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Lifestyle Trucker News

How to Find the Fastest Driving Route to a Long Distance Destination

Careful thought and planning which route to take when traveling across state lines can save a lot of time and stress. Many tools exist online to help find directions to any place in the United States, but it does not always show you the best way. With a little extra research, you can find the best and fastest route for your trip.

1

Choose the destination that you will be traveling to. Use the Internet to find driving directions to that destination from your beginning destination.
2

Research the main roads you will be spending the majority of the time on using the Internet. Many states have websites that provide construction information that is useful for anticipating traffic delays and planning around them.
3

Find alternate route possibilities in areas where there is construction. Many construction areas will still let traffic through at a decent pace, but there are some that will bring traffic to almost a dead halt.
4

Look for turnpikes that may be faster than the regular highway. Turnpikes may cost a little money, but are usually well worth it if they shorten your driving time.

5

Keep a map in the car with you at all times during the trip. This will come in handy if you do have to take an alternate route and need to find your way back to the main road.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

How to Become Successful At Anything

No matter what your looking to obtain – a better relationship, a promotion at work, or to gain income and become more successful, there are certain ‘laws of attraction’ that you can follow to actually attract success in your life! Yes, you can actually attract it! Before we go any further, please realize there is a difference in arrogance and being successful.

Arrogance is when you just think you can get what you want anytime without having to work for it, as success is actually achieving your goals by pushing yourself further and accomplishing your goals. Nothing in life worth having comes free always remember that.

Humbleness is one of the many qualities in the ‘law of attraction.
Set your standards. When you set standards and goals for yourself – don’t make very demanding or unreachable goals. You will only be setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, think realistic and set goals and standards that seem sensible to the time period your looking at. You also need to think about what you REALLY want to achieve compared to what others think you should. Be yourself, and only yourself.

It’s the one true quality you will always have. If you try to become someone else, you will most always fail. With that being said, you should really evaluate your life, needs and wants. The main way to become successful is to be true to yourself.

Don’t listen to negative people. People are people, and human nature is pretty simple. If someone is miserable – they want others to feel miserable because it makes them feel better about their own life. Therefore, when you speak of what you want and how you want to achieve it and someone puts it down.

Pay it no attention. Surround yourself to happiness and positive thoughts. Sometimes it’s better to let things go in one ear and out the other. Only you know what you truly need and what you truly want. Think of it as a “negativity shield” you put up once people start to rain on your parade.

Don’t stop believing. Yes, a Journey song can be very motivational. Never stop believing in yourself. Things can get tough – everybody has tough times – it doesn’t mean that you won’t make it through it stronger and happier than before. A lot of people give up when things get tough and feel like there isn’t hope. However, most of the time that moment is what will make or break you. Ever heard the saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”? Remember those words and live by them. No matter what it is, a job promotion or a relationship – there is always a second chance to make things work.

Practice makes perfect. Practice, try and try again. This is similar to step three, only more active. Yes, you might fail miserably once at something – but that is NO reason you shouldn’t try it again. It’s like riding a bike – if you fall off – try it again, eventually you will become steady. Keep trying, keep practicing, and be persistent. Never take no for an answer. Giving up admits failure, when it’s not always failure – sometimes it’s not meant to be at the time. That doesn’t mean that you should give up on it. Passion is what makes the world go ’round. If you have a passion for something, you must keep trying. If not, you’ll always wonder what could have happened.

Enjoy the benefits. You reap what you sew. It’s a saying that is almost always true. You get what you give. If you give 50%, you’ll only get back 50%….if you give 100%, you’ll get 100% – if not – you’ve learned a lesson in life which is just as important and will only make you become successful. Stay focused and believe in yourself, it’s the only true way to gain a successful life.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

Can I Buy Car Insurance for My Old Truck Through the State of Michigan?

Michigan sets guidelines that determine a driver’s eligibility for car insurance. Individual insurance companies also establish underwriting rules that can cause certain drivers and vehicles to be denied auto insurance. Generally, older trucks are covered under a Michigan car insurance policy if they qualify.

Eligibility

An old truck won’t be covered in Michigan if does not meet the state’s safety requirements, or if the proposed auto insurance company’s underwriting rules prohibit insuring older vehicles. Auto insurance companies can determine the underwriting guidelines that best suit company needs as long as they do not discriminate against a potential policy-holder.

Coverages

According to the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, “every car owner must buy certain basic coverages in order to register a vehicle in Michigan.” Mandatory coverage includes personal injury protection, property protection insurance and residual liability insurance. This coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses and liability for the insured in the event of an accident.

