May 10, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update - May 10, 2019

Industry Update - May 10, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

On May 11, 1947, the BF Goodrich Company announces their invention of the tubeless tire. The invention was proven capable and a patent was granted to BF Goodrich in 1952. During testing, it was shown that the tubeless tire was easier to change, more efficient and offered a better ride.

Trucking tip of the Week

We are coming up on graduation week across the nation. This means, the start of the 100 deadliest days of the year on the road. Generally stretching from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the 100 deadliest days of the year on the road coincides with family vacations and good weather. Couple this with free time from new drivers, free time and three holidays (Memorial Day, 4^th of July and Labor Day) means speed and alcohol tend to play major factors in many crashes. Be safe out there!

Truckers to the Rescue

We all know how much truckers due to help those in need in the US. A trucking company out of Cedar Rapids, IA, stepped up to help out some with cancer this week. West Side Transportation decorated a trailer and named it Convoy for a Cure to raise $10,000 that they donated to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Iowa City, IA.

Technology and Safety

In a not so surprising bit of news, ELDs, as of now, have not made the roads any safer. While they have reduced the number of hours of service violations, the number of wrecks and the issues with vehicles have not decreased to the extent that was predicted. Hours of service issues have decreased as much as 50% but unsafe driving habits actually increased by nearly 44% for Owner-Operators from December 31, 2017 to late September 2018.

Infrastructure

The 2017 report on structurally deficient bridges has been released. These reports are always a year behind and are released by the Federal Highway Administration. The report shows that nearly nine percent of all bridges in the US are deficient. Of the National Highway bridges, that number drops to just over three percent. Both of these numbers are slight decreases from the 2016 numbers.

TagsSafety Truckers Infrastructure Did you Know Technology Trucking Tips transportation Cancer West Side Transportation Summer ELDs

Trucker Safety and Health Tips [p]It can be incredibly tiring driving for long durations of time, especially if you are delivering goods far away. You have to be very careful about managing stress and maintaining good health while on long routes. The healthier you are, the more focused you will be, and that will result in efficient goods delivery. Ultimately, taking care of your health and safety will have a positive effect not only on your lifestyle but also on your work.[/p] [p]We are celebrating World Safety and Health Day this week to raise awareness for your well-being. It’s a day most relevant for all workers especially truckers, who spend a big part of their life on the road. Here are a few health and safety tips for you so you can stay in top shape and reduce risks from your day to day trucking. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Wear the Seatbelt[/b][/p] [p]Wearing the seatbelt is essential for every driver, especially for a trucker, because trucks are involved in a lot more accidents than cars. You have to wear the belt even though most of the time you drive slow. Safety should be your priority, no matter the situation.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Take Lots of Rest[/b][/p] [p]As a truck driver, your job is very demanding. It is not easy to drive constantly for hundreds of miles. Your body needs rest and some time to recuperate. Therefore, take a nap whenever you get the time and check in to a nice motel, whenever possible. Nothing beats a good night's sleep, so make sure you are not skipping too many rest stops.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-WorldHealthSafety-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Don’t Forget to Eat and Hydrate[/b][/p] [p]A lot of times, truckers forget to fill their belly with nutritious food and water. The human body needs constant energy to function. Therefore, you should keep some snacks and a big water bottle by your side. It is better to eat small snacks while you are engrossed in driving as this way you can meet the deadline and keep yourself healthy.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Inspect Your Truck[/b][/p] [p]They say that you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you inspect your vehicle before driving. For truck drivers, this is very true. You have such a large vehicle, with so many moving parts, it presents its challenges. Moreover, if anything goes wrong, you will hurt yourself and others around you. Therefore, it's good practice to do pre-trip inspection. Check the tires, the warning signs, the engine, and other vital components of your rig before heading out on your journey.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/04/202104-TP-BLOG-WorldHealthSafety-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Socialize When Possible[/b][/p] [p]Humans are social animals that require regular interaction to stay sane. As a trucker, you are alone most of the time, away from friends and family. The loneliness can take a toll on your mental health. Hence, try to make a few new friends at rest stops. It helps to talk to other people, maybe drive in groups to keep in touch with each other on the cb radio. If you are missing your family, talk to them on the phone or get them on a video call. Talking to your dear ones can rejuvenate your soul and boost your mood. Keep in mind all these tips and follow them as much as possible to stay safe and healthy while driving.[/p] [p]Do you have any safety and wellness tips to share? Comment below.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Apr 30, 2021 • Carriers

