Jun 16, 2020 • Carriers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers

5 Most Common Mistakes for New Truck Drivers

Many truckers try to get into the business every year and end up racking up violations and unnecessary expenses due to Rookie Mistakes. Dave of Smart Trucking shares some rookie mistakes for all the rookies entering the trucking world.

Here are the 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers make:

1. Misjudging a corner: You may be swinging too wide or not swinging wide enough. Always check your spacing and clearances.

2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up: Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it’s impossible to get turned around. Plan your trips using a trip planner (check out Trucker Path while you’re at it).

3. Lack of focus when backing up: This is one of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Get out of the vehicle and survey the vicinity first. Check for obstructions and clearance. Do it slowly and safely and always focus on your driver aids (side mirrors, cameras, etc).

4. Hurrying: Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME.

5. Complacency: Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and overconfident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble.

There are many more tips out there but in general it all leads to focus, and safety. Got some tips to share? Let us know down the comments section.

By Aldous Aldwin

TagsTruck FCMSA Truck Driver truck drivers Owner Operator trucking Trucker Path Freight Broker Owner Operators Industry Update Did you Know Trucking Tips

Trucker Spotlight - Jake Clyde <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> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94991-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5004" /></a> <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Jake</strong>, who recently started a Youtube channel "PinoyTruckerInUSA" where he shares his experiences being an over-the-road Filipino truck driver. He mostly drives in the Midwest and has been trucking for 5 years. We are stoked to get him to share some insights regarding the trucking industry. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94901-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5010" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I've always been an adventurous person and I love to travel so when I found out about trucking, I thought it would be perfect for me. Because of trucking, I was able to live my life freely and help my loved ones. It truly is a job that I enjoy. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How are you holding up with the COVID-19 situation?</strong></h3> A few of my current struggles include the lack of loads i’ve been getting which lowers my overall income. Aside from that, I have really put some effort in enforcing some safety measures for my own health and safety. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Can you share some safety measures that you have been doing?</strong></h3> I protect my self by following the standards of social safety distancing, wear masks at all time, and I always wash my hand. I have my own protective gear too. I'm also lucky to have been provided free masks by some shippers. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94921-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5001" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the significant changes you've noticed in your 5 years of trucking?</strong></h3> Back in the day, trucking was complicated because of the lack of technology. But now, apps like <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">Trucker Path</a> helps so many truckers because it’s user friendly and easy. I’ve been using this app for some time now and I highly recommend it to truckers. It’s basically an all-in-one platform for truckers. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems that you have encountered while trucking?</strong></h3> A few troubles I’ve encountered are heavy traffic in the cities, road rage from other drivers, and the fact that some don’t let you pass at all. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94931-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5013" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> As a truck driver, i’ve been through a few amazing roads but my favorite is Oregon. The scenic views are mesmerizing. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any difficult routes for you?</strong></h3> Some unusual roads I’ve driven is probably in New Jersey and New York. When I first started solo driving, I've found the road too confusing and difficult. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/IMG_94891-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5007" /></a> <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any tips for aspiring truck drivers out there?</strong></h3> I have 3 tips for aspiring truckers: Always think of your safety , pay attention, and slow down. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your trucking videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> You can find me on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxb1GZCJKAveF-ZF-BQkl4A">Youtube channel, "PinoyTruckerInUSA"</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gZwRqkBedFU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Cheers! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 04, 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

Trucker Path App Update Version 4.1.2: Satellite Views, Improved search, and Major Bug Fixes <h2></h2> <h3></h3> Good morning Trucker Path users! We’re excited to rollout the latest version 4.1.2 of Trucker Path in the App Stores (<a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathdroid">Play Store</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/truckerpathios">Apple</a>). We’ve added new features requested by our users and fixed longstanding bugs. <h2></h2> <strong>1. Added Satellite Views</strong> <h2></h2> Tapping into the detailed page of a Place will show a satellite screenshot of that location. This way, you can get a better sense of the parking and layout. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s1-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5057" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>2. Improved Places Search Capability</strong> <h2></h2> The search bar will now support searching for the business’ name, as well as their address. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s2.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s2-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5058" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>3. Bug Fixes</strong> <h2></h2> A few users reported the mile distance from location isn’t displaying correctly. Rest assured this is now completely fixed. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s3.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s3-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5059" /></a> <h2></h2> Some users are also reported seeing “no internet connection” despite being connected to the internet. This is a known bug where we’ve implemented some solutions in this patch. Fingers crossed it will be resolved for those affected. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s4.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/06/s4-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5060" /></a> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy these. More feature updates in the pipeline for the next release cycle! If you have any suggestions please let our team know at community@truckerpath.com, we're actively looking for user suggestions! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By The Trucker Path Team</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Jun 18, 2020 • Carriers