Mercer Trucking Co.

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co.! Height Restrictions Matter! Know where you are, know where you are going, and know if you're going to make it! If you are looking for a career in trucking, Join our team! Call Mercer Trucking Co. 800-541-3529 or Stop by the office! http://www.mercertrucking.com/

It's National Sibling Day! Even though you love em' I bet you are glad they aren't on your road trips anymore! Come work for Mercer Trucking Co, we promise that your favorite or not so favorite sibling won't be there to bug you on the road! Happy road trip from Mercer Trucking Co.
800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Don't let the sun go down before calling Mercer Trucking Co. We're looking for 1 of a kind drivers and you might be the one! Give us a call if are a qualified driver. 800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/

It's Spring, and it Rains! Here's another Safety First message from Mercer Trucking Co. When the roads are slick and wet, especially in a heavy downpour or the first thirty minutes of a storm, your braking times increase. Turn off cruise control. Add extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles. Slow down as much as is feasible. Learn to detect and react properly to hydroplaning. Your safety is paramount!

Happy April Fools Day from Mercer Trucking Co. Remember to always keep your eyes on the road! Don't forget, we are always looking for qualified drivers. Call us if you or someone you know, wants to work with our amazing company!
800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Happy Easter from our Mercer Trucking Co. Family to yours.

It's March 29th, celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Day! This day recognizes and supports small, family-owned businesses. It celebrates the importance of small businesses in their communities by showcasing how they contribute to their local neighborhoods. Mercer Trucking Co has been family owned since 1975!

Want to drive for Mercer Trucking Co.? Give us a call, this could be you! We're hiring qualified drivers. Call 800-541-3529 or Stop by the office! 1414 N Fancher Rd Spokane Valley WA 99212. http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Driving a semi keeps you on your toes. Your likelihood of a crash increases exponentially with each thing you do and poor decision you make. Mercer Trucking Co is a Safety First employer and we are HIRING! 800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/

This pretty much says it all! Give Mercer Trucking Co. a call! 800-541-3529 or Stop by the office! 1414 N Fancher Rd Spokane Valley WA 99212. http://www.mercertrucking.com/

It's Officially Spring!!! Here are some great tips for drivers to consider regarding routine maintenance from Mercer Trucking Co.

TRUCKER SPRING CLEANING TIPS
Ah, Spring, the moment we’ve all been waiting for since first spotting frost on our windshields. The snowy days may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean truckers are in the clear for caring for their vehicles. In fact, there is more to do this season for upkeep of big rigs as we trade snowfall for rain.

Inspecting heavy-duty vehicles for possible winter damage is a must this season. Keep reading to learn spring care tips that should be conducted now before hitting the road.

UNDERCARRIAGE AND SUSPENSION
Your undercarriage went through a lot in winter; and it’s time to make undercarriage care a priority. More than just looking shiny, your truck will need a proper bath to remove the salt and grime build-up from roadways. Ignoring the removal of these harmful contaminants can lead to undercarriage corrosion and potentially lead to costly complications.

Additionally, When the water froze over then thawed over time, the pavement became brittle and cracked causing massive holes when large vehicles’ weight was put to the test on roads. Unfortunately, going over these bumps throughout the season led to strain on suspension system parts such as shock absorbers. Drivers noticing alignment issues; excessive vibrations and road instabilities may need to replace semi-truck shocks sooner than later.

AIR BRAKE CARE
Rain on Roads. You probably used the brakes more during winter to keep a safer distance from other vehicles on highways, which means that your brakes are feeling the impact from the past season. Airline hoses and coils and spring brakes should be checked and replaced if needed. After all, you will be using your air brake system even more moving into thunderstorm season. (You know what they say: “April showers brings May…brake damage?”)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Speaking of thunderstorms, check on your truck’s windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid. Wipers may have been used and abused during wintertime to wipe off dirt and other road chemicals; and they may have weakened and loss cleaning juice. Like a car, windshield wiper replacement on semi-trucks is easy and only takes a few minutes.

GAUGING TIRE PRESSURE
Your tires may have lost pressure because of the dip in cold temperature; and it’ll be time to re-inflate them. Typically, semi-trucks should have 110 PSI for large loads carrying 6,175 pounds; but you only need 75-80 PSI for 4500-pound loads (the minimum we would suggest for pressure). While the numbers fluctuate based on the source, it’s best to go higher in PSI for safety and compliance.

BATTERIES AND COMPONENTS
Did your truck have trouble starting during winter? The cold weather probably put stress on your AGM batteries, starters, and alternators. Be sure to check these electrical truck components with a volt reader and replace, if necessary.

And, while you’re looking into electrical parts, check on your lights, too. LED lights with multiple diodes may not be as noticeable of a problem at first glance; but they carry heft penalties from police should you get pulled over for failing lights.

