Becoming an owner-operator is an empowering journey, granting you the independence to steer your own business. However, this new role comes with challenges, where mistakes can lead to significant financial setbacks. To succeed, you must balance financial management, regulatory compliance, safety practices, and adaptability in a competitive industry. With the right strategies and tools, you can turn potential pitfalls into opportunities for...

Long-distance trucking is a vital cornerstone of the logistics and transportation industry, offering career opportunities that promise financial stability and growth. However, life on the road comes with its challenges, particularly for drivers who spend weeks away from home. Despite the demanding lifestyle, many professionals pursue this career because of its lucrative pay. So, how much do long-distance truck drivers make? Let’s dive into...

How Often Do Truck Drivers Return Home?

Home: The Most Important Destination for a Truck Driver

A common misconception about truck driving is that drivers spend days or even weeks away from home at a time. However, with the right employer, this doesn’t have to be the case. At Asset Transport, we understand that every driver’s needs and preferences vary, and we offer a wide range...

As a truck driver, your attire plays a significant role in ensuring comfort, safety, and professionalism on the road. With long hours behind the wheel and frequent stops in varying weather conditions, wearing the right clothes can make all the difference. From protective boots to moisture-wicking fabrics, dressing for success in the trucking industry is about balancing function, comfort, and safety.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the...

Being an owner-operator provides flexibility and independence, along with the potential for substantial earnings. However, managing your business expenses is crucial for maximizing profitability. Here’s a detailed look at the 11 essential costs you should consider to ensure your trucking business thrives.

1. Truck Payments

The monthly payment for your truck, whether leased or purchased, is one of...

Passing the commercial driver’s license (CDL) test is a critical milestone in becoming a professional truck driver. This exam requires preparation, focus, and a solid understanding of the material. Before taking the CDL test, you'll first need to obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), which allows you to practice driving under supervision and must be held for at least 14 days before the exam. While the test may vary slightly by state,...

In today’s digital age, the freight industry has become a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to steal identities, payments, and even valuable cargo. With phishing and smishing scams on the rise, these attacks are not only wasting time but costing businesses millions in lost revenue. As fraudsters become more sophisticated, even the best security systems can struggle to keep up, leading to financial losses, data breaches, and operational...

Being a trucking business owner can be incredibly demanding. From securing well-paid loads, managing traffic, and dealing with limited parking, to avoiding double-brokered freight, there are countless stress factors—many beyond your control. So, how can trucking professionals effectively manage the emotions that come with running a business in this fast-paced industry? The key lies in developing emotional intelligence.

...

In the ever-evolving landscape of the transportation industry, securing the right credentials is crucial for accessing new opportunities. One such credential, the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), is particularly valuable for those working in maritime and port-related roles. In this blog, we'll explore why obtaining a TWIC can be a significant step toward a successful career in transportation.

...

Embarking on a career as an owner-operator in the trucking industry requires significant operational and financial preparation. This process is essential to ensure smooth operations and long-term success. Key elements include creating a solid budget, preparing for start-up and ongoing costs, and understanding the role of good credit in securing loans. When deciding between purchasing new or used trucks, exploring various financing methods,...

Recognizing a bald tire or understanding a tire pressure warning light is one thing, but conducting a thorough tire inspection requires more attention to detail.

Fleet managers have various reasons to perform regular tire inspections—complying with federal and state regulations, enhancing fuel efficiency, and prioritizing driver safety. Despite these efforts, faulty tires remain among the most common violations found by the Federal...

Fleet safety certification extends far beyond mere compliance—it’s about protecting lives, securing assets, and enhancing reputations. By prioritizing safety, companies not only elevate their standing in the industry but also build trust among clients and stakeholders. Implementing comprehensive fleet safety programs is the key to navigating the certification process smoothly, while fostering a culture of safety across...

In the transportation industry, truck drivers are the backbone, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently across vast distances. If you're considering a career in truck driving or simply curious about the job, one important question is: how many miles does a truck driver typically cover in a year?

Understanding Trucking Hours Regulations

To grasp how many miles a truck driver covers annually, it's...

Becoming a fleet owner can be a rewarding venture for owner-operators looking to expand their trucking business. Managing multiple trucks, hiring drivers, and overseeing day-to-day operations requires careful planning and investment. Here are seven essential steps to help you transition from owner-operator to fleet owner.

