- 30 Jan, 2024
Latest News:AVAAL Vehicle Tracking(AVT) launched. Read Now
In today's dynamic logistics landscape, simply having reliable trucks and skilled drivers is not enough. Advanced dispatch software is essential to remain competitive and efficient.
In today's fast-paced, increasingly complicated logistics market, efficiency is critical. Companies are continuously looking for methods to streamline operations, cut costs, and improve service quality.
Efficiency is key to success in today's fast-paced and highly competitive logistics industry. As businesses work to reduce expenses while meeting rising client demands, the importance of having One cannot emphasize the importance of a strong and effective supply network.
In today's fast-paced transportation industry, efficiency and precision are paramount for fleet managers and trucking companies. Staying competitive means adopting the latest technologies to streamline operations. One of the most transformative tools available is truck dispatching software.
Starting a trucking business in California can be both exciting and challenging. With AVAAL by your side, you’ll have the tools, expertise, and support needed to navigate the complexities of the industry.
Navigating the intricacies of border crossings is an essential component of truck dispatching. At Avaal Technology, students are provided with a comprehensive and detailed guide that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to handle international borders with confidence and compliance. The truck dispatcher course covers a range of critical aspects of border crossings, emphasizing the significance of thorough pre-trip planning, effective communication, and the use of technology to enhance efficiency and compliance
In an industry where efficiency, accuracy, and safety are of paramount importance, AVAAL comprehensive Truck Dispatcher Training Course is the first choice for those seeking proficiency in route management. With a focus on advanced technological solutions and real-world problem-solving skills, AVAAL course equips students with the knowledge and abilities they need to thrive in the field of truck dispatching.
In the fast-paced world of transportation and logistics, truck dispatchers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods from point A to point B. Their day is a dynamic blend of coordination, problem-solving, and effective communication to keep the wheels of the supply chain turning.
Are you looking to make a promising career in the booming trucking industry? If so, enhancing your skillset can significantly pave the way for success. One such skill is truck dispatching, a pivotal role that ensures the smooth operation of transportation logistics.
Starting as a truck dispatcher in the US can be an exciting and rewarding career. The transportation industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US. The truck dispatcher plays a crucial role in the transportation industry, coordinating the movement of goods, managing schedules, and ensuring timely deliveries. If you’re considering this career, you can look forward to starting your own dispatch company.
In the vibrant ecosystem of North American logistics and transportation, the demand for skilled truck dispatchers has seen a consistent upswing. Amid the myriad of choices, AVAAL emerges as the gold standard for dispatch training, offering unmatched education in this vital sector.
There are no secret recipes or shortcuts for success. It needs focus, dedication, and hard work. The reality is that we do have a unique (not secret) recipe and that is our business model; Training - Consulting - Software.
When calculating your IFTA interest rates, it is important to note that you are subject to penalties and interest for late filing, underpayment, and unpaid taxes. Unlike some other tax arrangements, IFTA has no set due date, so you should try to meet them as often as possible.
Currently, the Canadian trucking industry is one of the strongest in the world. Its GDP is $648 billion. More than 120,000 Canadian and US licensed truckers operate cross-border trade, and there are about 40,000 U.S.-licensed drivers operating north-south trade. According to Trucking HR, Canada currently faces a shortage of 18,000 truckers. The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has a shortage of up to 100,000 "lorry" drivers to meet increasing consumer demand.
Due to heavy rainfall falling in part of British Colombia (BC) province, western Canada caused floods, mudslides, and rockslides. People have evacuated their homes, and the emergency team has rescued dozens of people left stranded on highways.
Canada and the US have been dependent on road logistics for a very long time as both nations share similar product needs which promotes trade exchange. Statistics show that there is a shortage of truck drivers in the year 2019.
Global positioning system (GPS) you might have heard of this name earlier. This is the technology that made tracking possible whether it's a mobile phone or a vehicle you can track anything it sounds, easy but it's not initially this technology was used by The U.S Department of Defense (DOD).
Whether you’re a truck driver or a trucking dispatcher, it’s important to know the various types of freight loads carriers often offer. It may surprise you how many there are. Here is a quick rundown of the most common types of truck freight.
