Jun 29, 2023

Truckers And Their July 4th Plans

We surveyed Trucker Path users on what their plans were for July 4th. Here’s what they told us.

Why Private Parking Lots are Attractive Options for Truck Drivers Truck drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road, driving long distances to deliver goods across the country. One of the major challenges that truck drivers face is finding safe and convenient parking spots to rest and sleep during their journeys. While public rest areas and truck stops are a great and cost-friendly option for many truck drivers, they are also often crowded, making it difficult for truckers to be able to secure a parking space, especially during busier hours. Truckers who are unable to get parking at public parking lots often park on the side of highways or onramps, which is illegal and unsafe. This lack of viable parking may prevent them from getting the rest they need to stay alert and focused on the road. This is where private truck parking locations come in as an excellent alternative solution for truck drivers. Many truckers may view private parking lots as a more expensive option as there is an additional cost to park in these locations. However, Ariel Golan, managing partner at <a href="https://discounttruckparking.com/">Discount Truck Parking</a>, suggests there are many advantages to parking in private lots which may make them worth the cost for truckers, including the following: Enhanced security Security is a top priority for truck drivers, and private truck parking offers enhanced protection against theft, vandalism, and other security concerns that drivers might face when parking at public rest areas or on roadways and ramps. Private parking lots are usually monitored by surveillance cameras, and some even have security guards patrolling the premises. Some private lots, such as those offered by <a href="https://discounttruckparking.com/">Discount Truck Parking</a>, have a 24/7 trained lot attendant which helps with security concerns. Drivers can rest assured that their trucks and valuable cargo are safe and secure while they catch up on some much-needed rest. Better rest Rest is essential for truck drivers to remain alert and focused while on the road. Private truck parking provides a quiet and secure environment where drivers can have a peaceful and comfortable rest without any disturbance. If drivers are concerned about security precautions when parking in public lots or on the street, they would not be able to get the peaceful rest they need. Private parking lots generally offer a serene and peaceful environment that allows drivers to rest properly, reducing the risk of accidents on the road. Availability of amenities Private truck parking lots may also provide amenities, such as showering facilities, on-site mechanic shops, truck washes, Wi-Fi, and vending machines that can make life on the road more comfortable for truckers who often spend many days away from home. These amenities can help drivers feel refreshed and rejuvenated after a long day on the road. When parked at these lots, truck drivers can take a shower, grab a meal to eat, and take well-deserved breaks, making it much easier for them to manage their daily routines while on the road. More flexible scheduling In some instances, with public parking lots, drivers may be limited by the hours of operation of public rest areas or other locations. Conversely, private parking lots are mostly available 24/7, providing drivers with the flexibility to park their trucks and rest whenever they need to. This flexibility allows drivers to plan their routes more efficiently, avoiding delays caused by a lack of parking spots or closed rest areas. Reduced travel time Public rest areas and truck stops can be very crowded, with long lines for restrooms, showers, and other facilities especially during peak hours. This can cause delays and eat into the precious time that drivers need to reach their destinations. By avoiding this congestion, drivers can save time on their routes and reach their destinations more efficiently. Private truck parking lots offer a more efficient way for drivers to rest and recharge, as they spend less time being stuck in long lines. Avoiding long lines and subsequent delays increases the time they can spend driving and makes it easier for drivers to reach their destinations on time. In conclusion, private truck parking lots offer numerous benefits for truck drivers. With the ever-increasing demand for goods transportation and as the trucking industry continues to grow, private truck parking lots will undoubtedly become essential in providing drivers with the support they need to keep America moving. Private truck parking facilities can be found on the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/truck-gps/">Truck Path app</a> which also provides real-time and predictive available parking information for thousands of rest areas, truck stops and other truck-friendly parking locations throughout North America. While drivers can avoid driving to congested parking locations by merely viewing the available parking statuses on Trucker Path for locations along their route, it’s a very good bet that they’ll find parking availability at a private lot. Truckers can download the Trucker Path app via <a href="https://play.google.com/store/search?q=trucker%20path&c=apps">Google Play</a> or the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trucker-path-truck-gps-maps/id782746890">Apple App Store</a> for free. For more information on private truck parking, visit Discount Truck Parking’s <a href="https://discounttruckparking.com/">website</a>.

