Jun 29, 2023

Truckers And Their July 4th Plans

We surveyed Trucker Path users on what their plans were for July 4th. Here’s what they told us.

5 Key Commitments When Starting a Trucking Business Starting a new business is a challenge that entrepreneurs face every day around the world. Starting your own trucking business has some unique challenges but can prove to be a thrilling experience. Here are five essential commitments to make to yourself when launching your own trucking company. 1. Commit to researching the trucking industry: Before jumping into the trucking business as an owner-operator, it's crucial to conduct thorough research. This includes studying the trucking market, how to find customers, understanding the regulations and requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA),researching all of the costs like insurance and fuel, and identifying potential competition. By researching the industry, you can make informed decisions and set realistic goals for your business. 2. Commit to developing a comprehensive business plan: A solid business plan for a startup is crucial for any small business, including a trucking company. Your <a href="https://roadlegends.com/blog/post/trucking-business-plan" target="_blank">trucking business plan</a> should include your mission, goals, target market, and strategies for growth. It should also outline your financial projections and potential risks. By creating a detailed business plan, you can guide your business decisions and attract potential lenders or investors. You need to know how much you need to make to cover your fixed costs each month, as well as how many miles you will need to run in order to make that amount with current market rates. You also need to be able to cover your costs in a down market, because if you can’t survive when rates are down, your business will eventually fail. 3. Commit to finding reliable partners: Building relationships with dependable partners in the industry can help your trucking business maintain good cash flow, like a factoring company. This also includes developing a network of shippers and freight brokers to ensure consistent business. Additionally, partnering with a reputable insurance provider to protect your assets and liabilities is critical. Consider joining trucking associations to stay informed on industry news and regulations. 4. Commit to securing financing: Starting a trucking business requires significant financial investment. In addition to the costs of purchasing or leasing commercial trucks, insurance coverage, and fuel costs, there are also fees associated with obtaining licenses and permits. Consider securing truck financing through traditional lending institutions like banks or credit unions or exploring alternative options such as <a href="http://www.tafs.com">factoring</a> or online lenders. 5. Commit to staying focused and organized: Successfully running a trucking business requires focus and organization. One way to achieve this is by utilizing technology, such as load boards and route planning tools, to optimize efficiency and increase profits. Staying up-to-date on regulatory compliance and maintaining accurate records is also crucial. Additionally, fostering strong communication and relationships with drivers and team members can ensure smooth operations. Starting a trucking business requires careful planning and execution. It's important to consider startup costs, trucking insurance, and initial operating costs to establish a successful business. Thorough research and a comprehensive business plan can also help set your business up for success. Partnering with reliable organizations and securing financing are also key factors to consider. It's important to take care of all the necessary tasks to get your trucking business up and running. One of the first steps is to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you plan on driving your own trucks. This will require passing certain tests and meeting specific requirements. You'll also need to register for the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP) if you plan on operating in multiple states. These programs help simplify fuel reporting and vehicle registration for interstate carriers. Obtaining a US DOT Number and or a Motor Carrier Number from the Department of Transportation is also necessary for your trucking business. This unique identifier is required for certain commercial motor vehicles and carriers operating in the United States. Securing liability and cargo insurance is another important step. These types of insurance can protect you financially in case of accidents or damage to goods in transit. Registering for Commercial Vehicle Use Tax and FMCSA renewals is also required for certain types of vehicles and carriers. And don't forget to obtain all necessary business licenses and set up a business bank account. By taking care of all these tasks and paying close attention to detail, you can successfully start and run a thriving trucking business.

