Sep 19, 2017 • Carriers

Truck Driver Turnover Rate Rapidly Increased

Truck Driver Turnover Rate Rapidly Increased

The truck driver turnover rate rapidly increased to its highest mark in the last seven years in the second quarter of 2017.

Truck Driver Turnover Rate

According to American Trucking Associations’ quarterly report, the turnover rate at large truckload carriers in the second quarter of 2017 jumped 16 percentage points to 90 percent – the highest it has been since the final quarter of 2015.

The 16-point increase is the largest quarterly jump in truck driver turnover rate since the fourth quarter of 2010.

“We saw double-digit gains in the annualized turnover rate for both small and large truckload fleets,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “After a period of relatively low turnover, it appears the driver market is tightening again, which coupled with increased demand for freight movement, could rapidly exacerbate the driver shortage.”

The ATA report also revealed turnover numbers for smaller fleets. Smaller carrier companies with $30 million in annual revenue or less saw aneven higher turnover rate increase. For them, the turnover rate increased by 19 percentage points to 85 percent, the highest it has been since the first quarter of 2016.

The turnover picture at less-than-truckload fleets was more muddled, with over-the-road LTL turnover dipping one point to 9 percent, says the ATA.

“We predicted that last year’s period of relatively low and stable turnover could be short-lived if the freight economy recovered from 2016’s freight recession,” Costello said. “It appears those predictions were correct and we may be seeing the beginnings of a significant tightening of the driver market and acceleration of the driver shortage.”

Truck Tonnage Trending Up

Despite the high truck driver turnover rate and impeding driver shortage, Truck Tonnage Index jumped 7.1 percent in August and year-to-date, compared with the same eight months in 2016, the index is up 2.1 percent, says the ATA. Costello partially correlates the increases in August to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

The trucking industry is trending up still, with 2016 truck freight tonnage up 1 percent or 500 million tons from 2015.

If you’re a truck driver and are ready to make the jump to start your own trucking company, the timing might be right.

