Jan 20, 2017 • Carriers

Everything Truck Drivers Need to Know About Deadhead

If you are a new driver or maybe just received authority as an owner-operator, understanding what deadhead is can be critical when searching for the right load.

What is Deadhead?

Deadhead in trucking is when a truck driver is driving with an empty trailer. Since loads aren’t found in our backyards, deadhead is usually necessary for owner operators who must drive a certain distance to pick up a load.

Does the Trucking Company Pay for Deadhead?

Not necessarily. Some trucking companies will pay for deadhead mileage after the first 100 miles, although it isn’t required. For example, C.R. England pays independent contractors $.80 per deadhead mile. While company drivers typically get paid for deadhead mileage, owner-operators aren’t always as lucky and the cost could come out of pocket.

How to Limit Trucking Deadhead

The more often you haul cargo, the more you generally will earn. It’s a simple concept. In order to maximize earnings, it’s important for a trucker to stay loaded and avoid driving back empty. With the national average diesel prices forecasted to be $2.71 per gallon in 2017 (according to Gas Buddy),driving empty can become a costly issue for owner operators. At that price, a 200-mile deadhead with a Peterbilt or Mack truck that gets around 5 mpg could cost over $100, cutting into the profit a driver might earn. Deadhead might be the last resort if there are no loads nearby.

Dangers of Driving with an Empty Trailer

Trucking deadhead can be extremely dangerous for truck drivers. Trucks with an empty trailer weigh half as much as full ones. This can be problematic if a trucker is driving through an area with especially high winds. Not only can an empty trailer sway around and be difficult to control, it can flip open, causing serious injury. Be sure to always check the weather reports and wind conditions before heading out to pick up a load with an empty trailer.

Find Freight With Truckloads Free Load Board

Truckloads is a free load board connecting carriers with shippers. It features unlimited premium loads, customized search options and carriers can call brokers right from the app. Additionally, owner operators can search for over two million monthly loads nearby or based on deadhead. Carriers can also view the rate, days to pay and even view a brokers credit score.

Try Truckloads Free!

Highest Paying Truck Loads [p]Find the highest paying truck loads to maximize your trucking company's earning potential. [/p] [h2] Highest Paying Truck Loads [/h2] [p] Hauling the highest paying truck loads is essential to running a successful trucking company. <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/truck-freight-rates/">Truck freight rates</a> are based on the current market, therefore there is a week-to-week fluctuation of what a truck load is paying. [/p] [h2] Using Free Load Boards [/h2] [p] Free load boards like <strong>Truckloads</strong> provide a marketplace where owner-operators and <a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucking-authority/">carriers with trucking authority</a> can search for loads that have been posted by freight brokers. Ideally, you will want to use a load board that has a mobile application as well. This way you can find truck loads anytime and limit those empty miles. [/p] [p] Imagine sitting at the dock waiting to get unloaded for hours (we know you've all been there) and you have over 1,000 miles to travel back home with no load. Wouldn't it be great if you could find a truck load to haul on your way back and earn a little more? [/p] [p]Well, with an app like <strong>Truckloads</strong> now you can. Don't believe us? Just ask one of the 150,000 carriers who use the app and rated it the highest-rated mobile load board on Google Play and the App Store![/p] [android-img src="/uploads/2017/09/Screenshot_20171116-110521-1.jpg" alt="My image"] [h2] Finding Truck loads - Location, Location, Location [/h2] [p] We all know that it's all about location in real estate and it's no different for finding truck loads. The location of a truck load plays a crucial role in determining how high the truck load will pay and often times, it may not be nearby. [/p] [p]You might have to be willing to increase your <ahref="https://truckerpath.com/blog/what-is-deadhead/">deadhead miles</a> in order to find the highest paying truck load. If you have a reefer truck, you can find the best reefer truck loads by focusing your search for locations where there are heavy volumes of agriculture such as Florida, California, and Texas. [/p] [h2] How are Truck Load Rates Calculated? [/h2] [p]Truck load rates are calculated based on a variety of factors of the current market conditions. This includes: [/p] [ul] [li]Load-to-Truck Ratio in an Area [/li] [li]Weight and size of a truck load [/li] [li]Shippers willingness to pay[/li] [li]Type of goods being hauled[/li] [li]Time constraint and a variety of other factors[/li] [/ul] [p]The truck loads posted by freight brokers are based on the amount the shipper agrees is fair to move the load. You must remember that the freight broker is paid based on his or her ability to profit from the price agreed with the shipper and the price agreed to the carrier. Therefore, there is ample opportunity to negotiate for a higher truck load rate, especially when the conditions of the market are in your favor. [/p] [h2] What is the Highest Paying Truck Load? [/h2] [p] On average, <strong>flatbed loads </strong> have the highest rates. Flatbed trucks are used as truck freight for construction goods, large manufactured parts, and various oversized loads. Due to the sheer size and value of such parts, shippers are willing to pay a bit more to ensure the freight is delivered without a scratch. (This isn't always the case but is based on typical averages). [/p] [p] An oversized load is any truck freight that is over 8.5 feet wide. This type of truck freight requires red flags and lights to help identify the oversized truck freight on the road.[/p] [video id=snyBYpnuhWw] [h2] Truckloads Load Board Offers: [/h2] [ul] [li] Mobile app and web versions [/li] [li] Over 3 million monthly truck loads [/li] [li] New loads posted every 60 seconds [/li] [li] Truck loads for 11 different equipment types [/li] [li] Custom searches by location, deadhead, and date [/li] [li] Unlimited access to premium loads [/li] [li] View a freight broker's credit score and days to pay[/li] [li] 100% Free to use and book truck loads! [/li] [/ul] [button text="Try Truckloads for Free" href="https://truckerpath.com/truckloads/free-load-board/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=truckfreight&utm_campaign=Aug10" width="250px"]

