Blue Ink Tech Blog

Mike Riegel

Recent Posts

Tips to Maintain a Diesel Engine for a Trucking Fleet

Diesel engines are built for hard work. They move freight across states, power delivery routes, and keep essential industries running. But even the strongest engine won’t last long without consistent .


What is a Jake Brake in Trucking?

Every driver who’s spent time in a diesel truck has heard the signature bark of a Jake Brake. It’s loud, powerful, and one of the most important safety tools on a heavy-duty vehicle. But many drivers .


What Major Government Agencies Manage the Trucking Industry?

Running a successful trucking company in the United States involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks and maintaining compliance across various federal agencies. Understanding the roles and .

What to do During a Truck Accident as a Truck Driver?

Truck accidents can be stressful and overwhelming. Knowing exactly what steps to take immediately afterward can protect your legal rights and reduce your liability. This guide outlines everything .

What does bobtailing mean in the trucking industry?

In the trucking industry, the term "bobtailing" refers to driving a semi-truck without an attached trailer. This practice is common when truckers are on their way to pick up a new load, returning .

Calculating your Cost per Mile for your Trucking Business

Running a trucking business is more than just hitting the road and hauling freight—it’s about making every mile count. Whether you're an owner-operator or managing a fleet, understanding your cost .


What Is an ISS Score and How Does It Help with DOT Enforcement?

When it comes to keeping roads safe, especially from the risks posed by commercial vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays a big role. One of their key tools is the .


How to avoid truck scale fraud and make the most on every load.

Fair and honest weighing practices are fundamental for commodity haulers to get paid fairly, but scale fraud is emerging as a significant issue. These wrongful practices impact profitability and .


What documents are required in a truck driver's DOT permit book?

When it comes to trucking, one rule of thumb that remains constant is "be prepared." Among the numerous documents that help a truck driver stay prepared on the road, the Department of Transportation .


How much do BIT Air Scales cost and what value do they bring fleets?

Being in the trucking industry one thing that drivers always have to look out for is making sure their gross and axle weights are legal. Getting overloaded can cause a lot of wasted miles and lost .


Shifting Gears: A Beginner's Guide to an 18-Speed Transmission

Learning to drive a truck with an 18-speed transmission can seem like a daunting task, especially for new drivers. Having a basic understanding of the gears and switches can give you a leg up before .


Understanding Runaway Trucks and the Role of Runaway Truck Ramps

What Makes a Truck Run Away?

A "runaway" truck typically refers to a heavy-duty truck that is unable to slow down or stop due to a malfunctioning or overstressed braking system. There are several .


How to change a tire on your semi truck and trailer

If you drive an semi truck, you know how important it is to maintain and replace your tires regularly. Driving with damaged or worn-out tires can lead to accidents, costly repairs, fines and delays .


How to replace damaged air lines on your truck and trailer

Air lines are a critical component of many commercial vehicles, including trailers with air brakes and air suspensions. These components help properly balance your loads and provide reliable and .


How to Change an Air Bag on an Air Suspension for a Tractor Trailer

Air suspension systems in tractor trailers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, while also protecting the cargo from damage. One key component of the air suspension system .


The Art of Tarping Loads: Safeguarding Your Cargo on Semi Trailers

Transporting cargo on a semi-trailer comes with a host of responsibilities, one of which is ensuring the load is safely and securely covered with a tarp. Proper tarping not only protects the freight .


Developing a preventative maintenance program for your trucking fleet

In the trucking industry, minimizing downtime and ensuring safe and reliable performance of your fleet is crucial. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by implementing a .


How to measure and maximize your trucking company's fleet utilization

Fleet utilization is a critical factor in the success of motor carriers, impacting efficiency, cost control, and overall profitability. Fleet utilization refers to the process of maximizing the use .


What are frost laws and how do they affect the trucking industry?

Frost laws, also known as seasonal weight restrictions or spring thaw laws, are regulations implemented by some states or province in the United States and Canada to protect roads from damage .


How video telematics help insurers provide accurate quotes for CMVs

As commercial motor vehicles take on increasingly complex tasks and routes, the risks involved in driving them rise continuously. To mitigate these risks, insurance providers are turning to video .


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