Minivan Wars part 4: 2021 Kia Carnival MPV

Choosing a career in transportation is not usually on the top of the list when people think about a dream job. However, with more than 3.5 million American truck drivers on the road, truck driving remains one of the more popular jobs in the U.S. People don’t understand that professional driving isn’t just a job. It’s a lifestyle, and one that is not intended for everyone. However, for those who opt to pursue a career as a professional truck driver, there are quite a few perks to be obtained. That being said, there are a fair share of challenges and headaches within this field to be taken into consideration. Truck driver requirements A trucking career starts with getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), then obtaining a Commercial Driving License (CDL). You must also complete the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before applying for the CDL examination. On the upside, this will help you learn more about ELDT requirements and provide additional time for you to research which options will help foster the specific skill sets needed for whichever field you prefer. You’ll also need to fulfill the following requirements for eligibility: Proof of state residency Be at least 18 years of age Possess proof of insurance Have a valid U.S. social security number Pass a background check, medical examination, and periodic drug tests Maintain a clean driving record What a career in trucking entails Before pursuing a career in trucking, there are a few pros and cons that must be carefully considered. Here are a few of the more notable perks and pitfalls people experience when committing to this occupation. Job security and growth opportunities According to the ATA, the country’s shortage of truck drivers topped out at 80,000 back in 2021, and is expected to hit 160,000 by 2030. If these trends continue, professional truck drivers will become a highly coveted fraction of the American work force. So keep this in mind, as a CDL license earns you instant recognition as a skilled laborer, making it an excellent form of job security. You can also choose to start and end your career as a professional driver whenever you wish, or stick with this field and move into a leadership role over time. Drivers working with reputable trucking companies tend to have the most success in transitioning to a loftier role, with positions like being a driver trainer or transportation manager being but a few options. There are also plenty of opportunities to be had within the trucking customer service sector. Great benefits and good pay While there is no standard form of pay, truck driving features competitive pay for CDL holders, with the average truck driver earning approximately $62,000 annually. In most cases, drivers get paid per mile. So, for instance, if the company is paying an average of 50 cents per mile, and you cover 2,500 miles in a week, you’ll earn $1,250. These rates can also differ based on whether you’re driving in-state or out-of-state. The type of truck you pilot will also determine earnings, as does the type of CDL certification you hold.  For example, hauling a fuel tanker or a wide load earns you more than say the average box-style cargo trailer. As a truck driver, you also have the benefit of boosting your earnings via tuition reimbursements, driver referral programs, and CDL training. Effective communication is essential When it comes to a trucking career, communication is mandatory. Being able to effectively communicate and manage the schedules of the people you’re dealing with any given week can spell the difference between a smooth shipment and a missed delivery window. You’ll be dealing with dispatchers, docking and receiving foremen, and logistics advisors in order to deliver your cargo on time, so be sure to brush up on those communication skills and be ready to multi-task. You will also need to communicate with repair workers and truck maintenance shops so that you can get the service your rig requires quickly. Truckers tend to get paid for delivering a load on time, and a miscommunication can spell the difference between a fat paycheck and an upset client. Stress is inevitable When it comes to a career in trucking, stress is just a part of the job that you learn to live with. Don’t get us wrong, trucking can be fun and surprisingly fulfilling for those who value windshield time, but it’s also rifled with frustration. Stress starts when you’re stuck in traffic, and only gets worse when your GPS points you and your rig the wrong direction down a tight one-way side street. Things become even more chaotic when unfavorable weather conditions materialize and long-distance hauls keep you from seeing your friends and family. Speaking of loved ones, marital and relationship stress can become a serious factor for certain truck drivers. Generally speaking, you’ll be away from home a massive chunk of the time, so having a social life and raising a family may be a challenge for those who don’t drive locally. Wrapping up Trucking is like any other career in that it has both benefits and drawbacks. For many, the profession offers steady employment, personal freedom and reasonable reimbursement for the effort spent when behind the wheel. Hopefully these facts can help you better determine whether a career in truck driving is right for you, regardless of what kind of rig you plan on piloting, load you hope to haul, or when you decide to venture into the field.

