A career in the trucking industry involves dealing with a complex set of constantly evolving regulations. One of the most important rules for commercial truck drivers in the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. They aim to prevent driver’s fatigue and provide enough rest, ensuring drivers are alert behind the wheel. 

The HOS regulations include the 34 hour reset rule. It outlines the mandatory rest for drivers once they reach the weekly working limits. Understanding how this rule works is crucial for drivers, fleet managers and dispatchers. This impacts on planning routes, meeting delivery schedules, and maintaining compliance. 

What is the 34-Hour Reset?

The 34 hour reset rule is a key aspect of the HOS regulations that are obligatory for most of commercial drivers in the US. Its purpose is to ensure adequate rest for drivers, promoting safer road conditions and reducing driver fatigue. Drivers can’t perform work-related activities or driver commercial vehicles for work purposes during this period.

HOS regulations set strict limits of maximum hours a driver can operate their truck before tacking a break. They were launched by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and include a 60/70 hour rule. It foresees that a driver can drive up to 60 hours over seven consecutive days or 70 hours during eight consecutive days. After that, they’re obliged to take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. 

Then, drivers are allowed to start a new workweek with a fresh set of driving hours. This break helps drivers to recharge and comply with the legal limits on their driving hours. The 34 hour reset rule is a balancing act between meeting delivery deadlines and prioritizing safety.

DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

The HOS rules of the Department of Transportation (DOT) are a fundamental part of the trucking industry regulations. They limit excessive working hours. For instance, drivers can be on duty up to 14 hours, while the driving hours limit is restricted to 11 hours. This ensures drivers obtain enough rest to be agile and avoid exhaustion on the road.

In addition, the DOT HOS rules include:

• 11-hour driving limit. A driver can be behind the wheel up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. This regulation helps drivers rest enough before a new working shift.
• 14-hour on-duty limit. The workday of a truck driver can’t exceed 14 hours, including driving and non-driving tasks. This covers loading, unloading, or maintenance activities. After this period, a driver must take a sufficient brake.
• 30-minute break requirement. The driver is required to take a 30-minute break after every 8 hours of driving. The pause ensures drivers remain alert and can reset their focus.
• 60/70-hour weekly limit. Drivers can’t be on duty more than 60 hours over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight consecutive days. This limit is essential for long-haul drivers, as it prevents overwork and encourages proper test. 

Compliance with HOS regulation is tracked through electronic logging devices (ELDs). They monitor the driver’s on-duty hours, breaks, and resets in real time. Exceeding these limits leads to penalties, fines, or even suspension of driving license. 

How Does the 34-Hour Reset Work?

The 34 hour reset allows drivers to reset their workweek once they reached maximum limits of on-duty and driving hours. This rule prevents driver’s fatigue and ensures they’re well-rested before embarking on new hauls. Once the reset is over, a driver can start a new workweek. 

A key element of DOT 34 hour reset rule is that this period must be spent off-duty. Drivers can’t perform any work-related activities, including driving the commercial vehicle for personal conveyance or performing maintenance. Any interruptions or violations would invalidate the reset, forcing the restart of the 34-hour break.

In addition, the 34 hour reset for truck drivers helps trucking companies set schedules and delivery deadlines. Dispatchers and fleet managers must account this rule during planning routes and setting delivery schedules. Thus, efficient planning is critical to ensure compliance with the HOS regulations and ensure adequate rest for drivers. This also helps avoid fines or penalties.

The use of electronic logging devices simplifies tracking adherence to HOS rules. ELDs monitor and record driving time, breaks, and resets. Once a 34-hour reset is completed, they refresh their available hours, allowing to start a new work shift. ELDs reduces the risk of human error and ensure drivers follow the correct time limits.

The DOT 34 hour reset is important not only for compliance. It also ensures safety on the road, as fatigue is one of the leading cases of accidents. The reset ensures drivers have enough rest to stay alert behind the wheel. 

Personal Conveyance and the 34-Hour Reset

Personal conveyance is an important aspect that should be considered to avoid invalidating the reset period. It allows drivers to use their commercial vehicle for personal purposes while they’re off duty. Drivers should understand the boundaries of what is considered personal versus business use to ensure compliance with DOT 34 hour reset regulations.

Under HOS rules, personal conveyance allows drivers to use their truck for personal reasons. This can include activities like driving to a store or restaurant or returning to home or hotel. The main rule is that the vehicle can’t be used for business-related tasks, such as moving closer to a pickup or delivery location. This distinction is importance, as any business-related activities can reset the 34-hour reset period and lead to violations of HOS limits.

In addition, driver should remember that a 34 hour reset is aimed at providing enough rest between workweeks. Thus, they should plan their time carefully to start new week fully refreshed and ready to safely resume work. 

The FMCSA has clear guidance on the use of personal conveyance that ensures drivers and carriers compliance with HOS regulations. In particular, drivers should use personal conveyance when there is no business benefit. Otherwise, drivers and carriers can face violations of the 34 hour reset rule.

The main aspects of ensuring regulatory compliance during personal conveyance is accurate tracking and logging through the electronic logging devices. Before driving for personal reasons, drivers should activate the corresponding mode on their ELDs. Incorrect or misleading logs usually result in HOS violations, fines, or driver disqualification in repeated or severe cases.

Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are aware of the HOS regulations and aspects of personal conveyance. Clear policies help ensure drivers understand what constitutes legitimate personal use and what activities can violate the rest. 

Advanced Tips

Effective management of the 34 hour reset is crucial for truck drivers. This ensures safety on the road and constant compliance with HOS regulations. Drivers can implement reliable strategies to reduce unnecessary resets, improve time management, and take full advantage of regulatory provisions.

How to Avoid a 34-Hour Reset

While the 34 hour reset is designed to provide drivers with a fresh start for their driving hours, avoiding the need for a reset can save valuable time on the road. This requires careful management of on-duty and driving hours. For instance, drivers must stay alert of how lose they’re to their 60/70-hour weekly limit and plan breaks accordingly. 

Drivers can divide their driving hours by planning more frequent and sorter breaks to ensure they don’t exceed HOS limits on any day. Thus, with scheduled off-duty time throughout the week, drivers can stretch hours further, reducing the likelihood of reaching the weekly limit.

Close cooperation with dispatchers and planners can also help avoid resets. Dispatchers must be aware or drivers’ hour status and plan routes that allow rest periods and don’t exceed driving and working limits.

In addition, the HOS regulations include exceptions of its hour limits. This includes short-haul exemptions or adverse driving conditions, allowing drivers to extend their working or driving time. 

Using a 34-Hour Restart Calculator

A 34-hour restart calculator is a valuable tool for drivers and fleet managers. It allows input work hours, on-duty status, and breaks to predict when the reset is needed and how it can be fitted into the schedule. With a detailed breakdown of remaining driving hours and off-duty time, the calculator helps drivers and dispatchers stay compliant with the industry regulations and meet delivery deadlines.

The device can also help plan resets during less busy periods, such as weekends or between long hauls. By setting a reset time when it will least affect their work schedule, drivers can ensure they wouldn’t fall behind on deliveries and stay compliant. The calculator works in conjunction with data from the ELDs, simplifying the reset planning.

Dispatchers can use these tools for better scheduling and optimal assignment of loads. 

Split Sleeper Berth Provision

The split sleeper berth provision provides one more tool for managing drivers’ schedule on the road without the need for a full 34 hour reset. The provision foresees that drivers are allowed to divide mandatory 10-hour off-duty period into two segments: one of at least 7 consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth and another of at least 2 hours spent off duty or in the sleeper berth. Together, these periods must total at least 10 hours.

The benefit of the split sleeper berth is additional flexibility in managing driving and rest periods over long hauls. Drivers can take shorter breaks between deliveries while still meeting HOS requirements. The provision also helps prevent driver fatigue by enabling more frequent rest breaks. However, it’s critical to use the provision correctly to ensure compliance and avoid violation fines. For instance, drivers must ensure that both rest periods are logged accurately. 

How can I stay compliance with the 34-hour reset rule? 

For constant compliance, you should track your hours through electronic logging devices (ELDs), plan rest periods to avoid exceeding working and driving hour limits. Work with your dispatcher to ensure you have enough rest while meeting delivery deadlines.