Considerations

Some insurance companies specialize in insuring vehicles that have been turned down through other carriers. For example, classic cars or ultra-luxury vehicles require special coverage that not all insurance companies provide. It is often necessary to shop around for the most reasonable rates to insure an old truck, or contact several different Michigan companies to determine the type of coverage they can provide for your vehicle.

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Freight Brokers Lifestyle

How to Verify a Freight Broker Bond

If you’re new to working with freight brokers, you may be confused about the role of their surety bond. From the Carrier’s standpoint, the surety bond is in place as protection in case the broker refuses to pay for services rendered. Always verify a freight broker’s bond before accepting a load.

Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Go to the Licensing and Insurance section and choose Carrier Search from the drop down menu.

Enter the freight broker’s information. It isn’t necessary to fill out the entire form. If you have the Motor Carrier (MC) or Freight Forwarder (FF) number, no other details are necessary. If you don’t, fill in as much information as you can. Hit “Search.”

Choose the correct broker from the formulated list. Click on “Report.” (HTML shows a snapshot of some pertinent information. Report provides full FMCSA information about the broker in PDF format).

Note the Authorities section. Freight brokers must have current brokerage authority for their surety bond to be valid. Be sure the broker authority listed is active; with no application pending. If the broker authority status is listed as None or Inactive, the company has no current legal standing as a freight broker. Don’t take the load; the broker bond (if any) won’t be enforceable.

Drop down to the Insurance Requirements section. Look for bond insurance. If the freight broker is acting in accordance with federal law, it will list bond insurance as both required and on file. It will also show the current federal minimum requirement of a brokerage surety bond. (Note: Some brokers voluntarily purchase a larger bond. The federal minimum will show regardless of actual bond value).

Look down the page at Active and Pending Insurance. Verify a listing for an active broker bond. (Note: If the freight broker has changed insurance companies, cancelled bonds will also show on this form).

Call the insurance carrier to clarify coverage if desired. Many trucking companies find this step unnecessary, because the insurance company is required by law to notify the FMCSA if coverage ends. However, a short time lag can be possible between a bond lapse and an FMCSA update. If you want to be 100% certain the bond is in effect, note the bond number and use the insurance contact information on the form.

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Freight Loads Lifestyle

How to Load Pallets

At first blush, the issue of pallet loading may seem mundane put some boxes on a pallet and load it onto a truck. Yet the money, research and mathematical studies that have been invested in the subject are extensive. When talking about pallet loading, there are two issues: the actual loading of the pallets themselves and the loading of the pallets onto truck, train or plane.

For the transportation industry, pallet loading like parcel loading or any other type of cargo has to weigh factors of labor, efficiency and time. It’s a juggling act that has been elevated to an art form.

Inspect the cargo on the pallets to be loaded onto the truck. This is the most critical step in the entire pallet-loading process. Square or rectangular boxes are the simplest cargo to handle. Round or cylindrical-shaped objects pose a bigger challenge. Odd-shaped cargo calls for an entirely different approach. Weight also is a major consideration. All these factors will determine how the pallets will be loaded.

Check the size of the trailer or container to be loaded. Standard tractor-trailer trucks have a trailer size of 8 feet 6 inches wide by 14 feet high and 53 feet long. Shorter single-body trucks have 40-foot-long cargo spaces. Your loading technique will be determined by these factors, and whether or not the trailer already contains any freight.

Straight-load your pallets if the cargo is very heavy and there is little or no chance of the load shifting during transportation. Straight-loading is the quickest method because pallets are 40 inches wide by 48 inches deep and there is plenty of room for the forklift operator to maneuver and load two rows of pallets. This technique also must be employed if the pallets are “two-way,” meaning that they are built in such a way that allows the forks access on only two sides—namely on the sides of the pallets that are 40 inches wide. This method doesn’t maximize trailer space, however, and may make shifting a problem with lighter or unstable freight.

Load the pallets in the “turned” or sideways method to maximize space utilization and to ensure a tight, secure fit. The 48-inch-wide profile of the pallets using this method, multiplied by two, leaves only six inches of space width-wise in the trailer. The pallets must be four-way, or capable of accepting forks on all four sides.

Use the “pin-wheel” method to load tall or unstable cargo. Pin-wheeling is basically alternating the pallets between the straight and turned styles. This interlocking technique increases the stability of the load. The method is particularly effective for loading items such as light cartons or boxes that are stacked high and are unstable, often even when not in motion.

