Mar 31, 2019 • Carriers

MATS 2019 Recap

MATS 2019 Recap

By Jeremy Feucht

Another MATS has come and gone. With over one million square feet of booth space, it is hard to describe this year’s show as anything less than a spectacular success. Meeting truckers and seeing the numerous companies that are out there looking to help the trucking industry keep moving forward. Even with the fear mongering regarding the state of the trucking industry, the state of trucking is alive and well.

Howes booth was busy and so was the Trucker Path booth. The number of people that came by the Trucker Path booth was amazing. We heard your concerns regarding the application, and we take that feedback seriously. The number of drivers that told us how our application helps them in their route planning, parking and that use the weigh station feature was amazing. We aim to continue creating features that make you efficient. We know that truckers move our country and we need to help you.

As the trade show and conference season really begins to heat up, our goal is to attend as many as possible. We want to see as many people as possible. Each person has their own take on how to better our application and we need that feedback. We will continue to run new ideas past you at these shows to see what you think before launching products.

On behalf of Trucker Path, I would like to thank those of you that showed your support for us at MATS. Without you, our country does not survive. We are here to serve you.

TagsTrucker Path MATS 2019 Howes trade show

Christmas for Truckers [p][b]Christmas for Truckers[/b][/p] [p]Trucking is a demanding job that requires round the clock commitment. It is often several months before truck drivers can meet their friends and family, which also means that most truckers spend their time on the road during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major holidays. [/p] [p]However, there is no need to worry if you are a truck driver out on the field during the holiday season. There are still ways to enjoy the Christmas spirit.[/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Christmas on the Road [/b][/p] [p]You are not alone during the holidays, especially with all the other truckers who share the same grief. There are always a few feasts going on at truck stops, where you can either eat for free or get massive discounts. [/p] [p]You may also enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner with your family and friends before or after Christmas Day. It is not necessary to match the exact dates since it is the thought that counts. [/p] [p]So, this Thanksgiving, we’d like to give thanks to our hard working truckers out there. Because of you, we enjoy delicious Thanksgiving meals and have goodies to look forward to every Black Friday. If we bought it, truckers brought it. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Trucker Gift Suggestions[/b][/p] [p]Here are some gift suggestions you may give to fellow truckers.[/p] <li>Weighted Blanket - These blankets can help calm a restless body, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve sleep troubles.</li> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/tp-blog-christmas_for_truckers_2020-1.jpg" alt=""] <li>Beanie Hat - Helps warm during winter</li> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/tp-blog-christmas_for_truckers_2020-2.jpg" alt=""] <li>Personalized Mud Flaps - Drive in style with these. </li> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/12/mudlflapstp1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/p] [p]This Christmas, if you can’t be with family, there are a lot of ways to still enjoy the holiday mood. You can make this Christmas memorable by giving others some gifts, planning a delightful Christmas dinner with your best trucking buddies, or volunteering together at a truck stop to make the rookie drivers feel at home. Christmas is a time to be grateful for all the blessings you have received all year. Counting your blessings and thinking about all the good things that happened to you in the past year can help promote positivity and good vibes. [/p] [p]Lastly, all of us from Trucker Path, would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas! [/p] [p]How will you spend your Christmas? Share your plans in the comments section below. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Dec 23, 2020 • Community