Conclusion

The 34 hour reset rule is an essential tool for maintaining safety, compliance, and efficiency of truck drivers. Adherence to this rule ensures that drivers are well-rested and capable of performing their duties in efficient and safe manner. The use of restart calculators and electronic logging devices help drivers and dispatchers plan working time more efficiently, reducing unnecessary downtime and ensuring smooth work process. пока фокус не на тебе. 

In the long term, compliance with these rules helps protect companies from penalties, fines, and potential disruptions. Understanding and implementing the 34 hour reset is a crucial part of successful and stable operations in the trucking industry.

FAQ

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Leasing a semi truck is a suitable solution for some owner-operators or small trucking companies. Still this choice requires an analysis of the leasing pros and cons, costs, and requirements. Knowing these factors, you can make the right decision in accordance with your financial situation and business goals.

Costs of Leasing a Semi Truck

The costs of semi truck leasing may vary amid factors such as the truck type, the lease term, and the leasing company. The average range for the industry is $1,000-3,000 per month. It covers leasing basic models and more advanced trucks with additional functions.

In particular, some lease contracts include maintenance services. It increases the monthly costs but offers fewer burdens related to maintenance and repairs. Sometimes, leasing companies may require a down payment or security deposit. It ranges from a few thousand dollars to a percentage of a truck’s value. 

Still, this decision can require fewer costs in the short term than buying as it involves less money upfront and can include maintenance and insurance on a monthly basis. The saved costs can be used for other business needs, providing additional benefits. Leasing a semi truck may also provide an access to newer models with better operational and fuel efficiency. 

Still, it’s necessary to read the lease agreement to determine any hidden costs. In particular, it can include fees for exceeding the mileage limit or early termination penalties.

Leasing vs. Buying a Semi Truck

If you decide whether to buy or lease a semi truck, you must review the long-term consequences of these options. The decision can significantly impact your business’s finances and operations.

What Are the Requirements to Lease a Semi Truck?

For semi truck leasing, you need to meet the specific requirements set by the leasing company. Usually, they include:

• Credit check. Leasing companies check your credit history to verify your financial responsibility. A good credit score increases your chances of approval and may provide better lease terms.
• Down payment. Some lease agreements may include a down payment. Still, it will be less compared to a truck purchase.
• Insurance. You should have suitable insurance coverage for a leased truck. It must cover liability, physical damage, and cargo insurance.
• Operations. You need the necessary permits and operations approvals to use the truck for commercial purposes.
• Experience. Some leasing companies may require a minimum driving experience or a proven track record in trucking operations.
• Financial statement. Some leasers may request financial statements to ensure you can provide the monthly payments.
• References. Personal or business references may be required to prove your reliability and business practice.

Meeting these requirements can be challenging. Still, leasing companies may offer programs designed to assist newcomers to the industry. 

Is it a Good Idea to Lease a Semi Truck?

The suitability of a semi truck leasing depends on your needs and financial situation. Leasing will be a suitable choice if you need to save costs with lower monthly payments and want to upgrade your truck every few years. It also foresees such benefits as covering maintenance and repair costs. With a leased semi truck you’ll have an option to upgrade a model once the lease is over. It means access to the latest advancements, including fuel and operations efficiency.

However, for companies with a stable financial position that plan to use trucks for a longer period and want to build equity, buying may be a better option. Truck ownership ensures more freedom and can be more cost-effective in a longer perspective. With your truck, you can recoup some of the initial investment in the future.

To decide what solution is right for you, you need to consider the impact of leasing on a company’s financial health. Continuous lease payments can add up over time, even in case of a business downturn.  At the same time, owning a truck can provide higher financial security amid no monthly payments once the loan is paid off.

Conclusion

Leasing a semi truck can provide several benefits for your business, including lower initial investment, flexibility, and covered maintenance and insurance. Still, it also involves cons such as no ownership and potential mileage restrictions. Knowing the leasing costs and requirements and analyzing your business needs helps you make an informed decision. Whether leasing a semi truck is a suitable decision depends on your individual opportunities and long-term business goals.If you want to obtain detailed guidance and expert advice on trucking operations optimization, Logity Dispatch can help you. Our dispatch services will provide better navigation of the trucking sector and provide smooth and efficient operations.

The post How Much Does it Cost to Lease a Semi Truck in 2024? appeared first on Logity Dispatch.

Being a trucker, in essence, is a physical job with a great responsibility. If you want to be a trustworthy carrier or an owner-operator, keeping your fleet in working order and well-equipped is the key principle. Always having trucking tools in hand will ensure road traffic safety, help you and the other drivers perform your duties effectively, keep the products you haul safe and sound, and prevent you from various unpleasant situations. Sometimes they are even crucial for a driver’s life and health.

We all know that the freight transportation business can hardly exist without unexpected circumstances, unpredictable weather conditions, and changes in plans. Nevertheless, those may not affect you at all or have little influence if you take care of the proper truck driver equipment list. Investing in quality, reliable, and durable things to keep in your truck today may save you from finding yourself helplessly stranded in the middle of nowhere tomorrow.

By the way, we cannot imagine a modern truckers tool kit being limited by material tools only. As an advanced carrier, you’ll want digital tools to come to your assistance. For example, it is difficult to imagine the present trucking without online load boards or GPS systems. Also, you may use digital platforms to run your accounting smoothly or seek professional dispatch help from experts like Logity Dispatch.

Continue reading to see our suggestions for covering all the bases.

50 Best Tools for Truckers

1. A tool box

A quick spoiler – work instruments are going to constitute a majority of this list. Some tools are really small and likely to be lost, while others demand careful storage because they are fragile. That is why you need to consider buying a roomy container for all of these. You kill two birds with one stone obtaining a tool box. Firstly, tools are saved from  possible damage caused by bumping along a bad road, and therefore, their service life is prolonged. Secondly, it is handy to keep everything you need in a particular place. It will save you and your drivers a great deal of time and energy whenever your truck needs an urgent repair.

Another practical benefit of a tool box is serving as an organizer. Lots of instruments are virtually identical visually, but variable by their sizes or functions. It is great to distinguish them promptly once an emergency occurs.

Make sure that your tool box is suitable for the volume of your tools collection, and pay attention to its rigidity. Always place the box in a safe place in your truck where it is not likely to be hit.

2. A socket set

It is a genuine rudiment of a tool set of any kind, so make sure you choose a high-quality one. A socket set includes different-sized detachable metal sockets that fit over the heads of nuts and bolts. Socket sets often come with handles and ratchets of corresponding sizes to attach the sockets and twist them to either fasten or unfasten nuts or bolts. There are myriad types and sizes in the market, depending on customers’ inquiries. Some of them are extensive and consist of versatile additional tools like extension bars and universal joints. However, if you are a regular driver without mechanic qualifications, a basic or semi-professional set will be enough for you.

3. Crescent wrenches

Crescent wrenches are also known as adjustable wrenches. This tool is at the top list of tools to have in your truck. You need to purchase wrenches of different sizes – 6’’, 8’’, and 10’’ are the most popular ones; though a 4’’ crescent wrench can also be of service when you need to approach tiny items. We also recommend getting 12’’ and 14’’ wrenches because they are appropriate ones for fixing your trailer and truck hitch.

4. Combination wrenches

A combination wrench is also a widespread tool that truckers use. They have an open end on one side and a closed, ring-shaped (the same one as box wrenches have) end on the other. The open end is useful for quickly fitting onto nuts and bolts, while the closed end provides a stronger grip, allowing you to apply more torque. Their common sizes are 7/16”, 1/2”, 9/16”, and 5/8”, and it is important to buy some extra metric fasteners along.

5. Dog bone wrenches

They are also known as double-ended wrenches or 4-way wrenches. These will likely save you trouble one day. They are flexible multi-functional instruments that are excellent at handling large bolts, nuts, or screws. Besides, dog bone wrenches are indispensable when working with hardly accessible parts of machines. Since they have multiple sockets on each side, you can sometimes substitute dog bone wrenches for crescent and combination ones!

6. A 3-lb. sledgehammer

Having a light hammer in your truck can come in handy any minute. For instance, you can release the fifth wheel with it. This tool will also help you regularly check up on tire pressure. Just slightly hit every tire and listen carefully. Ideally, all of the tires should sound identical; if they are not, you probably want to inflate the one that sounds odd.