BOTTOM LINE
Spring cleaning takes on a whole new meaning when you’re a trucker. Other systems to check include your fluid levels - engine oil and antifreeze/coolant – as well as smaller components such as bearings. With these spring care tips in mind, you will be safely cruising the nation’s open road ready to take on another season doing what you do best: truck driving.

We're all a little bit Irish today. Happy St Patrick's Day from Mercer Trucking Co. Make sure to stay safe from all of the 4 wheelers who've had a little too much Leprechaun juice! And don't forget your green!

We Are Hiring Professional Truck Drivers! Come work for us at
Mercer Trucking Co! Experienced CDL Class A Drivers (Regional). Late Model Equipment, Home Weekends - Flatbed experience not required. Must have DBLS endorsement. Canadian clearance preferred. Great Pay and Benefits 401K (60 days). Call Curtis: 509-370-1900 or Stop by the office! 1414 N Fancher Rd Spokane Valley WA 99212. http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co.
Maintain distance.
Keep a safe distance of seven to eight seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you, since large trucks require more stopping and following distance. In bad weather, increase that to as much as 14 seconds.

Safety regulators use the following factors to measure a truck’s total stopping distance:
Perception distance — How far a truck travels before the driver realizes they need to apply the brakes
Reaction time — How far the truck travels between the time the driver realizes they need to slow down and when they activate the brakes
Brake lag — How far the truck travels before the brakes start working after the driver activates them
Braking distance — How far the truck travels once the brakes have been fully engaged
By adding up all these factors, regulators can judge how far a truck will travel once the brakes are activated

It's Daylight Savings Time! Don't forget to Spring Forward and set your clocks ahead tonight when you go to bed! (Yes, that means you lose an hour's sleep). Longer days are ahead.... so much to look forward to. Mercer Trucking Co.

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co.: Professional drivers should not ever skip any safety steps when driving.
~Stop and take regular breaks as needed.
~Get in a good stretch periodically.
~Do a walk around the truck and trailer.
~Check your load.
~Look for soft tires, air leaks, check under the truck for any dripping coolant or oil.

Safety First message from Mercer Trucking Co.: Tell others your plans by using your headlights to make sure you’re visible.
Turn your headlights on half an hour before dusk and leave them on until half an hour after sunrise. 800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Hello March from Mercer Trucking Co. Here's to a new month with St Patrick's Day, March Madness and Daylight Savings. It can also be the beginning of a new trucking career with us for qualified drivers. Give us a call! 800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Happy Leap Day from Mercer Trucking Co! What a great day to Join Our Team. This day only comes around once every 4 years. You'd always remember your hiring date! It's always a good day to work for Mercer Trucking Co. The best news, we're hiring! Come check us out if you are a qualified driver! Call 800-541-3529 or Stop by the office!

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co.
NIGHT TRUCK DRIVING SAFETY TIPS:

No matter how well you plan your trucking schedule, chances are good you are going to find yourself in your semi truck at night. Night truck driving presents a different set of challenges than the ones you must deal with during the day, and it’s important for you to identify them and know how to stay safe at any hour.

Even if you are a seasoned, veteran driver, you can benefit as much as a rookie with these helpful truck driver safety tips to get you from start to finish with no incidents.

1. COMPLETE A PRE-TRIP SAFETY CHECK
A basic element of safety is keeping your semi truck clean, especially the windshield. As difficult as it is to see through a dirty windshield during the day, it can greatly affect your visibility at night. Be sure to clean your windshield inside and out often, and check your windshield wipers, replacing them as needed if they show signs of wear. Consider adjusting the brightness of your dashboard; that glowing instrument panel can reflect off your windshield and shine right back in your eyes.

Other pre-trip maintenance items, such as checking tire pressures and headlights, taillights and trailer lights are essential to keep you trucking through the night.

2. AVOID DRIVING WHEN TIRED
Tired driving can be as or more dangerous than driving under the influence. No paycheck is worth risking your life and other people’s lives, so if you are too tired to continue driving safely, stop and rest. You can find a safe place to pull off the road, or better yet, head to a truck stop to get out and stretch your legs, get a bite to eat, shower, or take a nap in your cab.

3. AVOID HEAVY, LARGE MEALS
What’s the best thing to do after a big, heavy meal? It’s definitely not climbing into your semi truck at night! A full belly means your body is working hard to digest rather than keeping your brain alert. When preparing for a night of driving, it may be a better time for healthy snacks or lighter meals, such as salad, vegetables and lean protein, smoothies, or other food that is easier to digest.

4. KEEP THE CABIN COOL
Research suggests that a blast of cool air can help to reduce a driver's symptoms of fatigue and keep you more alert. Try opening your window to allow some fresh air into your cab to improve your concentration on the driving task in front of you.

