Sep 02, 2021

Hurricane Ida Update

New York City (4:30 AM ET)

Hurricane Ida continues to torment as it moves from South to North-East towards New York & New Jersey. Both states have announced a transition into a state of emergency early Thursday. With the National Weather Service in New York declaring flash flood emergencies, there is currently a travel ban in place for all non-emergency vehicles until 5a.m. ET Thursday.

We hope that our Trucker Path community can stay safe in these times and avoid unnecessary journeys. Our Trucker Path maps are constantly being updated regarding road closures & weather alerts. If you come across any issues, please make sure to report it with our team.

PSA: Navigation Service Outage Update

Aug 31, 2021 • PSA

Starting your Career as a Truck Driver [p]Before starting this journey, you should be 100% sure that you want to go down this career path. Remember that despite it being a career that brings in the bucks and takes you to different cities, trucking also involves making sacrifices and paying heavy attention to safety. Familiarize yourself with the industry as much as you can. If you’re ready to begin, then we’ve put together a few pointers that might be useful before you start your career.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Checklist for becoming a Truck Driver[/b][/p] <ol> <li>Obtain Commercial Driver's License.</li> <li>Obtain endorsements for a particular truck/load type if necessary.</li> <li>Buy your own truck and complete necessary insurance/paperwork OR join a trucking company and take on deliveries. </li> </ol> <h2></h2> [p][b] Getting your Commercial Driver's License[/b][/p] [p]You will need to attend a trucking school to train for your CDL Skills Test. On average, it takes about 7 weeks (between $3000 & $7000) to get your CDL whilst completing the program full-time. You will need to dedicate atleast 40 hours a week for your truck driving training. It is also possible to attend a paid CDL program, often held by some of the larger trucking companies. They will teach you how to drive their trucks, get the CDL and give their graduates a driving job. Paid training programs may have an extra set of requirements including a commitment to employment (depending on employer). [/p] [p]To begin pursuing for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL),you will need to fulfill the basic requirements: [/p] <ul> <li>Possess a high school diploma or GED</li> <li>Preserve a good driving record</li> <li>Have a Class D license for at least 1 year and in good standing</li> <li>Be at least 18 years old to drive in-state, 21 to drive state-to-state</li> <li>Possess a social security card</li> <li>Be able to show proof of insurance</li> <li>Pass a 10-year background check</li> <li>Pass TSA screening</li> <li>Pass a medical examination</li> <li>Pass periodic drug tests</li> </ul> <h2></h2> [p][b] Step 1: Get your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)[/b][/p] [p]The CLP allows you to practice on legal roads with a CDL holder sitting next to you. Besides a countrywide 10-year driving record & health check, your state may have specific requirements. For a better idea, please check your state's CDL Manual. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Step 2: Get your Commercial Drivers License (CDL)[/b][/p] [p]You are required to hold the CLP for 14 days before taking the Skills Test. Some states may require you to take a CDL training beforehand. The Skills Test has three parts: The Vehicle Inspections Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Once you've pased the test, congrats! You're a certified commercial driver. You may be given the CDL on the same day or send it to you by mail. The CDL cost also varies according to state.[/p] <table> <tr> <td>CDL Application Fee</td> <td>$0 - $43</td> <td>The Commercial Driver's License "application" is the form you will need to complete when applying for your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This form will consist of your Identification Information (everything from your name, addresses, DOB, social security number to current license information),questions related to "Certifications" ("are you a resident in the state you're applying for your CDL in?", "do you have any limitations or medical conditions, either mental or physical?", and other questions related to qualifications). In addition to these questions, the application will ask about "CDL Endorsements" you are trying to obtain. For more on "Endorsements", read on. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL Endorsement Fee</td> <td>Varies</td> <td>Varies depending on endorsement & state. Six endorsements that can be added: - Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge Test Only) - Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests) - Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test Only) - Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test Only) - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials Endorsements (Knowledge Test Only) - School Bus (Knowledge and Skills Tests)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL Written Test Fee</td> <td>Upto $125</td> <td>The CDL written test consists of questions on a number of topics, ranging from maintaining safe operating speeds in many types of driving conditions, handling cargo, using an electronic logging device, operating all the systems in the vehicle, and more. Test-takers receive 60 minutes to complete the exam. If the driver would like a particular endorsement (see above),additional questions may be added. Most endorsement tests add an additional 20 to 25 questions. Most states do not set a time limit for the test-taker to answer the endorsement exam questions.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL Skills Test Fee</td> <td>Upto $250</td> <td>The CDL skills test involves a road test, a pre-trip inspection test, and a basic vehicle control test. The skills test is a necessary part of obtaining your CDL. During the skills test, you must drive on the road with a test administrator, so the test must be scheduled in advance. If you have two or more years of experience in driving with the military, you may able to waive the test. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>CDL License Fee</td> <td>Upto $120</td> <td>Once you've passed the CDL exam, you must pay for your commercial driver's license, which can cost upwards of $120. You must renew your CDL on a regular basis, but frequency varies by state. Check your state's requirements to find out more.</td> </tr> </table> [p]There are three types of CDL's for each state.[/p] <table> <tr> <th>Commercial A</th> <td>Any legal combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Commercial B</th> <td>Any single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds, any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, or a 3-axle vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds.</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Commercial C</th> <td>Any Class C vehicle with one or more of the following endorsements: - Hazardous Materials (HazMat) - Passenger Vehicle (PV) - Tank Vehicle (TV)</td> </tr> </table> <h2></h2> [p][b] Time to find a Trucking job[/b][/p] [p]As an entry-level trucker, your options may be limited but always ensure your employer provides the right work/life balance and benefits. Choosing between a big or small company also has its differences. Small companies give you a higher pay and closer connections with staff, whereas big companies allow you to grow within the company and work on exciting projects. Most trucking companies aren’t just going to let you out on the road in their own trucks without some sort of training. Training program lengths vary from company to company—but, for the most part, you can expect that they will be at least a few weeks long.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Finding your balance[/b][/p] [p]Once you’ve become more comfortable and have clocked in a few thousand miles, it might be a good idea to think about what’s next. Are you looking to move closer to home and do more regional work? Maybe you’ve got all the skills needed to move from a truck driver to an owner/fleet operator. Think about your goals, your accomplishments/ongoing challenges with truck driving before carefully selecting what’s right.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b] Don’t worry, we’re by your side. [/b][/p] [p] We hope this guide gives you an overview on how to start your exciting trucking career. As a company that’s made by truckers for truckers, we want to make sure you get the job done in the most efficient and safe way possible. With support from our thousands of daily users who rely on our services, we will continue to update our growing features.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Stay in touch![/b][/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Tharaka[/b][/p]

