Articles written by Jennifer Smith
Articles written by
Jennifer Smith

Fall Into Lighting Equipment This Autumn

Driving a semi-truck on the highway can sometimes feel like an endless journey, but it seems even longer during the fall months as the days quickly close-in on drivers. Because operational lights are required from sunset to sunrise, the need for reliable lighting on commercial vehicles becomes increasingly more important for drivers to view signage, spot running wildlife and stay clear of road imperfections that could cause sudden lane shifts.

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Gladhands: The Superheroes of Your Air Brake System

The Mighty, Mighty Gladhands may sound like the name of a really cool band, but they're actually small coupling components that heavy-duty truckers use every day. And although it's easy to not give your gladhands much thought, they're more important to the safety and success of your journey than you realize.

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Best Cleaning Supplies for Truckers

Traditionally, flu season begins in the United States in November and lasts until March, and while we have a few more months before we need to "worry" about the flu, medical physicians are advising unvaccinated individual to get their COVID-19 and/or flu shots as early as September or October to prepare for what's to come. We aren't here to debate or sway your decision on vaccination shots, but we are here to tell you that it's best to stay vigilant and protect yourself and others from the spread of these cold-like viruses.

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8 Fun Facts About School Buses

It's that time of the year again for parents to celebrate and kids to dread – back to school. It's also time for school bus drivers and technicians to get their heavy-duty vehicles back up and running for the year.

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Maintenance Work on Air Spring Systems

Truckers with air brake systems may be quick to inspect and maintain shock absorbers and other suspension components, but they may neglect their air springs – that is, until they discover an air leak or crack. The often-unnoticed air bags underneath the truck's undercarriage mimic the actions of a balloon to help keep vehicles from sagging under heavy loads thus, providing a safer, more comfortable ride.

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Top 15 States Winning at Vehicle Electrification

As the planet heats up and climate change continues to make headlines, the focus continues to be put on the trucking and transportation industries. When the Environmental Protection Agency assessed the origin of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, they found that the transportation sector accounted for 29% – the largest share of all emissions.

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5 Tips: How To Hire and Retain Truck Drivers

It's real and it's a real problem for truck companies around the country. Before COVID-19, the truck industry was short nearly 61,000 drivers according to the American Trucking Associations. By 2028, ATA estimates a shortage of 160,000 drivers – that is, if companies don't do something fast. A big part of the problem is finding qualified drivers with the specialized skills required to drive tanker trucks, for example, that usually require a CDL license and extra training. Some companies are turning to immigration programs for help in finding drivers; however, these individuals may face language barriers plus trouble navigating big rigs under U.S. driving laws.

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Coronavirus and Supply Chain Updates for Truckers

Since Coronavirus first reared its end at the beginning of 2020, it's been a long haul for the nation's 3.5 million truckers. While the rest of the world saw lockdowns and distancing, truckers have continued to keep the country running and supplied with grocery, paper, and essential medical items – and it doesn't look like it's over yet.

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What Truckers Must Do After an Accident

In that moment, it does not matter who is to blame or whether you reach it to your destination in time to pick-up or drop-off consumer goods. All that matters is that you are alive and well. As for the truck - it can be replaced or repaired – but do not worry about that right now. There are other things you will need to do to protect your reputation and future as a CDL truck driver.

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5 Ways to Avoid Wheel End Detachment

There's been a lot of attention on the U.S. supply chain, brake safety, and other relevant trucking topics, but there's also something that's been in headlines recently that hasn't gotten as much attention – wheel-end separation awareness.

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6 Insights About Distracted Driving

Campaigns against distracted driving have been around for longer than cell phones have, but with roadways becoming busier and faster, and 5.27 billion people now using mobile phones, distractions are higher than they've ever been.

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Brake Safety Day Sidelines Over 1,100 Trucks

While some heavy-duty truck drivers may not have noticed that there was a one-day brake inspection blitz this past May, 1,151 vehicles learned about Brake Safety Day the hard way – by being put out of service.

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5 Healthy Snacks For Truckers

Truckers are on deadlines and don't have all the time in the world to sit down and eat nice entrées, so they take the easier route: visiting a local fast-food chain. While fast food restaurants are convenient, and admittedly tasty, they don't always provide the healthiest meal choices (even when salads are on the menu). Unfortunately, there are more overweight and obese truck drivers on the road than healthier ones.

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10 of the Trucking Industry's Biggest Issues

It seems like longer than a year and a half since the Coronavirus pandemic began, and its effects on the nationwide economy and supply chain continue to send aftershocks across multiple industries, including trucking. But even though the global pandemic has changed the lives and livelihoods of millions, it's only part of the problem when it comes to the biggest issues that are affecting the trucking industry. Researched and prepared by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) in 2020, this comprehensive list covers what was "the most chaotic and unpredictable time period in many decades."

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Top 14 States For Truck Speeding Violations

We get it. You have places to be and deadlines to meet, and summertime is when all the "crazy drivers" come out that don't know how to use turn signals; don't know where they are going; or plainly just aren't paying attention to their surroundings. It's enough to get your blood pumping, and, in order to get the heck out of there, you may think the best approach is to floor it. But that will only lead to trouble down the road.

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10 Reasons to Buy Truck Parts Online

Let's face it – physically going to the store and shopping is becoming as outdated as writing letters. The convenience of Amazon and other e-commerce websites make it all too easy to find exactly what you're looking for – and usually more – right from the comfort of your own couch.

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JIT Truck Parts Now Offers Interstate-McBee Engine and Fuel System Parts.

Chicago, IL: JIT Truck Partsâ„¢, a national aftermarket truck parts distributor directly servicing national, regional and local fleets, is pleased to announce it is growing the complete line of Interstate-McBee products supporting engines and fuel systems.

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Top States with Deficient Roads and Worst Vehicle Congestion

Last month, America's interstate highway system celebrated its 65th birthday, and while it does its job of getting truckers across the country with high-priority deliveries, industry experts say it's also in dire need of upgrade and investment.

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Why You Keep Hearing About the Supply Chain

We're now at a phase of the Coronavirus pandemic when mask mandates are being relaxed nationwide and businesses are welcoming patrons at full capacity. The world seems to be returning to normal – so why is it that you just can't seem to find a new V-band clamp, sensor, or other seemingly small parts with a decent lead time and price?

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5 Truck Parts To Manage Safety On the Roads This Summer

Women putting on make-up in the mirror (we see you, ladies). Men text-messaging their bros about something trivial no doubt (mhmm), and parents turning their heads to yell at screaming children in the backseat (eyes on the road, please)…distracted drivers are everywhere, and it's an increasing problem in the hot summer months during tourist season. In 2020 alone, there were over 500,000 trucking accidents on the road - some inevitably related to distracted driving and "crazy drivers" that are trying to book it fast to Disney World or some other wonderous family destination.

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