Sep 21, 2017 • Carriers

What is a Weigh Station? [p]Drive on any major interstate and you will eventually come across a green sign saying “weigh station”. So what is a weigh station for anyhow?[/p] [h2]What is a Weigh Station?[/h2] [p]A weigh station is a designated location, typically located directly off of highways, where the Department of Transportation or state highway patrol inspects the weight of a vehicle. The reason why there are weigh stations is to ensure that the roads are not compromised by a potentially overweight vehicle. In America, the maximum weight that a truck with a full trailer can be on the road is 80,000 pounds (some exceptions). Additionally, a weigh station that is on the border of two states is called a port of entry.[/p] [p][i]The Simpsons – Maximum Homerdrive[/i][/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o6Mbt3gvvQdFlWg4E" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]Who Has to Stop at a Weigh Station?[/h2] [p]Any commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that weighs over 10,000 pounds is required to stop at a weigh station unless the driver has a PrePass or other weigh station bypass service. [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]Truck drivers can use Trucker Path[/a] to check ahead and see if a weigh station is open or closed in real-time. This can be extremely valuable to help truckers save valuable time.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/xT5LMsfqY4WgipchIA" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]What Do Truckers Mean When They Say Chicken Coop?[/h2] [p]With over [a href="https://truckerpath.com/blog/trucks-delivering-cargo-in-the-usa"]1.6 million heavy-duty truck drivers in America[/a] weigh stations can become extremely congested and can cost drivers precious time, not to mention waste fuel. Some truckers will refer to weigh stations as "chicken coops" because the large trucks are forced into a confined space prior to being weighed, like chickens in a coop.[/p] [h2]What Happens at a Weigh Station?[/h2] [p]When a truck driver sees a weigh station that says OPEN, he or she must exit the freeway and enter the scales to be weighed. The majority of weigh stations have a rolling scale where a truck will roll past a certain area that has a scale (could differ by state). Once a truck is weighed and verified to weigh under 80,000 pounds, the truck will be granted a green light to exit the weigh station and proceed back on its route.[/p] [p]After a truck goes through the scales either the DOT or state inspection officer can flag the truck for an inspection.[/p] [p]At a weigh station, trucks can be inspected for a variety of reasons. DOT officers or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration agents conduct a thorough equipment safety inspection to find issues with a truck including:[/p] [ul] [li]low or flat tires[/li] [li]tire tread[/li] [li]oil, fuel or anti-freeze leaks[/li] [li]brake malfunctions[/li] [li]broken springs[/li] [li]securely mounted fuel tanks[/li] [li]cracks in wheels and rims[/li] [li]unlocked kingpin[/li] [li]hose or tubing leak[/li] [/ul] [p]Any of these violations can lead to a truck being declared out-of-service (among a variety of others). If the FMCSA declares a truck as out-of-service, the truck shall be towed and not operated until repairs to the violations found during the inspection are completed. Truckers will also have to have repairmen sign Form MCS63 issued by the FMCSA to verify proper repairs were made.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/3o6MbiPDaKvIei93KU" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]Log Book Inspection[/h2] [p]A truckers' truck isn't the only thing that can be inspected. A truck drivers' log book can also be checked by an officer to ensure the driver is keeping a daily log of his or her record and isn't in violation of hours-of-service laws. DOT HOS regulations include:[/p] [ul] [li]Maximum 11 hours of driving during a 14-hour period[/li] [li]No more than 60 hours total in seven consecutive days on duty[/li] [li]No more than 70 hours total in eight consecutive days on duty[/li] [li]Required 10 consecutive hours off after 11 hours of driving[/li] [/ul] [p]Changes are coming for log books. The FMCSA Electronic Logging Device mandate will begin in December. The ELD mandate requires truckers to use an ELD to keep a record of his or her log book to comply with HOS regulations. HOS fines can range from $150 to over $1,000 each.[/p] [h2] Is There a Weigh Station Near Me? [/h2] [p] Ever ask yourself, is there a weigh station near me? As a truck driver, it's important to know if there is a weigh station near you along your route. Using the <strong>Trucker Path</strong> app you can see where weigh stations are located nearby and see if they're open or closed. [/p] [p] Want to save even more time? Plan ahead using the trip planning feature in the Trucker Path app to determine the locations of weigh stations along your route. Don't forget to update the status too! [/p] [button-green href=" https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=whatsweighstation&utm_campaign=Aug14"]Try TruckerPath Today[/button-green] [video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"]