7. A regular hammer

Even though you have got a light sledgehammer, a heavier one won’t be extra. It is a multi-purpose tool and may be particularly beneficial in winter. Try releasing frozen brakes, or knocking ice and dirt off padworks and latches. Remember to control the force you apply to the hammer, and use it only for the strong parts of your vehicle. This tool is not designed for working with delicate objects.

8. A metal dowel rod

In continuation of the topic of hauling loads during the cold half of the year, metal dowel rods are excellent at breaking off ice, snow, and hoarfrost. Same as with hammers, one needs to be extremely careful not to harm auto parts.

9. Screwdrivers

Cannot spell ‘screwdriver’ without ‘driver’, and vice versa, we cannot imagine a truck driver without this magical tool in their kit. This instrument, typically consisting of a handle and a metal rod with a special ending, is familiar even to those who have nothing to do with mechanic and repair activity. There are countless screws inside and outside a truck, here’s why you need to arm yourself with as many sizes and types of screwdrivers. The main kinds are called slotted screwdrivers, Phillips-head screwdrivers, Hex screwdrivers, and Torx screwdrivers. You may also consider buying one or a few tools with interchangeable rods. It will probably save a certain sum of money, and surely space in your tool box.

10. Pilers

You should also pack different pliers so that you can conduct a repair at any level. 5’’ ones are generally used for break-downs quickly fixable, and bigger pliers – for more time-consuming cases. Needle-nose pliers, also known as long-nose pliers, are a useful tool type that can handle tight spaces and extremely small elements.

11. Vice grips

These are sometimes called Vise-Grips, Mole wrenches, or Mole grips. They have a pair of jaws that can be adjusted to different widths and locked into position, allowing them to securely grasp onto bolts, nuts, pipes, etc. Vise grips are commonly used in situations where a conventional wrench or pliers may not provide enough grip or where you need to hold something very firmly while working on it. They are also super handy at  bending wires, removing and loosening fasteners, and cinching  leaky pipes.

12. A wire cutter and electrical tape

Every driver will agree that electrical wires are prone to degrade into bald areas. To fix the issue, you will need to fetch a wire cutter and some electrical (also known as insulating) tape from your tool box. Of course, they are just a temporary solution, and better if you roll to the nearest truck shop to get new wires.

13. A crowbar

This tool is also called a wrecking bar, or pry bar. A crowbar is another multi-functional device you’ll want to keep on the road. It may be used to pry apart hard materials, loosen joints and fasteners, dismantle fixtures, extract nails, break down pallets, and so on.

14. Heat shrink tubing or tape

A common informal term for them is heatshrink. It is used for the environmental protection of wires and prevents them from abrasion. Also, it can be utilized for electrical repair purposes, especially to tie them together and create cable entry seals.

15. A heavy-duty box knife

Also known as a heavy-duty box cutter or a utility knife, the tool can be far more useful than you think! Their ‘competence’ isn’t limited to unpacking cardboard boxes; they can cut through various materials such as plastic, carpet, leather, and even light-duty metals. The trick is not to skimp on the knife. It is better to invest in a costly one from a trusted manufacturer than buy a cheap one that will want a replacement in a few months. Also, keep extra blades in reserve.

16. Jumper cables

They are also known as booster cables and are used to jump-start a vehicle with a dead or low battery. It is always stressful once your battery hits a low point while you are on your way. To avoid delays that will cost you lots of money and  hinder your services to a shipper or broker,  it is a wise decision to always have jumper cables in a truck.

17. Extra fuses

Fuses are protective devices for a vehicle’s electrical system. They are designed to prevent electrical circuits from overloading and causing damage to components or even fires. They are a crucial part of the electrical system in your truck, however, they are fragile and tend to blow frequently. That is why extra ones are never really extra. Fortunately, they don’t cost the earth, so restocking them regularly won’t bankrupt you.

18. A tire air pressure gauge

It goes without saying that controlling your tire air pressure contributes a lot to road safety. If tires are underinflated, not only do they spoil the overall performance of your vehicle, prolong brake distances, and increase fuel consumption, but pose a threat of blowouts and road accidents. Before hitting a road, purchase a precise air pressure gauge, and check on the indexes at least once every day.

19. A tire depth gauge

Similarly, the importance of proper tire depth is beyond question. Firstly, monitoring the tire depth and changing tires in time contributes to road safety, and secondly, it is an object of legal regulations. Do not forget to measure the depth regularly to avoid fines and other unpleasant situations.

20. Duct tape

Duct tape is a cloth- or scrim-backed tape, usually of a silver color, marked by strong adhesiveness. It is water-resistant and compatible with a wide range of materials and surfaces. Besides, it is surprisingly inexpensive! Duct tape is a versatile tool that can be used, for example, to temporarily splice damaged wires, cables, or other ropes.

21. Hoses and belts

Unfortunately, belts, hoses, and other elastic items aren’t always made to last. We recommend always having some extras near at hand. You do not want to lose heaps of time and money due to the lack of such a small detail.

22. A mini LED-flashlight

Here and in the next several list items we are going to mention the sources of light we think every trucker needs to carry. We start with a small flashlight because a cell phone flashlight cannot always substitute for it. You can perform versatile tasks with a single flashlight – do your everyday circle check of a truck, and simply use it for your personal needs outside working hours.

23. A cranking flashlight

Another common spread term for this lamp is a mechanically powered flashlight. The principle of its work is the following: the light is powered by a battery that is recharged by a generator turned by a hand crank on the flashlight. 1 minute of cranking ensures about 30 to 60 minutes of light. It is therefore a tool independent of batteries which will not let you down under any circumstances.

24. A headlamp

When it comes to demanding repairs that take some time, it is important to have both your hands free. Moreover, a headlamp has one more considerable advantage — it provides light everywhere you go. It means you will be as flexible as possible in your movements, especially if you need to constantly fetch something from your truck and bring it to the trailer, or vice versa.

25. An 18” Maglite

It is also a great idea to equip yourself with larger sources of light. 18’’ Maglite is a professional reliable tool that can be used either when fixing something in the dead of night, or even alert passersby about your emergency stop.

26. A work lamp

This is also a huge source of light that can be fixed or hung with a rope over the place where you have to work on something.

27. Extra batteries

Almost all of the sources of light require batteries, and the batteries’ life service may sometimes come to an end in the least appropriate moment. We know how frustrating it feels, and that’s why we insist on having functional battery replacements no matter what.

28. Zip ties

Continuing the topic of tiny, but crucial things, we cannot but mention zip ties (also called cable ties). They are handy not only for bundling wires together but also for holding larger objects together. You can construct a longer line with several zip ties, and, for instance, fix some of your belongings in the truck so that they do not slip away during a trip.

29. A first aid kit

Even though we placed it in the middle of the list, a first aid kit is one of the vital elements in a truck. The reason is not just merely legislative. A regular first aid kit contains bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, and pain relievers. Extensive versions may also include CPR masks, emergency blankets, and triangular bandages. All of these will come in handy  if any accident occurs. Even though there are health issues that cannot be completely neutralized by the contents of a first aid kit, immediate primary medical assistance sometimes saves lives.

30. A lighter

A simple lighter can be useful for sealing frayed edges of rope or nylon straps, melting wax for lubricating zippers or hinges, or even temporarily heating the metal to make it more pliable for minor repairs. It is an extremely budget tool that performs various tasks and will also help you in your everyday routine.

31. An extra cell phone

Having a spare cell phone may seem unnecessary for a person who is based in a particular settlement (however, it is a matter of dispute). If you are a traveler or a truck driver, always being in touch with the world is ultimately important. Firstly, if anything happens to your main phone, you won’t be able to contact your dispatch or broker. Secondly, you always need to be ready to make an emergency call.

32. A spare jug of oil

Since truckers cover long distances, it is crucial to have some engine oil in reserve. Once a leak occurs, you’ll want to have enough of the substance to reach the nearest repair shop. Also, you can maintain the oil level to ensure engine health and performance.

33. A spare gallon of coolant

Same here, having enough antifreeze is essential for the proper serviceability of your engine. If you neglect this rule, it may even lead to breakdowns and road accidents.