How to Become an Owner Operator [p]To become an owner operator and be your own boss requires several necessary steps and tips which you can follow our guide.[/p] [h2]How to Become an Owner Operator[/h2] [p]Creating a work schedule that fits your lifestyle, deciding when to take time off and the potential for greater earnings are all reasons why you might want to become an owner operator.[/p] [p]Becoming an owner operator is a journey that seems complicated and endless; however, it is within reach. First, off it would be best if you already had several years of experience as a truck driver. The experience of being a company driver can be beneficial for you to understand the ins and outs of the industry and operating your own trucking company. Follow these steps to help get you started on the [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]path[/a] to your trucking dream.[/p] [h2]File For a USDOT and MC Number[/h2] [p]The first thing to you will need to become an owner operator is to have a registered USDOT number as well as a [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/get-mc-number-authority-operate"]Motor Carrier (MC) number[/a] which provides you the authority to operate. There is a one-time $300 federal filing fee to request an MC number with the FMCSA. If you've ALREADY registered for a USDOT number then you can [a href="http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option"]request an MC number online here[/a].[/p] [h2]What are the Different Types of Trucking Authority?[/h2] [p]<a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">Trucking authority for carriers</a> is categorized into common or contract. A common carrier is available for hire by a shipper or broker. A contract carrier is contracted to haul loads for a specific company and are not available to the general public for hire.[/p] [h2]Truck Insurance[/h2] [p]Having insurance is not just an enforced federal law, it's intended to protect you as an owner-operator from risking your assets and liability in the event of an unexpected situation. The FMCSA requires certain types of insurance coverage depending on the authority you choose and the goods you plan to haul. For example, hazardous freight or freight requiring a hazmat permit will require specific liability coverage that differs from household goods. You can [a href="https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements"] find the various forms and requirements of the FMCSA here[/a].[/p] [h2]To Be or to Lease a Truck? That is the Question[/h2] [p]Deciding if you should lease or purchase a truck has much to do with your available assets. A used heavy duty truck in decent shape can cost over $60,000 and run upwards of $100,000. However, if you are considering to lease a truck from a trucking company, then you can look into the possibility for a lease-to-own truck purchasing option. Choosing to lease a truck can save you on the biggest upfront cost to become an owner-operator. Keep in mind that if you <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/lease-purchase-trucking/">choose to lease from a company</a>, typically you're expected to haul for them as well (there are some exceptions).[/p] [h2]Using Load Boards to Find Truck Freight[/h2] [p]Streamlining how you find truck loads can generate the most potential for your newfound position as an owner operator. [a href="http://m.onelink.me/58720b7e"]Truckloads[/a] is a free load board available on the web as well as on mobile devices (iOS and Android),providing you with over three million monthly loads to search through wherever you are. Not to mention access to unlimited premium loads and the ability to view a brokers credit score, days to pay and contact them right from the app.[/p] [p] Learn more about <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/types-of-truck-freight/">truck freight</a> and the opportunity to maximize your earning potential![/p] [video id="snyBYpnuhWw"] [h2]Becoming an Owner Operator is a Process[/h2] [p]Starting your own company requires cash upfront to cover your operational costs and includes the payment of fees, taxes and any potential repairs. The process of becoming an owner operator is tedious and can take over a month before you even earn the authority by the FMCSA. Nonetheless, the chance to become an owner operator can pay off and allow you unlimited earning potential.[/p] [p]Taking advantage of the opportunity to become an owner operator could have a lasting impact on your career and personal life. Not every option will be the best fit for you and your family. Instead, you must review your situation before making any decision to becoming a leased or independent owner operator. Once You have become an owner operator and have your own authority, you can begin to search for loads to haul by using load boards like Truckloads.[/p] [button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=becomeanownerop&utm_campaign=July3"]Try Truckloads for Free![/button-green]

Jun 19, 2017 • Carriers

Trucking Industry Update February 22, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update February 22, 2019</h3> <h4>By Jeremy Feucht</h4> <h2><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h2> We all know that trucking carries roughly 73% of all goods shipped in the US, but did you know that 94% of all hazardous material moved in the US is shipped via truck? <h2><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h2> Trip planning is essential. If it is a lane you have never driven before, planning becomes all that more imperative. When you leave could mean the difference between hitting traffic in a big city or not. Many areas have low bridges that semis cannot fit under. You need to know how to get around those. Knowing the best places to fill up with fuel and where scales are so you are filling up after leaving a scale. Filling up after leaving a scale can help you stay weight compliant yet have a full tank of fuel. Plenty of things to think about when planning your trip. <h2><strong><u>Driver’s Pay</u></strong></h2> There are signs that companies may be changing the way they pay their drivers. For the Owner-Operator, that could be a good sign. As companies increase the pay for their drivers in hopes of stabilizing retention rates, fewer and fewer drivers will attempt the owner-operator method. This means more loads on the spot market for them to find. <a href="https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/labor/new-truck-driver-pay-model-aimed-capacity-retention_20190220.html">Companies are looking into salaries</a>, amongst other ways to pay their drivers. Wages will be dependent upon their track record and in some cases tenure within the company. <h2><strong><u>Technology in Trucking</u></strong></h2> Companies are doing many different things to ensure the quality of the driver they are putting behind the wheel. Instead of waiting on the government to figure out what should be the minimum amount of training needed before driving, <a href="https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/technology/businessinsider/article/America-s-fifth-largest-trucking-company-has-a-13630774.php">Xpress, the fifth largest carrier company in the US</a>, sought out advice from its own drivers. Moving away from the classroom type setting, Xpress is creating a technology-based, self-paced learning regiment. On top of that, they have created a virtual reality simulator that their prospective drivers must pass long before getting behind the wheel of an actual truck. Could this be the wave of the future? <h2><strong><u>Toll Roads</u></strong></h2> Much like Virginia did a few weeks back, Connecticut is moving away from an idea of placing a heavy burden on truckers moving through their state. The governor, Ned Lamont, had sought to <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/governor-flip-flops-away-from-truck-only-toll-promise/">create Truck only toll roads in the state of Connecticut</a>. Due to legal issues, he has backed off that idea. Instead, he is looking at creating toll roads across the entire state for all vehicles. The chances of this happening are slim because people, while naïve to the plight of the trucker and they tend not to worry about things that indirectly affect them, will not be in support of something that adds a more direct burden on themselves.

Feb 22, 2019 • Carriers