Oct 15, 2020 • Community

A Closer Look at the Trucking Industry in America

The trucking industry is the lifeblood of America’s economy. In fact, nearly every good consumed in the U.S. is put on a truck at some point. We’ve compiled some trucking stats and facts on the infographic below.

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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

Jul 27, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Path App Update Version 4.1.4: Improved GPS and Navigation <h2></h2> <h3></h3> Good morning Trucker Path users! <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up2.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up2-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5133" /></a> <h2></h2> We’re excited to rollout the latest version 4.1.4 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 focused our attention on the GPS/navigation aspect. <h2></h2> <strong>1. Place of Interest Search Ability</strong> <h2></h2> We've added the ability to search for a place-of-interest along your trip, and avoid going out of route when finding stops/rest areas. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up4.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up4-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5135" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>2. Added Information on Places-of-Interest during Navigation</strong> <h2></h2> During navigation, you can check detailed information on places-of-interest, and route to them. Previously you were only able to see the card-style preview of places. <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <strong>3. Improved “Last Mile” Destination Accuracy.</strong> <h2></h2> Sometimes the geolocation of the destination waypoint is marked at the center of a place. There have been issues where the routing will take you on a loop/veer off track. We’ve updated the algorithm so it will route you to the primary entrance for trucks, for improved accuracy. <h2></h2> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up1.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up1-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5132" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>4. Truck Restricted Roads</strong> <h2></h2> Navigation screen will show truck restricted roads <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up3.jpeg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/07/up3-300x300.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="300" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5134" /></a> <h2></h2> <strong>5. Remove Stopovers</strong> <h2></h2> Added the ability to easily remove stopovers during an active trip <h2></h2> <h2></h2> We thank you for your continued support! 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>

Jul 13, 2020 • Carriers