Dec 20, 2021 • Community

Meet a Pathfinder: Fredrick Claxton

The Meet a Pathfinder series explores what our Pathfinder users love about being part of the program, what’s their favorite thing to explore, and fun facts about themselves.

Today we have Fredrick Claxton from New York.

What do I love about being a Pathfinder?

What I love about being a Pathfinder is that it encourages me to read other people’s comments and get engaged with the places that I visit.

The thing I love most about being a pathfinder is being able to be a part of an application and tool that I use every day, and being able to be confident when I communicate the advantages of using TP every day.

My favorite thing to explore

My favorite thing to explore for me is the reviews. They come in handy in the clutch and can be entertaining as well.

Fun fact about me

A fun fact about me would be I am in love with the desert, and will have a ranch of mine there in the coming years.

The Trucker Path Pathfinder program aims to build a community for truckers who are enthusiastic, passionate, and adventurous. Every time you share an experience on the Trucker Path map help a fellow trucker over the road. If you love discovering hidden gems, supporting a mom-and-pop truck stop, and telling stories with vivid visuals and cogent reviews, join our squad to start your journey.

How to Start a Hotshot Trucking Business [p]Ever wondered how to be your own boss while enjoying beautiful sceneries across America? The freight industry is the backbone of America’s economy contributing more than <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/gdp-from-transport">500 billion USD</a> every quarter and the numbers are increasing each year. It’s a lucrative industry which gives handsome rewards. However, it is not easy getting into traditional trucking due to the requirements needed.[/p] [p]What if there was a way to be a part of the trucking industry without dealing with all the hassle? The good news is there is a sure-fire way of being a part of the trucking industry and you can get started in a few days. What is it, you ask? The answer to that question is “Hotshot Trucking”. But there are still a few requirements before you are eligible to haul freight. Fortunately, these requirements are easy to complete and we will explain everything step by step below. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]What is Hotshot trucking? [/b][/p] [p]Hotshot truck drivers are freelancers who work privately carrying freight from one point to the other without any employer restrictions or scheduling restrictions. In other words, you are your boss and you can choose when to earn and how much to earn. All you need is a medium or heavy-duty truck with at least 7,000 pounds of hauling force and a trailer. A Dodge Ram 3500, a Toyota Tacoma, or any version of the Ford F-series truck can work well. [/p] [p]Currently, around 70% of the goods you can find on the shelves are transported by hotshot truckers and independent freight transporters. According to estimates, the trucking industry is expected to grow by 2.3% yearly till 2024. With freight volumes increasing day by day it is the perfect time to set up your own hotshot trucking business. [/p] [p][b]Pros and cons of Hotshot Trucking?[/b][/p] [p]Hotshot Trucking comes with a lot of advantages especially if you want to kick-off your trucking business easily. But be wary also of some limitations and trade-offs when entering this kind of trucking business. [/p] [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-pros_and_cons_table.png" alt=""] [p][b]How to Begin?