1. Assess the Costs of Fleet Ownership

As an owner-operator, you understand...

Is a Career in Truck Driving the Right Path?

In a world filled with a multitude of career options, truck driving stands out as a profession that uniquely combines adventure, independence, and a distinct set of challenges. Unlike traditional office-based jobs, truck driving offers a career path that is truly one-of-a-kind.

1. A Moving Workspace: While many jobs are tied to a...

Enhance the Sustainability of Your Fleet: 5 Practical Tips

Enhancing the sustainability of your fleet not only benefits the environment but also reduces your organization’s ecological impact. Here are five actionable strategies to create a more sustainable fleet:

Adopt Eco-Friendly Driving Habits: Encourage drivers to practice fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as smooth...

Owner operators should be ready for cell service cuts.

In the event of a network outage, owner-operators can benefit greatly from using an email app rather than a web-based email service. Email apps are designed to automatically download and store emails on your truck’s onboard device. This ensures that critical information regarding deliveries, routes, or schedules remains accessible even when you’re...

Debunking Fleet Management Myths and Misconceptions

Fleet management plays a crucial role in many businesses, especially those reliant on transportation and logistics. Despite its significance, several myths and misconceptions about fleet management can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies.

Myth 1: Fleet Management is Limited to Vehicle Tracking A common misunderstanding...

Understanding the Role of an Owner-Operator

Choosing to become an owner-operator in the trucking industry is a major decision that combines the appeal of independence with the challenges of business management. Unlike company drivers, owner-operators own and manage their trucks, giving them control over routes, schedules, and operational aspects. This freedom comes with distinct responsibilities and...

Exploring Dry Van Shipping: The Essentials of Enclosed Truck Trailers

Dry vans are essential in freight shipping, and their long, rectangular shapes are a common sight on highways. Often adorned with company logos, these vehicles transport goods across the nation.

Playing a crucial role in the economy, dry vans represent 2.05 million trucks on the road. They carry a wide range of commodities, from...

Top 8 Health Apps for Owner Operators: Keep Your Health on Track!

As an Owner Operator at Asset Transport, maintaining your health is essential not only for complying with FMCSA medical regulations but also for your overall well-being. It's important to keep your mind sharp, your body active, and your mood positive. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 8 health apps specifically for Owner...

Is Becoming an Owner Operator a Smart Choice?

If you're considering a career in trucking, transitioning to an owner operator role is a major decision that comes with both exciting opportunities and notable challenges. While the prospect of autonomy, increased earning potential, and the freedom to manage your own business is enticing, it's crucial to fully understand what this career path involves. Let’s...

Conestoga Trucks and Trailers: Revolutionizing Safe Transportation

When it comes to transporting goods over long distances, the versatility and practicality of Conestoga trailers stand out. As you explore shipping solutions, you may encounter the term “Conestoga.” Originating from the Conestoga wagons used by pioneers in the 18th and 19th centuries, the modern Conestoga trailer is a powerful tool for...

Improving Freight Transportation with Strategic Freight Brokerage

Freight transportation services are vital to both domestic and international economies, offering essential support to consumers and businesses alike.

While many top S&P 500 companies have recognized the importance of freight transportation in their operations, numerous others have only recently realized its significance due to...

11 Strategies for Negotiating Better Freight Rates

Freight rates are influenced by various factors including market conditions, fuel prices, cargo weight, and travel distances. Owner-operators looking to negotiate better rates can leverage several strategies to enhance their profitability:

1. Conduct Market Research

Keep a close eye on market trends and...

How Do Truck Drivers Stay Awake? Essential Tips for Alertness

The trucking industry plays a crucial role in global transportation and trade. Truck drivers are tasked with delivering goods across long distances, which demands not only the skill to handle large vehicles but also substantial endurance and alertness. Managing fatigue during extended hours on the road is a significant challenge for many...

Essential Tools for Truck Driver Repair and Maintenance

Every truck driver should be equipped with a comprehensive set of tools for handling unexpected roadside repairs. A well-stocked toolbox can prevent lengthy delays and ensure that you stay on course toward your destination. Here's a look at the crucial tools every truck driver should carry:

...

Get Your CDL: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Professional Truck Driver

If you're exploring a career as a truck driver, you likely understand the growing demand for skilled drivers. To embark on this professional journey, obtaining a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through a federally-certified training program is essential.

Here’s a simplified guide to assist you through the...