Oct 05, 2017 • Carriers

Trucker Terms

Trucker Terms

If you’re going to make it in trucking these are the trucker terms you’ll want to remember along with some good ole trucking slang you’ll hear on the CB radio.

Trucker Terms

Being a trucker is not only a unique way of life, it also comes with a unique way of communicating that only those in the trucking industry probably can decipher and understand.

10-4 – acknowledging something

10-6 – busy right now

10-8 – en route

20 – location

4-Wheeler – automobile

APU – authorized pick-up

Backhaul – retuning load to home location

Bear Trap – speed radar trap

Bill of Lading – document that details information regarding the goods being hauled by a carrier from a shipper

Chicken Coop – Weigh Station

Chicken Lights – Added lights on and around a truck

Chocks –blocks placed in front and behind wheels to prevent truck from rolling

Cosignee – person who receives the goods

Cosignor – person who ships the goods

County Mounty – – county sheriff

Deadhead – miles driven with no load

Dry Van –standard enclosed truck trailer

ETA – estimated time of arrival

Freightshaker – Freightliner truck

GCW (Gross Combined Weight) – combined wieght of tractor/trailer and load

Gear Jammer –speeding driver

Hammer Down – drive faster

Hopper – truck that empties load through bottom that opens

HOS –hours of service

Intermodal – shipping container freight

Jack-Knife –when trailer is pushed to the side of the tractor

K-whopper – Kenworth truck

Kingpin – pin where the axel wheel pivots

LTL (Less Than Truckload) – load less than 10,000 lbs.

Motor Carrier – person or company that is responsible for transporting goods via a commercial motor vehicle

P&D Driver – pickup and delivery driver locally

Payload – weight of the load

Peddle Run – route with lots of deliveries

Pete – Peterbilt truck

RC (Rate Confirmation) – the rate shipper or broker agrees to pay carrier to haul a load

Reefer – refridgerated truck trailer

Shiny Side Up – top of truck; don’t crash or roll over

Sliding Fifth Wheel – fifth wheel that can be slid back to redistrubute weight on the axels

Trucking Authority –FMCSA approval to haul loads

Willy Weaver – drunk driver

Using Trucker Path Along Your Route

Now that you know the trucker terms and are talking like a real driver, it’s time you use a tool that most truckers rely on to help them save time and money – the Trucker Path app.

Trucker Path is free to download and helps drivers:

Find truck parking with real-time updates
Browse through the list of amenities a location offers
Check to see if a weigh station is open or not
View Walmart locations and know if they allow truck parking
Compare diesel prices to save on fuel
Plan their route to show locations along their trip
Read through fellow drivers reviews of a location
Find restaurants near truck parking locations and much more!

Try Trucker Path Today!

