May 03, 2019 • Carriers

Industry Update May 3, 2019

Industry Update May 3, 2019

By Jeremy Feucht

Did you Know?

On May 1, 1931, Herbert Hoover dedicated the Empire State Building in New York City. The tallest building at the time would not have been possible without the use of cranes, trucks and other specialized equipment. Demolition of the Waldorf hotel which stood in the spot where the Empire State Building would be built, began in 1929. Soon after, cranes and cement mixers were sent in to help with the construction of the 102 feet tall building.

Trucking tip of the Week

Allergies are a big problem for some this time of year. If you have any allergies, make sure you keep documentation in your truck. Bees, yellow jackets, wasps and hornets are all out beginning this time of year as are mosquitos and ants. Pollen counts are high as well which can bring on asthma systems. Know your body and make sure you are taking proper care to ensure your wellbeing.

Danger on the Road

A bad wreck in Denver last week cost the lives of four people during rush hour traffic. It is being reported now that the company involved, Castellano 03 Trucking, LLC out of Houston, TX, had a history of brake issues in their recent past. Since 2017, the company has been hit with at least 30 violations regarding their brakes.

General

In one of the worst stories you will hear, Falcon Transport abruptly went out of business last week leaving drivers stranded miles away from home. The company had recently been purchased by a private equity firm after having been run by its founding family for 115 years. 550 employees were immediately laid off. But that wasn’t the only company that shut its doors in the last week. Williams Trucking out of Alabama also notified its drivers it was shutting down as of May 1 leaving 50 drivers out of work.

Women in Trucking

Treana Moniz has been named Women in Trucking’s May Member of the Month. Moniz has held her CDL since 2007, she has over 675,000 safe driving miles to her name. In 2018, she was name Eastern Company Driver of the year. Find more on her story here.

TagsSemi-Truck dangerous roads Did you Know Trucking Tips Falcon Transport Allergies Women in Trucking Denver

Different Types of Trucking Jobs [p]Truck driving is a challenging profession that requires incredible mental fortitude. You are constantly on the road, away from family and the warm embrace of your home. On top of that, you are driving most of the time, so there is hardly time for any rest. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a suitable trucking job that fits your schedule and allows you to relax. There are plenty of opportunities you can explore![/p] [p]There are plenty of opportunities you can explore! [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Dry Van Hauling[/b][/p] [p]Dry van hauling is tailor-made for beginner truckers. You only have to deliver non-perishable items from one place to another. The loading and unloading are also done by the client, so you only have to focus on the driving.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Freight Trucker[/b][/p] [p]Freight is a very broad term, so anything other than dry goods come under the definition. It's tough being a freight hauler as you are expected to transport all kinds of goods. They can be hazardous, liquid materials, or anything that dry haulers are not allowed to carry.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Oil/Gasoline Tanker[/b][/p] [p]Hauling a tanker is no easy task. You have to be focused every moment and take care of the cargo at all times. One mistake could result in a horrible accident. Tanker haulers are some of the most sought-after trucking jobs in the industry. The high risk means there is a high reward as well. So, it is natural for truckers to look for tanker jobs.[/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Refrigerated Goods Transport[/b][/p] [p]Transporting refrigerated goods does not require a lot of skill, but it involves being punctual. You cannot fall behind the deadline, or the entire cargo can spoil. There is a lot of responsibility on such truckers but the good thing is that these jobs are close to home. You are not always expected to transport goods to far-off places.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-5.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Flatbed Trucker[/b][/p] [p]Any item that is too large or has an irregular shape, is transported by flatbed truckers. Flatbed trailers are open, which means the cargo is exposed to the elements at all times. The job requires extreme skill, to deliver the goods safely and on time. Trucks, cars, heavy machinery, and other similar items are transported using a flatbed hauler.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-6.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Regional Trucking Jobs[/b][/p] [p]If you are not worried about earning the big bucks and you are happier near your home, then regional trucking is for you. Such a job is easy and does not pay much, but at least you don’t have to be away from home all the time.[/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-7.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> [p][b]Hotshot Trucking[/b][/p] [p]There is no need to be disappointed if you like trucking and you don’t have a semi. A class 3 or 5 truck can also do the job. Hotshot trucking is attaching a trailer to your small truck and transporting goods using that setup. Once you have the capital and experience to upgrade, you can shift to a semi and accept more serious trucking jobs..[/p] [p]What about you? Which one are you or which one would you want to try out? Comment below.[/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p] [p] Signing off.[/p]

