Truck Drivers: What Are Your Cold Weather Options?

We know what you’re thinking: Why are we talking about cold weather? It still is summer, right? Well, yes, but we’re in October now and fall is here. The autumn leaves are just around the corner, and in many parts of the country, winter weather will be setting in before we know it. Fleets must plan for … Read more

Impact of Commercial Truck Drivers Shortage

It’s no secret that there is a shortage of qualified truck drivers in the United States. Truck drivers are retiring, drivers are choosing local driving positions over being on the road for long periods of time, and stricter regulations are taking many truck drivers out of the running for jobs. Economic Impact With fewer drivers … Read more

How Can Light Weighting Work For You?

The past decade has seen trucks and trailers get hundreds of pounds heavier, mainly due to pollution-control equipment and larger radiators. In this environment, light weighting has become an easy way to pare some weight and save on fuel costs. The fact is, a lighter vehicle costs less to operate. The more payload can be … Read more

Owner-Operator Or Misclassified Employee?

The debate between who is an owner-operator and who is a misclassified employee has been raging all year. It’s an issue that has been aggressively pushed by the Obama administration and labor unions. Now, new guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) could end the use of truck drivers as independent contractors. Is this just … Read more

Are Cheap Trucking Tires Worth The Cost?

Yup. We’re talking about tires again. Why? Because they’re important. And with the U.S. Environmental Agency’s recent SmartWay list expansion, we are about to experience a flood of cheap tires on the market. Consider this: Last year there were 325 steer, drive, and all-position tires on the EPA’s list. Now, in the last twelve months … Read more

How To Start A Trucking Business? Part 1 – Plans and Regulations

With the nation’s economy still growing, and freight demand still rising, the need for capable trucking companies has never been greater. The marketplace is growing, and commercial goods need to be moved from city-to-city and state-to-state. This need creates new opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs who enjoy both their independence and hefty paydays. One thing for … Read more

Is This The Future Of Trucking?

As technology changes nearly every sector of our lives, trucking will likely be at the forefront of that wave. There are innumerable areas in which technological advances can be used to enhance commercial trucks and the jobs of those who drive them. And although trucking has been a willing participant in the era of technological … Read more

How California Impacts Trucking

It’s no secret that California leads the nation in implementing new regulations. Due to its sheer size, rules written by the Golden State tend to be adopted by other states and even influence federal rulemaking. This is especially true in the area of environmental and fuel regulatory standards. Currently, California has some of the most … Read more

Are Inexperienced Truck Drivers More Risky?

As the employment squeeze inevitably drags on, more and more fleets are resorting to lowering their standards. Carriers need to fill seats, and if the government is talking about lowering the commercial driving age to 18, there’s nothing wrong with an inexperienced driver, right? It’s no secret that companies are very motivated to get someone … Read more

Who Is An Independent Contractor in Trucking World?

The challenges brought on by a shortage in truck drivers won’t be solved by misclassifying employees. Can fleets afford to classify their drives as independent contractors? There is a loud chorus of voices out there calling for truck drivers to be classified as employees, regardless of how it impacts the bottom line. What would the … Read more