Choosing a Truck Driving Job Part I - Factors That Affect All Companies

This is part one in a multi-part series on choosing a truck driving company and being happy and successful in the industry. I will be adding a new part each day or two for the next week or two so stay tuned!

As you are likely aware, there are easily tens of thousands of trucking companies nationwide. There are some as small as one truck and some that have tens of thousands of trucks. There are local, regional, and over the road companies, and some that are a combination of two or even all three. There are tanker, flat bed, reefer, dry van, dump, and a multitude of other types of trucks you can drive. There are companies that specialize in one type of truck, and some that have a combination of several different types.

So with all of these choices presented to you, how do you know where to go next with your career? To tell you the truth, it's not that hard. Here are some of the key points we will be focusing on in this series that will help you choose the trucking company you would like to work for. Once you can answer these questions you will be able to narrow your choices down to a much smaller pool of trucking companies and then you can pick the one that seems right for you.

How often would you like to get home?
What areas of the country would you like to run in?
What would you like your work duties and lifestyle to be like?
What size company would you like to work for?

Let's start this series by debunking a few myths and giving you some generalizations and insights into all trucking companies, the trucking industry in general, and you as a driver and what you can do to put yourself in the best position to be happy and successful. Without understanding these factors, all of the rest of the above questions will not help you be happy and successful at any company you choose.

The Elusive "Best Trucking Companies" and the Mythical "Perfect Trucking Company"

Let me make one important generalization first. There is no such thing as the "perfect company" or the "best company to work for". To be more precise, you could label a company "the perfect company for me" or "the best company for me", but there are no "best trucking companies" or "perfect trucking companies" for everyone. At times I have worked at companies that I would not have recommended to other drivers, but I absolutely loved working there! I really had it made! And then at other times, some of the best trucking companies I have ever worked for were just a nightmare for a small percentage of the other drivers. Why? There are a number of reasons for this.

The Trucking Industry Is Very Dynamic

For starters, trucking companies and the trucking industry itself is very dynamic and the competition is fierce - both within your own company and between the companies themselves.

Competition and Politics Within Each Trucking Company

Different Divisions Working Together, or at Times, Working Against Each Other

Trucking companies, especially the larger ones, are often times comprised of many different divisions that all must work together, but at times by nature must work against each other. For example, many companies have dispatchers and load planners. The load planners will generally decide, with some input from the dispatchers, which trucks get assigned to which loads. The dispatcher's main job is to handle all communication with their drivers and convey information to the load planners about the driver. The dispatcher can "campaign" for certain loads for certain drivers. Maybe one driver has had 4 straight runs in the northeast, so he/she can let the load planner know that it's time to give that driver a run to a different region. Or maybe a certain driver has been running really hard and isn't feeling well, but can still handle a short run for the day. The dispatcher can let the load planner know this. As you can see from this example, the two divisions - dispatchers and load planners - must work together for the good of everyone.

On the other hand, you have the logbook department. Man, I cringe just saying "logbook department". It's like the principal's office of the trucking world. You never just go there to say "hi" or see whassup. You go there knowing bad things are about to happen to you!

Anyhow, the drivers, dispatchers, and possibly the load planners - depending on the structure of the company - are mostly looking to get as many miles as possible. For some of them, that means cheating the logbook at times - many times for some drivers (innocent look on this writer's face). So the logbook department by nature must keep the dispatchers and drivers in check. Even though the more miles you run the more money you'll make, you still have to abide by the Federal Rules and so the logbook department must at times work against what the drivers and dispatchers would like to do.

Competition Within The Company

Most drivers get paid by the mile. So the more miles you run, the more money you make. Often times, dispatchers and load planners may get paid bonuses or commissions based on the number of miles their drivers are getting, or at least the efficiency at which their drivers are executing their loads. Things like on-time service and deadhead (empty) miles factor heavily into their final rating. So everyone is looking to make all the money they can make by generating the best statistics for themselves.

