Facebook Linkedin

      Tag Archives - Trucking

      Sinister Hitchhikers & Icy Roads: Trucking’s Must-Watch Halloween Movies

      To our valued clients, dedicated staff, and the drivers who keep our world moving, Happy Halloween! Now that the chilly air has officially ushered in the season of pumpkins, ghost stories, and of course, lots of candies into full-swing, we at Optimum want to take a moment to send you our spookiest greetings and wish everyone a fun and safe All Hallows’ Eve. We know that Halloween this year falls on a rather ordinary Tuesday, making it a bit more challenging for some to get into the full spooky spirit. But fear not! Even if you can’t head out for a night of trick-or-treating or haunted house adventures, we’ve brewed up something special. Grab some popcorn, get comfy, and dim those lights. Whether you’re on the road or relaxing at home, here’s a list of spine-tingling movies and TV shows, especially relevant to the world of trucking, that you can dive into for a perfect Halloween movie night: 🎬 The Hitcher (1986): In the vast stretches of the American highways, dangers lurk not just on the roads but beside them. “The Hitcher” dives deep into this horror, narrating the terrifying ordeal of a young man delivering a car from Chicago. His decision to pick up a seemingly harmless hitchhiker propels him into a world of fear and paranoia. As events spiral out of control, the movie serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictability of strangers and the eerie desolation of open roads. 📺 IRT: Deadliest Roads (2010–): Reality TV takes a chilling turn with “IRT: Deadliest Roads”. This heart-pounding series pushes the boundaries of human endurance and mechanical resilience, chronicling the journeys of truckers on the most hazardous roads on the planet. Every episode unveils the real-life nightmares these drivers face — from precarious mountain passes to unstable terrains — as they battle nature, fear, and their own anxieties. 🎬 Duel (1971): Director Steven Spielberg’s early masterpiece, “Duel”, is a harrowing tale of cat and mouse set against the backdrop of sun-baked asphalt. Following an average motorist on an ordinary day, the story takes a sinister turn when he unwittingly incites the wrath of a menacing truck driver. What follows is an edge-of-your-seat game of pursuit, where the road becomes a battleground and every turn could spell disaster. 🎬 Road Games (1981): Set in the vast landscapes of Australia, “Road Games” fuses suspense with psychological horror. The plot follows a truck driver who finds himself embroiled in a deadly game with a serial killer. What amplifies the terror is the killer’s modus operandi of using a young female hitchhiker as bait. With each mile, tension escalates, making viewers question what lurks behind every bend. 🎬 Joy Ride (2001): “Joy Ride” is a testament to the old adage, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” Three young individuals on a leisurely road trip find this out the hard way when they misguidedly taunt a mysterious trucker over their CB radio. Their jest spirals into a full-blown terror ride, as they become the targets of this faceless menace. The movie masterfully blurs the lines between innocent pranks and dire consequences, making viewers think twice about their next road trip. 🎬 Maximum Overdrive (1986): When machines gain sentience, chaos ensues in “Maximum Overdrive”. This adrenaline-fueled narrative portrays a world where machines, particularly trucks, revolt against their human masters. Driven by a mysterious cosmic force, these machines wreak havoc, turning civilization into a dystopian nightmare. Through horrifying events and narrow escapes, the movie delves into the themes of man versus machine, and the unpredictability of inanimate objects infused with life. 📺 Backroad Truckers (2021–): Taking reality TV to backroads less traveled, “Backroad Truckers” is an unscripted drama-filled ride that follows two rival families and their crews. Facing treacherous roads, unpredictable weather, and the pressure of competition, they venture into some of the most daunting and dangerous off-road locations. It’s a showcase of grit, determination, and the lengths one will go to conquer the roads less traveled. 🎬 Trucks (1997): Drawing inspiration from the imaginative mind of Stephen King, “Trucks” introduces viewers to an unassuming Nevada town where the ordinary turns extraordinary. Inexplicably, trucks and mechanical machinery spring to life, seemingly with a mind of their own. As these vehicles take on malevolent personalities, the town’s residents grapple with survival, betrayal, and the mystery of what’s driving these machines to madness. 📺 Ice Road Truckers: Braving the biting cold, “Ice Road Truckers” takes audiences on a chilling journey with truckers navigating the world’s iciest terrains. More than just a job, these routes test the mettle of even the most seasoned drivers. Treacherous paths, sub-zero temperatures, and the constant threat of nature’s wrath make every episode a gripping saga of man versus the wild. Before You Go… Well, there you have it! We hope this curated list of movies and shows adds to the excitement of your Halloween festivities. May your night be filled with spine-chilling tales, delicious treats, and lots of laughter. Stay safe, enjoy, and remember, if there are any bumps on the road, Optimum is here for you! Thanks again for all you do and be sure to have a safe and happy Halloween, The Optimum Logistic Solutions Team. 🍂👻🚚 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 this weekly recap. 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.

