Oct 05, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Terms

Trucker Terms

If you’re going to make it in trucking these are the trucker terms you’ll want to remember along with some good ole trucking slang you’ll hear on the CB radio.

Trucker Terms

Being a trucker is not only a unique way of life, it also comes with a unique way of communicating that only those in the trucking industry probably can decipher and understand.

10-4 – acknowledging something

10-6 – busy right now

10-8 – en route

20 – location

4-Wheeler – automobile

APU – authorized pick-up

Backhaul – retuning load to home location

Bear Trap – speed radar trap

Bill of Lading – document that details information regarding the goods being hauled by a carrier from a shipper

Chicken Coop – Weigh Station

Chicken Lights – Added lights on and around a truck

Chocks –blocks placed in front and behind wheels to prevent truck from rolling

Cosignee – person who receives the goods

Cosignor – person who ships the goods

County Mounty – – county sheriff

Deadhead – miles driven with no load

Dry Van –standard enclosed truck trailer

ETA – estimated time of arrival

Freightshaker – Freightliner truck

GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – combined wieght of tractor/trailer and load

Gear Jammer –speeding driver

Hammer Down – drive faster

Hopper – truck that empties load through bottom that opens

HOS –hours of service

Intermodal – shipping container freight

Jack-Knife –when trailer is pushed to the side of the tractor

K-whopper – Kenworth truck

Kingpin – pin where the axel wheel pivots

LTL (Less Than Truckload) – load less than 10,000 lbs.

Motor Carrier – person or company that is responsible for transporting goods via a commercial motor vehicle

P&D Driver – pickup and delivery driver locally

Payload – weight of the load

Peddle Run – route with lots of deliveries

Pete – Peterbilt truck

RC (Rate Confirmation) – the rate shipper or broker agrees to pay carrier to haul a load

Reefer – refridgerated truck trailer

Shiny Side Up – top of truck; don’t crash or roll over

Sliding Fifth Wheel – fifth wheel that can be slid back to redistrubute weight on the axels

Trucking Authority –FMCSA approval to haul loads

Willy Weaver – drunk driver

Using Trucker Path Along Your Route

Now that you know the trucker terms and are talking like a real driver, it’s time you use a tool that most truckers rely on to help them save time and money – the Trucker Path app.

Trucker Path is free to download and helps drivers:

Find truck parking with real-time updates
Browse through the list of amenities a location offers
Check to see if a weigh station is open or not
View Walmart locations and know if they allow truck parking
Compare diesel prices to save on fuel
Plan their route to show locations along their trip
Read through fellow drivers reviews of a location
Find restaurants near truck parking locations and much more!

Try Trucker Path Today!

Tagstruck drivers

Trucker Spotlight - Matthew Eso <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/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Matthew Eso</strong>, who's also known as The Little Guy on Youtube. He's been driving trucks since 2012 and shares the same love for trucking with his father and grandfather. Let's get to know more about Matthew and his trucking life. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> It's something I always wanted to do because it runs in my family. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What attributes must one have in order to be a successful truck driver?</strong></h3> In order to be successful in this trucking game you have to know what you want first. Then chase it. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the most memorable experience you've had while over the road?</strong></h3> Most memorable time on the road has to be when I took my son with me. Just watching his face light up from all the things he was seeing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's your favorite Truck Brand / Model?</strong></h3> Big fan of old school long hood trucks. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Aside from being a trucker, any other things you dream of doing? </strong></h3> Always wanted to operate heavy machinery. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What's the best truck stop for you? </strong></h3> My favorite one is the Joplin 44 Petro with the chrome shop. Place is a truckers toy store. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What was the worst breakdown or setback you've experienced while OTR?</strong></h3> Starting a Lease Purchase and the truck being a lemon off the lot. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> Having all of the points of interest a trucker uses in the <a href="https://sixdays.page.link/tLUu">Trucker Path</a> application is by far the best feature next to the turn by turn navigation. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/02/202102-BLOG-TP-TS_Matthew_Eso5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Tips for others are be safe, stay hungry, and don't let anyone say you can’t do it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my Youtube Channel, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheLittleGuyTrucker/featured">The Little Guy Show</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cl6yXAQxDRw" 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>