Tagstruck drivers

Trucker Spotlight - Chris Lee <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em> <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-1.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Chris Lee</strong>, who's been driving for around 3 years now. He's originally from Michigan, but has been in Texas for so long that he considers himself a Texan already. He's been married for two years and has a 10 year-old son. He decided to live his life on a vegan/plant-based diet due to trucking. Let's get to more about Chris and how trucking changed his life. <h2></h2> <h3></h3> <h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3> I became a trucker because it had been something I had wanted to do years before I took the leap. I had been deterred and so I started a moving company. After doing that for a couple of years my wife then girlfriend at the time brought it up and I couldn't say no to the opportunity a second time. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3> In the short amount of time that I have been in the trucking industry, I've seen electronic logs come and paper logs go, I have also seen two major changes to the hours of service. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-2.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3> I had also wanted to make Youtube videos for a while. I would make content about moving and I just wasn't confident enough nor did I understand how to upload videos onto the internet. When I got into trucking I wanted to put out information that I didn't have that I thought would help others looking to get into the industry. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3> When I drove OTR, it definitely got lonely so having people to talk to back at home really helped out a lot. Being able to have a support group via Youtube also keeps me from feeling like I'm out here by myself. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-3.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3> The pandemic hasn't really affected my day to day operations. Shippers now require a covid form to be filled out for drivers entering their facility and may also take out temperature but that is about it. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3> I'm currently on a flatbed dedicated route so my sights are pretty routine, but when I was OTR my favorite places to drive were Nevada and Utah. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-5.jpg" alt=""] <h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3> Once I was hauling a load of livers and was asked at the receiver if I ate them. I told her no and she then asked why would I have them in my truck then. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3> I use rest stops and truck stops 99 percent of the time unless I can stay at a shipper or receiver overnight. When looking for a truck stop, I often check how many spots they may have, if they have showers, and the type of food they serve. I normally bring my own food from home to eat in the truck, but if I had to choose, I would say Indian food. I've been to a couple truck stops that serve that type of food while driving OTR. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3> The most common troubles or problems I encounter out on the road are other drivers, mostly the smaller vehicles cutting in front of big trucks. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3> My biggest pet peeve about trucking is not having a shower or restroom in the truck. That would save me lots of time. <h2></h2> [img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/10/ts-chris_lee-blog-4.jpg" alt=""] <h2></h2> <h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3> My favorite features to use on <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> are the fuel price feature, knowing how far each rest stop/truck stop are from my location, knowing if weigh stations are open or closed, being able to route my trip in the app. Honestly there are so many things to like about the app because it's catered to truckers and I definitely appreciate that. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3> Always do your pre-trip before getting on the road is tip number one! Another tip I would share is to learn how to save and invest your money so that your future self can appreciate your hard work. <h2></h2> <h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3> They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTuG9to9JYyvOc789furUKw">Youtube Channel, ChrisLeeTV</a>. <h2></h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sgi5-ZiBpB8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <h2></h2> Hope you guys enjoy! <h2></h2> <h2></h2> <h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4> <h3></h3> <h3></h3>

Oct 07, 2020 • Carriers

Industry Update - March 1, 2019 <h4>By Jeremy Feucht</h4> <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3> An engine in a semi is designed to run 24/7 for 1,000,000 miles before needing to be completely rebuilt. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3> In the cold weather, increasing the air pressure in your tires is a good idea. This helps ensure that cold air does not affect the safety of your tires. In cold weather, air molecules huddle together thus reducing pressure. Be careful though not to over inflate your tires as it makes for an incredibly rough ride and reduces your control over the vehicle. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Weather</u></strong></h3> Good portions of the west and mid-west saw record breaking snow fall for the month of February. This snow fall shut down portions of highways through Washington, Oregon and Idaho in particular. However, these states have not called for Declarations of Emergency because it only affects a portion of the state. Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin, however, have all declared a <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations">State of Emergency</a> due to a lack of fuel, heating oil and propane for its citizens because of the continued poor weather across their entire state. Propane carriers are usually exempted from hours of service rules this time of year anyway, but fuel haulers will now be granted this exemption until the middle of March. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>Legislation</u></strong></h3> The age restriction for interstate driving may change 21 to 18. In a rare move of bipartisanship in both the US House and US Senate, a piece of legislation called the “<a href="https://www.young.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/DRIVE-Safe%20Act%20FINAL%20Draft.pdf">DRIVE Safe Act</a>” looks like it will be pushed through. The act itself does not simply opening the doors for those that are 18 to immediately go long haul, but that does not make it any less controversial. While it is endorsed heavily by the ATA to slow the increasing driver shortage, it still allows younger people, with significantly less driving experience, to drive dangerous vehicles. The legislation would require those under 21 to log significant hours both on duty and behind the wheel as an apprentice before being able to do so on their own. This is the same bill that was introduced in March of last year but has more backing this go around. <h3></h3> <h3><strong><u>I</u></strong><strong><u>ntermodal and Trucking at Odds</u></strong></h3> Lobbyists for the intermodal transportation entities had a chance to have their voices heard this week in DC. Looking to head off the desire for bigger and heavier trucks hitting the roadways, rail and waterway experts were called upon for a <a href="http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=73829#.XHl43vZFw2x">hearing with the US Senate Transportation and Safety subcommittee</a>. Members of the Senate subcommittee though did press back on some of the strategies that ocean liners are beginning to practice using such as “street turns.” A street turn is using the empty container that was picked up at port and using it to haul a load back towards, or even back to, the port.

