9 Questions Every Truckers Needs To Ask Themselves BEFORE Going Independent?
Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · 1 Comment
Over-the-road truck drivers don’t always have an easy life. In fact, with the cost of diesel fuel these days, some drivers would say it’s gotten harder. If you’re working for a trucking company, should you be an independent truck driver instead?
Sure, there are some benefits to being an independent. You won’t have to deal with dispatchers. You can pick and choose which loads you accept. You can take time off for family if you need to. But is independence all it’s cracked up to be?
It is possible for an independent driver to earn more money each year, sometimes as much as $6,000 more than those who lease a truck or work for a trucking company. However, there are also some elements of being an independent driver that are less appealing.
One of the biggest problems of being an independent is that you have to try to find loads to deliver on your own. You don’t have a company to call you when they have a load for you. You also can’t get cash advances when you’re headed out on the road or the fuel surcharge that a company can provide. Worst of all, customers don’t always pay promptly, which could cause untold problems paying your bills at home.
It is possible to succeed as an independent, however. So, don’t let the problems listed dissuade you from going out on your own if that is what you truly want. Planning, preparation, and hard work will help you succeed where others may have failed. How can you make sure you’re on the winning end of the independent driver scale?
Here are some questions you may want to answer to help you decide if becoming an independent driver is for you:
- Do you know where you want to go? Have specific, attainable goals to reach along the way.
- Have you been saving money? It may take a while for your new business to make a profit. Saving money before helps you keep from spending personal funds.
- Do you know who your customers will be? Finding freight suppliers ahead of time is a good way to know you’ll have work.
- Have you decided on the structure of your business? Your options are corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership. Discuss these options with your legal or financial advisor.
- Will you be able to deal with brokers? Read whatever you can to help you become familiar with negotiating practices.
- Do you have enough insurance? Liability and cargo insurance are insurances you didn’t have to pay in the past. Finding a company to insure you may be difficult to start out.
- How will you keep up with compliance? You will be required to keep driver qualification files, drug testing, log audits, vehicle inspections, and maintenance records.
- Will you do your own taxes or have someone do them for you? Unless you’re completely familiar with taxes, having an accountant would be a good idea.
- How will costs be tracked for the business? Tracking actual costs to drive will determine how you charge customers and what your profit is.
Should you become an independent truck driver? That’s a question that you and your family will have to decide. These questions may help you make that decision or help you begin to plan for the future.
Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward to a friend button below and take a minute to leave us your feedback by hitting the comment button below.
Want to lose that gut while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
10 Ways To Stay Safe And Still Talk On The Cell Phone
Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment
Cell phones and driving have been in the news quite a bit lately. Reports continue to come out describing how any driver using a cell phone while behind the wheel is distracted and is 38% more likely to have an accident. Can truck drivers and cell phones safely co-exist?
No one doubts the importance of having a telephone available in the case of an emergency. However most drivers, both car and truck, don’t use their cell phones just for emergencies. They can be seen talking on cell phone while driving on a regular basis.
For a truck driver, using a cell phone provides an additional way for them to stay in contact with their families at home. In this way, they are very similar to the CB radios that truckers have used for years. They are a means to communicate with others outside of the truck, and often at great distances.
Safety for yourself and others on the road is one of the things taught to truck drivers. To maintain safety, here are some rules that truck drivers may want to:
- If at all possible, pull over to the side of the road to make or take your call. This is the safest way to use a cell phone while driving. You won’t be distracted; therefore you won’t be a hazard to others.
- Use your cell phone enough before getting behind the wheel that you’re completely familiar with it and all of the features you’ll be using. Speed dial and voice activation are two features that should make dialing a phone safer.
- Use a hands free device if you have one. While they won’t totally reduce the distraction, at least you’ll have both hands on the steering wheel.
- Before you get on the road, put your cell phone where it’s easily reachable. It’s much easier to put your phone where you can reach it than leave it in a purse or briefcase.