5. LIMIT DISTRACTIONS
Paying attention to the road always comes first, and if your mind-occupying activity is too distracting, you shouldn’t do it. Most people default to their phones for entertainment, which you already know you shouldn’t do when behind the wheel. Wait to make phone calls or return texts when you stop to take a break.

If you work in the trucking industry, driving at night may be inevitable, but you can benefit from a periodic review of these and other similar safety tips for truck drivers. Truck drivers with a stellar safety record, both day and night, are always in demand.

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co.: An Emergency Response Guide for Brake Fires. Ever wonder what to do in case of a Brake Fire?

Truck safety is a top priority for drivers. Drivers face a multitude of safety concerns, from meticulous pre-trip inspections of every inch of their rig to ensuring cargo is securely fastened to prevent shifting during travel. But few are as essential as brake safety. With the heavy loads truckers haul, proper brake maintenance and quick responses to faulty or damaged brakes are essential to the safety of everybody on the road.

Brake fires are one particularly dangerous result of poor or incomplete brake maintenance. Caused by the buildup of grease or other flammable fluids on the brakes plus the incredible amount of heat generated by the truck as it drives down the road, brake fires put the truck, the driver, and other motorists at risk. Excess grease or fluids are often applied during brake installations or tire changes, and the good news is that careful maintenance and frequent cleaning of the brakes can help prevent dangerous brake fires.

If you smell burning or a strong chemical odor or see smoke coming from any of the wheels, it might be a brake fire—and you need to take immediate action. Learn essential safety tips and the best actions to take in case of an emergency.

Immediate Actions
Staying calm and collected is crucial to avoid having the situation escalate. A fire is incredibly stressful and frightening, but panicking worsens a bad situation. Evaluate the situation and respond with urgency, not fear.

As soon as you identify or even suspect a brake fire, activate your hazard lights to signal to other drivers of a potential problem, and turn on your signal in preparation for finding a place to pull over.

Pull Over Safely
Get off the road as soon as possible to do so safely—continuing to drive with an active fire on your vehicle is dangerous to you and other drivers.

Suitable locations for pulling over include wide shoulders or emergency pull-off areas. Ensure you have enough space to put out the fire as far away as possible from other motorists. Avoid stopping in curves or blind spots that make it difficult for other drivers to see you.

When you can’t brake, look for an emergency ramp to avoid causing an accident. These allow your truck to stop gradually. Be aware that emergency ramps have risks, like spreading fire or causing the truck to overturn. Assess the situation to make the safest decision.

Exit the Cab
Bring the rig to a complete stop, engage the parking brake, and switch off the engine. Once it’s safe to exit the vehicle, step out carefully and stay clear of traffic. If the fire is on a front wheel, get out of the truck on the opposite side of the fire. Grab your phone before exiting the cab so you can call for help.

Once you’re out of the truck, avoid standing downhill or upwind from the fire, minimizing the potential for smoke inhalation.

Call Emergency Services and Dispatch
Once you’re safe, call emergency services. Give the operator your location and as much information about the fire and truck as possible so that the first responders who come to help you can be as prepared as possible.

After calling emergency responders, inform your company dispatch of the situation. Tell them what happened, where you are, and how long you expect to be delayed. That way, they can communicate with the receiver, letting them know the load will be late.

Manage the Fire
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, use a fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire or at least keep the fire from spreading. You should only take this action if it is safe. Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames and do not open the wheel hubs at any point; doing so can introduce more oxygen into the fire and worsen it.

Document the Scene
Document the incident as thoroughly as possible. Take photos at a safe distance before, during, and after firefighting efforts.

When the scene is safe, thoroughly inspect and continue documenting the damage. Keep an eye out for anything that might give clues about the cause, whether it’s something you see yourself or something the emergency personnel tell you about. Be sure to note each damage point’s location, size, severity, and any potential explanations.

Post-Incident Procedures
Inspect the entire braking system after the fire is out, and the danger has passed. Check for signs of damage to the brakes or other malfunctions that could compromise the truck’s safety. Wait to drive the truck again until it is safe. Be sure to report all of the inspection findings to maintenance so you can plan for repairs.

Training and Preparedness
As with any aspect of trucking, being properly trained and prepared goes a long way when dealing with brake fire emergencies. You must always be up-to-date on best practices and familiar with all emergency procedures and protocols. When an emergency occurs, being prepared helps you to remain calm and alert, allowing you to better focus on the steps needed to resolve the situation safely.

All trucking companies and owner-operators should regularly simulate brake fire scenarios to give drivers practical experience in responding to this type of emergency. Going through the process of resolving an emergency before it occurs means that in the unfortunate event that you experience a real brake fire, safely and efficiently dealing with the situation will be second nature.