Apr 18, 2023

The Importance of Health Insurance for Truck Drivers Medical insurance is important and something that everyone should have, especially truck drivers. Many drivers and fleet companies have truck insurance, which covers the trucks and drivers in the case of accidents, fire, theft, and damages to other trucks. However, many companies may not offer their truckers medical insurance, which covers health, dental, vision, and other coverage for the driver and their families. It is important for truck drivers to have health insurance coverage right from the get-go. Besides being a necessity for most individuals, it’s especially critical for truck drivers considering the many health impacts that they are more likely to develop due to the nature of their occupation. Different health impacts faced by truck drivers 1. Obesity Obesity is one of the major health concerns faced by truck drivers, as they are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely</a> to be obese compared to other US workers. One cause is the lack of healthy food choices while on the road (we all deal with today’s huge fast-food culture). The lack of proper exercise is also another contributing factor. Truck drivers often have a sedentary lifestyle as they’re stuck in their seat for most of their day and lack the time for regular exercise. Being obese can also lead to many other related health issues, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. 2. Respiratory issues The culture of smoking is extremely prevalent amongst truck drivers; they are <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/truck/health.html">twice as likely</a> to smoke compared to other US workers. Many truck drivers pick up smoking as they feel it helps them fight fatigue and boredom on the road. Combined with their continuous exposure to diesel exhaust fumes while driving, truck drivers are very likely to develop lung cancer and other respiratory issues. 3. Sleep disorders and chronic fatigue Truck drivers often have irregular sleep schedules due to their jobs. Their driving schedules often change depending on weather conditions and traffic. They also face tight deadlines for their deliveries, often requiring late nights or early mornings. This impacts their rest and can lead to chronic fatigue in the long run. Furthermore, the inconsistency of their sleep schedules can also lead to sleep disorders including insomnia and, when coupled with obesity, sleep apnea. Importance of health insurance for truck drivers Being away from home more times than not and constantly being on road makes it difficult for truck drivers to schedule regular doctor appointments to check up on their health. Furthermore, many of those without employer health insurance believe it is too expensive and can’t fit it in their budget, thinking they will put it off for another time in the future. In many cases, drivers wait too long to get their health issues checked and get stuck with expensive medical bills. With proper medical insurance which covers health, dental, and vision, truck drivers can be more comfortable going to the doctor to get checked when they experience any medical issues. Having insurance encourages truck drivers to take care of their health and can reduce the number of accidents that may occur on the road. Furthermore, for truck drivers, their job stability is quite dependent on their health; if they get a medical condition that impacts their ability to drive, they may lose their job or income. With proper health insurance, truck drivers can be more encouraged to keep up with their wellbeing and ensure they are healthy enough to keep driving and maintaining their livelihood. Business solutions, such as <a href="https://go.tafs.com/l/166742/2022-09-02/5gdg55">factoring</a> and <a href="https://www.atbs.com/trucker-path">accounting</a>, are important for truckers to have, but medical insurance and their health should be a priority. Trucker Path recently announced a partnership with nationally licensed insurance company Smart and Simple Insurance Development (SASid). This <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucker-path-and-sasid-partner-to-offer-reduced-rate-insurance/">partnership</a> aims to make the lives of American truck drivers easier by bringing them a range of affordable insurance options. For affordable health insurance options for truckers, <a href="https://www.smartandsimple.com/partners/trucker-path/">click here</a>.

