Month: February 2012

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Lifestyle Trucker News

Forklift Driving Health Effects

A forklift truck is a powered industrial truck used to lift and transport materials.The forklift has since become an indispensable piece of equipment in manufacturing and warehousing operations.

Forklifts are mobile vehicles equipped with prongs or forks, and are used for transporting and lifting heavy loads. Workers in junkyards, construction sites, warehouses and many other areas use forklifts on a daily basis, although they may not always be operating them properly. According to catalog.blr.com, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 100 workers die each year in forklift-related accidents, while another 20,000 are severely injured.

Forklift Overturns
There are many different incidences that can result in forklifts overturning. However, according to forklift-safety-training.blogspot.com, some of the most common causes include overloading the forklift (which can make it unbalanced and prone to tipping) and driving on an angled or otherwise uneven surface, such as a loading ramp. Forklift overturns can cause serious injuries to both operators and nearby individuals. These include severely broken or crushed bones and collapsed lungs or other organ damage, all of which can potentially prove fatal.

Workers Struck by Forklifts
A worker being struck by a forklift is another common forklift-related accident that can produce negative health effects. According to forklift-safety-training.blogspot.com, these types of incidences are commonly the result of a worker’s obstructed vision, as well as poor operation. Particularly large loads can make it hard for workers to see where they are driving (and who is in front them), and the same is true when driving in reverse. Even at low speeds, forklifts due to their sturdy and heavy construction can inflict broken bones.

Falling Loads
Loads sliding or otherwise falling off of forklifts can also cause serious damage. These incidences can be caused both by operator misuse (such as driving at an angle with an unsecured load) and by equipment malfunction. According to accidentsdirect.com, in one particular instance, a load that weighed over a ton fell off of a defective forklift and landed on a worker’s leg. This injury would ultimately require his leg to be amputated. To avoid such incidences, you should never stand under or near a forklift while it is lifting a load.

Pollution
Forklifts are commonly powered by gasoline and propane and, in some instances, utilize diesel fuel. According to forklift-safety-training.blogspot.com, in all cases pollution is released into the atmosphere, which can cause environmental damage and health problems (particularly those involving the respiratory system). Gas and diesel are particularly well known for increasing carbon monoxide levels, while propane is a large contributor of the gas nitrogen dioxide, which can also have harmful effects.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

Viewing Driving Record

While being considered for a driving-related job, an employer may require a copy of your personal driving record before making a decision to hire you as a driver. You may desire a copy of your driving record to review accident history, traffic citations and the status of your driver’s license. In order to view your personal driving record, all you need to do is petition the designated agency for the state that issued your license.

Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) in person to request a copy of your personal driving record. Your state may require you to fill out a special request form.

Provide identifying information to the DMV representative, such as your name, driver’s license number and date of birth. Generally, you will have to pay a fee to obtain a copy of your record. You will leave the DMV office with a copy of your driving record in hand.

Write to your local DMV office to request a copy of your record. Include, with your written request, your name, driver’s license number, date of birth, mailing address and the required processing fee.

You will receive a copy of your personal driving record in the mail. It may take a few days or a few weeks for your DMV record to arrive in the mail. The exact time frame will vary between DMV offices.

Request a copy of your driving record online. Many DMV offices have an online website that allows you to make a request. Depending upon the website, you may be able to view and print your driving record online or it may be mailed to an address of your choice. A valid credit card is needed in order to pay the required processing fee.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

DVT risk for Driver

Deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis), or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. Blood clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body.
Sedentary jobs are bad for blood circulation, according to a Women’s Health feature on MSNBC, and few jobs are as sedentary as driving a truck long distances. This increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as blood clot.

A blood clot in a deep vein can break off and travel through the bloodstream. The loose clot is called an embolus (EM-bo-lus). It can travel to an artery in the lungs and block blood flow. This condition is called pulmonary embolism (PULL-mun-ary EM-bo-lizm), or PE.

Background
Doctors advise travelers who have to sit for long periods of time to frequently stop to walk around. This gets the blood flowing and reduces the risk of DVT, according to the Dallas Business Journal. Unfortunately, truck drivers cannot always afford to make frequent stops.

Features
The condition usually occurs in the calves, where DVT blocks blood flow. If the clot moves through the bloodstream to the heart or lungs areas, it can be fatal.

Symptoms
Dallas truck driver Glen Kordisch explains that deep vein thrombosis feels like a sharp, stabbing pain. Pain often worsens when standing or walking, as the blood pours to the affected area. Other symptoms include swelling, redness and warmth in the affected leg, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Treatment
Truck drivers should walk around every hour, if possible. They can also wear compression stockings that increase blood circulation. When DVT is diagnosed, heparin and warfarin are administered for several months until the clot dissolves.

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Carriers

Carrier Technical Training

The Carrier Corporation, Technical Training is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. Carrier Technical Training was established in the early part of the 20th century by William Carrier to find innovative solutions to heating, ventilation and air conditioning problems.

Accreditation
Carrier is accredited by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET); to gain this accreditation Carrier showed it had met the good practice standards developed by IACET and the American National Standards Institute. Carrier is also an accredited trainer for North American Technical Excellence.