After a car crash and the subsequent legal affairs that follow, many people will choose to accept their settlement in a lump sum payment rather than receiving payments over time.  However, there are some benefits to receiving car crash settlements over time. One of these benefits is that you are given more time to spend the money, which can be helpful if you need to pay for medical expenses or remain unsure as to what you want to do with your allotted settlement.  But much like automotive-related crashes themselves, legal settlements can get a bit messy. That is why it is important to weigh both the pros and cons of a predetermined car crash legal settlement, because there is also a fair deal of risk involved with each option.   Are structured car crash settlements right for you? Structured settlement payments are typically made in installments over a measured span of time, which often translates to multiple payments over numerous years. This methodology comes with its own tax breaks and can be used to pay for a myriad of expenses, such as medical bills, tuition and housing. A structured settlement can also provide stability and security for the injured party.  Personal injury lawyers are vital as they help ensure that you get the best possible deal when signing an agreement for a structured settlement. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, and an experienced attorney can help make sure that you are getting the settlement that you deserve.  If necessary, hire an experienced attorney to represent your case in court, for this will make the process easier and provide you with peace of mind throughout the duration of the process. Structured settlements offer a variety of benefits for personal injury victims who have been involved in a car cash. When provided with tax-free income, you are able to protect your future health care needs and are supplied with additional (and often immediate) access to cash.  However, there are some inherent drawbacks to structured settlements to go along with all of its perks. The following considerations should all be weighed prior to deciding if this particular form of court settlement is right for you and your case.  Pros of a structured settlement Structured car crash settlements offer a clear financial path during what is often a long and complex litigation process. Although they may appear more expensive initially, this approach is often worth the investment. Some of the benefits of a structured settlement include:  Predictability: Payments are made on a fixed schedule, which can help with budgeting and planning for the future. A particularly useful perk when a car crash involves personal injury.  Tax advantages: Structured settlement payments are generally tax-free, which can add up to significant savings over time.  Protection from creditors: Since these payments are typically made through an annuity, they are not available to creditors in the event of bankruptcy.  Estate planning benefits: Since the payments are not considered income, they can be passed on to heirs without incurring estate taxes.  Cons of a structured court settlement  Loss of flexibility: When you receive a structured settlement, you agree to a fixed schedule of payments that will be paid out over a predetermined period. This can be great for those who need the stability of knowing exactly how much money they will obtain each month. The only major downside here is that it can also mean less flexibility if your life circumstances change. For example, if you lose your job or have to go back to school, you may not be able to get the money you need to cover your expenses. Additionally, if you decide that you would like to use some of the money from your settlement for something other than what it was originally intended for, you may not be able to access these funds  Limited investment opportunities: One of the biggest cons of a structured settlement is the limited investment opportunities available to recipients. Without additional investment income, recipients may find it difficult to keep up with rising living costs. Additionally, if the recipient needs to access the full settlement amount at once, they may have to pay significant taxes and surrender a portion of their monthly payments.  The potential for mismanagement: Structured settlements offer tax breaks and predictability, but they also can be easily mismanaged. When an individual receives a structured settlement, they sign over the payments to a third party in exchange for a lump sum. This third party, often an insurance company or investment firm, manages the payments on the party’s behalf. If the firm fails to handle these affairs properly, the client may suffer financial loss. For example, if the investments made with the settlement money lose value, the individual may not receive all of their payments. Additionally, if the third party goes bankrupt or becomes embroiled in legal trouble, the individual may not receive any payments. Conclusion Although a structured settlement may not be ideal for every car crash court claim, there are enough pros to this option to warrant its consideration.  As the victim, having the flexibility of receiving payments from the court-determined proceeds over an allotted amount of time is one of the more obvious benefits. These timeframes can even span the length of a lifetime depending upon the severity of the auto accident. As for the predetermined amount of payment to be made, the frequency with which they are made, the length of the settlement process and various other agreement terms, negotiations tend to be based upon the victim’s needs.   If you are ever in a car crash involving another party, a structured settlement could be the right settlement option. Just be sure to consult your personal injury lawyer beforehand for a consultation. An injury lawyer specializing in car crash claims not only serves as your personal guide throughout the duration of the court process but can be the deciding factor in precisely how much money is allotted to you.   