Apr 05, 2023

How to Grow a Trucking Business as an Owner-Operator Did you know that more than 70% of all goods in the United States are transported by truck? That's a lot of products that need to get from Point A to Point B, and it makes commercial trucking one of the most important industries in the country. That <a href="https://cdlworker.com/blog/CDL-training" target="_blank">CDL (commercial driver’s license)</a> has a lot of value these days. If you're a driver looking to start your own trucking business or an owner-operator with a truck already on the road, there are a few things you should know as a business owner. In this post, we'll walk you through some tips for growing your trucking business. Let's get started! <h3>Changing Industry Regulations </h3> As the trucking industry continues to evolve, it's important for trucking businesses to anticipate changes in regulations and have a business plan that is friendly to adapt to those changes. One way to do this is to monitor developments at the state and federal level. State legislatures and Congress are constantly debating issues that could impact the trucking industry, such as hours of service, weight limits, and environmental restrictions. By tracking these debates, trucking businesses can be among the first to adapt to new regulations. Another way to anticipate regulatory change is to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news. Industry publications and websites are a great source of information on upcoming changes in the trucking industry. By monitoring these sources, small businesses can stay ahead of the curve and make the necessary changes to stay compliant with evolving regulations. <h3>New Transportation Technology </h3> New transportation technology is constantly emerging, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends. However, those who don't stay up-to-date with the latest technology will quickly fall behind their competitors. There are many new transportation technologies that can help trucking businesses grow. One example is GPS tracking. GPS tracking can help businesses to keep track of your trucks, know where they are at all times, and ensure that they are on schedule. In line with this would be Trucking Management Systems (TMS). These systems will prove to be game changers for your business at any level. This information can be invaluable for reducing delays and boosting efficiency. Another example is electronic logging devices. These devices went from optional to mandatory and became a major hurdle for some. By staying on top of the new tech and how they operate will keep you in good shape for industry growth. By investing in and staying up to date with new transportation technology, trucking business owners like you can stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow. <h3>Manage Your Business Finances Well </h3> One of the biggest keys to running a successful trucking company is to manage your finances well. Many trucking businesses fail within the first year due to poor financial management. In order to grow your trucking business, it is essential that you keep a close eye on your finances and make wise decisions about where to allocate your resources. A good way to manage this is to get a good reputable line of credit for your startup to manage your operating costs and raise your business credit score. This will make you look better to lenders. One of the most important aspects of financial management is creating and sticking to a budget. Without a budget, it is easy to overspend on unnecessary expenses and quickly become buried in debt or short on fuel costs. Make sure to map out all of your income and expenses so that you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Another crucial element of financial management is making sure that your trucking company has a strong and regular cash flow to keep operations running smoothly. An invoice factoring company, also known as freight factoring, can be a major tool in this area to help get you paid on freight bills now instead of waiting out the payment terms. Many, such as <a href="https://www.tafs.com/">TAFS</a>, also offer a fuel card option to save you additional money on fuel prices at the pump. <h3>Provide Excellent Service </h3> While there are many important factors to consider as an independent contractor, one of the most important is providing excellent service. After all, without happy customers, it would be difficult to stay in business for very long. There are a few key things that you can do to make sure that your customers are always satisfied. First, ensure that your truck drivers are polite and professional at all times. Secondly, make sure that your trucks are always clean and well-maintained. Finally, go the extra mile to accommodate special requests whenever possible. By providing exceptional service, you will encourage customers to keep coming back, which is essential for long-term success. <h3>Develop and Foster Strong Customer Relationships </h3> Trust can be difficult and time-consuming to develop. It is vital in this industry to recognize this and strive to not only develop meaningful business relationships with your customers but to foster those relationships so that they are beneficial to all <h3>TWIC Cards </h3> You may be limiting yourself from loads if you do not obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). This card is issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and allows truckers to enter secure areas, such as ports and maritime facilities. In order to obtain a TWIC card, truckers must first pass a background check and fingerprinting. Once these requirements have been met, truckers can submit an application online or in person at a TWIC enrollment center. The process usually takes about two weeks, and the TWIC card is valid for five years. Having a TWIC card is a big boost for any trucker who wants to grow their business because it expands your freight possibilities, so be sure to apply for one as soon as possible.

Apr 26, 2023