“Join us Feb. 28 – March 3 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Fla., for the truckload industry’s premier event,” TCA said. “From high-impact sessions like this to unmatched networking and celebration of our members, there’s no better place to prepare for the year ahead.” 

Costello is widely regarded as one of the most reliable voices on trucking economics. His session will cover key topics like freight demand, rate trends, consumer spending, inflation pressures, and how global markets can impact U.S. trucking. Drivers and carriers attending will walk away with insights to help plan routes, negotiate rates, and make smarter decisions for 2026. 

“Bob will unpack the trends shaping truckload in the year ahead,” TCA said. “From freight demand and rates to consumer spending, inflation pressures, and the broader global economy. His insights will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and align your strategy with the realities of today’s market.” 

Truckload 2026 also promises entertainment and networking beyond the economic sessions. NFL legend Jimmy Johnson will give the keynote, while Sugar Ray will close out the event with a live performance. Attendees can combine industry learning with a chance to relax and connect with peers from across the country. 

For truck drivers, small fleet operators, and dispatchers, sessions like Costello’s aren’t just numbers on a chart. They provide practical information that can affect pay, freight planning, and business decisions for the year ahead. 

Source: The Trucker 

Image: American Trucking Associations

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Experience Matters

Many drivers believe dispatchers should have firsthand trucking experience before stepping into the role. Steven Kirby put it simply: “Every dispatcher and broker needs to have one year of over-the-road (OTR) coast-to-coast experience.” Others, like Randy Witmer, pointed out that some companies used to require dispatchers to spend time on the road to gain a real understanding of a driver’s day-to-day challenges. A little experience behind the wheel could go a long way in bridging the gap.

Time on the Road Isn’t Just Driving

Drivers are constantly racing against the clock, and unrealistic expectations from dispatch can make it worse. Scott Jones explained that “sitting around for hours waiting to load or unload leaves you just as worn out as running down the road.” Jareth Johnson added that activities like tarping, waiting for a service truck, or sitting in traffic all count as “on duty” time, meaning it’s not just about the miles driven—it’s about the hours worked.

Trip Planning Requires More Than 10 Minutes’ Notice

A common frustration among drivers is last-minute load assignments that make trip planning nearly impossible. Destany Taylor shared, “If you want me to be able to trip plan my backhaul that’s two hours away from my last destination, you need to give it to me more than ten minutes before it’s due for pick up.” Poor planning on dispatch’s end often results in unnecessary stress for drivers.

Traffic, Weather, and Reality Exist

Truckers don’t operate in a perfect world of open highways and smooth sailing. Donald Pearrell and Tom Kalbacher emphasized that dispatchers often fail to consider weather conditions and traffic delays when setting unrealistic delivery schedules. Denis Allaire pointed out that many timelines seem to be based on Google Maps rather than real-world conditions, leading to impossible expectations.

Getting Home Shouldn’t Be a Battle

For many truckers, home time is sacred, but dispatch sometimes seems to forget that. Rob Duncan shared his frustration: “When it’s time to go home, send me home. Don’t route me up to New York three days before I’m supposed to be home in Nevada.” Drivers work long hours away from their families—honoring their home time commitments should be a priority.

Better Directions Prevent Headaches

Incorrect delivery addresses and poor communication cause major issues for drivers. Jason Lawrence called out a frequent problem: “Stop giving the office address for the delivery address. When the actual delivery location is around the block at another street address, it wastes time and fuel.” Lana Archer added that failing to relay important receiver notes—such as which entrances to avoid—leads to unnecessary delays and preventable mistakes.

Respect the Truck and the Laws of Physics

Some dispatchers underestimate the reality of operating a semi-truck. James Mitchell summed it up by saying, “They never understand the laws of physics.” Leon Rawls joked, “The truck is NOT the USS Enterprise!”—a reminder that trucks can’t warp-speed through traffic or squeeze into tight spots like smaller vehicles.

Drivers Deserve Fairness

At the end of the day, truckers just want fair treatment. Jaime Saravia kept it simple: “Just give us work and be fair.” Whether it’s avoiding favoritism in load assignments, respecting home time, or setting reasonable expectations, a little fairness and understanding from dispatch can go a long way in improving driver-dispatch relationships.

