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

Truck Parking Prediction [p] Find truck parking near you with the new Trucker Path Truck Parking feature. [/p] [h2] Truck Parking Prediction [/h2] [p] If you're a truck driver, then you're well aware of the <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/truck-parking-issue-can-cost-the-industry-5-billion-annually/">lack of available truck parking</a> in America. It's one of the top issues plaguing the trucking industry and is both a safety risk for drivers and costs trucking companies billions. [/p] [p] We discovered that almost half of the truck drivers spend an hour or more searching for available truck parking. Between the ELD mandate and overcrowded truck stops, it's no surprise. Still, the burden shouldn't be left on the drivers. They have enough to worry about, after all, being a truck driver is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. [/p] [h2]Take The Guesswork Out of Finding Truck Parking[/h2] [p] Now there's a solution to finding truck parking with our new <strong>Parking Predictor!</strong>[/p] [p] This new parking feature compiles several years of data to forecast the availability of parking at truck stops and other locations. Now you can compare specific times of day at over 8,000 locations to see when parking is either full or has spots for trucks. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/truck-parking-near-me/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=parkingprediction"]Try Trucker Path Today[/button-green] [p] <strong>How To Use It:</strong> [/p] [p]1. Open the Trucker Path app [/p] [p]2. Click on a Location found on the map[/p] [android-img src="/uploads/2017/10/click-a-location.png"] [p]3. Click <strong> PREDICTION</strong> [/p] [android-img src="/uploads/2017/10/5a.-parking-prediction-details-card-new-with-arrow.png" alt="trip planner"] [p]4. View the <strong>Parking Predictions</strong> to verify when the best (and worst) times to park at the location will be. [/p] [android-img src="/uploads/2017/10/7.-parking-prediction-actual-screen-new.png"] [p] Truck Parking looks limited at this place Wednesday mornings, you might want to find an alternative location. [/p] [p] It's as easy as that! Now you can eliminate wasted time searching for a spot and find nearby truck parking with confidence. A little peace of mind goes a long way and you won't have to worry about violating your HOS with this new feature. [/p]

