Tag: freight broker

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Business Freight Brokers Trucker News

JR’s Freight Directory – Freight Finders

Allow me to explain a little further. I was working as a freight broker and decided that I wanted to be of more service to the carrier, so I went out on my own and JR’s Freight Finders was born. I was representing 50+ carriers and would find freight directly through a shipper for them at a small finders fee. They would then bill the shipper directly for 100% payment. This service allowed them a great increase in their income. As you can imagine, it became much to difficult to help them all and still have time to hunt new shippers. So…I put together a directory of shippers that work directly with carriers and distributed it out to these carriers at a very nominal fee. This way the carriers would have the shippers at there finger tips and could then contact shippers before hitting the load boards.

After these carriers started using their directories and seeing how beneficial it was to them, some of them started suggesting that I figure out a way to offer this directory to all carriers. So that is what I am doing. I am reaching out to all the carriers that I can to offer my freight directory. This directory is categorized by state in which the shipper ships from and includes company name, trailer type, phone and fax #’s, email address’, contact names and lanes that they run. This does not mean that the lanes listed are the only lanes they run, they are the lanes that I know of at this time. The use of this directory will show a great increase in your income because you will be dealing with the shipper directly. You work with shippers in the same manner as you do a broker.

Face it, carriers just don’t have the time to carry on the task of hunting shippers. That is why they have to use the load boards and work through a broker who then takes a large cut from what the shipper is actually paying to have the load moved. If you work directly with the shipper, that leaves 100% payment to you. It is no more trouble to work with the shipper than it is to work with a broker. The steps are all the same. Here at JR’s we have the time, knowledge and experience to hunt these shippers. Allow us to be of service to you. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.

With all understood, I am offering my directory at the extremely low, one time purchase price of $59.95. This directory is guaranteed to be fresh and use outside carriers. If you find a shipper in this directory that does not work with outside carriers, I will gladly refund 100% of your purchase price. The use of this directory just one time will easily cover the purchase price.

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Categories
Manufactures

Sales Trend of Medium Truck Types

With the improvement in the global economy the sales of medium-duty truck is showing an upward trend. According to the medium truck, Navistar this is the time for rising sale competition. The company intends to grab at least 50 percent sales of medium duty truck. The introduction of 2010 spec diesels has got momentum due to this market revival. Navistar’s vision to get half of the class 6 and class 7 vehicles in his account has left all dealers across the globe to make huge sales. However, in August, International trucks have crossed the sales target of Navistar therefore leaving no option for Navistar but to focus on the sales of heavy trucks.
To make Navistar’s dream come true the company has launched new incentive programs which includes big advertisements of the products and sales incentives. One International Dura Star sale is complimented with an incentive of $3000. The product training was laid emphasis on during “Boot Camps” run by the company. Hebe the company president said, they aim for this target sale against a tough competition which includes Cummins Inc. and other builders of medium duty trucks. Since there products and service excel in the market therefore they look at achieving this target.
Check our load board for more such interesting trucking articles.
Scope for competition: The medium duty trucking companies has lured the builders recently. General Motors and Isuzu were assembling truck of class4 to class7 at its plant in Flinch MI. With the GM’s closure of the plant in 2008, Isuzu business was highly affected and it almost lost the market position in pre 2010 diesels.
If we see the sales number of class 6 trucks it is lesser than class7 trucks. However, the percentage growth of class 6 is much higher than class 7. This figure indicated the increasing trend of the class 6 truck. This growth can be much accounted for the fact that CDL compliance of class 6 drivers and owner operator job is mush less.
The slow sales market of 2009 and emission regulations implied, the introduction of 2011 models in delayed. This is primarily because the builder has enough stock left to last 2010 sales. The truck builder started adding the EPA-spec diesels in their 2010 models and stated them as their 2011 models. The new models which have started now will start as the come 2012 models leaving a very little scope for true 2011 models.
The increase in class 6 models is also because the class 6 drivers can take the available loads as per there wish without any CDL liabilities. 2010 spec diesel freightliners is now available with different exhaust systems to haul different truck bodies. There is a provision of programmable chasis controls.