Running a successful business often requires reducing downtime in order to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently. Time is money, and for those of us who view vehicles as a work tool, efficiency equals currency. Arriving at a job site, only to discover the jumbled wad of keys in your hand does not contain the mate to the lock in front of you is both aggravating and costly. Work truck owners and operators aren’t the only ones suffering from this annoying affliction. Camping enthusiasts, farmers, off-road enthusiasts and law enforcement officials all have to handle a ton of different keys on any given day. If you are one of the people struggling with key overload, it might be time to turn toward a “one key fits all” setup, and nobody does this better than STRATTEC Security Corporation’s BOLT Locks division. Security made easy thanks to technology Having grown sick of the jumble of keys in their pockets years ago, BOLT (“Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology”) Locks decided it was high time someone came out with a single-key solution. What evolved from this project was a patented key programming system that permanently trains a lock to operate solely with a vehicle’s ignition key. No more separate keys for every piece of equipment on board. Just a straightforward unlocking scenario every time. But how does it work? When drivers insert their ignition key into a BOLT Lock cylinder for the first time, the system’s patented spring-loaded plate tumblers move up and down until they match the key precisely. As the key is rotated for the first time, the cylinder is coded to that key, thus locking in the unique grooves along the length of the key blade. Once removed, the cylinder pops back into a locked position and will not receive any other key save the one it has been programmed to. Different bolts for different folks After discovering its patented BOLT locking system worked flawlessly, STRATTEC Security Corporation set to work producing as many security solutions as it could for vehicle owners. What came to fruition was an entire portfolio of BOLT Locks products. Everything from adjustable receiver locks and cable locks with matching padlocks to toolbox retro-fit inserts and locking tailgate handles for late model GM trucks have emerged. There’s an entire line of commercial fleet-focused products from BOLT Locks as well, for those who do rely upon their rigs for work purposes. But it’s not all grunt work and job site easy access either here. BOLT Locks offers things like locking hood clasps and spare tire locks for the Jeep community as well as one of the most hardcore locking recovery hooks you’ve ever seen. For those who are towing large trailers long distances or who routinely have watercraft in tow, BOLT’s locking trailer coupler is a must-have piece of security equipment. As with all of the products within the BOLT Locks portfolio, this trailer coupler packs the following perks: Double ball bearing locking mechanism Plate tumbler sidebar to prevent picking and bumping Stainless steel lock shutter to keep out dirt and moisture Opens with your vehicle ignition key Weatherproof Limited lifetime warranty And then there’s the BOLT Padlock, which as long as you don’t lose your truck keys, allows you to lock and unlock an endless number of padlocks with a single key blade. This is particularly useful for those with tool storage boxes in the bed or gear strapped down to the roof rack. Overlanding adventurers and campers have also found this simple keyed solution to be useful, especially when setting up or breaking camp in a timely fashion is a top priority. Back to the basics with BOLT Locks At its core, though, BOLT Locks were created with truck owners and the work site in mind. Removing the need to wait on someone to deliver a set of keys just to activate or unlock a piece of equipment or a storage locker means getting right to work and locking up safely and efficiently when the day is done. Putting this plug-and-play locking system into action is one of the ultimate upgrades you can make to a truck or SUV. Be sure to check out the BOLT brand’s website and online reviews for more info, and remember you can find BOLT Locks products at 4 Wheel Parts stores,  AdvanceAutoParts.com, O’Reilly’s, NAPA and SummitRacing.com. You can also track down retailers by typing in your zip code at: www.boltlock.com/retail-finder. For more information on these locking solutions, call 844-972-7547 or visit www.boltlock.com. You can also follow BOLT Locks via social media on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at @BOLTLock.

The trucking business is one of the most profitable in the U.S. Almost every sector needs transportation of raw materials and consumer products from one place to another. According to Statista, this sector generated approximately $732.3 billion in 2020. But despite the business’s popularity and demand, many fleet owners face challenges that reduce profits. These challenges include high fuel costs, fines and penalties from authorities as well as vehicle repair and maintenance. So how do you boost your trucking fleet’s profitability as a fleet owner? This post explains how to go about it. Perform routine checkups and maintenance Unplanned vehicle repairs and unexpected breakdowns greatly reduce your trucking fleet’s profits. It is even worse when a truck breaks down far away from your designated auto shop and the available one charges ridiculous prices to repair the vehicle. Routine checkups and vehicle maintenance by professionals will reduce on-the-road breakdowns and save you time and money. Minimal engine problems, tire problems, and better vehicle health make the transit smooth. Clients are happy because there is no delay, your business runs seamlessly, and profits go up. Reduce fuel costs Fuel usage can build or break a trucking fleet business. To boost your fleet’s profitability, you need to reduce fuel costs. There are several ways your staff can help reduce the fuel consumption of your trucks. These include: Driving carefully and watching their speed to ensure fuel consumption is minimal Fueling at designated refill stations to get the best prices and fleet discounts Avoiding idling and running the vehicle when loading cargo or processing paperwork Using shorter routes, if available The overall responsibility of your truck drivers is to lower fuel consumption. They should pre-check the condition of the vehicles before departure, follow traffic rules to avoid accidents, and keep the vehicles in good condition. Embrace technological tools and programs Technology has simplified how the trucking businesses run their daily activities—from GPS tracking of vehicles in transit to managing paperwork. Trucking fleet management software removes the guesswork from fleet management by helping you monitor your entire fleet on a single screen. Most of these tools are premium, but the investment is worth it. Your work will be easier, and you’ll be able to scale your business. You can use your income to buy the software or borrow an auto title loan. When the new software streamlines your work and boosts your profits, you can easily repay the loan. To access the loan, search for “the best title loans online,” and choose one that suits your needs. Follow road safety practices Your fleet drivers play a huge role in building or bringing down your trucking fleet business. How they drive the vehicles, follow traffic rules and relate with highway authorities can make your business operations smoother or rougher. Hire professional truck drivers and offer them additional training on driving and vehicle maintenance. Moreover, reward good performance with gift cards, handwritten notes, or appreciation emails. The goal is to encourage the best road safety practices. That way, the vehicles and cargo will be in good condition, and you’ll avoid penalties and fines from the authorities. We hope these tips will help you boost your trucking fleet’s profitability.