The Bottom Line

Truckers aren’t asking for much—just for dispatch to truly understand the job. A little firsthand experience, better communication, and realistic planning could make life on the road easier for everyone. After all, without truck drivers, the freight doesn’t move, and the industry doesn’t function.

Would you add anything to this list? Share your thoughts and connect with fellow drivers in our Facebook community!

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Slow Down and Drive to Conditions

Many drivers emphasized the importance of reducing speed when faced with poor weather conditions. As several community members pointed out, driving too fast is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in a storm.

• Darin Olson suggests, “No sudden jerks on the wheel, no sudden movements. Keep your movements slow and steady.”
• Ashley Oliva shares, “Reduce speed, don’t rely on Jakes, and let the super truckers pass you all they want. You can only go too fast in bad weather once.”
• Sergio Diez advises, “Triple or quadruple your following distance. And finally, SLOW DOWN.”

Patience is Key

While some drivers suggested pulling over and waiting for the weather to pass, others highlighted the value of patience on the road. Taking your time reduces the risk of accidents and allows you to stay alert.

• Gail Solimine recommends, “Take your time and don’t tailgate the car in front of you.”
• Shane Hays shares a cautionary note: “You can do everything right in bad weather, but all it takes is one person who thinks they are God’s gift to drivers.”
• Rosemarie Beckett offers a great tip: “Forget you’ve got a brake pedal, use the gearbox for slowing you down gently without losing traction.”

Know When to Park It

One of the most frequent pieces of advice given by drivers was simply to park the truck and wait out the storm if conditions are unsafe.

• Vivian Wheeler and Craig Noftall both suggest, “Park it.” Sometimes, the best option is to wait for the weather to improve rather than push through dangerous conditions.
• Jeff Stubenrauch reinforces this, stating, “Don’t drive in harsh weather, problem solved!”

Maintain Your Equipment

Good equipment can make a huge difference in your safety during harsh weather. Several drivers emphasized the importance of keeping your truck in top condition, particularly when it comes to visibility and braking.

• Tom J Murphy suggests, “The best wiper blades you can find and replace them as needed!”
• Matt Wilson shares a great tip for snowy conditions: “Spray silicone on your wipers but take them off to do this—DON’T spray the rubber or the windshield.”
• Kevin Gothard reminds us to always “keep your fifth wheel greased” and to “listen to what your truck is telling you.”

Keep a Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is crucial, especially in slippery conditions. Drivers echoed this sentiment across multiple responses.

• Marcus Brown advises, “Slow down, stay alert, and have good tires.”
• Kyle Yadon adds, “People will slow down in poor conditions, but then they continue to tailgate. It doesn’t matter how slow you go, if you’re too close, you’ll hit it.”

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, many drivers stressed the importance of listening to your gut and knowing when to call it a day. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, it’s okay to stop.

• Jeff Kratzer offers the straightforward advice: “Know your limits and don’t drive if the weather exceeds them.”
• Wayne William Campbell reflects on his time driving, saying, “Look after your body, your rig, your customers, and your boss. If you don’t feel safe, don’t do it.”

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving is essential, especially when other drivers may be taking unnecessary risks. Many drivers emphasized the importance of staying alert and expecting the unexpected.

• Matt Hughes puts it simply: “If you don’t feel safe, park it. No load is worth your life or the lives of others.”
• Jemariaus Ford offers a reminder to “reduce your speed and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.”
• Tamara Leigh advises, “Drive to your ability. Don’t oversteer, and remember that just because there’s a speed limit, doesn’t mean you need to be at it or exceed it.”

Prepare for the Worst

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any situation. Some drivers suggest keeping emergency supplies on hand and staying informed about weather conditions.

• Kim Heisey Ackerman advises, “Keep chains on your truck, extra food and water, a shovel, and make sure your tanks are full. No load is worth dying for.”
• Loren Wade Golliher suggests, “Have a set of chains on hand and a good tow rope.”

Driving in harsh weather is never easy, but with the right preparation and mindset, it is possible to navigate even the toughest conditions. From slowing down and increasing your following distance to knowing when to park and wait it out, safety should always be your top priority. Listen to the truck, trust your instincts, and remember that no load is worth putting yourself or others in harm’s way.

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