Categories
Business Lifestyle

Life as a Truck Driver

Truck drivers are a constant presence on the Nation’s highways and interstates. They deliver everything from automobiles to canned food. Firms of all kinds rely on trucks to pick up and deliver goods because no other form of transportation can deliver goods door-to-door. Even if some goods travel most of the way by ship, train, or airplane, almost everything is carried by trucks at some point in its journey.

Before leaving the terminal or warehouse, truck drivers check the fuel level and oil in their trucks. They also inspect the trucks to make sure that the brakes, windshield wipers, and lights are working and that a fire extinguisher, flares, and other safety equipment are aboard and in working order. Drivers make sure their cargo is secure and adjust the mirrors so that both sides of the truck are visible from the driver’s seat. Drivers report equipment that is inoperable, missing, or loaded improperly to the dispatcher.

Once under way, drivers must be alert in order to prevent accidents. Drivers can see farther down the road because large trucks seat them higher off the ground than other vehicles. This allows them to see the road ahead and select lanes that are moving more smoothly as well as giving them warning of any dangerous road conditions ahead of them.

The duration of runs vary according to the types of cargo and the destinations. Local drivers may provide daily service for a specific route or region, while other drivers make longer, intercity and interstate deliveries. Interstate and intercity cargo tends to vary from job to job more than local cargo. A driver’s responsibilities and assignments change according to the type of loads transported and their vehicle’s size.

New technologies are changing the way truck drivers work, especially long-distance truck drivers. Satellites and the Global Positioning System link many trucks with their company’s headquarters. Troubleshooting information, directions, weather reports, and other important communications can be instantly relayed to the truck. Drivers can easily communicate with the dispatcher to discuss delivery schedules and courses of action in the event of mechanical problems. The satellite link also allows the dispatcher to track the truck’s location, fuel consumption, and engine performance. Some drivers also work with computerized inventory tracking equipment. It is important for the producer, warehouse, and customer to know their product’s location at all times so they can maintain a high quality of service.

Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers operate trucks or vans with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). They transport goods including cars, livestock, and other materials in liquid, loose, or packaged form. Many routes are from city to city and cover long distances. Some companies use two drivers on very long runs—one drives while the other sleeps in a berth behind the cab. These “sleeper” runs can last for days, or even weeks. Trucks on sleeper runs typically stop only for fuel, food, loading, and unloading.

Some heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers who have regular runs transport freight to the same city on a regular basis. Other drivers perform ad hoc runs because shippers request varying service to different cities every day.

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that drivers keep a log of their activities, the condition of the truck, and the circumstances of any accidents.

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Long-distance heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers spend most of their working time behind the wheel, but also may have to load or unload their cargo. This is especially common when drivers haul specialty cargo, because they may be the only ones at the destination familiar with procedures or certified to handle the materials. Auto-transport drivers, for example, position cars on the trailers at the manufacturing plant and remove them at the dealerships. When picking up or delivering furniture, drivers of long-distance moving vans hire local workers to help them load or unload.

Light or delivery services truck drivers operate LTL cargo vans and box trucks weighing less than 26,000 pounds GVW. They pick up or deliver merchandise and packages within a specific area. This may include short “turnarounds” to deliver a shipment to a nearby city, pick up another loaded truck or van, and drive it back to their home base the same day. These services may require use of electronic delivery tracking systems to track the whereabouts of the merchandise or packages. Light or delivery services truck drivers usually load or unload the merchandise at the customer’s place of business. They may have helpers if there are many deliveries to make during the day, or if the load requires heavy moving. Typically, before the driver arrives for work, material handlers load the trucks and arrange items for ease of delivery. Customers must sign receipts for goods and pay drivers the balance due on the merchandise if there is a cash-on-delivery arrangement. At the end of the day drivers turn in receipts, payments, records of deliveries made, and any reports on mechanical problems with their trucks.

Some local truck drivers have sales and customer service responsibilities. The primary responsibility of driver/sales workers, or route drivers, is to deliver and sell their firm’s products over established routes or within an established territory. They sell goods such as food products, including restaurant takeout items, or pick up and deliver items such as laundry. Their response to customer complaints and requests can make the difference between a large order and a lost customer. Route drivers may also take orders and collect payments.