Trucking is one of the most regulated industries in Canada and the U.S. No matter what role you play in the industry, understanding all of the required safety standards and being compliant with all regulations will be necessary. In AVAAL’s Trucking Safety & Compliance course, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of the industry’s safety and compliance requirements.
Starting a career as a trucking dispatcher opens up many possibilities. This fast-paced job has many duties and responsibilities and are integral to the entire supply chain. That's why it's so important for truck dispatchers to know some key industry terms. In our trucking dispatch course, not only will we cover key topics, but you'll also learn these important keywords.
Last year was tough for everyone and every industry. Even though trucking was deemed essential during the pandemic, the industry was still hit hard. Transportation and trucking have already begun to bounce back, and experts predict that 2021 will be a good year for the sector. What exactly can trucking companies expect in the New Year, though? Here are a few things industry experts are predicting will happen in 2021.
The trucking industry is one of the most regulated in the U.S. and Canada, which means compliance is always a top concern for transportation industries. This is especially true when it comes to cross-border freight. These days, border officials rely on digital documents to make the customs process smoother. Having the right software can make this process easy and reduce the risk of errors. Here are a few ways AVAAL eManifest software can make border crossing easy for your business.
Are you looking to start a new career in the New Year? Now is the perfect time to consider starting a career in the trucking and transportation industry. The transportation industry is vital to the U.S. and Canada’s economy and offers tons of job opportunities and growth. Here are just a few reasons to consider joining this lucrative industry!
The transportation industry has been essential during the pandemic and continues to have many lucrative career opportunities for those interested. One of the key roles in the industry is that of a trucking dispatcher. A truck dispatcher is responsible for getting goods from one place to another, but they also have many other duties and responsibilities. We cover all of these important topics in our Trucking Dispatch Training course so that you can enter this career with all of the necessary skills and knowledge. Here’s what we cover in our course.
Trucking is responsible for moving the majority of goods across the U.S. and Canada, and in a perfect world, the process would always be a smooth one. As frustrating as it can be for drivers, customers, carriers, and shippers, delays happen all the time in the transportation world. No matter what role you play in the industry, managing delays will be something you’ll have to handle. Here are some of the most common causes of trucking delays and how you can fix them.
Technology is critical to the success of transportation companies these days. Having comprehensive and easy to use freight management software will help your business become more efficient and successful. AVAAL Freight Management software is the solution for carriers, freight brokers, and freight forwarders. Here are a few things you might not know about it.
Freight forwarding specialists play a crucial role in the transportation industry as the link between shippers and carriers. Simply put, they’re responsible for moving freight from one place to another as seamlessly as possible. While they don’t physically move the cargo, it’s their job to act as the intermediary to ensure it gets where it needs to. People in this job know the ins and outs of the entire industry, and they have many important duties and responsibilities.
Freight forwarder specialists play a crucial role in the transportation industry, ensuring freight gets from one spot to the next as seamlessly as possible. It’s a highly valued role and one that has many career opportunities. That’s why we at AVAAL created a comprehensive Freight Forwarder Specialist course to help those interested get a jump-start in their career.
The holiday shopping season is one of the busiest for the transportation and logistics industry. It’s quickly approaching, and trucking companies can expect some significant changes this year due to COVID-19. From an extended season to increased volume, here are some of the ways the peak holiday season will be different this year for the industry.
Trucking dispatchers play a crucial role in the transportation industry, helping make sure freight gets where it’s supposed to across the U.S. and Canada. Dispatchers are responsible for arranging the delivery and pick up of freight, including making schedules, selecting routes, keeping records, generating documents, and maintaining communication with clients. This job can be lucrative and rewarding, but its fast pace means not everyone is cut out for it. Here are a few qualities typically found in top dispatchers.
After years of discussion and waiting, Canada finally announced it's Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate last year. Canada based a lot of its mandate off of the U.S. but made a few notable exceptions. The primary difference was that Canada would require a third-party certification for all ELDs.
The U.S.-Canada border closure, which was set to expire on September 21, has officially been extended until October 21. The border has been closed to non-essential travel since March to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the closure has been routinely extended as case numbers in the U.S. continue to rise.
