Gulf Relay

Statistics show a need for about 80,000 more drivers in the US. We know that one of the biggest issues with overcoming the driver shortage is visibility in mainstream media and classrooms. Many people don't know they can be a truck driver or don't know how to get started. Here's how Gulf Relay is doing our part to help solve this issue: 1. We put together a basic guide for anyone interested in getting their CDL: https://lnkd.in/grb4epKi 2. We ask every driver we film The Relay with what advise they have for new truck drivers so we can help prepare incoming drivers better. 3. We've started taking on only a few brand new drivers every year and training them with our best drivers: https://lnkd.in/g7S8dzes 4. Representatives from our team have gone to local schools to share logistics and transportation industry job opportunities with kids enrolled there. What are ways other trucking companies are spreading awareness? #ThankATrucker #NewDriver #NTDAW2024 #NTDAW

Maybe you're new to the transportation industry. Maybe you're coming across our page at random. Maybe you're just not sure why truck drivers are an essential part of our economy and what about their jobs is so difficult. We aren't going to go too far down this rabbit hole - you can check out our website for that - but here are 3 reasons to thank a trucker this week. 1. Your home, your groceries, your fast food, your gasoline, your clothing... chances are that if you bought it, it was carried to you by a truck driver. 2. You get annoyed by 18-wheelers taking a long time accelerate after a red light? Trucks and trailers weight a ton - not literally (literally, they weight about 12 tons) - and that's why the transportation industry spends BILLIONS of dollars on safety equipment and maintenance each year. 3. Truckers cover about 650 miles a day, on average. Some truckers are just on the road during the day and get to go home at night. Others spend days or weeks away from their families and homes, instead sleeping in their cabs. Talk about not separating your work life and home life. #NTDAW2024 #ThankATrucker #Logistics https://lnkd.in/gHTnHENA https://lnkd.in/e79zRG_v

❗Reminder❗Next week is truck driver appreciation week. Y'all be sure to thank a trucker and be EXTRA courteous to our friends out on the road! #NTDAW2024

On a new episode of The Relay, OTR Driver, Demille Wooten, shares the hurdles of getting into the trucking industry, and the tips he has for other drivers to keep their lives full: 1.Research Local Companies: If you're considering a career in trucking, start by researching local companies. Look for those with a strong presence in your area, as this can offer more opportunities for local routes and easier logistics. 2. Maintain Hobbies and Interests: Keep up with hobbies and interests outside of work. This can provide a sense of normalcy and fulfillment, even when you're on the road for extended periods. 3. Pursue Your Passions: Don't let your job define you entirely. Pursue passions and hobbies that bring you joy and satisfaction. This can improve your overall well-being and job satisfaction. 4. Plan Your Stops: Research and plan your stops along your routes. Look for truck stops that offer ample parking, clean facilities, and good food options. This can make your long hauls more comfortable and less stressful. For more content, episodes, and driver interviews, visit www.gulfrealy.com/content #trucking #logistics #HiringDrivers #otrdriver

Did you know that a tire blow out in a truck can break your arms? In this episode of The Relay, we hear from OTR driver, Shabazz, who talks about a recent blow-out he had in Atlanta and how he handled the situation safely. He goes on to talk about his experience training other drivers, and how important it is for experienced drivers to pass on their wisdom to other drivers. We hope you enjoy it! #trucking #logistics #cdllife

As of November 18th, drivers enrolled in the Substance Abuse Program (SAP) who have not completed all six steps of the SAP will face a suspension of their Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The immediate concern for carriers is the potential operational disruption. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are approximately 250,000 drivers in the SAP at any given time. If a significant portion of these drivers fail to complete the program, the industry could face a substantial workforce reduction. In this week's blog, we discuss how our team is educating all our drivers and providing resources to applicable drivers in order to minimize the effect this will have on our operations. https://lnkd.in/gHtZCf9H For other carriers out there, how are you preparing? What ripple effects will impact our industry most? #SAP #Logistics #Trucking #HiringDrivers

Andy Vanzant made an appearance on The Relay with Madelon Cook to give an update on the state of the trucking market this week. After what industry veterans are calling the worst market in 30 years, are we able to see the light at the end of this tunnel? Tune into our website for the full episode: https://lnkd.in/g6HdJaV3 #trucking #logistics #hiringdrivers #marketupdate

WILLIAM EVERETT, JR if full of quotable phrases. Our favorite one right now is: "Driving may be simple, but it's not easy". The concept of being a truck driver is a simple one, but there is so much work that goes into it behind the scenes from drivers and office staff alike. For example, our safety team went to the American Trucking Associations SSHR conference where they heard about changes in the industry, common practices amongst our peers, and more. Take a listen to any episode of The Relay and it's easy to understand why William's quote resonates with us. It may be simple, but it's not easy. https://lnkd.in/gVKs4rqZ #therelay #cldlife #SSHR #trucking

Days on the road can make drivers feel untethered and lonely. In this week's blog, we talk about how important it is for CDL drivers to build a network of people to keep them feeling their best. We also cover ways for drivers to build support systems for themselves while they're out on the road. And, of course, any of our Gulf Relay drivers are welcome to call our recruiters or their dispatchers and planners or safety department at any time. The full blog is up on our website now: https://lnkd.in/g_XagqPJ #respect #cdllife #hiringdrivers

Brett Hutchins: Businessman, Cattle Rancher, Truck Driver, and... Data Analyst? The man just can't stop. Watch our most recent episode of The Relay with Brett Hutchins: https://lnkd.in/gyQbd9PR Highlights from this week’s conversation include: - Performance Data Analysis - Recruiting and Education - Challenges of Truck Driving - Market Conditions and Communication #trucking #hiringdrivers #assettrucking