May 20, 2021 • Carriers

Thinking Like a Business Versus Thinking Like a Trucker It's ironic that the business practices that can feel like the enemy of independence are actually the best ways for truckers to hold onto the independence they care about most. Good business habits aren't about selling out — they're the foundation that makes it possible to keep doing things your way. <h2>Cost per mile: the number that tells you everything</h2> Are you making money or losing money on a given load? The answer lives in your cost per mile (CPM). Know your CPM and you know your break-even point. Know your break-even point and you know what rate per mile you need to make a run worth taking. <h2>The biggest costs that determine your CPM</h2> Based on the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) <a href="https://truckingresearch.org/about-atri/atri-research/operational-costs-of-trucking/">Operational Costs of Trucking</a> report: <ol> <li><strong>Fuel: 38% of operational costs.</strong> Finding the best prices and running fuel-efficient practices has major impact on profitability — more than almost anything else you control day to day.</li> <li><strong>Truck payment: 31% of operational costs.</strong> With today's high borrowing rates and vehicle prices, truck payments make up a large share of CPM. It's a strong argument for used equipment and paying cash when possible.</li> <li><strong>Parts and maintenance: 16% of operational costs.</strong> Don't treat these as incidental. Estimate a per-mile cost and build it into your CPM — they add up whether you plan for them or not.</li> <li><strong>Insurance: 8% of operational costs.</strong> Premiums are a major cost today. Actions that lower your risk profile — a good safety score, clean inspections, no violations, consistent PM records — can indirectly lower this number over time.</li> <li><strong>Tires: 4% of operational costs.</strong> A necessary and predictable expense. Use past purchases to estimate your per-mile tire cost and include it in your CPM calculation.</li> </ol> Calculate your CPM using a tool like <a href="https://www.ooida.com/trucking-tools/cost-per-mile/">OOIDA's CPM calculator</a>. Most costs stay fixed day to day — you can fine-tune by adjusting for actual fuel costs as they change. <h2>Five business practices worth thinking deeply about</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Planning.</strong> A big-picture strategy keeps you from living load-to-load. Will you specialize in a lane, build repeat relationships with specific customers, or work with freight brokers? Having an answer gives you focus and a way to measure progress.</li> <li><strong>Policies.</strong> Clear rules around detention and accessorial charges protect your time and your revenue. Without them in writing — and a commitment to enforcing them — you're leaving money on the table.</li> <li><strong>Paperwork.</strong> Organized bills of lading, permits, and insurance documents support your efficiency during inspections and reinforce your professionalism with customers. The time spent staying organized costs less than the time spent scrambling when something is missing.</li> <li><strong>Recordkeeping.</strong> Compile expenses daily. Invoice accessorials immediately while the customer's memory of the load is still fresh. Details that seem easy to remember rarely are by the end of the week.</li> <li><strong>Key performance indicators.</strong> Objective numbers show you how you're doing. They motivate improvements, prompt adjustments, and flag problems before they compound.</li> </ol> <strong>KPIs every owner-operator should track:</strong> <ul> <li>Cost per mile (CPM)</li> <li>Rate per mile (RPM)</li> <li>Deadhead percentage</li> <li>Utilization — loaded days versus available days</li> </ul> <h2>Planning for the cycles, not just the current market</h2> Trucking is a boom-and-bust industry. The rate boom of the pandemic years gave way to a prolonged freight recession. The practices that protect you in a down market are the same ones that build your business in a strong one. Make them a habit regardless of where the market is. <strong>Control fixed costs.</strong> Low or no truck and trailer payments give you flexibility when rates drop. Review your insurance regularly to make sure your rate is competitive. Watch smaller fixed costs like subscriptions — they add up quietly. <strong>Diversify load sources.</strong> Having inroads with load boards, freight brokers, and direct shippers means losing one customer doesn't dry up your cash flow. Options are worth building before you need them. <strong>Foster long-term relationships.</strong> Loyalty to brokers and shippers in high-rate periods earns you priority access when loads are scarce. That goodwill is worth more than the premium on any single load. <strong>Specialize in a lane or niche.</strong> Flatbed, tanker, reefer, oversized, a specific commodity or corridor — specialists tend to be in shorter supply, which helps buffer the effects of market swings. <strong>Save from every load.</strong> Consistent savings get you through down periods and cover unexpected expenses without factoring fees or taking desperate loads. Enough saved capital can also let you pay for equipment outright and eliminate truck payments entirely. <strong>Stay consistent with sales and marketing.</strong> Maintain a professional brand — equipment appearance, website, business listings. Keep a basic information sheet on hand for prospects. Stay in contact with past customers. Referrals from <a href="https://wp-login.truckerpath.com/blog/good-customer-service-practices-are-survival-skills/">good customer service</a> are the cheapest leads you'll ever get. <strong>Do your preventative maintenance.</strong> Time spent on PM buys you more time driving and earning. Breakdowns cut off revenue while piling on costs — repairs, towing, rentals, hotels, lost loads. Consistent PM prevents breakdowns, keeps you ready for inspections, and stops small problems from becoming expensive ones. <strong>Outsource what pulls you off the road.</strong> Dispatching, bookkeeping, maintenance, and compliance all take time. When they reduce your available driving hours, they're costing you. A professional handling those functions while you focus on driving can pay for itself. <h2>Good business habits protect the freedom you're in trucking for</h2> Strong business practices don't get in the way of independence — they're what sustains it. They keep you financially stable through cycles, reduce stress when the market gets hard, and give you options when other operators don't have any. Technology has made good business practices more accessible than ever. The Trucker Path app puts the cheapest fuel along your route, truck-safe routing, trucker-recommended service providers, and a load board with thousands of new loads posted daily in one place. <a href="https://truckerpath.onelink.me/ivkh/n0eiei2g">See what's available on your next run.</a>

