Jun 16, 2020 • Carriers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers

Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up racking up violations and unnecessary expenses due to Rookie Mistakes. Dave of Smart Trucking shares some rookie mistakes for all the rookies entering the trucking world.

Here are the 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers make:

1. Misjudging a corner: You may be swinging too wide or not swinging wide enough. Always check your spacing and clearances.

2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up: Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it’s impossible to get turned around. Plan your trips using a trip planner (check out Trucker Path while you’re at it).

3. Lack of focus when backing up: This is one of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Get out of the vehicle and survey the vicinity first. Check for obstructions and clearance. Do it slowly and safely and always focus on your driver aids (side mirrors, cameras, etc).

4. Hurrying: Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME.

5. Complacency: Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and overconfident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble.

There are many more tips out there but in general it all leads to focus, and safety. Got some tips to share? Let us know down the comments section.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck FCMSA Truck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Freight Broker Owner Operators Industry Update Did you Know Trucking Tips

Different Types of Trucking Jobs [p]Truck driving is a challenging profession that requires incredible mental fortitude. You are constantly on the road, away from family and the warm embrace of your home. On top of that, you are driving most of the time, so there is hardly time for any rest. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a suitable trucking job that fits your schedule and allows you to relax. There are plenty of opportunities you can explore![/p] [p]There are plenty of opportunities you can explore! [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Dry Van Hauling[/b][/p] [p]Dry van hauling is tailor-made for beginner truckers. You only have to deliver non-perishable items from one place to another. The loading and unloading are also done by the client, so you only have to focus on the driving.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Freight Trucker[/b][/p] [p]Freight is a very broad term, so anything other than dry goods come under the definition. It's tough being a freight hauler as you are expected to transport all kinds of goods. They can be hazardous, liquid materials, or anything that dry haulers are not allowed to carry.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Oil/Gasoline Tanker[/b][/p] [p]Hauling a tanker is no easy task. You have to be focused every moment and take care of the cargo at all times. One mistake could result in a horrible accident. Tanker haulers are some of the most sought-after trucking jobs in the industry. The high risk means there is a high reward as well. So, it is natural for truckers to look for tanker jobs.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Refrigerated Goods Transport[/b][/p] [p]Transporting refrigerated goods does not require a lot of skill, but it involves being punctual. You cannot fall behind the deadline, or the entire cargo can spoil. There is a lot of responsibility on such truckers but the good thing is that these jobs are close to home. You are not always expected to transport goods to far-off places.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Flatbed Trucker[/b][/p] [p]Any item that is too large or has an irregular shape, is transported by flatbed truckers. Flatbed trailers are open, which means the cargo is exposed to the elements at all times. The job requires extreme skill, to deliver the goods safely and on time. Trucks, cars, heavy machinery, and other similar items are transported using a flatbed hauler.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-6.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Regional Trucking Jobs[/b][/p] [p]If you are not worried about earning the big bucks and you are happier near your home, then regional trucking is for you. Such a job is easy and does not pay much, but at least you don’t have to be away from home all the time.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-7.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Hotshot Trucking[/b][/p] [p]There is no need to be disappointed if you like trucking and you don’t have a semi. A class 3 or 5 truck can also do the job. Hotshot trucking is attaching a trailer to your small truck and transporting goods using that setup. Once you have the capital and experience to upgrade, you can shift to a semi and accept more serious trucking jobs..[/p] [p]What about you? Which one are you or which one would you want to try out? Comment below.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p] [p] Signing off.[/p]

May 20, 2021 • Carriers

Recourse vs Non Recourse Factoring [p]Get paid in a day with freight factoring and understand the benefits and differences between recourse vs non recourse factoring.[/p] [h2]Recourse vs Non Recourse Factoring[/h2] [p]What's the difference between recourse vs non recourse freight factoring actoring? Say you're an owner-operator who's interested in freight factoring because you no longer want to wait 30 days to get paid for hauling a load. You come across a few factoring companies offering different rates and notice some are recourse factoring and others are non-recourse but don't know which freight factoring option is best.[/p] [h2]Recourse Freight Factoring[/h2] [p]With recourse freight factoring, you agree to sell your invoices to a factoring company that will then pay you after hauling a load (days to pay vary) however, you're responsible for collections from your client. Recourse factoring is commonly used in factoring finance however it presents the highest risk.[/p] [p] Even if a recourse factoring company has taken on your invoice or provided you an advance, you are still liable if they are unable to collect from your clients. This puts your business at risk for a potential loss.[/p] [h2] Non Recourse Freight Factoring [/h2] [p]The opposite is true for non recourse freight factoring. When you sell your invoices to the factoring company, you are not liable to collect from your clients. Instead, the factoring company pays you after hauling a load and they assume the risk if your client fails to pay. Due to this, typically a non recourse factoring rate is slightly higher because the burden to collect is placed on the factoring company and not you.[/p] [p] If you're an <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-become-an-owner-operator/">owner-operator</a> or manage a small fleet, it's usually more beneficial to choose non-recourse factoring in order to avoid a potential loss in revenue if there are complications with collections. Choosing a non recourse factoring company like Trucker Path InstaPay allows you to focus on running your business and haul more loads.[/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/instapay/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=recourseornonJuly5"]Learn about InstaPay[/button-green] [video id=h3kXwM59BgM]

Jul 18, 2017 • Carriers

Industry Update - June 9, 2020 <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b29.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b29-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5032" /></a> <h3><strong>101 New Parking Spaces Added in Kentucky</strong></h3> Truckers traveling the I24 through Kentucky now have a new place to refuel, eat, and park. <a href="https://www.loves.com/">Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores</a> opened a new store in Oak Grove, Kentucky last June 4. The new truck stop is located near the border with Tennessee and near Fort Campbell Amry base. In addition to 101 truck parking spaces, the new Love’s has the following amenities: <ul> <li>Hardee’s</li> <li>Eight diesel bays</li> <li>Nine showers</li> <li>Love’s Truck Care with on-site Speedco</li> <li>Laundry facilities</li> <li>Fresh Kitchen concept</li> <li>Mobile to Go Zone for electronics</li> <li>CAT scale</li> <li>Two dog parks</li> </ul> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b30-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5033" /></a> <h3><strong>Diesel Cost Goes Up by a Penny</strong></h3> The nationwide average price of a gallon of diesel increased by one cent to $2.396, according to the <a href="https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/">weekly report</a> from the government’s Energy Information Administration on June 8. <h2></h2> Compared to last year, the diesel price is still 70.9 cents lower. Diesel increased in all 10 of the regions surveyed by EIA, with it increasing only 0.1 cent in the Gulf Coast region to $2.172. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/b31-300x156.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="156" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5034" /></a> <h3><strong>Bandit Truck Racing Series Returns to Racing this Month</strong></h3> The Bandit Big Rig Series is making a comeback to the track this month for the first time in 2020. Opening in Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, fans wont be allowed to watch due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual event pass is available for $9.99 for fans to watch the race live online. Purchase your event passes <a href="https://www.showclix.com/events/26755?_ga=2.108108930.1677910521.1591705075-1328879037.1591705075">here.</a> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 09, 2020 • Carriers