It’s that dreaded time of year again ⎯ flu season. And with the H1N1 “swine” flu in the news, it’s probably a good idea to be extra aware of how to take precautions against the illness to keep it from spreading. The federal government is one step ahead on that front; they’ve issued a set of guidelines for how to effectively and safely clean truck cabs when drivers become stricken with the virus.

The American Transportation Research Institute has released its 2009 “Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry Report“, and guess what the top issue of concern is? Right on! The economy. What else?

Last year, the economy was ranked number two. This year, over 51% of survey respondents pretty much said “It’s the economy, stupid.”

A seemingly endless number of Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations govern the daily lives of truckers. But safety and security are top concerns in this business, and as such, federal laws must be followed. Non-compliance can be costly; you could not only lose your job or business, but also face stiff penalties for not observing DOT laws and guidelines.

The past two years have been a virtual roller coaster ride of bewilderment as far as the price of gas goes. One summer, prices shoot into the unprecedented $4/gallon range; the next, prices are a more moderate and easygoing $2.50/gallon. Who knows what price fluctuations next year will bring as new environmental regulations kick in and winter takes hold (a time when demand for fuel is highest).

Next year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will launch a new program aimed at making highways safer. The new system, based on updated and proactive procedures for monitoring and correcting safety concerns, is called The Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 (CSA 2010).

We all know how rewarding being a trucker can be. . . the freedom, independence, and the wide open road full of changing scenery. What more could you ask for? But it can also be a dangerous business.

The following, in no particular order, is a list of the top five hazards the average trucker might face in the course of his or her job. Don‘t despair, though. We’ll point you in the direction for more information on how to avoid those dangers so your travels are smooth and stress is reduced to a minimum!

Being the newbie trucker can sometimes be hard, from learning how to acquire your CDL license to actually getting behind the wheel and delivering your first load. Are there any unspoken rules you need to know? Any tips for being more efficient in getting to and fro your destination? Yes and yes. Read on for the best advice we can jam into one blog post on how to adjust to the trucker’s lifestyle.

You should never be cavalier about your personal safety at truck stops, and that applies to both men and women drivers.

Can YOU say that you’ve logged 25-plus accident and injury free years as a truck driving professional, as well as over 1.25 million miles behind the wheel?

It is easy -- too easy -- to choose to eat fast or convenience food on the road. Come on, admit it. You do it quite frequently. With all of the reports about the occupational health hazards that commonly afflict truckers -- obesity being one of the top concerns -- managing your diet should rank as equally as important as ensuring your delivery arrives on time. It is one of the most controllable ways to keep your health in check.