The Trucking Drug & Alcohol Policy of FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was created to minimize the amount of commercial motor vehicle-related injuries and deaths. To hold or obtain a commercial driver’s license , CDL, a driver must pass drug and alcohol tests periodically. Drug and Alcohol Testing • FMCSA regulations require CDL holders to pass…

Trucking Industry Terms

The trucking industry uses its own specific terms to communicate within the industry and to the freight industry at large. There are terms for all of the tools, gear, drivers and other workers who are associated with trucking. Just like any other industry, the trucking industry has borrowed terms from…

Truck Driver Training

The truck driving profession is one that is least hit by unemployment, and thus is a popular choice for many who need steady income and job security. Anyone can become a truck driver, however, getting the best training can be a challenge. Read on to find out more about truck…

Searching for Freight Loads

Truckers who own their own rigs lose money when they don’t have freight loads. Income is lost when the truck is not running or driven empty. Finding a freight load available near the location where the last load was dropped is essential. Working with a freight broker or online load…

Getting In-Touch with a Freight Broker’s Bonding Agent

When using a freight broker to arrange a load, verification of the broker’s surety bond is essential. You can get bond information online, but the FMCSA can’t tell you if the bond has pending claimants. The best way to determine satisfactory bond coverage is to contact the freight broker’s bonding…

Becoming an Owner Operator

An owner operator is a truck driver who owns his own truck and operates as an independent contractor for a variety of companies. An owner operator chooses his own loads, manages his own schedule and works for whomever he likes. The job can be rewarding financially, if the operator manages…

Using Your Truck to Haul Freight

Hauling freight with a truck is common practice; unfortunately, you can’t just throw a bunch of stuff in the back of a truck and drive away; loose cargo can fall out, so it needs to be properly secured first. Follow safety precautions and secure the load to the truck before…

Getting To Know Reefer Trucks

A reefer truck is a truck or van usually 1 ton or larger that has a refrigerated unit built either directly on the frame or is transported by trailer. It’s refrigerated by diesel-powered generators and liquid carbon dioxide, or CO2. Reefer trucks range from simple ice cream trucks to large…

Searching For Freight Loads

Truckers who own their own rigs lose money when they don’t have freight loads. Income is lost when the truck is not running or driven empty. Finding a freight load available near the location where the last load was dropped is essential. Working with a freight broker or online load…

FLATBED TRAILER TYPES

Flatbed trailers hauling cargo on the highways may look similar, but each type of trailer has its own features and benefits. Before you purchase a trailer, in considering the various shipments you may haul take into account the weight, dimensions and contents. Also, you need to know the U.S. Department…

Making Money With Straight Truck & Cargo Van

The US Department of Labor suggests that almost every product a consumer buys has been shipped by truck or cargo van at some point during the shipping process. Put your straight truck and cargo van to use. Straight trucks and cargo vans get a lot of use during holiday seasons…