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It's been a rough 24 hours, and drivers still have another 48 hours to go. May-4-6, 2021 is a bothersome time for truckers, and they are never thrilled with driving big rigs during what they call "inspection time." While the CVSA inspections are going on now for drivers and their vehicles, some drivers have already been slapped for offenses such as failing lights – the focus of the CVSA 2021 International Roadcheck – poor braking and bad tires. The points against drivers are disappointing, but what's worse is knowing that some semi-truck drivers may potentially lose their driver's license for some time by the end of the week.

We all know truckers as the hard-working and dedicated backbone of America that just jump in their trucks and drive cross-country for days and sometimes weeks at a time. And while the adventure and solitude of the trucking life is bliss for many, life on the road can also come with high stress, loneliness, and other mixed emotions.

Chicago, IL (April 2021): JIT Truck Parts, a national aftermarket truck parts distributor directly servicing national, regional, and local fleets, is pleased to announce it is launching the complete line of Dayco® engine parts online.

We can all agree that the inside of a truck cab isn't usually the most hygienic place. But the age of Coronavirus has changed the topic from everyday dirt, trash, and cigarette residue and odor to one of overall sanitation and cleanliness – especially for fleets that use multiple drivers per truck.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems like everyone has forgotten how to drive. Perhaps because folks spent months cooped up inside watching too many hours of the Fast and the Furious series. Whatever the reason, there are more accidents occurring on roadways, and more bad drivers out there than good ones. (But you aren't one of the bad ones, of course.)

It takes good fortune and a sturdy vehicle to travel thousands of miles across the country, and your wheels have a lot do with keeping your journey safe and smooth. Most of what we're concerned about on our wheels is what we can see – does the tire pressure look good? Are there any cracks or scrapes that should be noted? Are all the lug nuts in place? Are all the tires still on the vehicle?

After a harsh winter driving through snow, we can't blame truckers for their excitement over the spring season, butwith the changing season comes new challenges that truck drivers will face. Since the weather turned from bitter cold to a now more pleasant temperature, heavy-duty trucks require attention of certain parts - such as engine components - to prepare for the warm weather.

Even though your truck mirrors aren't responsible for the power or mobility of your vehicle or fleet, they should still be given considerable attention. No matter what size truck you're driving, there's only so much you can see with the naked eye. Your mirrors amplify your visibility of not only the back of your truck but also what the drivers on both sides of you are doing. Mirrors are also your first line of defense in making sure you can change lanes safely and anticipate any road situations in which you have to stop or maneuver quickly.

It feels like we were just talking about winter driving not that long ago, but the official coming of spring last week means a few different things – the weather's about to get nicer, the pollen's about to wreak havoc on your allergies and cab exterior, and it's time to get your HVAC system in peak performance.

The term "making it colder" is somewhat misleading. After all, air conditioning units in commercial vehicles do not take cold air and blast it but rather transfer vapor refrigerant through a timely process to make air blow from warm to cool. If your wondering why your semi-truck is not blowing cold air, it could be several reasons.

Ah, Spring, the moment we've all been waiting for since first spotting frost on our windshields. The snowy days may be behind us, but that doesn't mean truckers are in the clear for caring for their vehicles. In fact, there is more to do this season for upkeep of big rigs as we trade snowfall for rain.

March signified one year since the Coronavirus pandemic began, and while the past year has seen more people staying in and working from home than ever before, trucking and transportation workers have been on the front lines and adapting to ever-changing health and safety protocols while taking care of business.

With spring officially starting next week, we can look forward to roads that are free of ice and snow. And, like most truck owners, you may be itching to get out the power washer and wash the long, tough winter off your heavy-duty vehicle. After months of driving through road salt, dirt, and debris, it always feels better to drive a polished and shining truck down the road.

As the spotlight continues to focus on diesel emissions this year, the pressure is on truck owners and fleets to not only meet immediate diesel emissions requirements but to also make decisions about diesel aftertreatment that'll last into the future.

Your lighting system is one of the most important safety factors to consider before taking any long-haul trip and can make the difference between a clean record and points against you. Good lighting is not just for your safety but for the vehicles around you. Lighting violations carry court fines (ranging from $50 up to $250) and up to six points against you. A defective or failing headlight or taillight alone can get you 2-4 demerit points against your driving record easily in most states, as bad lighting is [ironically] a clear sign of a problem.

Of the 3.5 million dedicated truckers keeping America running, it's reported that women now make up 10% of the driving population. While men have historically been the face and voice of the trucking industry, women are continuing to make strides in becoming more visible and vocal.

There is not one specific material that trucking manufacturers use for parts, and it is for good reason. Every type of compound on Earth serves its purpose: some are steel with powder-coating for strength, longevity and UV-protection while others are made from copper for non-stick movements. And, approximately 80 percent of rubber in the United States is used in the auto manufacturing industry for parts. Why? Because rubber has great physical properties used to reduce vibrations, and it is cost-effective for both buyers and sellers.

2020 was an interesting year for truckers, especially since state-mandated lockdowns last year kept passenger vehicles off the roadways for a few months. But even with the pandemic restrictions in effect in different areas of the country last year, truckers still experienced heavy freight bottlenecks in at least 29 different states.