The duties of driver/sales workers vary according to their industry, the policies of their employer, and the emphasis placed on their sales responsibility. Most have wholesale routes that deliver to businesses and stores, rather than to homes. For example, wholesale bakery driver/sales workers deliver and arrange bread, cakes, rolls, and other baked goods on display racks in grocery stores. They estimate how many of each item to stock by paying close attention to what is selling. They may recommend changes in a store’s order or encourage the manager to stock new bakery products. Laundries that rent linens, towels, work clothes, and other items employ driver/sales workers to visit businesses regularly to replace soiled laundry. Their duties also may include soliciting new customers along their sales route.

After completing their route, driver/sales workers place orders for their next deliveries based on product sales and customer requests.

Truck Driver Working Conditions

Truck driving has become less physically demanding because most trucks now have more comfortable seats, better ventilation, and improved, ergonomically designed cabs. Although these changes make the work environment less taxing, driving for many hours at a stretch, loading and unloading cargo, and making many deliveries can be tiring. Local truck drivers, unlike long-distance drivers, usually return home in the evening. Some self-employed long-distance truck drivers who own and operate their trucks spend most of the year away from home.

Design improvements in newer trucks have reduced stress and increased the efficiency of long-distance drivers. Many newer trucks are equipped with refrigerators, televisions, and bunks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation governs work hours and other working conditions of truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. A long-distance driver may drive for 11 hours and work for up to 14 hours—including driving and non-driving duties—after having 10 hours off-duty. A driver may not drive after having worked for 60 hours in the past 7 days or 70 hours in the past 8 days unless they have taken at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. Most drivers are required to document their time in a logbook. Many drivers, particularly on long runs, work close to the maximum time permitted because they typically are compensated according to the number of miles or hours they drive. Drivers on long runs face boredom, loneliness, and fatigue. Drivers often travel nights, holidays, and weekends to avoid traffic delays.

Local truck drivers frequently work 50 or more hours a week. Drivers who handle food for chain grocery stores, produce markets, or bakeries typically work long hours—starting late at night or early in the morning. Although most drivers have regular routes, some have different routes each day. Many local truck drivers, particularly driver/sales workers, load and unload their own trucks. This requires considerable lifting, carrying, and walking each day.

State and Federal regulations govern the qualifications and standards for truck drivers. All drivers must comply with Federal regulations and any State regulations that are in excess of those Federal requirements. Truck drivers must have a driver’s license issued by the State in which they live, and most employers require a clean driving record. Drivers of trucks designed to carry 26,000 pounds or more—including most tractor-trailers, as well as bigger straight trucks—must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the State in which they live. All truck drivers who operate trucks transporting hazardous materials must obtain a CDL, regardless of truck size. In order to receive the hazardous materials endorsement a driver must be fingerprinted and submit to a criminal background check by the Transportation Security Administration. Federal regulations governing CDL administration allow for States to exempt farmers, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, some military drivers, and snow and ice removers from the need for a CDL at the State’s discretion. In many States a regular driver’s license is sufficient for driving light trucks and vans.

To qualify for a CDL an applicant must have a clean driving record, pass a written test on rules and regulations, and then demonstrate that they can operate a commercial truck safely. A national database permanently records all driving violations committed by those with a CDL. A State will check these records and deny a CDL to those who already have a license suspended or revoked in another State. Licensed drivers must accompany trainees until they get their own CDL. A person may not hold more than one license at a time and must surrender any other licenses when a CDL is issued. Information on how to apply for a CDL may be obtained from State motor vehicle administrations.

