Insurance is one of the most significant expenses for every owner-operator. Following FMCSA insurance requirements is vital for remaining compliant with industry regulations, as well as protecting your trucking business’s finances and your company as a whole. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about owner-operator trucking insurance so you can get […]
Freight brokers play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry, acting as the middlemen that connect shippers with carriers. But how do you ensure that the freight broker you’re working with is financially reliable and trustworthy? The answer lies in checking a freight broker’s credit score, a vital step that could mean the […]
It comes as no surprise that fuel is one of the most relevant and routine expenses in the trucking industry. Fuel prices directly impact the profitability and operational efficiency of trucking businesses, so it’s crucial to do your research on fuel-related topics to find answers to important questions such as, “Do truck drivers pay for […]
Owner-operators have a lot of expenses on their plate, so when it comes to running your own trucking company, it’s important to explore different avenues to save a few dollars. One way to do so is by taking advantage of tax deductions. While filing taxes can be a major headache for owner-operators, understanding which tax […]
When running your own trucking business, you’ll want to know how to calculate cost per mile (CPM). Understanding how much you spend to drive each mile provides crucial insights into how much you need to earn to make a profit. You can then identify ways to cut expenses, set rates appropriately, and ultimately improve your […]
The trucking industry plays a huge role in the nationwide economy, and the importance of goods being transported across borders efficiently will ensure the industry remains in demand for the foreseeable future. Because of this, becoming an owner-operator can be a lucrative career choice. However, the financial challenges of starting a trucking business, especially if […]
Starting a trucking company can be a great way to build a profitable business while gaining more control over your schedule. Many drivers are drawn to the independence and income potential that comes with running their own operation. But before you get started, there’s one question that matters more than anything else: How much does […]
As a new or soon-to-be owner-operator, having a comprehensive knowledge of the expenses that lie ahead of you will prevent unexpected costs that could potentially threaten your cash flow. Especially if you’re just starting your trucking business, understanding these costs is key to managing your finances and ensuring the profitability of your business. From insurance […]
If you’re a company truck driver or have a solid understanding of how the trucking business works, you might consider starting your own trucking business. It can be a lucrative career–owner-operators earn more than $300,000 per year–and the best part is you only need one truck to start a transportation business. However, it requires full-on […]
To run a successful trucking company, you must charge appropriate rates. While owner-operators can pull in an average yearly salary of $323,696, much of this goes to covering their expenses — fuel, in particular. In fact, rising fuel prices consistently rank as the top concern for the trucking industry as a whole. Because of this, […]
A fuel surcharge is the price a trucking company charges the shipper to make up for increases in fuel costs due to fluctuating diesel prices. Oftentimes, a freight company will calculate its cost to haul a load according to a baseline fuel price, but at the time the load is ready to ship, the cost […]
The trucking industry has dealt with its fair share of ups and downs in 2023, but one aspect that’s been particularly challenging for owner-operators is low freight rates due to less demand. Because of this, knowing how to negotiate better freight rates has never been more important. Running a trucking business is expensive, so it’s […]
As with any profession, it’s important that if you’re thinking of becoming a trucker, you do so with the belief you’ll enjoy the day-to-day behind the wheel. However, we work to pay the bills, so earning a decent income is just as important, and it’s helpful to know your earning potential before entering the industry. […]
If you’re thinking about entering the trucking industry, you’ll usually end up choosing between two paths: working as a company driver or becoming an owner-operator. That decision raises a bigger question. Is being an owner-operator actually worth it? On one hand, you get more freedom and higher earning potential. On the other, you are responsible […]
In 2025, there remains a noticeable truck driver shortage, meaning there are more open positions than available truckers. So with this in mind, truck driving must be a good career, right? Well, despite the positive job outlook for truck drivers, it’s important to have reasons to become a truck driver aside from simply the money […]
If you’re planning on entering the trucking industry, it’s crucial to first understand the difference between an owner-operator vs. a company driver. Which one pays more? Which one requires more work? And ultimately, is it better to be an owner-operator or company driver? There’s no one size fits all answer, but by taking some time […]
The thought of becoming an owner-operator can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, owning your own trucking company can provide financial returns that might not be obtainable by being a company driver, while on the other hand, there are added responsibilities that make for a more complex and time-consuming day-to-day job. Fortunately, you […]
Finding loads to haul is one of the most universal challenges for those in the trucking industry. The most recent trucking industry data revealed that the U.S. trucking market returned revenues close to $1 trillion in 2024, so you know the loads are out there, but how do you find them? For large-fleet drivers and […]
