 The training is finished; the job-offer is signed; the truck driver career has commenced; and now there’s so much to remember as you turn the ignition and drive out into your future. Stepping foot into the trucking industry can be daunting. What advice do you heed and what do you disregard? There is a lot of misinformation circulating. To make sense of the mess, we have assembled a “rookie driver survival guide” to put you in gear for a great future.
Standards that apply to veteran drivers are not the same for rookies, Brett Aquila from truckingtruth.com says. Amateurs are not expected to amass the same amount of miles as a veteran. The mind and body must first become acclimated to the demands of driving and the time management skills must be developed. So, here are a few things to recall to help refine your abilities. Parking is an issue. The lots fill up quickly and its not uncommon to waste time hunting for a nook among miles of other trailers, Aquila states. Even arriving an hour later in the evening can make or break the chance of seizing a spot. Its exhausting, aggravating, inefficient and wasteful. “It didn’t take long for me to realize that if I can manage to get parked early (6 p.m.), and get up really early (2 a.m.), I’ll save a lot of time, energy and frustration.” Traffic is a stress stimulator. While it’s impossible to completely avoid, it can be alleviated. Foolproof your schedule, Aquila instructs, by being astute with your time. Maintaining unorthodox hours (like 2 a.m.- 6 p.m.) can be the key. Not only will you be able to find better parking, but you can bypass traffic, arrive at appointments early and get loaded/unloaded ahead of schedule. If you can nail that timing you’ll generate better customer service, garner respect for your dispatcher and make more money quicker, Aquila exclaims. Rest the mind and rest the body. “There is something critically important to know - the more exhausted you let yourself get, the less efficient your recovery time will be,” Aquila states. Listen to your body and sleep when you need it or else risk losing hours of energy and falling behind. “There’s a huge safety factor here too,” he claims. “You’re incredibly dangerous when you’re driving tired. Someone who has been up 24 straight hours has the same driving skills as someone who is legally drunk - it’s been proven through scientific testing.” Drive Diligently. You have 60 feet of trailer behind you. Don’t narrow your safety margins by trying to slip into a tight spot in the lane next to you. Pass safely and properly, states an article from loadfti.com. And speaking of 60 feet, don’t get too frustrated when learning the art of backing up. It’s a technique the requires special maneuvering and calculating. Just remember to get out and look beforehand. Safety in the lot and on the highway should always be a priority. Be cordial with your dispatcher. Launching a career by creating respected, professional relationships will render a respected image as a person and a driver, an article from gorillasafety.com says, and it will ultimately lead to further opportunities and success. Lastly, be patient with yourself. Time management and tenacity behind the wheel are earned mile by mile. It takes perseverance and a willingness to learn along the way to evolve from a rookie to a veteran.
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LAKE WALES, FLORIDA (August 2, 2017) — Oakley Transport, Inc., the premier leader in the liquid, food grade transportation sector with the synergies of complementary logistic services for more than 30 years, has become the first liquid food grade transportation company in the world to acquire International Standards Organization (ISO) certifications 9001:2015 and 22000:20005.