Dec 05, 2017 • Community

Start a Trucking Company With One Truck [h2]Start a Trucking Company With One Truck [/h2] [p]Yes, it's possible to start a trucking company with one truck! Learn the steps to success here. [/p] [p]The <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-industry-trends/">Trucking industry trends</a> and experts expect freight revenue to grow by 75 percent over the next nine years. [/p] [p] With the trucking industry eclipsing over $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015, starting a trucking company now can be extremely lucrative. The trucking industry serves as a pillar in keeping things going and as long as people have demand for products, moving freight will be necessary for years to come.[/p] [p]Don't be intimidated by the larger trucking companies with thousands of truck drivers and investors to provide capital. 90 percent of trucking companies are small fleets of six trucks or less so there's space in the industry for you to start a trucking company with one truck.[/p] [h2] 1. Apply for Trucking Authority - Trucking Company Forms[/h2] [p]Paperwork, documentation, and forms. They're tedious and might seem redundant but are necessary for you to get your trucking company started and earn <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">trucking authority</a>.[/p] [p]If you haven't already been assigned a US DOT number, you will need to register for a DOT number form before you can apply to obtain trucking authority. Keep in mind the old [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/form-mcs-150-and-instructions-motor-carrier-identification-report"]MCS-150 form[/a] is now only for updating existing US DOT number and not for obtaining a US DOT number.[/p] [p]To get a US DOT number you will need to use the new [a href="https://portal.fmcsa.dot.gov/UrsRegistrationWizard/"]Unified Registration System[/a]. The processing time can take 20-25 business days according to the FMCSA.[/p] [p]If you already have a US DOT number and wish to apply for operating authority you can do so by [a href="http://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/PKG_REGISTRATION.prc_option"]completing this registration form[/a] and paying the associated $300 fee.[/p] [h2] 2. Choosing a Process Agent[/h2] [p]You will need to choose a process agent who can represent you in regards to court papers. You will need to have a process agent for each state your trucking company operates in. They are used if there ever is an issue where court papers are to be served to your trucking company in a state other than the state your company is registered in.[/p] [p]The FMCSA has a [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/process-agents"]list of process agents to choose from here[/a]. The process agent is responsible for completing [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/registration/1996/boc-3-1-18-2017.pdf"]Form BOC-3[/a] on behalf of your trucking company.[/p] [h2]3. Truck Insurance[/h2] [p]Once you've established your trucking company you will need to make sure that it's properly insured. Liability insurance is required for trucking companies to cover potential damages or injuries caused by operating a commercial vehicle.[/p] [p]Shop around and get several quotes before making a decision on which insurance provider is best for your trucking company. [a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements"]Here is a detailed overview of the FMCSA insurance requirements[/a] to help get you started.[/p] [h2]4. Buying or Leasing a Truck[/h2] [p]When starting your trucking company you can buy or lease trucks depending on what suits your needs best. If you have the working capital upfront to cover the cost and want to operate a small fleet with a few trucks, buying several trucks at once from a dealer might result in a discounted price per vehicle.[/p] [p]You can also look into leasing trucks which often times keeps the monthly costs down and can even have a lease-to-own option available. However, there are usually restrictions that apply to leasing that vary by dealer. You will want to take the time to search and compare dealer options and offers before choosing.[/p] [p]Lastly, there is also the option to purchase used trucks which can help save you upfront but can be costly down the line. You may find a used truck that is a few years old with over 400,000 miles on it for $40,000 to $50,000 less than a new one.[/p] [p]It might be a great deal but remember, on average, truck repairs cost an estimated $15,000 annually according to the ATRI and with used trucks, that number can be even more. [/p] [h2]5. Choosing the Right Truck and Trailer Equipment [/h2] [p] Choosing the correct equipment to haul <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/types-of-truck-freight/">truck freight</a> can have a tremendous impact on your trucking companies earning potential. Although freight rates fluctuate week-to-week, typically flatbed truck loads pay the highest rate on average. [/p] [p] That is not to say that a reefer, van or step deck load won't ever pay a better rate. Rather it's just an overall average to consider before choosing the equipment type for your truck. Keep in mind that location also plays a major factor in determining freight rates. [/p] [p]<strong>Looking ahead</strong>: when you're trucking company is set up, you can find truck freight to haul on free load boards like <strong>Truckloads</strong>. Customize your truck load searches by <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">deadhead</a> location and the trailer equipment type for you. [/p] [button-green href="https://truckloads.truckerpath.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=startonetruckcompany"]Find Freight Today[/button-green] [video id="snyBYpnuhWw"] [h2] 6. International Registration Plan (IRP)[/h2] [p] By registering your vehicle through the IRP in your home state, you will be allowed to haul interstate loads as well as freight through Canada without having to worry about additional registrations. You will be provided an apportioned license plate and cab-cards now display all jurisdictions that you cover. [/p] [p] The IRP registration fee for your apportioned plate will vary depending on state and vehicle weight, but typically the price ranges from $1,500 - $2,000. [a href="https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/about/webstate.cfm"]Use this list to determine what the cost will be for your state.[/a] [/p]

