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As a trucking owner-operator, you know that running a successful business requires you to wear many hats. You’ve got to be thinking about everything from gas mileage to depreciation to cash flow.
The spring is here and the peak season is near, and that means this is a good time to look to the year ahead and think about what you can do to make it your most successful year yet. We’ve put together a list of seven tips that can help you thrive as an owner-operator in 2019.
The trucking business is quite competitive. This means you have to fight for your share of the market profit. Making a few changes here and there can quickly increase your profit margins.
By implementing the following tips, you will see a rise in your profits and take your business to the next level.
I can easily break down the months of the year into Truckload Shipping Seasons. When I first started in this industry, I had to jump in and learn on the fly, so I quickly identified what months were the busiest times of the year. I remember it well… it was the middle of May and we were competing against produce harvest season in South Texas. Customers (retailers) were contacting us looking for trucks and, to say the least, we were busy!
Quite simply, they are giant online bulletin boards. Truckers and carriers search these boards for loads, both full and LTL, to line up backhauls or to fill otherwise empty trucks.
Partial truckload, co-loading, less-than-truckload (LTL), and load-to-ride all refer to shipping methods that put orders from multiple companies on one truck. Yet, each mode operates a bit differently and provides its own set of benefits.
Deciding on the most optimal mode for your transportation needs can be daunting. (That’s why we’re here!) Decisions are based on a myriad of factors – order size and weight, order type, destination, origin, handling, timeline, etc.
If you are shipping orders that don’t fill a full truckload, here is a breakdown of options available.
As an owner-operator or freight broker in a fast-paced and growing market, you have options when choosing a great-paying load or the right carrier for your freight.
One way to find the right load or truck to grow your business? Load Boards. With all the options available for owner-operators and trucking brokers, it can be hard to choose the one that’s right for your business.
This is the 100th blog I have written since Jim Mele first asked me to be one of the “experts” in Fleet Owner’s IdeaXchange. So, I have compiled a list of 100 fuel efficiency facts, tips and best practices. Here we go!
How will electronic logging devices and new regulations for 2018 impact the roadside inspection process going forward?
Carriers, add it to your list. Coming down the pipeline is a new roadside inspection category that you and your drivers need to get to know: electronic inspection.
Currently, trucking companies and drivers are concerned with the following seven roadside inspection categories:
Commercial truck driving puts you in the cab and over the road, but your trip never has to lack for comfort. Even if you slip in and out of day cabs, never in the same cab twice, you can take with you plenty of accessories to make the ride enjoyable and uniquely your own. If you are fortunate enough to lease your own tractor or have a dedicated route, you can customize your tractor to your heart's content with some totally cool cab accessories.
Dress It Up: Must-haves for Truck Drivers
When driving long distances, especially at night, it is common to feel tired. If you need to stay awake while driving, make sure to get energy before a long drive by having a short nap. On the road, drink caffeine and have small, healthy snacks. You can also do things like listen to music or radio shows to stay alert. If you are too tired to drive, pull over and rest. It is extremely dangerous to drive when you're unable to stay awake.