ISO certifies that a management system or manufacturing process/service meets all the requirements for standardization and quality assurance. The seal of approval is given after an organization proves it is compliant with the conditions of the chosen ISO system. Oakley Transport recently received two derivative certifications of ISO 9000 (QMS), ISO 9001:2015, a standard for superior management systems, and ISO 22000:2005, a standard for food safety management systems. Both confirm Oakley’s consistency in products and services and their ability to meet and exceed customer and regulatory requirements. “Achieving ISO certification symbolizes our determination to be the best in the industry,” Allen Warner, Oakley Transport’s Quality Director, said. “It establishes a baseline performance level that we are all committed towards and sets Oakley apart from our competitors.” To ensure they meet proper ISO criteria, Oakley is devoted to systematizing operating procedures, providing proper training and focusing on performance. Not only does this reiterate their commitment to exceptional service and encourage customer confidence, but it also shows their dedication to delivering the product to the customer in the same quality as it was entrusted to them. “Oakley Transport has redefined excellence in the food transportation industry” Thomas Oakley, founder and owner of Oakley Transport, said. “ISO certification reflects our dedication to customer satisfaction, food safety and the integrity of our customers’ product. We have raised the bar for the entire industry and that is something of which we are very proud.” Oakley has proven itself as a pioneer in the industry numerous times as they continue their continual pursuit of excellence. For example, the company’s newly endorsed operations are a testament to their commitment and understanding of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), a sweeping overhaul of food security codes to prevent contamination of products. “We had the expertise and vision to address the growing significance of food safety for our company, our customers and the consumers years ago when we began the pursuit of our ISO certifications,” Ryan Walls, Vice President of Safety and Risk Management, said. “We anticipate the needs of our customers and continue to look at what may be on the horizon, which is why we were also an earlier adopter of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), as well as SMARTDRIVE in cab event recorders. For more information please visit www.oakleytransport.com/iso ### About Oakley Transport, Inc. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Lake Wales, Florida, Oakley Transport has established itself as the premier leader in the liquid, food grade transportation sector with the synergies of complementary logistic services. The family owned and operated company enhances the customers' supply chain with over-the-road and dedicated transportation services in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Oakley Transport prides itself in being an industry leader in the area of transportation, for quality, safety and driver appreciation. For more information on the company and its services visit: www.oakleytransport.com  It’s easy to get the munchies while you are logging demanding hours behind the wheel. Although fueling the body is important for stabilizing energy and aiding in concentration, many of the on-the-go options do just the opposite. Gas stations and drive-throughs don’t provide proper sustenance for nourishing mind and body. Even the “lighter” options are often sparse in nutrients. Thus, we created a simple crash course on healthier habits that will help keep you energized and strengthen for the long hauls. Check it out! At this point you might be asking, “what are healthy snacks anyways?” Anything that is nutrient dense (high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals) and low in saturated fats and refined-sugar content, according to drivingjobs.landair.com. Protein is one of the best go to options and can be found in a lot of balanced foods. “Protein fuels the brain much like the diesel fuels your truck! It upgrades your focus and concentration and gives you energy too,” a blogger from smart-trucking.com explains. Since it is a struggle to find food at road-side gas stations or drive-throughs that meet these qualifications, our suggestion is to start packing snacks from home. Not only will you have a wider-range of options, but you will know exactly what goes into your stomach. Here are some good go-to food groups.
Tip - Eat fresh or dried fruit on an empty stomach for easier digestion. Fruit is also the best remedy for sugar surges. Pop a handful of grapes into the freezer for a frozen treat!
Tip - Don’t go for low fat or low sugar foods. Often, they are low in one ingredient and high in something else that is bad for you. When in doubt, a tub of protein is what it’s all about. Mixing protein powder with water can act as a quick, nutrient-loaded meal when you don’t have time to shop. Buy brands with natural or even vegan ingredients. “A simple ‘protein drink’ can provide loads of top notch nutrition and can have as much as 27 grams of protein, about 1/2 of the daily requirement for the average male,” smart-trucking.com relays. Learning to establish healthier habits is a skill that takes practice. But it all begins with taking the first step towards choosing the best fuel for your body, your brain and being behind the wheel.
Congratulations to Richard Bain on being awarded March’s Driver of the Month. Richard has been a part of the Oakley Team since 2016. Kevin Jenkins and Bill Holt, along with the operation team, presented him with a custom jacket and award this morning in Lake Wales. Thank you, Richard, for your hard work and dedication to Oakley!  Please join us in congratulating JF Koontz on being awarded Employee of the 1st Quarter. JF has been with Oakley almost four years and has proven to be a hardworking, trustworthy and self-motivated employee. Kelly McDowell and the Safety team presented him with an award, company shirts and $100 yesterday afternoon. We want to also congratulate John Jones on being awarded Maintenance Employee of the 1stQuarter. John has been with Oakley for almost 3 years. Earlier this week Pete, Mark Poe and the Maintenance team presented him with an award, company shirts and $100. Congratulations to both JF and John!
 It could result from the endless miles that afford your mind the time to wander, or it may be the melancholy tune that strikes a chord in your heart. Whatever your trigger may be, you are not alone in the feeling. Homesickness is not unusual among truckers. Unfortunately, it can add stress to the job and become a detriment to a career. But don’t worry, we are here to help! Check out these tips below on how to overcome loneliness on the road.
