Best of 2018: The Top 10 Articles on ExpeditersOnline.com
Benjamin Franklin put it best when he said, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
And one resource that can help you generate a high return on your time investment in expanding your industry and business knowledge is ExpeditersOnline.com (EO).
So, what were the most-read articles on EO to help you grow your business this past year? What were the most popular topics?
In case you missed any of them, here are the Top 10 EO articles for 2018.
#1. How to Succeed as a Solo Owner Operator in Expedited Trucking
It's hard to make a good living as a solo straight-truck owner-operator, right?
At least that's the conventional wisdom. But there are solos who have found ways to make money with a straight truck, such as Greg Huggins, who runs a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia. What are some of the keys that have helped him build a successful solo operation? And what advice does he have to give to other expediters looking to go solo? Read article.
#2. 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing a Used Expediter Straight Truck
If you're new to expedited trucking or a fleet owner looking to expand, a used expediter straight truck can save you money upfront. But it also brings big risks that could sink your business if you're not careful.
So, how can you improve your odds of making a smart purchase decision-and protect your financial future? Avoid these six mistakes when shopping for a used truck. Read article.
#3. Fleet Owner Conversations: Tom and Tina Evans
Tom and Tina Evans bought their first truck in early 2002. And for the next 11 years, they built their expedite business as owner-operators. Then in 2013, they took the next step and became fleet owners, eventually coming off the road altogether by mid-2016. Today, they own and manage seven trucks in their fleet-six expediter straight trucks and one tractor-all leased to Load One.
Here's the story of what led Tom and Tina to take the leap from owner-operator to fleet owner and the advice they have for other owner-operators who may be considering making that transition, as well. Read article.
#4. What Expediters Should Know About Truck Financing
When it comes to purchasing an expediter truck, negotiating the best price is just one-half of the equation; the other half has to do with financing. And that's where many first-time expediters get tripped up because they don't know what to expect.
John Lalonde, expediter truck sales representative at Buckeye Western Star in Plain City, Ohio, gives pointers on what commercial truck lenders look for, how much of a down payment you should have in the bank, and how can you prepare your finances and credit to qualify for the best possible financing terms. Read article.
#5. The State of Expedited Trucking 2018 Forecast
What were the key trends to watch in expedited trucking in 2018? What would be the impact of the ELD (electronic logging device) mandate? What would be the outlook for fleet owners? And what direction would the expedite market, as a whole, take--would it grow, hold steady, or hit economic headwinds?
EO asked four industry experts to peer into their crystal ball and share what they could see for 2018. How have their predictions panned out? You be the judge. Read article.
#6. 4 Insurance Mistakes Owner-Operators Should Avoid
Murphy's Law kicks in. You're involved in a crash. The cargo gets stolen. Your carrier goes out of business. When "stuff happens," how can you ensure you're prepared to handle it to keep your business dream alive?
That's where commercial trucking insurance comes in. And if you're new to the industry, you may not be aware of common insurance mistakes expediters make that eat into their profits, sideline their trucks, or even put their business in jeopardy.
What exactly are those mistakes you should avoid? Shelly Benisch, founder and CEO of Commercial Insurance Solutions (CIS), offers her perspective. Read article.
#7. Fleet Owner Conversations: Dave Corfman
Dave Corfman got into expedited trucking in the mid-1980s as a "side hustle," building his business part-time as a fleet owner for Roberts Express (now FedEx Custom Critical) while continuing his full-time career as director of finance and operations at a vending company. Then in 2001, he retired from the vending industry and went all-in with expediting, continuing as a fleet owner while also driving for a couple of years. Today he manages a fleet of seven expediter straight trucks.
Dave shares his story for how he got started as a fleet owner and his tips for fleet-owner success. Read article.
#8. 3 New Developments in Expediter Trucks and Vans for 2018
Whether you're an expedite owner-operator or fleet owner, your goals are similar when it comes to acquiring a new truck or van: Purchase a vehicle that can help you run your business more efficiently and cost-effectively--with maximum safety for the driver.
So, what was new in the expediter truck and van market in 2018 that could impact how you achieve your goals? Here were the three developments we said you should keep your eye on. Read article.
#9. How to Strengthen Your Credit to Buy Your First Truck
Your credit score not only impacts whether or not you get approved for financing to buy your first truck but also several other factors tied to the cost of vehicle ownership, including the required down payment, interest rate (and, thus, monthly payment), and insurance costs.
But if you've experienced financial challenges that have damaged your credit, it doesn't have to be the end of your dream. Here are four steps to help you improve your credit score and strengthen your finances to purchase your first truck. Read article.
#10. Fleet Owner Conversations: Brian Bishop
Bryan Bishop is a former corporate pilot, who got into the expedited trucking business in 2008 as a part-time fleet owner while keeping his "day job" flying private Lear Jets for another four years until he retired in 2012. Today, Bryan operates a fleet of seven expediter straight trucks out of Load One in Taylor, Mich., with more trucks ordered to bring that number to a total of 12 in the next few months.
Bryan shares his story of what led him to expedited trucking and his advice for those who may be considering becoming an expedite fleet owner. Read article.