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Business Lifestyle

How Do I Start a Light Pickup Truck Delivery Busines

If you have a reliable pickup truck and good driving skills, a light delivery service might be the perfect small business for you. You will need to make a few decisions about the particulars of the delivery service you want to provide and be sure to get special licensing as needed. Follow these steps to get started and start delivering.

Set your location. Determine what area you will cover. Consider routes, gas prices, traffic patterns and the time it will take to drive from one section of your delivery area to another. All of these factors will affect how much money and time you spend on each delivery.

Figure out your load limits. How much weight can your truck safely carry? Figure out the weight limit and make sure you have the materials you need, such as bungee cords and rope or other methods of fastening the cargo. Figure out how much you are going to charge for the amount of cargo you carry and the distance.

Brainstorm. Think about all the cargo you might be able to carry. Do you have a particular specialization in mind, or are you willing to haul whatever needs to be hauled? Thinking about your options will help you determine how to market your business.

Look into licensing. You probably need a business license from your local or state government, and you may need a commercial driver’s license to provide professional delivery service. Call your local chamber of commerce or the secretary of state’s office in your state for help.

Get the word out. Once you’ve set your delivery area, your load limits and your prices, you need to spread the word about your delivery business. Distribute fliers, call businesses who might be interested in your service, and let friends and family members know about it so they can spread the word as well.

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Freight Loads Lifestyle

How to Get Started in Hotshot Trucking

Freight companies normally hire and use huge semi-trailer trucks when transporting goods across the country. Hotshot trucking refers to using trucks that are smaller than a semi-trailer. Hotshot trucking takes up less space than a semi-trailer, the ride is more smooth, and looking for contract work Is much less of a hassle. In this article you will easily learn how to get started in hotshot trucking by learning what kind of truck to buy and how to look for work.

Determine who you will be hauling for. Leasing yourself and your rig to a trucking company is the preferred route to making fast and easy profits. Trucking companies find all the loads for you and take care of any bills and collections due. Normally you keep eighty percent of the profits, while they keep twenty percent which is a good deal.

Contact the terminal manager of the company you chose to work with. Submit to him your application and wait to get accepted. Once you get accepted he will send you out for a complete medical exam and a drug test which you must pass. This process can take a day or two.

Purchase your trailer. Buy your rig only after you get accepted by the company you chose to haul for. This is because you want to buy a rig that meets their requirements. The best and affordable type of rig you should buy is one that is 10.71 tons, spring loaded dove tail, dual tire and a tandem axle. These specifications will meet most shippers’ requirements.

Buy your truck. Your truck has to be a dually and diesel. If it isn’t diesel, trade it for one that is. A gas engine will not last long enough to complete those numerous trips you will be assigned to do. Get the biggest and longest truck which has four-wheel drive if you can afford it. Longer trucks will make your ride better compared to the short ones. Also make sure the cabin is spacious so you can sleep in it after completing a long drive. Keep your truck simple and don’t spend too much on designs.

Get your truck and trailer inspected by the United States Department of Transportation. After the DOT inspects your truck and trailer, you will receive stickers that say your truck and trailer have met their requirements. It is important that you make sure you get the correct inspection or your trucking company will send you back. Now you are ready to report to your terminal manager for your first job. Bring a notebook so you can write down what they want you to do and not forget anything.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

How to Find Van Insurance

Securing van insurance can be more challenging than getting auto insurance. With some preparation and research, however, the process of insuring your van can be a smooth process.

Before purchasing van insurance, you must have the specifics of your vehicle available. Have the vehicle identification number and match the written number to the vehicle itself. Common identification locations on vans include the windshield and inside of the driver side door. While the VIN number provides many of the vehicle details, some van specifics might not be included.

Determine whether your van has a complete or incomplete chassis. An incomplete chassis is a vehicle built with most of its parts but completed without adding additional passenger and accessory vehicle features. Incomplete chassis vehicles are generally sold to companies that modify the vehicle to meet their needs. These vans might be used as buses, delivery trucks or other custom vehicles. While some vans can be easily spotted as incomplete chassis, others might not. Your insurance representative can assist you, if necessary.

Once you have determined your vehicle’s chassis, determine your van’s use. Insurance companies will want to know how you intend to use the van. The vehicle can used for daily commuting purposes, leisurely trips or business, to name a few. Determining its use will help your insurance representatives determine whether your vehicle requires a personal auto policy or a commercial insurance policy.