“One of the hardest parts, if not the hardest part, of becoming an over-the-road truck driver is leaving home,” a blogger from truckingtruth.com claims. The key is to separate on-the-road and at-home responsibilities. Allowing your feelings to dictate your driving could result in an unsuccessful career. Part of becoming an excellent driver is learning the skill of coping with emotional and mental spikes. “When we talk about folks being top-tier drivers, people always think we are just referring to their ability to endure long bouts at the wheel turning lots of miles each day, but there really is so much more.” To master emotions you must first master the task. Set daily goals and concentrate on using brain power to reach those targets. This will come in handy when sentimental distractions of home begin to swell. One of those daily objectives could be fitting in a workout. Exercising produces endorphins which boosts mood and attitude. “It will also keep your mind busy while you are on mandatory breaks,” a blogger from trucklogics.com relays. Don’t forget to use the assets of this extraordinary profession to break the mood blues. As a trucker you travel through many unique places. Embrace your home away from home and take advantage of tourist activities while you travel. “You get the awesome perk of being able to see the entire country already because you are a truck driver,” the blogger from trucklogics.com says. “So why not get out of your truck and enjoy the sights a little more?” Lastly, remember you are not alone out there. Other truckers experience the same hardships. Surround yourselves with partners of the road and create your own fellowship of freighters. Sometimes the best cure for emotional unrest is spending time with other brothers and sisters in the trucking industry. The 2017 Florida Trucking Association Truck Driving Championships begin this Thursday, June 15th in Daytona Beach, Florida. Oakley Transport will be represented by seven of Oakley’s finest Professionals. The following Professionals will “land upon” the Daytona Beach Ocean Center and compete against over 200 of Florida’s finest drivers:
We know that each of them will be “giving it their all” and I’m sure they are all hopeful towards bringing home a trophy. A special thanks to Tommy Oakley for his support towards this very special event. And thanks to everyone else for your hard work day in and day out here at Oakley that in turn allows events and professionals like this to be celebrated.   Hurtling along stretches of road, amassing copious mileage and spending endless hours glued to the helm of a cargo-loaded transportation truck. This is a day in the life of a trucker. These long hours can be taxing on the body. It’s hard enough for ordinary professionals to regularly populate their fitness center. It’s much more difficult for those constantly on-the-go to make it to the gym. However, exercise is key to maintaining physical and mental health. For truckers, it can be as easy as taking a lap around the next truck stop.
Siphiwe Baleka was a collegiate swimmer with Olympic aspirations. However, his life took a detour when he found himself full-time behind the steering wheel of a semi. As a result, his health quickly suffered. Luckily, Baleka’s extreme fitness background kept him from completely spiraling. He created a fitness system (which includes intense 1-minute workouts at truck stops) that has kept his body in check. His suggestion for other truckers is to commit to four minutes of exercise a day, like walking, running or doing jumping jacks and crunches and eventually build up to 15 minutes. Exercise should not be a solo act, however. Eating healthy is just as crucial. Baleka encourages drivers to consume wholesome snacks every three hours in conjunction to regular meals. “Limit carbs and stick to protein: a handful of almonds, a low-fat cheese stick and tuna are examples of between-meal snacks for on-the-go people,” Baleka says in an article on fredericksburg.com. As for meals, try to choose nutritious cuisine. Austin Haskew from everytruckjob.com says “it’s easy to grab fast food and often cheaper, too. But the money you save on that food will be eaten away by future medical bills!” Also, Baleka emphasizes a third component that contributes to better health - sleep! Sleep deficiency leads to weight gain, he explains. “Without adequate sleep, your body can’t regulate food intake properly.” Make sure and get those “zzz’s.” Multiple methods exist to halt packing on the pounds. For example, working various muscle groups simultaneously can achieve the most out of a short exercise. Just keep some small weights and resistance bands in your truck to supplement any activity, Haskew recommends. If getting sweaty isn’t your jam, try a few short yoga videos - it’s great for body and mind. There are a plethora of short tutorials on Youtube. If you’re ever stuck on what particular exercises to use, Baleka launched the Active Trucker Fitness Program which can be found as an extension of the Skimble’s Workout Trainer program app. This will help remove the stress of preparing a workout and help keep you on track. Whatever your regime may be, always keep this in mind: Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.  Elizabethtown location creates new opportunities for food-grade transportation customers and drivers. LAKE WALES, FLORIDA — Oakley Transport, Inc., the premier leader in the liquid, food grade transportation sector with the synergies of complementary logistic services for more than 30 years, has announced the opening of its latest terminal in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