Start a Trucking Company With One Truck [h2]Start a Trucking Company With One Truck [/h2] [p]Yes, it's possible to start a trucking company with one truck! Learn the steps to success here. [/p] [p]The <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">Trucking industry trends</a> and experts expect freight revenue to grow by 75 percent over the next nine years. [/p] [p] With the trucking industry eclipsing over $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015, starting a trucking company now can be extremely lucrative. The trucking industry serves as a pillar in keeping things going and as long as people have demand for products, moving freight will be necessary for years to come.[/p] [p]Don't be intimidated by the larger trucking companies with thousands of truck drivers and investors to provide capital. 90 percent of trucking companies are small fleets of six trucks or less so there's space in the industry for you to start a trucking company with one truck.[/p] [h2] 1. Apply for Trucking Authority - Trucking Company Forms[/h2] [p]Paperwork, documentation, and forms. They're tedious and might seem redundant but are necessary for you to get your trucking company started and earn <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">trucking authority</a>.[/p] [p]If you haven't already been assigned a US DOT number, you will need to register for a DOT number form before you can apply to obtain trucking authority. Keep in mind the old [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-mcs-150-and-instructions-motor-carrier-identification-report"]MCS-150 form[/a] is now only for updating existing US DOT number and not for obtaining a US DOT number.[/p] [p]To get a US DOT number you will need to use the new [a href="https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov/UrsRegistrationWizard/"]Unified Registration System[/a]. The processing time can take 20-25 business days according to the FMCSA.[/p] [p]If you already have a US DOT number and wish to apply for operating authority you can do so by [a href="http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option"]completing this registration form[/a] and paying the associated $300 fee.[/p] [h2] 2. Choosing a Process Agent[/h2] [p]You will need to choose a process agent who can represent you in regards to court papers. You will need to have a process agent for each state your trucking company operates in. They are used if there ever is an issue where court papers are to be served to your trucking company in a state other than the state your company is registered in.[/p] [p]The FMCSA has a [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents"]list of process agents to choose from here[/a]. The process agent is responsible for completing [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/registration/1996/boc-3-1-18-2017.pdf"]Form BOC-3[/a] on behalf of your trucking company.[/p] [h2]3. Truck Insurance[/h2] [p]Once you've established your trucking company you will need to make sure that it's properly insured. Liability insurance is required for trucking companies to cover potential damages or injuries caused by operating a commercial vehicle.[/p] [p]Shop around and get several quotes before making a decision on which insurance provider is best for your trucking company. [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements"]Here is a detailed overview of the FMCSA insurance requirements[/a] to help get you started.[/p] [h2]4. Buying or Leasing a Truck[/h2] [p]When starting your trucking company you can buy or lease trucks depending on what suits your needs best. If you have the working capital upfront to cover the cost and want to operate a small fleet with a few trucks, buying several trucks at once from a dealer might result in a discounted price per vehicle.[/p] [p]You can also look into leasing trucks which often times keeps the monthly costs down and can even have a lease-to-own option available. However, there are usually restrictions that apply to leasing that vary by dealer. You will want to take the time to search and compare dealer options and offers before choosing.[/p] [p]Lastly, there is also the option to purchase used trucks which can help save you upfront but can be costly down the line. You may find a used truck that is a few years old with over 400,000 miles on it for $40,000 to $50,000 less than a new one.[/p] [p]It might be a great deal but remember, on average, truck repairs cost an estimated $15,000 annually according to the ATRI and with used trucks, that number can be even more. [/p] [h2]5. Choosing the Right Truck and Trailer Equipment [/h2] [p] Choosing the correct equipment to haul <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/types-of-truck-freight/">truck freight</a> can have a tremendous impact on your trucking companies earning potential. Although freight rates fluctuate week-to-week, typically flatbed truck loads pay the highest rate on average. [/p] [p] That is not to say that a reefer, van or step deck load won't ever pay a better rate. Rather it's just an overall average to consider before choosing the equipment type for your truck. Keep in mind that location also plays a major factor in determining freight rates. [/p] [p]<strong>Looking ahead</strong>: when you're trucking company is set up, you can find truck freight to haul on free load boards like <strong>Truckloads</strong>. Customize your truck load searches by <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">deadhead</a> location and the trailer equipment type for you. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=startonetruckcompany"]Find Freight Today[/button-green] [video id="snyBYpnuhWw"] [h2] 6. International Registration Plan (IRP)[/h2] [p] By registering your vehicle through the IRP in your home state, you will be allowed to haul interstate loads as well as freight through Canada without having to worry about additional registrations. You will be provided an apportioned license plate and cab-cards now display all jurisdictions that you cover. [/p] [p] The IRP registration fee for your apportioned plate will vary depending on state and vehicle weight, but typically the price ranges from $1,500 - $2,000. [a href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/webstate.cfm"]Use this list to determine what the cost will be for your state.[/a] [/p]

Dec 14, 2017 • Carriers

Industry Update - April 12, 2019 <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> The famous trucking movie “Breaker, Breaker” turned 42 this month. Released on April 1, 1977, “Breaker, Breaker” is still considered one of the top trucking movies of all time. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> With weather issues cropping up across the US, it worth noting to be careful using “Adverse Condition” if you run into trouble. Remember, if the weather has been predicted, adverse condition does not apply to extend your hours. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> Oddly enough, even though many states are experiencing records amounts of rain, flooding, and some mudslides, particularly in northern Idaho and western Washington, the number of state declarations of emergency have been reduced. Do not assume just because an area has had a lot of bad weather that a declaration of emergency will be signed. Remember to check the <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">FMCSA’s declaration page</a> regularly. <h3><strong><u>Truckers and National Security</u></strong></h3> The Transportation Security Administration is creating a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trucking-rail-industries-advise-regulators-231605791.html">group of 35 voting members</a> from both the rail and trucking industries to help create regulations to protect surface transportation and the country as a whole. Of the 35 voting members, two members are from the ATA and another is from OOIDA. While it is suggested the groups will be working on national security type issues, there has no word on what issues they will directly address. <h3><strong><u>Technology</u></strong></h3> <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/digital-dashboard-cameras-gaining-truckers-acceptance">Dash cameras have long been shunned</a> by the trucking industry for many reasons. With the invasion of privacy concerns, who can access the cameras, when and under what pretenses, there will always be worries about having them in the cab of the truck. However, truckers are beginning to buy into the idea more and more. A lot of this is due to the fact that insurance companies are rewarding those drivers that do install them with lower premiums. Another reason why they are being adopted is because fleet owners want to see what is causing poor driving habits. They can use this as a tool to adjust driver habits and to effectively manage their fleets.

Apr 12, 2019 • Carriers