One of the perks of being an expediter with the right credentials is that you get to haul exotic and often highly sensitive freight that pays really well. But that also makes your truck a high-value target for thieves. And if you're not careful, you could be putting your career in jeopardy. That's because if you're a victim of cargo theft but found to be negligent in the incident--such as for leaving the truck unattended or unlocked--not only would you be responsible for payi...

A liftgate mounted on the rear of your truck enables you to load and unload heavy cargo more efficiently, in a way that reduces your injury risk and shortens delivery times. But when it comes to liftgates, one size (or type) does not fit all applications. So, how do determine what's best for your business--and budget? Use this checklist to help you gather the information you need to make a smart decision. 1. Type of LiftgateThe first step is to choose the most appropriate lif...

You're blindsided with news that your carrier is getting out of the business, and now you're scrambling to find another company before you burn through cash reserves. Or, you've added a new $180,000 expediter truck to your fleet, but it's parked, not earning any income, because freight has slowed down. Whether you're an expedite owner-operator, fleet owner, or both, one thing's for sure: you face numerous obstacles that knock you off kilter, causing you to feel overwhelmed an...

When Dave Corfman started in expedited trucking with Roberts Express (now FedEx Custom Critical) in the mid 1980's, business was good. Real good. "The pay was phenomenal. It was nothing to get $3.00 or $4.00 a mile on a load. But, you know, competition has a way of changing the dynamics of that," Corfman recalls. At the time, Roberts Express was the pioneer and main player in expediting, with few competitors. Today, the market landscape has changed, with numerous carriers vyi...

As an expedite owner-operator or fleet owner, you have greater control over your financial destiny than you would as an employee. But you also take on more responsibility and risk. After all, you still have to pay for your truck, insurance premiums, and all sorts of on-going expenses, whether or not you're delivering enough loads to cover all your costs. So, if you're new to the expedite business, don't try to "figure it out" on your own and put your financial future in jeopa...

When you're out on the road, you're not always in the best areas of town. And you never know when you're at risk of getting robbed or assaulted, whether you're a solo driver or run as a team. So, what can you do to protect your property--and yourself? Here are five tips to give you greater security and peace of mind when you're on the road. 1. Be aware of your surroundings."The biggest thing is being aware of your surroundings at all times and not letting your defenses down a...

One of the perks of being an expedite owner-operator or driver is that you get to travel the country, usually on someone else's dime. But, more often than not, you might be so focused on the job at hand that you miss opportunities to see really interesting places and have great experiences that help you "enjoy the journey." So, what are some of the top places to go and see throughout the U.S. when you're out on the road and in between loads? EO recently caught up with long-ti...

Recent developments in driverless vehicles could have huge implications on the future of trucking. In April, three autonomous Mercedes-Benz semi trucks completed a cross-border convoy drive from Stuttgart in Germany to Rotterdam in the Netherlands -- about 400 miles -- as a "connected," self-driving platoon. Last month, Uber purchased Otto, a six-month-old startup founded by former high-level Google employees that develops self-driving systems for heavy trucks, signifying the...

As an expedite owner-operator, your income is generated by your truck. But when you consider that a new truck can cost anywhere from $150,000 to over $200,000, you're making a big investment with significant risks involved. So, how do you minimize your risks and make the best decision for your business and budget? That was the thrust of the workshop on "Straight Talk on Buying a Truck," held on July 15 at Expedite Expo 2016 at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky. The sessio...

Driving as a team in expedited trucking offers numerous financial benefits, especially for husband and wife teams, where all income goes to the same household. But you also have to get used to the day-to-day life of two people living in cramped quarters inside the truck for weeks and months at a time, which can create significant challenges, if you're not prepared. Is team driving right for you? What is it really like to operate as team in expedited trucking? How do you capit...