Drafting—Safety vs. Fuel Economy
Following a truck closely to increase fuel efficiency is a dangerous practice. We look into the Mythbusters episode on drafting and the clear decision to choose safety over economy. Read More
Following a truck closely to increase fuel efficiency is a dangerous practice. We look into the Mythbusters episode on drafting and the clear decision to choose safety over economy. Read More
We have entered the time of year in the Midwest when icy roads and parking lots can sneak right up on a driver. As experienced drivers know, asphalt can freeze fast in the right conditions. It’s time for that seasonal reminder about not only driving on icy roads but walking on icy parking lots and loading docks too. Read More
Most NTB drivers have a goal of over 3,000 miles per week or 100,000 miles in a year because it’s a well-known fact that if your truck is sitting idle, you aren’t making money. Waiting for a load to be ready, a route from dispatch to be assigned or a traffic backup to clear can seem like wasted time when you get paid by the miles driven. However, hurrying to make up for lost time won’t necessarily have the intended result. At NTB, our message is to get there safely while getting as many miles in as possible. Read More
There are a few hurdles for everyone who wants to enter a career in truck driving—CDL school, driver training, and then researching and applying to companies you feel would be a good fit. Then there are the challenges drivers discover in the first year of driving—being away from home, finding time for family, and learning how to maneuver a big rig to stay safe and accident-free Read More
It happens twice every year—the switch from standard time to daylight saving time in the spring and back again come autumn. Add to that the decrease in daylight hours and driving between time zones and it can all be pretty disruptive to sleep patterns and mood. It can even be a bit confusing when it comes to logging time. Read More
For NTB’s seasoned drivers, this is a reminder. For our new recruits and hires, this is what we want you to know. G.O.A.L.—What does it mean and why is it important? Read More
It goes without saying that avoiding a tire blowout with daily inspections and good maintenance is the best way to deal with potential problems before they happen. NTB Trucking wants our drivers and new recruits to have some good tools in their belts, including knowledge about dealing with the unexpected. Read More
Issues with braking are obviously a big deal. This year’s focus during Brake Safety Week will be on hoses and tubes. Read More
How does a person behind the wheel of a truck maneuvering up to 80,000 pounds of weight manage that primal acute stress response? Read on as we offer a few methods to quickly get that heart rate down and the mind focused on the task at hand. Read More
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts Operation Safe Driver Week with an emphasis on one particular topic related to keeping America’s roads safe for everyone. This year, the focus is on speeding. Read More
NTB Trucking, since its beginning in 1974, has seen quite a bit of change from the industry's earlier regulations to reform and deregulation to get us to our current laws. From hours of service mandates to rules regarding noise emissions, the laws we abide by today are in keeping with safety and best practices for the industry. Read More
There’s a steep learning curve when first embarking on a truck driving career. Following are a few tips for gaining confidence as a new driver and a back-to-the-basics reminder for those seasoned drivers on the road. Read More
Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) conducts the International Roadcheck, which is a 72 hour period with a targeted enforcement category intended to increase safety on the roads. The dates for this year’s Roadcheck had been slated for May 5-7, but due to concerns regarding COVID19, on March 25 the CVSA announced that it will postpone the annual International Roadcheck to later in the year, although specific dates have not yet been determined. Read More
While you should always have the DOT-required tools on hand, such as reflective triangles and a fully charged fire extinguisher, we’d like to offer a few suggestions for items you may not have thought of that aren’t required, but still handy. Read More
With spring comes construction season, starting with the repair of winter’s potholes and quickly developing into full-scale roadwork that can last all summer. What will happen in regards to construction this season remains to be seen, as we've had an unusual start to spring this year. For those still on the road, we have some tips to navigate work zones and maintain a stressless attitude while the roads we travel are under repair. Read More