Classes
The classes provided by Carrier are available as classroom-based, online or self-learning courses, using materials such as DVDs and CDs often used as learning materials for non-classroom-based study. Courses available through Carrier include NATE core prep classes and HVAC mechanical troubleshooting.

Skills
Carrier teaches skills covering the majority of roles available in the HVAC industry, from HVAC technical skills through to sales and marketing classes. Carrier Technical Training offers some courses that carry college credit.

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CDL Lifestyle

Good Driver’s License Picture

We all generally hate our driver’s license picture and often refer to this image as a “mug shot” because we tend to look as haggard and drawn in this picture as a hardened criminal. Unfortunately, as much as we dislike this picture of ourselves, it is one we must show often to verify our identity. Taking a good driver’s license picture that we aren’t ashamed for any close friend to discover in our wallet requires a little planning, but it can be done.

Give some serious thought to the outfit you want to wear, even though it’s only a head-and-shoulders shot. Make sure you’re wearing a flattering color up around your face. Choose a bright or deep color to keep your face from looking washed out, and something with a flattering neck line. Generally, collars are best because they hide many unflattering neck conditions.

Use a tooth whitener or brush your teeth with a whitening toothpaste such as Rembrant for a few days before your photo appointment. This will ensure your teeth stand out as strong and healthy.

Wash your hair and style it in a way that adds body and mass so it won’t look flat and greasy in the photo. If you color your hair, make sure you visit your colorist before your photo appointment. Any bangs should be trimmed so that they do not obscure your eyes or hang so long that they drag your face down.

Apply any make-up you want to wear a little more heavily than you normally would. Pay special attention to eyebrows, eyelashes and lips as these features tend to look diminished in photos unless you really play them up.

Wear earrings that are substantial enough to show up through your hair to widen a long rectangular or oval face. Wear short, fat earrings if your face is heart-shaped to balance out your narrow chin.

Pay attention to where you are in line and do not hesitate to take a few minutes when your number is drawing near to recheck your make-up and hair. Bring your own mirror along in case the bathrooms are inconveniently located. This is one time you should allow yourself to primp in public.

Apply pressed powder to your face just before your photo to remove shine. This step is helpful for everyone regardless of gender or make-up habits.

Turn your shoulders away slightly from the camera. This will keep your shoulders from looking bulky and minimize any extra pounds the camera adds to your frame.

Hold your head up and keep your chin at an angle greater than 45 degrees to your neck. Holding your head up and slightly back will allow gravity to pull the skin of your face back slightly thereby minimizing wrinkles and jowling, and, through the optical illusion of foreshortening, will appear to shorten a long face and soften a strong jaw.

Smile: It lifts the face and adds animation to a photo that would otherwise appear deadpan. Personality often makes the face, and even the most beautiful face can look lifeless without some personality showing through to give it sparkle. Let your personality show in your smile, and try to let your smile reach your eyes.

Shut your eyes for a few seconds right before the photo is snapped. This will help keep you from blinking with the flash and being caught with your eyes closed, or worse, half closed in the photo.

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Freight Loads

Freight Handler

Freight handlers load, unload, move and sort freight in many environments using a variety of equipment. When you become a freight handler, you’ll not only be responsible for moving freight safely and efficiently, you’ll have a chance to use your analytical, math and communication skills. Freight handlers work in all industries, from airlines and shipping companies to grocery chains and railroads.

Take note of your potential job duties. Freight handler may load and unload cargo, fill and drain shipping containers, operate lifts and dollies to transport materials through storage facilities and use machinery to band materials together and secure them to pallets.

Develop basic math and record-keeping skills that can be used on the job. A freight handler may weigh and count items, record the condition of items received, calculate the storage capacity of a container and use computers to prepare shipping labels and orders.

Be physically prepared to become a freight handler. Many employers require that freight handlers be able to lift between 30 and 75 lbs. unassisted. Freight handlers must be able to bend, reach, lift and stand for entire shifts. Work environments are often noisy and temperatures may be extreme.

Meet basic employer requirements. Employers often provide on-the-job training for operating equipment such as forklifts, but they may require that you have a valid driver’s license, chauffeur’s license or commercial driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Be prepared to provide documentation such as a high school diploma or GED for most freight handler jobs. Many employers also conduct background checks and require drug screening

Categories
Business Lifestyle

Buying Freightliner Parts

Owner-operators and independent diesel mechanics need to have first hand knowledge of where to obtain parts for any make and model of truck. Time is money on the road, and having to wait because you can’t find parts can be very detrimental to one’s income, as well as business reputation. In this article we’ll take a look at how to find and buy parts for Freightliner trucks.

Develop a list of reliable parts resources to ensure that you will have the best chance of finding Freightliner parts when you need them. Start by gathering a list of dealers within the states that you normally run. If you run the same routes consistently, you can narrow your list down further by eliminating dealerships outside your routes. Use the “Freightliner Dealers by State” link in the Resource section of this article to start. You can also search for parts in Canada and Mexico, if you commonly travel into these two countries.

