We’re now eight episodes deep into the “State of the Industry Podcast, with John Elliott” and the ninth installment has already been set and prepared to launch as the summer months are underway. So, set some time aside and prepare for the next episode! Hopefully, there are many of you who have already been tuning in and making this podcast part of your regular listening, or viewing, routine. If not, why?! Obviously, John and I want you to listen to or watch this monthly...

As Thomas Paine wrote in 1776, These are the times that try men’s souls....

It almost seems a given that driver turnover rates in the trucking industry tend to hover around or above the 100% mark. However, there are some fleets out there that have figured out a way to reduce their turnover rate and provide a better working environment for their drivers. Which has shown to be more beneficial for both driver and company. For those in the back, here are some suggestions for how to go about providing a better atmosphere, while lowering driver turnover. C...

Today June 6, 2023 marks the 79th anniversary of the landings and the airborne operations at Normandy that is well known as D-Day.  The date was Tuesday June 6, 1944 was when Operation Overload the Battle of Normandy was started.  This entire operation included over 1,200 aircraft, more than 5,000 ships and almost 160,000 troops.  At the time it was the largest seaborne operation in history.  A list of the countries involved for the Allies:  United Kingdom, United States...

Whether you’re a seasoned owner-operator or an independent contractor looking for your opportunity to get into the expedite industry, choosing the right carrier to run for makes all the difference in the world. And seeing as expedite is but a niche to the overall trucking industry, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the information you need before making such a decision. Especially before you even get into the driver’s seat. Here are several thoughts and rules of...

A little parody of the great Charlie Daniels' Uneasy Rider...

This year’s International Roadcheck, AKA Safety Blitz, AKA vacation week, has come and gone. This year, like every year, I continue to serve my customers during these safety events. While many try to avoid it, I just continue on with business as usual. ...

A common conversation topic among drivers, and other like-minded professionals, is the idea of no longer driving for someone else, but rather following their dream of becoming an independent contractor and thus one’s own boss. So, how does one go from career steering wheel jockey to being head honcho? Let’s consider the ways. How It Starts Most folks begin their working lives in a low-key job. Maybe it’s as a server in a sit-down restaurant, or as an order taker in a fa...

Recently we had a friend ask us about personal conveyance.  We do not know much about how we are allowed to use it since we do not use it as a team operation.  We have only every used it once and that was back in 2017 just to say we tried it once.  We used it to go to the grocery store to stock up on food and then went right back to the truck stop.  The carrier we were leased to at the time only allowed 30 minutes for a driver to use personal conveyance.  The grocery sto...

Sound the alarm, this week is the International Roadcheck, and it’s best to be ready and prepared for what you can expect! Each year, the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) holds numerous inspection and enforcement events throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico intended to improve highway safety by cracking down on vehicle and driver violations. This week is the International Roadcheck. It runs from May 16th through the 18th. Roadcheck is the largest targete...