Well, this naturally breeds competition within a company. Dispatchers are jockeying for the best loads for their drivers and the load planners are trying to run things as efficiently as possible. In the meantime, drivers are pushing their dispatchers for the best loads they can get. Well, there are only so many "desirable" loads to go around - so who gets the best ones? It depends on a number of factors:

Efficiency - the load planners want to keep the deadhead miles to a minimum

Reliability - dispatchers and load planners want to make sure the hardest running, safest, and most efficient drivers get assigned the most important or most difficult freight so that the chances of on-time, safe service are as good as they can be

Individual Driver Circumstances - They have to take into account how many hours a driver has available, how the driver is feeling, what types of loads the driver has been getting recently, and whether or not the driver is due for hometime soon, amongst other factors

Politics - unfortunately this is one of the realities of truck driving - or life in any company. Whether or not the driver gets along with the dispatcher, and whether or not the dispatcher gets along with the load planners will be a factor in determining who gets what loads. Should this be a factor? Ideally, no. But it is. That's the reality - and an important one. If you refuse to accept this reality based upon your ideals, then you'll soon find out the hard way just where your ideals end and the realities of the job take over.

So as you can see from these few examples, competition, cooperation, and politics can play heavily into your success and happiness as a truck driver in any company. The next topic I will cover will discuss what the driver can do to help his/her chances of finding success and happiness within any company you may be working for, including how you will be affected by the people you surround yourself with, how important it is to get to know the right people, and the proper attitude and expectations a driver should have.

Any and all comments are very welcome and appreciated! If you'll tell us what you think, we can improve our site and the content we produce for you! Thanks!

About The Author

Brett R Aquila
15 Year Truck Driving Veteran
Owner - http://www.truckingtruth.com - the largest, most honest, and informative site on the web for those considering becoming a truck driver. We have tons of resources on our site, including:

Trucking Articles Trucking Driving Blogs From Many Different Authors Truck Driving Schools Free Truck Driving Schools Truck Driver's Forum Truck Driving Jobs Companies With CDL Training Advice, Tips, and Stories And Much More!

You can even make money with your own blog on TruckingTruth! We have several authors and are always looking for many more! So if you're considering becoming a truck driver, TruckingTruth is the place to go. You will not be disappointed!

Considerable Factors When Buying Truck Accessories

After taking the key of your newly purchased truck, think of this: a few important factors have to be considered in buying accessories for your newly purchased ride. This thought should never be taken for granted because accessories can't just make your truck attractive, but they can also contribute to the functionality of your vehicle. Likewise, truck accessories can define the longevity of your truck's life, just in case you don't know.

Here are some considerable factors when buying truck accessories.

1. Style and Looks - The first thing you have in mind when you first bought your truck if you are a truck enthusiast is to make it look something just like you. Therefore, look for something that would match the style that you like and those which would really emphasize the character of your new vehicle.

2. Functionality - The functionality of the truck accessories which you would like to buy should come along when considering style and looks. This is so, because practicality says that you have to hit two birds at the same time. So to make sure that it's all worth it, be sure that the accessory have some other purpose other than adorn your truck.

3. Price & Quality - It is not always best to choose what is cheaper because sometimes, cheaper items mean that they are of less quality, although sometimes, it's the other way around. Double check quality against the price so you could choose the items where you can worthily spend your money.

4. Space - Choose accessories which can still be accommodated by your truck. Do not over decorate them or over accessorize them.

5. Your own need - Be careful to choose the kind of accessories that would fill your needs. Accessories can come in a variety of designs, shapes, colors, price and functionality. We all know that the world is facing economic crisis for years now, so it is just wise to make sure that every cent of your money should be spent to what is needed the most, unless you have all the sources to buy them all. Yet, most people nowadays choose to be practical even if they do have lots of money to spend. Think about at how the accessories you plan to buy will make an impact to your truck and to your own experience as well.

