Jun 29, 2023

Truckers And Their July 4th Plans

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 <p>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. </p> <p><strong>1. Commit to researching the trucking industry:</strong> </p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>2. Commit to developing a comprehensive business plan:</strong> </p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>3. Commit to finding reliable partners:</strong> </p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>4. Commit to securing financing:</strong> </p> <p>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. </p> <p><strong>5. Commit to staying focused and organized:</strong> </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>By taking care of all these tasks and paying close attention to detail, you can successfully start and run a thriving trucking business. </p>

Jun 20, 2023

Trucker Path and 3PL Systems Offer Single Click Access to Loads and Capacity <p><em>Integration between Trucker Path’s TruckLoads digital freight exchange and 3PL Systems’ BrokerWare TMS greatly expands visibility into available loads and capacity</em></p> <p><strong> PHOENIX – March 16, 2023 </strong> – Trucker Path, the most comprehensive and most used mobile app for North American truckers, today announced that users of BrokerWare Transportation Management Software from 3PL Systems Inc. can post loads directly on the Trucker Path TruckLoads digital freight exchange. The integration with TruckLoads instantly connects 3PL Systems broker customers with the nearly one million drivers and carriers in the Trucker Path community.</p> <p>“This integration between BrokerWare TMS and TruckLoads will provide Trucker Path users instant access to more available loads and increase exposure to capacity for 3PL System users,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “The ability to quickly interact on the TruckLoads digital freight exchange will streamline freight matching and help generate additional revenue for both drivers and brokers.”</p> <p>The Trucker Path integration with 3PL Systems allows companies using BrokerWare TMS to post available loads on TruckLoads with a single click. Drivers using the Trucker Path load board can quickly and easily view and book loads digitally or communicate with the broker to negotiate rates or ask questions.</p> <p>“BrokerWare TMS was designed to provide access to leading load boards like TruckLoads,” said Jeremy Thone, director of marketing at 3PL Systems. “The ability to post loads and find capacity quickly and efficiently is essential for the success of both brokers and drivers. By working with Trucker Path to enable that capability on TruckLoads, our customers will benefit from a seamless integration that allows them to save time, more effectively meet the capacity needs of shippers, and expand their businesses.”</p> <p>3PL Systems joins the growing list of Trucker Path integration partners including McLeod® Software, Transport Pro and many others.</p> <p>TMS providers and brokers interested in integrating with TruckLoads can email Trucker Path at <a href="partners@truckerpath.com"> partners@truckerpath.com.</a></p> <strong> About 3PL Systems Inc </strong> <p>Unleash the power of BrokerWare TMS, the platform meticulously designed to transform the freight brokerage industry. Created in partnership with supply chain experts, our user-friendly interface merges your business operations into a seamless portal—experience hassle-free connections with over 80 LTL carriers via state-of-the-art API and Electronic Dispatch technologies. </p> <p>Our journey is a fusion of expertise and innovation. 3PL Systems sparked its creation of freight software in 2005 with one of the first LTL rating engines. Fast forward to 2015, and our CEO, Cameron Robertson, boldly directed our engineering team to rewrite the entire codebase. Embracing the digitization wave, our company shifted to enhance truckload, rail, drayage, flatbed, and reefer tracking capabilities. </a></p> <strong> About Trucker Path </strong> <p>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></p> <p>Media Contact:</p> <p>Susan Fall</p> <p>LaunchIt Public Relations</p> <p><a href="tel:8584901050">858-490-1050</a></p> <p><a href="mailto:susan@launchitpr.com">susan@launchitpr.com</a></p>

