Mar 09, 2017

Florida Bike Week Forces Love's to Restrict Truck Parking

Florida Bike Week Forces Love's to Restrict Truck Parking

Love’s travel stop in Florida won’t allow truck parking during bike week.

The Love’s travel stop in Ormond Beach of I-95 will not allow trucks to park from March 10–19 due to the increased traffic resulting from Bike Week. In the past, local law enforcement officials say there have been up to three miles of backups on I-1 and 1-95 near the Love’s location because of the event. Trucks will still be allowed to fuel up at the location.

Use Trucker Path to Find Truck Parking Nearby

There are over 7,000 locations for parking in the Trucker Path app. Be sure to plan ahead to find locations with available truck parking nearby. Search for TA & Petro, Pilot & Flying J, independent truck stops and Walmarts that allow overnight truck parking.

Locations With Truck Parking Near Ormond Beach

Flying J – St. Augustine, FL Highway 206, exit 305
Rest Area – St. Augustine, FL I-95, exit 305
Rest Area – Longwood, FL I-4, exit 4

Love’s of Ormond Beach Statement

“In the past when we attempted to impose 30-minute parking limits for trucks, it was difficult to enforce. The increased traffic volumes for truckers waiting to fuel – combined with the significant influx of cars, trucks and bikes during that week – caused traffic jams to the point that State Police had to close the exit. Love’s wants to provide the necessary fueling for our professional truck driver Customers, but to ensure that is still available, we need to keep the trucks moving in and out at that exit.”

Love’s Location: 1657 US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.

Tagstruck stops

How to Start a Hotshot Trucking Business [p]Ever wondered how to be your own boss while enjoying beautiful sceneries across America? The freight industry is the backbone of America’s economy contributing more than <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp-from-transport">500 billion USD</a> every quarter and the numbers are increasing each year. It’s a lucrative industry which gives handsome rewards. However, it is not easy getting into traditional trucking due to the requirements needed.[/p] [p]What if there was a way to be a part of the trucking industry without dealing with all the hassle? The good news is there is a sure-fire way of being a part of the trucking industry and you can get started in a few days. What is it, you ask? The answer to that question is “Hotshot Trucking”. But there are still a few requirements before you are eligible to haul freight. Fortunately, these requirements are easy to complete and we will explain everything step by step below. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]What is Hotshot trucking? [/b][/p] [p]Hotshot truck drivers are freelancers who work privately carrying freight from one point to the other without any employer restrictions or scheduling restrictions. In other words, you are your boss and you can choose when to earn and how much to earn. All you need is a medium or heavy-duty truck with at least 7,000 pounds of hauling force and a trailer. A Dodge Ram 3500, a Toyota Tacoma, or any version of the Ford F-series truck can work well. [/p] [p]Currently, around 70% of the goods you can find on the shelves are transported by hotshot truckers and independent freight transporters. According to estimates, the trucking industry is expected to grow by 2.3% yearly till 2024. With freight volumes increasing day by day it is the perfect time to set up your own hotshot trucking business. [/p] [p][b]Pros and cons of Hotshot Trucking?[/b][/p] [p]Hotshot Trucking comes with a lot of advantages especially if you want to kick-off your trucking business easily. But be wary also of some limitations and trade-offs when entering this kind of trucking business. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-pros_and_cons_table.png" alt=""] [p][b]How to Begin?[/b][/p] [p]Now that you have a basic idea of hotshot trucking let’s get started on the specifics: [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Set up an LLC[/b][/p] [p]You need to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and register it with your state. This is the first step in registering your business and it doesn't matter if you are working alone or if you intend to invite others to join in with you, setting up a legal company gives you many <a href="https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/advantages-of-an-llc">benefits</a> such as:[/p] <ul> <li>Limited personal liability</li> <li>Less paperwork</li> <li>Tax advantages</li> <li>Ownership and Management flexibility</li> <li>Flexible profit distribution</li> </ul> [p][b]Register With the Tax Authorities [/b][/p] [p]Once you have your LLC set up, the next step is to get a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Tax ID</a> to go with your business. The tax ID or the Employer Identification Number (EIN) will allow you to receive checks and other forms of payments directly to your business account. That takes us to our next step. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-make_a_business_bank_account.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Make a Business Bank Account[/b][/p] [p]A separate bank account will allow you to divert all your business-related transactions to your business bank account. This allows you to keep track of your expenditures while also giving you the liberty to make and receive payments.[/p] [p][b]Apply for a CDL (optional)[/b][/p] [p]Hotshot trucking does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) since in most cases you won’t be exceeding the gross weight limit determined by the authorities. [/p] [p]You don’t need a CDL if: [/p] <ul> <li>If the total weight you are pulling is less than 10,000 pounds.</li> <li>If the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is less than 26,000 pounds. </li> </ul> [p]Getting a CDL is no easy task. You have to enlist in a reputable training academy, go through several weeks of training, and then apply as well as pass the CDL exam. Therefore, it is better to forego this requirement in the early stages of your business but its best to acquire the license once your business is up and running. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-acquire_relevant_equipment-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Acquire Relevant Equipment [/b][/p] [p]As you know, hotshot trucking involves a lot of hauling and towing. It is important to have a sturdy and reliable truck if you want to save yourself a lot of grief later. You will need a good medium to heavy-duty truck with a lot of power (around 400HP) to pull at least a ton and a 30 ft. gooseneck flatbed trailer to begin. A decent truck can cost from $15,000 to $60,000. A good trailer costs from $7,000 to $25,000. It is up to you to decide how much you want to invest in the business initially. If you already have a truck at home and you don’t intend to get a CDL right away then you can save money by buying a cheap trailer and starting your business with minimum investment. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Further Government Approvals [/b][/p] [p]It is a good idea to register your business with the Department of Transport (DOT) in your state and also with the federal authority if you intend to drive interstate. The state will provide you a DOT number and the federal government authority will give you a Motor Carrier (MC) number. These numbers must be emblazoned on the side of your vehicle. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-getting_your_first_order.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Getting Your First Order [/b][/p] [p]It’s often difficult to get your first order but there are resources available online that can help you out. You can sign-up and keep an eye out for potential contracts using <a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/">loadboards</a>, which is an online marketplace where truck owner-operators, shippers, and freight brokers can post and search for loads. If a contract fits your requirements you can sign-up with them and begin your hotshot trucking journey. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p] [p]It is not easy to start a business from scratch and accept profits from the get-go. However, if you work hard, complete all the requirements and stay motivated, you can slice through the initial difficulties and begin expanding and earning handsomely all while being your own boss. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Oct 09, 2020 • Carriers