[/b][/p] [p]Now that you have a basic idea of hotshot trucking let’s get started on the specifics: [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Set up an LLC[/b][/p] [p]You need to set up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and register it with your state. This is the first step in registering your business and it doesn't matter if you are working alone or if you intend to invite others to join in with you, setting up a legal company gives you many <a href="https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/advantages-of-an-llc">benefits</a> such as:[/p] <ul> <li>Limited personal liability</li> <li>Less paperwork</li> <li>Tax advantages</li> <li>Ownership and Management flexibility</li> <li>Flexible profit distribution</li> </ul> [p][b]Register With the Tax Authorities [/b][/p] [p]Once you have your LLC set up, the next step is to get a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin">Tax ID</a> to go with your business. The tax ID or the Employer Identification Number (EIN) will allow you to receive checks and other forms of payments directly to your business account. That takes us to our next step. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-make_a_business_bank_account.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Make a Business Bank Account[/b][/p] [p]A separate bank account will allow you to divert all your business-related transactions to your business bank account. This allows you to keep track of your expenditures while also giving you the liberty to make and receive payments.[/p] [p][b]Apply for a CDL (optional)[/b][/p] [p]Hotshot trucking does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) since in most cases you won’t be exceeding the gross weight limit determined by the authorities. [/p] [p]You don’t need a CDL if: [/p] <ul> <li>If the total weight you are pulling is less than 10,000 pounds.</li> <li>If the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is less than 26,000 pounds. </li> </ul> [p]Getting a CDL is no easy task. You have to enlist in a reputable training academy, go through several weeks of training, and then apply as well as pass the CDL exam. Therefore, it is better to forego this requirement in the early stages of your business but its best to acquire the license once your business is up and running. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-acquire_relevant_equipment-1.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Acquire Relevant Equipment [/b][/p] [p]As you know, hotshot trucking involves a lot of hauling and towing. It is important to have a sturdy and reliable truck if you want to save yourself a lot of grief later. You will need a good medium to heavy-duty truck with a lot of power (around 400HP) to pull at least a ton and a 30 ft. gooseneck flatbed trailer to begin. A decent truck can cost from $15,000 to $60,000. A good trailer costs from $7,000 to $25,000. It is up to you to decide how much you want to invest in the business initially. If you already have a truck at home and you don’t intend to get a CDL right away then you can save money by buying a cheap trailer and starting your business with minimum investment. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Further Government Approvals [/b][/p] [p]It is a good idea to register your business with the Department of Transport (DOT) in your state and also with the federal authority if you intend to drive interstate. The state will provide you a DOT number and the federal government authority will give you a Motor Carrier (MC) number. These numbers must be emblazoned on the side of your vehicle. [/p] <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/How-to-Start-a-Hotshot-Trucking-Business-getting_your_first_order.jpg" alt=""] [p][b]Getting Your First Order [/b][/p] [p]It’s often difficult to get your first order but there are resources available online that can help you out. You can sign-up and keep an eye out for potential contracts using <a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/">loadboards</a>, which is an online marketplace where truck owner-operators, shippers, and freight brokers can post and search for loads. If a contract fits your requirements you can sign-up with them and begin your hotshot trucking journey. [/p] <h2></h2> [p][b]Conclusion [/b][/p] [p]It is not easy to start a business from scratch and accept profits from the get-go. However, if you work hard, complete all the requirements and stay motivated, you can slice through the initial difficulties and begin expanding and earning handsomely all while being your own boss. [/p] <h2></h2> <h2></h2> [p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]