- Nothing says you have to answer every call you get. If you’re in unfamiliar area or very heavy traffic, that’s what you have voicemail for.
- Don’t be afraid to tell the person on the phone that you’re driving and will call them back.
- Keep conversations light. Stressful or emotional conversations seem to distract more than other types.
- If there is an emergency, either yours or for someone else, don’t hesitate to use your cell phone. In this case no one would fault you for dialing while driving.
- Wait until you’re off the road before looking up phone numbers, taking notes, or dialing long telephone numbers.
- Realize that you’ll have times where using your phone and driving aren’t wise. If road conditions are hazardous, traffic is extremely heavy, or you’re in an unfamiliar area, it would be better to keep your eyes on the road and your mind on traffic.
Truck drivers and cell phones don’t have to be a deadly combination. Follow these rules to help you know how to use your phone wisely. If you do, there’s no reason why you can’t make your calls and stay safe.
Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward to a friend button below and take a minute to leave us your feedback by hitting the comment button below.
Want to lose that gut while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
Why You Should Join A Trucker Association
Posted in Resources by Brian · 2 Comments
As with any career, there are various associations that a truck driver can join. Depending upon the association, there are various perks for being a member. What are some trucking associations and the benefits of joining them?
Each of the 50 states has their own trucking association, some more than one, and it might be a good idea for drivers to join their state’s association. Statewide organizations vary in membership costs, but they each do what they can to improve the industry. They also strive to increase the profits that both independent and fleet owners make.
Besides being involved in helping truck drivers make and keep more money, the state trucking associations also work with politicians to help reform the laws and regulations that govern the industry. Of course, the changes they hope to attain are only applicable in that state.
It is common to find the state trucking associations in the larger cities, but you can search online to find out the physical location of the one for your state. Most have websites that will explain what they seek to address, what membership benefits you can expect, and an application with membership costs.
Benefits on a state level might include cost-savings on products that truck drivers need to have such as safety compliance and training materials, group discounts for insurance, tires, telephone service, and a chance to have your voice heard with your legislature. Of course, each state has their own membership benefits, but they should be spelled out on their website.
National trucking associations include organizations such as National Truckers Association, American Trucking Association, and Women in Trucking. Of course, there are other national associations, but these are a few that you may have heard of. Each one emphasizes a different aspect of the trucking industry.
National Truckers Association attempts to bring small fleet owners and companies together in a way that both benefit. They help members receive discounts, establish boycotts, and have a voice with their national politicians.
The American Trucking Association works to change the shipping laws within the country. The organization informs truck drivers and trucking company owners how they can join together to change the rules and regulations that affect the industry. As members, you can expect to get discounted towing, tools to help your drivers succeed, and discounts for tolls and weigh station bypass programs.
Women in Trucking is an association that focuses on women truck drivers and the aspects of the industry that affect them. Since trucks are designed for larger men, Women in Trucking attempts to work with manufacturers to create more women-friendly cabs. They also aid women with harassment suits.
There are so many trucking associations that a driver can join. Each one offers different benefits for their members. The costs vary from one association to another, but you might find that joining both a state and national association will offer you the best benefits.
Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward to a friend button below and take a minute to leave us your feedback by hitting the comment button below.
Want to lose that gut while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
How To Avoid Being The Next Trucker Accident Statistic
Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment
With the amount of time us truck drivers spend behind the wheel,we see plenty of accidents on the roads all around us. But you don’t have to be an accident statistic. While all accidents aren’t avoidable, there are ways to reduce your chances of being in one. Here’s what you can do to avoid an accident.
First and foremost, you can reduce your chances of being in an accident by limiting the number of distractions you allow in your cab. Your safety, and the safety of those on the road with you, depends upon your being fully focused on the road and what’s going on around you. Avoid eating while driving, talking on a cell phone, or changing stations on the radio so you’re able to focus on the road.
Getting plenty of sleep before driving is another way to reduce your chances of having an accident. Driving while you’re most alert and sharing driving responsibilities with another are good ways to drive safely.