Everything Truck Drivers Need to Know About Deadhead [p]If you are a new driver or maybe just received authority as an owner-operator, understanding what deadhead is can be critical when searching for the right load.[/p] [h2]What is Deadhead?[/h2] [p]Deadhead in trucking is when a [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]truck driver[/a] is driving with an empty trailer. Since loads aren't found in our backyards, deadhead is usually necessary for owner operators who must drive a certain distance to pick up a load.[/p] [h2]Does the Trucking Company Pay for Deadhead?[/h2] [p]Not necessarily. Some trucking companies will pay for deadhead mileage after the first 100 miles, although it isn't required. For example, C.R. England pays independent contractors $.80 per deadhead mile. While company drivers typically get paid for deadhead mileage, owner-operators aren't always as lucky and the cost could come out of pocket.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/I6aNrs9GW3xNm" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]How to Limit Trucking Deadhead[/h2] [p]The more often you haul cargo, the more you generally will earn. It's a simple concept. In order to maximize earnings, it's important for a trucker to stay loaded and avoid driving back empty. With the national average diesel prices forecasted to be $2.71 per gallon in 2017 (according to Gas Buddy),driving empty can become a costly issue for owner operators. At that price, a 200-mile deadhead with a Peterbilt or Mack truck that gets around 5 mpg could cost over $100, cutting into the profit a driver might earn. Deadhead might be the last resort if there are no loads nearby.[/p] [h2]Dangers of Driving with an Empty Trailer[/h2] [p]Trucking deadhead can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers. Trucks with an empty trailer weigh half as much as full ones. This can be problematic if a trucker is driving through an area with especially high winds. Not only can an empty trailer sway around and be difficult to control, it can flip open, causing serious injury. Be sure to always check the weather reports and wind conditions before heading out to pick up a load with an empty trailer.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/OPSEsCZSJtnOw" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]Find Freight With Truckloads Free Load Board[/h2] [p]Truckloads is a [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.truckerpath.truckloads?pid=Social Facebook"]free load board[/a] connecting carriers with shippers. It features unlimited premium loads, customized search options and carriers can call brokers right from the app. Additionally, owner operators can search for over two million monthly loads nearby or based on deadhead. Carriers can also view the rate, days to pay and even view a brokers credit score.[/p] [video id="snyBYpnuhWw"] [button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=deadhead"]Try Truckloads Free![/button-green]