Technology plays a crucial role in the transportation and logistics industry, especially when it comes to freight brokerages. Freight brokers are the link between carriers and shippers and play a key role in moving freight across North America. Having the right freight brokerage software is important to do that job effectively and efficiently. AVAAL’s Freight Brokerage Software is one of the best out there and offers many amazing features you might not know about.
The transportation industry is heavily regulated, and Canada keeps a close eye on truck freight entering the country. To make border crossing easier, the Canada Border Services Agency launched the Customs Self Assessment (CSA) program for select carriers and drivers. Having CSA certification allows your business to transport goods into Canada easily. Here are a few things you should know about it.
Trucks are responsible for moving the majority of freight in the U.S. and Canada. There are many people along the way that help get freight from one point to another, with truck dispatchers being one of the most important. Truck dispatchers are vital to the trucking industry and are in high demand. Here are few tips to starting a career as a trucking dispatcher!
Starting a new business can be exciting and overwhelming. The transportation industry is fast-paced and heavily regulated, but full of opportunity. If you’re interested in starting a trucking company but don’t know where to begin, AVAAL consulting services is here to help.
Trucking continues to dominate the transportation industry when it comes to moving freight. The trucking industry generated nearly $792 billion in revenue in the United States in 2019, according to data from the American Trucking Association (ATA).
Trucking’s 2019 revenues accounted for 80.4% of the nation’s freight bill, highlighting just how valuable trucking is to the overall transportation industry. In total, trucking was responsible for moving 11.84 billion tons of freight.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change how the transportation industry operates. While Canada has been successful in lowering the number of cases, the U.S. continues to struggle with rising case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths.
As a result, all Canada-U.S. ports of entry will be collecting personal contact information for truck drivers crossing the border. This info will support contact tracing efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
Canada and the U.S. have announced their agreement to keep the border between the two countries closed to non-essential travel until August 21.
The ban on non-essential travel first went into place in March and has been extended each month since. The latest extension was set to expire on July 21. The border closure is currently only for non-essential travel, meaning the flow of trade and commerce is exempt. Cross-border trucking companies have been allowed to continue to operate.
Freight forwarding is one of the most common methods for moving goods in the U.S. and Canada. Freight forwarding specialists play a crucial role in the industry, working to move freight from one spot to another as seamlessly as possible. This role is highly valued, so here is everything you need to know about freight forwarder specialists if you’re interested in joining this career.
The transportation industry has been going through a digital revolution in recent years. Technology and software now play a vital role in the success of trucking businesses. Businesses that don’t want to get left behind in the dust should start investing in technology such as freight brokerage software. Not all freight broker software is the same though. Here are a few key things you should look for when deciding which one is best for your business.
If you are moving cross-border freight one important aspect you’ll have to brush up on is eManifests. Freight moved between the U.S. and Canada is heavily regulated, and these days border officials rely on digital documents to make the customs process smoother. All carriers moving between the U.S. and Canada have to submit electronic manifests, so here is everything you need to know about them!
Great news for U.S. and Canadian trucking companies: Cross-border freight between the two countries is on the rise. The number of trucks crossing the U.S.-Canada border dipped during COVID-19, but now those numbers are surging.
Cross-border freight has been picking up, especially for trucks arriving from the U.S. The number of trucks crossing the Canadian border from the U.S. rose by 14% last week compared to the previous week, according to Canada Border Services Agency. The jump in traffic is due to Canada and the U.S. reopening their economies. The resumption of auto manufacturing in both countries is also likely helping.
There are lots of aspects that go into running a successful trucking business, but a key one is accounting. From invoicing clients to paying employees, accounting is vital to any company. AVAAL’s Freight Management Software includes an accounting system that was specifically developed to meet the needs of trucking companies and is fully integrated as part of our software. Using freight management software with an integrated accounting system provides a number of advantages for trucking companies. These are some of the biggest benefits!
The transportation industry has faced a lot of hurdles in recent years, but 2020 has been especially rough. The industry is resilient and will continue to succeed no matter what is thrown it's way. However, trucking companies should be aware of some of the latest issues impacting the industry. Here are a few issues that could impact your businesses right now.
AVAAL is proud to announce that Crozdesk has named us one of the Top Logistics Software Products of 2020!
