center, is always looking to build program offerings for students that will make them a skilled commodity in high wage high demand professions when they graduate… I really wish i was given this kind of opportunity as a young person Jeanie Hamblin-FoxSite Director, Ivy Tech Get Ready to Start Your Engines! As the trucking industry continues to evolve, many discussions have focused on self-driving vehicles. However, Indiana is taking a unique approach by investing in the education and training of future drivers. By doing so, they’re not only revitalizing the industry but also laying a strong foundation for a promising future. Are you ready to be part of this exciting future? Don’t wait, apply now for the CDL Program at the New Castle Career Center and start your journey towards an exciting career in the transportation and supply chain industries. For more information, call (765) 593-6680 today! As always, If you’re in search of CDL A, B, or warehouse positions, check out our open positions. And if you need staffing solutions for commercial driving or industrial positions, be sure to explore our offerings.

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      Truckers, Watch Out: Don’t Fall For This DOT Phone Scam

      An Unknown Number… The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is warning truckers of a potential phone scam posing as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). An OOIDA member Scott Moderson received a text message claiming there was an error with his USDOT and urging him to call a certain number to avoid interruptions in his driving. SCAM:Confirmed! An internet search of the phone number by Moderson found that the number was not in any way associated with the DOT. OOIDA was then contacted by Moderson for more information. Tom Crowley, a regulatory specialist with OOIDA’s Business Services Department, confirmed suspicions that this is likely a scam. Crowley went on to remind us that the DOT typically communicates via letter or phone call, not text messages. MCS-150 Renewal Scams This year as you’re out on the roads this year, remain vigilant against the tactics and habits of these scammers. Another common scam is an offer to update official documents such as the MCS-150 forms for a fee of up to $300. The MCS-150 form, for example, is a frequent target due to it being required in commercial transportation. Scammers have been known to charge for updating the form, but truckers can do it for free or use OOIDA for $25. Always be cautious of organizations charging high fees for the service. Renew MCS-150 For Free Your first option is to complete and file the required MCS-150 forms online, here. The FMCSA highly recommends due to its speed and user-friendly features such as built-in edit checks and straightforward questions. The estimated time to complete the form online is just 20 minutes. If you do happen to prefer a more traditional approach, you can also submit a printed and signed copy of the form by mail, fax, or through a web form. All of the information can be found on the FMCSA website What’s Up Their Sleeve There are many other types of telephone scams, where scammers may try to steal your money or personal information through phone calls, robocalls, or text messages. These scammers may make false promises or offers, or even threaten jail or lawsuits if you don’t pay them. Stay vigilant and know that such things never appear simply out of the blue via phone call. Another type of scam to be aware of is government grant scams, where scammers try to get your money by guaranteeing you a grant for things like college or home repairs. They may ask for your checking account information and claim that they will deposit the grant money into your account or withdraw a “one-time processing fee.” However, it’s important to remember that government grants are rarely awarded to individuals and are usually given to state and local governments, universities, and other organizations for research and projects that benefit the public. The DOT Doesn’t Text It’s important for truckers to be aware that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) typically communicates through letter or phone call, rather than via text message. If you ever happen to receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from the DOT, it’s best to be cautious and verify the authenticity of the message before taking any action. If you’re unsure about the message and want to be extra safe, you can always reach out to OOIDA or another trusted organization for assistance. Just remember to be vigilant and protect yourself from potential scams. Extra Steps Beyond screening calls and looking out for the things we’ve mentioned. Some drivers will set up separate phone lines in order to further protect themselves from potential scams. This can help to create a clear separation between personal and business communication, which can make it easier to identify potentially fraudulent calls or texts. One of the phone lines can be listed on more public databases, such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website, which can be accessed by potential customers. This can be useful for professional purposes, but it’s important to be aware that listing your phone number on a public database can also make it more vulnerable to scam artists. By having a separate, unlisted phone line for personal use, truckers can help to reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam.