Mercer Trucking Co reminds you that Safety comes first! Communicate with Lights: There are multiple ways to communicate with truckers and other drivers just using your headlights. Flashing your lights more than two times in a row will warn drivers in the opposite traffic lane about danger that might be ahead. Truckers will flash their lights once when changing lanes to let other drivers know when it is safe for them to do so. Hazard lights are another important way truckers communicate- these can indicate they will be making an abrupt stop!

Happy Presidents Day! It's always a good day to work for Mercer Trucking Co. The best news, we're hiring! Come check us out! Call 800-541-3529 or Stop by the office!

Staying healthy out on the road is easier than you thought! Step-by-step workout routine for truck drivers to stay healthy on the road from Mercer Trucking Co: Flexibility, strength and cardio:

Challenge level: Basic
Environment: in cab or at a fuel pump, with walking performed outdoors
Equipment: Resistance bands

Warm up:
Neck rotations (2 sets per day, 5 reps left and right per set)
Swimmer stretch (2 sets per day, 30 seconds per set)
Hand/forearm stretch (2 sets per day, 30 seconds per set)
Gentle back hands (2 sets per day, 10 reps per set)
Squats (5 sets per day, 20 reps per set)

Resistance training:
Pushups (5 sets per day, 20 reps per set)
Bicep curls with resistance band (2 sets per day to the point of fatigue)

Cardiovascular:
Walking for 20-30 minutes, weather and safety permitting
Pro tip: How many laps around a tractor-trailer is a mile?
If you’re looking to track a specific distance, 32 laps around a tractor-trailer equals 1 mile.

Happy Valentine's Day from Mercer Trucking Co! Don't forget to get your sweetheart something special and if you are a qualified driver, stop in and get yourself a great job, working with us! Give Mercer Trucking Co a call! (800) 541-3529 ext.3 1414 N Fancher Rd Spokane Valley WA 99212. http://www.mercertrucking.com/

Today is the Big Game.... who is your pick? Let Mercer Trucking Co. know in the comments. Enjoy the game!

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co. Don't Drive Tired! Drowsy driving is a problem, and it can be especially dangerous when it involves truck drivers. In most drowsy driving cases, the driver gets behind the wheel without having gotten enough sleep. This combination of driving and fatigue can lead to catastrophic results.

In many cases, driver fatigue is a prominent reason for collisions. It is estimated that one in every ten truck crashes are the result of driver-related actions.

Sleep deprivation is one of the leading causes of truck accidents on the road. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes that 100,000 accidents are caused by drivers who doze off at the wheel. The NHTSA also estimates that drowsy drivers cause as many as 40,000 accident-related injuries and 1,500 deaths.

The Harvard School of Medicine – Sleep Medicine Division also conducted a survey on this topic. They estimated that 250,000 people fall asleep while driving, with 50 percent of their participants admitting to driving while fatigued. Nearly half of the truck drivers had confessed to “drifting off” while on a long-haul drive.

Drowsy driving is a serious matter, and many experts believe that driving while tired is similar to driving under the influence. For example, an individual who has been operating a vehicle for 17 or more hours might have the same driving errors as a driver with a blood-alcohol level of 0.5 or more. These sleep-deprived drivers will exhibit the same behaviors of a DUI, including slower reaction times, decreased visual acuity, and impaired judgment.

In response to these issues, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have tightened their regulations due to the concerns of truck accidents caused by drowsy drivers. For example, there are more stringent restrictions on truck drivers and the number of hours allowed on the road. These truck driver fatigue rules have limited the number of hours that a truck driver can drive before requiring a break. That break must also last for a specific amount of time. With these regulations, the commercial drivers have their schedules and workloads standardized to help keep everyone on the road safe.

Driving for extended periods can dull the senses and lead to fatigue on the road. These risk factors increase when a trucker is driving at night, and the body is ready for its natural sleep cycle.

Mercer Trucking Co wants you to Learn the Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving:

There are some warning signs that you should be able to recognize before you or a loved one gets behind the wheel. By being on the lookout for these signs, you can prevent an accident on the road. Some of these warning signs include:

*Yawning or blinking frequently
*Missing the exit
*Drifting in and out of the lane
*Memory issues
*Hitting the rumble strips on the side of the road

Safety First from Mercer Trucking Co. Some actions are more dangerous than others. Avoid the 3 Deadly sins of Trucking! 1. Speeding 2. Distracted Driving 3. Failing to Yield. Be proactive on the road so you can be a safety first driver.

Mercer Trucking Co wants to know.... How come there's always enough asphalt for Speed Bumps, but never enough to till all of the potholes? Be safe out there on the roads and look out for the potholes!! 800-541-3529 http://www.mercertrucking.com/