Crozdesk is a web-based service that connects buyers and sellers of business software. Entrepreneur Nicholas Hopper launched the company in 2015, and the company continues to grow today. The company uses its own algorithm to assign each software a score, called Crozscore, which is used to rank each product. These scores are then used to compile the top 20 lists, with each product vetted for relevancy to ensure it ranks in the proper category.
The trucking industry can be challenging to navigate for those new to the business. There are a number of trucking authorities and permits required to transport goods across the U.S. and Canada. Our consulting services can help your business obtain all of the necessary documents, but what types of trucking authorities and permits are there? Here is a useful guide to all of the authorities and permits we can help your transportation business get.
The trucking industry has been unhappy with the strict hours-of-service (HOS) regulations since they were put in place. While all in the industry understand the need to address issues such as driver fatigue, most believe the current rules are far too strict. The most common criticism of the HOS rules in the U.S. is that they are not flexible enough to account for real-world delays such as traffic, weather, or long load times.
The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been reviewing proposed changes for months now and they have finally issued its long-awaited final rule on changes to the driver hours-of-service HOS regulations.
Technology plays an increasingly large role in the transportation industry these days, and having the right software is vital to running an efficient business. Trucking dispatch software makes it easy to manage your fleet from one easy to use platform. But how do you know if the trucking dispatch software you’re looking at is the right one for your business? Here are a few things you should look for.
The transportation industry relies on truck drivers to move freight, but they’re not the only ones responsible for getting goods safely from one point to another. Trucking dispatchers play a vital role in the trucking industry and are in high demand. If you’re interested in joining the trucking industry as a dispatcher, here are what some of your duties and responsibilities would be.
The transportation and logistics industry is complex, with many moving parts working together to move freight across the world. Freight brokerages play an important role in connecting shippers and carriers. Many trucking companies find the services they provide extremely valuable, but what exactly is a freight broker?
The on-going COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend a number of industries. The transportation industry plays a vital role in keeping the economy going and supply chains running. The U.S and Canadian governments have deemed the services provided by the transportation industry as essential, but when it comes to trucking in particular, which employees are required to keep working?
Technology is more important than ever before in the trucking industry. Whether you’re a single truck owner or a major trucking company, Freight Brokerage Software allows you to efficiently manage your business from one easy platform. Here are just a few of the amazing benefits this software can provide your business.
COVID-19 is officially a global pandemic. Countries across the globe are forcing or encouraging businesses to close or move operations to home. This pandemic has put a strain on the global supply chain, and now more than ever trucking companies are essential in keeping countries running. So how can trucking companies keep their employees safe and their business running?
The trucking industry is going through a technological revolution. More than ever before it’s important for transportation companies to utilize the latest technologies and software. Trucking dispatch software is one of the best types of software for trucking companies to invest in these days. Here are a few reasons why.
Only a week ago it was looking as if the coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, was slowing down. That is no longer the case. The virus originated in China, and cases within the country began to slow down, but now the virus is quickly spreading around the globe. The epidemic has started to impact several sectors, including the transportation industry.
The transportation industry is heavily regulated, but with the right certifications, your trucking business can more easily navigate this complex industry leading to higher profits. Having CTPAT certification will allow your business to more easily transport goods into the US and throughout the country. Here is everything you should know about this type of certification.
The transportation of dangerous goods is one of the most lucrative fields in the transportation industry. It’s also one of the most regulated. There are federal and local regulations on how dangerous goods must be transported, and trucking companies need to know the different classes of dangerous goods.
When it comes to the trucking industry, it’s very easy to break down the year into key seasons. There are roughly four key seasons for the industry that those looking to work in the trucking industry should be aware of. Here is a breakdown of when those seasons are and what they entail.
Over the past few years, the trucking industry has slowly been adopting the latest technologies. Gone are the days where companies operated on a paper system. Today, in order for a trucking business to survive they need to invest in software and technology. Freight management software is one that is imperative for trucking companies. Here are a few benefits you get by investing in this software!
The trucking industry is one of the most heavily regulated in the country. The Canadian government has developed rules and regulations to protect industry workers and keep our roads safe. Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are some of the most important ones and are designed to reduce the number and severity of trucking collisions by addressing driver fatigue. Every transportation company is required to comply with HOS regulations, which is why it is important to fully understand what is laid out in it.