6. Comfort - The best consideration would be the comfort which your choice of accessories can give you and your passengers. Most of the times, regardless of price, as long as it make us feel comfortable, we choose to grab them.

7. Options - In everything we do, we are certainly given a lot of options. That fact definitely goes the same with buying accessories for your truck. Since truck has long been one of the transportation means, so the accessories were also long been existent and they have been also into modifications to suit the needs and wants of the truck enthusiasts. In buying truck accessories, you should make it a point to know well about your options so that you can get the best of what are available.

Karl Cruz writes articles for 4WheelOnline, a trusted online auto store that offers a wide spectrum of quality truck accessories, 4x4 parts, as well as jeep accessories.

View the original article here

The Different Factors One Should Consider While Buying Trucks

If you are looking to buy a new truck you will be considering the many aspects to be considered. If you analyze all these aspects beforehand you will surely get an excellent truck fulfilling all your requirements. You will find various types of trucks for sale. You have to be very careful about in your choice. The different aspects you should consider before buying trucks are -

Size or Market Segment

Mostly the trucks come under either the full-size or compact category. Compact one could be considered a relative term in the present time. Most of the full-size trucks can be obtained in the heavy-duty guise.

Cab Designs

Each manufacturer generally has its snazzy name for their trucks. But, the body styles basically for trucks are regular cab, crew cab and extended cab. The regular cabs possess two doors and seat between 2 and 3 adults. The extended cabs are compact and provide mostly additional storage space. Full-size versions have the capacity to seat 3 extra passengers. Rear clamshell doors provide easiness for getting cargo and people in and out at back of the extended cabs. But a few have smaller, front-hinged doors. The crew cabs possess 4 full sized doors as well as comfortable seats for between 5 and 6 passengers.

Engine and Fuel Economy

The compact trucks come in 4-, 5-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines and offer a variety for different buyers. Several full-sized trucks come in 6-cylinder engines on the base models. But mostly trucks make use of V8 or V10 engines which return marginal fuel-economy figures at best. The heavy-duty full-sized trucks have diesel engines which give lots of towing power as well as better mileage.

Safety

Mostly trucks give basic safety equipment such as seatbelts and front airbags for all passengers. Stability control and side curtain airbags are commonplace now on the full sized models. Few compact models have poor performance in the crash tests. People should be careful of the rear jump seats which aren't made to offer protection to anybody in case of a crash.

Drivetrain

Mostly all the trucks give both automatic and manual transmissions, plus two- and four-wheel drive. Several vehicles also give traction-aiding devices such as locking differentials, limited-slip or electronic traction control.

Versatility of Interior Seats

Mostly trucks could be equipped with bucket seats or 3-person front bench. The crew or extended cabs give the option to fold the complete rear seat up, or one half at least. Some latest full-sized trucks permit you folding the front-passenger seat flat and this gives a table like, handy surface.

Towing Ability

The compact trucks have the ability of towing from 3,000 to 7,000 pounds. It depends on the way they are equipped. The regular full-sized trucks have the ability of towing 12,000 pounds with particular suspension and engine configurations, though most range from 8,000 to 10,000 pound capacities. The heavy-duty full-sizers have the capability of hauling 24,000 pounds if they are equipped with fifth-wheel connection. One should properly analyze the axle ratios, which really matter in fuel economy and towing capacity.

The truck sales figures depend on these aspects. One should make a choice that completely suites his liking and requirement.

The article focuses on the different aspects which people should consider while sell my truck. The factors such as engine and fuel economy, safety, drivetrain, towing ability etc. are discussed in detail.

View the original article here

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Choosing a Truck Driving Job Part I - Factors That Affect All Companies

This is part one in a multi-part series on choosing a truck driving company and being happy and successful in the industry. I will be adding a new part each day or two for the next week or two so stay tuned!