Aug 31, 2021 • Carriers

How to start your own trucking company [p]If you're looking through articles on how to start a trucking company, chances are that you want to work for yourself. If you have been a trucker for a while and looking to get off the road whilst still staying in the industry, then it's a good idea to start your own business. You can hire drivers, buy trucks and start earning more money! In this article, we will take you through some of the key things to consider when starting your own company.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Step #1 : Get your license![/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]Whether you're looking to manage drivers or be a driver yourself, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires you to hold a number of licenses before starting your company. Most importantly, you would need to obtain your required trucking authority, which gives you permission to operate trucks over 10,000 gross vehicle weight across different states. Besides the US DOT Number, you would require multiple operating authorities depending on your life of business. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]List of necessary documents:[/b][/p] <h2></h2> <table> <tr> <td>Commercial Driver's License (CDL)</td> <td>Drivers of commercial vehicles are required to obtain a CDL. Costs for a CDL can range from $3000 upwards depending on the state, classes and exams.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>US DOT Number</td> <td>The FMCSA uses a trucking company's DOT number when conducting investigations, inspections, etc. There is no charge for a DOT number application. First-time applicants apply through the Unified Registration System on the FMCSA website. Applications through URS take roughly 20 - 25 business days, subject to further requirements.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Motor Carrier Operating Authority (MC number)</td> <td>You will need to obtain an MC in addition to a DOT Number if you plan to: <ol> <li>Transport passengers in interstate commerce (for a fee or other compensation, whether direct or indirect)</li> <li>Transport federally-regulated commodities owned by others or arranging for their transport, (for a fee or other compensation, in interstate commerce)</li> </ol> In addition, you may need to apply for multiple operating authorities depending on your business. It costs $300 for each MC number. </td> </tr> <tr> <td>BOC - 3 filing</td> <td>This is done by the process agent that you appoint; the BOC - 3 filing must be included for all states that you will be taking loads in.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>International Registration Plan (IRP) credentials and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decal</td> <td>If you plan on operating across different states and your vehicles are over 26,000 pounds in weight, then you will need IRP credentials & ITA decals for your trucks. It will generally take between 3-5 days to process both credentials separately. The registration fee for both vary according to state but has a rough average of $1500 - $2000. </td> </tr> </table> <h2></h2> [p][b]Step #2: Legality issues[/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]The FMSCA requires you to have a process agent who will represent you in every state that you travel and work in. Once you find your desired process agent, have them fill in the BOC-3 form (click here Form BOC-3 - Designation of Agents for Service of Process).[/p] [p]When filing in the paperwork, you also need to determine the type of business you want to register your company as. Many factors such as tax filings and legal responsibility may play an important role in the future as your business grows, so It is best to talk to an accountant and lawyer about which type suits your needs best. [/p] [p][b]Step #3 Getting Insured[/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]FMSCA states that you need to have the right papers and insurance before you are given authority to operate. Some of the insurance covers include Public Liability Insurance including freight and passenger insurance, cargo insurance, etc. The exact documents will depend on the type of registration.[/p] <table> <tr> <td>BMC-91 or BMC-91X</td> <td>Public liability insurance (bodily injury/property damage/environmental restoration)</td> <td>The following categories: <ul> <li>Motor Carrier</li> <li>Freight Forwarder (Note: Non-vehicle operating freight forwarders may seek waiver of this requirement.) </li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td></td> <td><ul> <li>Freight:--$750,000 - $5,000,000, depending on commodities transported; $300,000 for non-hazardous freight moved only in vehicles weighing under 10,001 lbs.</li> <li>Passengers:--$5,000,000; $1,500,000 for registrants operating only vehicles with seating capacity of 15 or fewer passengers.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>BMC-34 or BMC-83</td> <td> <ul> <li>Cargo insurance--$5,000 per vehicle</li> <li>$10,000 per occurrence</li> </ul> </td> <td> <ul> <li>Household Goods Motor Carrier </li> <li>Household Goods Freight Forwarder </li> <ul> </td> <tr> <td>BMC-84 or BMC-85</td> <td> <ul> <li>Surety Bond amount is $75,000</li> <li>Trust Fund Agreement is $75,000</li> </ul> </td> <td> <ul> <li>Freight Forwarder</li> <li>Broker of Freight</li> </ul></td> </tr> <tr> <td>BOC-3</td> <td>Service of Process Agents</td> <td>All Authorities</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MCS-90</td> <td>Endorsement for Motor Carrier</td> <td></td> </tr> </table> <h2></h2> [p][b]Step #4 Time to get a truck[/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]You can choose to lease or buy a truck depending on your financial situation. If you have financial capital and are looking to start a small fleet, getting your trucks from the same dealer might get you a decent discount. You can also consider buying a second-hand truck; however keep in mind that the average cost to repair a truck is $15,000 annually according to ATRI and the number may be higher for second-hand trucks depending on the quality.[/p] [p]Leasing can also be an option, paying monthly in the short term with a single down-payment at the beginning. However, you do not build equity with your payments and at the end of the term, you will own nothing unless you agree on a right to purchase.[/p] [p]Picking the right truck can make the difference between success and failure. Make sure to do your research and if possible, speak to other truck drivers who have become operators for advice.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Step #5 Get your equipment right[/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]Choosing the type of freight your drivers carry can have a huge impact on how your company grows and earns. There are many equipment models for you to choose from, with flatbed and dry van neing the most common. (Yet to be completed).[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/09/Flatbed-or-Dryvan.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Step #6 Track your finances[/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]It's important that you set up a system to track your company's income and expenses. As clients within the payment industry often pay weeks or months after a delivery is complete, it may be difficult to track if you are also planning to transport loads and on the road. Here are several tips to keep in mind when starting out - [/p] <ol> <li>Pay clear attention to how and when your clients will pay you.</li> <li>Hire an accountant or use an easy book-keeping softare to track your expenses.</li> <li>Keep your business and personal transatons/bank accounts separate.</li> <li>Keep records of all invoices, receipts and expenses.</li> </ol> <h2></h2> [p][b]Step #7 Time to pick up some loads! [/b][/p] <h2></h2> [p]All set? Now it's time to get your trucks sorted, hire some drivers and start making money! Luckily you don't need to look far as our Truckloads platform will help you out. With more than 200K+ daily loads from certified carriers, it is a great way to find a value-for-money load; and we have included tools that will help you choose better. Download the app now on the Apple Store or Google Play Store and start searching for FREE loads![/p]

Sep 29, 2021 • Community