Dec 14, 2017 • Carriers

ELD Mandate Exemptions [p]Get clarification on electronic logging devices and ELD mandate exemptions set to take effect in December 2017. [/p] [h2]ELD Mandate Exemptions[/h2] [p]As of December 18, 2017, most drivers that currently use paper logs will have to switch over to an electronic logging device. The choices will be an automatic onboard recording device (AOBRD) meeting the current requirements in §395.15, installed before December 18, 2017, or a device meeting the electronic logging device (ELD) standards found in Subpart B to Part 395 and the associated appendix.[/p] [p]There are <strong>five ELD Mandate exemptions</strong> including:[/p] [ul] [li]Drivers that only had to fill out a log eight or fewer days out of the last 30 days. This would include “short-haul” drivers that normally operate under the 100 and 150 air-mile exceptions and intermittent drivers.[/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle older than the model year 2000. This also applies to the model year 2000 and newer vehicles that do not have the original engine in them, if the engine serial number indicates that the engine is older than the model year 2000. [/li] [li]Drivers operating a vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment. [/li] [li]Drivers driving or towing a recreational vehicle that is part of a driveaway/towaway shipment.[/li] [li]Drivers who are driving a truck that was rented for eight days or less. [/li] [/ul] [p]How are officers on the road going to verify that a driver claiming one of the exemptions is actually entitled to it? It is easier than you might think. [/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions and Short-Haul Drivers[/h2] [p]During a roadside inspection, the officer can contact the carrier for the time records related to a driver he/she is inspecting. The officer can then verify that the driver is complying with the terms of the 100 or 150 air-mile exemptions. This simply involves the officer verifying that there were time records and they showed the driver staying under the limits attached to the exemption. [/p] [p]If the records show the driver as operating under the 100 or 150 air-mile exception often enough, there would be no violation for the driver not using an ELD.[/p] [p]As far as intermittent drivers, the officer will inquire as to how many days the driver has worked out of the last 30. If it ends up to be 8 or fewer out of any 30-day period, there is no violation.[/p] [h2]ELD Exemptions on Older Vehicles[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver can use paper logs due to the age of the vehicle, the officer will simply check the vehicle identification number (VIN). If the VIN indicates that the vehicle is the model year 1999 or older vehicle, there will be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic log.[/p] [p]How is this determined? [/p] [p]The model year is coded in the vehicle’s VIN at the 10th position. Presently, 2000 and newer vehicles have Y, 1 to 9, or A to H in the 10th position (i, o, u, and z are not used in VINs by the way). If the 10th digit is anything other than those listed, the vehicle is manufactured before 2000.[/p] [p]In the case of the model year, 2000 or newer vehicle that has been retrofitted with the model year 1999 or older engine, to determine if the engine is manufactured before the year 2000, the officer will ask to see the engine serial number. Using the serial number and available software, the officer can quickly validate the engine model year.[/p] [h2]Driveaway/Towaway ELD Exemptions[/h2] [p]To verify that the driver is allowed to use the driveaway/towaway exception to use a paper log rather than an electronic log after December 18, 2017, all the officer or auditor needs to do is ask for the shipment paperwork. The shipment paperwork will then be used to verify that the vehicle the driver is operating is part of the shipment. If so, then there would be no violation for the driver using a paper log rather than an electronic logging device.[/p] [h2]Rented Trucks[/h2] [p]To verify that a driver is allowed to use the rented truck exemption, the driver must be able to present the rental agreement showing that the vehicle is being rented for 8 days or less. The driver must use paper logs and have records for the previous seven days. Printouts from an ELD system are acceptable. The exemption does not cover “leased” vehicles or vehicles rented for more than 8 days. Multiple back-to-back rental agreements will result in the carrier being cited for not using ELDs.[/p] [h2]Still Confused about ELD Mandate Exemptions?[/h2] [p]If you’re still confused about Exemptions to the mandate or wondering if you need to comply with the ELD mandate, contact J.J. Keller for a free ELD Exemption Assessment. Their ELD specialist will guide you through 21 questions created by their hours of service subject matter experts to help you determine if you are exempt from using ELDs. Call the ELD Exemption hotline at 888-531-8899 or <strong>request an assessment <a href="https://www.jjkeller.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/infoform_10151_-1_10551_52145?cm_mmc=Misc-_-ELDExemptionAssessment-_-eldexempt-_-null">here</strong></a>.[/p] [p]<strong>J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.</strong>[/p] [p]Since its beginning as a one-man consulting firm in 1953, J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. has grown to become the most respected name in safety and regulatory compliance. Now over 1,400 associates strong, J. J. Keller serves over 600,000 customers — including over 90% of the Fortune 1000® companies. The company’s subject-matter expertise spans nearly 1,500 topics, and its diverse solutions include ELogs and mobile technology; training via online courses, streaming video or DVD; online management tools; managed services; consulting services; online and print publications; forms and supplies.[/p] <strong>[p]About the Author:[/p]</strong> [p]Tom Bray has been with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. for 11 years. However, as he does not get enough excitement working at J. J. Keller and chasing after six kids and nine grandkids, he also chooses to work nights and weekends as a firefighter/EMT.[/p]

Oct 26, 2017 • Carriers