Avoid driving aggressively, but do drive defensively. Don’t let yourself be drawn into someone else’s aggressive behavior. Instead ignore a driver that is driving aggressively. If you feel they are being too aggressive, feel free to call the police and report them.
Keep your truck in tip-top shape. Check the tires, lubricants, and fluids regularly. Perform maintenance when necessary to ensure your vehicle is running properly.
Stay a safe distance behind other vehicles. Remember, you’re in a larger vehicle than most on the roads. Staying one truck length away from the vehicle in front of you per each ten miles per hour is a good safe distance. Of course, if someone pulls in front of you, you may want to slow down to give yourself more space.
Before getting out on the road, check your mirrors to be sure they’re properly adjusted. Your mirrors play a large part in your driving safely; don’t take for granted that they’re adjusted properly.
Be very cautious when merging into traffic and when driving through intersections. Both of these areas are places where accidents occur because a driver isn’t paying enough attention.
Don’t drink and drive. This is an obvious way to help avoid accidents. However, there are still a number of people who do it each year. Alcohol and some medications impair driving abilities, so avoid them so you can drive safely.
Check on the road conditions before you leave. Turn your lights on at dusk and when weather conditions are bad. This allows you to see and be seen. You can check back right here at
http://thetruckerblog.com/tools-for-truckers to get the latest road conditions, weather , traffic reports and current fuel prices in your area.
Keep your truck near the speed limit, not to exceed an extra five miles per hour. Driving the speed limit will help you to avoid an accident by allowing you ample time to stop if there are problems in the road ahead of you.
Traffic accidents happen every day, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a part of them. Using the ideas given, you can avoid accidents. Take your time, drive defensively, and arrive at your destination in one piece.
Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward to a friend button below and take a minute to leave us your feedback by hitting the comment button below.
Want to lose that gut while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
Where Smart Truckers Stay to Save Money And Find America’s Cleanest Restrooms
Posted in Money Saving Tips by Brian · Leave a Comment
With Gas Prices running up , you want to spend the least amount of money possible while you are on the road. As a truck driver, you definitely want to know where to stay for less since. If you know where you’re going, you can find places to stay that won’t break the bank.
Obviously, if you have a sleeper cab on your truck, the cheapest way to spend the night is to sleep in your truck. Finding a place to park your truck shouldn’t be too difficult. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is finding a restroom, - hopefully a clean one - should you need one.
Check out – www.bestrestrooms.com for a list of the top voted restrooms across the country.
Before you park your truck for the night, check with the manager of the store or truck stop if it’s alright for you to sleep there. Make a list of places you’ve been given permission to park, the name of the manager, and a telephone number so you can make sure you’re still able to park there.
If you have friends or family at the destinations you’re traveling through, you may want to ask them if you could stay there overnight. This will help you save a good deal of money, give you the opportunity to take a leisurely shower, and have a great home cooked meal.
You may want to create a list of friends and family throughout the country that would be willing to let you stay with them. Either put the list in a computer, personal data assistant (PDA), or keep a notebook with this information inside. Include name, address, telephone number, and email address so you’ll be able to contact them when you’re headed toward their area.
Check online with discount travel sources to see if you can find a motel room that is within your budget. You can either book your room through these travel sources or you can call the provider yourself to see if you can get the same rate. If you’re traveling through certain cities regularly, having a list of motels with cheaper rates will be helpful.
Ask other truck drivers where they stay when they’re in a certain city. You know other truckers are also looking for economical places to stay, and truckers are willing to help one another out, so they would be a good source of information.
Finally, check out hotel savings programs from places like Corporate Lodging Consultants. They offer a program that will help truck drivers save 30 to 50 percent on hotel rooms. Look online to find other hotel savings programs aimed at truck drivers.
When traveling is part of your job, and you have to watch what you spend due to the rise in fuel prices, you’re obviously going to look for where to stay for less. Pay attention to other drivers, make a list of places to stay, and then you’ll know where to stay.
