A Major Transportation Problem That Doesn't Get Enough Attention

The news of a semi truck full of cheese being stolen in Central Florida has sparked a discussion here at FreightCenter. We began discussing different stories of trucks being stolen from over the years. It became comical and disheartening to remember all of the different items that were stolen. It then became mind boggling when the total value of the items were calculated and we realized just how much money was lost every time a truck hauling freight disappears.

A quick search and we discovered that a large number of trucks are being stolen in Florida, particularly the Central Florida region. We have gathered some of the more interesting ones in hopes of bringing to light a problem that isn't commonly thought about. When people think of products being stolen, most people would assume that it would be electronics. Sadly this doesn't seem to be the case. Here in Florida the most popular items seem to be food, though nothing is safe, including exercise equipment. 

The impact of these stolen truckloads reaches further than people initially realize. When trucks are stolen, the initial impact of the those products not reaching their intended destination is the most stinging. Shelves are empty and stores cannot supply their customer's demands. This results in lost profits for the stores expecting that stolen product. Over time this loss starts to build, and product prices go up, compensating for the expected loss. Ultimately this results in increased costs for the customer. 

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The Life of a Truck Driver

Transportation and infrastructure is considered the life line of America. An astonishing 15.5 million trucks operate in the U.S, transporting goods to and from around the world to distribution centers, your local convenient store and eventually your home.  Being a trucker has its pros and cons.  Family life can be more difficult and eating habits may be hard to control.  But most truck drivers love their jobs.  Many own their own trucks operating as their own self sufficient small business with growth potential as high as their willing to work.  More and more women are choosing trucking as a carrier choice.  These women are thought to be easier to train and more attentive on the road than their counterparts. 

Truckers typically have an early day getting to business between 4am and 8am.  Many carriers have a 24hr dispatch so hours typically vary.  Truckers get to enjoy the most beautiful views from around the country.  Each trucker has routes and lanes they like best.  Truckers keep a log of their daily activity, starting the morning out checking their vehicle from head to toe.  They stop through weight stations along the way ensuring their vehicles weight doesn’t exceed state requirements.  In the Western states, California and New Mexico area, they also have inspections stations.  Anti-drug dogs and xray equipment is used to make sure no illegal activity is going on.   

Along the road safety is first, truck drivers have to be cautious drivers constantly surveying their surroundings and taking note of unusual activity.  Truckers will sleep at a trucker stop or a hotel with truck parking.  Many have sleeper cabs with fully functional beds.  The next morning they start all over again. Trucking life is a profession all its own and one to be admired and appreciated for the hard work that goes into it.  

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and here at FreightCenter.com we can’t express how truly appreciative we are.  Hundreds of carriers nationwide ship our customer’s cargo around the world.  Thank you Truck Drivers for all you do! 

HAPPY NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK!

To make a shipment or learn more about FreightCenter visit http://www.freightcenter.com/ 

13 Great Photos From Trucking History

Happy National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week!
Here are a few great photos from truck driving history you may enjoy.  Thank you to all of the hard working men and women truck drivers who make www.FreightCenter.com possible.