Many States allow those who are as young as 18 years old to drive trucks within their borders. To drive a commercial vehicle between States one must be 21 years of age, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), which establishes minimum qualifications for truck drivers engaging in interstate commerce. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations—published by U.S. DOT—require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. The main physical requirements include good hearing, at least 20/40 vision with glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers may not be colorblind. Drivers must be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear at not less than 5 feet, with a hearing aid if needed. Drivers must have normal use of arms and legs and normal blood pressure. Drivers may not use any controlled substances, unless prescribed by a licensed physician. Persons with epilepsy or diabetes controlled by insulin are not permitted to be interstate truck drivers. Federal regulations also require employers to test their drivers for alcohol and drug use as a condition of employment, and require periodic random tests of the drivers while they are on duty. A driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; a crime involving drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; refusing to submit to an alcohol test required by a State or its implied consent laws or regulations; leaving the scene of a crime; or causing a fatality through negligent operation of a motor vehicle. All drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with law enforcement officers and the public.

Many trucking operations have higher standards than those described here. Many firms require that drivers be at least 22 years old, be able to lift heavy objects, and have driven trucks for 3 to 5 years. Many prefer to hire high school graduates and require annual physical examinations. Companies have an economic incentive to hire less risky drivers, as good drivers use less fuel and cost less to insure.

Taking driver-training courses is a desirable method of preparing for truck driving jobs and for obtaining a CDL. High school courses in driver training and automotive mechanics also may be helpful. Many private and public vocational-technical schools offer tractor-trailer driver training programs. Students learn to maneuver large vehicles on crowded streets and in highway traffic. They also learn to inspect trucks and freight for compliance with regulations. Some programs provide only a limited amount of actual driving experience. Completion of a program does not guarantee a job. Those interested in attending a driving school should check with local trucking companies to make sure the school’s training is acceptable. Some States require prospective drivers to complete a training course in basic truck driving before being issued their CDL. The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), a nonprofit organization established by the trucking industry, manufacturers, and others, certifies driver training courses at truck driver training schools that meet industry standards and Federal Highway Administration guidelines for training tractor-trailer drivers.

Drivers must get along well with people because they often deal directly with customers. Employers seek driver/sales workers who speak well and have self-confidence, initiative, tact, and a neat appearance. Employers also look for responsible, self-motivated individuals who are able to work well with little supervision.

Training given to new drivers by employers is usually informal, and may consist of only a few hours of instruction from an experienced driver, sometimes on the new employee’s own time. New drivers may also ride with and observe experienced drivers before getting their own assignments. Drivers receive additional training to drive special types of trucks or handle hazardous materials. Some companies give 1 to 2 days of classroom instruction covering general duties, the operation and loading of a truck, company policies, and the preparation of delivery forms and company records. Driver/sales workers also receive training on the various types of products their company carries so that they can effectively answer questions about the products and more easily market them to their customers.

Although most new truck drivers are assigned to regular driving jobs immediately, some start as extra drivers—substituting for regular drivers who are ill or on vacation. Extra drivers receive a regular assignment when an opening occurs.

New drivers sometimes start on panel trucks or other small straight trucks. As they gain experience and show competent driving skills they may advance to larger, heavier trucks and finally to tractor-trailers.

The advancement of truck drivers generally is limited to driving runs that provide increased earnings, preferred schedules, or working conditions. Local truck drivers may advance to driving heavy or specialized trucks, or transfer to long-distance truck driving. Working for companies that also employ long-distance drivers is the best way to advance to these positions. Few truck drivers become dispatchers or managers.

Some long-distance truck drivers purchase trucks and go into business for themselves. Although some of these owner-operators are successful, others fail to cover expenses and go out of business. Owner-operators should have good business sense as well as truck driving experience. Courses in accounting, business, and business mathematics are helpful. Knowledge of truck mechanics can enable owner-operators to perform their own routine maintenance and minor repairs.

Categories
Newbies

Choosing The Right Load Board

There are many load boards to choose from so when making the hard decision if a load board is good or not, an owner operator can evaluate how long the load board keeps expired loads in its system to start with. Knowing this information will really allow you to gauge whether or not the board is one that they should frequent or not. Most load boards will have its inventory of loads daily meaning no load stays on the board for more than 24 hours. When the load board has a good relationship with its customers, a customer will find that the shippers and brokers will actively manage the loads they have posted not only daily but throughout the day. This works both ways, because the load board owners should also work actively to manage the board to keep all of the data as fresh as possible. The more recent the information the better because if it is recent that means that it is good for the taking…and that a deal can be made!