As you are likely aware, there are easily tens of thousands of trucking companies nationwide. There are some as small as one truck and some that have tens of thousands of trucks. There are local, regional, and over the road companies, and some that are a combination of two or even all three. There are tanker, flat bed, reefer, dry van, dump, and a multitude of other types of trucks you can drive. There are companies that specialize in one type of truck, and some that have a combination of several different types.

So with all of these choices presented to you, how do you know where to go next with your career? To tell you the truth, it's not that hard. Here are some of the key points we will be focusing on in this series that will help you choose the trucking company you would like to work for. Once you can answer these questions you will be able to narrow your choices down to a much smaller pool of trucking companies and then you can pick the one that seems right for you.

How often would you like to get home?
What areas of the country would you like to run in?
What would you like your work duties and lifestyle to be like?
What size company would you like to work for?

Let's start this series by debunking a few myths and giving you some generalizations and insights into all trucking companies, the trucking industry in general, and you as a driver and what you can do to put yourself in the best position to be happy and successful. Without understanding these factors, all of the rest of the above questions will not help you be happy and successful at any company you choose.

The Elusive "Best Trucking Companies" and the Mythical "Perfect Trucking Company"

Let me make one important generalization first. There is no such thing as the "perfect company" or the "best company to work for". To be more precise, you could label a company "the perfect company for me" or "the best company for me", but there are no "best trucking companies" or "perfect trucking companies" for everyone. At times I have worked at companies that I would not have recommended to other drivers, but I absolutely loved working there! I really had it made! And then at other times, some of the best trucking companies I have ever worked for were just a nightmare for a small percentage of the other drivers. Why? There are a number of reasons for this.

The Trucking Industry Is Very Dynamic

For starters, trucking companies and the trucking industry itself is very dynamic and the competition is fierce - both within your own company and between the companies themselves.

Competition and Politics Within Each Trucking Company

Different Divisions Working Together, or at Times, Working Against Each Other

Trucking companies, especially the larger ones, are often times comprised of many different divisions that all must work together, but at times by nature must work against each other. For example, many companies have dispatchers and load planners. The load planners will generally decide, with some input from the dispatchers, which trucks get assigned to which loads. The dispatcher's main job is to handle all communication with their drivers and convey information to the load planners about the driver. The dispatcher can "campaign" for certain loads for certain drivers. Maybe one driver has had 4 straight runs in the northeast, so he/she can let the load planner know that it's time to give that driver a run to a different region. Or maybe a certain driver has been running really hard and isn't feeling well, but can still handle a short run for the day. The dispatcher can let the load planner know this. As you can see from this example, the two divisions - dispatchers and load planners - must work together for the good of everyone.

On the other hand, you have the logbook department. Man, I cringe just saying "logbook department". It's like the principal's office of the trucking world. You never just go there to say "hi" or see whassup. You go there knowing bad things are about to happen to you!

Anyhow, the drivers, dispatchers, and possibly the load planners - depending on the structure of the company - are mostly looking to get as many miles as possible. For some of them, that means cheating the logbook at times - many times for some drivers (innocent look on this writer's face). So the logbook department by nature must keep the dispatchers and drivers in check. Even though the more miles you run the more money you'll make, you still have to abide by the Federal Rules and so the logbook department must at times work against what the drivers and dispatchers would like to do.

Competition Within The Company

Most drivers get paid by the mile. So the more miles you run, the more money you make. Often times, dispatchers and load planners may get paid bonuses or commissions based on the number of miles their drivers are getting, or at least the efficiency at which their drivers are executing their loads. Things like on-time service and deadhead (empty) miles factor heavily into their final rating. So everyone is looking to make all the money they can make by generating the best statistics for themselves.