      by

      More Love & Recalls: The Latest in the World of Trucking

      Truckers, take note: the world of trucking is constantly evolving, and there are some exciting updates on the horizon. Love’s Travel Stops is expanding its services and locations, with new travel stops, truck care locations, and restaurants set to open in 2023. Meanwhile, BP has acquired TravelCenters of America, adding 280 travel centers to its existing US convenience and mobility business. In safety news, over 70,000 Freightliner and Western Star vehicles are being recalled. Keep reading to stay in the know about the latest updates in the world of trucking. 70,000 Trucks Over 70,000 Freightliner and Western Star vehicles produced over the past six years are affected by a recall due to modular valve corrosion that may cause brake pull, potentially leading to a safety hazard. This little bit of corrosion is enough to cause the vehicle to begin pulling to one side when the brakes are applied which can ultimately cause the driver vehicle to lose control. The affected vehicles include Freightliner Cascadia trucks produced between 2017-2023, Western Star 47X, Western Star 49X, and 2022 Freightliner 114SD vehicles. But don’t worry, Daimler Truck North America has got your back! They’ll replace the front brake modular valves free of charge. Customers can expect to receive owner notification letters by April 10th, and they can contact DTNA customer service for further information. Pivot! That’s not all, folks! The second recall is for a potential problem with a foldable upper bunk in certain 2021-23 Freightliner Coronado tractors. The mounting pivot bolt for the bed may loosen, which could lead to an increased risk of injury. Daimler Truck North America is on it again. The company will tighten the pivot bolts for free at Freightliner dealers, so you can rest easy knowing you’ve got your best foot forward and are safe on the road. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by April 5th, and owners can contact DTNA customer service from there. The recall number for this issue is FL964. So there you have it, truckers! Make sure to check if your vehicle is affected by these recalls and get in touch with DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712 for any questions or concerns. Stay safe out there on the road! America’s Best Truck Stop & More Truck stops are all the rage this week! From app-based rankings to surprise champions, we’ve got all the latest news to keep you in the know. here are just a few quick snippets to ensure you’re up to date on the latest. If you saw our article earlier this week you’ll know that Trucker Path, the nation’s leading navigation app for commercial drivers, released their comprehensive list of the best truck stops in North America based on real data they’ve collected from real drivers using their app. The 2022 champion is a Kwik Trip out of Iowa if you can believe it! BP Spends $1.3 Billion BP has acquired TravelCenters of America, a popular travel center operator, for a whopping $1.3 billion cash deal. This move will add 280 travel centers to BP’s existing US convenience and mobility business, all strategically located on major highways across the country. Not only that, but this acquisition is expected to nearly double BP’s global convenience gross margin and bring growth opportunities for four of their five transition growth engines. BP plans to invest heavily in these areas over the next decade, with around half of their annual and cumulative investments going into convenience, bioenergy, and EV charging. According to BP, this is a smart business move that is expected to deliver big returns and be accretive to free cash flow per share from 2024. In other words, we can expect to see some exciting new offerings from BP in the near future. With convenience and mobility at the forefront, BP is taking things to the next level, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us! More Love to Give Love’s Travel Stops announced it is expanding its services and locations in 2023, with plans to open 25 new travel stops, 15 new truck care locations, and add 30 new restaurants. The company will also remodel older locations and expand the number of RV hookups, in addition to adding new services and partnerships with top brands. Love’s President, Shane Wharton, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth, stating that Love’s will continue to find new ways to offer good value at competitive prices across the Love’s Family of Companies. Professional drivers will have access to exclusive partnerships with Interstate Batteries and Daimler Truck North America, as well as additional truck care and maintenance services. Love’s other entities, including Musket, Gemini Motor Transport, and Trillium Energy Solutions, are also set to expand and add new services. With plans to add 2,000 employees across the country in 2023, Love’s is poised for major growth in the coming year. Stay Safe Out There! Whether you’re a trucker, a fleet owner, or just a curious reader, there’s always something new and exciting happening in this ever-changing field. From Love’s Travel Stops’ expansion plans to BP’s acquisition of TravelCenters of America, the trucking industry is poised for major growth in the coming years. And with a focus on safety and innovation, the future of trucking looks brighter than ever. 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.