Owner Operators search for Freight loads placed on the load board, shippers or brokers typically post loads that are meant for full size trailers. However, there should be no surprise that on load boards a customer will find partial or Less Than Truck Load (LTL) loads posted by shippers or freight brokers. a driver can definitely expect to see posted load sizes to vary from very small up to full loads with many different trailer types such as flatbed, dry van, reefer, box truck, straight truck and bobtails. This allows for each trucking company to pick and choose the loads that fit their needs or capabilities best and it is all done quickly and accurately because it is done through the internet.

load boards or good for both owner operators finding jobs and shippers or brokers finding drivers and will help get more truck loads. Not only will it help get more truck loads, it will help to streamline the process of getting more truck loads. In the past trucking companies and those companies that had the loads that needed hauling were paying fees that were making it difficult to stay afloat. Today, with an ever changing economy, it is nice that everyone is able to access the information in an affordable way.

Today those who take the loads and those who need the loads taken from point A to point B can easily meet up and decide for themselves if theirs is a business deal that they would like to enter into. Who would have ever guessed that getting loads from one area to the next would really would be this easy? Load boards really have revolutionized the trucking business and there is no doubt that the load board technology will continue to grow and expand with technology, making it easier than ever as time goes along.

Categories
Business Owner Operators

Profitable Owner Operator Business Practices

To evaluate any business performance one need to draw out the difference between its income and expenditures. The difference between the two accounts for the profitability of a business. In case of the owner operator jobs, the income is calculated from the paid mileage per month. And the expenditure would include the installment for truck and trailer payments, licenses and permits, tolls, fuel cost, insurance, maintenance and repairs, road and fuel tax, office expenses, factoring services and salaries. The difference in the two will give an owner operator its profit from the business.
If the expenditure is reduced, the income is automatically increased and thus the profit. Few essential business practices to generate profits for owner operators and small trucking companies:
Thorough research of the pros and cons of the industry: You cannot jump into this with your head first. If you have experience as a driver and you know the industry well then you can look forward towards it. However, if you are new to the industry then you need to do your homework before starting with the venture. All calculations and feasibility should be kept in mind.
Emergency Fund: For an owner operator job to run smoothly and climb the ladder of success it is a must to maintain an emergency fund. In case of the truck breakdown or any other crisis you can utilize the fund to solve the problem so that you can get back to roads soon to avoid more loss.
Adequate use of Load boards: With modern innovations you can utilize the services of load boards by large found on the internet. This will help your truck keep going on the roads. With its regular usage you will not have to depend on the traditional methods of personal approach. You can directly get exposure to better deals and loads available for hauling.
Coping with Deadheads: Sometimes it becomes inevitable to avoid deadheads and you have to haul loads to such dead areas. In this case you need to increase your pay per miles so that the deal comes out to be profitable for you. If this doesn’t work out and you are in a situation to afford to sit idle for a day than do not take the load and wait for a better business deal.
Factoring and Insurance Services: If you can make use of a person who can handle your business accounts such as receivables and collections then you should not avail factoring services. This would increase your profit margin. Similarly before taking up an insurance do market research and get the best offer in it.
Negotiate Well: You would maximize your profit if you negotiate with the clients and brokers well. Always calculate the minimum level below which you would not finalize the deal. As you need work the businesses and brokers too need you. Be flexible but not too much, make your requirements clear.
To become a successful O/O you need to have motivation along with set plan of actions and business skills. You can only be successful if you want yourself to be successful.

Categories
Freight Brokers

How to Become a Freight Broker?