Tell us some of the places you have stayed that are clean and cheap by clicking on the comment button below. Hey – know any other stressed out truckers, friends or family ? Pass this along by hitting the send to a friend button below.
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
5 Things For Truckers To Do During a Lay-Over
Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment
As Truck drivers we spend hours on the road driving from one destination to another. When we arrive and the truck is being off-loaded,we may have a lay-over, a period of time where we’re not busy. There are many things a driver can do, but here are five things to do during a lay-over.
- Depending upon the amount of time you have available, you may be able to relax or take a nap in your cab. Having a book to read for enjoyment is also a great way to relax while you’re waiting for your truck to be unloaded.
- Keep in touch with your loved ones. This is one of the most popular activities for truck drivers who have some spare time on their hands. Since most drivers have cell phones that are a family plan, the cost can be minimal, and you don’t have to sit in a truck stop where everyone can hear your conversation.
- If you have a laptop computer, and can find a wi-fi connection, you could use instant messaging to communicate instead. You can also write and answer emails while you’re waiting. Having a laptop can also help you plan the next leg of your journey or find out the road conditions where you’ll be traveling.
- General housekeeping is something else you can do while you have time off. A lot of truck drivers have sleeper cabs, so lay-over would be a great time to wash the bed clothes and your clothes. You could also clean out your cab, getting rid of any extra garbage you may have accumulated.
- Take stock of any items you may need. Do you have a small refrigerator to hold drinks and snacks? Now would be a great time to restock your refrigerator. Head to the discount store or grocery store and pick up any items you need – bottled water, fruit, yogurt, or low-fat cheeses would be good options. You may also need to buy toiletries such as soap, shaving cream, or shampoo.
- Take some time to exercise. It’s obvious that truck drivers don’t get enough exercise. Walk around the building where you’re waiting or bring along a bicycle and ride your bike. The more active you can be, the better you will feel and the healthier you will be.
These 5 things to do during a lay-over are by no means the only things you can do. The choice is yours about how to spend any free time you have. Your family would surely love to hear from you, to know you’re alright, but you don’t have to call them if you don’t want to. Of course, you’ll have to live with the consequences if you don’t, but the choice is up to you.
Tell us some of things you do at layovers—and where some of your favorite rest stops are by clicking on the comment button below. Hey – know any other stressed out truckers, friends or family ? Pass this along by hitting the send to a friend button below.
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
How Any Trucker Can Finally Stop Smoking
Posted in The Healthy Trucker by Brian · 2 Comments
It’s not uncommon to see truck drivers smoking while driving. In fact, it has been estimated that nearly 50 percent of all truckers smoke. Helping truckers quit smoking can be the first step to some of these truckers to live a healthier life. Below are some reasons to quit smoking and some ways to begin the process for you or a loved one.
Unfortunately, smoking, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise adds up to creating health issues for drivers. Many employers have noticed the effects smoking has on their drivers. It causes more deaths that alcohol, car accidents, suicide, and illegal drugs combined. It also costs more than $75 billion each year in health-related costs.
Because smoking is so dangerous, many companies are offering their employees an incentive to quit smoking as part of their benefits package. Nicotine patches, counseling sessions, and other options are used to help drivers quit smoking. The cost of smoking cessation programs costs the employer approximately $900 per participant. Smokers, on average, use up to $16,000 per year in health benefits.
Many truck drivers say that quitting smoking is difficult because nicotine is a stimulant. They say smoking helps them focus on what’s going on around them. Despite what truck drivers believe, it is still healthier for them to quit.
One of the most common ways to quit smoking is by using nicotine replacement. They come in patches that you can get over-the-counter at pharmacies. You can also get a prescription patch, and now there’s a nicotine replacement pill. These systems are designed to help a smoker become less dependent upon the nicotine. They are expensive, however.