Mar 01, 2019 • Carriers

Freight Contracts [p] Freight contracts are necessary for binding agreements between freight brokers and carriers. While they can be confusing, if you remain organized and follow these examples, you will better manage your freight contracts. [h2] Freight Contracts [/h2] [p] There are several different types of freight contracts encompassing the responsibilities and liabilities of both the freight broker as well as the carrier. In this instance, we will be focusing on the details of freight contracts and agreements between the freight broker and carrier.[/p] [p]Since the freight broker is representing the company who wishes to ship a load, freight brokers are required to have contracts and agreements with carriers which ensure that prior to the freight being hauled, there will be a certain rate paid, delivery within a specific time period as well as other verifications of the delivered freight. [/p] [h2] Broker Carrier Agreement [/h2] [p] A freight broker may negotiate a rate with a carrier before agreeing to freight contract terms and signing a Broker Carrier Agreement. Let's say a freight broker posts a load on a load board that needs to be picked up from Dallas and delivered to Kansas City. [/p] [p]The freight broker may offer to pay the carrier $1,000 but the carrier wants to negotiate for a higher rate. Eventually, the two parties agree that $1,300 is a fair rate and they wish to proceed. This is where a Broker Carrier Agreement comes in. [/p] [p] A Broker Carrier Agreement will include things like: [ul] [li] The Broker and Carrier's Information (including MC#) [/li] [li] Agreement Date [/li] [li] Days to Pay [/li] [li] Procedures for Invoicing [/li] [li] Liability and Insurance [/li] [/ul] [/p] [button-white href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2017/07/Model-Motor-Carrier-Broker-Agreement.pdf"]Broker Carrier Agreement Template[/button-white] [h2] Load Tender or Load Confirmation [/h2] [p] A load tender or load confirmation highlights the necessary details of the load for the carrier. The load tender form will include information like the address and hours of operation for the shipping location and consignee who will be receiving the load. It will also include the type of trailer used including the length, width, height, and weight as well as a description of the freight. [/p] [h2] Rate Confirmation [/h2] [p] A rate confirmation is an agreement of pay between the freight broker and carrier that is legally binding. A freight broker must provide a rate confirmation for the carrier to sign before proceeding. The rate confirmation portion may be included in the load tender form or included on a separate sheet.[/p] [h2] Accessorial Charges [/h2] [p] Although the parties may agree on a rate confirmation, there are circumstances when a carrier is entitled to additional payments. When a carrier performs specific tasks beyond the scope of the agreed pickup and delivery he or she is entitled to accessorial charges.[/p] [p] Accessorial charges can include things such as detention or wait time, the potential need for additional fuel, tarping, refusal of shipment, storage and other unexpected costs that could arise. [/p] [h2] Bill of Lading[/h2] [p] What is a bill of lading? A bill of lading (BOL) is considered a receipt for the delivery of freight by a carrier to a consignee. The bill of lading will have load details, the destination and time frame to deliver, as well as any special instructions. [/p] [p] The bill of lading is a legally binding document that is provided by the shipper or freight broker prior to the carrier hauling the freight. The carrier must have the bill of lading signed at the time of delivery as proof the freight has been delivered. [/p] [p] For an owner operator to use a freight factoring company and get paid sooner, he or she will need to submit forms like the bill of lading and rate confirmation in order to provide proof of work completed and the rate to be paid for the work. [/p] [h2] Truckloads Broker Load Board [/h2] [p] If you're a freight broker you rely on tools like load boards to find carriers and move freight. Our load board Truckloads has over 800 freight brokers posting loads for over 100,000 qualified carriers to view and includes unique features like freight tracking and truck searches. You can post loads via TMS and see how many times and which carriers have viewed a load. [/p] [video id="o_tsuJHWayo"] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/broker-load-board/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=contracts&utm_campaign=Aug2"]Try Truckloads Free [/button-green]

Aug 02, 2017 • Brokers