The new hub, which opened May, 15, 2017 is located at the existing Elizabethtown Quala wash. “Safety and quality are the cornerstones of our business, that’s why our partnership with Quala works so well,” Thomas E. Oakley, founder and owner of Oakley Transport, Inc. said. “Five of our ten terminals throughout the United States now boast Quala truck washes, giving us the ability to quickly clean tank assets to a standard we trust, which results in better service for our customers.” The additional terminal will also enable regional drivers to be home more often. “There is a strong food-grade market in this area, particularly in sweeteners and oils,” said Zane Schwenk, Oakley Transport’s National Customer Service Manager. “The addition of our Pennsylvania terminal was requested by our customers looking for our services in the Northeast. We will continue to hire drivers in this area to accommodate the demand from our customers.” The new terminal will also bring new jobs to Elizabethtown with a terminal manager, dispatchers and an increase in regional driver opportunities. Oakley Transport will be bringing 30 power units and 50 tankers to the area with a plan to grow from there. “We are excited about our new hub in the Northeast region of the United States, this will be a solid anchor to our consistently strong business and allow us to continue to provide the best service we can to our customers while taking care of our Oakley drivers,” Schwenk said. ### About Oakley Transport, Inc. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Lake Wales, Florida, Oakley Transport has established itself as the premier leader in the liquid, food grade transportation sector with the synergies of complementary logistic services. The family owned and operated company enhances the customers' supply chain with over-the-road and dedicated transportation services in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Oakley Transport prides itself in being an industry leader in the area of transportation, for quality, safety and driver appreciation. For more information on the company and its services visit: www.oakleytransport.com  At Oakley Transport, safety is always our first priority. “It’s just the nature of the beast, that the trucking industry in general, has a tendency to be in a really big rush.” It’s the hustle and bustle that often instigates dangerous and even life-threatening accidents on the road. Especially for those involved in an industry where driving is ingrained into daily activities, safety precautions are vital. We compiled a list of tips that will help reduce the chances of road-side misfortunes. Though these pointers are common sense, they are essential to keep top-of-mind. Michael Sheeds and Sam Perals, both seasoned drivers in the trucking industry, describe that every day on the road is different, every day on the road is dangerous and every day on the road keeps drivers on their toes. In his article, “Safe Driving Tips From Truck Drivers,” Brian Mastre outlines these veteran’s road safety philosophies. With a track record or being accident-free for 26 years and covering more than 3 million miles in his career, Sheeds' ability to escape disaster hasn’t been pure luck. “Everybody is in a hurry, but my advice is to leave a big safe cushion,” he says. “That way if you have to stop, you have plenty of time to stop. If you’re tailgating, you won't make it.” Perales, who has been driving for 42 years, highlights the importance of looking at the bigger picture. “One of my philosophies is that it’s better to laugh than to cry,” he says about close calls on the road. Being aware of the unexpected has also helped Sheeds circumvent disasters. People will be on their phones. Prepare for it. Trucks don’t stop on a dime, he says. But, ultimately it is best to refer to common judgement, Catherine MacMillan recommends in her article, “Top 10 Truck Driving Safety Tips for Truckers.” Be alert and always well rested. Remember to look ahead and plan an escape route while driving downhill - drivers can never be too cautious. MacMillan also proposes even going so far as checking weather reports prior to a trip. It helps to plan for necessary precautions, she comments. While changing lanes as little as possible, avoiding traffic and being extra cautious at night are all summarized in MacMillan’s article, there is one warning she says is often disregarded - checking out delivery spots on foot. “This way you’ll see obstacles that may be in your way, such as low fire hydrants, posts, ditches, etc. Take a mental picture of the area. If you just drive in, you will NOT see the hazards.” A large percentage of accidents happen backing up, MacMillan claims. It’s not only dangerous but can impair driving records. Ultimately, it is crucial to keep in mind that nothing is worth risking your life for…not even your job. So, slow down, take breaks, check your rig and know your limits. Happy driving! |
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