A successful freight broker is a highly paid job; however a little cost incurs from your pocket to establish yourself as a freight broker. As a freight broker the job responsibilities will to match the shipper’s requirement with the carrier company. The person looking for owner operator jobs can get the assignments from the freight brokers to start of their business.
To become a freight broker you need to undergo following steps:
1. Legal Procedures to become a registered Freight Broker:
• Broker’s Authority: In United States Broker Authority is given by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA is the division of Department of Transportation here and is an authorized body to issue broker license. In order to get the license one has to fill the form OP-1 which is an essential step to own a broker license. This step costs $300 to an individual.
• Surety Bonds: Any prospective Freight broker will have to purchase these financial instruments worth $10,000. This trust fund or bonds acts a security deposit which can be put to use in case you brokerage services incur any losses to the parties involved.
• Processing agent: This procedure requires you to select one processing agent in the country of your business operation. This role of the processing agent arises in case of any legal disputes. To appoint one such agent you need to fill in the form BOC-3. The form fee is $50.
2. Freight Broker Training:
• To become a successful freight broker you should know the trucking industry and its requirements well. You should be well versed how the trucking companies work. What are the different trucks types and when should one use the specific trucks meant for the purpose? The broker should work in the close liaison with different truck drivers such as flatbed drivers, reefer drivers and hotshot drivers so that the loads available are efficiently trucked.
• If a person is new to the industry and want to start his business as a freight broker then he can enroll himself with many freight broker programs run throughout. The programs will help you build the necessary skills and knowledge required to start off as a freight broker
3. Business Setup:
Now that you have undergone the legal procedures and have got enough information on the industry, you will require a business setup to start off. For this the minimum requirement will be one computer with internet connection as most of the deals these days are finalized online by using the latest innovation in the field freight load boards. Then, you need a telephone and fax lines to fasten up the deals and fast communication with the clients and the truck drivers. To accomplish smooth and controlled processing you need to buy efficient broker software.
Here you are completely ready to start off with your profitable freight brokering business. For people who do not have sufficient funds at hand to make initial investments, they can start their work under any registered freight broker as an agent. In this case no start up cost will be incurred and you will get the exposure in the industry before you have enough funds to start on your own.

Categories
Lifestyle Newbies Trucker News

Truck Driver Jobs – Importance in the Industry

Importance of Freight Brokers in Trucking Industry!

Freight in general terms is referred to as goods that need to be transported from the place of production to the place where it can be utilized as a commodity. For freight shipment various modes of transport can be availed depending on the requirements. Airlines, ships and trucks are the three main modes that are used globally for shipping of goods. These days intermodal freight transport has gained its importance when the cargo safety is of utmost importance. Freight brokers helps create new owner operator jobs when any such requirements arise.

Now the question is how the manufacturers or producer companies can avail an efficient freight transport system to distribute their goods safely and on time? Here comes the role played by Freight Brokers. Freight broker acts as a link between the companies or individuals that need shipping service and the truckers and owner operators that provide shipping service. The shipment price is decided keeping in mind the rate which is beneficial to all the three parties involved for the goods shipped. By paying a little commission to the broker the shipper can get the required reliable shipping service without putting in efforts to find one themselves. Some companies hire fright broker to take care of the complete shipment procedures of theirs.

Freight brokers avail the services of efficient load boards. They can track all the trucking industry information and updates from the load boards. They would come know of any available loads or if any company is in need of the broker service. Simple bidding by a few clicks of your mouse button and the job will be yours. The broker in turn will contact the shipper and the trucker to accomplish the task. This is both economical and reliable for both parties. With the professional service by the broker the shipper can track the real time location of the shipped goods whereas the carrier companies and individual trucker can get the quick payments for the goods delivered by them with fright brokers in between to smoothen up the process.

The expert service of freight brokers are really important when the goods to be delivered require special shipment process, such as LTL hauls, long hauls. In case of the goods being hazardous they wood require exceptional freight transfer techniques. As the brokers know the trucking industry inside out they can provide with such special services efficiently.

Many of the freight brokers are the ones who themselves have worked with some trucking companies. They have gained the technical skills and experience and now use their knowledge in a more rewarding job of the fright broker. There are many freight broking programs running across the world which can make you a professional freight broker in the trucking industry.

Thus we see the freight brokers are playing a vital role in trucking industry. They provide fast and efficient trucking solutions to the shipper and provide with valuable jobs to the shipping company. They widely use their personal contacts to keep climbing the success ladder in the industry. For information on How to start the freight broker business check out other posts by us.