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

Thank a Trucker for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week [p][b]September 7th, 2021 (Phoenix) [/b]: 18 months ago the United States was outside, self-reliant, maskless, and often forgetful of a group of individuals that continually kept America moving. They provide gas to our vehicles, food to our homes, entertainment to our families, but most important peace of mind to our hearts. They provided all this and more, day in and day out. It was easy to forget this group existed because they had always ensured the things we needed were available. 18 months ago, the world changed. America changed. And the daily lives we all had come to expect, changed. However, for this group, nothing changed. During a time of crisis, this group made it their mission to continue keeping our lives "normal".[/p] [p]Truck Drivers have been moving supplies to areas that need them most for over a 100 years and they do not stop. They wake up early in the morning to load their freight, they spend all day or even days making sure it arrives safely to its destination, and then they make their way back home to their families before getting up the next morning to do it again. These tireless heroes spend their lives making our lives better and it is time to share our appreciation. Sept. 12th - 18th is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and Trucker Path is extending our thanks.[/p] [p]Trucker Path has created this Proud to Serve America's Truck Drivers logo and distributed them to some of the top destination points throughout the US. These hubs have long been on the frontlines providing our nation's drivers with food, gas, overnight parking, and community while away from their friends and families. These logos will be prominently displayed on property for all drivers to know they are supported and to spread awareness to passerby's whose lives are made better because of truckers everywhere.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/09/Screen-Shot-2021-09-02-at-12.35.12-PM.png" alt=""] [p]Having long been known as the go-to app for truckers everywhere, Trucker Path has continually added new features like true truck navigation, and fuel or route optimization to save drivers time and money. Frank Chen, Senior Product Manager at Trucker Path says, "Trucker Path aims to revolutionize our industry by putting drivers at the focal point of our development efforts. Helping Trucker Path's community of drivers save time and reduce fuel expenses will put extra money in their pockets and create happier drivers on the road."[/p] [p]Further revolutionizing the industry, Trucker Path's <a href="http://pathfinder.truckerpath.com/sign-up.html">Pathfinder Program</a> (a community of drivers that post reviews and update gas prices, parking availbility, restroom conditions, and more on locations across the US) has used reviews to help our industry refine standards and spread relevant information throughout the community. Normally, Pathfinders take 3 photos and write a 50-word review to receive a 100 coin rewards (that can be redeemed for prizes). During this year's National Truck Drivers Appreciation Week, we are boosting that reward 10-fold to 1000 coins per qualifying review per location (see Pathfinder Program for rules).[/p] <a href="http://pathfinder.truckerpath.com/sign-up.html">Click here to sign up for our Pathfinder Program</a> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/09/202193-102456.png" alt=""] [p]We want to thank our nation's drivers anyway we can and we encourage all those on the road to sign-up on the Trucker Path app for the Pathfinder Program today. Our platform provides a voice and now it can be used to share our thanks to drivers not just this week but all year round. Take a selfie with the logo, write a review, and help spread the appreciation our community of professional drivers deserve.[/p] [p][b] Download the app from your app store, sign-up, and start thanking today. [/b][/p]

Sep 07, 2021

Trucking Authority [p]Trucking authority allows owner-operators an opportunity to be their own boss and potentially maximize earnings by hauling freight.[/p] [h2] Trucking Authority [/h2] [p] Trucking authority also known as operating authority means the FMCSA will allow you to transport freight as a motor carrier. Let's say you've been a company driver for over a decade now or that you're a leased owner operator and want to start your own trucking company. Getting your trucking authority is the next step. [/p] [p]Essentially, you will be on your own to find and book loads giving you the freedom to search on load boards for truckloads that are the best fit for you. This allows you to set your own schedule, decide what type of loads you want to haul and what routes you want to take. [/p] [h2] Trucking Authority Requirements [/h2] [p]Trucking authority requirements are implemented by the FMCS trough the Unified Registration System (URS)for new applicants seeking trucking authority.To get trucking authority you will need to register through the <a href="https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov/UrsRegistrationWizard/">Unified Registration System</a> first. [/p] [p]It will take about 20-25 business days to process according to the FMCSA (unless subject to further review by the agency, in which case it could take an additional eight weeks). [/p] [h2] Types of Trucking Authority [/h2] [p] The different types of authority will affect the type of insurance a carrier will need to meet the requirements of the FMCSA. [/p] [ul] [li] Motor Carrier of Property - requires proof of public liability and cargo insurance [/li] [li] Motor Carrier of Household Goods - doesn't require cargo insurance [/li] [/ul] [p] Regardless of the type of authority, you will need to complete this <a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/op-1-instructions.pdf">OP-1 form</a> to file for trucking authority. [/p] [h2] Trucking Authority Requires Insurance [/h2] [p] In order to get your authority the FMCSA requires you to provide proof of insurance that you have liability coverage. Your insurance agency will need to submit form BMC-91 which covers public liability in case of an accident causing injury or property damage.[/p] [p]Remember DO NOT submit your proof of insurance directly to the FMCSA. The FMCSA requires that your insurance company submit the form and insurance certificate on your behalf.[/p] [h2]Trucking Authority Cost [/h2] [p]The tucking authority cost is a $300 filing fee that is associated with registering for the FMCSA URS. [/p] [p]Before you start booking loads to haul, there are additional costs and fees. When you're ready, explore our detailed guide that is sure to help you <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-start-a-trucking-company/">start your own trucking company</a>.[/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-to-start-a-trucking-company/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=authorityJuly27" width="250px"]How to Start a Trucking Company[/button-green]

Jul 27, 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