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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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      You Did It!! Happy Thanksgiving!

      As we all celebrate today, we at Optimum want to take this time to thank the men and women out there who make this all possible. We are well aware of the time, effort and sacrifice individuals in our industry put forth every day, especially during the holiday season. We want you to know that as we gather among friends and family, we recognize that the things we get to enjoy are made possible only by your dedication. It’s the countless work days, nights and everything else you’ve given that end up making this all possible. Thanksgiving, as well as Black Friday, would be absolutely impossible without the unique skills you bring to your position. Today as you sit down, wherever that may be, take a moment to look around and recognize that without you and the countless others you work alongside, none of this would be possible. It’s something that we never take lightly and we want you to know it. Before You Hit The Road: If you’re one of the many individuals heading back out tonight, we want to offer a friendly reminder to be on the look out for everyone trying to snag their perfect Black Friday Savings. With so many extra personalities out on the roads and highways, it’s always a good idea to take the extra measures to ensure everyone gets where they’re going safely. all that being said, thank you for all that you do and even more importantly, go enjoy yourself! Happy Thanksgiving, Your Friends At OLS

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      Veterans Day 2022: Thank You For Protecting Our Way of Life!

      Over 100 Years Ago: In 1921 an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. At this very moment, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and Washington, D.C., arguably the biggest point of acknowledgment and respect for America’s veterans was born. On November 11, a celebration of the end of World War I was held at 11 a.m. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month would become known as “Armistice Day”. What’s an Armistice, and what does it have to do with Veterans Day? An armistice is a temporary cease fire during wartime. The holiday first showed up in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. Just 12 years later, Armistice Day would go on to become a national holiday. Despite World War I being nicknamed “the War to end all wars,” only a few years later, World War II broke out once more. 16.5 Million Americans would join the fight, with 407,000 giving their own life in service. Fast Forward to 1947: The term “Veterans’ Day” was born out of Birmingham, Alabama. Raymond Weeks, a WWII Veteran, organized “National Veterans Day” which included a parade and other festivities, all honoring those who had served our country before us. The event itself was held on Armistice Day. Deeply inspired by the celebration, U.S. Representative named Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill completely changing the name completely from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Talk about having an impact! Congress put up no fight, and President Eisenhower went on to formally proclaim November 11th: Veterans Day. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana 1905 Today, holidays are a dime a dozen. January 9th is National Static Electricity Day, January 14th is Dress Up Your Pet Day, even January 29th is National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. While there’s nothing wrong with having fun and finding new reasons to be grateful and celebrate, it’s important to take the time and remember the deep significance of today’s holiday. It can be easy to minimize the point of today’s holiday with so much going on in our 20th century life. However, the efforts our men and women in arms have put forth for us must not be missed. So much more than just a nice thing to do, it’s the single most concrete way we ensure that the sacrifices made throughout our history, creating the foundation we stand on today, remain in tact. Thanks to them, this unique opportunity is provided to us remains in our hands: growing, improving, and ensuring that we continue to move toward a new day full of blessing, abundance and opportunity.  Thank You For Your Service! At Optimum Logistic Solutions, we have been honored to have the opportunity to meet, assist and work alongside countless veterans and their families. We would like to take this opportunity to offer any and all individuals that have served, fought or given their lives to preserve our unique way of life in our United States of America, our endless gratitude. Your sacrifice, no matter the size, inspires us to continue working tirelessly to ensure a better way of life. Thank you.