If you don’t mind going the non-traditional route to stop smoking, you may want to try hypnosis. It has been used for years but there really isn’t a way to measure this method’s success. You can, however, measure the success of electroshock therapy. When you start smoking, you can put a 9-volt battery to your tongue. It’s supposed to make smoking something you want to avoid, and treatment centers claim it has a high success rate.
Finally, you can either call a hotline for those trying to quit smoking or find a support group to help you. These options allow you to talk about why you want to stop smoking, what triggers you to smoke, and what you can do to stop. Call the National Cancer Institute at (877) 448-7848 or (800) QUIT-NOW.
Smoking is one of the factors for people developing high blood pressure as well as being a major cause for lung cancer. If you or a loved one is a trucker, helping truckers quit smoking is a worthy goal. Use the ideas above to help you or your loved one quit.
Tell us how you stopped smoking and handle your stress by clicking on the comment button below. Hey – know any other stressed out truckers, friends or family? Pass this along by hitting the send to a friend button below.
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
Trucker Secrets For Staying Awake
Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · 1 Comment
Long-haul truck drivers spend a lot of time behind the wheel of their rig. Some experts estimate that truck drivers travel approximately 64,000 miles per year. It’s no wonder they get sleepy, that’s like driving around the world two and one-half times. Dealing with sleepiness without drugs is one thing that drivers try to accomplish.
Over the road drivers are not the only people to struggle with becoming sleepy while driving. Passenger vehicle drivers also have to deal with this issue. Unfortunately, if you fall asleep while driving, you could get into a serious accident where either you or other innocent people could be killed.
Finding yourself getting sleepy is the time to pull over, get out of your truck, and take a short walk. By getting out of the truck, you’re causing your body to move, which should help wake you up. Walking will get your blood pumping and the change of scenery will help your mind refocus. After 10-15 minutes, your body should be rejuvenated and ready to climb back into the rig and get back on the road.
Plan to drive during your normal waking hours if at all possible. Driving when you’re normally sleeping will only cause you to be more likely to become drowsy.
Schedule your trip so you can take a break every two hours or so. Give yourself a chance to refresh by taking a nap up to 40 minutes long. Anything longer than that will have a detrimental effect rather than a refreshing one.
Avoid eating heavy meals. You know how you feel after Thanksgiving; all you want to do is take a nap. Large meals require your body to slow down to aid in digestion, which makes you sleepy. If you’re afraid you’ll get hungry before you have another chance to stop to eat, be sure to keep some fruit or cereal bars within reach.
Make sure you’re getting enough fluids. Water would be the best choice, but caffeinated drinks do improve alertness. However, it takes approximately 20 minutes for the caffeine to take effect. If you’re getting sleepy, drinking a cup of coffee won’t help immediately.
Having someone to share driving responsibilities would be a great way to deal with sleepiness. This is part of the reason that married couples are successful as team truck drivers. They can help share the driving, keep one another company, and make the job much more enjoyable.
It is possible to deal with sleepiness without drugs. Some of these suggestions may seem easy, but sometimes the easiest solutions are also the best. Implement one of these ideas the next time you get sleepy while driving; you’ll stay awake and be more refreshed.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward to a friend button below and take a minute to leave us your feedback by hitting the comment button below.
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
Secrets For Reducing Stress For Truckers
Posted in The Healthy Trucker by Brian · Leave a Comment
Being an over the road driver is a job that many people enjoy. There are aspects about driving that aren’t so great such as being away from family, the high costs associated with driving, and the stress of driving. If you’re not handling the stress of the road too well, these ideas will help you.
One of the major factors that lead to stress is the lack of sleep that many truck drivers deal with. With truck drivers spending up to 70 hours per week behind the wheel, it’s no wonder some drive while sleepy, regardless of how dangerous it can be. Requirements to limit the amount of time a driver can be on the road have greatly reduced this stressor. If you need all natural energy boost that will also let you drop those extra pounds at the same time check out the all natural trucker solution at http://www.thetruckersedge.com.