How to Start a Trucking Company

Tagstruck drivers Owner Operators

Trailer Door Locks [h2] Trailer Door Locks [/h2] [p] There isn’t a single trailer door lock that is universally the absolute best. Many truck drivers have hasps and door hardware that vary in size and functionality; therefore, not every padlock will fit every trailer door. [/p] [p]However, there are some things you can keep in mind to navigate the winding roads of finding the best trailer door lock to secure your cargo.[/p] [h2] Type of Locks [/h2] [p] Most truck door locks must be padlocks based on how the trailer door secures. Often a trailer door will use hardware with a cam action side-bar that fastens into place with a hasp. In order to lock the doors, a padlock must be placed on the hasp. [/p] [p]Padlocks come with many different profiles, but they have some essential features that are consistent throughout the wide range of products. Though you might know your <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-terms/">trucker terms</a>, here are some other definitions you should be aware of. [/p] [ul] [li]<strong>Lock Body - </strong> The thick part of the lock that houses the internal components and lock core.[/li] [li]<strong>Shackle - </strong> A piece of metal that remains immobilized when the padlock is locked and moves to allow the lock to be removed when the padlock is open.[/li] [li]<strong>Locking Pawl -</strong> The device keeping the shackle stationary when the padlock is locked and retracts to allow the shackle to move when the padlock is open.[/li] [/ul] [h2]Key Features of a Trailer Door Lock[/h2] [p]<strong>A Keyway - </strong> Combination padlocks and other such devices that do not use a key are not made to the same security standards as the best keyed-locks on the market. You also run the risk of someone overhearing you mention the combination, seeing you input it, decoding it, etc.[/p] [p]<strong>Shackle Protection - </strong> A shackle is going to be thinner than the lock body, so you need your shackle to be as covered as possible (which provides greater thickness). You can do this with a padlock that has a puck lock profile or a shackle shroud (both of these terms are used to describe the different ways the thickness of the lock body can extend to cover the shackle).[/p] [p]<strong>Sturdy Internal Components - </strong> Since the padlock will be outside, exposed to the elements, debris, and sustain stress from the vehicle's movement, the internal components of the lock are at risk of being damaged to the point where the proper key will not open the padlock.[/p] [p]<strong>Strong Metal - </strong> This should be used on the lock body as well as the shackle. Hardened steel can vary in quality, so it is best to get some sort of alloy steel. Those made with Boron Carbide are some of the best on the market. This helps to ward off cutting and prying attacks.[/p] [p]<strong>Picking Resistance - </strong> Though most criminals do not pick locks, you do not want someone with little to no training opening your lock quickly and covertly (lockpicking resistance will also equate to bump key resistance). [/p] [p]<strong>Drill Protection - </strong> Even with a strong padlock with a protected shackle, most lock cores are brass and can be drilled out. Whether it is an anti-drill plate that uses rotating hardened steel or anti-drill pins that deflect drill bits at key drill points, you should have some form of drill protection.[/p] [p]<strong>Ball Bearings - </strong> The locking pawls for your padlock must be ball bearings. Other forms of locking pawls can be shimmed, which is a simple bypass most people can perform untrained with simple household items.[/p] [h2] Top Trailer Door Lock Choices [/h2] [p] As we previously mentioned, there is no one best lock for every use. But as long as you purchase a product with at least most of the specifications listed above, you will be providing your cargo with more protection than many others who are just buying what they can get their hands on at the hardware store.[/p] [p] Depending on your budget, what you are hauling, and <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/best-truck-stops/">the types of truck stop</a> you will be parking your load, you might need different levels of security. Here are some recommendations that cover a variety of potential needs: [/p] [p]<strong>1. Mul-T-lock MT5+ TR 100 “Hockey Puck” </strong>[/p] [p] This product is a great example of the puck style of a padlock. It is similar to products from companies such as Master Lock and Trimax, but with the additional features that Mul-T-Lock provides in their high-security locks. This lock has a cost that makes it accessible to most, though some more frugal buyers may faint from sticker shock. Just know for that price you are getting a very hardy lock that almost no one is going to pick the lock open or remove it by force.[/p] [p]<strong>2. Abloy PL 342T </strong>[/p] [p]Sometimes referred to as the Abloy model 342, this is a tremendous lock, both in terms of size and security. This Abloy padlock uses a PROTEC2 core, which has never been picked open to this day. With an extremely thick shrouded shackle (10mm in diameter) criminals will have a hard time prying it open too.[/p] [p]The main issues you are going to run into with this lock is not having a hasp with the correct dimensions to accommodate such a thick shackle. It is also the most expensive padlock that I am recommending (though certainly not the most expensive padlock you could buy).[/p] [p]<strong>3. Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock</strong>[/p] [p]The lowest security lock I am willing to recommend for securing your cargo is this Stanley Padlock. It has a shrouded shackle and drill protection, which come standard. I would recommend that you replace the lock core with something more secure, but in terms of price for the product you get, this is the best value for such a small sum.[/p] [p]The Stanley Hardened Steel Padlock is a good starter lock. If you have invested in other things and need a bit of time to recoup adequate funds, the standard Stanley is the lowest security placeholder you should settle for. For the price, you cannot buy much better.[/p] [h2]Price Considerations[/h2] [p]Price matters because money most truck drivers have to work within a budget. Don't spend all of your budget for your truck’s security on the trailer door lock. With that said, you shouldn't both with a lock that is less than $100. If money's no object, you can <a href="https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog/10-best-padlocks-of-all-time">get the best padlock available to you</a>. For everyone else, focus on getting as many of key features as you can. And if you can’t afford much now, start with a Stanley padlock and work your way up to the lock core replacement.[/p] [p] <strong>About the Author</strong> [/p] [p]Ralph Goodman is a professional writer and the resident expert on locks and security over at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://unitedlocksmith.net/blog&source=gmail&ust=1510851240149000&usg=AFQjCNFCuwh1U-3WlNpEde3Klm2dTkTMSQ">the Lock Blog</a>. The Lock Blog is a great resource to learn about keys, locks and safety. They offer tips, advice and how-tos for consumers, locksmiths, and security professionals.[/p]

Nov 15, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Spotlight - Tierra Allen <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Tierra Allen</strong>, AKA The Sassy Trucker on Youtube. She's been driving for 3 1/2 years now. She enjoys driving and traveling the world and wanted to drive a truck since she was 18. Let's get to more about Tierra and her sassy life of trucking. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I decided to become a truck driver because I like the flexible schedule. I like the fact that i don’t have a boss looking over my shoulder 24/7. Most importantly i get paid to travel. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> I’ve noticed more and more women are getting into trucking. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I decided to make a Youtube channel to share my experiences with everyone and to encourage and influence others to decide if they want to become a truck driver. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> Whenever I get lonely, I talk on the phone with friends and listen to podcasts and music. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> Us truck drivers put our health at risk because we high a high chance of catching Covid19 because we are driving cross country. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> My favorite truck is the Kenworth Studio Sleeper . <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing?</strong></h3> I want to become an actor. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you?</strong></h3> The best truck stop for me is Petro truck stop. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> As a female, I encounter a lot of harassment, hate, and other truckers underestimating me because I am in a male dominated field. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/ts-tierra_young-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> I dislike how some cars tend to cut truck drivers off. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your trucker essentials when you drive?</strong></h3> Dash cam, GPS, bluetooth headset, refrigerator, microwave, sleeper bag, emergency bag, and boots. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> What I enjoy the most about <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> is the fueling feature. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Be prepared to work in crazy weather conditions. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSassyTrucker/videos">Youtube Channel, The Sassy Trucker</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/20ZfEa9_J88" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Nov 05, 2020 • Carriers

