The best thing about being an independent contractor is that there are an endless number of opportunities in the world that allow you to be your own boss. Some of those opportunities are certainly difficult to attain, while others are more easily accessible but sometimes far less enticing. Whether you're an experienced owner-operator or an independent contractor looking to get into the expedite industry, choosing the right carrier to run for makes all the difference in the wo...

It's almost common knowledge that driver turnover rates in the trucking industry tend to hover around or above the 100% mark. However, believe it or not, there are some fleets out there that have figured out a way to reduce their turnover rate. Which has shown to be more beneficial for both driver and company. Here are some suggestions for how to go about providing a better atmosphere for drivers, while lowering turnover. Show Them the Money "Money talks and BS walks," right?...

Being your own boss induces a certain level of excitement, anticipation, and fear. When considering starting a career as a Sprinter van owner operator, it's important to perform your due diligence and research what you could potentially come across or what you should expect. The first thing to keep in mind is that you are the master of your own Sprinter, so you decide what you do and where you go with it. Do you already own your Sprinter and you're simply looking for a place ...

Driving a commercial vehicle can certainly be a lonely job, and it can be all too easy for mental health hurdles and challenges to creep up on a driver as the miles roll by. Extended time away from family and friends and long periods without human interaction can be detrimental to anyone's psyche. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with renewed emphasis being placed on folks and their mental health these days, here are some ways drivers can help maintain their own ment...

A common conversation topic among professional truck drivers is the notion of no longer driving for someone else, but rather following their dream of becoming an independent contractor and thus one's own boss. So, how does one go from career steering wheel jockey to being their own head honcho? Well, let's consider the ways. How It Typically Starts Most folks begin their working lives in a low-level type of job. Maybe it's as a server in a sit-down restaurant, or as an order ...

Career truck drivers tend to prefer the solitude of the open road. Who wouldn't? You get to take your work with you and make money wherever you go. No one to answer to (other than perhaps dispatch and the Department of Transportation), and you're touring the countryside while getting paid to do it. What's not to like about that? However, as gratifying as driving solo can be, it's often accompanied by the risk of losing out on extra cash by limiting oneself in earning capabili...

Expedite freight has seemingly always been unapologetically classified as time sensitive material, which is certainly true from a purely logistical standpoint. However, to think of it in terms a lifelong long hauler might need to have it explained is a little more complicated than that. With this in mind, let's get a grip on what it actually means to be an expediter! From the Driver's Perspective Hurry up and wait. This phrase is perhaps the best way to describe the nature of...

Using your downtime effectively is an important key to both managing and maximizing your ability to stay ready when that next load offer comes your way. Like most of us, it's probably very easy to slip into old habits or routines that can be time-killing and counterproductive. So, here are some suggestions of what you can do with your time as you prepare for your next trip. Meal Prep In today's society, especially in a greater health-conscious setting, more and more people ar...

"I will do today what others won't so I can do tomorrow what others can't." This quote by the all-time great, Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, Jerry Rice captures the essence of just what it takes to become successful as an expediter. How? Well, just think about it for a moment. Whether you're an owner-operator or a 1099 contract driver, you are a business owner. YOU are the boss. Sure, you may have clear instructions from the carrier, broker, or shipper, on how a loa...

In transportation, honesty is a door that swings both ways. Not only are drivers seeking employment expecting a straight-up recruiter to give them the scoop on what to anticipate with a potential company. But to be fair, there is a certain level of honesty that recruiters require out of potential driving candidates as well. And as long as we're being honest here, both sides could certainly learn a thing or two from the other. Don't Tell Me What I Want To Hear A recruiter tell...