The trucking industry can start the New Year by celebrating the U.S. Senate finally approving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This new trade deal is set to replace NAFTA, and will now be sent to President Trump to sign, which is expected to happen in the coming days. The USMCA was signed by all three countries back in 2018 but has been stalled for months by the U.S. government. Now that it has been approved though, the trucking industry is finally getting some clarity on how this new trade deal will impact the industry.
As the New Year starts rolling, you might be looking at ways to better yourself and your trucking business. The trucking industry struggled as a whole in 2019, with many companies declaring bankruptcy or shutting down. However, these were more due to internal company issues rather than a reflection of the industry, and as trucking companies move into 2020 they should reflect on last year’s missteps in order to grow this year.
The trucking industry is complex and can be challenging to navigate for new businesses. There are tons of permits and authorities needed to transport goods from coast to coast. An authority is key for any trucking business that wants to legally transport goods and make decent money. So what exactly is a trucking authority?
The trucking industry has been undergoing a technological redesign lately. One of the largest technological shifts has been the implementation of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). Cross-border fleets are expected to comply with both the U.S. and Canada’s ELD mandates, and while these regulations are similar there are a few key differences trucking companies should be aware of.
A customs bond, also known as carrier bonds, is an important document that allows imported commercial goods to be transported into the U.S. and Canada. It is essentially a guarantee to the Canadian or U.S. government that any fees, taxes, and duties owed will be paid when asked.
There are many of benefits that come along with CSA certification, from streamlining customs paperwork to having access to the FAST program. Here are a few of the best advantages of obtaining a Customs Self Assessment certification.
Despite fears of a slowing economy, the trucking industry continues to grow. If you’re looking to join the transportation industry, it’s important to understand the ins and outs. These are the top 4 reasons to take our Trucking Dispatch Specialist Course.
Want to know the pros and cons of using factoring to get paid fast? Our experts weigh in.
I have been a spot market pirate for almost nine years. As a pirate, you want to get in and get the good stuff. This means I use lots of tools to know where the most demand is for the trailer I pull.
If you look at entire Lower 48 states as a whole, then you will find that most of the time the market is not flooded with more loads than trucks, but you will find that there is always a good market somewhere. And it's always changing.
Here's something that might surprise you: Spot market truckload volumes were 7% higher in the first six months of 2019 than they were in the first half of 2018, according to the DAT Truckload Volume Index.
For one, there's been a lot more trucks available this year, so load posts on the DAT Load Board are down in 2019 compared to 2018.
Worried that you aren't getting the best price when negotiating a rate on a load? DAT TruckersEdge has multiple tools to help ease the process.
With your load board subscription, you can see what other carriers have gotten paid on that same lane, plus you can see where your truck is in high demand and where you might have trouble finding freight.
Running hot shots is one of the easier ways to start your own trucking company. A lot of owner-operators get into the business this way because of the lower cost of equipment. Instead of investing in a big rig, hot shot truckers use sprinter vans, straight trucks, 4x4 pickups with goosenecks, and other smaller vehicles to haul lighter loads.
Seeking out small-truck loads or LTL (less than truckload) loads has a lot of pros and cons, but one of the most confusing things about the business is figuring out what rate you should charge.
Author Earl Nightingale once said that to get rich, you just have to find a need and fill it. In the eight years I've been an independent owner-operator, that's how I've tried to run my business.
Other than being able to drive a truck, that's been my best skill when operating my business.
Trucking is undergoing a transformation, as new technologies, e-commerce, ELDs, and economic growth reshape the supply chain landscape and add volatility to the mix.
Launched in March, the exchange was created by DAT, FreightWaves, and Nodal, as a way for transportation companies and shippers to hedge against rising and falling truckload rates, providing a financial market to offset higher expenses or lost revenue.
The first quarter was one of those "good news, bad news" stories for freight brokers. The good news was a big increase in gross margins, which rebounded to 16% from 13% in Q1 of 2018. The reason for this improvement was a sharp drop in spot market rates, which is what the brokers pay to hire a truck. When that cost of "purchased transportation" declined, the brokers got to keep more of the money that their shipper customers paid them for the service.
