Accessorial Fees are charges that are tacked onto your freight bill. List of Accessorial Fees/Charges Lift Gate Charge is when the shipper doesn’t have a dock. Since trucks are designed to work with docks, carriers will charge the shipper a fee because they need to use a special hydraulic lift that’s attached to the back […]
LTL, or Less-Than-Truckload freight, is a type of freight transport that can also be referred to as Partial Shipment. All LTL freight is transported in a dry van vehicle and can be found coming out of warehouses, wholesale distribution centers, manufacturers, and so on. What are LTL loads and shipments? A LTL shipment, or “LTL […]
A Hazmat Endorsement is a certification required for transportation specialists to transport hazardous materials. This is due to potential risks involved in transporting hazardous materials, such as toxic substances and flammable liquids. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates carriers and drivers to hold a Hazmat “H” endorsement on their CDL. When is Hazmat […]
Yes, truckers can bring their partners with them on the road. Whether they are also truckers or they just want to keep their partner company. But before you bring your partner with you on the road, here are some questions you both need to ask each other: Are both of you genuinely interested in the […]
A bill of lading, or BOL, is a legal document that transfers ownership of the freight from shipper to carrier to receiver. You need this document before you can move the freight. How does a bill of lading work? The BOL is a contract between freight carrier (trucker) and shipper/broker. It also serves as a […]
Lots of our readers have been asking questions about truck stops, including non-truckers. Here are our takes on the matter: I remember my first time walking into a shower room. There was the sink, mirror, long seat bench, a toilet and a shower. This was before I had a duffel bag since I had already […]
To get a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, you will need to visit the DMV and bring the appropriate government issued documents along with other pertinent paperwork. After your initial visit with the DMV for your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you will be able to train and take your skills tests using your commercial vehicle […]
To get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to work towards your CDL Class A you will need to take a minimum of three written exams: (1) General Knowledge, (2) Air Brakes, (3) Combinations. This is because Class A drivers require knowledge on air brakes and combination vehicles. What Tests Are Required for Class A CDL […]
A Commercial Driver’s License come in three different classes based on the different types of vehicles and gross vehicle weight rating of your commercial vehicle. Truckers carry a CDL Class A license which permits operation for the following: What Are The Class A CDL Endorsements? Endorsements are special permissions for CDL holders so they can […]
Our readers have submitted several questions regarding hygiene on the road. Here is our take on those questions: Do truck stop showers provide towels and washcloths? Depends – while truck stops usually provide towels and washcloths, there are smaller Mom & Pop places that do not. Always bring your own shower and dry supplies just […]
Truck drivers who are looking to eat healthier and even lose weight will typically prepare food in bulk during home time and keep kitchen tools in their trucks to make healthy options on the road. What You Need To Eat Healthier As A Trucker Here are things you can bring with you in the truck […]
On-the-road truckers are driving for work for days to weeks at a time. Sometimes to stay on schedule a trucker will fight the natural instinct for rest and try to stay awake. A lot of you are trying to make as much money as you can at the expense of sleep—and I get it. While […]
On-the-road truck drivers can drive whenever they choose and based on their schedule will have to decide how, where, and when to sleep during their journey. Back when I was on the road for weeks at a time, I had this mindset where if I shut down that meant that my free time is meant […]
Truck drivers quit and look for work in other companies and sometimes different fields for a variety of reasons. You can always work as a truck driver for another company or, if you’re ready to change fields, you can enter a new industry entirely. Why Do Truck Drivers Quit? Still finding the right company. Drivers […]
Here is our quick guide to dating and getting laid on-the-road as a truck driver. When Would You Date A Truck Driver If you or your partner are in trucking, the best way to keep the relationship healthy is by getting a local job. OTR truck drivers spend so much time on the road, it […]
Depending on your country and state, it can be legal for trucking companies to have driver-facing cameras to record their drivers. Make sure to check your location’s law on driver-facing cameras to see if your trucking company is allowed to record you when you occupy your cab. Some businesses can legally have driver-facing cameras so […]
Many of our readers have submitted questions which are tax-related. Here is our take on things: We recommend contacting a CPA who is experienced in trucker taxes. We do not offer financial or tax advice of any kind. An accountant who knows trucking business taxes is worth every penny. If you sell a used truck […]
Small trucking companies fail mostly due to other operators who are accepting poor rates. Not only does this drive down the earnings rate for all truck work, it eats up all of the trucking businesses and owner-operators who can’t survive on bad rates with incoming bills. Are Trucking Companies Shutting Down & Going Out Of […]
Yes, running a trucking business as a solo owner operator or by owning a trucking company with your own fleet can be very profitable if you take careful consideration of the work you take and the numerous cost factors involved. Are Trucking Companies Profitable? If you are working for a trucking company, chances are, if […]