34. Windshield washer fluid

As a driver, you’ll always want to have excellent road visibility. Windshields are constantly affected by the environment, insects, and weather conditions. Wiping your windshield regularly will prevent serious stains from appearing. The fluid also serves as a lubricant for the wiper blade mechanism and prolongs its service life.

35. Cleanser and disinfectant

Cleaning your truck and trailer is crucial in the trucking business. Since trucks are enormous vehicles, you’ll want to stock yourself with a sufficient amount of cleaning products. It is equally important for your health and well-being, and for providing quality service to your clients. No one wants to receive dirty products with side odors.

36. WD-40 penetrating oil

It is an ultra-useful product to keep in a truck. It has lubricant properties, lessens corrosion by displacing water from different auto parts, and dissolves and removes dirt or adhesives. It is also good at silencing squeaky connections. You will never regret investing in WD-40.

37. Silicone

Another simple yet very multifunctional product. It is a great sealant and also protects your freight from minor leaks. It is durable, heat-resistant, and not exposed to most chemicals’ influence.

38. Safety glasses

Let’s now talk about your safety as a human being when driving a truck. We advise you to purchase specialized protective glasses, as you never know what might happen during a trip or repair. You’ll want to protect your eyes from dust, flying debris, and chemical fumes. It will be great if they have UV protection because being a trucker means being exposed to the sun for a long time.

39. Gloves

When we talk about glasses, remember that having only one pair is not enough. Invest in thermal gloves to protect your hands from cold, a resistant pair of gloves for repairs, and leather ones for windshield cleaning, oil checks, and fueling.

40. A lumbar support cushion

Driving a truck implies sitting in a static position a lot. You will probably not notice it immediately, but months and years of this activity take their toll. To reduce spinal pains and damage, we recommend investing in lumbar support cushions. It takes pressure off your lower back and makes you feel more comfortable on the run.

41. Rags

The more pieces of cloth you have in your truck, the better. You need to have microfiber towels, a cloth for glass cleaning, some stick rags for major contamination, and regular ones just in case you need to wipe off unexpected leaks, grease stains, or just water spills.

42. Emergency rations

We all understand that there are situations when food shops are either too far away or even inaccessible due to being stranded on the road and waiting for help. You always need to keep some non-perishable food and drink stocked in your truck.

43. A signal vest

Also known as a reflective safety vest, it is a neon-colored waistcoat with reflective strips. It is important to note that wearing the vest while repairing your truck or being on an emergency stop is regulated by law. Aside from legislative requirements, it is a matter of your safety because it makes you more visible.

44. A fire extinguisher

It goes without saying how crucial it is to have the means to put out or localize a fire. As a truck driver, you’ll probably need more than one fire extinguisher but don’t skimp on them. This tool may save you thousands of dollars, and your own health and life.

45. A truck parking tool

Let’s close the list with some non-physical tools that will also make your life easier. Finding a proper place to park your vehicle is easier said than done. Not all the spots allow truck parking, not every road has a comfortable driveway to parking or a facility you need to reach. However, you can save lots of time, fuel, and energy by installing a mobile app. Not only can you learn about where you can park, but even reserve a place!

46. A GPS device

Many brokers and shippers require tracking, and you’ll want to know your exact location at the moment yourself. There is a wide choice of GPS tools, such as portable GPS navigation devices, cell phone GPS apps, handheld GPS units, and many more. We are 100% certain that operating a freight transportation business is impossible without GPS nowadays.

47. Load board

Modern trucking chiefly features finding loads on the Internet. It is understandable that if you own a small or a larger fleet, you typically count on your dispatch team. However, not only do owner-operators need load boards, you should have them even if you cooperate with dispatch.

Firstly, there is always a chance of finding the right load yourself faster. Secondly, sometimes you’ll want to check the suggested load details yourself.

48. Market data

Trucking is a fast-paced field where you should keep up with the trends and forecasts. To get insight into the current prices, demand-to-supply ratio, and the most profitable types of loads, you can do your research. Also, you may choose to read information on resources like DAT RateView Analysis which professionally gathers and analyzes all the key tendencies.

49. A freight factoring service

Most owner-operators and carriers decide to cooperate with experienced factoring companies. Although you pay some interest, it will optimize your cash flow, help receive payments quicker, and save you valuable time. By entrusting your finances to a factoring company, you become more concentrated on your duties.

50. A qualified dispatch team

If you are not planning to build your dispatch team, but being an owner-operator is not an option for you either, you may consider establishing cooperation with a trusted team. We, Logity Dispatch, offer excellent dispatch service and are client- and result-oriented. Contact us for cooperation!

Conclusion

A set of tools can appear whopping, especially when you learn about it theoretically. Although we described fifty basic tools for truckers in the article, the actual amount of them may vary significantly and hit 3-digit numbers. Nevertheless, it is easier to organize a decent toolkit in real life. Write down an approximate list of tools you need at the moment (do not hesitate to take ideas from the list above), then just visit a specialized auto store or do online shopping. Fortunately, the choice of tool is boundless these days.

Start with the most basic and multi-functional tools plus those required by law and regulation. No need to buy half a store at once, but remember to regularly revisit and restock the products you have got. Once you start making more money, consider investing in more expensive and durable tools than before. Growing and developing as a carrier includes expanding your equipment arsenal. Since you reap what you saw, your efforts will work out in the long run.

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At its core, a freight invoice serves as confirmation of delivery, signed by the recipient, signaling their agreement to pay for transportation services rendered by a trucking company or independent operator. But what is freight factoring? It’s a financial transaction that swiftly converts these invoices into immediate cash, offering a lifeline for businesses facing cash flow challenges.

In the trucking industry, businesses often rely on factoring companies for immediate liquidity. But what is a freight factoring company? It’s a company that specializes in this financial solution, ensuring truckers receive quick and reliable access to funds. Waiting weeks or months for payment is the norm, and most trucking companies simply cannot afford such delays.

How does freight factoring work? Factoring companies advance funds based on the value of the invoices, typically within 24 hours. This removes the burden of chasing customer payments and ensures a steady stream of cash flow for trucking businesses.

Looking to get the best freight factoring rate? Assistance in selecting a reliable partner is key. We help match you with a factoring company tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive the best rates and expert support throughout the process.

What Does Freight Factoring Mean for Trucking Companies in 2024?

Put simply, freight factoring is a financial transaction that swiftly converts your freight invoices into cash on hand. It’s a widely embraced solution that eradicates the stress and wait associated with receiving payments. By leveraging freight factoring, your freight business gains access to funds it has already earned, enabling immediate utilization of those funds.

For truckers, freight factoring ensures considerably accelerated payment for their services. Here’s how it works: the factoring company takes charge of processing and collecting invoice payments, while the trucking company surrenders a small percentage of the owed amount to the factor. It’s a nominal fee for the invaluable service rendered, allowing trucking operations to keep rolling smoothly and business operations running without disruption.

What Does a Factoring Company Offer Truckers?

Factoring companies play a crucial role in the transportation industry by bridging the gap between load delivery and payment. In trucking, waiting for payment from brokers or shippers can be unpredictable and time-consuming, a luxury truckers can’t afford. Factoring eradicates this uncertainty by providing cash within hours rather than weeks.

Typically, a factoring company will advance you most, if not all, of the earnings from a load within a few days. Once the transaction is complete, the invoice becomes the factoring company’s responsibility, freeing you to manage your trucking business with the funds in your account. Simultaneously, the factoring company handles the collection process, streamlining operations for truckers.

Is Freight Factoring Costly for Trucking Companies?

You may be wondering about the expense involved. Calculating your freight factoring fee is generally straightforward. Factoring companies base their rates on a few key factors:

1. Total monthly volume of invoices you factor.
2. Average invoice amount.
3. Collection period.
4. Diversity of your customer base (known as “concentrations”).
5. Type of freight being transported.

Rates typically range from 2% to 6% of the invoiced amount, determined by these factors. However, the advantages of accessing immediate cash often outweigh the fee.

Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to the Freight Factoring Process

1. Load Delivery

You pick up the freight, complete the delivery, and obtain the necessary paperwork signed.

2. Documentation Submission

Send the invoice, rate confirmation, and bill of lading to the factoring company for verification of load delivery. This step ensures there are no freight claims or issues hindering payment.

