Business

Do owner-operators need to worry about credit scores?
With loan interest rates up dramatically over the last year, most Overdrive readers report having a fantastic credit score. But the score itself isn't all you have to worry about when negotiating a new truck or other business loan.
June 1, 2023
Ovd used Truck Lot 2017 09 11 08 17
How to find freight when nobody else can
This portion of a PIB roundtable talk touched on current freight-market difficulties and the various tactics owner-operators can take to strengthen relationships with all freight partners, from brokers and carriers to shippers and receivers.
May 31, 2023
How to find freight YouTube cover
Trucking his way: Matthew Karr, May Trucker of the Month, puts out his shingle as K-Mac Trucking
Having learned lessons the hard way (early struggles in a lease-purchase, later with too-quick growth as a small fleet owner), for owner-op Karr the last very-big years have set him up well for his current chapter, hauling fuel as a one-truck independent.
May 30, 2023
For his recent move back to running with his authority, the 2023 Polar fuel-haul, four-hole, 9,500-gal. trailer is his most recent purchase, likely his last for quite a time.
Owner-operator business evolution in 'Partners in Business': Roundtable
This wide-ranging discussion with Red Eye Radio's Eric Harley, ATBS' Mike Hosted, and Overdrive's Gary Buchs keyed in on vital aspects of owner-operator business practice, from basic task management to make-or-break of cost/revenue numbers engagement....
May 28, 2023
Overdrive Radio 5 26 Youtube
$6,000 for 16 miles? Viral video sparks outrage over predatory towing
A viral video led to outrage and a flame war between a truck driver and a towing company, and it's only one of many stories emerging about predatory towing practices, and sometimes threatening encounters with armed tow and boot operators.
May 26, 2023
Ingram's towing recovery usa_transportation
Not comprehensive enough: Trucking responds to FMCSA's proposed CSA-scores changes
The proposed changes to FMCSA's CSA Safety Measurement System miss the mark to varying degrees, depending on which trucking organization you ask. Some are generally supportive, while others feel they will make no difference and ignore underlying issues.
May 25, 2023
Driver inspection
The work-life balancing act: With rates down, focus on family, customer relationships
Rates are down, costs are up, making work-life balance seem like an unattainable luxury for many owners. But two trucking success stories say that investing in strong relationships, family and otherwise, is actually just what this market calls for.
May 25, 2023
Jason and Zane Cowan of Silver Creek Transportation and Innovative Logistics Group's Adam Wingfield
Truck parking funding, weight flexibility bills advance in House
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee advanced Tuesday a bundle of bills focused on supply chain challenges, including $755 million for truck parking projects, CDL testing flexibility, weight limit flexibility for certain haulers and more.
May 24, 2023
truck parking lot
Another Minnesota city eyes truck parking ban
St. Paul's city council is considering new ordinance that would extend its truck parking ban from only residential areas to any street in the city. Also: Progressive Insurance offering roadside assistance coverage; Broker joins Volvo autonomous program.
May 24, 2023
No truck parking sign
How to prep for the downturn as an owner -- it's always right around the corner
"When you shut that key off" as a truck operator, "learn to use that time as an asset" to focus on your business acumen as the owner -- and stay ahead of the worst of trucking times that will inevitably arrive.
May 24, 2023
How to prepare for a recession YouTube video cover
Catch the replay: Work-life balance for owner-operators, even in a down market
Tuesday, May 23, Innovative Logistics Group founder Adam Wingfield and Silver Creek Transportation owner Jason Cowan presented this wide-ranging talk around issues of business balance for owner-operators. Register to watch the replay here.
May 23, 2023
Screenshot 2023 05 24 08 06 17
Roadcheck's rates bump, and a precipitous rise in cargo theft
Cargo theft activity is up 41% this year compared to 2022, CargoNet reports, and activity is expected to increase during the long holiday weekend. Also: Rates jumped during Roadcheck; Mack names winners of 2024 calendar contest; latest Highway Angel.
May 23, 2023
CargoNet Memorial Day 2023 graphic
FTR lookback: Trucking conditions index on steady March downward
Poor spot market rates and financing costs drove FTR's Trucking Conditions Index deeper into negative territory for its March measure. Also: Radio Nemo honoring fallen heroes with four days of Memorial Day programming; latest Highway Angel.
May 22, 2023
trucks and trailers at dock
Coalition opposes heavier trucks
The Coalition Against Bigger Trucks, which includes OOIDA and the Teamsters, penned a letter to House leaders in opposition to any increased-weight legislation. Also: Ohio fleet to make country's first paid platooning haul; Trimac acquires small fleet.
May 19, 2023
EASE Logistics semi truck
TA closes deal with BP | Freight-fraud prevention tactics highlighted
The $1.3 billion purchase officially wrapped on May 15. Also: Truckstop begins weekly freight fraud prevention series May 19; legislation looks to boost participation in under-21 interstate pilot program; small fleet acquired by Eagle Transport.
May 18, 2023
BP and TA co-branded gas station
'It's unconscionable' overtime pay not required: Operator to driver-compensation committee
Members from OOIDA and CDL Drivers Unlimited spoke Tuesday to the Transportation Research Board committee responsible for conducting FMCSA's driver compensation study. Also: MCSAC meeting next month; FMCSA names new governmental affairs director.
May 17, 2023
trucks in construction zone
CTA, OOIDA mount new argument against AB 5 contractor law
While new arguments are being filed in the case against California's restrictive independent contractor law, a preliminary injunction hearing is effectively on hold and the rule's application to trucking remains in place.
May 17, 2023
California highway
Deception wreaks havoc ... again!
Insurance agent W. Joel Baker expands on a prior story warning against omission or outright deception in insurance contracts in efforts to rein in premiums. It's always best to be up-front and make timely updates to avoid claims being denied.
May 17, 2023
reefer trailer at dock
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Business
Do owner-operators need to worry about credit scores?
With loan interest rates up dramatically over the last year, most Overdrive readers report having a fantastic credit score. But the score itself isn't all you have to worry about when negotiating a new truck or other business loan.
For his recent move back to running with his authority, the 2023 Polar fuel-haul, four-hole, 9,500-gal. trailer is his most recent purchase, likely his last for quite a time.
Trucker of the Year
Trucking his way: Matthew Karr, May Trucker of the Month, puts out his shingle as K-Mac Trucking
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Custom Rigs
Summer of chrome, lights: Don't miss these truck shows set for across the country
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Owner-operator business evolution in 'Partners in Business': Roundtable
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