Well, this naturally breeds competition within a company. Dispatchers are jockeying for the best loads for their drivers and the load planners are trying to run things as efficiently as possible. In the meantime, drivers are pushing their dispatchers for the best loads they can get. Well, there are only so many "desirable" loads to go around - so who gets the best ones? It depends on a number of factors:

Efficiency - the load planners want to keep the deadhead miles to a minimum

Reliability - dispatchers and load planners want to make sure the hardest running, safest, and most efficient drivers get assigned the most important or most difficult freight so that the chances of on-time, safe service are as good as they can be

Individual Driver Circumstances - They have to take into account how many hours a driver has available, how the driver is feeling, what types of loads the driver has been getting recently, and whether or not the driver is due for hometime soon, amongst other factors

Politics - unfortunately this is one of the realities of truck driving - or life in any company. Whether or not the driver gets along with the dispatcher, and whether or not the dispatcher gets along with the load planners will be a factor in determining who gets what loads. Should this be a factor? Ideally, no. But it is. That's the reality - and an important one. If you refuse to accept this reality based upon your ideals, then you'll soon find out the hard way just where your ideals end and the realities of the job take over.

So as you can see from these few examples, competition, cooperation, and politics can play heavily into your success and happiness as a truck driver in any company. The next topic I will cover will discuss what the driver can do to help his/her chances of finding success and happiness within any company you may be working for, including how you will be affected by the people you surround yourself with, how important it is to get to know the right people, and the proper attitude and expectations a driver should have.

Any and all comments are very welcome and appreciated! If you'll tell us what you think, we can improve our site and the content we produce for you! Thanks!

About The Author

Brett R Aquila
15 Year Truck Driving Veteran
Owner - http://www.truckingtruth.com - the largest, most honest, and informative site on the web for those considering becoming a truck driver. We have tons of resources on our site, including:

Trucking Articles Trucking Driving Blogs From Many Different Authors Truck Driving Schools Free Truck Driving Schools Truck Driver's Forum Truck Driving Jobs Companies With CDL Training Advice, Tips, and Stories And Much More!

You can even make money with your own blog on TruckingTruth! We have several authors and are always looking for many more! So if you're considering becoming a truck driver, TruckingTruth is the place to go. You will not be disappointed!

Factors aligning to favor more “productive” trucks

Concerns ranging from protecting the environment to traffic  congestion and highway safety  is generating support among policymakers for what?s being called more ?productive? commercial trucks?those that are  both larger and capable of carrying more freight.

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?This is the rare occasion where concerns about the environment, fuel consumption and freight efficiency are all coming together at the same time,? said John Woodrooffe, director of the transportation safety analysis division at the University of Michigan?s Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

Speaking at the recent ?Moving the World: The Future of Freight Transportation? conference, hosted by Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA), Volvo Group North America, and the American Trucking Assns. (ATA at the Swedish embassy in Washington D.C.,  Woodrooffe added that at its heart the ?more productive truck? issue is about increasing the size and weight of commercial vehicles so fewer of them are needed to haul an expected doubling of freight volumes over the next quarter century.

See Video from the conference: Making Trucks Productive and Why Heavier Trucks?

He also pointed out that increasing commercial vehicle size and freight hauling capacity can be done safety, with little impact on infrastructure, as evidenced by the experience of almost every other nation in the world, from the United Kingdom to Mexico.

?Truck productivity is limited by policy in this country, not technology,? Woodrooffe noted. ?Size and weight policy is frozen by politics and what we?re saying is let science guide policy instead.?

Yet political opposition to bigger and heavier trucks as a concept seems to be thawing, said John Runyan, executive director of the Coalition for Transportation Productivity (CTP).

?The political reality surrounding this issue is shifting,? he noted at the conference. ?Two years ago, when we started our group in the wake of the summer fuel price surge, I would never have thought states like Maine and Vermont would be pilot-testing heavier trucks on their highways.

?But the political landscape has shifted due to this conflux of environmental, fuel consumption, and highway congestion,? he added. ? So we have a shot at this.?

See Video from the conference: Making Trucks Productive and Why Heavier Trucks?

View the original article here