3. Payment

Within 24 hours, the factoring company advances you up to 100% of the invoice’s value by purchasing it. The funds are typically deposited directly into your bank account or can be applied to your fuel card, depending on your preference.

Leading factoring companies often offer an online portal and mobile app for convenience. You can effortlessly submit your paperwork using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone from the comfort of your truck cabin before departing from the dock. With this streamlined process, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing you’ll have access to funds within a day. It couldn’t be simpler!

Here’s a Typical Freight Factoring Scenario

• You submit invoices totaling $1,500.
• With a factoring rate of 2%, your immediate access to cash costs $30.
• Within 24 hours or less, you receive $1,470.

Cash flow reigns supreme in the trucking industry. Instant access to funds empowers you to hire new drivers, upgrade equipment, and cover operating expenses, fostering the growth of your business.

Benefits of Freight Factoring for Owner-Operators

Despite owner-operators earning three times more than over-the-road (OTR) company drivers, truck factoring ensures consistent funds and healthy cash flow essential for running successful businesses. Partnering with a factoring company offers numerous freight factoring benefits:

Immediate Cash Flow Generation

Factoring swiftly converts unpaid invoices from delivered loads into cash, eliminating waiting periods. Submit your freight bills to the factor, and within 24 hours, those unpaid invoices are transformed into cash, enabling you to cover expenses and haul more loads for reliable customers.

Debt-Free Transaction

Factoring invoices doesn’t entail borrowing; it involves selling unpaid invoices to the factor at a discount, with payment disbursed the same day. The factor subsequently awaits payment from your customer, leaving you debt-free with accelerated access to your earnings.

Access to Free Credit Checks

Factoring provides complimentary credit checks on potential customers, offering insights into their financial stability and ensuring informed decisions regarding load acceptance, reducing stress and promoting sound business practices.

Expert Billing and Collection Support

By submitting invoices to your factor, you delegate billing and collection tasks to a team of experts, allowing you to focus on driving without the burden of managing accounts receivable. Enjoy immediate cash and let your factoring team handle administrative responsibilities.

Increased Productivity

Consistent cash flow from factoring enables you to cover expenses and haul more loads, resulting in heightened revenue and time savings, facilitating business growth and efficiency.

Fuel Advances and Savings

Certain factoring companies offer fuel advances and robust fuel card programs featuring discounts at thousands of service stations nationwide, enhancing cash flow management and reducing fuel costs.

Credit Improvement

Many clients witness credit rating improvements through truck freight factoring, as it enables timely bill payments without incurring debt, enhancing financial credibility.

Simple, Fast Approval Process

Compared to loan applications, freight factoring services approval are hassle-free, requiring no collateral or stringent credit score criteria. Approval hinges on the creditworthiness of your customers, ensuring a swift and straightforward application process.

Advantages of Freight Factoring for Fleets

Both small and large fleet owners reap similar benefits to owner-operators, along with additional advantages:

Facilitates Business Expansion with Predictable Cash Flow

Stable cash flow empowers fleet owners to contemplate business growth by adding equipment and expanding operations. Factoring transforms cash flow challenges into opportunities for new ventures and increased revenue.

Ensures Timely Payment for Drivers

Consistent cash flow from factoring enables fleet owners to meet payroll obligations promptly, ensuring drivers are paid on time. Timely compensation fosters loyalty and productivity among drivers, contributing to overall company satisfaction.

Sustains Fleet Operations

Immediate access to cash provides fleet owners with the necessary working capital to address truck maintenance and repair needs promptly. This ensures all trucks remain operational, minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance costs over time.

Enables Flexible Driver Incentives

Invoice factoring leading to advanced cash flow in which fleet owners can be able to lure and keep experienced drivers to directly operate their vehicles. When a company provides rewards primarily focused on security, fidelity, honor, this can make it possible increase customer satisfaction and maintenance rates among drivers; these are important to ensure the continued growth of their transportation business.

How to Qualify for Freight Factoring

Securing approval for freight invoice factoring is a straightforward process. You supply details about your customers, and the factoring company evaluates the creditworthiness of these customers to assess their risk.

To qualify, your transportation company must meet the following criteria:

• Operate as a carrier or freight broker.
• Possess all necessary documentation, authorities, licenses, and insurance.
• Collaborate with creditworthy clients.
• Ensure that freight bills are devoid of any liens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, freight factoring presents a pragmatic approach to managing cash flow and ensuring consistent operations within the transportation industry. By grasping the fundamentals of freight factoring, trucking companies and owner-operators can adeptly navigate financial uncertainties. It facilitates swift access to funds from completed loads, alleviating the cash flow hurdles associated with delayed payments. Embracing freight factoring as part of your financial strategy can truly revolutionize your business, fostering financial stability and preparedness for the next load. Understanding the benefits of freight factoring, including the cost of freight factoring and how to get the best freight factoring rate, is essential for maximizing its advantages in trucking operations.

If you need support with paperwork management and factoring, contact Logity Dispatch today! We help with choosing a trustworthy partner, matching you with a factoring partner tailored to your requirements, and providing expert assistance.

The post Freight Factoring 101: The Ultimate Guide for Truckers appeared first on Logity Dispatch.

IFTA Fuel Tax Report – a simplified procedure that allows carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions to register and report quarterly for only one state.

Filing IFTA Fuel Tax Reports

What is IFTA reporting? This refers to the IFTA fuel tax report that needs to be filled out and filed on a quarterly basis. The deadlines for each filing are as follows:

• April 30th for the 1st quarter of any given year, or the period between January and March
• July 31st for the 2nd quarter of the year, or the period between April and June
• October 31st for the 3rd quarter of the year, or the period between July and September
• January 31st for the 4th quarter of the previous year, or the period between October and December

Pay attention to these deadlines as late payment fees are applied to missed filing dates.  

How to Fill Out IFTA Fuel Tax Report?

The IFTA has added a great deal of efficiency and ease to the process of interstate, and even international, trucking. However, the IFTA fuel tax report process can still seem a little cumbersome and confusing, particularly when longer and more complex journeys are required across many different jurisdictions and borders.

What are IFTA reporting requirements? The process of tracking and completing your Fuel Tax Reports under the International Fuel Tax Agreement is as follows.

• Total Your Fuel Purchases

During the driver’s journey, they will need to purchase fuel to keep their vehicle on the road. As this fuel is taxed, they will need to keep a record of such purchases as well. The record will include:

1. The date on which the fuel was purchased
2. The name of the vendor and their location
3. Details of the fuel type – diesel, for example
4. The registration plate number of the vehicle
5. The amount of fuel purchased in gallons
6. The price of each gallon, as implemented by the fuel vendor at the location
7. The name of the driver

The driver will also need to keep hold of all receipts for fuel purchases. These serve as proof of purchase and of payment for the fuel that is consumed as you calculate IFTA miles.

• Apply the Appropriate Tax Rates

Now that you know how much fuel you purchased in each jurisdiction, you can apply the appropriate trucking fuel tax rate for each section of the journey. The International Fuel Tax Association website provides the latest tax rates for each state and province by the agreement. These rates change on a regular basis, so it is wise to refrain from calculating your rates until the tax is due to be paid at the end of each quarter.

• Calculate the Tax Balance Due

Simply subtract the tax you have paid in each state or province from the total tax due in that jurisdiction. This will give you a value for the remaining tax balance that is due in that particular location.

The receipt you receive when you pay for your fuel will have details of the fuel tax that has already been covered in the transaction. Keep hold of these receipts and then use these values to arrive at the tax balance due. You may need the original copies of the receipts to provide proof of tax paid.

Additional Elements to Be Aware Of

There are other factors involved in the calculation of tax. After subtracting the paid tax from the required tax, you have a raw total, but these elements can contribute to or reduce the total amount of tax you need to pay.

• In some jurisdictions, not all miles are taxable. But what are non-IFTA miles exactly? One example involves driving to a location in order to deal with an issue with your fuel permit. In this case, some jurisdictions will not apply tax to the fuel consumed on this part of the journey.
• Surcharges apply in some jurisdictions. If you are traveling through one of the IFTA surtax states, be sure your drivers only purchase the amount of fuel necessary to complete this portion of the journey.