Being away from family on an extended basis is another aspect of …
truck driving that can cause considerable stress for the driver. Quite often this stress can lead a driver to have trouble focusing on the task at hand which is driving safely. Taking time to speak with loved ones during off time helps drivers handle loneliness and reduce some of the stress associated with it.
Other truck drivers and those in smaller vehicles can be another contributing factor to the stress that drivers face each day. Drivers cut in front of one another, don’t signal when they are pulling in front of a truck, or any number of different ways of being rude while driving. Truck drivers can rise above this stress by remembering that no matter what others do, the acts are not directed at them personally.
Get some exercise whenever possible…
Experts recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day. That can be done either at one time or broken down into three 10 minute times throughout the day. Exercise is a great stress reducer, so you may want to pull over and take a little walk when you begin feeling stress getting the better of you. If you can ‘t get enough exercise try the all natural weight loss solution just for truckers that will give you results guaranteed at http://www.thetruckersedge.com
Another way to handle stress, no matter what the source, is…
to listen to soothing music while you’re driving. The music doesn’t have to be playing so loudly that you can’t hear what’s being said over the CB radio. Soothing music has also been shown to lower blood pressure.
If you can’t find soothing music to suit you…..
get some comedy CDs and listen to comedians instead. The Bible says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22a, NIV). It also helps you deal with stress.
Handling the stress of the road is something all truck drivers strive to do. They know that stress not controlled can cause health issues and can also lead to taking their frustration out on others in road rage. Try some of these ideas for handling stress and you may find you enjoy your time on the road a little bit more.
Tell us how you handle your stress by clicking on the comment button below. Hey – know any other stressed out truckers, friends or family? Pass this along by hitting the send to a friend button below.
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.
Tips For Staying Fit On The Road
Posted in The Healthy Trucker by Brian · Leave a Comment
Statistics show that a large majority of truck drivers, nearly 75 percent, are overweight. When you’re behind the wheel of a big rig for most of the hours of the day, it’s not easy to lose weight. Here are some suggestions on how to stay fit on the road.
Why are so many truck drivers overweight? The main reason for the weight issues is their sedentary lifestyle by being behind the wheel for so many hours in a day, there’s little time to exercise. The other major reason is because of poor eating habits – either eating all fast food or eating too large of portions.
One way you can start down the road to becoming fit is to…
drop some weight. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat meat cuts, and low fat dairy products. Stay away from the fast food restraints along your route. You can also plan when you will eat and take some healthy snacks with you from home.
If you have to stop at a truck stop or restaurant for food, choose the lighter or healthier fare. Make plans to eat three meals a day instead of waiting until later in the evening to eat. When you don’t eat all day you become overly hungry and then most likely gorge yourself. Unfortunately this leads to bad food choices and quite often overeating.
After changing your eating habits, the next best thing you can do is..
to become more active. Decide now that your health is important and that you must do something about it. When you stop for a meal, make sure you spend some time walking around.
A Schneider National health counselor has determined that …
walking around your rig 32 times equals a mile. You have to walk around it to check it out anyhow, why not take a couple extra trips around it, and do your body good?
Start slow when adding walking to your routine. If you have problems walking to and from the truck stop when you’ve had to park away from it, you’ll want to make yourself do it more often. Walk slowly and then build up to walking further and walking faster. Before you know it, walking to and from the truck won’t be a problem at all.
Besides walking, you can…
run, ride a bicycle, or hike when the weather is nice. If you have to stop near a lake or ocean, make sure you have some swim trunks and go enjoy a romp in the water.
Exercise and eating right have benefits outside of helping you lose weight. You’ll feel better, have more energy, and have increased focus. If these are reasons enough for finding out how to stay fit while on the road, how about being able to sleep better, reduction in diabetes or high blood pressure? If you think about it, getting and staying fit is a win-win situation.
Don’t have the time to try these tips but still want to lose that gut while you drive? Check out the all natural – guaranteed solution made for truckers at:
http://www.thetruckersedge.com
Know another buddy who might enjoy this article?
Click Here To Share This Article With A Friend.





