How To Set Up Your Trucking Business For Success

Starting a trucking company is a great step into the ever-growing trucking industry.

Truck drivers account for about 6% of full-time jobs in the US, which will only grow as consumer demand for products does.

Owning a truck might be nice, but owning a successful trucking business is where you really want to focus.

Here are 3 tips for success as an owner-operator, leased operator, or fleet manager in the trucking industry.

Tips for Owning a Trucking Business

Understanding the Industry

Keep up with the latest news regarding the trucking industry. Stay on top of trends.

Plus, it’s important to have an understanding of what your future customers want and know how to take care of them better than your competitors.

Consider how you find customers who will give you repeat business, and determine what you need to do to keep them.

Understanding Business

Business is all about maximizing profit and minimizing expenses.

The trucking business is the same.

For starters, be sure you’re finding the best-paying loads. You can do this by knowing the current lane rates, researching which freight markets are hot, and always looking ahead to your next load.

Focus on cutting costs where you can, but more importantly, know where to step ahead and grab profit.

Stop throwing money away on unnecessary things. For instance, did you file your Form 2290 yet this year? If not, you’ve missed the 2290 due date and will face severe IRS penalties that only get worse with time. 

File now over the phone with TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to keep your money in your pocket.

Managing Time and Paperwork

Most importantly, your trucking business’s success depends on your ability to juggle all things at once.

Luckily, we know of the perfect tool to help you.

TruckLogics is a trucking company software program designed to take the paperwork out of trucking business for owner-operators, leased operators, and fleet managers.

With tons of unique features, you won’t believe how easy it makes your day-to-day tasks.

Owner-operators can use TruckLogics to manage their entire business. 

From managing dispatches and tracking income & expenses, to scheduling maintenance and sending invoices, it’s the one-stop-shop for your trucking business to make it happen.

Plus, leased operators can use TruckLogics to streamline record-keeping. Track income, run profit & loss reports and keep compliance records for your maintenance and trip details.

TruckLogics even has tools for fleet managers, including access to TruckZone, which keeps fleet details organized and accessible. You can even set automatic reminders for vehicle maintenance.

It truly is an all-inclusive trucking company software program.

Owning a trucking business can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! Sign up for a free 15-day trial and give TruckLogics a test drive today.

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How You Can Prepare For Hurricane Season

Every road veteran knows that it’s easy to find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Pop-up storms, blizzards, tornado warnings, and more can strike without a moment’s notice.

When you start the day a few states away in an area with perfect weather, it can be difficult to know what to expect along your route. Unfortunately, you can’t predict mother nature’s actions, but you can be prepared for when she strikes.

Hurricane Safety Tips For Truckers

Whether you are an over-the-road or a local driver, you should be prepared for any situation.

1. Prepare For High Winds

Before a hurricane hits, there will most likely be lots of strong winds, which is dangerous for drivers. Strong winds can pull and sometimes even flip your rig. If you are pulling dry vans or reefers, you are at a higher risk when it comes to high winds. Keep in mind that your rig can still be damaged even when parked.

2. Watch Out For Weather Warnings

Check weather conditions before and during your journey. Also, pay attention to weather warnings. If there is a state of emergency, you will want to take a different route or delaying shipment to affected areas. The U.S. Department of Transportations keeps track of road conditions and closing, so we highly recommend that you check there before pulling out.

3. Avoid High Water

This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, however, avoid driving through high water and don't assume that piles of debris are only branches. Hurricanes blow and float things around, so keep an eye on the oncoming road for any possible hazards. If you can’t see the road or you are unsure, stop your vehicles. The worst thing you can do it play through it. 

4. Bring Emergency Equipment

Whether you’re an over-the-road or local driver, you should carry emergency items in case you’re caught in a dire situation where these tools could save your life. Also if you find yourself stuck for a few hours or even a few days, these items could make a significant difference for your level of comfort.

Having bottles of water and non-perishable food items is essential. Canned food and packages of crackers will do the trick, just don’t forget your can opener. A fork may come in handy as well.

Bring an extra change of clothes and make sure you are switching out your change of clothes depending on the season. Always have a reflective vest so when you exit your truck others will see you.

With winter on its way, remember to have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and warm boots. Extra blankets are also great to have, including an electric one.

Other emergency items you should bring include:

• Utility knives 
• Flashlights 
• Batteries
• Extra phone battery or portable charger 
• Hand-crank radio
• Matches or a lighter
• Fully stocked first-aid kit
• Auxiliary power unit
• Portable heater
• Extra Fuel

Stay Safe Out There

Winter is coming, along with it hurricanes, storms, snow, and more! Be sure to be safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Know what weather to expect during your routes and have the right tools in your cabin in the event of an emergency.

If you have more safety items to include or tips on how to drive a semi-truck sagely during inclement weather, please share them in the comment section below. For more trucking blogs click here and be sure to follow us on social for the latest news and trucking tips and tricks.

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