Pickup trucks are among the top targets for thieves in virtually any area of America. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), pickups make up four of the 10 most-stolen models in America. Furthermore, pickup trucks routinely rank as the most-stolen vehicle type in 30 of the 50 states, according to the NCIB’s Hot Wheels report. Forever in search of ways to deter theft and make a thief’s job a hell of a lot harder, companies like Tuffy Security Products have developed a broad array of storage solutions that are just as impregnable as they are stealthy. As the industry-leader for all things automotive safe, drawer, and lockbox related, the masterminds behind some of the greatest aftermarket security containers provide countless pickup truck owners with peace of mind every day. But functionality, durability, and storage security are just a few portions of the proverbial protective pie. Crafting a security storage container that effortlessly blends with all of the OEM surfaces within a vehicle is also key. The old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” never really hits home until a nefarious lout pokes their ugly head inside your truck’s cab for a quick glance around. So, if you are looking to protect your wallet, smartphone, documents, electronics, firearms, or any other expensive/irreplaceable item, this article is for you. Remember, cargo management is more than just tying down a payload or hauling a heavily ladened trailer somewhere. It’s keeping everything within the cabin safe and secure as well. Under rear seat lockboxes Out-of-sight storage units are a stealthy way to utilize the often wasted space underneath the rear seat for stowing longer items or sets of tools. Look for lockboxes that are crafted out of welded steel, sport a 10 tumbler double-bitted security lock like Tuffy’s patented Pry-Guard Locking System, and feature a mounting system that is only accessible from within the box itself. And while it may not be mandatory, an under-seat lockbox with chamfered corners definitely makes rear bench accessibility a whole lot easier and less painful. Under-seat security drawers Jeep owners get some of the best aftermarket love in the biz, with driver’s seat welded steel security drawers being one of them. Products with a form-fitting design, integrated weather seals, and easy access via the use of ball bearing sliders and a pull lever are ideal. Affixing one of Tuffy’s signature 10 tumbler double bitted Pry-Guard Locking Systems to one of these security drawers makes an already amazing under-seat storage solution even more perfect. Console security safes Security Console Safes are the core of any securely outfitted pickup truck. Typically welded from high-tensile steel for security and durability, console safes transform the divider between the front seats of a pickup or SUV into a heavy-duty lockable storage area. Certain models even feature an exclusive lid support that keeps the it open for easy access when unlocked, and a pin-lock hinge design for when it’s time to batten down the hatches. “Theft is an ugly reality these days, so we advise consumers to be smart about locking up valuables in their vehicles. Tuffy offers the best in secure storage with products that keep things organized while making the most of existing space in the vehicle.” -Chip Olson, marketing director for Tuffy Security Products A reputable brand is more than just a name Tuffy Security Products safeguard valuable gear with American-made craftsmanship. The full line of Tuffy security solutions provide premium, superior protection against theft, enable safe cargo management, increase gear accessibility and offer the option of flexible keyless lock-entry for multiple users. Most Tuffy brand products are an easy do-it-yourself installation with no drilling required. However, the company does offer Home Installation of its storage/organization products by simply clicking this option when making a purchase online. Customers receive quality installation from a certified professional technician and the cost of this service is clearly indicated on the product page for each item. Tuffy Security Products is a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, thus making it a sister company to Bestop, Inc., Baja Designs, PRP Seats, Softopper, SpeedStrap, Bull Ring, and Status Racing. For more information, please visit the Tuffy Security Products’ website at www.tuffyproducts.com or by calling 1-800-348-8339. You can also find Tuffy on Facebook, as well as on Twitter via @tuffyproducts