
Spring is here and we are getting ready to welcome summer. Soon temperatures are going to soar, and rain will make its entry into the equation.
As a trucker, it’s both good and bad news for you. Good because you don’t have to fight against snow or subzero temperatures anymore and bad because now rain, landslides, and other hazards will introduce themselves. Therefore, you must still be attentive when you drive your truck while also enjoying the scenic views the American highways have to offer. Let’s take a look at some of the challenges you might face driving in spring as a trucker.
Tackling Rain
At the start of spring and early summer, the weather begins to change, and with that comes rain and slippery roads. It shouldn’t be too much of an issue driving in the rain because you are fresh off the winter season, and you must have tackled snowy roads during that period. However, you should exercise caution since roads become very slippery during the first few minutes of rain. You should slow down and maintain a safe distance from other trucks and vehicles on the road. If conditions are too treacherous and visibility is an issue, it is better to bide at a truck stop and wait for the storm to pass.
Construction Season
The start of spring signals the beginning of the construction season, especially in the Midwest. If you pass through a construction site, make sure to pay attention to all the road signs. You should slow down and change lanes with more care to avoid any accidents. If you practice caution, you will save others and yourself from unnecessary harm.

Sun Glare
The sun shines bright during the spring and summer seasons. It also means that you have more hours of daylight to tackle. Therefore, keep a pair of sunglasses by your side to protect your eyes from damage – not to mention look cool as well. Furthermore, keep the truck’s windshield clean, especially since bugs will also be aplenty during this time.
Scenic Highways to Try This Season
Driving during spring season has some advantages too. You can also enjoy your time driving on scenic routes. Imagine getting paid to drive some of the most beautiful roads in America! Not everyone has that pleasure, so you must make the most out of it when you can.
Route 12, Utah
The red rocks of Utah are a treat to watch, especially in early spring. The route presents exquisite views as you drive through the Canyons and wind down the challenging roads.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
It is extra fun to drive in high altitudes, especially in spring. The Trail Ridge Road is the country’s highest continually paved road that follows through the Rocky Mountain National Park. You will get to see several wildlife species during your drive and witness outstanding scenery at every corner and straight.

Final Thoughts
The spring season is a good time for truckers as you can bask in the sun, enjoy scenic views, and make some good money while doing it. However, remember to take extra care and not be complacent while you are having fun. Do you have some awesome spring destinations? Share it with us.
By Aldous Aldwin