When a carrier searches for a load on DAT load boards, they'll often get dozens of results, especially on popular lanes. So how can a broker make that load post stand out from the pack? Posting an attractive rate will help, but beyond that, carriers want to work with brokers they can trust. And an important gauge of that trust is the broker's credit score and days to pay, which carriers see right next to the posting. That's why it's critical that brokers maintain good scores. But how do they do that?
Working with a broker or carrier for the first time can lead to a successful and profitable relationship that will last for years.
"One of the most common ways thieves pull off scams today is to pose as a legitimate carrier or broker," said DAT Compliance Manager Tami Hart.
Freight markets were upended by the capacity crunch that followed the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate in December 2017. The next phase of the mandate begins in December 2019, and it may end up being just as disruptive.
The new milestone expands the regulation in two dramatic ways.
The kind of freight you choose to haul, whether it's through a broker or direct from a shipper, is an individual decision that is determined by a person's wants, needs and goals.
Every month I compare my average loaded rate per mile with the national average contract rate.
You've likely heard reports that there's a shortage of drivers in the trucking industry. There have also been reports that a record number of heavy-duty truck orders from last year is creating a capacity surplus.
So, which is it? How can we have a surplus of trucks and a shortage of drivers? It can't be both, can it?
Last week's Arctic weather stalled freight movement in and out of key markets in the Midwest. But the storm passed in just a couple of days, so it didn't have a big impact on national rate trends for the week as a whole.
Take Chicago, for example. It's a major freight hub for trucking and railroads. Snow is not exactly rare in the winter, but last week's sub-zero temperatures were a bit extreme, even for hardy Midwesterners.
What can shippers do to make their freight attractive to carriers? Three shippers answered that question during a panel discussion at the 2018 DAT User Conference in Portland, OR. Here's what they had to say.
Based in Pittsburgh, Armada manages supply chains for some of the nation's largest restaurant chains, with a focus on refrigerated and frozen foods.
Last year rail intermodel took away loads from over-the-road trucking, but now the pendulum is swinging back the other direction.
Diesel prices are dropping, which makes dry van transportation more attractive and reduces the cost advantage of rail intermodal for domestic freight.
The ELD mandate transformed the trucking industry last year. The dust has finally started to settle, but more changes could be on the horizon.
While there likely won't be any new regulations that are as transformative as the ELD mandate, transportation professionals should keep an eye on these five regulations that could have big impacts on trucking in 2019.
What do you get when you combine an economy that's growing like gangbusters and a truck shortage? That'd be 2018.
The surge in truckload demand led to record-high rates last year, as freight brokers and shippers routinely had trouble securing capacity. For comparison, there were 161 million loads posted on the DAT Load Board in 2017. Last year, there were 260 million loads posted.
The spot market will likely be the same as it is every year around this time: From January to about the end of March, it will most likely be slow. There won't be the volatility that we saw at the beginning of 2018, because that was a result of the ELD mandate. Don't expect to see as many loads as we did in early 2018.
Just because there are fewer loads doesn't mean the world is coming to an end, though. It's just that time of year.
The year is coming to an end, so the clock is ticking on a few things you can do to take advantage of the new tax laws and pay less in 2018.
There are several ways carriers and owner-operators can lower the amount they owe to Uncle Sam, but below are the six things you can get started today.
There are really two truckload rate stories this year. For one, spot market rates have declined sharply this fall. In the second story, contract rates have mostly held up, and in some cases may still have room to climb higher. Those two stories from 2018 lead to two different rate forecasts for the first half of 2019.
Capacity is becoming more available, as small fleets have mostly adjusted to electronic logging device (ELD) and strict enforcement of the Hours of Service rules.
At the same time, new trucks are everywhere, which has caused the average age of trucks in service to decline.
I'm doing my holiday shopping early this year.
That may seem overly cautious, considering that everybody and his brother is suddenly offering free shipping. Order before December 22, and shipping is free. Some retailers have even guaranteed free, two-day shipping until that date, with no minimum purchase requirements.
In a year where capacity has been historically tight, building out carrier networks has been particularly difficult for freight brokers.
Making sure you have access to the capacity needed to serve your shipper customers also means your brokerage needs to be able to adapt to changing regulatory climates.
When demand for trucks slows down, like it does every year during this time, the trend among many owner-operators is to pre-book loads to stay employed until the really good stuff comes out in later in the year. If it's a broker's market, then I try to spend less time getting a really great one-time rate and more time finding value in multiple loads.