Feb 12, 2021 • Community

Trucker Path Supports the Queens of the Road Awards [p]Trucker Path, America’s most popular app in the trucking industry is supporting the Fourth Annual <a href="http://www.realwomenintrucking.com/lady-trucker-cruise-events/queen-road-awards/">Queens of the Road Awards</a> in collaboration with REAL Women In Trucking, Inc. (RWIT)[/p] [quote]"This award was inspired by Women who have worked as truck drivers and carry with them knowledge that they share with others unselfishly. These are Women who have struggled to “re-invent” themselves, overcame impediments and generously “Give Back” to those who are struggling to find their way." - RWIT[/quote] [p]Three women have been named Queens of the Road by the REAL Women in Trucking. The awarding ceremony of the Queens of the Road Awards will be held over the weekend of August 27-31 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2020 Queen of the Road award recipients are Kristy Mathews, Edwina Webb, and Vonnie Whitemagpie.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/rw1.jpeg" alt=""] [p]<em>Kristy Mathews (Courtesy: RWIT)</em>[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/rw3.jpeg" alt=""] [p]<em>Edwina Webb (Courtesy: RWIT)</em>[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/rw2.jpeg" alt=""] [p]<em>Vonnie Whitemagpie (Courtesy: RWIT)</em>[/p] <h2></h2> [p]Trucker Path will be giving a complementary Gold Membership to the Queens of the Road awardees. This will give them access to advanced trucking tools and features to help them in their day to day driving.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/08/rw4.jpeg" alt=""] [p][b]About Real Women In Trucking[/b][/p] [p]REAL Women In Trucking is an organization of women truckers that promotes safety by educating the public about unsafe truck driver training and creating a network of support for women entering trucking. By creating a reliable resource that promotes transparency, they are able to mentor qualified women who wish to become commercial drivers and connect them to quality employers and services that will benefit them.[/p] [p][b]About Trucker Path[/b][/p] [p]Trucker Path is America's largest data driven and community-based trucking and navigation app. Trucker Path enables you to join over 1,000,000 truck drivers who share real-time truck stop information, parking availability, and even weigh station statuses, saving everyone time and gas money when they plan their routes. [/p] [p]Thousands of truckers use Trucker Path to find truck stops, parking, weigh station information, fuel pricing, and get truck-optimized routes. [/p] [p]Trucker Path is a leader in delivering advanced technology with over 2 million installs and is the highest rated app in the industry on both Google Play and the App Store.[/p] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"] [button-green href="http://vip.truckerpath.com/gold-member?utm_source=email&utm_medium=rwitpress"]Try Trucker Path Premium FREE for 14 Days[/button-green]