Keeping Your Fuel Tax Low

The above steps help you to work out the tax due for each journey, and they provide you with some of the information you need to report. However, there are additional steps you can take to help you keep on top of your fleet’s fuel consumption. This is a crucial part of fleet management as faulty vehicles and inefficient driving habits can see you paying well over the odds for your fuel tax. You need to be able to recognize these inefficiencies in a swift and timely manner.

Keep a Record of the Amount of Miles Traveled Across Each Jurisdiction

In order to save on administrative tasks, drivers are able to pay fuel tax together in one lump sum under the IFTA rules. However, the compromise is that drivers must keep track of the amount of miles traveled in each applicable jurisdiction. Provided that the journey is well planned and that the vehicle’s instruments are working, this should not be a problem.

Total Your Fuel Consumption in Each State

The total fuel consumption for each state is derived using two simple formulae. First, divide the total gallons of fuel used by the total miles traveled. This provides the miles per gallon, or MPG, across the whole journey.

The MPG should be recorded to two decimal places and can be rounded off to the nearest two decimal place value.

Divide the total miles driven in each state or province by this MPG value to arrive at a value for fuel consumed in each state.

Complete this second formula for each state or province entered during the reporting period.

Getting Help with IFTA: Making Life Easier for Your Business

Many business owners and drivers are still unsure about how to do IFTA quarterly reports. While the IFTA does make life much easier and saves serious money for operators and drivers, there is still a lot of work involved as entities calculate IFTA tax and submit the right reports.

It is also worth noting that the stakes are high for businesses. If logistics businesses and trucking companies do not properly calculate and report their taxable fuel consumption, this can lead to overpayment of tax at best or a strict penalty at worst.

So, what is the answer? How to file IFTA taxes in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations? This is where Logity Dispatch can help.

We help you fill out your IFTA quarterly reports and fix any problems. Our expert team can use your information to calculate the tax you have to pay, as well as any non-taxable miles you can use to reduce your tax bill. We can also help you fill out IFTA tax forms and submit these reports on time and in an accurate manner.

To learn more about this service or to enjoy the advantages that Logity Dispatch can offer to you and your fleet, reach out to our team today. We are ready and waiting to help you get to grips with IFTA reporting and to assist you as you make your fleet more profitable and more efficient.

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Being a truck driver in the USA is not a job, but a lifestyle. And today, truck drivers are an integral part of American roads. This activity requires unique qualities from a person, in addition to physical strength and health-endurance, the ability to make decisions in emergencies, and responsibility. A trucker’s professional training begins at a driving school, where he gets a driver’s license and the right to drive large vehicles. 

However, is everything simple and only a particular category of rights enough to work in commercial cargo transportation? To work in logistics, the driver must obtain a list of documents allowing such activities to be carried out. One such document is the SCAC code. 

A standard code usually consists of 2-4 letters and identifies vehicles. This system appeared in the 60s of the 20th century to identify drivers and transport goods.

What is a SCAC code?

This code is used to identify US carriers or shipping companies. Usually consists of a number up to 4 digits. It allows you to register cargo in a system, eliminating bureaucracy and transferring documents from the carrier to the customer. Also, it makes it easier to track the driver, and the cargo carried. With the SCAC code, you can track the movement of goods. As a result, your bills of lading, packing lists, and purchase orders are digitized for easy access.

Drivers work in rather difficult conditions, driving 8-10 hours a day, often forced to spend the night in roadside motels or, in the absence of such, directly in a specially equipped car cabin. They think about their route, follow the rules, fighting fatigue from the monotonous landscapes in front of their eyes, so such automated systems can make your life very easy.

Who needs a SCAC code?

The code has become a mandatory part of logistics in the US. It is used by all companies involved in land, air, rail, and sea transportation. Both commercial and government companies use this.

The SCAC code is used both in international and domestic shipments. It gives access to all information about the transported goods and allows you to control the legality of businesses.

The transported cargo can be building materials, furniture, decor, fertilizers, livestock, equipment, textiles, correspondence, etc. Bulk products are transported in dump trucks or containers. Permits are required for some types of cargo (chemicals, medicines, fertilizers).

Why do I need a SCAC code for trucking?

We can say that the code is required for all carriers operating in the United States, especially those cooperating with government agencies.

How to get a SCAC code?

This step you make only after you have already got your CDL. In some states, you can take the exam up to three times. In others, it is allowed to take several times. How much does it cost to complete all the stages to drive a truck? If you want to study at Truck Driving School, your expenses can range from 2000 to 5000 USD.

Then you can get your SCAC code through the NMFTA. All you have to do is apply online or contact them by phone at (703) 838-1831, pay the $84 service fee and wait for a response to your email.

How long does it take to receive a SCAC code?

When the application is processed, you will be able to receive the code by email within 24 hours. If there is a delay, don’t hesitate to contact us to ensure that your application has been sent and that no errors have been made in the feedback contacts.

Why do freight brokers need a SCAC code?

A computer system that gives access to all documents between the contractor and the customer, including the movement of cargo and complete information about it, is called EDI. Its advantage for freight brokers is that all data is provided in one language and does not require fussing with paperwork. This dramatically saves time using mail or faxes and telephone conversations and significantly increases profit. Everything you need you can get online. What types of documents can be used in EDI? Invoices, payments, customs papers, updates, notices, and more.

Who can help you get a SCAC code?

So, using EDI technologies guarantees fast and efficient cooperation between you and your business partners. Improving the quality of communication increases efficiency and allows you to control all processes. This is a significant and now integral part of the shipping process. And we will help you succeed in the logistics business and take your company to the next level.

The post How to Get a SCAC Code? Who Is Required to Have a SCAC Code? appeared first on Logity Dispatch.

A carrier license in the United States is required in certain cases. What are these cases? What are USDOT and MC numbers? Why should they be received and how? We will analyze all this in the article.

What is a DOT number?

The DOT (Department of Transportation) number is a mandatory number for any company that transports goods in the United States. This allows you to identify the driver and allows you to quickly access the company’s papers and make sure that the goods transported are safe, verify the accuracy of the documents provided and, in general, secure the customer. The customer can check the status of the cargo and make sure it is safe.

The USDOT number (United States Department of Transportation Number) is an interstate operating entity and a unique identifier. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration) assigns this number to any transportation company that performs interstate transportation.

The DOT number is also used by government organizations to track shipments for the safety of the shipping company. With DOT, the customer can check registration status, compliance checks, ratings, inspections, accident investigations, and more. You can acces this information on the FMCSA website.

This number will protect the client and avoid fines from the company itself, since all roads in America are tolled and have certain restrictions. Consequently, a loaded car running without a permit will be stopped and, if all the necessary documentation is not provided, will be fined, and further passage will be prohibited. To avoid negative consequences, each vehicle that meets the criteria must be registered with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Administration or FMCSA with a unique number that will be displayed on the plates of the vehicle owned by the carrier company.

As a general rule, all vehicles that weigh more than what is defined in the Act must be registered with the FMCSA. This rule also applies to vehicles that carry a certain number of passengers or that travel both within the country and abroad.

In addition to federal regulations, some states also require mandatory registration with the FMCSA and obtaining a USDOT number. Only 37 states out of 51 have such a requirement. The most popular of them:

• California
• Nevada
• Wyoming
• New York
• Florida
• New Jersey

What is an MC number?

The MC number (Motor Carrier number) is also a unique code with an identification function. It is assigned by the FMCSA to companies operating in the commercial freight industry. To obtain an MC number, a logistics company must be licensed to carry goods between states.

The purpose of obtaining an MC type number is to be able to legally cross state lines. Neither the recommendations nor the law specify the obligatory display of this number on the license plates of cars, but when crossing the border with any state there is a direct need to have a number of this type.

An MC number (Motor Carrier number) is also an interstate operating authority and unique identifier assigned by the FMCSA to moving companies operating in interstate commerce, in other words hauling cargo across state lines. However, not all logistics companies require a USDOT number, even though most commercial carriers generally have one. So what’s the difference between MC and DOT numbers?

Do I need a DOT and MC number?