Having trouble shaking off the cobwebs when starting your day? Trucking can take a toll on your physical, mental and emotional health, and a lot of truck drivers fight that sluggish feeling almost daily.
There a variety of causes for driver fatigue, but you can put yourself in the best position to feel awake and alert by focusing on these 5 areas.
When I married my husband Will in 2002, I thought we'd be an active duty military family for at least 20 years, but that didn't happen. Life had other plans for us. After four years of being a navy wife, we moved our family back to my home state and settled back in as best as we could to civilian life.
While the winds of Hurricane Florence have subsided, the effects of the hurricane will be felt for weeks and months to come. More than 30 people have died in storm-related incidents and several towns remain flooded. Some rivers have not yet crested, which could bring more damage. In North Carolina alone, more than 1,000 roads are closed and the city of Wilmington—a port town—remains cut off with no road access in or out of the city.
If you're a freight broker and your customer calls and demands "Where's my load?" you'd better have an answer. And it better NOT be, "Let me make a few calls and get back to you."
A new feature in DAT OnTime — DAT's load tracking platform — enables brokers to send their customer a link that will show the current location of the load on a U.S. map.
Although the coastal towns in the path of Hurricane Florence are generally at the receiving end of the distribution chain, there are 4 port cities in the hurricane's path.
Port of Wilmington, North Carolina - This port is right in the center of the hurricane path and is expected to be the hardest hit.
When disaster strikes, trucks are needed to get emergency supplies where they're needed most. But as has been the case with Hurricane Florence – which is anticipated to make landfall on the mid-Atlantic coast later this week – we're seeing how trucks are a big part of the preparation process before the storm, too.
Legislation intended to protect freight brokers when hiring carriers is making its way through Washington.
The so-called "National Carrier Hiring Standard" has been included as an amendment within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization funding bill and approved by the House of Representatives. The Senate is now considering its own amendments to the FAA reauthorization, which expires September 30.
When I first got started working with freight brokers in 2011, I was averaging more than 200 nights away from home each year. My primary strategy at that time was to go from one hot market to another hot market, chasing the highest-paying loads. At the beginning of 2015, the spot market demand for trucks slowed down and I needed to change how I use the load board.
Mark Boyer has spent his whole career in the trucking and logistics industry, with a front row seat for all kinds of new technologies, including many products from DAT.
As DAT celebrates its 40th year, we reminisced with Boyer, who serves as Vice President of Brokerage for Keller Logistics in Defiance, Ohio. Keller is an asset-based brokerage with a 150-truck fleet, plus packaging and warehousing services.
To say that the first half of 2018 was "a period of both extreme volatility and unprecedented imbalance between capacity and demand for trucking services in North America" at first sounds like hyperbole. But if you ask anyone who lived through it, they'll probably tell you it's an understatement.
That raises two basic questions: What created the environment of extreme volatility and unprecedented imbalance?
I love trucking, but let's be honest: I am in this business to make money.
The only thing I like better than making money is keeping it. There are two factors that are in my control and that could destroy my business as an owner-operator: my health, and my ability to cover my expenses.
This is Part Two, the follow-up to my first three myths about getting carrier authority. These myths, fears, and unknowns held me in place as a company driver for years. I wish I had gotten my authority sooner, and I hope other drivers can learn from my experience.
My biggest regret about getting started in this industry was that I didn't get my authority sooner. It was the myths, fears, and the unknown that held me in place as a company driver for years. If you ever meet me at a dock or a truck stop, you might find me talking to another driver about getting their authority and working with brokers.
These are three of the myths that get discussed the most when getting started as a carrier.
Gene Schultz has been in the trucking business for nearly 60 years.
Schultz got his start in the trucking industry working for his father's produce-hauling business in Rochester, Minnesota in the 1950s. When his father died in 1959, Schultz took over the business. At that time Schultz Transit had six trucks. Schultz grew the business to 235 trucks, 242 drivers, and back-office staff of 42, including warehouse and cross-border operations staff in Laredo, Texas. He liquidated the business in 1991, and in 1997 he and two other partners started another trucking company, Hiawatha Transport, which they later sold.
