The Importance of Reading Your Operating Agreement
The operating agreement between a motor carrier and an independent contractor is the lifeblood of the relationship. At stake are many legal and regulatory issues; not to mention the mutual profitability of both parties. What is an Operating Agreement? In simple terms, the lease/contract defines the parties involved and what the obligations are of each party. […]
Trucking Safety Tip of the Month: Speeding
Welcome to the second post in our 2017 blog series, Trucking Safety Tip of the Month. Last month, we touched on size regulations within the trucking industry. This month, we will discuss speed and the role it plays in traffic accidents. Speeding and Stopping Distance Did you know that a semi-truck takes about 535 feet to come to a complete […]
10 Steps to Becoming an Owner Operator
For the last year, our Becoming an Owner Operator series aimed to help those interested in becoming an owner operator navigate the ins and outs of the trucking industry. Here are our 10 steps to becoming an owner operator: Step #1 Evaluate Your Personal Considerations Whether you’re an individual considering a career that allows you to travel […]
Becoming an Owner Operator: Master Insurance Policy
Our last Becoming an Owner Operator post discussed the different trucking insurance coverages an owner operator needs. These differ depending on whether s/he decides to lease onto a motor carrier or operate under his or her own authority. This post is for those who have leased onto a motor carrier and are exploring their insurance options. It […]
Becoming an Owner Operator: Leasing vs. Operating Authority
To begin, there are two classifications of owner operators; those who are leased to a company and those who operate under their own authority. This post will discuss the differences between the two in an effort to help those of you just starting out determine what will work best for your lifestyle and financial situation. Leasing […]
Top 3 Questions on Bobtail/Non-Trucking Coverage
Oftentimes, trucking insurance is about as easy to comprehend as why the universe exists. It’s in place for some reason, and we are glad it is, but all the minute details get in the way of our proper understanding of it. In an effort to help those within the trucking industry better understand trucking insurance, we […]
Becoming an Owner Operator: Licensing & Registration
As promised in last month’s Becoming an Owner Operator post on purchasing trucking equipment, we’re back this month to discuss licensing and registration. As mentioned in our March Becoming an Owner Operator post, driver’s are required to have certain licenses and endorsements just to drive a commercial vehicle. This post will build off of March’s foundation and discuss other registrations owner […]
Best Audiobooks for Truckers 2016: Mystery & Thriller
Winter is over, which means it’s now construction season here in Minnesota. So, we’ve decided to bring the Best Audiobooks of 2016 post back to get you through the bumper-to-bumper congestion. This week’s list is bound to keep you on the edge of your driver’s seat since the genre is mystery and thriller. The List: Rogue Lawyer, by John Grisham […]
Becoming an Owner Operator: Financial Considerations
You’ve taken into account the personal considerations (family, health, etc.) of becoming an owner operator and have obtained—or are on the way to obtaining—your commercial driver’s license (CDL). That means it’s time to tackle your finances and form a business plan that will ideally prevent you from going bankrupt within your first year on the road. Trucking Equipment […]
Becoming an Owner Operator: CDL 101
Welcome to Part 2 of our Becoming an Owner Operator series. Assuming you’ve read our previous post on the personal considerations one must take before committing to a life as an owner operator, you’re next steps are obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Step 1: Pass the DOT Physical Before you can even apply for a commercial learner permit (CLP), you […]