As a general rule, companies that meet the following criteria are required to obtain an MC number in addition to a DOT number:

• companies that act as hired carriers on a paid basis (for a fee or other compensation);
• companies that carry passengers or arrange transportation for interstate commerce.
• transporting federally regulated goods or arranging for them to be transported in interstate commerce.

How to get a DOT and MC number?

If you, after analyzing the activities of the company, have determined that you need a carrier license in the United States, you should submit a form to obtain these numbers. As a general rule, USDOT, in case of a positive decision, is issued within one hour after the submission of all relevant documents. If we consider the MC number, then it will take a little longer to receive it, about 20-25 days. The whole procedure does not require your personal presence.

When submitting an application, you will need:

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN);
2. Name of the company officer;
3. Dun & Bradstreet number (if you have any).

After receiving the numbers, the most important stage remains – this is the direction of insurance to activate the numbers. When FMCSA numbers first come in, they will not be active: even if you use them, they will not give you a legal basis for doing business. A prerequisite is activation – the direction of the current insurance.

Insurance must be applied for directly by an insurance company in US providing insurance for this type of activity. FMCSA will not accept insurance copies or any other documents.

A carrier license in the United States is required in some instances. What are these cases? What are USDOT and MC numbers? Why should they be received, and how? We will analyze all this in the article.

MC number vs. DOT number?

It depends on the type of activity you are going to do. If this is a commercial shipment, you should get an MC number. Each state has different rules, so to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings, go to fmcsa.dot.gov for all the information you need.

The USDOT number is a unique interstate operating entity assigned by the FMCSA to all interstate carriers. The MC number is also an interstate body that complements the DOT number. You must have an MC number if you are in the transportation business of federally regulated goods across state lines.

Some interstate moving companies need an MC Number and a USDOT number. Moving companies for-hire carriers transporting passengers or federally regulated commodities across state lines must also obtain an interstate operating authority MC number. For-hire carriers that only haul cargo that is not federally regulated typically aren’t required to have an MC number.

Transportation companies moving goods across state lines typically have a USDOT number, an MC Number, or both. 

The post Does Your Company Need DOT or MC Number? What’s the Difference Between an MC Number and a DOT Number? appeared first on Logity Dispatch.

After the trucking crisis in 2022, owner-operators earned much less money as a result of the dramatic decline in rate per mile. That’s how freight rates per mile have changed during this year:

Why are trucking rates so low? 

When the pandemic hit, people needed more cargo, and the market for rented trucks skyrocketed. Numerous people have chosen to form their own trucking enterprises as a result of the extensive hiring drives that transportation corporations have run.

However, because the pre-pandemic levels of transportation have returned, there are now simply too many truckers and not enough demand for trucking. A surplus of supply indicates that prices will decrease, as required by the principles of supply and demand.

But there are other factors that have affected the transportation business as well. Recent world events have made it challenging for truckers to make money, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which increased fuel prices, and the COVID epidemic in China’s export hubs, which increased commodities prices.

Even so, not everything is lost for truckers despite the decreased demand for consumer products. Even if the supply of consumer items is decreasing, industrial commodities still make up 70–80% of freight, and manufacturing businesses are still prepared to pay for road delivery.

The Top 5 Trends of the Trucking Industry in 2022

1. Increasing Fuel Costs

The operators of trucking companies are aware that a larger portion of their overall costs is devoted to gasoline. Currently, the fuel industry is experiencing fluctuations in market prices caused by demand and supply. A coordinated push toward alternative fuels may also have an impact on the sector.

On August 2022 the national average diesel price is $5.12 a gallon compared to $5.43 one month ago and is up $1.78 compared to one year ago. The highest average prices are in the central Atlantic states at $5.23 a gallon, the lowest is in the gulf coast states at $4.82 per gallon. California diesel prices are averaging $6.20 per gallon.

2. Growing Freight Volume

The players in the trucking business claim that there are no indicators of a decline in the demand for their services. According to the American Association of Transportation’s projection for this year, there might be a 24 percent increase in the amount of freight trucking.

3. Unexpected Mergers and Bankruptcy

Numerous trucking businesses failed to achieve their objectives in 2021. As a result, some of them were combined, while others departed the sector. due to errors in management and bad administration.

4. Increasing Reliance on Technology

Paper logs have already been phased away in favor of more advanced tracking and routing systems, as seen by truck drivers. In addition, a number of upkeep and safety measures have been included as a result of the constantly evolving technology. The data analytics software used to manage and track transportation networks will continue to advance.

5. Growing Demand Due to Ecommerce Growth

It’s important to remember that the transportation business is essential to the success of the e-commerce sector. because it heavily depends on trucks to move products from one place to another. Meaning that the growth of the trucking business will follow naturally from the growth of e-commerce.

Why trucking rates are important

Your major objective should be to run a profitable trucking company, and the easiest strategy to guarantee that your enterprise expands is to maintain average trucking rates per mile. To obtain projects and turn a profit, you must get the transportation pricing per mile just right.

I hope this essay has taught you everything there is to know about freight rates per mile, from average to standard.

As a reminder, the rates for the trucks you use for your business can be affected by:

• The distance between the starting point and the destination.
• Weight and density of the parcel.
• The type of truck being driven.
• Current fuel prices.

You will be able to offer competitive rates and draw in more clients, which will increase your income, by developing your average freight mile expertise and staying current with market trends.

Current Freight Rates 

Van Freight Rates – August 30, 2022

DAT’s August 30th Trendlines Report shows current national van rate averages are at $2.53 per mile, an $.11 drop from the July average.

According to DAT, the highest average van rates are in the Midwest at $2.69 per mile. The lowest average van rates are in the Northeast at $2.41 per mile.

DAT reports the current national load-to-truck ratio is 3.45 loads to the truck, compared to the July 26th average of 3.91. Ratios are highest in the Mid-Atlantic states. The lowest ratios are in the Plains states and Pacific Northwest.

Reefer Freight Rates – August 30, 2022

Reefer freight rates are averaging $2.90 per mile, a $.09 decrease from the July average. Reefer rates are highest in the Midwest, averaging $3.29 per mile. The lowest rates are in the Southeast, with an average of $2.66 per mile.

National reefer capacity is at 7.09 loads to a truck, compared to the July 26th average of 7.31 loads to a truck.

Current load-to-truck capacity shows reefer demand is highest in the middle of the country. The Southeast and the West coast states have the lowest load-to-truck ratios.

Flatbed Freight Rates – August 30, 2022

National average flatbed rates are currently $3.07 per mile, $0.23 lower than the July average. The Midwest has the highest average flatbed rates at $3.21 per mile; the lowest rates are in the West, with an average of $2.69 per mile.

After the crisis always comes an opportunity

Your trucking company’s development and stability will be supported by knowing the most recent trends in the sector. According to expert predictions, the industry’s darkest days are behind us. We have to look forward to improving the state of logistics companies and declining fuel costs.

In difficult times for the trucking industry, it is beneficial to have a reliable partner that will allow your company to remain profitable and not be struck by the crisis. Logity Dispatch has a broad experience in the trucking industry, so we’ve studied the rules of the game of the logistics market well. We take a personal approach to our clients. We can also help you by providing all services, like document management, IFTA reporting, and factoring, to make your business grow and prosper.

As a dispatch service, we search for loads, negotiate the rates and coordinate the details. We always try to arrange the highest price possible, so you get more money driving the same mileage. We free the drivers from the negotiation process and save their time, so the only thing you do is drive.

To get more information, fill out the form on our website or contact us by phone.

The post Market Overview: Trucking rates per mile 2022 appeared first on Logity Dispatch.

Driving experience means a lot to trucking companies. This is evidence of the driver’s experience and shows the level of his expertise. The driver behind the wheel of a truck is responsible not only for himself and his cargo but also for the lives and health of others. And when the driver is engaged in bulky cargo, his responsibility increases significantly. Companies pay great attention to this point, and the selection of candidates begins with this.

If you have sufficient driving experience and you are a responsible and reliable driver, then you have a great chance to get into a large company with high pay. But what counts as a safety driving? Is it necessary to have a perfect driving history without a single ticket in order to have a “clean” driving record?

This article has compiled everything you need to know about driving records.

What is a driving record?