Jan 20, 2017 • Carriers

Grocery Shopping Tips [p]Grocery shopping can be tricky, especially when trying to find quality, healthy food within a budget. As a trucker, being on the road without a proper kitchen doesn't help either.[/p] [p]We all are pressed for time to shop and cook, [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]especially truck drivers[/a]. Still, we must make it a priority in our life to incorporate healthier habits. In order to eat healthier while staying on a budget, it's important to look for food items that are versatile and complementary. You should buy ingredients that can be combined in different ways to make a wide variety of meals. For example, you should buy one kind of meat that you can use for sandwiches, as an ingredient in a salad and as a main course dinner staple accompanied by grains and vegetables.[/p] [h2]1. Buy Quality Meat[/h2] [p]Save yourself a ton of time and money by choosing to [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]buy quality meat[/a] from the grocery store. This doesn’t mean buying the most inedible, misery-inducing meat. Food that doesn’t taste good is hard to eat and can lead us to refer back to unhealthy habits. However, there are cuts of meat available at a large supermarket that are as affordable as ground beef and much higher quality. The main thing is to keep your eyes open and look at the price per pound on the package.[/p] [p]Some regions of North America can buy chicken at a low price, while in others, beef or pork is the cheaper option. Aim for meats under $5.00 per pound. In some areas, this will be very easy, in others, not so much.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/c1XQxXjS6A5xK" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [p]One thing you want to avoid if possible is pre-packaged sliced deli meat. Sure it tastes good, but it costs a fortune and is high in sodium! Not to mention they are mechanically seperated and mixed in with all sorts of animal parts. Typically deli meats are sold in a different unit of measurement to throw you off and keep you from noticing that it often costs $15 to $25 per pound. At that rate, you might as well buy a fancy prime rib dinner to enjoy.[/p] [h2]2. Alternatives to Processed Deli Meats[/h2] [p]We aren't saying you need to become a vegan or avoid red meats. In fact, we're encouraging you to eat meat! The amino acids found in lean proteins are the building blocks for our muscles. There are 20 amino acids in our bodies and the food we eat. Making the correct protein choices can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure as well as reduce the risk of heart disease.[/p] [ul] [li]Lean Ground Beef – Opt for the 90/10 or even better, 93/7 ground beef instead of the fattier 70/30 or 80/20 varieties. No sacrifice in flavor with the correct seasonings and all the savings on unhealthy fats.[/li] [li]Pork Tenderloin – Usually has less than 4g of fat per serving and is great for simple [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]Slow Cooker or Crock Pot recipes[/a].[/li] [li]Chicken Breasts instead of thighs and wings – Boneless chicken breasts are less fatty, have more meat and are versatile to use in a variety of recipes.[/li] [/ul] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/bBf6Eams9NmaQ" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]3. Choosing the Correct Grains[/h2] [p]While the most effective way would be to bake with a small portable oven, you can easily buy bread, bagels or muffins that taste great and are full of nutritional value. WARNING! You must be careful with store-bought bakery items because often they have a lot of stabilizers and preservatives in them, with processed, less healthy substances. Look at the ingredients lists and choose items that are as simple as possible: whole wheat flour, water, yeast, baking powder, sugar, and milk should comprise most of the list. If you can, choose items that are listed as freshly baked in-store. Try getting products that are whole grains or made with whole wheat flour.[/p] [h2]4. Best Sources of Carbs to Buy[/h2] [p]Surely meat and potatoes are a staple in most households. Although filling and full of essential minerals, there is a hierarchy of which potatoes and carbohydrates are healthiest. [ul] [li]Brown Rice – Contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice and many say it even tastes better.[/li] [li]Sweet Potatoes – The health benefits of sweet potatoes are endless. Full of vitamin B6 to aid the metabolism and heart health, vitamin C for immune enrichment, vitamin D for healthier bones and potassium for muscle recovery and the reduction of swelling.[/li] [li]Oats – Plain old-fashioned oats are full of fiber and help lower cholesterol, much better than Cheerios ever will. Best of all they are easy to make even on-the-road with just a cup of hot water. Top them off with a handful of berries for a balanced and tasty breakfast.[/li] [/ul] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Qw4X3FwWZ1Ze1wHzbwY" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [p]The key to a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. It simply means choosing alternatives when grocery shopping that will be more nutritional, providing you with lasting energy as you travel America hauling freight. Happy Wellness Wednesday![/p] [p]By [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]John Heslop[/a][/p]

Jan 17, 2017