Fine Print and Hidden Costs in Freight Factoring [p]Be certain to review the fine print of freight contracts as sneaky freight factoring companies sometimes have hidden costs that are added to the advertised factoring rate. [/p] [h2] Freight Factoring - What some companies don't tell you [/h2] [p]Factoring can be a great tool to streamline your cash flow and grow your business as it eliminates the wait to get paid for owner-operators. However, some factoring companies have contracts with complicated jargon and disclaimers hidden in the fine print. [/p] [h2] Hidden Costs [/h2] [p]Sometimes a factoring company will advertise a great rate, far lower than any competitor. It's a perfect scenario for you, right? Well, not exactly. [/p] [p]Those rates that seem too good to be true are typically just that. Although a low rate is optimal, the associated fees that you will incur in addition to the rate can balloon the overall cost for you to factor. [/p] [video id="IBCMtru_QMQ"] [h2] ACH Transfer Fee [/h2] [p]ACH Transfer fees can be issued each time you factor and range from $10 to upwards of $25 depending on the type of transfer or deposit. This cost can surely add up over time and frankly, it's ridiculous for to you to pay a fee just to receive your money. [/p] [h2] Minimum Volume Fee [/h2] [p]Often times a factoring company will require you to commit to factoring a minimum volume of invoices. Failure to meet the agreed minimum amount can result in extra fees or a percentage surcharge. Take into account your typical invoice amounts and calculate if you will have an issue trying to meet the minimum requirements. Keep in mind not all factoring companies have this policy or fee. [/p] [h2] Client's Credit Check Fee [/h2] [p]Although your credit is not taken into account, your client's credit is. The creditworthiness of your client must meet a certain standard for certain factoring companies before they agree to factor your invoices. That's right, some companies will charge you a fee for that credit check. [/p] [h2] Length of Terms [/h2] [p]You might decide to factor for a variety of reasons. Unavoidable circumstances might arise making it difficult to cover your operational costs. Truck repairs are extremely costly and unpredictable at times, especially for owner-operators and having a reliable truck that is fully functional is essential to your business. If you run a small fleet, wages, insurance, and taxes further compound your expenses. [/p] [p]This brings the length of terms to factor into play. Most factoring companies offer three to six-month term agreements to factor with some even require one-year contracts. It's important that you review and consider your options when considering the length of terms.[/p] [p]Be sure to choose the best fit for you. If you're confident that you won't be factoring for an entire year or that you want to explore other options after a few months, you should consider factoring with a company that doesn't have a minimum length of terms agreement. [/p] [h2] Termination Fee [/h2] [p]Let's say you have been factoring with a company for six months now. You have received payment days after hauling a load and it's been beneficial in helping you generate cash quicker to cover your expenses. Now you have ample funds and decide that you don't need to factor for the next few months.[/p] [p]The factoring company won't let you out of the contract because you agreed to factor for a certain length of time. In order for you to stop factoring, you have to pay a fee up to $1,000. [/p] [p]That's ridiculous, right? [/p] [giphy] <iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/KE58LJF3k8jug" width="480" height="426" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/roger-KE58LJF3k8jug"> [/giphy] [h2] Choosing a Freight Factoring Company [/h2] [p]Before choosing to do business with a factoring company, you should take into account these potential hidden costs and fees in the fine print of a contract. Freight Factoring helps manage your trucking company's cash flow and takes the hassle away from client collections, allowing you to focus on growing your business and hauling more freight. [/p] [p]You shouldn't feel that you are being fleeced by an unusual amount of fees that you weren't aware of or deal with. <strong>Trucker Path InstaPay</strong> is freight factoring that pays you in a day with no hidden costs, fees, minimum commitments or contracts with pages and pages of fine print to sift through. [/p] [button text="LEARN ABOUT INSTAPAY" href="https://truckerpath.com/sign-up-instapay/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=hiddenfeesAug1" width="250px"]

Aug 01, 2017 • Carriers