Compare rates. If you have insurance on a vehicle, your current agent or company might be able to assist you. Most carriers provide multivehicle discounts for insuring more than one vehicle on a policy. Ask for a quote with adding the van to your current policy. Obtain insurance rates from other insurance companies. Compare the rates to the rate from your current carrier.

Purchase your policy. Select a policy with a carrier that meets your coverage needs, has a secure claims history and has a stable financial foundation. Review the carrier’s history if you are unfamiliar with your choices. Financial stability information for insurance companies and carriers are available for review with A.M. Best. A.M. Best is the leading rater of insurance companies and financial institutions providing information on companies worldwide.

Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive your new business policy information. Upon receipt, review the information in detail to ensure accuracy. If you find inaccurate information, contact your agent or carrier representative and provide them with the updated information. Keep a copy of your policy identification card in your vehicle at all times.

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Lifestyle Trucker News

How to Convert Used Oil to Diesel Car Fuel

With the threat of uncontrolled global warming looming over us and the prospect of a very different future for our children, it’s only natural that we start looking for alternatives to the polluting fossil fuels we’ve come to rely on as a species. Diesel fuel offers a ray of hope for lasting change in this area. Diesel is far cleaner than traditional fuels, and it’s readily available. In fact, you can convert used oil to diesel car fuel yourself, with a little instruction.

Find a steady, reliable source of used oil. Many restaurants will willingly give you their used oil for free if you ask. This oil is typically available in large quantities, making collection necessary only one to two times a week.

Heat your used oil in a wide, deep vat. The oil should be heated to just below the smoking point, and should never be brought to a boil.

Strain the heated oil through a filter and into a new, clean vat. Make sure any small particles are removed from the oil during the straining process.

Test the pH level of the oil to make sure it’s more alkaline than acidic.

Add methanol and lye to the oil. The addition of these substances will cause any glycerin in the oil to drop to the bottom of the vat. If the vat is clear, you can watch while this is happening.

Skim the glycerin off of the oil.

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Business Lifestyle

Subcontract Requirements for the North Carolina Department of Transportation

The Office of Contractual Services (OCS) of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) operates a subcontractor program that allows subcontractors to work on: NCDOT statewide projects that originate from Raleigh headquarters office that are known as Central Let contracts; and NCDOT divisional projects that originate from one of the 14 division offices that are known as Department Let Purchase Order contracts.

Generally, subcontractors must fulfill three requirements to become and remain eligible to work on NCDOT contracts completing a separate application for each of the requirement levels.

The first-time Pre-Qualification Application is the initial entry into the NCDOT subcontractor program. OCS will assess qualifications and abilities before approving. Once approved, subcontractors are given a user ID and are listed in the NCDOT Directory of Transportation Firms with a Pre-Qualification Status of “Subcontractor” and will wait a month before being allowed to bid for jobs.

An annual Renewal Application is necessary to ensure that the OCS has current contact and experience information and Safety Index on file for subcontractors. A 3-year Re-Qualification Application allows for periodic reassessment of a subcontractor’s abilities, experience, and equipment list.

The NCDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program is designed for independent small businesses where a minimum of 51 percent of the ownership stakes are controlled by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, minorities, or women, respectively.

Through this program that is conducted by the NCDOT Office of Civil Rights and Business Development (OCRBD), these persons receive separate DBE certification and are not required to go through the pre-qualification process to be subcontractors, in accordance with Title 49 CFR, Part 26, Appendix C.

The DBE Certification Application is submitted to the OCRBD for review. After an interview and a site visit, a DBE Certification Technician will approve the application and will generate a listing in the federal Unified Certification Program (UCP) Directory. A UCP listing allows the DBE subcontractor to participate in any federally funded program with any other state agency without having to reapply for DBE certification.

DBE subcontractors are required to submit an Affidavit and Personal Net Worth Statement annually and a Re-Certification Application and Personal Net Worth Statement every three years to maintain DBE Program eligibility.

The NCDOT Small Professional Services Firm (SPSF) Program is very similar to the DBE Program. However, it uses the size of the business as a criterion for enrollment. The NCDOT uses the SBA size standards based on the number of employees and the gross annual income.

SPSF Program applicants will first complete the general pre-qualification process. Once completed, a complete and notarized SPSF Contractor’s Self-Certification Form will be submitted to the OCS. Upon acceptance, the SPSF contractor is listed in the UCP Directory.