The driving records or vehicle report (MVR) is data about your driving history, including accidents. This information is publicly available so that any employer can check your eligibility for “cleanliness.” Your driving record starts from the first day you get your license. In your driving record, you can find things like:

• Received driving categories.
• Driving licenses.
• Driver accidents.
• Completed safe driving courses.
• Fines and accidents.

However, records of fines and violations have a statute of limitations, and after a certain period, these records are erased. Usually, this period is up to 5 years. Much depends on local laws. Find out about the rules in your state.

What does it mean to have a clean driving record?

What is the definition of clean driving records? This means that you did not have violations from the list above, or the statute of limitations for these violations has already expired.

Not all fines are entered into the database, and many insurance companies may consider them not severe and do not include these incidents in your history. This way, you can still have a clean driving record even with fines. But this will not apply to apparent serious accidents or gross violations of traffic rules.

What is a clean driving record good for?

You should be a responsible and attentive driver to get a job at any company related to transportation. Not only your life and the safety of the cargo and truck but also the lives and safety of people around depending on the skills and attentiveness of the driver. However, a clean driver’s license will be helpful not only for employment.

In the process of insurance, all companies take into account two main parameters that determine the corresponding coefficients. The first of them takes into account the age of the motorist. It plays a role only in the initial period of obtaining a driver’s license. After that, this factor does not significantly affect the cost of the service.

The second parameter has a very significant impact on the price of the policy. We are talking about both the period of driving experience and the time of driving a vehicle without accidents. The higher these two indicators, the less you have to pay for insurance services.

How to check your driving record?

The first thing you need to do is get a copy of your driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Find out how this can be done in your state. Different offline and online methods may be available for your convenience. This is the best and most proven option.

Should you check your driving record?

At least it would be best if you did it to avoid mistakes. View information about your driver’s licenses and categories, find out all the up-to-date information about fines for your vehicle and check if there are any burdens on the car. This way, you can report a mistake quickly before it affects your job or insurance.

Try to do this at least once a year or every time you get a fine or an accident.

How to clean a driving record?

According to the results of numerous studies, it has actually been established that most of the accidents that have occurred could have been avoided if the drivers on their part had followed simple safety rules, were vigilant on the road, and strictly observed the rules of the road.

We suggest you use simple but good tips to reduce the risk of an accident in the future:

1. Before starting the engine, check the serviceability of the main systems of the car;
2. Be careful on the road. Use your peripheral vision while driving on the road. If during the movement you feel drowsy when you look at one targeted point, then try at such moments to shift your gaze more often to the sides without naturally losing sight of the road itself at that moment;
3. Do not continue driving if you are tired. Most truckers agree that if you feel like sleeping, it’s better to rest or nap to avoid accidents;
4. Obey traffic rules and keep a distance between cars;
5. Choose the best route;
6. Don’t get distracted on the road.

Drivers often get into accidents through no fault of their own. From this, as everyone understands, no one is insured. But you can take a safe and defensive driving course to navigate emergencies better.

Well, truck drivers play a vital role in the economy, being responsible for moving goods and materials between businesses and consumers. They often work long hours in harsh conditions, and it is not surprising that this can affect the driver’s alertness and provoke unpleasant situations on the road. 

Be that as it may, as a rule, truckers must have a clean driving record. Logistics companies and customers want to work with responsible and reliable drivers, as their own and other people’s lives depend on them. Often, among other things, they must complete a training program that covers proper truck operating procedures.

So if you are already working or planning to become a truck driver or owner-operator, don’t forget to check your driving record. You can do it yourself at DMV or ask us to help you do all the paperwork and save you time.

The post What Is a Clean Driving Record and How to Get One? appeared first on Logity Dispatch.

Life on the road is not without its stresses. For most truck drivers, there will inevitably be times they feel overwhelmed and under pressure. Here are a few types of truck driving stress you may encounter and some helpful ideas regarding stress relief for truck drivers.

What Stresses Will a Truck Driver Face?

Truck driver stress can come in many forms, and what causes truck drivers stress is usually a combination of factors. What stresses a truck driver will face may vary depending on the length of days and routes, ability (or inability) to plan routes and nutrition, and whether you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

What Are the Physical and Mental Stresses that a Truck Driver Faces?

Physical stress from driving a truck can include:

• Tiredness and fatigue from long hours and lack of sleep — Even though there are rules regarding maximum driving times and a minimum number of breaks, truck drivers spend a lot more time driving than the average person. Moreover, trying to take “coffee breaks” can be more difficult logistically since it would require you to navigate traffic and pull over somewhere safe.
• Eye strain from concentrating on the road —  Safe driving requires focusing on the road and constantly assessing hazards. Truck drivers can’t simply rest their eyes while driving.
• Aches, cramps, and pains from the prolonged sitting position — Even though there are products meant to make the cabin more comfortable, truck drivers are stuck in the same position for hours at a time.
• Weight gain, loss, or malnutrition from a sedentary lifestyle and lack of healthy eating options — Given the long schedules and lack of healthy food offerings at truck stops, many truck drivers end up eating too many fatty, fried, and junk foods. There are also few exercise facilities outside of cities and populated areas.

Emotional/mental stress can come in the form of:

• Loneliness and social isolation — Truck drivers have few social in-person interactions outside of gassing up, getting food, and the actual delivery. 
• Family turmoil —  Truck drivers and family stress often go hand in hand, simply because of all the time spent away from home and being unable to help with raising the children and other family obligations. 
• Feeling harried and irritated — Every job has its annoyances and pain points. But, dealing with various dispatch personnel, clients, fellow drivers — as well as different paperwork and documentation requirements, time management, and traffic problems — can seem more unbearable in conjunction with the other circumstances.
• Being nervous driving large trucks —  When considering what are the physical and mental stresses that a truck driver faces on the job, this may seem odd. But truck driving can make one nervous, especially when someone is first starting out or has been unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.

Any combination of these sorts of stress factors can understandably make for a stressed truck driver. Furthermore, one type of stress could eventually lead to additional stress. For example, if a truck driver is feeling the effects of physical stress, they may worry about whether they are able to perform properly — which could create mental stress.

How to Improve Truck Driver Stress Level

Properly dealing with truck driver stress largely comes down to smart pre-planning. 

Plan Your Route

GPS has done wonders for improving the drive — doing away with poring through paper maps, recommending the most efficient routes, and alerting drivers to changing road and traffic conditions, along with suggesting alternate routes so you can avoid the stress of accident areas and bottlenecks. What GPS and map apps can also do is allow you to plot out good times and places to pull over and take a break. This way, you can make sure you regularly get in a stretch or short walk to reduce the likelihood of cramping.

Plan Your Meals

Bring a cooler full of foods that are tasty and nutritious so that you can maintain healthful eating habits. You can also plan your breaks around grocery stores with big parking lots so that you aren’t just buying junk food. Prior to long road trips, make extra when you are cooking. This way, you can pack leftovers instead of relying solely on diners and truck stops. Make sure you eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, protein, and less processed foods, salt, sugar, and fat. Set alarms for water breaks so you stay hydrated.

Stay in Touch

Schedule regular video chats with your family. Even though you are not physically there with your children, you can always read them their bedtime stories and say “goodnight.” Chat with your spouse. Check up on your parents. Look up an old friend you haven’t talked to in years. The wonderful thing about the current state of digital technology is that your loved ones are literally a screen tap away.

Listen to New Things — Nostalgic Things, Too

The radio — whether it’s a music channel or CB — can get old. Find new podcasts and audiobooks for the drive. Before you head out, make the ultimate compilation of your favorite jams that will brighten your mood. 

Get Plenty of Rest

Whether you are doing a road trip or have a few days off, make sure you get good-quality sleep. Shut down your devices at least an hour before bedtime. Don’t eat anything big or drink alcohol right before going to bed. 

Learn and Practice Coping Techniques

Some people meditate and do breathing exercises. Some people repeat mantras. Some need physical activity to decompress. Try out different methods of stress relief, find the ones that work best for you, and place sticky note reminders where you can see them.

Don’t Ask Too Much of Yourself

Maybe people get overwhelmed because the business is not just driving. There’s paperwork, load planning, and compliance to think about. That’s why Logity Dispatch is here — we can take care of one, more, or all of these things so you don’t have to. Contact us and find out how we can help!

The post Truck Driver’s Stress Relief appeared first on Logity Dispatch.