Use the Freightliner Strategic Supplier list (see Resource section for link) to research other vendors who carry Freightliner parts. This list of suppliers is approved by Freightliner, and their relationship with each supplier ensures that you can get the best prices and timely service that you need when searching for parts during a breakdown.

Conduct a search for Freightliner parts, using your favorite search engine, if you cannot locate vendors or dealerships that are located within your lanes of travel. This method is less reliable, as vendors not strategically aligned with Freightliner are under no obligation to uphold the manufacturer’s policies with regards to pricing, service and timely shipment of parts.

Create a spreadsheet or basic text document on your computer to store your list of parts suppliers, if you have a PC or laptop that you use while you are in transit. If you don’t have PC access, make a printed copy that you can store with your other reference materials in your truck.

Search for salvaged Freightliner parts by calling truck salvage yards in your area or by visiting websites such as Heavy Truck Parts, which provide a database of salvage yards where one can locate used Freightliner parts. Utilizing salvage yards is best for situations that do not require immediate attention, as it is a time consuming process. Save this option for times when your truck is off the road for normal maintenance and down time.

Use the services of truck stops that you frequent. Flying J, Love’s and independent truck stops can provide you with information about local vendors and repair shops that can assist you in getting your Freightliner parts. Travel Centers of America, LLC (TA) are partnered with Daimler Trucks North America LLC, Freightliner’s parent company, to provide parts and service for Freightliner and other makes. Even if you do your own repairs, having access to a TA center can help you get parts faster than having to order and wait for shipment.

Carry a sufficient cash or credit cushion with you to cover the expense of purchasing parts. For owner-operators, having a line of credit through a lender can help cover maintenance and repair costs. Setting up an emergency savings account is another way that you can make sure you have the money needed when you break down.

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Business Lifestyle

Getting a Logistics Degree

There are generally two ways of getting a degree in logistics or supply chain management complete coursework at an accredited college or register for the distance learning program of a reputable university. Associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available. A distance learning program allows you to earn while you learn and boosts future career prospects. An undergraduate degree in logistics will enable you to get an entry level job, while graduate and post-graduate degrees will help you move to the upper echelons of management or pursue a career in consulting or academics.

Get a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED) to fulfill the minimum educational prerequisite for gaining entry into degree programs in logistics.

Appear for the SAT or American College Test (ACT) to test your readiness for college. Grade point average (GPA) in high school and SAT or ACT scores will be taken into account when you apply for admission to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in logistics. You will have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to apply for a master’s degree program in logistics.

Choose a college offering an accredited degree program in logistics. You can visit the website of the United States Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to check whether the college or logistics degree program that you have chosen is accredited or not.

Get a job in a warehouse, store or manufacturing facility. You will gain hands-on experience by assisting the staff in checking invoices and monitoring inventory levels. This will help you to gain entry into universities that require prior work experience for enrolling in a post-graduate degree program in logistics, especially if you hold a bachelor’s degree in disciplines other than logistics, mathematics, physics or engineering.

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Carriers Owner Operators

Driver Careers

Route driver careers involve transporting people or items according to an assigned route. If you enjoy driving and being able to travel during working hours, you may want a career as a route driver. All you need are a valid driver’s license, a chauffeur’s license or a commercial driver’s license, and a clear driving record. You will receive training on how to operate the vehicle, safety rules and the route you will be responsible for driving.

Shuttle Bus Drivers

If you want to transport a small amount of people at a time, consider a route driver career as a shuttle bus driver. These vehicles usually carry up to 16 passengers at a time and are used by hotels, airports and car dealerships. If you work for a hotel, your route consists of driving passengers back and forth between the hotel and the airport and assisting them with loading and unloading their luggage. Airports use shuttle bus drivers to pick up passengers to transport them to and from parking lots and the airport.

More route driver careers that involve driving a shuttle bus include tour guides, who take passengers on scheduled routes and answer questions, and working for hospitals that provide transportation for patients. Hospitals employ shuttle drivers to transport patients who are disabled or unable to drive, and you may be required to assist them as they board. Although the salary for this route driver career varies, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary was $21,550 in May 2008.

Package Delivery Drivers

Driving a truck is another route driver career. You can work as a delivery driver who picks up and delivers packages in a specific region along a specified route. You load your truck with packages to be delivered to businesses and households along a certain route and pick up packages and take them back to a distribution center to be shipped. Your duties include handling receipts and payments, and depending on the load, you may have assistance from another employee. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average salary for package delivery drivers was $27,000 in May 2008.

Transit Bus Drivers

Another route driver career involves operating transit or intercity buses. This position requires picking up and dropping off passengers at stops on a designated route and sticking to a schedule. You interact with customers regularly because you are responsible for collecting fares and answering questions about routes and directions. You record your daily trips and submit trip reports, as well as reporting mechanical problems or significant delays in your schedule. As a bus driver, you need a passenger vehicle endorsement on your driver’s license that involves passing a written examination and skills test. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for bus drivers was $34,000 in May 2008.

Categories
Business Owner Operators

Dispute Innacurate Information on your DAC Report Repair

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