Oct 09, 2020 • Carriers

Trucker Path Continues Driver-First™ Focus with Key Executive Hires New executive team is set to build on the company’s mission of offering new solutions that benefit drivers and the North American trucking community as a whole. <br> <br> <strong>PHOENIX – November 3, 2021 </strong>– Trucker Path, whose mobile apps support North America’s largest community of commercial truck drivers, today announced the addition of three senior executives who will drive the development and deployment of an expanded portfolio of solutions rooted in the company's core Driver-First™ design principles where solutions are developed for efficiency, safety and quality of life on the road. <br> <br> Joining Trucker Path are Jeff Ogren as SVP of Business Development, Tom Wulf in the role of Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, and Chris Oliver, who will serve as Chief Marketing Officer. <br> <br> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/11/TP_ExecRelease-Hi-Res.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/11/TP_ExecRelease-Hi-Res-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="225" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-6258" /></a> <br> <br> “Chris, Jeff and Tom bring proven, in-depth trucking and transportation experience, and diverse but complementary skills, that will drive Trucker Path as we develop and deploy new ideas for serving the industry’s drivers as well as the carriers, brokers and shippers,” said Joe Chen, Acting CEO at Trucker Path. “With their collective expertise, we will focus on the details, large and small, to build solutions that enhance the driver’s experience with Trucker Path. They will help us grow our base of satisfied users while also expanding our offerings into other areas of the supply chain. This new team of executives, which will focus on our long standing Driver-First value proposition, will be integral to Trucker Path’s future.” <br> <br> Jeff Ogren, SVP of business development, served on the founding team at Trucker Path and recently worked with SmartHop and Uber Freight. A proven community builder, his extensive background leading business development and strategy efforts in the transportation and logistics industries has led to strong partnerships for mobile technologies providers. <br> <br> Chris Oliver, chief marketing officer, previously served at Trucker Path as Chief Business Officer leading the development of the company’s strategic plan. An accomplished strategist in the world of transportation technology, his background includes more than 25 years of experience spearheading growth and development efforts for several brands, including Cargomatic, Zonar and PrePass. <br> <br> Tom Wulf, vice president of sales and strategic partnerships, brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience to Trucker Path. Throughout his career, Wulf’s performance driven expertise has led to accelerated growth at providers of freight technology, including companies offering Transportation Management System and SaaS solutions. <br> <br> “Trucker Path has always developed solutions by starting with drivers and identifying their needs first,” Oliver said. “Focusing on helping to improve the day-to-day quality of life for drivers has never been more important than it is today. Through new applications, features and partnerships we will be delivering even more value to the transportation industry – starting with the drivers.” <br> <br> <br> <strong>About Trucker Path</strong> <br> <br> <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/11/TP-PHONES3-Hi-Res.jpg"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/11/TP-PHONES3-Hi-Res-184x300.jpg" alt="" width="184" height="300" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-6257" /></a> <br> <br> Trucker Path, the North American trucking industry’s most comprehensive and fastest growing mobile app for truckers, is in use by over 1 million drivers. The platform’s unmatched capabilities provide access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time available parking, fuel prices, weigh station status, and truck scales and wash locations. The advanced technology, designed to eliminate inefficiencies in the transportation industry, offers navigational assistance with truck optimized routing, and its TruckLoads freight matching load board connects drivers, brokers and shippers. For more information, visit www.truckerpath.com. <br> <br> <strong>Media Contact:</strong> <br> Susan Fall <br> LaunchIt Public Relations <br> 858-490-1050 <br> susan@launchitpr.com

Nov 15, 2021 • App Update

Today's Trucking: Trucker Path reveals truck parking trends in Canada, U.S. <p>Truckers who find themselves on the road Christmas Day have the gift of ample parking to look forward to. Trucker Path data indicates truck parking spots 53% more abundant than on average through the rest of the year.</p> <p>The truck parking app has also revealed trends on parking availability in the U.S. and Canada.</p> <p>When a user enters an area where truck parking is known to be available, they are presented with a pop-up question in the app asking if there are Many Spaces Available, Some Spaces Available, or if the Lot is Full. App users submit more than 10 million parking status updates per month.</p> <p style="text-align: center"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/12/Christmas-parking-465x1024.png" alt="" /> </a> </p> <p>Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 11.1% of Canadian parking lots are full, while 60.6% have lots of parking spots available. Newfoundland is the hardest province (excluding territories) in which to find parking between 11 and 2, with 33% of parking lots full. B.C. is the second worst, with 27.6% of lots full.</p> <p>At night, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., the struggle to find truck parking worsens. During these evening hours 35.9% of Canadian parking lots are full, with only 22% having lots of parking available.</p> <p>Nova Scotia and Quebec are the hardest provinces in which to find truck parking in the evening, with 75% and 53% of lots full, respectively.</p> <p>Manitoba is the best province in which to find truck parking, with 28.2% of locations having lots of truck parking available at night and 72% having lots of spots available during midday. (P.E.I. excluded, due to its small sample size).</p> <p style="text-align: center"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/12/parking-availability-708x1024.jpg" alt="" width="472" height="600" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-6331"/></a> </p> <p>Trucker Path’s U.S. data shows truck parking is more crowded on the East Coast than on the West Coast, and parking lots are fuller in the evening hours than during the midday hours.</p> <p>States with the least truck parking at midday are: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, North Carolina, and Maryland. States with the least truck parking at night are: West Virginia, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Arkansas.</p> <p>The easiest states in which to find truck parking midday are: North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota, Michigan, and Nevada. In the evening, the best states for finding truck parking are: South Dakota, Michigan, Vermont, Nevada, and Florida.</p> <p> Source: <a href="https://www.trucknews.com/infrastructure/trucker-path-reveals-truck-parking-trends-in-canada-u-s/1003155821/" target="_blank">Truck News</a> </p>

Dec 23, 2021