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      Not Just Girls: Lowering Your Risk of Breast Cancer

      Ghosts, Goblins, Ghouls… It’s officially the spookiest day of the year! What if I told you there’s something much scarier lurking out there? This month brings something truly scary out of the shadows and into the spotlight: Breast Cancer. We’re taking this opportunity to teach drivers to learn the ways that you can lower your cancer risk. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetimes and has become a growing issue among truck drivers. Before all the men stop reading and scroll… to some other post thinking breast cancer only concerns women… think again.  On average, 1 out of 100 breast cancer diagnosis in the United States are male. To put that in perspective, in 2022 alone there have been about 288,000 cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women, that means nearly 3000 men will be diagnosed as well. How can that be? Breast cancer starts in the breast. This leads most people to assume only women can be diagnosed. However, if the cancer cells spread outside of the breast, they are most likely to enter the lymph nodes in the arm pit. Men have a lymphatic system, too? That’s right. Your body has a network of lymph nodes in your chest that filter out waste and bacteria. And if you have breast cancer, these lymph nodes can be affected by the tumor in your breast, which can lead to swelling or enlargement of the lymph node—a symptom called lymphedema. This can cause pain or swelling in the arm where the swollen lymph node is located. Everyone knows the importance of being aware and early detection. But what are the signs that your breast health is at risk? The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit). Other signs include thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling in the skin of your breast, redness or flaky skin in your nipple area, pulling in of your nipple or pain in your nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood), any change in the size or shape of your breast, and pain anywhere on your breast. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately! What Can I Do? Take care of your body. It may seem obvious, but majority of disease and illness can be helped, if not completely avoided by simply taking care of your body. This may be more difficult being in this line of work, but it doesn’t change that it’s absolutely vital. Stay Hydrated Don’t forget to hydrate. Your lymphatic system and circulatory system rely heavily on fluids. When on the road it’s way too easy to neglect water, relying on coffee and soda to get through the day. According to Mayo Clinic, on average, females need about 2.7 liters of fluid a day while men should be drinking 3.7 liters. For extra nutritional benefits, try adding just a pinch of Celtic sea salt for a boost in essential minerals. Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste salty! Exercise Daily It probably feels like you don’t have time to exercise, this doesn’t change the fact that it’s the most critical step in taking care of yourself. This even means preventing breast cancer! That’s right: a little bit of movement every day can go a long way in protecting your health. Hope Zara, the CEO of Mother Trucker Yoga, has created a list of quick and easy exercises optimized for truckers that will allow you to have the best foot forward when it comes to taking care of and improve your breast and chest health: Arm circles help create flow and circulation in your upper body. This little exercise will reduce lymph fluid buildup that shows up when you move around less than you should. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and stretch your arms out at shoulder height. Move your arms in forward circles, starting small and gradually making bigger circles. Reverse the direction every 10 seconds. Cherry picking: put your arms up, overhead. It also helps improving circulation and cardiovascular health and reduces lymph blockage. While standing, raise your arm and reach for the sky. It’s okay if you lean a bit and be sure to repeat it with the other arm. Downward Dog: strengthens the entire body and improves the immune system. Bridge pose: creates an “opening” in the chest and deepen breathing and circulation. This pose is perfect for drivers because they spend so much time sitting. If you ever find yourself hunched forward behind the wheel, closing off the chest. What’s cool about this is that It’s easy to do in the sleeper berth! Neck and chest massage: break up tension and allow blood and lymph to flow more easily through the chest. You can use your fingers or a massage ball around your clavicle, neck and shoulders in the morning and again at night. Truck step pull back stretch: An all-body stretch that focuses on releasing the shoulders, underarm area and lower back. All you’ve got to do is grab the truck step, bench or bar and sit back. Breathe deep and relax your arms to get a super deep stretch. Walking is a great way to keep your lymphatic system in optimum condition. A steady lack of movement poorly impacts the lymphatic system. Try walking in place, add an extra lap about your truck or walk a lap around the parking lot — it all adds up. This list may seem long, but start small, follow your body and slowly work them into whatever routine works for your unique life and schedule. Make sure to check out the rest of her article here. Maintain A Healthy Diet Your lymphatic system works best if you maintain a healthy weight. The true root of any healthy weight is diet and exercise, together, they help you keep your weight down. Obesity has been directly linked to over 12 different types of cancers so the…

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