Traffic.

Accidents.

Unsafe drivers.

Natural disasters.

Animals in the road.

There are countless distractions, hurdles and annoyances to avoid when trucking freight.  

But what about drunk people who decide climbing on your rig would be funny?

On June 15, 2010, 17-year-old Jasmine (Jazzy) Jordan became the youngest woman to run across the United States and complete the 3,160-mile run from Los Angeles to New York City.

What motivated the quest? Healthcare for truckers.

The daughter of Owner Operator Independent Driver Association life members Lee and Paulette Jordan, Jazzy was inspired to begin the cross-country journey when one of her parents' employees, Sheila Grothe, passed away from cancer in April 2009. Jazzy explained her motivation, saying:

Trucking professionals worrying who will be the next generation of drivers to keep the trucking industry’s momentum moving are not alone.

According to a recent report issued by The Council of Supply Chain Management (CSCMP), an epic driver shortage is indeed on the horizon. By 2011, there will be an estimated 400,000 unfilled trucking jobs — a fact recently echoed in a CNNMoney.com article that stated, “Can’t find a job? Maybe it’s time to take your search to the road.”

So, what’s causing the concern, and what will a shortage mean for transportation professionals?

The deadline for CSA 2010 implementation may have already been pushed back once from July to November 30, but don’t count on another extension.

The FMCSA announced that the program is on track to have the new Carrier Safety Measurement System (CSMS), and its corresponding BASICs, replace SafeStat this fall. Upon rollout, carriers with deficient BASICs will receive notification from FMCSA, and the CSMS results will be used to determine which carriers will receive extensive roadside inspections.

At Getloaded, we are focused on creating ease and opportunities for our members — and this commitment extends into our community involvement, as well.

On Saturday, June 12, a team of Getloaded employees volunteered at the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games for the fourth straight year.