With recent renewed efforts by the United States government and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to address the shortage of over 80,000 drivers in this country, something came to mind during my readings and research. Why would it be such a great idea for newly minted commercial truck drivers to get their start in the world of expedite freight? I mean, seriously. In an industry that prides itself on quick turnaround and fast progression, someone who may be new to ...

A common theme coming from drivers and other like-minded individuals from this year's Expedite Expo was the idea of no longer driving for someone else, but rather to follow a dream of becoming an independent contractor and thus one's own boss. Workshops discussed this idea, roundtables elaborated on it, and individual one-on-one conversations permeated the Expo with thoughts and dreams about working for none other than oneself. How It Started Most folks begin their working li...

If you've been around the expedite block a time or two, you're probably familiar with the newest addition to the ExpeditersOnline.com blog team. And if you haven't been longtime readers of our driver-contributed blogs, then allow us to introduce Sandy Goche and Stephen Halsted. Considering recent health issues concerning our dynamic blogging team of Bob and Linda Caffee, Stephen and Sandy have offered to step in and pinch hit in their stead. Recently, the owner operators resp...

As the ongoing driver shortage continues, unceremoniously hitting a record high in 2021, many companies and carriers are attempting to turn their attention toward a somewhat untapped resource of trucking talent in the transportation industry. A trucking youth movement if you will, and below are just a handful of suggestions for companies to consider when they're actively trying to inject the industry with new blood. Make Trucking Look Glamorous! Not to say that Instagram is n...

Whether you've attended the Expedite Expo in the past or perhaps this was your first foray into expediting exhibitionism, the eternal hope remains that you got what you expected to attain from this year's forums, and workshops, and exhibits, and Casino Night, and all the other myriad ways you could possibly experience such an event. Kudos to Kristy Lohre, the Expo's prime planner and overseer, for once again constructing and executing such a tremendous affair. She's already i...

It's common knowledge that driver turnover rates in the trucking industry tend to hover around or above the 100% mark. However, believe it or not, there are some fleets out there that have figured out a way to reduce their turnover rate. Which has shown to be more beneficial for both driver and company. Here are some suggestions for how to go about providing a better atmosphere for drivers, while lowering turnover. Show Them the Money "Money talks and BS walks," right?! At le...

They say that every person is going through something that we know nothing about, which is to modestly suggest that we should reserve judgements and keep our own preconceived ideas to ourselves and just let people be. To provide some weight to this train of thought, consider some of the following issues that have been affecting the commercial trucking landscape in recent weeks and months. Rising Fuel Prices Of course, this is the number one issue that typically stands at the ...

After three years of having a Merlin Solar system on our truck, I can say for sure I am impressed....

With the 2022 Expedite Expo only weeks away, it's high time to discuss some of the more intricate and educational goings on that will be taking place in Fort Wayne, Indiana on July 15th and 16th. Every year, major players in the expedite game come to the Expo to share their knowledge and help educate the newbies and grizzled vets in the ways of hot shot trucking. This year will be no different. Check out the list of speakers, contributors and round-table guests who will be j...

"If the check cashes, I'm good with it," says longtime V3 Transportation driver and owner operator, Tommy Owens. And he's been cashing in regularly since becoming the counted-on professional driver of some of the most heavily attended live concerts over the past five years or so. Bringing His Best for the Bands Tommy has hauled equipment and goods for some pretty heavy hitters in the entertainment industry. From KISS and Guns N' Roses to J.Lo (Jennifer Lopez) and Bad Bunny, T...