      by

      Captains of Their Own Destiny? Surveillance in Trucking

      A Long Road The trucking and logistics industries play an absolutely critical role in the functioning of society, delivering essential goods and maintaining the flow of commerce. If you’re in the industry then you’re well aware of just how crucial these roles are. It may be hard to believe but there was a time when truck drivers were at the forefront of popular culture in the 70s, the trucking industry has undergone significant changes since then and today, with safety being the top priority and technology and regulations having a major impact on the profession. New Challenges In her book, “Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance,” Karen Levy delves into the complex relationship between truckers and the regulations they face, giving readers an in-depth look into the life of long-haul truckers. With the post-Covid world bringing an onslaught of new challenges, including a widespread shortage of truck drivers, it’s more important than ever to truly step back and take the necessary time to understand the major sacrifices made by these essential workers in the name of safety & commerce. Despite the demanding nature of their work, truckers have always valued their independence and autonomy, which is rooted in the occupational identity The Backbone of America Long-haul truckers, who form the backbone of the American economy, transport goods under an immense amount of pressure and unbelievably challenging conditions. Despite the demanding nature of their work, truckers have always valued their independence and autonomy, which is rooted in the occupational identity. Some would argue it almost the tradition of the industry. However, the open road has changed and today these workers are face increasing scrutiny from digital surveillance technologies in the name of safety and productivity. Extra Eyes In “Data Driven,” Karen Levy examines how digital monitoring is rocking the landscape of trucking, and raises important questions about the role of data collection in broader systems of control. From industry trade shows to truck-stop bars, the author takes readers inside the world of trucking and reveals how these new technologies are reconfiguring relationships within the industry and providing new and never before available avenues for meticulous management. ELDs & Beyond Federal regulations now require long-haul truckers to obtain and install digital monitoring devices that capture data about their locations and behaviors. These devices, known as electronic logging devices (ELDs), are intended to address the issue of trucker fatigue by limiting finitely the number of hours they can work each day. While this can be a good thing in regard to ensuring driver’s are only on the road for a reasonable amount of hours, it has indirect consequences. The most major being the implication of a lack of trust in the trucker themself. This seemingly minor restriction can come across as disrespectful or distrusting especially when the driver has been in the industry for decades. to be able to manage themselves. Beyond ELDs, They also support additional surveillance by trucking firms and other companies, leading to a complete change in identity within in the profession and an almost complete loss of autonomy for truckers. Resistance Truckers, in response, have developed ways to resist these technologies and maintain their independence. In her research, Karen Levy found that resistance has been a central theme, with truckers engaging in a wide range of practices to push back against the monitoring systems, particularly ELDs. Mandatory ELDs in the United States record data about truckers’ locations and work hours and often integrate with fleet management systems to capture information on their behaviors. Learn More! This book contributes to the ongoing discussion about the impact of technology on work, institutions, and personal lives and provides important insights into how to protect public interests and preserve human dignity in the digital age. Whether you’ve experienced the impact first hand or are simply interested in understanding the challenges and triumphs of life as a trucker, experience the impact of digital surveillance on truckers and understand the challenges and triumphs of their lives by checking out Karen Levy’s book “Data Driven: Truckers, Technology, and the New Workplace Surveillance” and her additional articles for Princeton. As Always, thanks for taking the time to read this article and if you’re looking for commercial driving jobs, you’ve found the perfect place. Check out our current openings available across the country, you can find the perfect job that fits your needs. So, buckle up, grab a cup of coffee, and join us on a journey into the secret world of truckers. Stay Safe Out There! – The Optimum Logistic Team

      by

      clients

      Jobs

      About Us

      Contact

      Facebook Linkedin
        Call Now

        Privacy & Cookies

        We use cookies on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our
        Privacy and Cookies Policy.
        You may opt out at anytime.