Aug 13, 2020 • Carriers

How to Become a Freight Broker? [h2] How to Become a Freight Broker? [/h2] [p]To become a freight broker you need to understand the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">trucking industry trends</a> first. Thousands of products need to be moved across America and companies use every venue possible to ship their freight, but none more than through truck freight. The trucking industry produced $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and freight tonnage has increased since. Freight is hauled by truck drivers but moved by freight brokers. Here's how you can become a freight broker and enjoy a piece of the lucrative pie. [/p] [h2]1. Register your Freight Broker Company [/h2] [p] There are a couple routes you can choose to become a freight broker. The easiest way to start is to get hired by an established freight broker company. There you will fall under their insurance and use their capital as well as being provided training about the trucking industry. If you've already done this and have the necessary capital, this is where you would be registering your business with the local licensing department. Once you register your LLC you will receive your Tax ID Number [a href="https://irs-tax-id.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medihttps://irs-tax-id.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=irs%20tax%20id%2Fein&utm_term=irs.gov%20tax%20id%20number&utm_content=irsum=cpc&utm_campaign=irs%20tax%20id%2Fein&utm_term=irs.gov%20tax%20id%20number&utm_content=irs"]from the IRS[/a]. [/p] [h2]2. Have a Plan For Your Freight Broker Company [/h2] [p] The most important part of becoming a freight broker is to have a clear vision and plan, especially if you need to generate funding from lenders. Know your target, stick to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to grow. [/p] [p] Understand your region and what types of loads move through, who's your ideal customer base? What type of services will you offer? How will you market your freight brokerage? [/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Sg21YDdh3Onqo" width="480" height="288" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]3. Build a Carrier Base [/h2] [p]Life as a freight broker is all about who you know. Networking and connecting with motor carriers is the only way you will succeed in moving freight. You need to start building a list of trucking companies with capacity and willingness to work with you. [/p] [p]This is when networking meets relationship building. Establishing trust and showing that your work efficiently and provide good service can be the difference when finding carriers. The best way to find carriers is by using load boards from trusted companies like Trucker Path Truckloads. Load boards allow you to post your freight for carriers to view and then contact you if they're interested in hauling them. This way you can move more loads quickly and from anywhere. [/p] [p] Don't forget, freight brokers also need to connect with shippers who need freight moved. Here's a closer look at <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/how-do-freight-brokers-find-shippers/">how freight brokers find shippers</a>. [/p] [h2]4. Freight Broker Authority [/h2] [p]You’re well on your way to becoming a freight broker now that you have a registered business and a carrier group to connect with, but there are still a few more requirements. You must apply for a US DOT number with your local Department of Transportation branch. Once you are approved, take your DOT Number to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to get a Motor Carrier (MC) number and broker authority. This is approved through the completion of the [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-op-1-application-motor-property-carrier-and-broker-authority"]OP-1 Form which includes a $300 application fee[/a].[/p] [p] Here are a few more details as to how you can get your <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-license/">freight broker license</a>. [/p] [h2]5. Freight Broker Bond [/h2] [p] To show carriers and companies alike you have the financial backing to broker your business you will need at least a $75,000 <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-bond/">Freight Broker Bond </a>(BMC-84 or BMC-85). Think of this as insurance for your business. This will cover you in the instance something goes wrong leading to monetary losses of a company. [/p] [p] Let's say the carrier you contracted to haul a load shows up to the receiver with a truckload of spoiled milk because you instructed them to cool the reefer to 74 degrees instead of 47. You were deemed responsible and your client seeks repayment of damages for a load of milk valued at $65,000. Your bond covers that cost similar to the way car insurance companies handle a car accident. [/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o6Zt2iHqqrjNlbPS8" width="480" height="270" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]6. BOC-3 Blanket of Coverage [/h2] [p] One of the last filings you will have to complete in order to become a freight broker is your [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-boc-3-designation-agents-service-process"]BOC-3[/a]. This is the Blanket of Coverage for your company. Basically, you must file your BOC-3 in each state you will be operating. You will need to select a process agent to file. The process agent is the company who will be handling your legal processes in each state you have operating authority. [button-white href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents"]List of FMCSA Agents[/button-white] [/p] [h2]7. Freight Broker Essentials [/h2] [p]The tools of the trade for a freight broker are office equipment and supplies to make work easier and more organized. You'll need the basics like a computer with internet, printer, scanner, and fax machine. But you'll also need a phone with several lines and a quality headset to communicate with drivers and clients. [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/VmNVXIMH3bCsE" width="480" height="353" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [/p] [p] Don't forget<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/freight-broker-software/"> broker software</a> as you'll want software that allows you to keep track of your loads, customers, carrier locations, and truck status (some load boards will do all of this for you). DR Dispatch and ITS Dispatch are a few of the programs that can be beneficial. [/p] [p] Look for broker software offering GPS tracking based on logged location updates, bill of lading/invoice generators, pickup and delivery location (shed) logs, note taking/documentation, and most importantly rate confirmation generation. These are the essential functions needed to manage your loads from pick up to delivery. [/p] [h2]8. Freight Brokerage Financials [/h2] [p]In order to continue your carrier relations, you need to get backing from a bank. As a freight broker, you will be paying the carrier after they deliver the load. Pay terms for carriers range from 1-28 days (sometimes more). Whereas you will be extending the customer a line of credit or they will pay up front for the services. [/p] [p] You make your money off of the margin known as the "spread". For example: [ul] [li]Company X pays you $3,000 to find a motor carrier[/li] [li]You pay Carrier Y $2,500 to haul the load[/li] [li]You earn $500 for brokering the arrangement. Of course, this isn't all profit as overhead costs will apply, but you get a general idea.[/li] [/ul] [h2]9. Marketing Your Freight Company [/h2] Lastly, in order to succeed as a freight broker, you have to make a name for yourself by building awareness surrounding your freight company. Reliable service that is transparent and convenient is key to building a reputation with carriers. Word of mouth is critical for growing your freight business locally but you have to put yourself out there and raise awareness just like any other startup if you want to be a successful freight broker. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/broker-load-board/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeafreightbroker&utm_campaign=july12"]Get Started With Truckloads[/button-green]

Jul 12, 2017 • Brokers