Dec 06, 2023

Truck Parking Availability: 2021 Versus 2023

We compared truck parking availability in November 2021 to November 2023. Based on the national averages, there appears to be much more available parking now than there was in late 2021.

Create a Business Plan for Trucking as an Owner Operator Starting a successful trucking business in 2024 as an owner-operator can be a profitable venture, but it requires careful planning and a solid business plan. Such a plan is essential for any business startup, including being a truck driver, as it outlines the company's goals, operations, and financial projections. A well-crafted business plan can help secure funding, attract investors, and set your own trucking business on the path to success. You may be able to find a great business plan template by other entrepreneurs out there to act as a roadmap but we will break down some of the key points here. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create a small business plan for your trucking business as an owner-operator. Determine Your Business Structure Before you start writing your business plan, you need to determine your business structure. There are several types of business owners, including sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC),and corporation. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to research and determine the best fit for your successful trucking company. Develop Your Executive Summary The executive summary is the first section of your trucking company business plan and should provide an overview of your company and its goals. It should be concise and attention-grabbing, highlighting the most critical aspects of your business plan. This section should include your company's mission statement, business structure, services offered, target market, and financial projections. Describe Your Company In the company description section, you will provide a more detailed overview of your trucking business beyond just your business name. You will describe your business's history, management team, ownership structure, and legal status. You should also highlight your unique selling proposition, the factors that set your business apart from competitors, and how you plan to provide quality services to your potential customers. Outline Your Services In the services section, you will describe the types of trucking services you will offer that will give you a competitive advantage, such as long-haul trucking or local deliveries. You should also detail the types of freight you plan to haul and your operating area. It is crucial to be specific about your services, as this will help you target your social media marketing efforts and attract the right clients. Conduct a Market Analysis A market analysis is a critical component of your business plan, as it helps you understand your industry, target market, and competitors. In this section, you will research and analyze truckers in your industry, identifying trends, growth opportunities, and potential challenges. You will also identify your target market, including the types of clients you plan to serve and their specific needs. Finally, you will conduct a competitive analysis, identifying your competitors and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. Develop a Sales and Marketing Plan In the sales and marketing strategy section, you will outline your strategy for acquiring and retaining clients. This means how you will find loads on load boards or through a dispatcher to grow your client base. This section should include your pricing strategy, expected profit margin and predicted loss statement, advertising and promotional efforts, and sales goals. It is also essential to outline your bookkeeping, sales process, and include how you will generate leads, qualify prospects, and close sales. Working with a <a href="https://www.tafs.com/">factoring company</a> can also be a beneficial sales tool, as it provides you with access to cash flow and credit check services that can help you grow your business. Outline Your Financial Plan The financial plan is a crucial section of your business plan, as it outlines your company's financial projections and funding requirements. In this section, you will detail your startup costs, operating expenses, and revenue projections. You should also include a cash flow statement, balance sheet, and income statement. It is essential to be realistic and conservative when developing your financial projections, as this will help you attract investors and secure funding. Conclusion As a truck owner operator in the trucking industry, creating a solid business plan is crucial for long-term success. Your business plan should include an executive summary, company description, market analysis, operations plan, marketing plan, and financial projections. It should also take into account the unique challenges of the trucking industry, such as fluctuating fuel costs, competition, and changing regulations. While creating a business plan can seem like a daunting task, there are resources available to help you. A factoring company, for example, can provide valuable assistance in managing cash flow and getting paid on time. Additionally, seeking guidance from industry experts and other successful owner operators can provide insight and inspiration. By taking the time to create a comprehensive business plan, you can set your trucking business up for success and avoid <a href="https://www.tafs.com/why-many-trucking-companies-fail/">common pitfalls</a> that lead to failure. With dedication, hard work, and a solid plan in place, you can achieve your goals as an owner operator in the trucking industry.

Dec 13, 2023

Trucker Path Partners with We Realize Inc. to Offer Discounted Reserved Truck Parking Short- and long-term parking at Realize Truck Parking locations are now available through the Trucker Path Marketplace PHOENIX – November 8, 2023 – Trucker Path, a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL) and the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, today announced the latest member of the growing Trucker Path Marketplace -- We Realize Inc. The private truck parking company specializes in providing secure, flexible premium truck parking by partnering with major venues and real estate assets nationwide. By making reservations through the Trucker Path app, users can access secured parking at Realize Truck Parking locations for 10% off regular rates. Parking is available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, including drop and hook spots for trailers, with no contracts or long-term commitments. “Finding truck parking is an ongoing challenge for drivers every day,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “The addition of Realize to the Trucker Path Marketplace provides our community of truckers with easy access to safe, secure parking with upscale amenities in a growing number of locations and at a discounted rate.” Using the <a href="https://werealize.io/truckerpath?ref=ymvhn2z">Realize Truck Parking</a> portal, drivers can currently secure parking at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth, Texas, and at sites in Las Vegas, Nevada and La Vergne, Tennessee. Many more locations are coming in the near future. “We believe the truck parking problem can be solved more quickly and cost effectively with a solution that better utilizes current facilities,” said Cody Horchak, founder and CEO of We Realize. “By partnering with major venues and owners and operators of industrial outdoor storage assets, we are creating a nationwide parking network for the trucking industry by maximizing a tremendous amount of unused parking space that is already in existence. Our goal is to add over 800,000 truck parking spots by 2030.” Realize Truck Parking facilities feature on-site security with personnel and cameras, luxury showers and bathrooms, fencing, stadium lighting, and large parking spots. Truck drivers interested in learning more can visit <a href="https://werealize.io/truckerpath?ref=ymvhn2z">www.realizetruckparking.com/truckerpath</a>. About Trucker Path Phoenix-based Trucker Path is the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products. A subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moatable-announces-name-change-from-renren-inc-to-moatable-inc-301856263.html">MTBL</a>),the Trucker Path app is currently in use by nearly 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck-optimized routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time parking availability, fuel prices, weigh station statuses, and truck scales and wash locations. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers; and COMMAND™, the industry’s first and only Operations & Driver Relationship (ODR) platform that provides small to mid-size fleets with the necessary driver and TMS technologies to successfully run a fleet. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.truckerpath.com/">www.truckerpath.com</a>. About We Realize We Realize Inc. is a flexible parking solution that provides convenient, secure parking for fleets and individual trucks. Realize leverages parking inventory from privately owned venues and real estate assets to drive revenue when they're not in use and to repurpose them to meet the growing demand for truck parking. Realize also works with licensed security contractors to ensure state-of-the-art, 24/7 monitoring to provide a never-before-seen level of security for drivers and their cargo and provides real-time inventory, rate visibility and booking capabilities so drivers can guarantee a parking space will be available along their route. Drivers who reserve parking through the Trucker Path Marketplace will receive a 10% discount. For more information, visit <a href="https://werealize.io/">www.realizetruckparking.com</a>. Media Contact: Susan Fall LaunchIt Public Relations 858-490-1050 susan@launchitpr.com