Jan 17, 2017 • Community

Grocery Shopping Tips [p]Grocery shopping can be tricky, especially when trying to find quality, healthy food within a budget. As a trucker, being on the road without a proper kitchen doesn't help either.[/p] [p]We all are pressed for time to shop and cook, [a href="https://app.appsflyer.com/com.sixdays.truckerpath?pid=Social Facebook"]especially truck drivers[/a]. Still, we must make it a priority in our life to incorporate healthier habits. In order to eat healthier while staying on a budget, it's important to look for food items that are versatile and complementary. You should buy ingredients that can be combined in different ways to make a wide variety of meals. For example, you should buy one kind of meat that you can use for sandwiches, as an ingredient in a salad and as a main course dinner staple accompanied by grains and vegetables.[/p] [h2]1. Buy Quality Meat[/h2] [p]Save yourself a ton of time and money by choosing to [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]buy quality meat[/a] from the grocery store. This doesn’t mean buying the most inedible, misery-inducing meat. Food that doesn’t taste good is hard to eat and can lead us to refer back to unhealthy habits. However, there are cuts of meat available at a large supermarket that are as affordable as ground beef and much higher quality. The main thing is to keep your eyes open and look at the price per pound on the package.[/p] [p]Some regions of North America can buy chicken at a low price, while in others, beef or pork is the cheaper option. Aim for meats under $5.00 per pound. In some areas, this will be very easy, in others, not so much.[/p] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/c1XQxXjS6A5xK" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [p]One thing you want to avoid if possible is pre-packaged sliced deli meat. Sure it tastes good, but it costs a fortune and is high in sodium! Not to mention they are mechanically seperated and mixed in with all sorts of animal parts. Typically deli meats are sold in a different unit of measurement to throw you off and keep you from noticing that it often costs $15 to $25 per pound. At that rate, you might as well buy a fancy prime rib dinner to enjoy.[/p] [h2]2. Alternatives to Processed Deli Meats[/h2] [p]We aren't saying you need to become a vegan or avoid red meats. In fact, we're encouraging you to eat meat! The amino acids found in lean proteins are the building blocks for our muscles. There are 20 amino acids in our bodies and the food we eat. Making the correct protein choices can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure as well as reduce the risk of heart disease.[/p] [ul] [li]Lean Ground Beef – Opt for the 90/10 or even better, 93/7 ground beef instead of the fattier 70/30 or 80/20 varieties. No sacrifice in flavor with the correct seasonings and all the savings on unhealthy fats.[/li] [li]Pork Tenderloin – Usually has less than 4g of fat per serving and is great for simple [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]Slow Cooker or Crock Pot recipes[/a].[/li] [li]Chicken Breasts instead of thighs and wings – Boneless chicken breasts are less fatty, have more meat and are versatile to use in a variety of recipes.[/li] [/ul] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/bBf6Eams9NmaQ" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [h2]3. Choosing the Correct Grains[/h2] [p]While the most effective way would be to bake with a small portable oven, you can easily buy bread, bagels or muffins that taste great and are full of nutritional value. WARNING! You must be careful with store-bought bakery items because often they have a lot of stabilizers and preservatives in them, with processed, less healthy substances. Look at the ingredients lists and choose items that are as simple as possible: whole wheat flour, water, yeast, baking powder, sugar, and milk should comprise most of the list. If you can, choose items that are listed as freshly baked in-store. Try getting products that are whole grains or made with whole wheat flour.[/p] [h2]4. Best Sources of Carbs to Buy[/h2] [p]Surely meat and potatoes are a staple in most households. Although filling and full of essential minerals, there is a hierarchy of which potatoes and carbohydrates are healthiest. [ul] [li]Brown Rice – Contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice and many say it even tastes better.[/li] [li]Sweet Potatoes – The health benefits of sweet potatoes are endless. Full of vitamin B6 to aid the metabolism and heart health, vitamin C for immune enrichment, vitamin D for healthier bones and potassium for muscle recovery and the reduction of swelling.[/li] [li]Oats – Plain old-fashioned oats are full of fiber and help lower cholesterol, much better than Cheerios ever will. Best of all they are easy to make even on-the-road with just a cup of hot water. Top them off with a handful of berries for a balanced and tasty breakfast.[/li] [/ul] [giphy]<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/Qw4X3FwWZ1Ze1wHzbwY" width="480" height="269" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe>[/giphy] [p]The key to a healthier lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. It simply means choosing alternatives when grocery shopping that will be more nutritional, providing you with lasting energy as you travel America hauling freight. Happy Wellness Wednesday![/p] [p]By [a href="http://thehungryhauler.com"]John Heslop[/a][/p]

Jan 17, 2017