Jun 20, 2023

The Importance of Health Insurance for Truck Drivers Medical insurance is important and something that everyone should have, especially truck drivers. Many drivers and fleet companies have truck insurance, which covers the trucks and drivers in the case of accidents, fire, theft, and damages to other trucks. However, many companies may not offer their truckers medical insurance, which covers health, dental, vision, and other coverage for the driver and their families. It is important for truck drivers to have health insurance coverage right from the get-go. Besides being a necessity for most individuals, it’s especially critical for truck drivers considering the many health impacts that they are more likely to develop due to the nature of their occupation. Different health impacts faced by truck drivers 1. Obesity Obesity is one of the major health concerns faced by truck drivers, as they are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely</a> to be obese compared to other US workers. One cause is the lack of healthy food choices while on the road (we all deal with today’s huge fast-food culture). The lack of proper exercise is also another contributing factor. Truck drivers often have a sedentary lifestyle as they’re stuck in their seat for most of their day and lack the time for regular exercise. Being obese can also lead to many other related health issues, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. 2. Respiratory issues The culture of smoking is extremely prevalent amongst truck drivers; they are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely</a> to smoke compared to other US workers. Many truck drivers pick up smoking as they feel it helps them fight fatigue and boredom on the road. Combined with their continuous exposure to diesel exhaust fumes while driving, truck drivers are very likely to develop lung cancer and other respiratory issues. 3. Sleep disorders and chronic fatigue Truck drivers often have irregular sleep schedules due to their jobs. Their driving schedules often change depending on weather conditions and traffic. They also face tight deadlines for their deliveries, often requiring late nights or early mornings. This impacts their rest and can lead to chronic fatigue in the long run. Furthermore, the inconsistency of their sleep schedules can also lead to sleep disorders including insomnia and, when coupled with obesity, sleep apnea. Importance of health insurance for truck drivers Being away from home more times than not and constantly being on road makes it difficult for truck drivers to schedule regular doctor appointments to check up on their health. Furthermore, many of those without employer health insurance believe it is too expensive and can’t fit it in their budget, thinking they will put it off for another time in the future. In many cases, drivers wait too long to get their health issues checked and get stuck with expensive medical bills. With proper medical insurance which covers health, dental, and vision, truck drivers can be more comfortable going to the doctor to get checked when they experience any medical issues. Having insurance encourages truck drivers to take care of their health and can reduce the number of accidents that may occur on the road. Furthermore, for truck drivers, their job stability is quite dependent on their health; if they get a medical condition that impacts their ability to drive, they may lose their job or income. With proper health insurance, truck drivers can be more encouraged to keep up with their wellbeing and ensure they are healthy enough to keep driving and maintaining their livelihood. Business solutions, such as <a href="https://go.tafs.com/l/166742/2022-09-02/5gdg55">factoring</a> and <a href="https://www.atbs.com/trucker-path">accounting</a>, are important for truckers to have, but medical insurance and their health should be a priority. Trucker Path recently announced a partnership with nationally licensed insurance company Smart and Simple Insurance Development (SASid). This <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-and-sasid-partner-to-offer-reduced-rate-insurance/">partnership</a> aims to make the lives of American truck drivers easier by bringing them a range of affordable insurance options. For affordable health insurance options for truckers, <a href="https://www.smartandsimple.com/partners/trucker-path/">click here</a>.

Apr 05, 2023

Essentials From Trucker Path Bundles Key Solutions Combined ELD, load board, dispatching portal and truck navigation address core needs of small- to mid-sized trucking companies at an affordable price PHOENIX – March 22, 2023 – Trucker Path, the most comprehensive and most used mobile app for North American truckers, today announced Essentials, an affordable bundle of products for small- to mid-sized fleets. Included in the package are truck-safe navigation and routing, ELD, load board and direct-to-app dispatching solutions “Our new Essentials package includes everything a small- to mid-sized carrier needs to efficiently and effectively grow their business,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “Not only does Essentials save our customers 35% compared to the cost of buying individual products, but it also provides an advantage when it comes to support and coordination, and seamless interoperability from a single provider. Most importantly, these products include features that support our customers’ current needs as well as those they will encounter as they grow. Running a trucking company is tough, but our Essentials package makes it easier and for a very affordable price. Essentials from Trucker Path includes: ● ELD: Powered by Geotab for keeping drivers compliant and safe (includes electronic DVIR capabilities) ● LOAD BOARD: TruckLoads, offering unlimited access to search, bid and even book profitable loads quickly and easily ● DISPATCH PORTAL: Fully integrated, easy-to-use software that makes it simple to dispatch loads directly to the drivers’ Trucker Path app ● TRUCK-SAFE ROUTING & NAVIGATION: North America’s most relied upon real truck mapping and navigation from Trucker Path Fleets using other brands of ELDs to meet regulatory requirements can also take advantage of the Essentials bundle from Trucker Path without its ELD solution. To learn more about Trucker Path Essentials, visit <a href="https://www.truckerpath.com/essentials">https://www.truckerpath.com/essentials</a> About Trucker Path Phoenix-based Trucker Path is the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products. Its Trucker Path app is currently in use by over 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck optimized routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time available parking, fuel prices, weigh station status, and truck scales and wash locations. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers; COMMAND™, the industry’s first and only Operations & Driver Relationship (ODR) platform that provides small to mid-size fleets with the necessary driver and TMS technologies to successfully run a fleet; and DISPATCH, a full-service dispatch service designed specifically to serve the back-office needs of small carriers and owner-operators. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.truckerpath.com/">www.truckerpath.com.</a> Media Contact: Susan Fall LaunchIt Public Relations <a href="tel:8584901050">858-490-1050</a> <a href="mailto:susan@launchitpr.com">susan@launchitpr.com</a>

Mar 23, 2023