Nov 09, 2023

Safe Alternatives for Truckers’ Pain Management Every job has its pros and cons, which also applies to truck driving. The main demerit of any trucking job is physical – the discomfort and pain that often come with the countless hours spent sitting in the cab. Because different parts of a trucker's body are exposed to various pains, it is important to find safe and effective alternatives for pain management. Let’s delve further into the more common physical pains a trucker is exposed to and how to manage each safely. Common Pain Concerns Many Truckers Face Working in an environment that requires you to sit for long hours has to have some effects on your body. This is the plight of many truckers. Some of the pain concerns include: ● Back and Neck Pain There is an alarmingly high number of truckers who suffer from back pain. Neck and lower back pain are more common because truckers sit for extended periods. Other causes include using improper lifting techniques and poor posture while driving. ● Wrist Pain Truckers suffer from wrist and hand pain because of the repetitive and extended pressure applied to their nerves. This discomfort is further exaggerated by keeping the wrist in one position as you drive and many times can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. ● Shoulder Pain Driving for long hours puts truckers at risk of shoulder pains and irritations, including bicep tendonitis and rotator cuff injuries. ● Headaches Truck drivers can experience severe headaches due to tension on the nerves at the base of their skull. Tension can be created by a number of factors including the daily task of managing the road safely. Luckily, all these pains are manageable and treatable with the right methods. How to Manage Pain While Working Long Hours We have already established that a trucker is more susceptible to various pains due to the nature of their work. That is why they need to find ways to manage the pain before taking medication. The few things they can include in their daily routine to help with different pains include: ● Lumbar Support Pillow Investing in a good quality lumbar support pillow will go a long way in preventing the dreaded back pain. Truckers can couple this with a good seat cushion to enhance comfort and promote good posture. ● Mirror Positioning Truckers that ensure their mirrors are positioned correctly are less likely to suffer from neck strain. <a href="https://thechilterncentre.co.uk/2019/12/03/driving-posture-do-you-sit-correctly-in-your-car/">Chiltern Health Centre</a> suggests all drivers should “…stretch yourself up and make your spine as tall as possible sitting in an ideal posture. Set the rearview mirror so you can just about see the traffic behind you. This will help to correct your posture every time you look in your rearview mirror, because if you slouch you will not be able to use the rearview mirror.” Mirror positioning is a simple solution to managing core, back, and neck pain. ● Wrist Braces and Stretches By wearing a wrist brace, truckers can ensure their wrist is not in one position for too long. The other great way is to stretch the hand and wrist regularly. Flexion stretches, lifts, and hand squeezes done frequently have also proven to alleviate wrist discomfort. ● Taking Regular Breaks and Sleep Sometimes, acting before it strikes is the best way to prevent pain. Truckers who take breaks, make the most of their down time, focus on getting good rest and stretching can help release built-up tension. Adequate rest is crucial in pain management, especially for truckers. Sleeping on a mattress and pillow that provides extra support to the neck, spine, and legs is also advisable. Safe Alternatives for Pain Management It is always a good idea to try pain management methods with fewer side effects. Here are some safer alternatives for pain relief that truckers can use: ● Exercise A few stretches before and after driving around for hours can do wonders in keeping pain in check. Truckers are advised to try different forms of exercise to reduce pain incidences. Some workouts drivers can try include stretching, bending, and pelvic lifts. Be sure not to overexert with the exercises because it could lead to more damage. ● Ice and Heat Packs A simple yet highly effective pain management alternative is using ice and heat before and after a shift. Physicians recommend that truckers place cold packs on sore areas after a shift to soothe the nerves and reduce irritations. Afterward, they can put a heat pack to relax the affected area. ● Pain Relievers Truckers can sometimes do all the right exercises and preventative measures but still fall short in managing their body aches. It is wise to try different pain-relieving medications to see which works best for you. You can use topical creams and gels, which work by penetrating the skin. Truckers can use <a href="https://www.thecbdistillery.com/blog/how-to-take-cbd-oil-a-beginners-guide/">THC-free CBD oil</a> for even faster pain relief, which works better and has longer-lasting effects. Being pain-free can be a reality for truckers if they adhere to the recommendations listed above. However, in the event self-administered care does not produce adequate results, it is recommended drivers pursue advice from a doctor. Free <a href="https://www.smartandsimple.com/partners/trucker-path/">teleheath options</a> are available that truckers can consider.

Sep 19, 2023