Mar 16, 2023

Survey Reveals Truckers Just as Happy Today As a Year Ago <p>Trucker Path’s recent survey revealed surprising truths about truck drivers’ current state of happiness and job satisfaction. </p> <p>In a March 2023 survey of Trucker Path app users, owner-operators and company drivers were asked 10 questions whether they were making as much money, working as many hours and experiencing as much job satisfaction as they were a year ago. </p> <p>With freight rates low, fuel prices still high and trucking regulations on the rise, we were expecting responses ranging from bad to really bad. </p> <p>Boy, were we surprised. The picture painted by their responses is a clear contrast to the doom and gloom pundits were pushing toward the end of 2022. Granted, it’s not all flat grade and open road ahead. But judging by truckers’ responses, it doesn’t look like we’re headed off a cliff, either. </p> <p><strong>Truckers Report Earning the Same Pay Today</strong> </p> <p>Driver compensation was the number three issue for drivers that was revealed in the 2022 American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Top Industry Issues report. Additionally, DAT reports that dry van spot rates dropped 28% from March 2022 to March 2023. Nevertheless, over 65% of respondents in the Trucker Path survey report making anywhere from about the same amount of money to much more money now. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q5-New-2.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q5-New-2.png" alt="" width="500" height="325" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7178" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Drivers Say They’re Working the Same Hours in 2023</strong> </p> <p>Hours of Service (HOS) has made ATRI’s top 10 list of industry issues in 8 of the last 10 years. Despite perennial complaints about HOS restrictions limiting their ability to work, drivers in the survey say they aren’t lacking for driving time today. Over half report driving about the same amount of hours as a year ago. Over 80% say they are driving the same or more. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q4-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q4-New.png" alt="" width="524" height="352" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7180" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Truckers’ Job Satisfaction and Job Happiness Steady</strong> </p> <p>As pressures on the job mount, truckers make peace with conditions, clearly indicating their moods are not following the trajectory of freight rates. Regardless of major challenges like truck parking, fuel prices, speed limiters and HOS rules, almost 75% report being either about the same or better when it comes to happiness. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q6-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q6-New.png" alt="" width="531" height="327" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7181" /></a> </p> <p>The same with job satisfaction: almost 75% of respondents say their jobs are just as satisfying or more so than they were last year. </p> <p>Here are some of the reasons truckers gave for their happiness and job satisfaction: </p> <p><em>“It’s been a good profitable year for me so far.”</em> </p> <p><em>“This job gives me the opportunity to support my family.”</em> </p> <p><em>“Truckers are always learning, every day.”</em> </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q8-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q8-New.png" alt="" width="489" height="329" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7182" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Truckers Polled Indicate a Desire to Stay Put </strong></p> <p>Trucker Path’s survey suggests the great reshuffle might be slowing. Carriers competing for driver recruits have made for a very fluid job market in recent years. Not to long ago it was common for drivers to jump ship for better rates, signing bonuses and the promise of better hours or lanes. In the Trucker Path survey, less than half said they looked for a job in the last six months. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q7-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q7-New.png" alt="" width="510" height="304" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7183" /></a> </p> <p><strong>The Truckers Looking for Jobs Are Likely to Stay in Trucking</strong> </p> <p>Almost 50% of respondents in the Trucker Path survey who said they looked for a job within the last six months indicated they were looking for a job within the trucking industry. That’s good news for the industry which is still short 78,000 drivers by last ATA estimate. </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Career-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Career-New.png" alt="" width="502" height="304" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7184" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Truckers as Optimistic as Can Be Expected</strong> </p> <p>America’s tough and talented truck drivers aren’t exactly the types to come out and say the future looks bright. They have their eyes on the road and the job ahead. For that reason, it’s always good to adjust trucker’s comments up a little for deflation. </p> <p>In other words, when over 54% of truckers polled say 2023 will be about the same or better than 2022, you can deduce that things aren’t so bad—and certainly better than expected. </p> <p>Here’s what that means from the mouths of truckers: </p> <p><em>“I believe that truckers are sticking together more and the ones that don’t want to are leaving the industry.”</em> </p> <p><em>“Fuel prices should drop slightly. The rate of inflation should also drop slightly. Spare parts for vehicle repairs and other equipment repairs should become more widely available reducing downtime for maintenance.”</em> </p> <p><em>“Work is there. You just need to know how to play the game.”</em> </p> <p><a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q9-New.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2023/05/Q9-New.png" alt="" width="518" height="329" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7185" /></a> </p> <p>Your friends at Trucker Path are here to help you play the game—to win—with industry-leading solutions that help you rule the road and run your business profitably. <strong><a href="http://truckerpath.com">Check out all that we offer for drivers, owner-operators and fleets here.</a></strong></a> </p>

May 24, 2023