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.
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[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.
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[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.
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[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]
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[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]
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[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.
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[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]
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[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]
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[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]
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[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]
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
APU Weight Exemptions
[p]One of the most useful features the [a href="http://goo.gl/5DU4I8"]Trucker Path[/a] app offers to truck drivers is the ability to check the status of a weigh station but there are some trucks given special exemption at weigh stations but restrictions vary by state.There are some Weight Exemptions that truck drivers should be aware of. [/p]
[h2]APU Weight Exemption[/h2]
[p]APU (Auxiliary Power Units) are often used by truck drivers to limit fuel use since they reduce the need for trucks to run engines on idle while they’re parked. But seeing as they often weigh a couple hundred pounds, they may create a problem for drivers who regularly carry around the maximum weight limits. With the president’s latest expansion of the MAP-21 bill dealing with state-by-state APU regulations, this may be puzzling to drivers that cross state lines. [/p]
[p]Below we’ve included am APU Weight Exemptions guide, put together by a GPS vehicle tracking company [a href="http://www.trackyourtruck.com"]Track Your Truck[/a], which informs drivers exactly how much weight is exempt in every state.[/p]
[img src="http://www.trackyourtruck.com/sites/default/files/blog/tyt-chart.jpg" alt=""]
[p][a href="http://www.trackyourtruck.com/blog/apu-weight-exemption-guide/"]APU Exemption Guide[/a] courtesy of [a href="http://www.trackyourtruck.com/"]Track Your Truck[/a].[/p]
Industry Voice - The Trucking Fitness Company <em>Trucker Path gets up close with The Trucking Fitness Company, whose mission is to help truck drivers exercise consistently while on the road so they stay behind the wheel longer and retire on their own terms. We're honored to talk to their Founder, Mark Manera and discuss what The Trucking Fitness Company is all about.</em>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202103-BLOG-TP-IndustryVoice-TheTruckingFitnessCompany-3.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>TP: Tell us a short story about you.</strong></h3>
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and have been passionate about health and wellness my whole life. I grew up playing baseball and started doing Crossfit once my baseball career ended. Crossfit really ignited my passion for health and wellness. Which also inspired me to go to Physical Therapy school.
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A little trivia: my favorite TV shows are Shark Tank, The Bachelor, and Survivor.
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<h3><strong>TP: What made you decide to get into health/fitness and specifically for the trucking industry?
</strong></h3>
In my 5th year of Physical Therapy school, I had a clinical rotation in a small town in southern Missouri. Through that experience, I worked with a lot of truck drivers in the clinic. I saw the good and the bad of the trucking industry. And a lot of the bad aspects of the industry came from the reason why they were in the clinic in the first place, their health. After experiencing that and having a lot of long conversations with those patients who were truck drivers, I was inspired to start The Trucking Fitness Company. I wanted to give drivers everywhere a chance to fight back. Give them a chance to live a healthier life on the road.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/mark-manera-truckinfit2.png" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>TP: Ever tried driving a truck? </strong></h3>
I have not driven a truck before and I don’t have my CDL, but I’ve spent plenty of time in a truck. I’m very open to the fact that I’m not a truck driver, but I think there are a lot of advantages to that. I have spent countless hours talking to drivers. I’ve listened to their stories, their struggles, and have asked them for a lot of feedback on our program and how we can make it easier for them to do while on the road. I have taken all of that information and combined it with my background of physical therapy/health and wellness to create something really special for the trucking industry.
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<h3><strong>TP: What are the common habits that a truck driver should change?</strong></h3>
I think there’s a mindset problem for a lot of truck drivers. And I don’t think it’s their fault
for having this mindset, but moreso a cultural problem within the trucking industry. A lot
of drivers don’t make their health a priority because they think it’s impossible to live a
healthy life on the road. It’s become so much of a norm in the truck industry that poor
health seems to be a part of the job description. And I’m here to change that.
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Truck drivers need to do two things:
<li> Take action. Just find a way to get started. You don’t have to have a perfect
plan, you just need to take the first couple of steps in the right direction. You’ll
figure out the rest of the plan as time goes on.</li>
<li>They need a support system. Life on the road is lonely at times. And when
you’re on your own, you need to find ways to create accountability in your life.
One example of this is having a deep conversation with a close friend or
significant other about your struggles and the reasons why you want to make a
change in your life. Then they can help you stick with those changes and stay
consistent during the tough times!</li>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202103-BLOG-TP-IndustryVoice-TheTruckingFitnessCompany-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>TP: Tell us something about The Trucking Fitness Company. How did it start?
</strong></h3>
The Trucking Fitness Company was born out of the experiences I had while working with truck drivers in a physical therapy clinic. I saw the struggles they go through and the lack of support they have with their health while on the road. So, I decided to do something about it. We are the best health and wellness solution out there for truck drivers. And we take a lot of pride in the fact that our program was built for truck drivers. No one else.
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Our goal is to meet you, a truck driver, where you’re at and give you the easiest starting point possible. We want to take away as many barriers that have stopped you from starting in the past as we can. We’re going to make it easy for you to lose that 30lbs, get more energy to play with your kids, and fight back so you can retire on your own terms. We do that through our easy to use app directly on your phone that gives you a daily 20-30 minute workout that you can do in or just outside of your truck with no gym or fancy workout equipment needed. We give all our members a free resistance band and that’s the only piece of equipment you’ll need! Also through our app, we help drivers build healthier lifestyle and nutrition habits while helping you stay consistent with daily messages, 24/7 access to a coach, and putting you into accountability groups with other like minded drivers.
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<h3><strong>TP: What do you think are the obstacles/barriers of truckers into getting a proper fitness routine?
</strong></h3>
There are a ton of obstacles that drivers face while on the road:
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<li>Being behind the wheel 8-11 hours a day</li>
<li>Limited food options</li>
<li>Lack of a community</li>
<li>Poor sleep while in their truck</li>
<li>No access to a gym or help on how to get started</li>
<li>The stigma within the trucking industry that truck drivers can’t be healthy</li>
<li>Lack of confidence in their health</li>
<li>Feel down/depressed about where their health and wellness is currently at</li>
<li>Feeling like they can’t do anything about it</li>
<li>Anxious about the future and how long they are able to work for/how long their career will be</li>
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Medical/health problems
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<li>Life expectancy of truck drivers is 16 years less than the average population</li>
<li>85% are overweight</li>
<li>48% are obese</li>
<li>2x higher risk of becoming obese compared to the average adults</li>
<li>1 in every 7 has Type 2 Diabetes</li>
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<h3><strong>TP: What are the benefits of your program for truck drivers? Is there an age limit?</strong></h3>
Our program gives truck drivers the chance to take back control of their health. We have a wide variety of drivers in our program from new truckers who don’t want their health to go down the same path they see other’s at the truck stops have gone down to 40 year vets who want to retire on their own terms. There’s no age limit to our program. We have a program for all fitness levels and want to help!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/202103-BLOG-TP-IndustryVoice-TheTruckingFitnessCompany-4.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>TP: What are some notable breakthroughs or improvements from Truckers that subscribed to
your program?
</strong></h3>
We have had some awesome transformations throughout our time working with drivers. My favorite stories are the ones where I can tell they’re in it for the long haul. The most recent story I can think of is one of our drivers, who for a while was struggling to make it stick and dealing with some family/job problems. She made the commitment to make a
change in her life, started doing our workouts daily and lost 9lbs in the first two weeks. I’m not sure how much weight she has lost in total by now, but I can tell you that I see her posting her workout almost everyday. Something has clicked for her and this is going to be a lifelong change!
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<h3><strong>TP: What are some quick fitness tips that you would like to share for truckers?</strong></h3>
There’s no perfect plan. Instead of spending so much time planning up this perfect routine, put your shoes on and get moving. Just like driving, you don’t get very far with your health and fitness goals without actually moving. So, if you feel like you’re at a loss with exactly what to do, find a coach or program like ours that you can follow. If you
have an activity that you enjoy and can consistently do while on the road, like go for a walk, do that!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/03/mark-manera-truckinfit.png" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>TP: How can truckers subscribe to your fitness program?
</strong></h3>
Our goal is to make it as easy for truck drivers to start exercising as possible! You can get set up and start your first workout in less than 5 minutes by visiting this <a href="https://truckinfit.com/ourprogram/">LINK.</a>
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And because we love all the people at Trucker Path so much, if you use the code <strong>“TRUCKERPATH”</strong> at the checkout, we will give you 20% off your first month!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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