As this year wraps up my 15th in the trucking industry, I'd like to take a few moments to pause and reflect on how the years may seem to endlessly advance but the base formula for expedited gift shopping and giving remains unchanged. In my first four years in trucking, specifically in the world of expedite, it was evident that the recruiting side of things typically came to a slowdown as the ramp-up to Christmas built to a heightened crescendo. But while recruiting drivers an...

A major concern for truckers is time that's being wasted as they forage for a spot to rest their truck, trailer, and self. Load One CEO and current TCA (Truckload Carriers Association) chairman, John Elliott, has been an integral voice speaking on behalf of the beleaguered trucker. John says, "You look at driver satisfaction and safety, the average driver wastes about an hour just looking for a parking spot." He adds, "You could be the CEO of a company making big money, and i...

As the weather worsens throughout much of the country, it's not a bad idea to consider some practical gifts that the most beloved trucker in your life would find useful as well as thoughtful. Having some sort of emergency items on standby in case something unforeseen were to happen on the road would be some real ideal gift giving this holiday season. Check out some of the items below that would make even the toughest driver blush with gratitude when they unwrap such a thought...

The general public is starting to take notice in the profession and career path of the trucking professional. The most noticeable support for truckers came during the height of the pandemic, when citizens began to realize just how important a role the transportation industry plays in our day-to-day lives. And that support has continued to show overall growth, with the potential to only continue. Truck Driver Support and Yearly Growth Over the last three years, the public's pe...

The American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Management Conference and Exhibition recently took place in San Diego, California and a very key discussion revolved around the 18th annual Top Industry Issues report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). Top Industry Concerns Aside from the growing concern over fuel prices, industry-wide, other issues that hit the highwater mark in transportation continue to revolve around the driver shortage, driver pay, truck ...

For those who have been used to conducting business in the expedite world, a change is on the horizon that aims to ease some of the pains that come with billing and bills of lading (BOL). My experience in the billing arena of expedite trucking lends itself to barely more than helping drivers figure out how to use systems like TransFlo. These systems of BOL submission allow drivers to submit customer signed paperwork to their companies, which also allows them to get their pay ...

Preparing your truck for the winter season can be a daunting task, but it's also something that is extremely beneficial for those who use their prep time wisely. Doing so can spell the difference between a major incident on a slippery road or avoiding a vehicular shutdown because of lacking certain equipment. It's a smart move to get out ahead of the season. Unless you have a red coat, a white beard, and eight tiny reindeer, chances are you're going to need more than a sleigh...

The On Time Media family is mourning the loss of a pivotal member of the Expedite industry and community. The Founder of OTM, Lawrence McCord, passed away in the early hours of Monday, October 17th from a head-on car collision. Lawrence began his career as a driver for Roberts Express back in the 1990s. Throughout his time as a driver, he identified the need for community development within the Expedite industry. He was responsible for the birth of ExpeditersOnline.com in 199...

We're already two episodes into the "State of the Industry Podcast, with John Elliott" but the third installment may be the best one yet. Our first actual in-person recording of the podcast took place in the center of the Sunshine State, Orlando, Florida! Fun discussions were had, while still delving into the more serious side of trucking and the recovery of Florida from the after-effects of Hurricane Ian. Hopefully, there are many of you who have already tuned in and are mak...

The principle of "the camera is always rolling," can certainly be attributed to the trucking industry. More and more companies and carriers are utilizing in-cab, and in-dash, cameras to record and capture driver behaviors and driving habits. It's a safety measure, and the practice is becoming more commonplace in order for trucking companies to maintain their safety score in good standing. There are several good reasons why a company placing these cameras in the cabs of their ...