The trucking and freight industry is vital to the United States economy, but it has experienced large swings over the last few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-pandemic recovery. The trucking industry suffered in 2023 with the National Truckload Index experiencing consistent declines since the start of the year. Moving into 2024, […]
Turn your unpaid invoices into working capital for your business Get Factoring Today Coming to an agreement on freight terms can be one of the more difficult aspects of forging a new partnership with a buyer. Freight charges can be billed in many ways, two of the more common of which include prepaid and add […]
Working as a truck driver can be a liberating experience. But just like any other job, one of the biggest questions to consider is: how are truck drivers paid? As it turns out, there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits all answer to the question of how do truck drivers get paid. In this article, we’ll break […]
For trucking companies, few things are more important than ensuring you get paid in a timely manner. Maintaining sufficient cash flow for your operations is key for staying cash flow positive. But the trucking industry is one of slim margins. Even the most well-prepared, successful trucking business owners will have periods of negative cash flow […]
While not the most glamorous part of the job, getting your truck ready for a DOT inspection comes with being a truck driver or trucking business owner. Your drivers will have to make sure that they are ready to stop along their routes. And while preparing for a level 1 DOT inspection can seem tedious […]
As a freight broker, you depend heavily on prompt invoice payments to pay operating costs and carriers. However, sometimes you must wait for weeks or even months for payment, causing negative cash flow and mounting debts. To grow your business and be competitive in the market, you need access to cash to keep up with […]
Starting your own trucking business can be a highly rewarding undertaking. According to Zip Recruiter, the average semi-truck owner-operator in the U.S. brings home $228,575 per year. So with this in mind, it’s no surprise why starting a trucking company is such an exciting venture for entrepreneurs. But starting and growing a successful trucking company is […]
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for trucking, you may have considered starting a trucking company. However, owning a business is a challenging task if you don’t have a plan. A business plan can help you define your company’s mission to get investors, loans, partners, and employees interested. You will prove to […]
The commercial motor vehicle industry is associated with big trucks, multiple deliveries, long drives, and rest stops – not mountains of paperwork. However, documents, certifications, and background checks play a crucial role in operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) company. Hiring a truck driver involves a lot more than finding someone with a commercial driver’s […]
Truck detention is something that happens often in the logistics business – it’s common and often unavoidable. However, to make the most of your time and money, there are ways you can plan for detention and minimize detention fees. For freight shippers, understanding truck detention is a critical component to protecting your bottom line and […]
The vast number of requirements for truck drivers and carriers can feel overwhelming. But if your trucking company intends to conduct maritime-related business, there’s one requirement that you and your drivers cannot forget to apply for—a TWIC card. TWIC stands for Transportation Worker Identification Credential. A TWIC card is necessary for a couple different types […]
Let’s face it — getting trucking authority isn’t a walk in the park. There is a plethora of information you’ll find online that can make it hard to keep track of all the required steps. Having your trucking authority means you cut the third player or middleman, thus opening doors for more significant profit. But […]
Freight brokers can be incredibly helpful for carriers. In the best of cases, they lighten the logistics load of the carrier, thereby increasing productivity and efficiency, and ultimately improving cash flow for trucking companies. In the worst-case scenario, however, the actions of insolvent, unreliable, or even fraudulent freight brokers can run a trucking business into […]
After learning about what freight factoring is, the next step is to find out how much it factoring costs when you include all rates and fees associated with this alternative financing solution. Then, you can gauge whether or not freight factoring makes sense for your trucking company. Continue reading to learn about what will determine […]
Shipping goods from Point A to Point B sounds simple, but it’s usually a complex process, meaning that independent freight brokers have a lot on their plate. Some of the most common challenges for freight brokers are consistently finding loads to haul, finding shippers for those loads, and forging long-term partnerships with shippers. Yet while […]
With more and more consumers preferring to shop online, the demand for shipping services keeps rising. The trucking industry has been picking up pace in recent years, considering that trucks transport 70% of the total domestic freight tonnage. As per recent research, 63% of online shoppers expect their package to arrive in under three days […]
Most small business owners are acutely aware of the cash flow challenges associated with expanding their businesses, and trucking company owners are no exception. It isn’t easy to establish and maintain a trucking business. It takes hard work, business knowledge and quick thinking to succeed and maintain positive cash flow. While not all business owners […]
If you own or manage a trucking business, you must have an idea of how much slow-paying customers can affect day-to-day operations. There are many expenses to take care of, such as fuel, fleet maintenance, salaries, etc. If you have negative cash flow, crucial parts of the business can grind to a halt. But did […]