Jul 23, 2026 • Carriers

Industry Update - March 15, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update March 15, 2019</h3> <h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> One of the world’s first, and at the time the worst, oil tanker spill occurred this week in history. On March 16, 1978, the Supertanker Amoco Cadiz, wrecked off the coast of France. The spill released 68 million gallons of oil into the Ocean and covered roughly 240 miles of French coastline in oil. <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> We are about a week away from Spring Break for most of the US. This means more cars on the road traveling to both big cities and remote areas. Make sure you allow yourself additional time on your trips. Be vigilant as this time of year also begins to see an increase in freight thefts. Be careful and be safe. <h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3> With another massive storm hitting the US, make sure you are checking the road and weather reports for the areas you are traveling to and through. This time, a good portion of the <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/bomb-cyclone-slams-plains-midwest-with-heavy-winds-snow/ar-BBUMs06?ocid=spartandhp">Mid-West and Plain States</a> were hit with what is being called a “Bomb Cyclone.” This weather pattern hit states from Colorado to Iowa and as far south as Missouri. Many states have already declared a State of Emergency. Make sure you know if your loads are cleared for hours of service exemptions before trying to run in an exempt status. <h3><strong><u>Pay</u></strong></h3> In what should come as little surprise, and good news to owner-operators, large fleets saw a reduction in turnover rates in 2018. This is because <a href="https://www.joc.com/trucking-logistics/labor/pay-hikes-cut-truckload-driver-turnover-big-fleets_20190314.html">large trucking companies increased pay</a> across the board for their drivers. As rates drove up, companies were desperate to keep their seasoned drivers from going off on their own and increased pay. By doing this, they allowed owner-operators to operate at higher rates in the spot-market for a bit longer than normal. As rates begin to fall again, we will see if large fleets retain their high pay rates through the summer or not. <h3><strong><u>Danger on the Road</u></strong></h3> This piece of news has several dangerous aspects to it. A driver, just outside of Spokane, WA was uninjured when he navigated the rest stop exit improperly and wrecked his truck into a snow bank. Normally, a wreck that is off the freeway/highway would not shut down an interstate for two hours. This one however did as the trucker had <a href="https://www.khq.com/news/isp-confirms-semi-truck-carrying-missiles-was-headed-for-indiana/article_e96df9ae-443a-11e9-8fb5-430d6df36d84.html">16, 2000-pound US Military missiles</a> on board. Military crews from Fairchild Air Force Base were called to clean up and secure the scene.

Mar 15, 2019 • Carriers